Good morning, Gainesville.

Kroger has completed $1.5 million in renovations at its Marketplace store in Gainesville and will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, July 31 to showcase the updates.

A small film crew will film on Saturday in the downtown square near Occasions Florist on Washington Street from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Sidewalks will be closed at key corners, but officials say normal operations will continue.

Johnny Vardeman's column explains how Talmo’s McEver Packing once thrived and left a lasting legacy that still inspires local businesses in North Georgia.

Gainesville City Schools and Hall County Schools announced free and reduced lunch policies for the 2026-27 school year (pricing details were also released) to help families plan for the coming fall.

On Friday, July 24, a 200-year flood overwhelmed a treatment plant in Gainesville and caused nearly 6 million gallons of wastewater to spill, which killed fish in Flat Creek; local officials investigated the damage.

Three NGHS employees received over $45,000 in grant funding this year to launch projects that improve patient, visitor and employee experiences.

The approved projects include a new peer support role at Laurelwood Behavioral Health, an outdoor sports rehabilitation space in Gainesville, and safe drug-disposal receptacles at every medical center.

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.

The Brook and The Bluff Concert

8-10 p.m. — Smithgall Arts Center — $35 individual, $40 table of eight — Experience the captivating sounds of The Brook & The Bluff as they promote their new album.