Good morning, Gainesville.

The family of shooting victim James David Barron filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Suzanne Mericle in Hall County Superior Court, accusing her of shooting him on March 8 in their shared home during their relationship and seeking damages for the loss of his life while she faces charges including felony murder and assault under the Family Violence Act.

Three theft suspects have been taken into custody following a mid-afternoon manhunt by four law enforcement agencies near Spout Springs and Hog Mountain roads—transported to Hall County Jail.

Two UNG students curated the first north Georgia art exhibition from the Permanent Collection at the Library Technology Center on the Dahlonega campus, installing more than 40 works during spring break that tell the story of the region's art (including pieces from a late Gainesville couple's collection). The exhibit offers a behind-the-scenes look at art curation and builds valuable creative skills for the students.

Spring is here as the first weekend brings many community events including a pet expo on Gainesville Square with pet adoptions and contests starting at 10 a.m. today—volunteer cleanups, boat races, dance festivals and concerts are also planned across the region through Sunday.

Hall County Chief Appraiser Steve Watson was asked to resign in November by Commissioner Gregg Poole and former Chairman Richard Higgins, according to a letter obtained by The Times.

County officials are now reviewing the leadership role to decide on a replacement.

White Sulphur Road will close temporarily in April for a project—aimed to ease inland port congestion—that will force motorists to navigate a detour.

Officials expect the realignment to help reduce traffic as planning for the inland port moves forward.

Friday's regional high school soccer games saw eight of ten contests in northern Georgia with key battles for first place—Buford girls traveled to Mill Creek, Jefferson faced Oconee County at Memorial Stadium, and Gainesville hosted Johns Creek to vie for a top position.

Thursday upsets in key high school baseball matchups heated the region races, and Friday saw 13 games that shifted playoff positioning—Dawson County and Banks County led their divisions while a tie between Cherokee Bluff and Jefferson set up a three-game series next week.

Living Your Best Life after 55 Symposium

9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Lake Lanier Olympic Park | Inquire for details | Explore inspiring discussions on living well after 55.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds Concert

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ages 14+ — Experience the powerful sound of The Fabulous Thunderbirds, an iconic American band with over 30 years of history.

Brenau University Community Concert

7-11 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Support a good cause — Enjoy a night of R&B and soul music from talented local artists.

Yonder Mountain String Band Live

8-9:30 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices vary — Experience the dynamic bluegrass and indie rock sounds of Yonder Mountain String Band as they debut new music from their latest album.

Book Tote DIY Painting Session

4-6 p.m. — Hall County Library North Hall Technology Center — $9.74 — Unleash your creativity by painting a unique tote bag for your reading collection.

2025 Happy Hippy Llama Show

April 11-13 — Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center — Entry Deadline April 1st — Experience a vibrant llama show featuring multiple judges and competitive points.

Downforce Race Battles

4-10 p.m. — Caffeine and Octane's Lanier Raceway — Ticketed event — Experience thrilling grudge match racing in a vibrant car culture atmosphere.

Flowery Branch Spring Festival

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Flowery Branch Amphitheater — Free entry — Enjoy a day of fun with food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities.