🌱 North Alabama Zoo Update + Madison County Annexation

Get on up, Huntsville! Let's get you all caught up to start this day off on an informed note. Here's what's going on around Huntsville today.

• An update from the North Alabama Zoological Society
• A new annexation for Madison County
• Huntsville City Schools hired their new CFO

I also wanted to give a special shoutout to some of our Patch Supporters, Grant Thomson, Joy Jenkins, Mike Jackson, Victoria Clendenon and Wanda Whyte. Thanks for helping make local news happen in Huntsville! If you want to support local news in Huntsville, Click here to learn more about becoming a Patch Supporter.

First, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 70 Low: 57.

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 today in Huntsville:

1. The North Alabama Zoological Society could lose the location they want for the research facility part of the zoo project. Other organizations have shown interest in the property to the current landowner, so if the Zoological Society does not raise the $4 million needed to purchase that property, they’ll have to find a different location for the research facility. (WHNT)
2. At this week’s Madison City Council meeting, the new annexation was approved in Limestone County! This land will be used for around 200 homes and a new elementary school that will be part of western Madison County. (WZDX)
3. Huntsville City Schools has hired their new CFO. The State’s Deputy Superintendent, Andy Craig, has taken the job and will start January 3! (AL.com)
4. Union Chapel Missionary Baptist is hosting a food giveaway Saturday. There are four hundred boxes to hand out on a first come, first serve basis. (WHNT)

From our sponsor:

Hey Huntsville, are you looking to buy a house, refinance or just explore your options? Check out the new Patch Mortgage Center for all your home financing needs!

Today in Huntsville:

• Grissom vs Mae Jemison - Bowling (3:30 PM)
• Columbia vs Sparkman - Bowling (5:00 PM)
• Magnet Tour (In Person) - Lee High School (5:30 PM)
• BOE Meeting - Madison County (5:30 PM)
• One Way Ticket Downtown Mystery Book Club (5:30 PM)
• City Council Meeting - City of Huntsville (5:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Decatur City Schools has received a grant for nearly $27,000 for their gifted program! (Details)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Brighten The First Day Of Winter With 15 Percent Off FTD’s Sunniest Blooms (December 21)
• Brighten The First Day Of Winter With 15 Percent Off FTD’s Sunniest Blooms (December 21)
• Add your event

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 showcased in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at huntsville@patch.com

You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Amy Young