Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville will welcome visitors from across the region this weekend for Finster Fest 2026, a two-day celebration of art, music, food and the legacy of renowned folk artist Howard Finster.
Georgia set new records for both the size of its labor force and the number of people employed during August, while the state’s unemployment rate dropped to its lowest level in two and a half years.
Georgia financial institutions now have additional authority to temporarily stop transactions when they suspect an elderly or disabled customer is being financially exploited.
Georgia’s archery deer season is underway, but hunters across Northwest Georgia are dealing with unusually hot and dry conditions during the opening days of the season.
Homecoming at Subligna Baptist Church with The Mylon Hayes Family on Sunday, October 4th at
10:30 AM! Our Pastor, Dr. Charles Bishop, invites everyone to come join us!
ARMUCHEE BAPTIST CHURCH WILL HAVE AN OPEN CLOSET THIS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 FROM 10 AM UNTIL 3 PM. EVERYTHING IS FREE. ANYONE IN NEED IS WELCOME TO COME BY THE CHURCH LOCATED AT 6648 TEXAS VALLEY ROAD.
Alpine Community Church will celebrate its 2026 Homecoming this Sunday, September 20, with a special morning service followed by a fellowship meal.
The Homecoming service will begin at 10:30 AM, with Pastor Jeremy Stroop and the congregation welcoming former members, friends and visitors to join them for the annual celebration.
Special music for the Homecoming service will be provided by Cathy Worley, who will serve as the featured Homecoming singer.
Following the morning service, everyone attending is invited to stay for a fellowship meal.
The church invites the community, former members and friends of Alpine Community Church to attend Sunday’s Homecoming celebration.
Mrs. Debbie Sue Durham, age 69 of Summerville, Georgia passed away Thursday, September 17, 2026 at the Oak View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Mrs. Durham was born in Lafayette, Georgia on July 1, 1957, daughter of the late John T. Kirby and Mable I. Brown Kirby. She was a homemaker and had previously been employed with Pruitt Hosiery. Mrs. Durham was an amazing cook and loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Durham was preceded in death by her husband, Sherman “Shotgun” Durham; 3 brothers and 11 sisters.
Mrs. Durham is survived by a son, Jeremy L. Jones; daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Russell Peace; sister, Joyce Gentry; grandchildren, Brianna N. Jones, Branden Salas, Johnathan(Alexis) Ash, Ryan Peace (Lauren Forsyth), Amber Peace and Emily Peace; great grandchildren, Braxton Bradley, Aubrey Peace, Cameron Dowdy, Presley Ash, Johnathan “J.J.” Ash, Jr., Branden Salas, Jr. and Shyanne Salas; special friend, Miss Charlotte and a number of nieces, nephews and extended family members.
In accordance with Mrs. Durham’s wishes, she will be cremated and the family may hold a memorial service at a later date.
Chattooga County EMA is advising motorists about a temporary traffic change near Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville during Finster Fest this weekend.
According to the Chattooga County Emergency Management Agency, Rena Street will temporarily operate as a one-lane road during the festival on Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20.
The traffic change is expected to go into effect Saturday morning between 7 and 8 AM and remain in place until the conclusion of the event.
County officials say the adjustment is necessary because of the large number of pedestrians expected to be walking to and from Finster Fest, along with buses transporting festival attendees throughout the weekend.
Motorists traveling through the area are being asked to use caution, watch for pedestrians and be prepared for possible delays.
Finster Fest will be held Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM until 5 PM each day at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, September 17, 2026: