Mastin Lake Road USPS Facility Puts up a Tent for Undelivered Packages Piling up in Huntsville, AL

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has officially erected a tent to protect the undelivered pile of packages outside the Mastin Lake Road facility in Huntsville, AL.

USPS; credit: Jason Hawk 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

Last week, FOX54 reporters found an outdoor "pile" of undelivered packages, and on Monday, 13 July 2026, they found a white tent now covering the undelivered packages. FOX54 posted the images (seen below) of the same area. The news station reached out to the USPS after finding pallets "piled high" outside the Mastin Lake Road facility, and also in Harvest, AL. Another similar situation has also been found in Limestone County at the USPS facility on Market Street.

A worker at the Mastin Lake Road location told FOX54 that it started to back up mid-week due to a surge in Amazon orders.

Credit: WZDX/FOX54

YouTube Video: 'Package-protecting tent erected at Huntsville USPS location days after security promise'

Credit: WZDX FOX54

Not the First USPS Package Tent in Alabama

WHNT News 19 reported that USPS installed a package tent in December 2024 to deal with an abundance of undelivered packages. 

The List of Celebrities Coming to Huntsville, AL for the Comic and Pop Culture Expo in April 2026

 The 11th Annual Comic and Pop Culture Expo taking place at the South Hall of the Von Braun Center April 17-19, 2026 in Huntsville, AL will feature many special guest celebrities. Special guest reveals are listed below.

11th Annual Comic & Pop Culture Expo

The Thrill of Comic Book Conventions 

Going to a Comic Book and Pop Culture Expo is like stepping into a living, breathing universe of your favorite stories. Everywhere you look, there are vibrant cosplay creations, massive displays, rare collectibles, and the buzz of fans who share the same passion. The energy in the air feels electric—every corner holds something new to explore, from artists sketching your favorite characters to booths filled with comics, toys, and merch you can’t find anywhere else. It’s a place where imagination takes over and you get to be surrounded by people who appreciate the same worlds you do.

The thrill of seeing celebrities from your favorite movies and shows takes the experience to a whole new level. Whether it’s catching a glimpse of a beloved actor walking onto a panel stage or meeting them up close for an autograph or photo, the excitement is unforgettable. Hearing behind-the-scenes stories straight from the stars feels like getting secret access to the worlds you love. Those moments—standing in line with fellow fans, feeling your heart race as your turn approaches, and walking away with a memory you’ll never forget—are what make a Comic Book and Pop Culture Expo feel magical.

The 11th annual Comic & Pop Culture Expo takes place in Huntsville, AL, April 17-19, 2026 at the Von Braun Civic Center.

Guests That Have Confirmed to Come to Comic & Pop Culture Expo in Huntsville, AL

Here are some of the special guests who have been confirmed so far:

Andrea Barber - Full House

David Howard Thornton - Huntsville native, Terrifier & Gotham

Dave Coulier - Full House

Jodie Sweetin - Full House

Judith Hoag - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Levar Burton - Reading Rainbow and Star Trek

Mario Lopez - Saved by the Bell

Mark Spears - professional comic artist

Michael Rosenbaum - Smallville

Neil Ross - voice actor in Transformers, G.I. Joe, Spider-Man

Ron Perlman - Hellboy

Tom Welling - Smallville

Vicki Lawrence - Mama's Family

Wil Wheaton - Star Trek

Zachary Levi - Shazam!

The official website for the 2026 Expo can be found here.

James Spann Posted on Facebook about Black Bear Sighting in Decatur, Alabama & Bear Found in TN Hot Tub

DeLa Bales sent black bear photos to James Spann after a sighting, and he posted them on Facebook.

James Spann Posted About a Black Bear Sighting in Decatur, Alabama

On July 23, 2025, James Spann posted the following about a black bear sighting on Harold Drive in Decatur in a Facebook post (see images below):

credit: DeLa Bales

Comments to the Facebook Post about the Black Bear in Decatur

There were interesting comments to the Facebook post about the black bear seen in Decatur, with some sharing about sightings also in Tennessee.

Betty Par wrote: "The close-up in the tree is so precious! I read somewhere that the growth of population in Tennessee is the reason for more frequent sitings in north Alabama...makes me feel sorry for the bears."

