City officials hope an Atlanta Falcons scrimmage in Dalton will generate some positive press for the economically depressed area.
Thousands of fans flocked to Coahulla Creek High School to watch the Falcons face off against the Tennessee Titans. Local leaders anticipated around 8,000 football fans to pack the Stadium for Monday's showdown.
The region is long overdue for a morale booster.
Dalton's preliminary unemployment rate rose to 12.3 percent. That's 3 percent above the state unemployment rate of 9 percent.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released sobering jobs numbers last week showing Dalton has lost more jobs, than any metropolitan city this past year. The region, once known for its thriving carpeting, flooring and manufacturing hub, was hit hard when the economy tanked losing thousands of jobs.
"When you see that big 12.3 percent unemployment, it paints a very negative picture. What I would sell people on – we are not shut down for business. There are not tumbleweeds going down Main Street. We're a very vibrant community," said Brian Anderson of the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce.
While city officials told FOX 5 that they don't anticipate that the scrimmage will generate an immediate economic windfall, they're banking on the positive press the game will generate for Dalton to payoff in the long run.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:52 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:52:32 GMT
After bonding out on a 15-count criminal indictment, DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis denied any wrongdoing, saying "I've done nothing wrong."
After bonding out on a 15-count criminal indictment, DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis denied any wrongdoing, saying "I've done nothing wrong. I would never, ever, ever do anything to violate the public trust."
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:29 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:29:16 GMT
A local couple is happy to hear that members of a morning radio show fired for mocking a former ex-NFL star battling ALS now admit that they went too far.
A local couple is happy to hear that members of a morning radio show fired for mocking a former ex-NFL star battling ALS now admit that they went too far.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:13 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:13:25 GMT
The Woodstock Police Department says a police K-9 died after being left in his handler's patrol car.Spartacus, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, was found dead in his handler's patrol car. Authorities later
The Woodstock Police Department says a police K-9 died after being left in his handler's patrol car.
Thousands of fans flocked to Coahulla Creek High School to watch the Falcons face off against the Tennessee Titans.
