Good morning, Gainesville.

First Citizens Bank awarded a $15,000 Community Development Grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier to support safe and inclusive programs across 23 clubs in Hall, Habersham and Forsyth counties.

The bank said the grant underscores its strong commitment to youth development and community growth.

Boot Barn Hall on Jesse Jewell Parkway in Downtown Gainesville changed its name to The Hall at Bourbon Brothers effective immediately—offering the same experiences to fans and artists.

Local business owner Trey McPhaul won the close race for the Gainesville Board of Education District 2 seat with 50.76% of the vote, beating Amy McKinney Kerr by 11 votes.

He will replace Kris Nordholz who resigned in June plus he said he plans to improve equitable access to learning opportunities by highlighting and expanding existing programs.

The Melvin Douglas and Victoria Kay Ivester Foundation donated more than $1 million to improve Lanier Technical College programs by allocating $500,000 for dual enrollment courses at select campuses + setting up the Tim McDonald Scholarship Endowment Fund with an extra $25,000 in 2026.

The Knox Martin Foundation for Brain Cancer Research in Gainesville received the William W.

Shingleton Award from Duke Cancer Institute—recognizing its commitment to funding innovative research on the aggressive brain cancer glioblastoma. President and CEO Becky Martin said the honor highlights the foundation’s ongoing dedication to clinical trials and improved patient care.

A townhome proposal in Gainesville has reemerged after Hall County’s objection lapsed — the plan now may move forward for 93 townhomes as outlined in local planning documents.

East Hall quarterback Jamarcus Harrison earned Offensive Player of the Week honors after he recorded 461 yards of total offense in a close loss to Cherokee Bluff.

He ended his prep career with a performance that landed him on The Times’ Offensive Honor Roll for Week 12.

GHSA has released proposed classifications for high school sports for the next two-year cycle—one program in Hall is planning a significant jump as the state expands back to a seven-classification model starting in the fall.

High school wrestling officials announced the Preseason All-County team that shows schools across Hall are represented by top athletes with potential to compete for a state championship in 2026.

Chestatee's Hayden Sullens (who wrestled in the finals on Feb. 1 in Gainesville) is among the featured competitors.

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.

That Arena Rock Show

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Cost varies — Experience high-energy classic rock anthems from the 70s and 80s performed live.

Turkey Trot 5K/10K/Half Marathon

7:45-11:45 a.m. — Riverside Track — Registration fee applies — A fun-filled Thanksgiving morning run for all fitness levels.