Dustin Awtrey Agency

Happy Monday!! 😀 IT'S NATIONAL BACK TO SCHOOL MONTH!!🚌🛑
Creator | C. Knighten

With chidren of all ages heading back-to-school on August 18th in Morgan County....we wanted to share this information as an important reminder for every parent, bus driver and teenager, be aware of your surroundings!!

While National Back to School Month is about everyone heading back-to-school for the 2026-2027 academic year......there has never been a more important time to ensure that your teenager is aware and following every road sign and 'zone' sign!

🟥WHAT DISTRACTS YOUNG DRIVERS?
🔺PASSENGERS: Loud and unruly behavior inside the vehicle can easily distract a young driver.
🔺MOBILE PHONES: While syncing your phone to the vehicle you are driving offers 'hands free' management, it is still safer to pull over and talk than trying to manage the car and the conversation. NEVER text while driving....ever!
🔺MANAGING CONTROLS: Parents, ensure that you have helped familiarize your teen drivers with every button, k**b, radio and the entire navigation system.

🟥RISK FACTORS AND TIME WINDOWS:
🔺AFTER SCHOOL HOURS:
More than 25% (or 1 in 4) of fatal crashes involving teen drivers happen during the afternoon window between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
🔺NEW DRIVER VULNERABILITY:
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, new teen drivers are 50% more likely to crash in their first month with a license compared to after a full year of experience.
🔺EARLY START IMPACT:
Studies link early morning school start times with higher crash rates due to adolescent circadian rhythm shifts and sleep deprivation.

No matter who you are......including every driver who passes through a 'school zone' be aware, stay focused and practice patience as the new school year starts!

We wish you a great day and if you are looking for a second opinion on your insurance coverage....we are always happy to help!😀

Happy Friday!! 😃 SOMETIMES YOU GOTTA LAUGH!!😂
Creator | C. Knighten | Sozo Digital Media
Source | Star Trek Jokes

We often bring you a punny from Star Trek Jokes to brighten your day and help your Friday move a little faster! Not to mention that Dustin is quite the fan of a great 'Dad Joke".....which typically is the arena of comedy that these fall into!

I truly enjoyed this one, because it reminds me of one of my favorite Bugs Bunny cartoons, with Toro the Bull!!🐃 There are only 3 Looney Tunes cartoons that featured Toro the Bull, and my favorite was "Bully for Bugs'!

As usual, he took that wrong turn in Albuquerque and ends up in the middle of a bull ring in Mexico City......where he ends up sailing over the arena walls into the nearby countryside.....only to declare that this "means war"!!

Truthfully he might have been okay if the chicken-hearted matador had decided to stay in the arena and fight the bull.....but he doesn't and leaves Bugs as the next viable target. This is where Bugs coins the phrase "Gulli-bull?! And, apparently, the matador had already figured out his exit strategy.....and Avoided-Abull!! 😅🤣

We wish you a great Friday and a wonderful weekend!!😀And remember, if you need a second opinion on your homeowners, auto or business coverage, we are always happy to help!! 🤓

Happy Wednesday!! 😀 IT'S INTERNATIONAL TIGER DAY!!
Creator | C. Knighten | Sozo Digital Media

Today we rally around the world's largest big cats! We are highlighting this day to bring urgent awareness to the need for tiger conservation and habitat preservation. Let's discover some great ways to get involved!

GREAT FOUNDATIONS TO CONSIDER:
🐅WWF (World Wildlife Fund)
Founded in 1961, WWF is one of the world's largest conservation organizations, working in over 100 countries. FOCUS: Leading force in tiger conservation, anti-poaching, habitat protection, and reducing human-wildlife conflict across tiger range countries.
🐅Panthera
Established in 2006, Panthera is the only organization in the world devoted exclusively to the conservation of the world's 40 wild cat species. FOCUS: Working to increase tiger numbers by at least 50% over a 10-year period in key sites.
🐅Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
Founded in 1895, the WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. FOCUS: Managing tiger conservation landscapes across Asia, conducting research and implementing on-the-ground protection efforts.
🐅Discovery Channel
Launched in 1985, Discovery Channel is a global leader in factual entertainment, known for its wildlife documentaries. FOCUS: Raising public awareness for tiger conservation.
🐅National Geographic
Since its founding in 1888, National Geographic has been a pioneer in exploration and storytelling, bringing the wonders of the natural world to millions. FOCUS: Sharing extensive coverage of tigers, through photography, articles, and films.

A couple of other great organizations include:
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), originally established in 1948. And the other isThe North Face, founded in 1966. They have partnered with organizations like the WWF on initiatives such as the 'Future of Forests' project.

