🚓 Gainesville High Students Learn Firsthand About the Dangers of Distracted and Drunk Driving

On Friday, Gainesville High School hosted a powerful demonstration to show students the real-life consequences of unsafe driving. The event featured a mock car accident staged in front of the school, complete with emergency response teams, a helicopter, police, and paramedics. One student “victim” even pretend died in the scenario to help drive home the seriousness of distracted and impaired driving.

After the demonstration, guest speakers—including a parent who lost their son to distracted driving—shared emotional stories about how one quick glance at a phone can change lives forever. The event left a strong impression on students and faculty alike, reinforcing the message: don’t drive distracted, and don’t drive impaired.

🦅 Bald Eagle Spotted at Lake Kiowa!

If you needed a reminder of how beautiful North Texas can be, here it is! Local resident shared an incredible photo in the Gainesville, TX Chatter group this week — a bald eagle perched high in a tree at Lake Kiowa.

Yep, you read that right — a bald eagle, right here in Cooke County! These majestic birds are known for their striking white heads and powerful wingspans, and while they’re more common around big lakes and rivers, it’s still a rare and exciting sight for our area.

Locals say the lake’s peaceful setting and steady supply of fish make it the perfect pit stop for migrating eagles this time of year. So if you’re out near Lake Kiowa, keep your eyes on the treetops — you might just catch a glimpse of this national symbol in action.

What a cool reminder that a little bit of wild beauty is always nearby!

🦃 Where to Eat on Thanksgiving (If You’re Skipping the Cooking!)

If you’d rather relax than wrestle with the turkey this year, several local spots are open and ready to serve up some Thanksgiving comfort food!

Here are a few reader-recommended favorites:
🍴 Cracker Barrel – Always a classic for homestyle holiday meals, complete with take-out options.
🥧 Ranch 82 – Locals say it’ll be open and serving up hearty country plates.
🔥 Trails Inn – A go-to Gainesville favorite for those wanting a cozy, no-frills meal.
🍂 Fireside Dining – Offering take-away meals for an easy holiday dinner at home.
🥗 My Daisy Catering – Perfect for those wanting something freshly prepared and local (find them online at mydaisycatering.com).
🍝  Mia’s Pasta – For anyone craving Italian comfort food instead of turkey!
🐺 Wolf Den – Small-town diner feel with big flavor and friendly service.
☕ Poor Boys Café (Whitesboro) – Another nearby option serving hearty country cooking.

Whether you’re looking for dine-in, carry-out, or catering, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy Thanksgiving without turning on the oven!

🏙️ Have a Say in Gainesville’s Future!

The City of Gainesville is wrapping up its Guiding Gainesville 2040 planning series — and this is your last chance to help shape the future of our town!

Join city leaders and the planning team on November 17th from 6–8 PM at the Gainesville Civic Center (311 S. Weaver St.) for Public Workshop #4. You’ll be able to:
✅ Preview “before & after” concepts for Historic Downtown Gainesville
✅ Explore ideas for future parks, playgrounds, and trails
✅ Share your thoughts directly with the planners

This is where community voices really matter — your feedback helps guide how Gainesville grows, preserves its small-town charm, and improves spaces for families and local businesses.

Let’s cross the finish line together and make sure Gainesville’s next chapter reflects the people who call it home!

🚛 Veterans Day Trash Pickup Schedule Changes

Heads up, Gainesville residents — there will be schedule changes to the city’s solid waste pickup this week due to the Veterans Day holiday.

📅 Week of November 10–14:

• Monday, Thursday, and Friday routes will run as usual.

• Tuesday’s collection will be delayed to Wednesday.

• No special or commercial pickups on Tuesday.

• The Transfer Station will be closed Saturday, November 15, and will reopen on Monday, November 17.

Make sure to set your carts out accordingly and help keep the city running smoothly during the holiday week!

This week's Gainesville Gazette Sponsored by:

 The Cowgirl Mercantile

located at 419 N Commerce St Gainesville Texas

Come in Tuesday-Saturday for all your Cowgirl needs

✨ Get your week plans ready, Gainesville! ✨

If you’ve been looking for something fun (and cozy) to do this week, we’ve got two great activities happening right here at Cowgirl Mercantile in historic downtown Gainesville. Grab a friend, sip something warm, and come make a little magic with us 🤎

🎄 DIY Wooden Christmas Tree Painting
Friday, Nov 14 at 6 PM
Hosted by Caidence & Sarah
Create your own rustic-chic Christmas décor — all supplies provided, and no experience needed!
🎟️ Tickets must be purchased in advance — none will be sold at the door.

☕ Learn to Make Your Own Latte + Breakfast Treat
Saturday, Nov 15 at 8 AM
Start your weekend the cozy way inside the Mercantile kitchen nook! Learn to whip up your own latte and sweet breakfast pastry — perfect for a little me-time or a girls’ morning out.
🎟️ Advance tickets only — no same-day sales.

📍 Cowgirl Mercantile — 419 N Commerce St, Gainesville, TX

Space is limited for both, so snag your tickets early and come hang out with us downtown! 💛

Grab your tickets - Events – Cowgirl Mercantile

🌶️ Silver Rush Chili Cook-Off This Weekend!

Think your chili can beat the best in Cooke County? The 2nd Annual Silver Rush Chili Cook-Off is happening Friday, November 14th and Saturday, November 15th, hosted by Brothers of Service MA.

It’s a friendly (but fiery!) competition where local cooks and pitmasters show off their skills on the smoker. Whether you’re entering the cook-off or just coming to taste and cheer, it’s sure to be a fun community event worth stopping by.

So grab your friends, bring your appetite, and help make this year’s Silver Rush one to remember!

Like what you're reading? Sign up to get your free newsletter weekly here 👉  www.gainesvillegazette.com 

Keep your friends and family informed! Share!