Good morning, Gainesville.

Grayson Segars of Sloan Mill Road near Chestnut Mountain won the 2025 Light Up North Georgia Contest powered by Jackson EMC on Monday during WDUN’s The Drive at 5 — earning him a Turtlebox speaker and tickets to Lanier Islands’ Magical Nights of Lights display.

NGMC Gainesville’s heart surgery team completed its 30th Barostim implant this week to ease heart failure symptoms.

The minimally invasive procedure places the device under the skin (avoiding open-heart surgery) to lower blood pressure and reduce the heart’s workload.

On Christmas Eve, oncology nurse Tamika Johnson — with 30 years of experience on the oncology floor — cared for patients at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.

Her dedication highlights years of service in the local healthcare community.

A five-story Candlewood Suites hotel opened off Mundy Mill Road near Interstate 985 & Oakwood.

The building offers extended-stay options and adds to local lodging choices.

Lakeview Academy boys (record now 7-3) outlasted North Hall in the fifth-place game as local fans cheered the intense match.

The 66th Lanierland Basketball Tournament produced historic achievements, milestones, and a viral moment in Gainesville on Dec.

22 as local high school players, including KJ White (pictured driving against Cherokee Bluff), shone during the countywide event.

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.

2000's Nostalgic Party

8-11 p.m. — The Hall at Bourbon Brothers — Ticket prices vary — Experience a nostalgic blast from the past at a vibrant 2000s-themed party.