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Florist delivers happiness
Happiness has a scent and it’s blooming at David Benefield’s Highland Hall. The floral presentation may not be for that Queen, but the Queen in your life. We are very close to springing into the next season. David and his team are already gearing up for those visits and deliveries with bouquets of roses, hydrangeas, […]
Dragsters’ return to Banks Co. OK’d by BOC
The Banks County Board of Commissioners (BOC) approved a request to allow drag racing again at Banks Crossing. More than 300 people were Tuesday night’s BOC) meeting when approval was given for a conditional use permit that will allow a racetrack to operate again at Banks Crossing. And the Facebook live of the meeting had […]
Oakwood wants U.S. government to ‘pause’ plans for ICE jail. Here’s why
Oakwood City Council is asking federal officials “to pause further action” on plans to turn a local warehouse into an U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement jail.
Opinion: ‘Oakwood deserves leadership, not silence,’ Gainesville mayor says of ICE facility
The people of Oakwood deserve leadership, not silence.
UPATED: Piedmont University Art Museum presents Handwork 2026: Jennifer Graff & Thaddeus Erdahl
DEMOREST, GA – The Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art at Piedmont University announces an updated reception date for Handwork 2026: Jennifer Graff & Thaddeus Erdahl. The public reception will now take place on Thursday, March 5, from 4:30–6:30 p.m., rescheduled due to recent ice and snowstorms. The exhibition remains on view through March 19, 2026. Ceramic artwork by artist Thaddeus […]
Man accused of ramming spouse’s vehicle at Baldwin gas station
BALDWIN, Ga. — A Gainesville man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he intentionally rammed his spouse’s vehicle Tuesday afternoon in the parking lot of a Baldwin convenience store. Officers with the Baldwin Police Department responded at approximately 4:58 p.m. Feb. 10 to Circle K at 3951 Ga. 365 in reference to a […]
Cornelia clears financing hurdles for downtown amphitheater
CORNELIA — The Cornelia City Commission unanimously approved a series of financing actions Tuesday night that clear the way for construction of a long-planned downtown amphitheater, including authorizing a $4.155 million bond agreement and advancing a city charter amendment tied directly to the project. Commissioners approved a resolution allowing the city to enter into an […]
Terroristic threats by computer; attempted scam of elderly woman
Two instances of Terroristic Threats Via Computer were reported to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Tuesday. And they were similar in nature. The sheriff’s office is also investigating a report that someone tried to scam an elderly woman out of a “large amount” of money. One of the terroristic threats cases was reported about […]
Student who brought gun to Hall County high school last year pleads guilty
An 18-year-old student charged with bringing a gun to his high school campus last year has entered a guilty plea, according to court documents.
Man Arrested After Allegedly Ramming Vehicle, Damaging Cars at Baldwin Circle K
BALDWIN — A Gainesville man was arrested Tuesday afternoon following an incident at a Baldwin convenience store that police say involved a vehicle being used as a weapon and a subsequent domestic-related confrontation. According to the Baldwin Police Department, officers responded at approximately 4:58 p.m. on February 10 to a reported motor vehicle crash at […]
NGMC residency graduate stays in Gainesville to practice internal medicine
After completing her residency at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Dr. Shany Freund Maravankin has joined Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Internal Medicine in Gainesville.
Luxury resort planned for lake gets OK from GPAB
97.5 Glory FM has confirmed that the Gainesville Planning & Appeals Board (GPAB) voted Tuesday night to recommend approval of a planned lakeside resort that would include a luxury hotel. Capstone Property’s proposal now goes to the city council for final action. The vote by the planning group was unanimous. The property is off Ivey […]
‘Going to destroy that neighborhood for money’: How Gainesville planning board voted on proposed resort off Lake Lanier
A proposed luxury resort off Lake Lanier has picked up some opposition from residents.
Trial begins for Gillsville man accused of molesting 5-year-old girl
A teenage girl said she had been keeping a secret for a decade about what a man did to her when she was 5 years old.
