Paradise Garden Foundation Among Recipients of State Arts Grants

The Georgia Department of Economic Development has announced more than $1.3 million in competitive grant funding for arts organizations across the state, with 179 grants awarded in 37 counties during the first round of Georgia Council for the Arts fiscal year 2027 funding. The grants support nonprofit arts organizations, community projects, and arts education programs.

Chattooga County is among the recipients. The Paradise Garden Foundation in Summerville received a $10,000 General Operating Support Grant, which provides funding to help nonprofit arts organizations with day-to-day operating expenses and programming.

State officials say the grants help strengthen communities by supporting festivals, museums, theater productions, educational programs, and other arts initiatives that attract visitors, enhance downtowns, and contribute to local economies.

Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson said the arts play a vital role in communities of all sizes, helping create vibrant downtowns, support small businesses, and provide students with opportunities to develop creativity and problem-solving skills.

The grants are funded through appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional Georgia Council for the Arts funding through the Vibrant Communities and Cultural Facilities grant programs is expected to be announced later this fall.

Arrest Report – Friday – July 10, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, July 10, 2026:

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Showers and Storms Increase This Afternoon as Wet Weekend Takes Shape Across Northwest Georgia

After another hot summer morning, weather conditions across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia are expected to become increasingly active this afternoon as a series of disturbances brings a higher chance of showers and thunderstorms through the weekend and into early next week.

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Chattooga County to Hold Public Meeting Today on Proposed Moratorium for Tiny Home and Non-Traditional Developments

Chattooga County residents will have an opportunity today to learn more about and comment on a proposed temporary moratorium affecting certain non-traditional residential developments.

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Chattooga County Animal Shelter at Capacity, Urgent Homes Needed for Six Dogs

The Friends of the Chattooga County Animal Shelter is asking for the public’s help after announcing the shelter has reached full capacity and is in urgent need of adopters, foster families, and rescue organizations.

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Homer Man Indicted In Chattooga County Child Molestation Case

A Homer man has been indicted by a Chattooga County Grand Jury on child molestation-related charges, according to court records.

Dennis Harley Taylor was charged with three counts of aggravated child molestation, three counts of child molestation, and one count of enticing a child for indecent purposes.

Investigators say the alleged offenses involved a young boy and occurred between September 8 and November 29, 2023. Taylor was arrested on March 29.

The case will proceed through Chattooga County Superior Court. As with all criminal cases, Taylor is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Chattooga County Seeks Bids for Nearly 19 Miles of Road Resurfacing

Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has announced that the county is accepting sealed bids for a major road resurfacing project funded through the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG/LRA) Program.

The project includes 18.54 miles of road resurfacing throughout Chattooga County. Contractors will provide both labor and materials for the paving work. Roads identified as newly constructed dirt roads will receive 2.5 inches of asphalt, while resurfacing projects on existing roads will receive 1.25 inches of asphalt.

A complete list of roads included in the project is available from the Commissioner’s Office or online at www.chattoogacounty.gov.

Sealed bids must be clearly marked “Sealed Bid” and delivered to the Commissioner’s Office at 10102 Commerce Street, Summerville, by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026. Bids will be opened during the Commissioner’s meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Contractors submitting bids must include a 10 percent bid bond, carry at least $1 million in general liability insurance, maintain workers’ compensation coverage, and be properly licensed to conduct business in Georgia. The county also requires contractors to provide a drug-free workplace for employees working on the project.

Commissioner Allen noted that the county reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Arrest Report – Thursday – July 9, 2026

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Thursday, July 9, 2026:

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Storm Chances Increase Today Ahead of Wet Weekend

A more unsettled weather pattern begins building across Chattooga County and northwest Georgia today, bringing a better chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

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Tellus Museum to Visit Chattooga County Library for Summer Reading Finale

Young readers and their families are invited to celebrate the end of the Summer Reading Challenge with a special visit from the Tellus Science Museum at the Chattooga County Library next week.

The Summer Reading Finale with the Tellus Museum will be held Thursday, July 16, at 11 a.m. at the Chattooga County Library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville.

The free program will feature an interactive dinosaur-themed presentation where children will learn what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur through a hands-on educational game. Following the presentation, participants can enjoy activity stations featuring dinosaur crafts, a dinosaur dig scavenger hunt, fossil touch pieces, bookmark coloring, and a chance to cool off with free icees.

Library officials say the event will last approximately 45 to 60 minutes and is open to the public.