Nena Goodwin wrote: "What a beauty, that little bear!! harmless unless threatened. Or to protect their cub if they're too close, they usually just runoff black bears are not aggressive."

Tara Ann Redditt wrote: "We suddenly have them everywhere in west Tennessee suddenly. My husband said he saw one a year ago. They convinced him it was a cow but he always insisted it ran like a bear not a cow. Since he rode bulls. I guess he saw a bear. We now know of several. Lol"

Rita Mahaffey wrote: "How come all these bear sightings in the valley all of a sudden. Is some environmental organization trying to sneak in and establish a new habitat for them. We need them to go back where they came from."

Russ Williams wrote: "Is this the same bear that's been tracked from Arkansas, across North Mississippi, and spotted in a pear tree in Lawrence County a couple of days ago? MDWFP said yes to the bear in the pear tree. It can be identified by markings like a notch in the left ear."

Mickey V Brannan wrote: "There's got to be more than one bear... Considering there have been bear sightings in Limestone County, Lawrence County, Colbert County and Morgan County...I realize they can move around pretty quick but that's a lot of distance to cover in a very short time."

Sharon Durbin Horton wrote: "I feel bad for the bears because they are out of their normal habitat, run out by builders that just have to make more money."

Jeffrey Korner wrote: "Just remember folks bears are beautiful animals but are oh so dangerous especially to our children especially when startle them they will charge in their own fear. Bears close [to] homes with small children is a tragedy waiting to happen. Bears are so powerful and can and have killed humans."

Charlotte Hinkle wrote: "Thank you for sharing pictures. I will never walk to mail box or in back yard covered with trees and creek just down road without fear of seeing one. They are beautiful and amazing we have them so close."

Richard Paquette wrote: "What ever you do don't feed them. It's a death sentence for them and possibly you also. There [are] opportunists, they have a range of 200 miles. And there lazy they go where the food is. And [they] have [an] uncanny [sense] of smell."

Joanne Borden wrote: "He is just a baby! Y'all please don't hurt him or approach him and cause other people to hurt him or her."

Have you ever seen a black bear in Alabama?

credit: DeLa Bales

Video: Black Bear Sighted Swimming in Lake Guntersville

A black bear was sighted swimming in Lake Guntersville and can be seen in the video below posted on Facebook.

The description reads:

"While most Alabamians are wary of snakes and, in some areas, alligators in our waterways, it seems like it's time to add bears, like this one seen in Lake Guntersville, to that list."

video credit: A.J. McGee

Black Bear Seen in Pigeon Forge Tennessee Hot Tub

FOX 13 News reported on August 18, 2025, that a black bear was found in a Pigeon Forge, Tennessee hot tub at their rental.

"Felicia Shillingburg said she was in the hot tub of a rental in Pigeon Forge with her mother and a friend when a bear came around the corner and onto the wooden deck." -FOX13 News

Black bear in a Pigeon Forge, TN hot tub

Amy Roberts posted in the comments on Facebook: "Better take pics so you don't lose your damage deposit on the Air BNB!!! Owner never going to believe that story....no, really, it was a bear!"

James Spann Posted on Facebook about Black Bear Sighting in Leeds, Alabama

James Spann Posted About a Black Bear Sighting in Leeds, Alabama

On June 22, 2025, James Spann posted the following about a black bear sighting in a Facebook post (see image below):

Black Bear Sighting in Leeds, Alabama

James Spann Facebook post about a black bear sighting read:

From William Richard "Good morning Mr. Spann. The black bear spotted on Dunnavant Valley road and 41 was again captured last night shortly after 10:00 p.m. entering Leeds city limits. I captured him on one of my trail cameras just southwest of the quarry along Dunnavant Rd (SR 25) near Elliot Lane. After speaking with the woman who took the photo and got the security footage of the bear she gave me the exact location which was near the Dunnavant volunteer fire department, so I knew which ridge he was traveling along and set up multiple cameras.

