The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) officially opened a new post on the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion in Buckhead on Wednesday, marking an investment in public safety for the community and surrounding Atlanta areas. Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by House Speaker Jon Burns, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, and other state and local officials to commemorate the opening.
Georgia residents could soon see some financial relief thanks to the passage of House Bill 136 and House Bill 112 by state legislators during the recently concluded legislative session. The bills, aimed at easing financial burdens, now await Governor Brian Kemp’s signature to become law. House Bill 136 focuses on expanding the state income tax credit for child care costs, increasing the limit from 30% to 50%. In addition, it establishes a $250 state tax credit for each child under six years old, set to take effect in the 2026 tax year. House Bill 112 proposes a one-time tax rebate for all adult Georgia residents. Single taxpayers and married taxpayers filing separately would receive $250, heads of household would receive $375, and married couples filing jointly would receive $500. Governor Kemp now has 40 days, until May 15th, to either approve or veto the bills.
Chattooga County residents are invited to attend the First Annual Chattooga County Health Fair today, April 12, 2025, from 8:00 AM to Noon at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, located at 40 Middle School Rd. in Summerville. The Ag Building is conveniently located off Highway 100 on Middle School Road. This FREE event is organized by a collaborative effort from the Community Resource Center of Chattooga, AdventHealth, the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition, the University of Georgia Extension, Chattooga County Department of Public Health, Chattooga Family Connection, and Atrium Health. The health fair aims to provide valuable access to health screenings and educational resources for the community. Attendees can expect to find five health education vendors on-site, offering information and support on a variety of health topics. Don’t miss this important opportunity to prioritize your health and well-being. The Chattooga County Health F
A woman from Chattooga County, Karen Wiseman, is facing charges after reportedly fighting with law enforcement and a security guard at Lyerly Cemetery last week. The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office stated that Wiseman was found asleep in her vehicle on the cemetery grounds. A deputy responded to a report about a woman asleep in her car, who might have damaged tombstones. The security guard informed the the deputy that Wiseman had already been asked to leave earlier and had raised concerns about potential damage. When the deputy approached Wiseman and identified himself, she became agitated, yelling and screaming. Despite being asked to leave calmly, she refused and continued to shout. When she exited her vehicle and started to walk away, the deputy tried to detain her. Wiseman allegedly resisted and reached into her vehicle. Fearing she was getting a weapon, the deputy restrained her with help from the security guard until other deputies arrived. Wiseman was then taken to the Chattooga County Jail.
Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office is seeking a dedicated individual to fill the vital role of Animal Control Officer. This full-time position offers the opportunity to make a real difference in the community by ensuring the safety and well-being of local animals while upholding public safety. The Animal Control Officer will be responsible for responding to animal-related incidents and complaints, enforcing local animal control laws, providing care and shelter for stray and abandoned animals, and educating the public on responsible pet ownership. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and problem-solving skills and demonstrate the ability to handle animals safely and humanely. While previous experience in animal care or control is preferred, it is not required. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter in person at the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office, located at 10102 Commerce Street, Summerville, GA, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Applications will be accepted until April 25, 2025
Starting May 7th, 2025, boarding a domestic flight in the U.S. will require a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification. This change, stemming from the REAL ID Act of 2005, aims to enhance security and reduce identity fraud.
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.
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.
