Good morning, Gainesville.

Seven Hall County nonprofits shared $57,440 in grants from the Jackson EMC Foundation, including Acceptance Recovery Center, Connectability, Glory Hope and Life, the Ark Family Preservation Center, Freedom Path Counseling, United Way of Hall County and Wellroot Family Service, with the board approving a total of $80,565 in grants.

Elaine Sexton (76) was Hall County’s first 911 Communications Director who served with Gainesville PD and Hall County Fire Dispatch; funeral services were held Wednesday, Apr.

29 at 1:00 p.m. at Lakewood Baptist Church in Gainesville.

Gainesville will host the Blue Sky Concert Series in Downtown Square each Wednesday in May from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Free parking and nearby vendor options are available and attendees may bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets + coolers, but glass and alcohol are not allowed.

Brenau University and Athens Technical College signed agreements to let associate degree students move into bachelor’s programs at Brenau (nursing and health information management graduates can follow easy paths) to help ease the nursing shortage.

The Hall County School District announced new learning commons at West Hall Middle, Flowery Branch, Sugar Hill, and Martin Elementary schools thanks to a $100,000 donation from the Melvin Douglas - Victoria Kay Ivester Foundation.

A ceremony was held at the Mary Jane Murray Learning Commons at Johnson High School.

Starting May 1, Hall County will no longer issue burn permits for residential and commercial sites due to a statewide drought alert + wildfire concerns.

The ban prohibits yard and land clearing fires until Oct. 1 but allows cooking and warming fires provided a water source is nearby.

Hall County Sheriff’s Office will begin lake patrols on Lake Lanier this Friday using a new 29-foot cabin rigid inflatable boat (bought with $280K asset forfeiture funds) and an older vessel as backup; two deputies will patrol until October with help from state and federal agencies.

The East Hall boys won a sudden death round against top-ranked Johnson on April 29 at Billy Ellis Memorial Stadium in Oakwood — penalty kicks and two overtime periods decided the match.

North Hall's Branson Crawford was named Region 6-3A Player of the Year after pitching against Lumpkin County on March 26 in Gainesville.

The honor recognizes his standout season — a key moment for local baseball.

Fifth-ranked Red Elephants upset second-ranked Gladiators with a late burst to move into the quarterfinals, while the Chestatee boys lost in the second round at Islands.

Johnson High's Lady Knights, the No. 20 seed team, are headed to the Class 3A state quarterfinals and will play a home game amid this historic season.

First Friday Concert Series

7-10 p.m. — Main Street Gainesville — Free entry — Enjoy live music in the historic setting of Downtown Gainesville's Square each first Friday of the month.

Foodees Fest at Lakeshore Mall

1 PM - 7 PM — Lakeshore Mall — Free entry — Enjoy a weekend filled with delicious food, unique crafts, and family fun at this community festival.

Artist Showcase Reception – Gallery on the Square

5-7 p.m. — Main Street Market — Free entry — Discover the vibrant artistry from 13 local talents showcasing oils, acrylics, pottery, and more.

BlackHawk Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Tickets required — Experience timeless hits and heartfelt storytelling from one of country music’s enduring acts.

Satisfaction - A Tribute to The Rolling Stones

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energy and timeless style of The Rolling Stones in this authentic tribute show.