Good morning, Gainesville.

Habitat for Humanity closed its ReStore shop to focus on affordable homeownership and is building a new home in the Copper Glen subdivision—donated for 21 affordable houses.

The family of a missing hiker with Gainesville ties plans a memorial service in Dallas, Texas (date unknown) to honor his life.

Hall County Master Gardeners are hosting the Fall Garden Expo at Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center with a record number of vendors and a new traffic route; horticultural experts will lead sessions and volunteer gardeners will answer questions.

State Department of Labor figures show that first-time unemployment insurance claims in Hall County fell 49.1% in August compared to the previous month — claims statewide dropped 16.5% from last month.

Georgia lawmakers have boosted student reading programs, but new federal data shows that about one-fourth of adults still read below Level 1 (functionally illiterate).

Experts say a stronger focus on adult literacy is needed to help raise the state's average score from 260 recorded in 2017.

Drought conditions have worsened in Georgia, with only 6.5% of the state now drought-free compared to 9.8% last Thursday.

The driest areas (Hall, Rabun, Habersham, White, Lumpkin, Dawson and Forsyth) saw Lake Lanier fall another quarter-foot to 1064.9 this week.

Northeast Georgia Physicians Group launches Virtual Primary Care to offer online check-ups covered by insurance for busy patients in Gainesville and beyond.

The service, led by family doctor Asma Siddiqi, MD (with nearly two decades’ experience), lets patients skip the drive and waiting room.

The Georgia Department of Health confirms a statewide death from West Nile virus, although no cases have been reported in Gainesville.

Health officials urge residents to use EPA-registered insect repellents with DEET & eliminate standing water to reduce risk.

Matt Popovich (formerly the Assistant GM at downtown Courtyard by Marriott) was named general manager of the 99-room Residence Inn Gainesville on White Sulphur Road, set to open early next year under McKibbon Hospitality management.

Brenau University swimmer Olga Bukowska was honored with the NAIA Champions of Character Award—selected from over 230 schools—for her sportsmanship in college swimming.

The award highlights her steady effort and strong character on the pool team.

Yesterday, Cherokee Bluff high school volleyball team won against East Hall & Monroe Area, and the team will play four more regional matches this season in Gainesville.