This is the Little Oak Ridge that eventually becomes Mills Ridge in Leeds (AL). It's part of the mountain ridge that runs parallel to 119. I may have cheated a little bit and baited him to draw him in with a case of black berries, apples, and raw fish, so don't mind the bait pile.  This location is also just once in a list a few miles south of the Waffle House which is an infamous location for bear sightings in the past.

And as always, here is the photo (ssen above) from my trail camera app geo-tagged with exact GPS coordinates and the camera location on the map for authentication purposes to validate this is real. I noticed how many people questioned the validity of yesterday's photo. I believe this is the same bear from the video footage I sent you Thursday from Chelsea and Highway 51. I can't recall a black bear being this documented as it migrates northeast since I've lived here anyway. Pretty cool."

The Bear's Path Northward on a Map

The below map shows the black bear's path as it has been sighted moving northward in Alabama.

Map of black bear's path in Alabama

Have you ever seen a black bear in Alabama?

Black Bear Spotted Roaming Around Huntsville Alabama in June 2025. Get Your Eyes Checked, Because It's Not a Baby Elephant

WHNT News 19 Chief Meteorologist Danielle Dozier posted photos and videos of a black bear roaming around Huntsville on Facebook in June 2025, and local residents are surprised that it really happened.

Black bear was seen in Huntsville, AL in June 2025

North Alabama residents got to experience nature over the weekend that is more typical of Gatlinburg, TN, or Asheville, NC, when a black bear was seen roaming around a neighborhood in June.

WHNT News 19 Chief Meteorologist Danielle Dozier's Post on Facebook

WHNT News 19 Chief Meteorologist Danielle Dozier posted on her social media page about a black bear spotted in Huntsville, AL, in mid-June 2025, and people are losing their minds in the comment section. The first photo posted above was taken over the weekend.

Her Facebook post read:

"BEAR IN HUNTSVILLE! The bear was seen roaming around the Marina Park neighborhood in Huntsville over the weekend! Photo from Dana Doner." 

The second photo that Danielle Dozer posted (seen below) was taken on Monday, June 16, 2025, by Garrett Pinkerton.

Black bear spotted near the Redstone Arsenal in June 2025

On her Facebook page, she also has a video of the black bear roaming around Huntsville. AL.

Some Facebook Users Think That the Black Bear is a Baby Elephant

Facebook users sometimes say strange things, and this time was no different. Several users commenting on Danielle Dozier's original Facebook post think they are seeing a baby elephant. 

*For context, the University of Alabama Crimson Tide's mascot is an elephant, so there may be a joke hidden in there.

Facebook user Quoc Ha posted in the comments, "Looked like a baby elephant at first. lol" 

Facebook user Ashley Palguta added in the comments, "Quoc Ha, I thought it was an elephant. I thought it was some kind of AL joke."

Facebook user Paige Burnett Frost posted in the comments, "Why did I think that was an elephant 😂"

Facebook user Joni Charlton Colburn posted in the comments, "Quoc Ha, I had to zoom in. I saw an elephant too."

Facebook user Christa McDowell posted in the comments, "Quoc Ha, I thought that too 🐘"

Facebook user Nicole Burke McCowen posted in the comments, "Probably the same bear spotted by the train tracks on Hobbs Island yesterday."

Some Facebook users questioned if the bear was real or just AI, and WHNT News 19 Chief Meteorologist Danielle Dozier assured them in the comments that the black bear "was real after seeing the security video footage herself."

Safety Tips When Encountering a Black Bear in Huntsville, AL

It is important to remember that when you encounter a bear of any kind, to should keep calm. 

• If you have time, get all children and pets indoors quickly.
• Never turn your back on a bear and run. This can trigger a predator instinct to chase. 
• While black bears tend to be more skittish than other types of bears, a mother bear will be more aggressive when protecting her bear cubs. Always stay clear of bears and keep your distance.
• Never feed wildlife, including bears. It can cause them to get attached to humans, rather than fear them, and this will never end well for bears.

A Full List of Celebrities Coming to Huntsville, AL for the Comic and Pop Culture Expo in April 2025

For information on the guests coming to the Comic & Pop Culture Expo in 2026, click here.

The 10th Annual Comic and Pop Culture Expo taking place at the South Hall of the Von Braun Center April 25-27, 2025 in Huntsville, AL will feature many special guest celebrities. The full list is below.

