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, May 22 2013 5:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:20:38 GMT
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe.
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe. They say 1-year-old Annya Buchannon was in the back of a car that was stolen just after midnight from the Playskool Daycare on Conley Road in Forest Park.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:16 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:16:44 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
A group of metro Atlanta business community leaders are pledging $10.5 million to improve one of the state's busiest and most congested freeway interchanges.
A group of metro Atlanta business community leaders are pledging $10.5 million to improve one of the state's busiest and most congested freeway interchanges.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:32:36 GMT
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife.
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife. Prosecutors say Michael Parson shot his wife, Adina, eight times in April 2012 outside their apartment.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:24 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:24:23 GMT
Atlanta fire crews are battling a huge, two-alarm blaze at an automotive business downtown.
Atlanta fire crews battled a huge, two-alarm blaze at an automotive business downtown on Wednesday morning. Authorities say the fire sparked at United Transmission Service, which is located at 350 Marietta Street NW.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges. Brooks pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges.
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Thousands of fans flocked to Coahulla Creek High School to watch the Falcons face off against the Tennessee Titans.
