Georgia DNR Reminds North Georgia Residents To Be BearWise This Fall
As cooler weather approaches and more people head outdoors, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is reminding Northwest Georgia residents that fall is also an especially active feeding period for black bears.
The Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division says bears are entering hyperphagia, a period when they dramatically increase their food intake in preparation for winter. Bears can spend much of the day searching for high-calorie food, increasing the chances they will be attracted to garbage, pet food, birdseed and other easy food sources around homes and campsites.
North Georgia is home to one of Georgia’s three primary black bear populations, making the advice particularly relevant for residents and visitors in the mountain counties.
State Bear Biologist Adam Hammond says black bears naturally tend to avoid people, but problems can develop when bears learn that homes, campsites or other areas occupied by people provide an easy meal.
DNR is encouraging residents and outdoor enthusiasts to take several precautions this fall.
Garbage, food and other attractants should be kept secured. Pet food should not be left outdoors, and bird feeders can also attract bears because seeds and grains provide a high-calorie food source. Grills should be cleaned after use and stored securely when possible.
Hikers and campers are encouraged to remain alert, keep children nearby and keep dogs on a leash. Food scraps and trash should always be packed out rather than left along trails or around campsites.
Campers should also keep food, trash, toiletries and clothing worn while cooking out of their tents. DNR recommends using an approved bear-resistant container, storing those items out of sight in a locked vehicle, or suspending them at least 10 feet above the ground and 10 feet away from the tree.
If you encounter a black bear, do not approach it. If the bear has not noticed you, quietly move away. If it sees you, DNR recommends backing away slowly rather than running.
If a bear continues approaching, officials advise standing your ground, making yourself noticeable by waving your arms and yelling, and staying together if you’re with a group. Bear spray can also be used if an approaching bear creates a dangerous situation.
DNR says the goal of the BearWise program is simple: reduce conflicts between people and bears by preventing bears from learning to associate people, homes and campsites with food.
With fall hiking, camping and hunting activities increasing across Northwest Georgia, wildlife officials say a few precautions can help keep both people and Georgia’s black bears safe.
North Georgia EMC To Begin Charging $2 Monthly Fee For Paper Bills
North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation customers who still receive their monthly electric bill through the mail will soon have to pay extra for that service.
Beginning January 1, 2027, NGEMC members who receive a paper bill will be charged $2 per month. The electric cooperative says the new fee is being implemented to help offset rising printing and postage costs.
The change will affect customers who continue receiving traditional paper statements, including NGEMC members served through the cooperative’s Trion office on Highway 27.
Customers can avoid the $2 monthly charge by switching to E-Bill, NGEMC’s electronic billing option. Once enrolled, customers will receive their monthly electric bill at the email address associated with their account.
NGEMC says customers can sign up for E-Bill by logging into their account through the cooperative’s website or the My NGEMC Account app. Members can also contact an NGEMC office by telephone, send the cooperative a message through its website or visit an office during regular business hours.
Customers using the website can change their billing method by going to Billing and Payments and selecting Bill Notification. App users can make the change by selecting My Account and then E-Notifications.
Members enrolled in electronic billing can also access their six most recent bills through their online account or the NGEMC app.
NGEMC notes that customers who currently receive both an electronic bill and a paper bill will still be charged the $2 monthly fee unless they discontinue the mailed paper statement.
Customers who have already opted out of receiving paper bills do not need to take any action.
The new charge amounts to $24 per year for customers who continue receiving a paper bill each month.
NGEMC’s Trion office is located at 13822 Highway 27 in Trion. The office can be reached at 706-734-7341.
The paper billing fee takes effect January 1, giving customers a little more than three months to switch to electronic billing if they want to avoid the additional charge.
GNTC Foundation Awards Scholarships Honoring Late College Leader
The Georgia Northwestern Technical College Foundation has announced the fall 2026 recipients of a scholarship established in memory of a longtime GNTC administrator who dedicated more than two decades to helping students succeed.
Crystal Carr of Dalton and Ethan Queen of Chatsworth have been selected to receive Selena’s Scholarship, which honors the late Selena Magnusson, former vice president of Institutional Effectiveness and Student Success at GNTC.
