Good morning, Gainesville.

Gary Michael Barnes, 42, was arrested Tuesday at his business on Gillsville Highway for allegedly stealing jewelry, two wallets, and credit cards from an unlocked vehicle on the night of July 2—investigators linked him to a fuel purchase and set his bond at $11,400.

The Gainesville and Hall County school systems will introduce new policies for the 2025-2026 school year that ban cellphones and bring back cursive lessons.

Officials say students, parents & teachers are preparing for these changes.

Hall County School District announced new + returning administrators who will lead local schools in the upcoming school year.

The district shared the leadership changes at the Central Office on Feb. 26.

NGHS is set to build the region’s first freestanding hospice house after physicians in the Downey Society pledged $100,000 for the project.

The 16-bed facility—named in honor of donors Chuck and Diane Stephens—will include a chapel and green space off Thompson Bridge Road in Gainesville, with groundbreaking planned later this summer.

Northeast Georgia Health System will begin work on its new Chuck and Diane Stephens Hospice House, which will feature a chapel, spaces for family gatherings and indoor green space—projected to open in late 2026.

Lakeview Academy's football team ended a record 9-win season with a playoff loss and is gearing up for the fall campaign.

Coach Lee Coleman said the team, which has 25 players — mostly freshmen and sophomores — is working to build a strong offense with quarterback Kyari Burch and senior NeSean Dorsey to contend for the region and state championships.

The Johnson Knights football team has a new head coach as Donavon Odom took over for William Harrell after a rough 2024 season—he expects the team to better handle a Region 6-3A schedule.

The team began summer practice and aims to rebuild its defense after giving up 600 points last year.

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.

Circus Delman

7:30-9 p.m. — Lakeshore Mall — Tickets from $90 — Experience the thrill and wonder of the circus right in Gainesville.

A Night to Remember All White Party

7:30-10 p.m. — Gainesville Civic Center — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of sophisticated fun with live performances by The N3D Band and Primetime Smooth Jazz Band.