Comic & Pop Culture Expo (credit: https://www.hsvexpo.com/)

There are some amazing celebrity guests coming to Huntsville, Alabama for the 2025 Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo.

A Full List of Celebrity Guests at the Huntsville Comic and Pop Culture Expo

Here is the full list of confirmed guest celebrities coming to Huntsville on April 25-27, 2025:

• "Weird Al" Yankovic
• Adassa
• A.J. Beckles
• Alan Oppenheimer (Saturday only)
• Anairis Quinones
• Anna Zhuo
• B.J. Ward
• Brian Austin Green (Saturday and Sunday only) - Beverly Hills 90210
• Chris Claremont
• Debi Derryberry
• Denise Crosby
• Diane Guerrero
• Tori Spelling - Beverly Hills 90210
• Eddie Steeples
• Elizabeth Berkley (Saturday and Sunday only) - Saved by the Bell
• Emily Swallow
• Ernie Hudson (Saturday only) - Ghostbusters
• Ethan Suplee
• Flatline Comics
• George Newbern
• Jason Lee
• Jaime Pressly
• Jason Griffith
• Joey Lawrence
• Jodi Benson
• Joel Hodgson
• Karan Ashley
• Kayleigh McKee
• Kevin Eastman
• Kim Rhodes
• Landon McDonald
• Linda Larkin (Saturday and Sunday only)
• Lisa Ortiz
• Maria Canals-Barrera
• Mario Lopez - Saved by the Bell
• Melissa Joan Hart (Saturday and Sunday only) - Sabrina the Teenage Witch
• Michael Bell
• Neil Ross
• Nicholas Roye
• Nick Pauley - "Bye Bye Bye" dance sequence in Deadpool & Wolverine movie
• Pete Capella
• Phil LaMarr
• Priscilla Presley (Saturday and Sunday only)
• Ryan Bartley
• Sarah Natochenny
• Steve Cardenas
• Susan Eisenberg
• Timothy Zahn
• Vincent D'Onofrio
• Walter Jones
• Walter Koenig
• William Shatner (Saturday and Sunday only)
• Zachary Levi (Saturday only) - Shazam!

A Special $20K Donation was Given to Kids to Love in 2024

The Huntsville Expo website shared that they presented a $20,000 check to the Kids to Love Foundation from the 2024 Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo, which has helped hundreds of thousands of children living in foster care.

3 More Businesses Permanently Close at Bridge Street Town Centre in Huntsville, AL in January 2025

Three more businesses are permanently closing their doors for good at the Bridge Street Town Centre outdoor shopping mall in Huntsville, AL. Read the details on the business closings.

credit: Huntsville.org

First, Pieology Pizza left around November 2024. 

An employee from Bridge Street Town Centre posted the following on Reddit.com/r/HuntsvilleAlabama:

"I work at Bridge Street and I was there the day before they closed. The guy working there said they were bought by a different company and the new owners wanted to keep the stores mostly in Florida. Not sure how true that is but just what the guy said." 

(Source: Birdman_v5) 

Then PBR Lockhart Smokehouse permanently closed its doors at Bridge Street at the end of 2024.

FOX54 reported that the cowboy-themed restaurant closed after a 'Countdown to 2025' celebration. The restaurant was a unique joint venture partnership between PBR Cowboy Bar and Lockhart Smokehouse and opened in October 2022. They described themselves as "an electric combination of PBR Cowboy Bar's 'cowboy cool' with Lockhart's iconic Texas barbeque."

(Source: FOX54's RocketCityNow.com)

3 Stores Closing in Bridge Street Town Centre in January 2025

FOX54 reported on 2 January 2025 that Chico's, Soma, and White House Black Market will all close their Bridge Street Town Centre Huntsville, AL stores permanently on 26 January 2025.

All of these stores are owned by Chico's FAS/Sycamore Partners, which is based out of Florida.

FOX54 reported that this news was shocking to employees, who reportedly learned of the store closures "just days after Christmas."

One employee said, "Our general manager was informed by our District Manager," which came after management told employees that "their locations would not be affected."