Carr is studying Healthcare Management at GNTC’s Walker County Campus, while Queen is a Cybersecurity student at the Whitfield Murray Campus.
Selena’s Scholarship is designed to recognize high-achieving, first-generation college students. According to GNTC, eligible students must have at least a 3.0 GPA, and the scholarship provides a $1,000 award when funding is available.
Magnusson, a Chickamauga resident, worked at Georgia Northwestern Technical College for 26 years before her death in June 2024. She began her career at the college in 1998 as an Employability Services case manager and later served as registrar, executive director of Student Affairs and associate vice president of Student Success before becoming vice president in 2019.
GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham said the scholarship continues Magnusson’s commitment to student success by supporting first-generation students working toward their educational goals.
Magnusson’s sister-in-law, Staci Brockwell, said the family was filled with hope and excitement seeing students like Carr and Queen working to improve their lives through education.
The scholarship is administered through the GNTC Foundation, which uses contributions from donors and industry partners to provide scholarships and other assistance aimed at helping students complete their education and enter the workforce.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College serves students throughout Northwest Georgia with campuses in Catoosa, Floyd, Gordon, Polk, Walker and Whitfield counties.
Busy Saturday Ahead In Chattooga County And Across Northwest Georgia
Saturday will be a busy day across Chattooga County and the surrounding area, with Finster Fest, a community food distribution, activities at Sloppy Floyd State Park, a special Trion High School event, and several events just a short drive away.
One of the biggest events of the weekend will be Finster Fest, the signature annual festival at Paradise Garden in Pennville. The festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20, from 10 AM until 5 PM each day.
Finster Fest celebrates the life and work of internationally known folk artist Howard Finster and will feature arts and crafts, live music, speakers and demonstrations, food and children’s art activities. Admission is $10, with limited on-site parking available for those with mobility needs. A shuttle will also operate from the Walmart parking lot on U.S. 27.
Motorists in the area should be aware that Rena Street will be reduced to one lane beginning Saturday morning because of pedestrian and shuttle traffic associated with the festival.
Teloga Community Food Drive
Residents in the Teloga area can take part in a Community Food Drive Saturday from 10 AM until noon, or until supplies run out, at Beersheba Presbyterian Church, located at 9977 Highway 337.
No identification is required to receive food. Organizers ask those attending not to line up before 9:30 AM.
Volunteers are also needed to help with the distribution, which is being held under the theme “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” The event is supported by the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation and Helping Hands Food Support Community.
Trion High School Harvest Moon Gala
Saturday night will also be a special evening for students at Trion High School, as the school holds its Harvest Moon Gala at the Summerville Train Depot.
The event is taking the place of Trion’s traditional Homecoming Dance this year. According to a report from AllOnGeorgia’s Bulldog Barker coverage, scheduling conflicts and competitions prompted organizers to move the dance earlier in the school year and transform it into the Harvest Moon Gala.
The gala is being held about a month before Trion’s other Homecoming festivities. The Bulldogs’ 2026 Homecoming football game is scheduled for October 23 against Manchester, with Homecoming activities including spirit week, a Pink-Out pep rally and presentation of the Homecoming Court.
Saturday Activities At Sloppy Floyd
There will also be plenty to do Saturday at James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park near Summerville.
A Marble Mine Hike is scheduled for 10 AM, giving visitors an opportunity to explore one of the park’s best-known trails and learn more about the area’s natural and historical features.
Saturday evening, the park and Friends of Sloppy Floyd will host a free Outdoor Movie Night at 8 PM at Picnic Shelter 1. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. The movie is free, although the regular state park parking fee applies.
Firewise Adventure Day In Armuchee
In neighboring Floyd County, Firewise Adventure Day will be held Saturday from 9 AM until 4 PM at Camp Sidney Dew, located at 3624 Everett Springs Road in Armuchee.
The free family event will include a Touch-a-Truck experience, Scouting demonstrations, outdoor activities and wildfire prevention and safety information.
Several emergency and utility agencies are expected to participate, including the Floyd County Police Department Bomb Squad and SWAT Team, Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, Floyd County EMA, Georgia Power, Georgia DNR, Georgia State Patrol and AirLife.
Night Of Hope In Rome
Saturday’s activities continue into the evening in Rome with Night of Hope at Ridge Ferry Park.
The free community worship event begins at 7 PM, with gates opening at 5:30 PM. Christian recording artists Naomi Raine and Pat Barrett are scheduled to perform, along with local musician Daniel Mulkey during the preshow.
With Finster Fest in Pennville, the Teloga food distribution, the Trion High School Harvest Moon Gala, activities at Sloppy Floyd, Firewise Adventure Day in Armuchee and Night of Hope in Rome, residents have plenty of options for getting out and enjoying Saturday across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia.
Child Cruelty Charges Filed Following Armuchee Drug Investigation
Two people already jailed on methamphetamine trafficking charges are now facing additional charges after authorities say a 2-year-old child was found living in unsafe conditions at an Armuchee-area residence.
According to Floyd County Jail records, the new charges stem from the execution of a search warrant on September 4 at a home on Turkey Mountain Road.
Investigators say the child was living inside a bug-infested residence where methamphetamine was within reach. Authorities allege the conditions inside the home were so unhealthy that they caused physical and mental pain to the child.
45-year-old Roland Jovan Johnson and 27-year-old Marissa Shaye Cannon are each charged with second-degree cruelty to children.
Both Johnson and Cannon were already being held in jail following their earlier arrests in connection with the Turkey Mountain Road investigation.
They had previously been booked on charges including trafficking methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
The additional child cruelty charges were filed after investigators reviewed the conditions found inside the residence during the September 4 search
Cartersville Woman Charged With DUI After Early-Morning Traffic Stop In Summerville
A Cartersville woman was charged with driving under the influence after a city police officer reported seeing her vehicle speeding and having difficulty maintaining its lane early Wednesday morning.
According to a Summerville Police Department incident report, an officer was patrolling near Commerce Street and Ross Street at approximately 3:11 AM on September 16 when he noticed a white passenger car traveling southbound.
The officer reported that the vehicle appeared to be traveling above the posted 35 mph speed limit. Radar reportedly showed the vehicle traveling 55 mph. Police also reported seeing the vehicle fail to maintain its lane, traveling in the center turn lane and inside lane.
The officer initiated a traffic stop, with the vehicle stopping near Georgia Highway 1 and Highway 48.
The driver was identified as Suzanne Inman. According to the report, Inman initially told police she was speeding because she was in a hurry to reach a doctor’s appointment.
Police reported detecting the odor of alcohol coming from inside the vehicle. When asked whether she had consumed alcohol that evening, Inman reportedly said she had consumed alcohol earlier at approximately 7 PM.
During a roadside investigation, police reported observing several signs they believed indicated impairment. The report states that another officer arrived to assist with the investigation.
According to police, Inman later told officers that her last drink had actually been around 10 PM and said she had consumed seven to eight Michelob Ultra beers.
Police said a roadside breath test indicated a positive result for alcohol consumption.
Based on the officer’s observations, traffic violations and the results of the roadside investigation, Inman was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
She was transported to the Summerville Police Department, where a blood sample was collected and secured for submission to the state crime laboratory for analysis.
Inman was then transported to the Chattooga County Jail and turned over to jail staff.
Police said she was cited for DUI/alcohol/less safe, speeding and failure to maintain lane.
United Community Bank Warns Seniors And Families About Financial Scams
United Community Bank is reminding older adults and their families to stay alert for financial scams that use phone calls, text messages and emails designed to appear as though they are coming from a trusted bank, business or even a family member.
The bank says scammers often try to create a sense of urgency, telling potential victims there is suspicious activity on an account, money is at risk or immediate action is required. The goal is often to pressure someone into providing personal or banking information before they have time to question the request.
One increasingly convincing tactic is caller ID spoofing. Criminals can manipulate caller ID information so that a call appears to be coming from a legitimate bank or other trusted organization, even when it is not.
