The World’s Folk Art Church at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Chattooga County has been closed for over 25 years, but will reopen to the public on June 22, 2025. Howard Finster built this five-story structure beginning in the mid-1980s on top of a small country church, which he bought with partial funding from a National Endowment for the Arts grant. Finster completed the 56-foot-tall building without detailed architectural plans by July 1987, using it as an art studio and museum for artifacts.
While some Georgia Republicans champion a return to paper ballots for state elections, the Georgia Republican Convention ironically opted against using them for their internal leadership vote held this past week in Whitfield County in Northwest Georgia. The decision sparked controversy and accusations of a rigged system. Party leaders announced the selection of the chairman and other leadership positions would be conducted using electronic “clickers,” a move that bypassed paper ballots prepared by a group of Republican activists present at the convention in Dalton.
Habitat for Humanity – Coosa Valley is proud to announce the launch of its Minor Home Repairs Program, designed to assist local homeowners in maintaining safe and livable homes through essential repairs and upgrades. The program specifically targets low- to moderate-income residents in Chattooga, Floyd, and Polk Counties who may lack the financial resources or physical ability to undertake necessary home maintenance. “We understand that even minor home repairs can become major obstacles for many in our community,” said Betsy Allgood, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity – Coosa Valley. “This program is about preserving housing stability and dignity for those who need a helping hand.” The program aims to address critical issues that can impact a homeowner’s well-being and the integrity of their property. Priority will be given to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families with children. Eligible homeowners residing in Floyd, Chattooga, and Polk Counties are encouraged to apply. Applications are readily available online at www.habitatcoosavalley.org. Individuals can also obtain applications in person at 504 East First Ave, Rome, GA. For further information, to request an application by mail, or to inquire about eligibility requirements, please contact Habitat for Humanity – Coosa Valley at 706.378.0030 or via email at habitat@habitatcoosavalley.org. This program offers a vital lifeline to ensure homeowners in Chattooga, Floyd, and Polk Counties can continue to live safely and comfortably in their homes.
Sealed bids will be accepted by the Town of Trion until June 23, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. to build a fence for the Town of Trion Dog Park. Bids must be sealed and marked “Town Hall Dog Park”, and delivered to Town of Trion, Attn: Mayor Lanny Thomas, 1220 Pine Street, P.O. Box 850, Trion, GA 30753. No bids will be accepted after the deadline. Any bids received after the deadline will remain unopened.
A Whitfield County man driving to a job on Monday says that his pickup truck was damaged by a flying object while he was travelling through Summerville on Monday morning. According to a report from the Summerville Police Department, Craig Kinsey of Rocky Face told a responding officer that he was driving on Commerce Street when a rock flew into the windshield of his 2006 Ford F-250. A mowing crew was mowing in the downtown area at the time of the accident. Kinsey asked for a report to be filed for insurance purposes. The accident was reported at 8:10 AM on Monday morning.
A 35-year old man was arrested after a domestic incident in Summerville over the past weekend. Patrick Smith was arrested and charged with Battery Family Violence Act (FVA) following an incident at a residence on Seventh Street, according to the Summerville Police Department. Officer Joshua Mitchell of the Summerville PD responded to a call regarding a domestic problem on Seventh Street. Upon arrival, Summerville Police made contact with the victim, who alleged that Smith had assaulted her. According to the incident report, the woman exhibited visible injuries, including swelling, bruising, and discoloration on the upper left portion of her forehead, consistent with being struck. The victim stated that an argument erupted when she and her grandmother were preparing to leave the residence. The victim told police that Smith struck her with an open hand on the left side of her face, grabbed her hair, and then repeatedly punched her in the forehead. Smith reportedly admitted to the assault, citing his frustration over constantly caring for the victim’s children and her alleged neglect of them. The victim declined immediate medical treatment at the scene, stating her lack of childcare options, but indicated she would seek medical attention at the Chattooga County Emergency Department later. Smith was taken into custody without further incident and booked into the Chattooga County Jail on the charge of Battery under the Family Violence Act.
Zachary Ace Bryan, of Rising Fawn in Dade County, was booked into the Floyd County Jail on Sunday following a traffic stop that led to the discovery of cocaine, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. According to Floyd County Jail records, police stopped Bryan’s vehicle after he allegedly ran a stop sign at the intersection of Lombardy Way and Flannery Street. During a subsequent consent search of the vehicle, officers discovered two clear plastic bags protruding from a wallet located in the front seat. Authorities say one bag contained cocaine, while the other contained a substance suspected to be methamphetamine. In addition to the drugs, officers also allegedly found a pipe used for smoking methamphetamine in Bryan’s pants pocket. Bryan is now facing charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of drug-related objects, and a stop sign violation.
Chattooga Family Connection is preparing to host its annual Back-to-School Bash on July 17, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Chattooga High School Gym. This year’s goal is to equip 400 students from Trion School and Chattooga County School systems with the essential school supplies they need for a successful academic year.
An accident on Monday morning at the intersection of Commerce Street and West Washington Street was caused by a vehicle running a red light, according to a report released on Tuesday by the Summerville Police Department.
