Good morning, Gainesville.

Kelly Anne Miles (a respected community advocate and family law attorney) was named the 2026 Gainesville Woman of Distinction by Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia.

She will be honored at a luncheon on March 11, 2026.

Hop's Restaurant in Gainesville will close on Dec.

19 after nearly 10 years serving the community; Whataburger outlets in Dahlonega and Athens will close on Dec. 15 with employee transfer options and Mully’s Nacoochee Grill in Helen will close on Dec. 27.

A local column detailed the historic ceremonies at Gainesville’s Alta Vista Cemetery where Confederate Gen. James Longstreet was buried (Jan.

1904) and former Gov. A.D. Candler was interred (Oct. 1910).

Gainesville's Inland Port, known as the Blue Ridge Connector, is on target for a spring opening north of town as stated by a Georgia Ports Authority official.

The rail-served facility will offer daily connections to Savannah and support a regional manufacturing and logistics corridor.

Lakeview Academy in Gainesville unveiled its renovated Innovation and Technology Wing, adding new robotics and esports labs.

School officials said community donors and partners funded the upgrade to boost student learning and offer more hands-on tech opportunities.

Brenau University conferred nearly 300 degrees Friday at two ceremonies in Pearce Auditorium (Gainesville campus).

The morning session honored nonterminal Master’s and specialist degrees while the afternoon ceremony for undergraduates and terminal degrees started at 12:30 p.m., with 185 students expected to walk.

The state Department of Labor reported September unemployment insurance applications increased as first-time claims in Hall County rose 26.9% from August (39% above last September) while statewide applications increased 2.1% from August but were 3% lower than last year; analysts say slow hiring may impair job finding.

Cherokee Bluff boys edged Lovett in a close basketball contest on Friday at a pre-holiday showcase, and wins by North Hall boys and Lanier Christian girls rounded out prep hoops action in Hall County.

KJ White and Charlie Gersmehl powered the top-ranked Red Elephants to a win against Pinson Valley at Davis-Hill Gym on Saturday—keeping them 10–0 and launching their run in the 66th Lanierland Tournament.

Gainesville's top-ranked high school boys basketball team dominated Lanier on Dec.

12 at Davis-Hill Gym, with senior point guard KJ White leading a strong performance that energized local fans. The win marks an important step for the Red Elephants this season.

BloodLust Live Performance

8:00–9:30 p.m. — Blackstrap Rock Hall — Tickets start at $74 — Experience an unforgettable night with BloodLust in Gainesville, GA.