Former Hall Co. judge dies
A Gainesville lawyer and former Hall County judge has died. David Burroughs passed away Feb. 5 at the age of 78 following an extended illness. Burroughs was a graduate of Madison County High School, who earned degrees from Emory University and the University of Georgia School of Law. In addition to his private law practice, […]
Davenport asks Cornelia to extend MLK Jr. Drive to Main Street
CORNELIA — Local artist and community historian Audrey Davenport asked city leaders Tuesday night to consider extending Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to Main Street, a move she said would restore historical continuity to the former Soque Street corridor and strengthen cultural and tourism connections downtown. Davenport, who leads the Brushstrokes for Change public art […]
Wanted Wednesday fugitive in custody
HCSO FACEBOOK POST: “Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies transported 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗮, 𝟰𝟮, 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲, from the Athens-Clarke County Jail to the Hall County Jail on Monday afternoon…to face his local charge. Figueroa was featured on the January 21 edition of 𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗪𝗘𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗬. #WantedWednesday #eyespeeled“ Figueroa was wanted for probation violation with underlying charges of […]
Firearm discharged at Stephens County High School event
STEPHENS COUNTY, Ga. — No injuries were reported after a firearm was discharged in the parking lot of Stephens County High School on Tuesday evening. According to a statement from Stephens County Schools, the incident occurred during a school event. Local law enforcement responded immediately, and the school was placed on lockdown as a precaution. […]
Cornelia clears financing hurdles for downtown amphitheater
CORNELIA — The Cornelia City Commission unanimously approved a series of financing actions Tuesday night that clear the way for construction of a long-planned downtown amphitheater, including authorizing a $4.155 million bond agreement and advancing a city charter amendment tied directly to the project. Commissioners approved a resolution allowing the city to enter into an […]
High school basketball: Gainesville boys forge a perfect ending with a win over Johns Creek in regular season finale
Top-ranked Red Elephants close out their first undefeated regular season since 1992
Basketball scoreboard: North Hall’s Gunner Spain tops 50 in win against Dawson County!
Trojans senior broke his previous scoring record by seven points
Flowery Branch man charged with murdering brother at parents’ home
A Flowery Branch man has been charged with shooting and killing his brother Monday night at their parents’ home, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office said.
More than $14 million in renovations approved at these Hall County Schools
The Hall County School Board approved more than $14 million to fund construction and renovations for six Hall County Schools on Monday, Feb. 9.
Update: Fire breaks out outside Gainesville Civic Center; cause under investigation
A fire occurred in the trash bin outside the Gainesville Civic Center Tuesday, Feb. 10, according to Gainesville Fire Chief Brandon Ellis.
What U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde has said about ICE plans for ‘small processing facility’ in Oakwood
Oakwood city officials have said they have confirmed the location of the facility will be in the Alliance 985 Business Park at 3619 Atlanta Highway.
Hall County restaurant inspections: El Sombrero, Tupelo Honey, Gainesville Middle School and others for Feb. 3-9
The following are among the food service establishments inspected by the Hall County Environmental Health Department.
ESPLOST VII heads to May ballot following Board approval
CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Voters in Habersham County will decide the future of the school system’s one-cent sales tax this spring after the Habersham County Board of Education approved a resolution Monday to place ESPLOST VII on the May 19 primary election ballot. The board also approved a new principal for South Habersham Middle School, reviewed […]
UPDATE: No injuries in downtown traffic accident
8:30 A.M TUESDAY UPDATE: STATE PATROL NARRATIVE (EDITED FOR CLARITY AND BREVITY: “On Monday…Troopers were requested to investigate a traffic crash at the intersection of Northside Dr/Main St and W Academy St. During the investigation, it was determined that…a landscaping truck, driven by Demarco D Goss, 21, of Gainesville, was traveling south on Northside Dr […]
City of Baldwin to Hold Special Called Meeting for Executive Session
BALDWIN — The Mayor and City Council of the City of Baldwin have scheduled a special called meeting for the purpose of entering an executive session for personnel matters. The meeting will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, February 10, at the Baldwin Police Department Training Facility, located directly behind the Baldwin Police Department. […]
Opposition growing to ICE facility proposed for S. Hall
Opponents to a proposed ICE detention facility proposed for a vacant warehouse on McEver Road is growing based on the turnout at Monday night’s Oakwood City Council meeting. The facility is one of several planned around the country based on reports that surfaced recently. Is an ICE detention facility coming to Flowery Branch? Opponents to […]
Mt. Airy council approves elevator contract, tables engineering proposal
MT. AIRY, Ga. — The Mt. Airy Town Council approved a new elevator maintenance contract and delayed action on a proposed engineering services agreement Monday night, a decision tied directly to future development of town-owned property behind the Big Red Caboose and the possible creation of a downtown business district. The meeting had originally been […]
Super Bowl night for Gville’s tiniest new residents
