Good morning, Gainesville.

Preston Fuqua of Gainesville won $10,000 on his wife’s birthday when he played a Georgia Lottery scratcher on November 14 at a local Chevron — he later went to Duluth to claim his prize and showed his wife a photo of the winning check to convince her.

Downtown Gainesville streets and parking areas will close in phases—parking on Main and Bradford at 5:00 a.m., closures on Main, Bradford, Spring, and Washington at 1:00 p.m., and closures on Brenau and Green on the carriage rides route at 2:00 p.m.—in preparation for the city's Jingle Mingle holiday kickoff today.

A GoFundMe account was set up by Kylah Mize for the family of former Gainesville High quarterback DeShaun Watson after his boyhood home burned on Sunday night on Thorn Drive—two adults and four children got out safely while the fundraiser had raised $2,700 of a $10,000 goal by early Friday.

NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson’s childhood home was destroyed by fire Friday, Nov.

21—displacing seven family members.

GDOT announced that the State Transportation Board approved $24.4 million in funding through the NEVI Program to build 26 fast charging stations across the state.

The Hall County project, awarded to Silver Comet Energy (project ID 0020370), will be built between Oakwood and Rabbittown off Interstate 985 over the next five years.

Northeast Georgia Health System is the first in the state to have every hospital earn the Pediatric Readiness Designation from the Georgia Department of Public Health—this network includes NGMC Gainesville, NGMC Braselton, NGMC Barrow, NGMC Lumpkin and NGMC Habersham.

The designation means emergency departments have the child-specific supplies and trained teams needed to respond quickly to pediatric emergencies.

Northeast Georgia Health System held its annual Marketplace event from Nov.

7-9 at Lanier Technical College's Ramsey Conference Center—raising over $320,000 for Safe Kids Northeast Georgia. The record funds will support child safety programs in Hall, Lumpkin and Barrow counties—helping reduce accidental injuries among children.

Lakeview Academy boys scored with 10 players to defeat Monsignor Donovan and improve to a 2-0 record—showing strong teamwork.

Lanier Christian repeated its championship win by defeating Creekside Christian as Asher Acton and Davis Rohan scored big for the team — they defended last year's GAPPS 11-man title.

This victory solidified Lanier Christian's standing in the high school football playoffs.

On November 21, the Red Elephants won 42-0 over Brunswick in a state playoff game.

Play was halted late in the third quarter due to an altercation (sparking controversy over the win).

The Flowery Branch girls lost to East Jackson on a last-second shot — dropping their season record to 2-3.

North Hall lost a state playoff game yesterday to LaGrange because late fourth-quarter mistakes gave LaGrange the win — the loss ends their season.

No. 4 Gainesville's football team expects a tough playoff matchup as Brunswick's offense—known for its big-run and pass plays—will challenge the Red Elephants' strong defense.

The team is preparing carefully for the game scheduled in the state playoffs.

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.