🌱 Huntsville's Best Grocery Store + Calhoun Waives Grad Fees

Good morning, Rocket City! Let's kick off with our first-ever survey's results!

Best Grocery Store Poll: And the winner is…

A little over a week ago, we asked readers of the Huntsville Daily to weigh in on your favorite grocery store. First of all, thank you for all the responses and thoughtful comments. One thing is clear — you love your grocery stores!

That said, there was a clear stand out in our reader poll: Publix, with over 44% of the votes. Kroger came in second, with just under 25%, and Aldi with 9%. Here’s the breakdown:

So what did Daily readers like about Publix? In a word – everything. Readers called out selection, prices, cleanliness as well as fresh produce and meats, and many respondents singled out the friendly and helpful staff. Fans of Kroger appreciated the low prices and the ease of navigating their stores, while Aldi fans appreciated the smaller scale of their stores and the ability to get in and out quickly without compromising on quality. Though not in the top 3 as a vote getter, Fresh Market stood out for its passionate fans.

“The meats and the produce are always the freshest you can buy,” said one Fresh Market devotee. “Plus if you ever have a problem with anything you bought they gladly exchange it or return your money. That has only happened once in 10 years, but it was handled so well I keep coming back!”

There was also this for Star Market: “The locally owned grocery has had the same people working there for years and the long-time employees call me by my name. That makes me smile.”

Our biggest takeaway is that Huntsville is extremely lucky to have so many great places to shop for groceries — a big change over not that many years ago, and perhaps not surprising given our status as the biggest city now in the state! So thanks for participating, and look out for more reader polls in the not-so-distant future. In the meantime, we’ll see you in the check out line….

Today's Daily also features the latest on:

• Calhoun has waived graduation fees for those participating in the spring ceremony
• Alabama A&M beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff
• Gas prices are on the rise in Huntsville

First, today's weather:

Sunny, pleasant and warmer. High: 65 Low: 43.

Shoutout to our premier local sponsors:

• Martinson & Beason, P.C. have been been providing trusted legal advice in Huntsville since 1937. Give your loved ones peace of mind with a comprehensive estate plan. Click here for more info.
• Women4Women OBGYN is Huntsville's most unique women's health center. They offer comprehensive medical care for women, by women. Visit them here to learn more.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Here are the top stories in Huntsville today:

1. Crews are back at work after the trench collapse that took one man’s life last September at John Hunt Park, and according to the City, they’ve been back for months. The City of Huntsville had unspecified safety equipment in place and the investigation was finished, but only said it was standard procedure after an industrial accident. (WAFF)
2. Calhoun has decided to waive the graduation-associated fees for all grads participating in the spring ceremony. This will cover the cost of their caps and gowns, as well as their diplomas and covers. (WAAY)
3. The City of Huntsville’s Geographic Information System (GIS) Office celebrated 20 years yesterday! The group has mapped the growing city, modernized the way other departments function with addresses, and made so much information more easily available to the public. (City of Huntsville)
4. Alabama A&M defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff in men’s basketball yesterday. The final score was 74-69! (WAAY)
5. Gas prices in the Rocket City are still headed up. Prices are on average 25.5 cents more expensive than they were last month and $1 more than last year. (WAAY)

Today in Huntsville:

• Opera Huntsville presents “Love is Brewing” @ Fractal Brewing (6:00 PM)
• Huntsville City Schools Board Meeting (6:00 PM)
• PTSA Quarterly General Meeting - James Clemens High School (6:00 PM)
• Spider-Man: No Way Home is playing at the Cinemagic Drive-In Theatre (6:30 PM)

Loving the Huntsville Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Become a supporter (there are perks!)
• Get your local business featured in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at huntsville@patch.com

You're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update.

— Amy Young