Home Care In Huntsville, NC

DEC. 1, 2021 - As the North Carolina Forest Service and local fire departments worked Wednesday, Dec. 1 to fight the Huntsville Mountain fire during the day and into what became Night 2 of the wildfire battle, local residents near the fire were keeping a close eye on the flames as firefighters had the McDowell County fire 40% contained by Wednesday night, Dec. 1. (Photo credit: WLOS staff)

MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — The start of December marked Night 2 for the North Carolina Forest Service and numerous fire departments from around McDowell County that worked to contain the flames of the Huntsville Mountain fire.

People who live in the area near the fire are making sure to keep a close eye on it -- like Ronnie Swann and his wife, who have been told by officials there may come a point that they need to evacuate their home.

The forest service and local firefighters are also keeping watch over the area as the flames grow up the mountain.

MCDOWELL COUNTY WILDFIRE 40% CONTAINED AS OF WEDNESDAY; 10 STRUCTURES THREATENED

McDowell residents in homes near active Huntsville fire keep close eye on flames< >

"If the fire gets too close to you, don't try to fight it yourself. You know you can't," Swann said firefighters have cautioned him. "I said, 'Don't you worry.'"

Firefighters helped clear Swann's yard Wednesday, blowing leaves away from his house and removing debris.

LAKE LURE FIREFIGHTERS PULLING DOUBLE DUTY BATTLING HUNTSVILLE MOUNTAIN WILDFIRE

“You've got people, just like they are during a hurricane, say, 'Well, I want to stay at my house as long as I can...' Well, I’ll do as long as I can, but staying here is not going to save it," Swann said.

Trent Duncan with the N.C. Forest Service said there were about 30 people on the fire line throughout the day Wednesday, and that the number would drop to about eight overnight into Thursday.

“We’ll probably have a dozen or so folks on the fire throughout the night monitoring the fire, possibly doing some burnout operations, patrolling the fire line, making sure structure protection is in place," Duncan said. “It's difficult terrain -- rocky, steep, there’s a lot of snags in the area -- so the terrain is definitely a challenge for us.”

As of Wednesday night, there were 10 structures threatened by the growing fire, according to the forest service.

“They’re actively engaged in firefighting; they’re on the fire line, where we can we go direct, we go up next to the fire, when the terrain doesn’t’ allow that we have to back up a little bit," Duncan said.

As helicopters made water drops throughout the day and into the night Wednesday, the hope was that none of those 10 structures would have to evacuate.

McDowell County Emergency Services did not have any evacuation orders planned at that time, and Wednesday night the forest service said the fire had grown to 180 acres and was 40% contained.

“I know they’ve got a job to do, and I’m glad they do it, but you know, I hope they stay safe," Swann said.

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The air quality in central North Carolina is suboptimal Tuesday.

A Code Orange Air Quality Alert is in effect for nearly all of the ABC11 viewing area until midnight.

The air quality will be lessened because of ongoing wildfires in Canada. The same problem caused a rare Code Red last month.

The wildfires continue to burn causing problems for large portions of the United States.

Extensive swaths of the northern United States awoke to unhealthy air quality Monday morning or were experiencing it by midafternoon, according to the Environmental Protection Agency's AirNow.gov Smoke and Fire map.

Fine particle pollution caused by smoke from Canada's wildfires is causing a red zone air quality index, meaning it is unhealthy for everyone. The particles, known as PM2.5, are tiny enough to get deep into the lungs and cause short-term problems like coughing and itchy eyes, and in the long run, can affect the lungs and heart.

The EPA advises keeping outdoor activities light and short when air quality indexes reach above 150 on the agency's map. On Monday afternoon, cities and regions hitting that mark included Lincoln, Nebraska; Peoria, Illinois; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Cleveland and Columbus in Ohio; Huntsville, Alabama; Knoxville and Chattanooga in Tennessee; Greensboro, North Carolina; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Syracuse and Utica in New York.

Sensitive groups, including people with heart and lung disease, older adults, children and pregnant women, should consider staying inside, advisories warn.

Although air quality was poor in the Chicago region earlier Monday, it has already improved to moderate quality and was expected to continue doing so throughout the day, Biggs said.

