Good morning, Gainesville.

The Lake Lanier Association donated 150 life jackets to the life jacket loaner program on Lake Lanier to boost water safety for local families.

In Hall County, two women pulled over after hearing kitten meows and rescued three kittens from a car engine.

A School Resource Officer helped retrieve the kittens & ensure they were safe.

Former Hall County Administrator Zach Propes stepped into a new private sector leadership role at a Gainesville insurance firm on Wednesday, Nov.

19.

In May, Hall County reported a 2.6% unemployment rate, up three-tenths from April, as the labor force grew by 215 this month and 1,815 over the year.

The county had 108,702 employed residents, a slight drop from last month yet an increase from last year's figures.

Drought conditions improved in several counties while severe dryness remains in the northeast mountains and Hall County; Lake Lanier stays at 1066.7 and the weather service warns a 7 — 10 day stretch of scarce rain and high heat is ahead.

The Hall County Commission voted by a margin of 3 to 2 Thursday night to reject a rezoning request for property at Jim Hood and Highland roads, blocking plans for a 56 lot single family subdivision in North Hall.

On Wednesday, Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton hosted area media for a tour of its soon-to-open expanded emergency department at its Braselton campus (highlighting new patient care features).

North Hall quarterback Alex Schlieman, named The Times' Football Player of the Year for 2025, threw over 3,300 yards last season & now draws significant college recruiting attention.

Dot Art Workshop

1-3 p.m. — Hall County Library Downtown — $10 Supply fee — Unleash creativity in a fun dot art experience for adults 18 and up.

Storybook & Sensory Bin Experience

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville — Free entry — Dive into storytelling and sensory exploration for little ones in a lush garden setting.

Flag Painting Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Hall County Library Downtown — Free entry — Celebrate America creatively at this Americana-style flag painting workshop with refreshments.

Dueling Pianos with The Andrews Brothers

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — VIP packages available — Enjoy a lively night of dueling pianos featuring The Andrews Brothers.

62nd Annual Independence Day Celebration

— Time not specified — Laurel Park — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with family-friendly festivities at Hall County's annual event.

Syfan Supports 5K and Fun Run

5-9 p.m. — Midland Greenway — Registration fees apply — Enjoy a community 5K with options for runners of all ages and abilities.

Eggy Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Smithgall Arts Center — Price TBA — Experience the modern jam band vibe with rich songwriting and improvisation from the Connecticut-based quartet.

Summer Clay Camp

Mon-Fri, Jul 20-24 — Quinlan Visual Arts Center — Pricing available upon inquiry — A creative space for all skill levels to explore working with clay.

Tracy Byrd Live Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Check venue for ticket prices — Don’t miss Tracy Byrd live—classic hits, incredible voice, and unforgettable country energy await.