Good morning, Gainesville.

Local elections officials requested a 15-day extension to verify names on a recall petition filed against Sheriff Gerald Couch in Hall County, and the Georgia Games Powerlifting competition returns to Gainesville on Saturday at The Beast Sports Center, where competitors receive a meet t-shirt and top finishers earn medals.

Uptown Cheapskate opened its new store (on Dawsonville Highway) on Tuesday, July 7, where it buys, sells and trades clothing.

Construction has begun on Hall County’s first Dutch Bros coffee shop located off Lanier Islands Parkway in Buford.

The shop will open later this year and offer a new coffee option for local residents.

Local baker Callie Burnette opened Little Blessings Bakery’s self-serve cart on July 3 and sold out in five hours.

The new business offers homemade treats in Gainesville for community residents.

Several Gainesville organizations, including Brenau University, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier, and Southeastern Young Artists, share in $1.3 million awarded by the Georgia Council for the Arts for art education and programs statewide.

Additional grants for Vibrant Communities and Cultural Facilities will be given in fall 2026.

Holocaust survivor George Rishfeld, rescued as an infant after being thrown over a barbed-wire fence in the Vilna Ghetto, will speak later this month in Gainesville to share his historic experiences backed by Chabad of Hall County.

The University of North Georgia broke ground in Dahlonega for a 52,000 sqft STEM Excellence Center that will open in spring.

The project costs over $49 million plus state funds and a $3 million gift, part of the university's expanding effort to boost STEM education across campuses including Gainesville.

East Hall's rising senior Braydon Langston, a former Vikings standout, will transfer to a private school in Virginia, a move expected to boost his basketball career.

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.

Back in Time - Tribute Concert

8-10 p.m. — Smithgall Arts Center — $25 individual, $35 table of eight — Enjoy classic hits spanning the '50s to '80s performed by North Georgia’s premier horn and show band.