🌱 Fire at Walmart on Sparkman + Madison County Schools Lawsuit

Good morning, Huntsville! Let's take a look at everything happening in the area today. This update includes:

• Fire at the Walmart on Sparkman
• A lawsuit against Madison County Schools
• Main Event Huntsville scavenger hunt

First, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 54 Low: 34.

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Here are the top stories today in Huntsville:

1. The Walmart on Sparkman had a fire today in the general merchandise area. One person of interest was interviewed and arrested. The location will be closed temporarily. (AL.com)
2. Drake State is offering STEM boot camps this month for middle and high school students! The engineering camp is already full, but for ages 15 and up, Machine Tools and Welding is still available! (WHNT)
3. A lawsuit has been filed against Madison City Schools over the mask mandate. The goal of the lawsuit is to overturn the mandate. (AL.com)
4. UAH has been declared R1 rank by the Carnegie Classification of Institutes of Higher Education. R1 is a classification for very high research activity. (Press Release Desk)
5. Main Event Huntsville has announced a scavenger hunt for their bowling pins! The first to find each pin will get four tickets to the VIP opening ceremony and free games for a year. However, the first to find the golden pin will receive free Main Event for life! (WAAY)

Today in Huntsville:

• Half-price Tuesday @ Top Golf Huntsville (All Day)
• Dog Days @ the Botanical Garden (All Day)
• Nature Academy @ the Botanical Garden - This month’s classes study water (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Local/State Candidate Update:
  
  • Ken Kubik, the Madison County Schools Personnel Director, will be running for superintendent. (Details)
  • Kim Lewis has qualified on the Democratic ticket for the Senate District 2 race. (Details)
  • Huntsville City Council Member Frances Ackridge will not be seeking re-election (Details)
• The gnomes are in the Herb Garden this week at the Botanical Garden! Let me know if you find them all. (Details)

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Events:

• Comedian Killer Beaz Valentine's Extravaganza (February 12)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Amy Young