Good morning, Gainesville.

Sawnee EMC was recognized for high customer satisfaction when it received an ACSI score of 94 out of 100—20 and 19 points higher than the averages for investor-owned and municipal utilities—and it serves over 177,000 customers across several counties.

Grieving families in Gainesville are reportedly targeted by scammers+ posing as workers at a local Georgia funeral home to collect personal details and funds.

On Saturday, a 45-year-old man was held on $11,200 bond in Hall County Jail after his Friday arrest for robbery by sudden snatching—another 45-year-old man was held without bond following his Friday morning arrest for fleeing, DUI, aggressive driving, aggravated assault and other charges.

Students in Gainesville public schools will return on August 5 while Hall County students start on August 1 — Gainesville expects 8,550 students and Hall County anticipates about 27,000 to 28,000, with open houses set for late July.

The districts will also manage construction projects and a temporary relocation for the World Language Academy — plans that will affect the school year.

Hall County solid waste leaders Nathan Smith and Bobby Purdum received honorary awards from the American Public Works Association Georgia Chapter at its 74th Annual Meeting on Jekyll Island, with Smith named the 2025 Solid Waste Manager of the Year and Purdum honored with the Public Service and Awareness Award for Community Involvement (recognizing their efforts to enhance waste management and promote sustainability).

Hall County Sheriff's Office updated that injured K9 Timo was diagnosed with discospondylitis — a severe spinal infection — after showing pain and paralysis on July 15.

He was treated with antibiotics, has been retired, and is being adopted by his handler’s family.

The Georgia Thunderbolts Concert

8 PM – 2 AM — Smithgall Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy high-energy performances from the acclaimed band with their latest album.

First Friday Concert Series: Mary Kate Farmer

7-10 p.m. — Gainesville Square — Free entry — Enjoy the captivating sounds of two-time Georgia Country Female Artist of the Year, Mary Kate Farmer.

Greater Vision Gospel Concert

4-10 p.m. — Ramsey Conference Center — Benefiting Saint Jude's Children's Hospital — Enjoy an evening of uplifting gospel music with the award-winning trio, Greater Vision.

Hank Williams Jr. Tribute Show

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Tickets available — Experience the ultimate tribute to Hank Williams Jr. with an energetic performance that captures the spirit of Bocephus.

GlowBand Tribute Concert

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Tickets available — Enjoy a tribute to the Eagles with classic hits from the 70s to the 90s.