After nearly two decades of closure, the World’s Folk Art Church at Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden is set to reopen to the public on Sunday, June 22nd, the Paradise Garden Foundation has announced. The highly anticipated reopening follows months of meticulous restoration work on the iconic structure. The church, a key feature of the late Reverend Howard Finster’s visionary Paradise Garden, was closed by Finster himself in 1999, two years before his death in 2001. Tina Cox, Executive Director of the Paradise Garden Foundation, stated that the reopening would mark a significant milestone in preserving Finster’s artistic legacy. “We believe that Howard Finster would be incredibly excited about the grand reopening festivities,” said Cox. A large turnout is expected for the reopening event, scheduled from 11 am to 5 pm. The World’s Folk Art Church and Paradise Garden attract art enthusiasts and curious visitors from across the globe, drawn to Finster’s unique vision and the garden’s whimsical sculptures and structures. “Paradise Garden is a true gem,” Cox added. “We are thrilled to finally share the restored World’s Folk Art Church with the world.” For the latest updates on the reopening and future events, follow Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden on social media. To learn more about Howard Finster and his Paradise Garden, visit www.paradisegardenfoundation.org.

Summerville Main Street is hosting the 9th Annual Spring Market, happening today, at Summerville’s J.R. “Dick” Dowdy Park. Market hours are 10 AM -3 PM with over 100 vendors on sight. Admission to this event is free. The 2025 Spring Market will offer a wide variety of items including farmhouse décor, signs, live plants, pottery, pet products, vintage items, accessories and boutique apparel, handcrafted items, jewelry, soaps, candles, children’s items, and much more. Taste buds will be tempted by an exceptional variety of foods, homemade desserts and ice cream on site. For the public’s enjoyment there will be various activities to interest both young and the young at heart. Event goers may want to bring a lawn chair to enjoy a variety music and demonstrations throughout the day. Southern Sassy Farm Petting Zoo will be on site for the public’s enjoyment. This is a rain or shine event.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the homicide of a Mentone man following a shooting incident on Thursday evening. Marcus Adams Battles, 39, of Mentone, was found deceased inside a vehicle that had crashed into a residence on AL Highway 117.

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A Summerville woman was arrested early Sunday morning after police discovered methamphetamine in her possession and she admitted to consuming both methamphetamine and Klonopin prior to the encounter. According to a Summerville Police Department report, officers were dispatched to Martin Street around 12:31 AM on April 6, 2025, in response to a call regarding a female walking along the roadway, reportedly behaving boisterously and using profanity. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the woman, identified as 24-year-old Brooklynn Moser.

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Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, April 11, 2025:

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The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for Northwest Georgia this morning due to widespread dense fog. Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution while driving as visibility is severely limited to less than one mile in many areas. The fog, which is expected to expand southward towards daybreak, is anticipated to dissipate after 9 AM. The National Weather Service advises drivers to slow down, use low-beam headlights, and increase the distance between their vehicles to ensure safe travel. There is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon, mainly after 3 PM. The day will be mostly sunny with a high near 63 degrees. A northwest wind of 5 to 10 mph is expected, with gusts reaching up to 20 mph. As night falls, a 30 percent chance of showers remains before 7 PM. Patchy frost is also possible tonight, with temperatures dropping into the upper 30’s. The north wind will remain around 5 mph, with gusts up to 15 mph. Looking ahead, Saturday promises sunny skies with a high near 63. Sunday will be even warmer, reaching a high of 71 degrees under sunny conditions. Monday will see a jump to around 80 degrees.

The DeKalb County, Alabama  Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Thursday evening in the Mentone area. The incident, which claimed the life of one individual, prompted the closure of a significant portion of Highway 117. According to reports, the shooting took place on Highway 117 near County Road 641. Earlier in the evening, DeKalb County law enforcement closed Highway 117 all the way to the Georgia / Chattooga County line while they investigated the incident. More information is expected to be released today by DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Weldon.

The Chattooga County Republican Party will be meeting on Tuesday, April 22nd at 6:30pm at the Ag Center.

Chattooga County residents will have the opportunity to take charge of their health at the Chattooga County Health Fair, scheduled to take place tomorrow, April 12th, at the Chattooga County Ag Center, located on Middle School Road in Summerville. This free community event promises a comprehensive range of health services and wellness information, with over 30 local vendors participating. Attendees can benefit from a wide array of resources designed to promote preventative care and overall well-being.

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The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is ramping up its efforts to combat the invasive Yellow-legged Hornet, also known as the Asian predatory hornet, following a confirmed sighting in Savannah in August 2023. With the arrival of warmer temperatures, the GDA is urging residents to be vigilant and report any sightings of the hornets or their nests to help protect Georgia’s vital pollinator populations and the state’s agricultural industry.

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