HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WLRH) - The Madison County Health Department now has flu vaccines available. WAFF-TV reports the department will offer free flu shot clinics for Madison County residents at various locations starting September 17. Flu season typically begins in October and lasts until May, according to the CDC. But many pharmacies, doctor’s offices and health departments will offer flu shots ahead of time. The health department in Madison County recommends anyone six months of age and older to get a flu shot. The shots at Madison County’s health department will offer the free shots on a first come, first serve basis.
ATHENS, Ala. (WAFF) - This weekend in conjunction with Art on the Square in downtown Athens, Athens State University will host a writing seminar called "Kudzu Chronicles." WAFF TV reports that the event includes discussions on how to get your book published, self publishing as well as a meet and greet with regional authors. Guest speakers include an author who wrote a book about her family surviving the sinking of the titanic. This event is free and open to the public.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (Huntsville Times) - The Southern League of Professional Baseball Clubs has announced Grissom graduate Hunter Morris of the Huntsville Stars as its 2012 Most Valuable Player. Morris entered the final day of the regular season atop the league with 28 home runs and 113 RBI. Morris’ RBI total is the second highest in all of Minor League Baseball in 2012 and the most in the Southern League this century. The first member of the Stars to claim MVP honors since Corey Hart in 2003. The stars’ season ended on a soggy note, with last night’s game against Montgomery canceled due to rain.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WLRH) - On Friday, September 7, stop by Huntsville City Hall for Operation Green Team & Keep America Beautiful’s National Planting Day. You can get a free Oakleaf Hydrangea! The Oakleaf Hydrangea is Alabama’s Official State Wildflower. Operation Green Team has 4,000 of the plants to give away. The plants grow in most soils, and do well in full sun or shade. You can also get hot dogs, popcorn and water, while supplies last. The event is from 11 AM to 1 PM at Huntsville City Hall, located at 308 Fountain Circle. Rain or shine.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Federal officials say disaster loans are available to small businesses and other organizations as a result of drought in Alabama. The U.S. Small Business Administration said in a statement that economic injury disaster loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, Small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private non-profit organizations in Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, DeKalb and Etowah counties. The loans are available for drought conditions that occurred between July 3 and August 27, 2012. SBA officials say loan amounts can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 3 percent for private non-profit organizations of all sizes and 4 percent for small businesses, with terms up to 30 years. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) – Tuscaloosa’s Veterans Affairs Medical Center is being recognized for its program getting veterans back to work. The vocational rehabilitation program at the west Alabama hospital has been ranked the best of all VA centers in the United States. The agency reviews the effectiveness of such programs nationwide, and the one in Tuscaloosa had the top score nationally of 160 medical centers nationally. Dr. Thomas McNutt is the acting supervisory psychologist in charge of the program. He tells the Tuscaloosa News it’s helping about 25 veterans at any given time. The vocational rehabilitation program first opened in Tuscaloosa in 2006.