Relief from the smoke crossing the Canadian-U.S. border won't be immediate, experts said. Large fires in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan are likely to keep churning out smoke throughout the summer and possibly into early fall, said Montana Department of Environmental Quality meteorologist Aaron Ofseyer.

"The worst is over with this round," Ofseyer said. "Unfortunately there's still a ton of wildfire smoke north of the border. Anytime we get a North wind we're going to be dealing with Canadian wildfire smoke."

Climate change and rising temperatures cause the environment to be more prone to wildfires, and more susceptible for air masses to become stagnant and stationary, explained Dr. Ravi Kalhan, a pulmonologist and professor of medicine and preventative medicine at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.

"It's not normal," he said of the repeated air quality alerts experienced by the Midwest this summer.

"We keep having these events. They're not just one bad day a year," Kalhan said.

The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre website reported 882 active fires, with 581 deemed "out of control," as of Monday afternoon.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — University of Alabama (UA) alum and Main Street Birmingham veteran Rob Buddo is the new chief executive officer and president of Downtown Huntsville, Inc. (DHI).

Buddo’s appointment will officially take effect on December 12, 2022.

According to a news release, Buddo comes to DHI from Charlotte, N.C. and is a graduate of the University of Alabama. He started his career as a catalytic development manager with Main Street Birmingham, the predecessor of REV Birmingham.

Buddo also worked in real estate roles in Washington, D.C. and Houston, Texas. Since 2019, he has managed the Central City Business Improvement District in Birmingham.

“I am honored to usher Downtown Huntsville, Inc. into its next era of growth and collaboration,” Buddo said. “The city’s collective commitment to purposeful and sustained growth is just one of the many qualities that make Huntsville unique and this opportunity so exciting.”

“I’m grateful for the strong foundation laid before me and look forward to leading this organization through many transformative years as Huntsville continues its rapid momentum,” Buddo continued.

DHI Board Chairman Tyce Hudson said he was excited for Buddo to join the organization.

“Everyone has witnessed the positive synergy that DHI has helped create over the last nine years and our members and the community can expect even more excitement to come downtown,” Hudson said. “The future of downtown Huntsville is brighter than ever.”

Learn more about Buddo and Downtown Huntsville Inc. at downtownhuntsville.org.

VIENNA, Va., June 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Middleburg Communities has announced the start of Single Family Rental (SFR) communities following the recent close of The Hamlet at MidCity in Huntsville, AL, with The Hamlet at Quail Crossing in Raleigh-Durham, The Hamlet at Falling Creek in Richmond, and The Hamlet at Wildlight in Jacksonville to follow. The four new developments represent the first in Middleburg's series of Hamlet Home Rentership communities, with an additional 16 projects under contract and in the development process and over 20 more in the company's pipeline. Middleburg first announced The Hamlet™ initiative in September 2020 as an innovative approach to satisfy the growing demand for single family rental properties in high growth southeastern markets.

"Middleburg is excited to be moving forward with the first of an expected 30 to 35 SFR communities over the next few years," said Middleburg Communities CEO Chris Finlay. "We plan to be a dominant developer of SFR communities across the Southeast, bringing a completely new SFR design concept and community styling to growing populations of renters in markets in which we have extensive experience."

The Hamlet at MidCity, located at 1044 Old Monrovia Road, NW in Huntsville, will include 200+, two and three-bedroom single family detached cottage homes and 36 one-bedroom duplexes, masterplanned around shared open green spaces, community gardens and ponds with an open farmers market green at the entrance to the property. Residents of the Hamlet at MidCity will have access to a resort style pool, state of the art fitness center, spacious clubhouse, dog park and pet spa, grilling stations, firepits, and package lockers.

Middleburg Communities' The Hamlet-branded SFR communities blend the comforts of a single-family home and the welcoming feel of a neighborhood, with the flexibility and ease of maintenance free living. Each location features best-in-class amenities and environmentally friendly design. This is Home Rentership ™ – all the comforts of home ownership with the ease and flexibility of renting.

