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.
Thursday, May 23 2013 2:17 PM EDT2013-05-23 18:17:55 GMT
The state rested its case on Thursday in the trial of Michael Parson. He's accused of shooting his wife eight times in April 2011 outside their Sandy Springs apartment.
The state rested its case on Thursday in the trial of Michael Parson. He's accused of shooting his wife eight times in April 2011 outside their Sandy Springs apartment.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:55:29 GMT
Police in Palmetto say they're investigating the abduction of a 13-year-old boy.
Police in Palmetto say they're investigating the abduction of a 13-year-old boy. They say he was approached by a man as he got off his school bus on Wednesday, and that man pulled him into a pickup truck. He was able to escape, but the suspect is still on the loose.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:33 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:33:35 GMT
The wives of first responders in Atlanta took to the picket line on Thursday morning to demand a salary hike for city workers.
The wives and family members of first responders in Atlanta took to the picket line on Thursday morning to demand a salary hike for city workers. They say their loved ones are forced to work extra jobs just to make ends meet, leaving little time for family.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:06 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:06:09 GMT
The fox responsible for biting two Newton County elementary school students while they played on their school's playground remains on the loose.
The fox that bit two Newton County elementary school students while they played on the playground is still on the loose. Animal control authorities tell FOX 5 someone from Rocky Plains Elementary School reported a fox sighting on campus one day before the boys were attacked.
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Thousands of fans flocked to Coahulla Creek High School to watch the Falcons face off against the Tennessee Titans.
