Good morning, Gainesville.

Craig Tabor finished final arrangements on Oct 23 for his soon-to-open Whistle Q barbecue restaurant in downtown Flowery Branch—he will serve meats by the pound, homemade sides, burgers and sandwiches as the delicious aroma is expected to spread soon.

Outback Steakhouse will open at the Hall-Gwinnett County line in Braselton — the new restaurant will seat up to 187 customers.

A Texas A and M Transportation Institute study found that drivers in Gainesville-Hall County lost 35 hours last year due to traffic — costing each motorist about $619.

The report noted a slight improvement from 2023's 36 hours and $638 in costs, while commuters in Atlanta lost 87 hours.

Doug Ivester, a former Coca-Cola CEO known for his work in local education, is set to deliver UGA’s fall undergraduate commencement address.

His foundation donated $25,000 each to four local schools at a dedication ceremony held Tuesday, March 18 at Lanier College and Career Academy.

More than 1,200 volunteers from over 50 groups collected 128 tons of trash—over 256,000 pounds—from Lake Lanier during the 37th Annual Shore Sweep last month, the Lake Lanier Association said.

A Celebration of life will be held Sunday for Danny Dunagan, Gainesville’s former councilman and first elected mayor who died earlier this week after resigning due to health issues.

The service will be held at Gainesville First United Methodist Church (3:00) and family will greet friends (afterwards) at the church.

In Week 11 of high school football, North Hall won their second straight 6-3A title with a win over Johnson while Jefferson moved closer to an 8-3A title with a victory at Cherokee Bluff — Gainesville lost by two points in a 7-5A match and will await playoff seeding.

Several teams are set to compete for region titles in key matchups next week.

Flat Creek Baptist Church Trunk or Treat

6-8 p.m. — Flat Creek Community Center — Free entry — Enjoy popcorn, candy, and a pumpkin carving contest at this festive event for all ages.

Drake Milligan Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Check local listings — Experience the authentic country sound of rising star Drake Milligan.

SkynFolks - Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — $15+ — Experience the authentic sounds of Lynyrd Skynyrd performed live by tribute band SkynFolks.

Bob Ross Paint Party

2-4 p.m. — Hall County Library Blackshear Place — Free participation — Create your own Bob Ross landscape painting in a relaxed, guided setting.

Dueling Pianos Friendsgiving Celebration

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — $20 — Enjoy a night of high-energy music and festive fun with the Andrews Brothers' dueling pianos show.

Rodney Atkins Live Performance

7-9:30 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening filled with heartfelt country music and stories from Rodney Atkins.

Ryan Montgomery Concert

6:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of country music with rising star Ryan Montgomery.

PiCATso Paint Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Hall County Library Downtown — $10 supply fee — Unleash your creativity with a cat-themed paint workshop in celebration of National Cat week.

Watercolor Workshop with Vicki Paulus

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Hall County Library North Hall Technology Center — $2.94 — Unleash your creativity at this engaging watercolor workshop.

The Carole King & James Taylor Story - Tribute Show

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — $ — Experience the musical journey of two legends through a critically acclaimed tribute show.