Good morning, Gainesville.

A Gainesville woman was arrested for unauthorized use of a family member’s debit card as 24-year-old Dioscelin Merlin Fernandez is accused of repeatedly using the card from March 18 until her arrest at an Oakwood hotel on April 7 — an arrest warrant for felony financial transaction card fraud was issued and she now faces a $5,700 bond.

A North Carolina man was sentenced to prison in a Hall County fentanyl trafficking case—he was fined $925K while his two co-defendants had their charges dismissed, according to court documents.

The state's GaPower50 list of influential leaders is out and names several people with close ties to Gainesville, including 9th District Congressman Andrew Clyde and Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins (as well as Georgia Poultry Federation President Mike Giles and former governor's chief strategist Chris Riley). The ranking, now in its second year (showing ongoing interest in local influence), highlights key figures shaping state policy.

Hall County will offer free tire disposal at the county landfill in Gainesville on Thursday, April 17 and Friday, April 18 (up to 10 tires that are 20 inches or less in diameter and not attached to a wheel) as a grant from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division covers costs.

Bridging Hope, a local nonprofit that provides care for survivors of assault, has received a grant to conduct strangulation exams for domestic violence victims as part of a new pilot program.

Sandra Partridge, who prosecuted strangulations since 1999, said she would have handled some past cases differently—highlighting the challenges in addressing this dangerous form of violence.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025, high school baseball teams played key regional series despite spring break as North Hall, Pickens and Greater Atlanta Christian battled for the region crown while Dawson County held a narrow lead over Lumpkin County—Cherokee Bluff tried to clinch the title by sweeping West Hall and Oconee County played its final series at Monroe Area.

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.

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.

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.

Southeastern Championship Bull Riding

6 PM — Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center — Ticket cost unknown — Experience thrilling bull riding action at this regional championship event.

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.

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.

Lanier Technical College Foundation 5K

9:30 AM – 1:30 PM — Lanier Technical College — $TBA — Participate in a lively 5K run sponsored by Kings Hawaiian to support local education.

Watering Can Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Hall County Library Blackshear Place — $4.99 — Unleash your creativity by painting a charming spring watering can.