(From release) Michael Garciaparra doubled home the the tying and winning runs in the seventh inning and the bullpen logged seven innings to carry Huntsville past Tennessee 4-3 Thursday night in the fifth of a six-game set at Smokies Park. The Stars improved to 7-4 in the second half and pushed their lead in the North Division to two games over the Smokies, who fell to 5-7 in the second half and 37-44 overall. The Stars are now 45-35 overall with 23 of their wins decided by either one or two runs.

By William T. Martin
HuntsvilleNewswire

Citizens in northern Madison County can relax. Reports of loud noises Thursday morning did not signify a terrorist attack or other catastrophe.
According to a release from the Madison County Sheriff's Office, citizens in the Toney, Hazel Green, and Meridianville areas began calling 911 Thursday morning reporting loud explosions in the area.
Searches by law enforcement and several volunteer fire departments revealed no incidents or damage.
The mystery was solved a short time later when the Madison EMA learned the sound was actually at least one sonic boom coming from an aircraft flying out of Arnold Air Force Base in Tennessee.

U.S. Rep. Parker Griffith

(From release) Congressman Parker Griffith released the following statement regarding a report that North Korea discharged four short range missiles this morning and plans preparations for a larger test over the weekend:
“As these tests continue, we have to ensure that America is prepared, and resuming KEI’s test schedule and restoring GMD’s original order of 44 missiles are integral to our national and international security.

(From release) Congressman Parker Griffith announced today funding for the Community Action Agency of Huntsville/Madison & Limestone Counties. This grant will award $268,225 to the Head Start program.
“I am pleased that the CAA is receiving this funding to improve early childhood education,” Griffith said. “Our nation’s educational system needs fast action and this is a step in the right direction. It is vital that we develop and strengthen these skills early in life.

(From release)Congressman Parker Griffith announced today that the United States Army has extended a contract with DRS Test and Energy Management, Inc. of Huntsville. The contract provides an additional $26.2 million for hardware kits for direct support electrical system test sets (DSESTS).

(From release) Browns Ferry Road is now open. While the final intersection will be a “T” intersection between Balch Rd and Browns Ferry Rd, the current modifications still maintains the flow of traffic with a curve. Please use extreme caution in this area while the remainder of the Balch Road Extension is being completed.

By William T. Martin
HuntsvilleNewswire

Police have released more details on a stabbing incident late Wednesday which left a man dead.
According to HPD spokesman Sgt. Mark Roberts, police responded to a call at Warren House Apartments at 555 Executive Drive in west Huntsville at 8:41 p.m.
Upon arrival officers found Quinton Moore, 30, lying on the ground outside the apartment building suffering from multiple stab wounds.

(From release) The Huntsville Police Department announces several locations where large festivities have been scheduled to take place this weekend and expect heavy turnout and traffic congestion in all of these areas.

Friday July 3, 2009:

(From release) Don Kennedy and Sons House Moving Co. will be moving a house at 9:00 a.m. on Friday in the areas of Lakeside Dr., S Loop Rd., Holmes Ave., Jordan Lane, University Dr., and Hwy. 72, Schrimsher Rd. and Bloodworth Dr. Traffic could be impacted for two hours during the move.
The following lists the starting point and final destination of the move:

By William T. Martin
HuntsvilleNewswire

Huntsville police are investigating the death of a man who was found with multiple stab wounds Wednesday night.
According to HPD spokesman Mark Roberts and HEMSI Operations Director Don Webster, the victim was found lying outside an apartment complex off Executive Drive in west Huntsville around 8:30 p.m.
The man, who was thought to be either 29 or 30 years old, was taken to Huntsville Hospital and was pronounced dead a short time later.
HNW has been made aware of the victim's name but is withholding it pending official confirmation.

(From release) Huntsville Emergency Medical Services, Inc. employees and board members welcomed elected leaders and special guests at the groundbreaking ceremonies for the new HEMSI Madison Station.
The new 5000 square-foot emergency response facility will house up to 6 vehicles/equipment trailers and have capacity for two full crews -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The new station will replace rental facilities currently located at Capshaw and Wall Triana will continue servicing the current call volume of 250+ calls per month in the northern Madison area.

(From release) Mark Holliman worked 5 2/3 innings and the bullpen survived some late scoring threats, as Huntsville held off Tennessee 3-1 Wednesday night in the fourth of a six-game set at Smokies Park. The Stars improved to 6-4 in the second half and regained sole possession of first place in the North Division, while the Smokies dropped to 5-5 in the second half and a game behind in the standings.

MSCO Sgt. Sal Salomonsky displays drugs and cash seized during a narcotics arrest Tuesday. WT Martin/HNW

Bill Oscar Lee/MCSO

By William T. Martin
HuntsvilleNewswire

An Athens man is behind bars facing a possible life sentence after what area investigators called a "major narcotics arrest" Tuesday.
Madison County Sheriff's Sgt. Sal Salomonsky said Bill Oscar Lee, 36, of 17312 Ferry Road, was arrested by narcotics officers during a traffic stop around noon.
Following the arrest agents searched an apartment rented by Lee on University Drive and two storage units.
Seized in the searches were 47 lbs. of marijuana, 4 kilos of cocaine, a .45-caliber pistol, and $60,000 in cash.
Salomonsky, briefing reporters on the arrest Wednesday, said Lee was a "major offender to say the least."
According to Salomonsky, investigators first targeted Lee about six months ago.

The Madison County Sheriff's Office has called a news conference for 3 p.m. Wednesday at which time they plan to release details of what Investigator Chad Brooks called a "large narcotics arrest."
Brooks told HNW one person was in custody and a large quantity of drugs and cash were seized on Tuesday night.
HNW will be at the conference. Check back later this afternoon for more details.

Officials conduct the ceremonial groundbreaking for Redstone's new photo and travel offices. WT Martin/HNW

By William T. Martin
HuntsvilleNewswire

Photographers, those needing photographs, and people with travel needs will soon have a new place to call home as Redstone officials broke ground Wednesday for the post's new photo lab and travel office facilities.
Garrison Commander Col. Robert Pastorelli said the new Visual Information Center will handle official Army photographic needs as well as being where post photographers process their images.