Good morning, Gainesville.

Gainesville singer Peyton Kyle advanced past the blind audition on The Voice season premiere on Monday, Sept.

22. He nearly missed his chance to perform—his local gigs helped him secure his spot on stage.

Magical Nights of Lights returns to Lanier Islands—reviving the beloved holiday display after a five-year break.

Organizers will offer the festive event for local residents and visitors.

In August, Hall County’s unemployment rate held at 3%—down from 3.5% a year ago—as the labor force grew by 7 to 108,930 and 105,660 residents were employed, which is 27 more than last month but 337 fewer than a year ago.

The county had 108,700 jobs, up 500 from last month and 200 less than a year ago, and the regional jobless rate was 3.2%—a drop from 3.8% a year ago.

Groundbreaking is planned for October 8 at 1:30 at the East Hall Community Center for the new East Hall Library that will add about 9,300 square feet to offer thousands of books, high-speed internet, public computers, a makerspace, a podcast studio, a library of things, study rooms, kids and teen areas, and a wraparound porch. The project has a $4.7 million budget (with $3 million from a state grant and $1.7 million from the SPLOST program) and is expected to be completed in late fall 2026.

Construction began on the flyover bridge at Lanier Tech College Hall County campus on September 25th.

The two-year project will improve campus access and students are advised to travel carefully—using designated routes and following safety guidelines.

One year after Hurricane Helene, the U.S. Forest Service reported that the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest has been largely repaired by restoring roads, trails and key facilities—efforts that have improved community access and safety.

The agency partnered with local groups to rebuild critical infrastructure and preserve natural resources.

Drought conditions worsened in Georgia last week, leaving 95% of the state dry and only parts of seven coastal counties and a small section of Towns County drought-free — the U.S. Drought Monitor data collected before rain on Wednesday shows most areas are abnormally dry with increasing moderate and severe conditions.

A foster care seminar will be held Saturday from 10:00-2:00 at The Element Church on Pine Valley Road in Gainesville, where international expert Dr. John DeGarmo (a TEDx presenter who has fostered over 60 children) will lead free sessions on trauma-informed care and feature State Sens. Drew Echols and Bo Hatchett to build support as Georgia’s foster care system faces changes.

Latino Fest Gainesville

3-9 p.m. — Midland Greenway — Free entry — Celebrate Latin American culture with live music, delicious food, and vibrant performances.

GRITS 2025 — GeorgiaFIRST Robotics

5 PM – 5 PM — Riverside Preparatory Academy — Registration required — Compete in the exciting off-season robotics tournament and showcase.

Larry Fleet Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy the soulful sounds of Tennessee-born troubadour Larry Fleet inspired by legendary artists.

The Sinatra Experience with Rian Davis & Chairmen of Swing Orchestra

7:30-9 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Tickets available — Experience a breathtaking tribute to 'Sinatra at the Sands' by Rian Davis and the Chairmen of Swing Orchestra.

Micky and The Motorcars Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartfelt tunes from the Braun brothers, steeped in family musical tradition.

The Classic Rock Experience

7:30-10:00 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Cost info not provided — Experience a live theatrical production showcasing the greatest classic rock anthems of the 70s inspired by legends like Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.

Tracy Lawrence Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Tickets available — Enjoy the iconic sounds of Tracy Lawrence with hits like 'Paint Me A Birmingham' and 'Time Marches On'.

Charles Esten Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of loose, rough-cut country music from global entertainer Charles Esten.

Iam Tongi Live Concert

7-9 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices vary — Experience Iam Tongi's soulful voice in an unforgettable live performance.

2025 Gainesville Chicken Festival

11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Lake Lanier Olympic Park — Admission details not specified — Experience Georgia's Official Chicken Cook-Off with BBQ teams, live music, and fun for kids.