The Hamlet communities are anticipated to draw interest from current multifamily apartment residents as well as existing single-family home renters and would-be buyers. Building on Middleburg's proven market strategies, The Hamlet communities are well-located in high job growth Southeastern markets near major arterial highways, grocery, retail, entertainment and healthcare services, quality school districts and job centers. Community designs utilize Traditional Neighborhood Design principles with cottages oriented toward shared outdoor spaces and fronting pedestrian friendly, tree-lined streets. Sustainability and walkability are emphasized in each community's design. For more information, visit www.liveatthehamlet.com.

About Middleburg Communities: Middleburg Communities is a fully integrated multifamily development, investment, construction and management company operating in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. Since 2004, Middleburg has acquired and developed more than 21,000 apartment units, executing over $3 billion in transactions. The Middleburg team shares a vision for greater value creation through community impact. The firm's success is rooted in a genuine desire to serve its local communities in thoughtful and holistic ways. Middleburg embraces people, property, and partnerships to enhance the lives of others, contribute positively to its neighborhoods and maximize real returns for partners. For more information, please visit www.MiddleburgCommunities.com.

Media Contact: Karen Widmayer KW Communications, LLC [email protected] 301.661.1448

SOURCE Middleburg Communities

As Southerners, we often crave the lesser known. We're humble about our hidden gems, be it the roadside stand only we know how to find or a secluded beach we intend to keep secret. But just because we're not boastful doesn't mean our region isn't teeming with treasures worth bragging about.

Many of these riches are often waiting in smaller cities across the South. Here, the classic trappings of a small town blend with the innovation of a bustling metropolis in a way that'll make anyone want to put down roots. These cities have long flown under the radar, filed away as some of our region's favorite cultural hideaways, but not for much longer. From flourishing downtowns to burgeoning food scenes, these up-and-comers are rising in the ranks as destinations in their own right. Here are the South's Cities on the Rise as declared by our readers.

15. Metairie, Louisiana

For those looking for a detour from a default New Orleans experience, Metairie is the spirited neighborhood visitors may not know to seek out. Take a drive through the oak tree-lined streets of Old Metairie to behold the beauty of New Orleans's first suburb or spend the day on Metairie Road where a bustling corridor of shops and restaurants await. Here you'll find some of the best takes on regional dishes, including crawfish gumbo. With the Mississippi River to the South and Lake Pontchartrain to the north, plus plenty of green space, you just might forget the French Quarter is only 20 minutes away.

14. Lynchburg, Virginia

The beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains is just one of Lynchburg's many wonders. Its landscape impresses any time of year, from snow-capped winters to vibrant, leaf-filled falls. Head into town where this quaint metropolis dazzles with historic districts, local eateries, and a lively arts scene too. Paddle the James River before refueling at local favorite Texas Inn, the city's oldest diner.

13. Sandy Springs, Georgia

Thanks to recreational gems and winding residential streets, it's easy to feel removed from the hustle and bustle in this Atlanta suburb. But urban influences (not to mention traffic on its main thoroughfare, Roswell Road) make themselves known in the city's standout medley of dining, shopping, and mixed-use developments. To really escape, spend time at the Chattahoochee River National Recreational Area or visit Morgan Falls Overlook Park.

12. Bowling Green, Kentucky

Even in the aftermath of a historic weather system that devastated the Bowling Green area at the end of 2021, this Kentucky city is still rising. Here, neighbors and businesses have stepped up to help one another in the months since the tornado splintered life as they knew it, showcasing the Southern spirit and generosity that has always been at the core of this community. Together, they have not only renewed a sense of hope, but they've also instilled a new season of life into the city's charming streets.

11. Frisco, Texas

It's hard to keep up with the play-by-play in this booming, sports-centric city just 30 minutes north of Dallas. Home to The Star, the Dallas Cowboy's practice field, it's also swinging easy into even more accelerated growth as PGA of America debuts its new headquarters there this year. Now a hub for sports, technology, and innovation, the city is turning progress into an opportunity for culture and family fun. Don't miss the National Videogame Museum or the Texas Sculpture Garden.

