Friday, April 4th, 2025

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Good morning, Gainesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 4th of April.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A Gainesville man, Martin Pedro, 20, arrested in October on child pornography charges was charged with over 100 new counts after investigators found extra videos and images on his devices—he remains held without bond by the Hall County Sheriff's Office. AccessWDUN
- ➤ Gainesville police arrested 40-year-old Speedy Gonzalez—yes, that is his real name—after surveillance footage linked him to over 20 thefts at several Walmart stores in north Georgia, and he now faces multiple felony shoplifting charges. FOX 5 Atlanta
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gainesville’s unemployment rate increased to 3.1 percent in February from 2.8 percent in January—labor force numbers fell by 292 to 108,588 and employed residents dropped by 602 to 105,228. Total jobs increased by 200 from January and were 800 higher than a year ago. 97.5 Glory
- ➤ The Georgia Department of Labor reported that Gainesville's unemployment rate climbed to 3.1 percent in February—up three-tenths from January—while total jobs increased by 200 from January and by 800 compared to last year. The labor force and employed residents declined slightly from the previous month. AccessWDUN
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Since last Thursday, drought conditions in Georgia increased by 7% and now affect 46% of the state, with northern Hall County and nearby counties experiencing stronger dryness. Some parts of northeast, east central and southeast central Georgia are now moderately dry while areas in west central, middle and south remain free of drought. 97.5 Glory
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Area soccer teams played their final practice matches before spring break on Thursday, April 3. In one key game, Habersham Central faced Jackson County and could clinch the title +Region 8 5A+ while another match saw Cherokee Bluff compete with Oconee County +Region 8 3A+ to decide second place in their region. AccessWDUN
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Cresswind’s Electronics Recycling Drive
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Cresswind at Lake Lanier | Clubhouse — $20 per flat-screen TV — Safely dispose of your unwanted electronics while supporting sustainability.
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Parents Workshop – The Path to College
10-11 p.m. — Brenau’s Banks Recital Hall — Free entry — Learn about the college application process and scholarship opportunities in Spanish.
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Southeastern Championship Bull Riding
6 PM — Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center — Ticket cost unknown — Experience thrilling bull riding action at this regional championship event.
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Spring Preview Day 2025
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — John S. Burd Performing Arts Center — Free entry — Explore potential opportunities at Brenau University and learn more about what they offer.
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Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy in Gainesville
10:00 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. — 3263 Tanners Mill Rd, Gainesville, GA — Ticketed event — Dive into the chilling tales of Poe while enjoying themed cocktails crafted for each story.
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