Gainesville
Morning News
Thursday, January 15th, 2026
Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Former Falcons star Harry Douglas will host his annual festival to support local kids and celebrate community spirit. The event will feature fun activities for families near downtown. WSB-TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Brenau University was named No. 21 on Newsweek’s inaugural list for America’s Best Colleges for Women, making it the second-highest ranked in Georgia and highlighting its special Women’s College program (co-ed since the 1970s). 97.5 Glory
- ➤ Gainesville-based NGCF opens its 2026 Scholarship Application Cycle today, offering six new or enhanced scholarships for local students and accepting online applications until March 2. 97.5 Glory
- ➤ Hall County Library was named the 2025 Georgia Public Library of the Year after its programs boosted attendance by 24% and renovations improved services (including passport and notary functions). A public reception will be held this spring to celebrate the award. AccessWDUN
- ➤ Four Hall County high schools are named to the state’s 2025 Advanced Placement Honor Roll based on May AP exam data. Chestatee, Cherokee Bluff, East Hall and Flowery Branch receive this recognition for meeting strong academic standards. 97.5 Glory
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Georgia Department of Agriculture reported its first positive bird flu case of 2026 on a Walker County commercial poultry farm and put farms within a 6.2 mile radius under quarantine. Officials depopulated and cleaned the site with 71,264 broiler breeders while testing continues for two weeks. WSB-TV
- ➤ Flu cases are rising in Georgia as vaccination rates remain among the nation's lowest, so local health providers urge Gainesville residents to get their shots soon. WSB-TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Gainesville High School forfeited its state runner-up title (and was fined) after the GHSA ruled that an ineligible player took part in the semifinal game. The team announced the decision on its Facebook page amid lingering postseason eligibility issues. FOX 5 Atlanta
- ➤ On Tuesday, Jan. 13, Chestatee girls lost to Lumpkin County in a high school basketball game in Gainesville; Lumpkin County completed its sweep + Chestatee will regroup for upcoming contests. The Gainesville Times
- ➤ Gainesville’s top-ranked Red Elephants earned their sixth win on Jan. 13 when they beat a state-ranked opponent in Johns Creek, claiming sole first place in Region 7-5A. The Gainesville Times
- ➤ Flowery Branch boys basketball team secured a decisive win against Madison County. They also defended their lead against Cherokee Bluff in the Lanierland semifinals on Dec. 22 at West Hall High in Oakwood (a detail noted on a recent scoreboard update). The Gainesville Times
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2000's Nostalgic Party
8-11 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices vary — Experience a nostalgic blast from the past at a vibrant 2000s-themed party.
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The Boss Project: Bruce Springsteen Tribute
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Tickets required — Experience a high-energy tribute to Bruce Springsteen that'll have everyone singing and dancing.
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The Play That Goes Wrong
7:30-9 p.m. — Hosch Theatre — Tickets required — Enjoy a riotous evening where nothing goes right in this comedic tribute to the chaos of live theatre.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.
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Reveal the authorAbout Gainesville Morning News
Welcome to the Gainesville Morning News, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Gainesville, Georgia community. If you like the Gainesville Morning News, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Gainesville.
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