United Community Bank stresses that it will never call, text or email a customer and ask for sensitive information such as an account number, username, password, PIN or secure access code.
Customers receiving a suspicious call claiming to be from United Community Bank should hang up rather than relying on the number shown on caller ID. They can then contact the bank directly using a trusted telephone number.
The bank also advises customers to be suspicious of unexpected text messages or emails containing links. Phishing messages can direct victims to websites designed to resemble legitimate financial institutions, where information entered by the victim can be captured by criminals.
Older adults are frequent targets of financial fraud, and scammers may try to take advantage of trust, isolation or concern for family members.
United Community Bank is also supporting an effort called Secure Seniors, which was created by three Union County High School students in North Georgia to educate older adults about financial scams.
According to the bank, the students began their work by reaching out to nursing homes and senior communities. Their educational effort has since reached more than 250 nursing homes nationwide, and the students have also taken their message about protecting seniors from fraud to the Georgia State Capitol.
Families can play an important role by talking with older relatives about common scams and encouraging them to check with someone they trust before sending money or providing financial information.
Some warning signs include unexpected requests for money, pressure to act immediately, demands for passwords or verification codes, requests to move money to supposedly protect it, or instructions to keep a transaction secret from family members or bank employees.
Another important rule is never trust a caller simply because the caller ID looks familiar.
Anyone receiving a suspicious communication claiming to be from United Community Bank can end the conversation and contact the bank directly at 1-800-822-2651.
Bank officials say taking a few extra minutes to independently verify a request can prevent a scammer from turning fear or urgency into a financial loss.
Child Passenger Safety Week Begins Sunday Across Georgia
Parents and grandparents are being encouraged to take a few minutes to make sure children are riding safely as National Child Passenger Safety Week begins Sunday, September 20.
The annual safety campaign runs through Saturday, September 26, with the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety encouraging parents and caregivers to have child safety seats checked regularly to make sure they are properly installed and appropriate for the child using them.
GOHS Director Allen Poole says more than half of the child safety seats seen by certified technicians nationwide are not properly installed, which can make them less effective in protecting children during a crash.
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians can check whether a seat is installed correctly, determine whether it is subject to a recall and help parents learn how to properly secure their child. Technicians can also determine whether the seat is appropriate for the child’s age and size.
Georgia law requires children under age 8 to be properly restrained in an appropriate child safety seat or booster seat. State safety officials also say children under 8 generally must ride in the rear seat.
Choosing the correct restraint is important as children grow. Booster seats are designed for children who have outgrown a forward-facing car seat but are still too small for an adult seat belt to fit properly. According to GOHS, children using booster seats are 59 percent less likely to be injured in a crash than children using a seat belt alone.
Parents should also check the manufacturer’s height and weight requirements for their child’s seat and make sure the harness or seat belt fits properly.
National Child Passenger Safety Week concludes with National Seat Check Saturday on September 26, when families around the country are encouraged to have their child restraints inspected by trained technicians.
The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety maintains an online directory of free child passenger safety inspection stations across Georgia, where parents and caregivers can receive help with car-seat installation throughout the year.
Friday Night Football Tonight: Trion-LFO Is WZQZ Radio Game
Friday night football returns tonight with both Chattooga County teams in action, and Trion’s home game against Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe will be the WZQZ radio game.
The Trion Bulldogs host the LFO Warriors tonight with kickoff set for 7:30 PM. Paul Cavin and Jeremy Burke, along with cameraman Sam Kholer, will bring you the action. Fans can listen to the Trion-LFO game live on 99.1 FM WZQZ and watch the broadcast on the WZQZ Facebook page.
Meanwhile, the Chattooga Indians travel to Ridgeland tonight for a 7:30 kickoff against the Panthers. Chris “Bubba” Wilson and Steiner Davis, along with cameraman Mason Gilreath, will have the Chattooga coverage live on Facebook.
So whether you’re following the Bulldogs or the Indians, WZQZ has you covered tonight. Trion versus LFO is live on 99.1 FM WZQZ and Facebook, while Chattooga versus Ridgeland will be available on Facebook.
