Hearty Homemade Corn Chowder

Name: Hearty Homemade Corn Chowder
Ingredients: 8 slices bacon, diced; 2 Tbsp unsalted butter; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 5 cups water ((chicken broth or vegetable broth may be substituted)); 8 ears yellow sweet corn ((husks and silks removed)); 1 lb. yukon gold or baby red potatoes (, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces); 1/4 tsp dried thyme; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 cup half and half or heavy cream; handful of chopped fresh chives