Good morning, Gainesville.

The Catholic Archbishop has announced new priest assignments for Gainesville (covering local parishes) as Father Roberto Herrera will serve at St. John Paul II Mission and Father Hieu Ha will serve as chaplain at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (handling ministry for Vietnamese Catholics at St. Michael Church).

On Thursday, May 15, the United Way of Hall County and its partners walked along Green Street in Gainesville to promote mental health awareness as part of the Hall Goes Green initiative.

The campaign—supported by local groups and One Hall Health—uses green lights and signage during Mental Health Awareness Month to remind residents to use the 988 crisis line if needed.

Owner Mary Hemmer has reopened Butch's Market in a restored 1850s farmhouse at the corner of White Sulphur Road and Highway 365; the general store now sells Georgia-made candles and soaps that highlight Hall County's rich history.

A 2022 meth trafficking case involving five people ended with four receiving decades-long prison sentences and millions in fines + one case dismissed, according to court documents.

Yesterday, a coalition of Georgia lawmakers, athletic leaders and sports organizations gathered at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to urge high schools to add varsity girls flag football teams after House Resolution 347 passed.

The group—comprised of sponsors like the Atlanta Falcons and the Arthur M Blank Family Foundation—expected the move to boost the sport ahead of its planned debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics.

The Venue Jazz Orchestra Performance

8 PM — Smithgall Arts Center — Check for ticket prices — Experience the energetic sounds of a modern big band featuring top local musicians.

Ultimate Music Wave Festival

4:45-10:30 p.m. — Smithgall Arts Center — Tickets available — Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of 'Sittin at a Bar' with live performances from Rehab and Mickey Avalon.

Midland Music Fest

5-10 p.m. — Midland Greenway — Free entry — Experience a vibrant evening filled with music and community fun at the Midland Music Fest.

Forge Your Own Path: Tiger TTRPG Camp

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Brenau Trustee Library — $250 with early bird rate — Unleash creativity in a camp that blends storytelling and tabletop role-playing games.

USPA The Iron Beast Powerlifting Meet

All day — The Beast Sports Center, LLC — Registration required — Compete in various lifting categories and aim for the best lifter award in this prestigious powerlifting event.

Diamond Art Painting Workshop

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Hall County Library Blackshear Place — $5 supply fee — Create beautiful diamond artwork in a relaxed environment.

Movies Under the Stars

7-10 p.m. — Braselton Town Green — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars while dining from local restaurants.