Kickoff for both games is 7:30 PM tonight.
Chattooga County Republican Party To Hold September Meeting Tuesday
The Chattooga County Republican Party will hold its September meeting Tuesday, September 22, at 6 PM at the party’s new headquarters in the Hurley Crossing Shopping Center, located at 11264 Highway 27.
U.S. Congressman Clay Fuller, who represents Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, will be the guest speaker. Fuller took office in April following a special election earlier this year.
Party officials say the meeting will include discussion of the upcoming November election and the party’s efforts to encourage voter turnout. Candidate yard signs will also be available at the headquarters for those interested.
The local party is also continuing a fundraiser for its Veteran Wall at the headquarters. Stars are available for $5 each and may be purchased in honor or memory of a veteran. Organizers ask purchasers to provide the veteran’s name, branch of military service and whether the star is being placed in honor or memory.
Information and payments for the Veteran Wall may be mailed to Chattooga County Republican Party, Attn: Veteran Wall, P.O. Box 656, Summerville, GA 30747. Payments may also be made through Cash App at $ChattRepbulican14.
For additional information about the meeting or Veteran Wall project, contact Chattooga County Republican Party Chairwoman Meredith Rosson at 706-331-5547.
Arrest Report - Friday - September 18, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Friday, September 18, 2026:
Hot September Weather Continues With Storm Chances Returning
Unseasonably hot weather will continue across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia through the weekend, with temperatures climbing well into the 90s before a better chance of showers and thunderstorms brings somewhat cooler conditions next week.
Friday will be sunny and very warm with a high near 96 degrees. Heat index values could reach as high as 101, making it feel even hotter during the afternoon. Winds will remain light, becoming northerly around 5 mph later in the day.
Friday night will be mostly clear with a low around 71 degrees.
The National Weather Service says temperatures across North and Central Georgia are running roughly 5 to 10 degrees above normal for this time of year as an upper-level ridge continues to influence the region.
At the same time, moisture is beginning to increase across the area, creating the potential for scattered showers and thunderstorms to return. Forecasters say some storms developing Friday afternoon across portions of North Georgia could become strong to isolated severe.
The primary concern with any stronger storms will be damaging wind gusts, although storm coverage is not expected to be widespread.
Saturday will remain hot, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 96 degrees. There is a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 PM. Rain chances increase to 30 percent Saturday night, mainly during the evening and early overnight hours.
Sunday will be slightly cooler but still warm, with a high near 93 degrees. There is a 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, with only a slight chance lingering into Sunday evening.
A weather pattern change begins to take shape early next week as a front approaches the region. That system is expected to bring a better chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms and gradually lower temperatures.
Monday will be mostly sunny with a high near 93 and a 40 percent chance of afternoon storms. The chance of rain increases to 50 percent Tuesday, with a high near 90.
By Wednesday, temperatures are forecast to drop further, with a high near 86 degrees and a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Forecasters say rainfall totals through the period are generally expected to remain below an inch across much of the region, but the increased cloud cover and storm activity should help bring an end to the stretch of unusually hot September afternoons.
For Friday, the main weather concern remains the heat, with residents encouraged to take precautions during the hottest part of the day, especially those working or spending extended periods outdoors.
Georgia Supreme Court Ruling Limits State’s Immunity For Property Damaged During Police Operations
A recent Georgia Supreme Court ruling could have implications for property owners and law enforcement agencies across the state, including here in Northwest Georgia, by rejecting the idea that the state is automatically protected from compensation claims whenever private property is damaged during police activity.
The case, Blue 42 Organics, LLC v. Georgia Department of Public Safety, stems from a July 2021 drug-suppression operation involving a licensed hemp farm in Dahlonega. The Georgia Supreme Court issued its decision on September 9.
Blue 42 Organics alleged that three helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft flew at low altitude over its property during an operation by the Governor’s Drug Suppression Task Force. According to the lawsuit, rotor and propeller wash destroyed two rows of hemp plants valued at approximately $37,000. The farm was legally registered with state and federal agriculture agencies and had provided the GPS coordinates of its growing operation.
