Hey there, Gainesville! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Single Purpose K9 Handler Course | October 12, 2026 and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why was the scarecrow given an award? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Gainesville building permits okayed in September (wgtjradio.com) — Gainesville issued more than 200 building permits in September, covering $38.4 million in construction, including 54 new single-family homes worth nearly $13.7 million. A $12 million warehouse on Atlanta Highway leads commercial projects, and residents can explore the city's online Development Activity Dashboard to see exactly where new homes, businesses, and signs are going up.
2. Where niche.com ranks Gainesville-Hall Co. public, private schools (wgtjradio.com) — Families in Gainesville and Hall County can now see how their schools stack up statewide, with Hall County Schools ranked 56th and Gainesville City Schools 109th in Georgia by Niche. Cherokee Bluff High leads local public schools, Gainesville High tops its city district, and Lakeview Academy ranks among the state's best private high schools, giving parents fresh context for school choices.
3. Week Seven Scores & Recaps (United Community Bank Scoreboard) (blitzsportsga.com) — Gainesville football fans saw plenty to cheer about as Johnson hosted Towns County in Gainesville and the Red Elephants, ranked No. 5, rolled past No. 3 Roswell 34–5. The roundup also tracks key results for nearby programs like Jefferson, North Hall, and Union County, giving local readers a snapshot of how regional teams are shaping their seasons.
4. Judge denies motion to dismiss case against Hall County woman facing death penalty (atlantanewsfirst.com) — A Hall County judge has refused to dismiss the death penalty case against Gainesville resident Jessica Motes, accused in the 2025 death of 4-year-old Autumn Fox. Prosecutors say the child's body was found in a car trunk at an Oakwood Sam's Club, and the judge ruled the indictment detailed enough for trial, keeping this closely watched case moving forward.
5. Georgia woman says MRI tech asked if she is wearing Lululemon. Then she learns about the danger she could be wearing (newsbreak.com) — A Gainesville neurosurgeon is warning patients that some Lululemon and similar athletic wear can contain hidden metallic fibers that may dangerously heat up during MRI scans. Her advice, echoed in a viral social media post, is to choose simple cotton or ask for a hospital gown before imaging, since metal in clothing can reach burn-causing temperatures inside the machine.
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Ok Gainesville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "Why was the scarecrow given an award?" — Because he was outstanding in his field! (Thank you Teresa M. for sending it in!)
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