Here are some of the top stories you may have missed this weekend.
District 2 Public Health to provide vaccine to emergency workers
Just days after the first seven healthcare workers at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville received the COVID-19 vaccine, District 2 Public Health began vaccinating emergency medical personnel.
District 2 Public Health received nearly 1,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine and is holding a clinic for emergency personnel at Chicopee Woods Agricultural Center today and tomorrow beginning at 8 a.m. Appointments are required for the clinic.
Additional doses of the vaccine are expected at both NGMC and the public health department, but further details are unknown. READ MORE
Local businesses offer last-minute gift ideas
With less than a week before Christmas, local tourism and hospitality officials are urging people to stay close to home for last-minute shopping.
Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce President Kit Dunlap said shopping with local merchants will help small businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Dunlap said supporting local restaurants and attractions by purchasing gift certificates and memberships is a good way to support the community during the holidays. READ MORE
Hall County Sheriff's Office donates 112 bicycles in annual program
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office donated 112 bicycles to local families in need during their annual Christmas Bicycle program on Friday. The bikes were provided to 37 individual families and to the Edmondson-Telford Child Advocacy Center, Hall-Dawson CASA Program and Hall County Victim Services.
Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch, members of the agency’s command staff and deputies distributed the bikes at the Sheriff’s Office headquarters Friday morning. Deputies delivered bikes to the homes of families who could not attend. READ MORE
Boys and Girls Clubs of Lanier gets COVID-19 response grant
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Lanier received a COVID-19 Response and Recovery Grant for over $39,000 to enhance their tutoring program by United Way of Greater Atlanta.
The tutoring program has seen an increase amidst the COVID-19 pandemic as students struggle to keep up with virtual and remote learning. The grant allowed BGCL to hire some tutors that are certified teachers to help children who are struggling, while also assisting with the purchase of PPE gear. READ MORE
Gainesville OKs convenience store for vacated Thompson Bridge Road site
The Gainesville City Council approved the construction of a 4,500-square foot convenience store on Thompson Bridge Road at Christopher Drive Thursday evening. The approval comes five weeks after the plan was recommended denial by the Gainesville Planning and Appeals Board.
One of the biggest concerns surrounding the project was increased traffic. Clipper Petroleum said that they plan to close the BP gas station and convenience store across the street once the new store opens and will restrict the site so that it can’t be used as a convenience store or gas station in the future. READ MORE
