🌱 Masonic Lodge To Be Demolished + 2023 Small Business Awards Winners

Hi all. It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Dalton Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Mostly sunny. High: 85 Low: 55.
• Friday: Mostly cloudy. High: 76 Low: 54.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Dalton who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories today in Dalton:

1. The Dalton City Council voted 4-0 on Monday to approve the demotion of Masonic Lodge 238. The 108-year-old building has sat vacant for around 25 years, and the Masons stated that they lacked the funds to either renovate the building or tear it down despite fundraising attempts. City officials have agreed to plan for a monument at the site that will describe the property's history. (Subscription: Dalton Daily Citizen)
2. The Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce has announced the five winners of its 2023 Small Business Awards. This is the first year that the chamber has awarded four new awards alongside the main award of Small Business Person of the Year, which is normally announced during the organization's annual Chamber Banquet. This year, the chamber will be hosting an inaugural Small Business Award Luncheon to celebrate the five winners on Apr. 27. (Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
3. The Northwest Georgia Family Crisis Center will be hosting the third annual Louder Together: Breaking the Silence Music Festival on May 13 from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Burr Performance Art Park. The free, family-friendly festival will include musical performances, arts and crafts activities, and mechanical bull rides. All proceeds will go towards benefitting the crisis center. (Dalton Events via Facebook)

From our sponsor:

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Today and tomorrow in and around Dalton:

Thursday, April 20

• Job Fair At Dalton Convention Center (5:30 PM)

Friday, April 21

• Annual Spring Plant Sale + Festival At Crabtree Farms, Chattanooga (9:00 AM)
• Women Mean Business Lunch & Mastermind At Feed Table And Tavern, Chattanooga (11:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Despite a statewide trend of increasing housing starts and permits, Dalton saw only 442 residential construction permits issued between 2021-2022. Visit the link for more insights on year-over-year changes in residential construction in Georgia and across the country. (Point2)
• Calling all house hunters! Check out these homes that are up for sale in and around the Dalton area, including a two-bedroom, two-bathroom townhome for $198,000. (Dalton Patch)
• There's a new restaurant in town! Cocina Tulum held its official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday. Check out this fabulous new restaurant serving delicious homemade Mexican food at 904 S. Thornton Ave. (Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday. I'll see you around!

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.