Here are some of the top stories you may have missed this weekend.
East Hall High School to transition to "blended learning" due to COVID-19 absences
Beginning today, instruction for students at East Hall High School will be conducted in a “blended learning” format while the building undergoes a deep cleaning. The closure is due to a rise in positive COVID-19 cases among students and staff.
During blended learning, students can access and complete their assignments on the CANVAS online system. School buses will deliver meals to students along the normal East Hall High School bus routes once a day. Meals will also be available for pickup each day at the school.
Blended learning will be conducted through Wednesday, Dec. 9, at which point parents will be notified of any extensions. READ MORE
Greater Hall Chamber and NGHS to host virtual COVID-19 safety forum
The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce and Northeast Georgia Health System are partnering to host a virtual forum to address the impact of COVID-19 on the community.
The forum, entitled “Stay Safe and Healthy: Navigating COVID-19 During the Holidays,” will be held on Zoom on Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 9 to 10 a.m. The webinar will break down the current status of COVID-19 in Northeast Georgia and provide health and safety tips on how to celebrate the holiday season safely. READ MORE
UNG Gainesville expansion project nears completion, on schedule to open fall 2021
The expansion of the University of North Georgia’s Gainesville campus onto the old Lanier Technical College campus is near completion and expected to be open for instruction next fall.
Once completed, the buildings will house five university departments, one institutional service department and one student services center. The new buildings will include the Film and Digital Media Building, Health Sciences Building and Arts and Technology Building, which will contain rooms specialized for each department and study rooms.
One building, the Student Health Services Building, is already complete and has been open since January. READ MORE
Latinos Conservative Organization hosts Operation Winter Coat Drive for local veterans
The Latinos Conservative Organization in Hall County is hosting Operation Winter Coat Drive throughout December to support local veterans. In addition to coats, the drive will accept beanies, gloves and jackets.
While the organization typically goes out to pick up items and engage with the community, items will be collected at a drop-off location this year because of COVID-19.
Those who wish to donate can do so at 747 Queen City Pkwy. Suite B in Gainesville. The final day to donate is Dec. 23. READ MORE
Gwinnett begins talks with developer on former Olympic tennis venue
The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners recently authorized negotiations to develop a signature project on the site of the former Olympic Tennis Center, which fell into disuse following the 1996 Olympics.
The county is in talks with Fuqua Acquisitions, LLC, which plans to build multi-family units, a large grocery store, some outparcel structures and Main Street-style stores on the property. The project is slated for completion by the end of 2022 and is intended to grow Gwinnett County’s economic reputation. READ MORE
