Good morning, Gainesville.

The 13th annual Gainesville Community Thanksgiving will serve thousands of meals this Thanksgiving as local organizers lead a four-day drive that starts Monday—volunteers will begin work on Thanksgiving day at 4 a.m. with last year's event feeding about 2,300 meals as a benchmark.

Local retailers are preparing special deals as the holiday shopping season ramps up in Gainesville.

Shoppers are getting ready for busy weekends — stores are stocking up for increased demand.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr warned that retailers must remove 7-OH—an opioid derived from kratom that is 13 times stronger than morphine—from their shelves after five Walker County middle school students were hospitalized, and authorities have launched a criminal investigation into its sale.

Lyman Hall Elementary unveiled its new soccer-themed inclusive playground on November 14th — a facility that features wheelchair-accessible equipment, adaptive swings, and sensory-rich play elements — to let children of all abilities play and connect.

USACE warned visitors at Lake Lanier that below-normal rainfall dropped the water level to five feet below its usual winter pool—bringing hazards like shoals, tree stumps, and old roadbeds closer to the surface.

Officials said dry conditions are expected to continue, so caution on the water is advised.

Trey McPhaul was sworn in as Gainesville City Board of Education member on Monday night after narrowly winning a special election by 11 votes to replace Kris Nordholz, who resigned last June.

The local business owner and parent said he will focus on teacher support — ensuring inclusive access to learning and better school communication.

Developers have proposed a 284-acre mixed-use project on GA 365 near Gainesville that would include homes, shops, industry, and a planned data center—the first in Habersham County.

The Cook and Company of Gainesville plans to annex the property into Cornelia while the Hall County Commission will consider a separate data center proposal on O’Kelley Road south of Gainesville on December 11.

On Saturday, Chestatee girls won over Denmark when Ali Jae Bull hit a milestone — Flowery Branch and Cherokee Bluff boys also secured wins, showcasing strong local basketball action in Hall County.

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.

Christmas on Green Street 2025

3-7 p.m. — Gainesville Civic Center — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays with a festive parade featuring antique cars, floats, and live music.

Wheel of Fortune Live

7-10 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Check event page for pricing — Experience America's Game® with Wheel of Fortune LIVE! in your hometown.

USPA Tested and Open Winter Classic 2

11 a.m. – 8 p.m. — The Beast Sports Center, LLC — No refunds — Experience thrilling powerlifting competition with categories for all skill levels.