🌱 First GA Hospital PACED Certified + Search For Hit-And-Run Suspect

Hi there, Gainesville. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Sunshine. High: 91 Low: 68.
• Friday: Humid; a strong p.m. t-storm. High: 95 Low: 69.

From our sponsor:

Today’s Gainesville Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Gainesville Patch newsletter possible.

Here are the top three stories in Gainesville today:

1. Northeast Georgia System's Pain and Addiction Care Emergency Department, based in Gainesville, has become the first in the state to receive accreditation for pain and addiction care from the American College of Emergency Physicians. This accreditation, known as PACED, enables hospitals to offer effective treatment and enhance patient outcomes. The recognition has been granted to emergency rooms in both Gainesville and nearby Dahlonega. (WGAU)
2. Law enforcement authorities are currently in pursuit of a driver who allegedly hit and killed a pedestrian on a Hall County road on Tuesday. The incident occurred on Spring Road near Skelton Road, and according to the Georgia State Patrol, a green pickup truck struck the individual who was in the roadway. The driver fled the scene, traveling north on Spring Road, turning onto Lee Street, and heading back towards Skelton Road. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the hospital, and efforts are underway to identify the victim. (Access WDUN)
3. Starting on Saturday, Jul. 1, a new law in Georgia will prohibit gender-affirming surgeries and hormone replacement therapies for individuals under 18, sparking controversy and concern among advocates for transgender rights. The law, Senate Bill 140, is part of a broader conservative effort to restrict transgender athletes, gender-affirming care, and drag shows. Supporters argue that the law protects children from making irreversible decisions, but critics argue that it denies essential care to transgender youth and exacerbates their vulnerability. Additionally, several other laws are set to take effect in Georgia, including provisions for prosecutor oversight, stricter penalties for gang-related activities, and reforms in reading instruction for young students. (Access WDUN)

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Today and tomorrow in Gainesville:

Thursday, June 29

• Chad Bowmar Live At El Tepache Mexican Grill (6:00 PM)

Friday, June 30

• Live Music: Luke Latimer At Pelican Pete's Tiki Bar And Grill (6:00 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Father's Day has come and gone, but that doesn't mean we have to stop celebrating rad dads, past and present. Patch partnered with T-Mobile to shine a light on exceptional fathers in communities like Gainesville. Click here to meet 13 awesome dads and learn more about the legacies they're leaving behind.

From my notebook:

• On Tuesday, the U.S. Air Force conducted flyovers across all 50 states to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first aerial refueling mission. In the southeast, a KC-135 Stratotanker and a C-17 Globemaster III flew over major cities in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina, including the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta and Augusta National Golf Club. Over 150 tankers and other aircraft participated in the nationwide flyovers. (WSB Atlanta)
• Save the date for Beach Bash on Friday, Jul. 14 at Lake Lanier Olympic Park, where you can enjoy the sand, sun, contests, food trucks, and a great time by the water! (City of Gainesville, Georgia via Facebook)
• Looking for a new career? The City of Gainesville has job openings, including a construction apprentice for Gainesville Water Resources. Explore this opportunity and more on the city's job website. (City of Gainesville, Georgia via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! See you all soon for another update.

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.