William T. Martin
HNW Editor William T. Martin Is a multimedia journalist based in Huntsville, Alabama. He has more than 25 years experience in the news industry and is an award-winning photojournalist, having received honors from the Alabama Press Association, the Associated Press, and the Georgia Press Association (including Photographer of the Year).
Michael Griffin Appointed Eminent Scholar, Professor At UAH
(From release) The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) has named Michael Griffin, one of the world’s leading aerospace engineers, as an eminent scholar and a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering.
The announcement was made today by President David Williams.
Griffith Presents Funding to Madison County Executive Airport
(From release) Congressman Parker Griffith presented funding today to the Madison County Executive Airport Authority. The funding request was included in the omnibus package passed last month and was presented in the amount of $1.14 million.
“I am pleased to present this funding to the Madison County Executive Airport Authority,” Griffith said. “This grant will help to allow larger aircraft to operate at the airport, increase safety and produce jobs for the local Maintenance and Repair company located here. Our country’s economic development is driven at the local level and the airport has always played a large role in that.”
Von Braun Center Prepares for Inaugural Earth Day Celebration
(From release) Plans are budding as the Von Braun Center prepares for its First Annual Earth Day Celebration. As part of the VBC’s ongoing efforts to “Go Green,” the VBC will observe Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22nd, by planting a tree. The tree planting ceremony will take place at the corner of Clinton and Monroe Street at 11:00 am.
Boeing Executive to Focus on Business Communication
(From release) A communications director from The Boeing Company will address Alabama A&M University students and faculty on the importance of communication in business. The Tuesday, April 14, presentation is part of a lectureship series that allows students from AAMU and surrounding universities to hear useful information and to ask questions.
Chuck Cadena was named Communications Director for Boeing Missile Defense Systems in May 2008, responsible for leading the MDS communications teams in Crystal City, Va., and Huntsville, Ala. He will speak to students in the Dawson Building Auditorium at 6 p.m., followed by a 20-minute question and answer session and a networking session.
Local Youth Programs Take Advantage Of RCU Partner Club Program
(From release) This past week, Rocket City United created new opportunities with several local youth soccer programs to bring RCU Technical Director, Greg Petersen, and players to the clubs to provide high quality player/coach clinics.
On Friday April 17th from 6:30-8:00pm, Valley Futbol Club will host Coach Greg at its Friday night weekend clinic program.
Shelby: Redstone's Value To Region "Cannot Be Overstated"
(From release) The importance of the programs and the activity that occurs every day at Redstone Arsenal cannot be overstated, according to U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby. Shelby, speaking at the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County’s Annual Washington Update Breakfast, discussed the importance of aerospace, missile defense and other programs led by Redstone Arsenal in light of emerging threats of North Korea and Iran.
Utilities: Could Be Tonight Before All power Restored
By William T. Martin
HuntsvilleNewswire
It could be Monday evening before all power is restored in the Huntsville area after high winds blew through the area before dawn, blacking out many areas of the city.
Trees and utility lines were down around the area and police were spread thin as they tried to provide traffic control in the affected areas.
According to a release from Huntsville Utilities:
As many as 1,500 HU customers are still without power this morning as a result high winds that struck north Alabama during the night.
Overnight, as many as twelve HU substations went offline when high winds blew trees onto power lines and power poles were knocked down from the winds that exceeded 50 mph at times.
An estimated 12,000 customers were affected by the substation outages.
High Winds Overnight Cause Numerous Power Outages
By William T. Martin
HuntsvilleNewswire
A wind storm that passed through the area early Monday brought down trees and power lines, leaving many areas without electricity.
According to a release from Huntsville Utilities winds of over 50 mph caused “widespread” outages starting after midnight.
Crews are attempting to restore power as quickly as possible.
Police are also stationed at intersections and along highways around the city to direct traffic around downed trees and lines.
Motorists are encouraged to use extreme caution when traveling around the area Monday.
Hail, Rain, High Winds Move Through Area; Minor Damage Reported
By William T. Martin
HuntsvilleNewswire
Heavy thunderstorms moved through Madison County Friday afternoon, knocking down a few trees and bringing down some power lines but causing no serious damage.
Areas to the east and west were not as fortunate as heavy damage was reported in the Morgan County/Decatur area and the Guntersville/Arab/Marshal County areas.
Huntsville Utilities reported a few scattered outages and a two poles down but no major service issues.
In northern Madison County high winds blew the roof off the North Alabama Gin building on U.S. 231 in Hazel Green. No injuries were reported.
Tornado sirens first sounded in downtown at 2 p.m. as a warning was issued for western Madison County. The sirens were sounded again as radar indicated possible tornadoes around the city.
Although the 911 center received several calls of funnel clouds none were confirmed, according to radio reports.
More Severe Weather Headed Into Area; After School Events Canceled Countywide
By William T. Martin
HuntsvilleNewswire
Another line of severe storms is headed into Madison County, prompting area schools to suspend all after-school activities. Classes will run on their normal schedule, according to a release.
At 1:40 p.m. the line of storms was just west of Madison County and moving east. Several watches and warnings have been posted and hail the size of golf balls was reported in the Lauderdale/Shoals area.
