Good morning, Gainesville.

Sawnee EMC warns residents about scam calls or door visits that falsely claim unpaid energy bills and demand immediate cash or personal info (scammers often use fake promotions during high-bill seasons).

Residents should lock doors, contact their energy provider and report any suspicious activity.

The 2026 Lake Lanier Boat Show returns to Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, where families can explore new boat models and talk with local dealers (a chance to plan their next water adventure).

The event will offer interactive displays for boat enthusiasts.

Job seekers gathered for the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce annual Spring Job Fair and Career Expo on Thursday, Apr.

2 at the Gainesville Civic Center, where over 50 exhibitors and hiring managers met with local talent.

Gainesville City Schools approved a $671,000 project on Apr.

2 to replace the HVAC system at New Holland Leadership Academy. The upgrade will soon improve classroom comfort.

Gainesville’s new inland port is praised by Georgia Climate Digest for reducing 26,000 truck roundtrips by shifting freight from a 600-mile truck route to rail (easing congestion and boosting air quality).

The facility, built by the Georgia Ports Authority, is scheduled to open next month.

Recent data shows that most of northeast Georgia remains under extreme drought even after light rain on Wednesday.

The National Weather Service forecasts nearly an inch of rain this weekend + warns that dry conditions will persist, prompting officials to urge caution with campfires due to high wildfire risks.

Lake Lanier is more than five feet below its normal early-April level as the Army Corps of Engineers maintains minimal water releases for downstream needs — forecast rain may help replenish levels while shallow coves pose hazards for boaters.

Dry conditions in Georgia worsened this week as the extremely dry area expanded by 20 percent - now covering 63 percent of the state - while Lake Lanier held steady at 1066.0 on Thursday.

More than 200 residents signed a petition opposing GDOT's roundabout project for historic Green Street, voicing worries that the plan will affect local trees (37 at risk) and change its look.

Protesters plan to hang ribbons and bluebirds on Monday, April 6 to show their opposition.

Drivers near Lake Lanier will face a detour next week due to a scheduled road closure — plan to use alternate routes as advised by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Gainesville’s Quintin Mansfield, a 6-foot-7 high school basketball star, accepted a Division-I college offer after earning Honorable Mention All-County honors from The Times and boosting the Red Elephants’ season.

Bingo Loco - Early Show

5:30-11:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Check the event page for pricing — Experience a wild, interactive bingo show featuring dance-offs and exciting prizes.

Diamond Art Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Hall County Library Blackshear Place — Supplies provided — Create an abstract landscape diamond art masterpiece in a relaxed setting.

Sewing Workshop with Ana Whitfield: Zippers & Closures

12-3 p.m. — Hall County Library North Hall Technology Center — Supplies required — Learn essential sewing skills including zippers in this hands-on workshop series.

Kiss The Sky - The Jimi Hendrix RE-Experience

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Tickets from $51 — Experience the electrifying tribute to Jimi Hendrix live in Gainesville.

Paint a Watering Can DIY Workshop

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Hall County Library Blackshear Place — All materials provided — Get creative painting a mini ceramic watering can for your plants or decor.

2026 Happy Hippy Llama Show

April 17-19 — Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center — Costs vary — Experience the excitement of double ALSA and ILR-SD points at this vibrant llama show.

Iron Beast II Powerlifting Competition

11 AM – 8 PM — The Beast Sports Center, LLC — Admission details not specified — Witness exciting powerlifting feats at this regional competition.

Ricochet Live Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Tickets required — Experience classic country music from the renowned band known for their chart-topping hits and harmonies.

Southeastern Championship Bull Riding

Gates open at 6 — Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center — Ticket prices vary — Witness thrilling rodeo action at Gainesville's premier bull riding event.

USO Dance and Desserts Fundraiser

7-9 p.m. — Gainesville Civic Center — Fundraiser event — Enjoy a lively 1940s canteen featuring dancing and desserts.