🌱 Massive Crash On I-75 Closes Interstate + Historic Solar Project

Hey, neighbors. It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Dalton Patch newsletter — here to impart all the most important things happening in town. Including updates on these three stories...

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Periods of rain. High: 57 Low: 46.
• Sunday: Mostly cloudy and warmer. High: 68 Low: 42.

Business owners and marketers in Dalton: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Dalton today:

1. A massive crash occurred on I-75 in Dalton on Thursday involving at least eight vehicles. An RV was traveling southbound in the right lane near mile marker 328 when it rear-ended a Jeep Compass, which caused a domino effect hitting other drivers heading southbound. The driver of the RV was identified as a 66-year-old man from Illinois, and the female driving the Jeep was not identified but she was transported to receive medical support at Erlanger and is in stable condition. (WDEF)
2. David Pennington has served as the mayor of Dalton in two nonconsecutive stints and is currently in the fourth year of his third term. He has a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Georgia and is the managing director of Advanced Insurance Strategies. Pennington discussed the city's budget, major projects, challenges, and his decision not to run for mayor again in an interview with the Dalton Daily Citizen. You can read the full interview at the link. (Daily Citizen)
3. On Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris visited the Qcells facility in Dalton to announce the largest community solar agreement in American history. Qcells is one of the largest solar panel factories in the country and will be partnering with Summit Ridge Energy in this agreement. The president and vice president have the goal of creating opportunities in every community throughout the country and the Georgia senator intends to make the state the leader in advanced energy. (Bay News 9)

From our sponsor:

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Today and tomorrow in Dalton:

Saturday, April 8

• Community Easter Egg Hunt - 2701 Cleveland Highway (11:00 AM)

Sunday, April 9

• Love & Hiking Date - George W. Disney Trail (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Starting in May, thanks to the request of city leaders and Dalton utilities, you will be able to experience Haig Mill Lake Park on a paddle board! Paddleboard rentals are currently in the works as well as kayak rentals at the park in the near future. (City of Dalton, GA - City Hall via Facebook)
• Check out the amazing work of art from Dalton High School Catamounts senior Michelle Liu. She has taken two years to create this artwork during her International Baccalaureate art class. (Dalton Public Schools GA via Facebook)
• Stop by the Dalton-Whitfield County Library for College Day! Assistance in completing college applications, applying for scholarships and grants, and much more will be available at the event on Apr. 15. (Dalton-Whitfield County Public Library via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today. See you all soon for another update!

— 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.