An employee told FOX54, "We have ladies who have been here eight years, 11 years, and then my management, my manager now has been here eight years. And there's no plan B for some people."

It was clear that employees "were kept in the dark about the store closings" until after the holiday shopping season.

Reader poll: What do you think about all of the stores closing at Bridge Street Town Centre?

(Share your thoughts in the comments)

Why Did UPS Leave 'Unattended Packages' at the Clubhouse on Green Mountain in Huntsville, AL?

Why did UPS leave packages unattended at a clubhouse parking lot on Green Mountain?

That's what everyone wants to know after a local Huntsville man made the startling discovery on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

Unattended packages left in a parking lot on Green Mountain

Jim, a Huntsville man, found unattended packages in the clubhouse parking lot on Green Mountain on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. He sat for over an hour waiting for someone to return, but no one did while he was there.

WAFF 48 News Went to Green Mountain Clubhouse & Unattended Packages Were Gone

WAFF 48 News returned to this location later in the day with Jim, and the packages were gone. UPS sent a message saying that "they were trying to figure out what happened." WAFF also went to an address that was on one of the packages, which was about five miles away from this parking lot.

They checked with that homeowner, who confirmed that they had not received their package after several hours.

It is unknown if any of the packages left unattended were Christmas presents.

Local Resident Jim Spoke About Finding the Packages

Jim, a concerned Huntsville resident sat with the unattended packages to see if anyone would return within the hour. No one did, and he contacted WAFF 48 News.

Jim said:

“I mean this is an ethical dilemma at this point. Somebody just had total faith that nothing would happen to those packages up here. Thank you for thinking that way of the residents up here. But it only takes one person to take all of those. I just don’t understand what would be going through a driver’s mind to just unload them and leave them unprotected.”

Jim also said: 

“It’s almost unfathomable at this point. But you see it all the time, porch pirates,” He said concerned. “At this point they would have had early Christmas if they’d have pulled into this parking lot.”

The UPS spokesperson said, "Thank you for bringing this to our attention. UPS takes the security of customers' packages very seriously and we're looking into the situation." 

Have you ever experienced an issue with UPS or delayed delivery on a package?

Source: WAFF 48 News

An Alabama Man Got Stuck in a Decorative Urn at a Mountain Brook New Year's Eve Party. How Does This Happen?

In January, an Alabama man got stuck in a decorative urn at a New Year's Eve (NYE) party in Mountain Brook, shouting "I'm stuck!" People at the party try to assure him, "We'll get you out!" and a man ends up eventually chiseling the frustrated man out.

Connor Padgett; credit: AL.com

It's probably best not to show others how you can fit into expensive decorative vases/urns at parties serving alcohol.

An Alabama man learns this the hard way.

Alabama Man 'Got Stuck in a Decorative Urn' at a NYE Party in Mountain Brook

AL.com reported that Connor Padgett from Birmingham got himself in and couldn't get himself out of a decorative urn at a New Year's Eve (NYE) party in Mountain Brook, AL.

*Mountain Brook is a city in southeastern Jefferson County and a suburb of Birmingham.

At the party, Connor Padgett was heard screaming, "Call the fire department to break this mother [expletive]” as he took his belt off inside the urn and it still didn't give him the wiggle room necessary to slide out.

Onlookers try to give him advice on how to get out, but it doesn't help calm Connor inside the urn.

He yells in frustration, "I'm doing everything I [expletive] can."

Kristi Yamagucciman posted a video of the incident on X.com (formerly Twitter) on 7 January 2024.

The video (seen below) was viewed over 5 million times.

A man with a hammer starts working on the decorative urn, cracking on it with a hammer. The crowd cheers.

A witness saw Connor "up and moving around without his pants on." Connor wanted a cigarette and was seen drinking a double Makers on the rocks alone in the corner of the yard after the ordeal.

The big question is, "Did his pants survive?" Connor shares the answer to that in an update on Monday.

Connor Padgett Update on Monday, January 8, 2024

Connor was very grateful to the man who chiseled him out of the urn, and Connor was able to walk away from the party.

Connor posted the image below to X.com (formerly Twitter) on 8 January 2024.