10. Bentonville, Arkansas

Bentonville may be known as the birthplace of Walmart, but the opening of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art more than a decade ago launched the city into the limelight. The arts scene has been booming ever since, turning this once quiet, rural community into a cultural mecca. Though still connected to its roots, this artistic influx inspired a revitalized downtown fit with hotels, bar, and restaurants. Once you've enjoyed the urban scene, slip away to the surrounding Ozarks and enjoy the bounty of Bentonville's outdoor beauty.

9. Alpharetta, Georgia

Alpharetta is more than just a suburb of Atlanta. Thanks to a prospering, pedestrian-friendly downtown, this once sleepy neighborhood north of the city is now a haven for families and fun. Its City Center is a thriving mix of original downtown establishments and chic retail shops and restaurants that draw locals and visitors alike. Get away from the action and enjoy the outdoors on the Big Creek Greenway, a nine-mile wooded path, or keep on shopping at the ever-popular Avalon.

8. Fort Myers, Florida

While it may be best known for its laid-back beaches and picturesque views, Fort Myers is buzzing. The city is one of the fastest growing in the state, and its River District is reveling in the energy. Bright shops, bars, and restaurants entice vacationers to spend a few hours away from the beach, but it's the arts community that keeps them coming back. With nearly a dozen galleries featuring everything from coastal paintings to locally-crafted jewelry, the city offers endless ways to be inspired on and off the beach.

7. Fort Worth, Texas

Anchored in old Texas spirit, Fort Worth has a firm grip on its roots even in the face of exploding growth. Its cowboy heritage shines through the arrival of a younger generation and recent revitalization. The Stockyards National Historic District is home to both classic honky-tonks and brand-new watering holes. The centuries-old area will show you where the West began while thrilling with a new entertainment district, Mule Alley.

6. Alexandria, Virginia

It may be just a half-hour Metro ride from the National Mall, but Alexandria's old-world allure makes it feel worlds away. Simultaneously packed with preservation and buzzing with novel, locally-owned shops and restaurants, this vibrant small city is more than just a convenient hub for D.C. commuters. Walk along cobblestone streets to soak in the city's outstanding architecture and take a stroll down King Street to delight in a treasure trove of independent eateries and boutiques.

5. Huntsville, Alabama

While the Saturn V replica rocket stands as the towering gatekeeper to this city long identified by its contribution to the country's space program, Huntsville is blasting off in more directions than one these days. The fastest growing city in the state, Huntsville's influx of engineers and scientists are making an impact beyond aerospace, sowing seeds in arts, culture, craft brewing, and more. While the U.S. Space and Rocket Center is a must, be sure to spend time at Lowe Mills ARTS & Entertainment too, where a revitalized 1901 cotton gin houses more than 130 working artist studios.

4. Franklin, Tennessee

Franklin is increasingly finding its way onto travelers' itineraries beyond day trips from neighboring Nashville. But just because this historic city has blossomed beyond its small-town roots doesn't mean it's outgrown its iconic Southern charm. Though Franklin's future is full of potential, you can still rely on Main Street's excellent eateries, endless shopping, and porches galore.

3. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Memphis and Nashville might get all the buzz when it comes to country, blues, and barbecue, but Chattanooga is the fast-growing Tennessee gem that deserves a second look. Set along the curves of the Tennessee River, Chattanooga is as rich in natural wonders and outdoor adventure as it is in exciting new hotels and innovative dinning. Don't miss the Tennessee Aquarium, Warehouse Row, or an afternoon kayaking the river.

2. Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh may be known for groundbreaking research and fine collegiate institutions, but this bright corner of the state's Research Triangle is more than just brains. The city is situated midway between the Outer Banks and the Appalachian Mountains, but its lively arts scene, breweries, and food halls beg you to stay put. The Raleigh Beer Garden boasts of being the largest in the world, while culinary delights, from Crawford and Son's elevated fare to The Pit's authentic Eastern North Carolina barbecue, guarantee a meal for every kind of craving.

1. Greenville, South Carolina

While Greenville's charm and natural beauty is undeniable, its food scene is really putting the city on the map. A culinary gold mine, Greenville's 100-plus selection of downtown restaurants serve locally inspired and culturally diverse dishes that are racking up accolades. When you're not eating, be sure to enjoy Falls Park on the Reedy, a beautiful, 26-acre green space that runs through the city.