🌱 Airport Expansion Project + School Bus Strikes Continue

Hi there, Dalton. I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: An afternoon thundershower. High: 74 Low: 60.
• Friday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 77 Low: 62.

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Here are the top three stories today in Dalton:

1. The Dalton City Council voted 3-0 to accept a contract with the Georgia Department of Transportation for $3 million to expand the Dalton Municipal Airport. The expansion would add more hangars to the airport. Though there are already 27 hangars, many remain on a waiting list to lease a hangar. The project is expected to add room for over 20 additional aircraft. (WTVC)
2. A textile mill in Georgia has taken steps to reduce pollutants that end up in the state's water supply. Mount Vernon Mills in Trion plans to stop using per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals, by the end of this year. Dalton faced a lawsuit for the presence of PFAS found in its water and has since launched a pilot program to test the water regularly. PFAS can cause serious illnesses, including cancer. (WTVC)
3. Dalton Public Schools students have struggled to get to school this week amidst bus strikes in the city. First Student, a bus company, workers began the strike to gain three paid holidays, company-paid life and AD&D insurance, and premium pay for trainers. They also proposed a seven percent wage increase. Meanwhile, students have struggled to get to school on time, find a ride, and get home without waiting in the car rider line. (News Channel 9)

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Today and tomorrow in Dalton:

Thursday, May 18

• Member Mixer At Dalton Brewing Company (4:00 PM)

Friday, May 19

• Carry The Load's Memorial May At Hobby Lobby (7:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• For those who love Chick-fil-A, you're in luck! Chick-fil-A celebrated its brand-new store with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week. Chick-fil-A officially opens on 1429 W. Walnut Ave. at I-75 at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday morning. (Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• Are you already a certified firefighter? The City of Dalton is looking to fill a firefighter position with the Dalton Fire Department. Candidates must live within 40 miles of the station at 404 School St. and have completed certification through the hazardous materials operations level. To apply, click here. (City of Dalton Fire Department via Facebook)
• Beginning Thursday, Dalton Public Schools will offer community drop-off and pick-up sites. The times for these sites can be found here. The school advises those waiting to be patient as drivers accommodate the new routes. (Dalton City Public Schools)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you soon!

— 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.