The company sued the Georgia Department of Public Safety, arguing that the Georgia Constitution requires the government to provide just compensation when private property is taken or damaged for a public purpose.
A trial court dismissed the lawsuit, and the Georgia Court of Appeals upheld that decision after DPS argued that the damage occurred while the state was exercising its police powers.
The Georgia Supreme Court disagreed with the idea that exercising police power creates a blanket exemption from Georgia’s constitutional requirement for just compensation. The court noted that exceptions can exist in circumstances such as government action to eliminate a nuisance or during an urgent necessity, but DPS had not established either circumstance when seeking dismissal of this case.
The decision does not mean the hemp farm has been awarded $37,000 or that DPS has ultimately been found liable. Instead, the Supreme Court reversed the lower court ruling and sent the case back for further proceedings, allowing the farm’s compensation claim to continue. Other defenses may still be raised as the case moves forward.
The ruling could be significant beyond this particular case because it clarifies that simply labeling property damage as the result of a law-enforcement action does not automatically prevent a Georgia property owner from pursuing a constitutional compensation claim.
Chattooga County Man Charged With Terroristic Threats Following Domestic Dispute
A Chattooga County man was arrested after authorities say he sent threatening text messages to his mother and brother during a domestic dispute earlier this month.
According to a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, 37-year-old Michael Kyle Orr was arrested on September 10 after a deputy was dispatched to a residence on Highway 337 at approximately 5:25 PM.
Orr’s mother told the deputy that her son had been sending threatening text messages earlier in the day and that she was afraid of him. She also told authorities there was a pending case involving Orr and that she previously had a temporary protective order against him.
According to the report, one text message allegedly contained a threat to harm Orr’s mother. The report states another message was sent to Orr’s brother and allegedly contained a threat directed toward their mother as well. The deputy reviewed and photographed the messages.
The deputy then spoke with Orr, who reportedly said he was upset because he was hungry. According to the report, Orr said he did not intend to carry out the threats and claimed he was making the statements because he was hungry.
The report states the deputy also observed food inside the residence while speaking with Orr’s mother.
Orr was placed under arrest and charged with Terroristic Threats and Acts. He was transported to the Chattooga County Jail.
Woman Charged With Shoplifting At Trion Walmart
A 32-year-old woman was arrested Monday after she was accused of shoplifting at Walmart in Trion.
According to a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, Stefanie Maria Mitchell was arrested on September 14 after Deputy Rob Villagomez was dispatched to the store at approximately 12:23 PM.
The report states that Walmart employees told the deputy that Mitchell went through the self-checkout and allegedly failed to scan several items. According to the report, she scanned some clothing items but allegedly placed other clothing into a bag without scanning them.
The deputy reported reviewing surveillance video of the transaction and said the video appeared to show Mitchell scanning some items while failing to scan others.
According to the report, Mitchell told the deputy that she did not intentionally fail to scan the merchandise and said she was having difficulty using the self-checkout.
Mitchell was charged with theft by shoplifting and taken into custody.
West Nile Virus Infections Increasing Across Georgia
The Georgia Department of Public Health is warning residents to continue protecting themselves against mosquito bites as West Nile virus infections increase across the state.
DPH has confirmed eight human cases of West Nile virus in Georgia so far in 2026, along with one death. Health officials say the number of cases is expected to increase before mosquito season ends. Mosquito traps have also tested positive for the virus in several counties, including Chatham, Fulton and DeKalb.
Mosquito season in Georgia typically continues through October, meaning the risk of exposure remains even as summer winds down.
Most people infected with West Nile virus never develop symptoms. Those who do may experience fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash. Symptoms generally begin within several days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Older adults, people with compromised immune systems and those with certain underlying medical conditions face a greater risk of severe complications, including illness affecting the central nervous system.
DPH recommends using an EPA-registered insect repellent containing ingredients such as DEET or picaridin and wearing loose-fitting long sleeves, pants and socks when possible. Mosquitoes can bite during both the day and night.