From supporting anti-poaching efforts to advocating for protected areas, and helping to secure a future where tigers can thrive.....there are several options you can choose to participate in.

We wish you a great day!!😀

Happy Monday!! 😀 WEDNESDAY IS NATIONAL CHICKEN 🐔WING DAY!!
Creator | C. Knighten | Sozo Digital Media, LLC

Each year we get to celebrate those delectable, sometimes hotter than lava🔥, finger-lickin',perfect for every sporting event.....chicken wings!! Each year on July 29th we get chow down on some special offers from local restaurants!!

Honestly, as the Number One all-time Super Bowl fan favorite....chicken wings don't need an introduction......they simply need consuming!😋

GREAT PLACES IN HUNTSVILLE TO DEVOUR CHICKEN WINGS!
🏪JEFFERSON'S: (Huntsville & Owens Cross Roads):
BOGO deal on traditional or boneless wings (limit 10 traditional or 12 boneless) during operating hours on July 29th....with a caveat! You must bring a dollar bill....and get creative!! To enjoy their BOGO, you will need to decorate and donate your dollar bill for display!
🏪BUFFALO WILD WINGS: Offering a free order of bone-in or boneless wings with a food purchase of $15 or more.
🏪BONCHON: Online and in-app customers can get 5 wings for $5
🏪WINGSTOP: Offering 5 free wings with any purchase via their app or website using a special promo code.

While they are often called 'hot wings' and typically served with ranch or bleu cheese dressing....the truth is.......there are so many options for you to have them your way!

GREAT WAYS TO CELEBRATE 🎉 NATIONAL CHICKEN WING DAY!
🐔SUPPORT LOCAL!
Whether it's a chain or not, go support them.....every employee there lives here....let's spread the love!!
🐔SHARE YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE!
Do you have a great wing recipe, hot or otherwise share it with the rest of the world!
🐔HAVE A PARTY!
Having a great recipe is awesome, but there is nothing like gathering your freinds and chowing down some incredible wings!!

Have a great day and plan a party with your family or friends...or both!! 😀

Happy Wednesday!! 😀ALABAMA HOMEOWNERS 2026 UPDATE!🏘️
Creator | C. Knighten

Over the last couple of years, major insurance providers have been updating their policies and what coverages look like. Major storms, hurricanes and flooding have caused several providers to pull out of some states, while imcreasing costs for others.....this includes Alabama.

Homeowners here are facing increases due to extreme weather, rising construction costs, and localized severe storms. A critical summer issue is policy non-renewal, forcing many to seek coverage through private insurers or, as a last resort...use the state's Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan.

KEY CHALLENGES FOR ALABAMA HOMEOWNERS TO CONSIDER!
⛈️SEVERE WEATHER GAPS:
While most standard policies cover tornadoes🌪️and wind damage💨, very few of them cover flash floods🌊 or sewer 🚽backups. Situations like these require separate policies or endorsements.
🏖️VACANCY EXCLUSIONS:
You should be aware that summer vacations or leaving your home empty for an extended time, can trigger "vacancy clauses" if your house is left unattended for 30 to 60 days. If no one is checking on your home consistemtly, this can result in a claim denial, leaving you holding the bag.
🪟DISCOUNTS FOR UPGRADES:
Insurers are legally required to offer discounts if homes are retrofitted to standards like the FORTIFIED Home Program", which can reduce your wind premiums by 20% to 50%.

There are advantages and disadvantages to the changes that have been taking place in the insurance industry over the last few years. However, the key...is actually understanding the policy you have and whether there are major coverage gaps!!

If you are uncertain about your protection and woud like some peace of mind, we are always happy to reveiw your policy and offer our professional advice.

We hope you have a great day and look forward to hearing from you!! 😀

Happy Monday!! 😀 IT'S NATIONAL MOON🌙 DAY!!
Ceator | C. Knighten | Sozo Digital Media, LLC

Space travel was first envisioned by a scientist in 1903! No, he was not an American. In fact, it was Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, a Russian scientist and mathematician. who established the theoretical foundation for human spaceflight and rocketry🚀, publishing calculations proving that rockets could achieve the escape velocity needed to enter orbit. 🪐

HISTORY OF MOON DAY!
👨‍🦰PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY | 1961
On May 25th, President Kennedy, initiated the beginning of NASA's Apollo space program, alonog with his plan to see an American on the Moon by the end of the decade.
📺TV REVOLUTION | 1964
NASA's unmanned proobe, Ranger 7, shared the first images Americans witnessed of the moon's crated surface!
🚀APOLLO 8 |1968
Americans watched in awe as Apolllo 8 , our first manned flight, circled the moon 10 times.
🧑‍🚀LANDING ON THE MOON |1969
The worldwatched breathlessly as Apollo 11's three-man crew, becomes the first humans to step onto the Moon's surface.
😪THE END OF AN ERA | 1972
NASA shuts down its Apollo program with a final manned landing, Apollo 17.
🪐ON A PLANET NEAR YOU | 2020
Currently, there are two 'rovers' exploring the Red planet.....Perseverance and Curiosity. They are both searching for microbial life, and environmental changes roughly 2300 miles apart.

