This photo was submitted on Facebook by Elayne Stabile.
This is a beautiful sunrise in Elkins Lake!

HPD Vacation Checks

Planning a vacation for the summer months? Let the Huntsville Police Department be a set of eyes on your house while you are gone so you can enter into full relaxation mode.
HPD provides vacation home checks for residents at no charge. All you have to do is stop by the Huntsville Police Department and fill out a short form to let officers know the address of your home and the duration of the trip, then you can leave and know your house is in good hands.

The officers drive by your property and walk the area around your house to make sure everything is just like you left it.

Lieutenant Jim Barnes shared some other helpful tips to use before you leave for vacation.

“If possible leave some lights on or use a timer, and get to know your neighbors and ask them to keep an eye out when you're gone. I also suggest double checking that your doors are locked and the garage door is shut before leaving. When possible you should hide or use a safe for valuables (e.g.: jewelry, money, guns, computers). Lastly, fill out a vacation check form with HPD.”

For more information, call HPD at 936-291-5480.

"Chill Out" this 4th of July

The forecast for July is always hot in Texas, so why not beat the heat at the City pool! This 4th of July admission is free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m at the Frank D. "Poncho" Roberts Aquatic Center.

Concessions will be for sale; no outside food or drinks are allowed. For more information, visit www.huntsvilletx.gov/Swim.

Keep your pets safe in an emergency - 5 things to know

Emergencies come in many forms: fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, violent storms and even terrorism. In the event of extreme weather or a disaster, would you know how to protect your pet?

Many pet owners are unsure of what to do if they’re faced with such a situation. In recognition of National Pet Preparedness Month, here are five steps you can take to keep your pets safe during and after an emergency:

Have a plan
Make a kit
In case of emergency photos
Make sure vaccinations are up to date
Have a safe haven

Read more on all five steps at https://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2017/06/keep-pets-safe-in-an-emergency/.

City of Huntsville’s 4th of July Celebration

Join the City of Huntsville and celebrate July 4th! The celebration is from 4 to 8 p.m. at Kate Barr Ross Park. It will include Face Painting, Balloon Art, Leather-working, Sand Art, Bounce Houses, Rock Wall, a Watermelon Eating Contest, and Karaoke! Concessions will be available for purchase.

The fireworks display will begin after dark, around 9:15 PM. This event gets bigger every year, check out https://www.facebook.com/COHrecservices for more information.