Residents are also encouraged to eliminate mosquito breeding areas around their homes. After rainfall, check flowerpots, buckets, children’s toys, wading pools and other containers and dump any standing water. Health officials recommend doing a check at least once each week.
Anyone experiencing symptoms or concerned about possible West Nile virus infection should contact a healthcare provider or their local health department.
Finster Fest Returns To Paradise Garden This Weekend
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.
The festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20, from 10 AM until 5 PM each day at Paradise Garden, located at 200 North Lewis Street.
Davia Weatherill, executive director of the Paradise Garden Foundation, says this year’s festival will feature a wide variety of arts and crafts, live music, speakers and demonstrations throughout the weekend.
Visitors will also find plenty of Southern food along with children’s art activities, making the event suitable for the entire family.
General admission is $10. Tickets may be purchased in advance through the Paradise Garden Foundation website or at the gate. A limited number of VIP tickets are also available online.
Free parking will be available at Walmart on U.S. 27 near Paradise Garden, with a complimentary shuttle providing the short ride to the festival grounds. Limited onsite parking will be available for visitors with mobility challenges.
Finster Fest is one of Chattooga County’s signature events, celebrating the distinctive artistic legacy of Howard Finster and Paradise Garden while showcasing artists, musicians and craftspeople from across the region.
Georgia Unemployment Falls To 3.2 Percent As Labor Force And Employment Reach Record Highs
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.
The Georgia Department of Labor reported Thursday that the state’s unemployment rate fell to 3.2 percent in August, down from 3.3 percent in July and 3.4 percent a year ago. Georgia’s rate was also 0.9 percentage points below the national unemployment rate.
Georgia’s labor force increased by nearly 9,500 people during August, reaching an all-time high of 5,490,319. The number of employed Georgians climbed by more than 13,000 to a record 5,314,822. Over the past year, employment has increased by more than 76,000.
The number of unemployed Georgians declined by more than 3,500 during August to 175,497, while the state’s total number of jobs increased by 8,000 to approximately 4.99 million. Despite the monthly improvement, Georgia had 7,300 fewer jobs than it did one year earlier.
Among industries adding the most jobs during August were administrative and support services and state government, each gaining 3,200 jobs. Retail trade added 2,200, while durable goods manufacturing and health care and social assistance each added 1,300.
Over the past year, health care and social assistance recorded the largest increase, adding 19,100 jobs. Meanwhile, professional and technical services, federal government, non-durable goods manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, and construction recorded year-over-year declines.
Initial unemployment claims also declined in August, falling by more than 3,300 from July and by nearly 1,800 compared with a year earlier.
The figures are statewide. Updated county-level unemployment figures, including numbers for Chattooga County and surrounding Northwest Georgia counties, are released separately by the Georgia Department of Labor.
Heat And Dry Weather Affecting Early Deer Season In Northwest Georgia
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.
Archery season opened September 12, and temperatures across Northwest Georgia reached the low to mid-90s during opening weekend. Despite the heat, hunters across the region still reported a number of successful harvests.
The dry weather is also affecting deer food sources. According to a September 16 Northwest Georgia field report from Georgia Outdoor News, natural browse remains an important food source, while some planted food plots are struggling because of the lack of rainfall.
Hunters are seeing plenty of persimmons and muscadines, while pin oak and water oak acorns have already begun falling in some locations. Those changing food sources can influence where deer concentrate and where hunters are most likely to see activity.
Deer across Northwest Georgia are still largely following their summer movement patterns, according to the report. Bucks are expected to gradually begin transitioning toward fall patterns as September progresses. Rubs have been observed in some locations, but widespread scraping activity has not yet developed.
The heat is especially important for hunters who successfully harvest a deer. Warm temperatures can cause meat to spoil quickly, making it important to recover harvested deer promptly and cool the meat as soon as possible.
Georgia’s statewide archery deer season continues through October 9, followed by primitive weapons season and the regular firearms season later in October.
For hunters in Chattooga County and the surrounding Northwest Georgia mountains, conditions may begin changing as additional rain chances return and September moves toward October.
Traffic Change Planned On Rena Street During Finster Fest
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.