GREAT WAYS TO CELEBRATE MOON DAY!
🪐VISIT YOUR LOCAL PLANETARIUMS!
Here in Huntsville, the Rocket City, we have two planetariums to choose from:
Intuitive Planetarium and Werner Von Braun Planetarium. Both offer various educational programs!
💫GET INVOLVED!
We have two Astronomical Societies in North Alabama:
Von Braun Astronomical Society (VBAS), here in Huntsville, and the Shoals Astrnomy Club, which is affiliated with the Univeristy of North Alabama.
🌙PLAN FOR.....
🌚 Total Lunar Eclipse, August 12th. Best viewed across North America and Canada, the Arctic, eastern Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain.
🌗Partial Lunar Eclipse, August 27 & 28, visible from both South and North America, as well as, parts of Europe, Africa and western Asia.

Have a great day, North Alabama!!😀

Happy Friday!! 😃 SOMETIMES YOU GOTTA LAUGH!!😂
Creator | C. Knighten | Sozo Digital Media
Source | Vince The Sign Guy-Real

We have arrived here today to bring you another great punny from Vince The Sign Guy-Real. I love them because they rank right in their with Dad Jokes.....they are punny, silly plays on words that are clean enough for your kids and grandkids!!

Today's play on words should remind us all, that while DIY projects are typically easy updates, putting "Safety First' should be your first focus when you choose to change out your ceiling fans at home!

4 STEP SAFETY CHECK LIST FOR CEILING FAN INSTALLATION:
⚡️CUT THE POWER:
Always shut it off your power at the main breaker box. Shutting off the the wall switch is not safe enough!
🔌TEST THE WIRES:
Always use a voltage tester to ensure the lines are truly dead....especially before you touch them!
🎚️CHECK THE BOX:
Ensure your junction box is explicitly "fan-rated" and braced to a joist.
📲PHONE A FRIEND: Have a buddy hold the heavy motor housing while you're on the ladder.

Depending on the location of the fan you are replacing or installing, having an extra set of spare hands is always a wise move!! Another quick note....be sure to check the manufacturers box for safety recommendations, especially if you are putting up an ceiling fan on your porch or patio.....it should be rated for outdoor installation!

We wish you a great Friday and wonderful weekend!😀

Happy Wednesday!! 😀 BACK-TO-SCHOOL🏫 TAX FREE WEEKEND AHEAD!!💵
Creator | C. Knighten | Sozo Digital Media, LLC

While it seems like summer vaction just started, school age chldren in Morgan County will head back to school on August 18th. This is 10 days later than last year, giving kids an additional 6 days as compared to last years' schedule.
For parents however, there are combinations of tasks that must be completed before your children can attend school.

PARENTS ESSENTIAL TO-DO-LIST:
💻💉ONLINE REGISTRATION:
Update your information using the Morgan County Schools Online Registration Portal.
💉IMMUNIZATION RECORDS:
Ensure your child has an up-to-date Alabama Certificate of Immunization (your Blue Card). If your child is entering Pre-K, Kindergarten, or the 7th/12th grades, contact your pediatrician or local health department to get these shots completed and the paperwork updated.
⚡️PROOF OF RESIDENCY:
Gather two accepted documents of your address, such as a current power bill, water bill, or a signed lease agreement.
📃BIRTH CERTIFICATE:
Bring a certified copy of your child's birth certificate if you are a new student to the district
👩‍⚖️CUSTODAY DOCUMENTATION: Bring any court-ordered custodial paperwork if applicable.

GREAT TIME FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL ESSENTIALS!
This coming weekend is Morgan County's "Tax Free Weekend"! From 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 17th, through midnight on Sunday, July 19th, there will be 3 days for parents to save!! Local municipalities, like Hartselle and Decatur, are participating!

ITEMS THAT QUALIFY INCLUDE;
👖CLOTHING: $156 or less per item.
✏️SCHOOL SUPPLIES: $78 or less per item.
📚BOOKS: $47 or less per book.
💾COMPUTERS AND SOFTWARE: Single purchases of $1,173 or less.

It is recommended that you review the details prior to shopping to ensure you understand the details and exemptions: tiny.cc/2026TaxFreeWeekend