They won’t know it for a few years, but Gainesville’s smallest new citizens got a taste of football on Super Bowl Sunday. “Celebrating a little game day fun with our tiniest teammates,” says a Facebook posting by Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville. “These NICU babies may be small, but their strength, determination and fighting spirit […]
Mt. Airy council to revisit engineering services after storm delay
MT. AIRY, Ga. — The Mt. Airy Town Council will meet Monday night to take up several business items that were postponed last week after a winter storm dumped up to 7 inches of snow on the town and left roads nearly impassable. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight, at Mt. Airy Town […]
UPDATE – SAFELY LOCATED. BOLO: Runaway juvenile
6:40 A.M. MONDAY UPDATE: Safely located. ORIGINAL HCSO (HALL CO. SHERIFF’S OFFICE FACEBOOK POST. 10:15 P.M. SUNDAY: “BOLO- Runaway Juvenile Hayden Cheek , 16, of Gillsville •Brown hair • Brown eyes •5’2’’ •130 pounds Hall County Sheriff’s Office deputies are asking the community for information on the location of Hayden Cheek, 16. Hayden was last […]
Why Local News Still Matters in Small Communities
In an age of national headlines and nonstop information, local news still plays a vital role — especially in small communities like Habersham County. Local news focuses on the things that directly affect residents: schools, roads, public safety, city meetings, and community events. These stories often don’t make regional or national outlets, but they shape […]
Gville gas prices lower; state unchanged, national increases
Gas prices in Gainesville are four cents cheaper than they were a week ago, but the national averages is up and the state average hasn’t changed. The average price in Gainesville is $2.63, according to AAA. The state average is $2.66 a gallon, the same as last week. But the national average increased two cents […]
Authorities warn of rising phone scams across Northeast Georgia
Law enforcement agencies across Northeast Georgia are warning residents to stay alert as reports of phone scams continue to grow, with criminals increasingly impersonating law enforcement and targeting vulnerable populations. The White County Sheriff’s Office says multiple residents have reported receiving calls from someone claiming to be a sergeant with the sheriff’s office, telling them […]
No injuries in Sat. crash on Poplar Springs Rd.
No one was injured in a two-vehicle, rear-end wreck Saturday morning on Poplar Springs Road, according to the state patrol. It happened at the Bell Road intersection about 9:45. The investigating trooper says one vehicle was struck from behind while stopped to make a left turn onto Bell Road. Both drivers were from Gainesville, one […]
Demorest City Council authorizes police department investigation
Questions but few answers surfaced Friday afternoon during a called city council meeting in Demorest. City leaders held an emergency meeting to address internal personnel matters within the police department. The mayor, police chief, assistant chief, city attorney, and council members attended. After convening, the council quickly went into executive session to discuss personnel and […]
Report: Gville bucking national trend when it comes to boat sales
In November 2025, a Statistical Surveys report found the Marine industry recorded a -12.36% year-over-year (YoY) decline, a sharper drop than the -6.53% drop in November 2024, signaling a softer market through the end of the boating season. However, that same reports shows that Gainesville is among areas defying that trend. In fact, it is one of three […]
Will distilled spirits sales be placed on the ballot? Here’s what Hall commissioners said
The Hall County Board of Commissioners will vote on whether to place a referendum on the ballot to allow the sale of distilled spirits in the unincorporated areas of the county, according to a notice for a public hearing.
Lula’s First Annual Chili Cookoff
Info Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Location: Lula Depot, 5911 Wall Street, Lula, GA. The Scoop! Lula's inaugural Chili Cook-Off is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026. This event is a central part of the city's 150th Sesquicentennial (anniversary) celebrations. Event Details Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Location: Lula Depot, 5911 Wall Street, Lula, GA. Host: Historical Society of Lula Bellton, in partnership [...]
Smith announces run as Tench resigns; leaders honor longtime commissioner
HABERSHAM COUNTY, Ga. — A candidate has already emerged to fill the Habersham County Commission seat soon to be vacated by Jimmy Tench. Jason Smith announced plans to run for the District 3 post ahead of Tench’s February 13 resignation for medical reasons, positioning himself early in what could become a closely watched local race. […]
Hall state lawmaker wants death penalty for human traffickers
Declaring “enough is enough,” a member of the Hall County state legislative delegation has introduced a bill in the House of Representatives that would put the option of the death penalty on the table for those caught sex trafficking is Georgia. “There is nothing more evil or disgusting than trafficking human beings for sexual profit,” […]
Family devastated by fire finds ‘Silver’ lining
MT. AIRY, Ga. — Nearly a week after a devastating house fire upended their lives, the Gardner family is celebrating a hopeful sign: their missing cat, Silver, has been found alive. “We haven’t caught him yet, but he’s alive!” Amy Gardner wrote in an email update to Now Georgia, describing herself in that moment as […]
Royston police officer hailed for bravery after life-saving fire rescue
ROYSTON, Ga. — A Royston police officer is being credited with saving a woman’s life after rushing into a burning home during the early morning hours Wednesday. Emergency crews were dispatched around 2:20 a.m. to a reported residential structure fire on Grove Street. Royston Police Department officers arrived first and found a single-family home with […]