Kristi Yamagucciman posted an update on X.com (formerly Twitter). The photo shows Connor holding up a white sign and apparently wearing the same pants that he was wearing on the night of the party.

The sign reads:

I AM THE REAL CONNOR PADGETT. YES, I WAS THE GUY STUCK IN THE VASE. YES, THESE ARE THE SAME PANTS. - CONNOR

That picture can be seen below.

Thoughts

Now it is time for the reader to share your thoughts on this story.

• Have you ever been to a party where things got out of hand?
• What would you have done if you saw someone stuck in an urn?

Please share this article on social media so others can be informed about this story.

Sources

Connor Padgett on X.com (formerly Twitter): @conniep_

Kristi Yamagucciman on X.com (formerly Twitter): @TheWapplehouse

Koplowitz, Howard. "Man stuck in urn at Mountain Brook party loses pants, breaks expensive vase and Alabama Internet." AL.com. 8 January 2024.

Original story posted here: 

"AL Man Gets Stuck Inside an Urn at a Mountain Brook Party. They have to Shatter the Urn to Free Him"

Jersey Mikes Subs Free Printable Coupons & 2024 Promo Codes for Huntsville Alabama Whitesburg Drive Location

Would you love to have Jersey Mike's coupons for the Whitesburg Drive location in Huntsville, AL?

Jersey Mike's printable coupons

January/February 2024 Jersey Mike's Printable Coupons

If you are looking for a Jersey Mike's Subs printable coupons for 2024, look no further. The January/February 2024 printable coupons are valid through 2/11/24. 

You can see that the coupons for the latest Jersey Mike's January/February 2024 printable coupons are for:

• Buy a Regular Sub, and Get a 2nd Regular Sub Free!, Promo code: HUNTSVILLE18
• $2.00 Off Regular or Giant Sub, Promo code: HUNTSVILLE152 
• 25% Off Your Order, Promo code: HUNTSVILLE28 
• Free Chip & Drink *with purchase of any size Sub, Promo code: HUNTSVILLE5 

January & February 2024 are great months to enjoy a hot Sub from Jersey Mike's Subs at Whitesburg Drive location in Huntsville, AL.

This is also available to download in .pdf here.

Jersey Mike's Printable Coupon is only Valid for Whitesburg Drive in Huntsville, AL

You cannot redeem this coupon after it expires because Jersey Mike's Subs removes the old code for the printable coupon in their online database for the store registers after the cut-off date.

Jersey Mike's Subs makes awesome subs. They will always ask you if you want it Mike's way. Mike's way is adding the following ingredients to your sub (generally applicable to cold subs): lettuce, onions, tomatoes, oil, vinegar, and spices.

Jersey Mike's makes one of the best Philly Cheese Steak subs with Chipotle Mayo, but don't worry, the Chipotle Mayo is not hot, it just adds to the flavor. Under hot subs, the Chipotle Cheese Steak is #43 on the menu.

A Tip When Ordering the Chipotle Cheese Steak... 

Now, if they wrap your Chipotle Cheese Steak sub in aluminum foil before handing it to you, be sure to eat it soon. The juices from the sub will make your Chipotle Cheese Steak soggy if you take your wrapped sub anywhere to eat it (i.e. such as taking it back to work).

When Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast in October 2012, Jersey Mike's computer system was temporarily down, because Jersey Mike's headquarters is located in the state of New Jersey. Fortunately, Jersey Mike's was able to keep going through the Hurricane Sandy tragedy. They are dedicated to serving customers.

In My Opinion...

I think Jersey Mike's should provide other side options besides just chips because I can't complain about their delicious sub sandwiches. Some people would like to eat healthier, and I think introducing other sides, like potato salad, would be popular for Jersey Mike's Subs.

It was great when Jersey Mike's took the money from one day's sales and donated all of it to a local charity. That was really a class act for Jersey Mike's to do that. They do "A Day of Giving" every year.

I have always wanted to try the Grilled Pastrami Reuben, #20 on the hot subs menu, but I can't get myself to order anything other than the Chipotle Cheese Steak sub, because it is that good!

What is your favorite sandwich at Jersey Mike's Subs?