Cook annexation clears first reading in Baldwin
BALDWIN, Ga. — The Baldwin City Council voted Tuesday night to approve the first reading of a proposed annexation and rezoning tied to a development request from Cook Construction, a move city officials stressed was procedural and does not represent final approval of the project. The ordinances passed by a 2-1 vote. Councilman Mike Tope […]
Jason Bryant sworn in as Cleveland fire chief
CLEVELAND, Ga. — The Cleveland City Council held a swearing-in ceremony for the city’s new fire chief Monday night. Jason Bryant received the oath of office from Cleveland Municipal Judge Garrison Baker, officially beginning his service to the city. The City Council approved Bryant as fire chief following an executive session on Thursday, January 22. […]
Cleveland Council approves jail housing agreement
CLEVELAND, Ga. – The City Council approved, during their meeting on Monday, an agreement with the White County Sheriff’s office for housing persons arrested by city police. The city will pay the county $45 per diem for the housing services. This is an annual agreement, and the cost of services will remain the same as […]
Proposed 81-lot subdivision on FBCC agenda
An annexation and rezoning request for an 81-lot single-family subdivision in South Hall is on the agenda for Thursday’s Flowery Branch City Council (FBCC) meeting. There are two parcels involved and the applicant, Highpoint Development, is proposing that both be rezoned from Hall County AR-1 (Agricultural-Residential) and R-1 (Residential) to Flowery Branch Traditional Neighborhood Development […]
TMU has a new president
The Truett-McConnell University (TMU) Board of Trustees has appointed an official with New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary as TMU’s new president, ending a search that began last year with the firing of Dr. Emir Caner following a sex scandal that rocked the Baptist-affiliated school. Suspended TMU president won’t be returning Dr. Larry Lyon will be […]
Baldwin council advances Chitwood plat, debates meeting schedule
BALDWIN, Ga. — The Baldwin City Council voted Tuesday night to approve the next phase of the long-planned Chitwood residential development, while also holding an extended discussion on a proposed home rule charter amendment aimed at clarifying how and when the council meets. Chitwood plat approved 2-1 The council approved a preliminary plat for 79 […]
Hand-marked ballots proposal; Textile plant closing; Another gubernatorial candidate;
(GA. NEWS NETWORK UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED) *Georgia House Republicans are drawing up a proposal to use hand-marked ballots on Election Day. The Governmental Affairs Committee is soon expected to dive into details about the initiative, which would allow voters to fill out ballots by hand before they’re counted by machines. Early in-person voters would have […]
Habersham County Public Works Director Jerry Baggett resigns
CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Habersham County will soon begin searching for a new public works director following the resignation of Jerry Baggett. County Manager Tim Sims said Baggett submitted his resignation in person on January 21. “This was a voluntary resignation,” Sims said, noting that Baggett asked county leaders not to announce his departure until after the […]
Hotel study finds Clarkesville could support 70-room downtown property
CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — A hotel feasibility study presented to Clarkesville city leaders concludes the city can support a 70-room, upscale hotel in its downtown core, renewing discussion about how to move forward with the former courthouse property the city continues to finance. The study was presented during Monday’s City Council work session and stems from […]
UNG shines light on scholarship recipients, including one from Gville
Six nontraditional female students at the University of North Georgia (UNG), including one from Gainesville, each earned a $2,000 scholarship from the Women of UNG and other supporters, including alumni and supportive women from the community. UNG honored the recipients at the Women’s Holiday Scholarship Luncheon. The Women of UNG is a shared interest group of […]
Help for the homeless; More data centers
(GA NEWS NETWORK UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE) *Gov. Kemp is proposing a plan to help reduce homelessness in the state. The AJC reports part of Kemp’s budget proposal includes $50 million for initiatives like transitional housing, emergency shelters and street outreach teams. He pointed to the World Cup at the state’s capital as an impetus to […]
Chambers, Lee county voters to choose new state representative in special election
(Alabama Reflector) — Voters in Chambers and Lee counties will go to the polls Tuesday to choose a new state representative in the House District 38 special election. Voters will choose between Republican candidate Kristin Nelson, chair of the Chambers Party Republican Party and Democratic candidate Hazel Floyd, a recent graduate of the University of […]
Charges filed in Chestnut Mountain area burglary
Two men remained in the Hall County Jail late Monday afternoon following their arrests in connection with a burglary at a business on Winder Highway. HALL COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE (HCSO) NARRATIVE: “The…investigation began on Thursday…when (detectives) received a tip about the possible burglary of a building at Caffeine and Octane Lanier Raceway… Investigators notified the […]
Is an ICE detention facility coming to Flowery Branch?
Flowery Branch is one of 23 places in the country where the Trump administration is considering locating ICE detention facilities, according to a report by Bloomberg News. The proposed sites would range in size from 500 to 9,500 beds. If completed as planned, the larger facilities would be some of the biggest detention centers of […]
