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Hi Dalton, hope you’re having a great weekend!

In today’s in-case-you-missed-it edition: Stricter vape shop rules, a Civil War field hospital tour, and The Great Gatsby onstage + the top stories from this week & a sneak peek at next week.

From today’s sponsor, FinanceBuzz: Many Georgia drivers end up paying higher auto insurance premiums because they don’t shop around enough. The same driver with the same car can get wildly different quotes from different insurers, so it truly pays to compare. Their free tool makes it easy.*

📰 Most-clicked stories this week

Fresh offerings for older adults: Dalton Parks and Recreation launched new senior programs in February, adding fitness sessions, social meetups, and mind-sharpening activities. Classes will cover internet safety and scams to help neighbors connect — get all the details.

Spotlight on employee-centered excellence: Dalton-based Shaw Industries was recognized by Newsweek in the 2026 list of greatest workplaces for culture, belonging, and community, following a survey of millions of company reviews from U.S. employees — see how it was ranked.

Stricter rules under consideration: Dalton is considering new vape shop rules requiring a city license, 1,000 foot buffers from schools and churches, and a population based cap, while existing stores would be grandfathered — see what’s in the proposal.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*

Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.*

All the crowd favorites:

• Tour a Civil War field hospital
• See The Great Gatsby onstage
• Create a living terracotta moss garden

💎 This week’s top finds

Hot dog + shake fix: At The Shakey Mutt, hot dogs come piled high and milkshakes lean decadent, with a waffle-cone aroma drifting through a cozy hometown nook. Pocket it for a low-fuss win this week… grab a quick bite, chase a sugar fix, or do both. Zero judgment.

Sip while you browse: Book and Barrel brings Ringgold an indie book vibe with shelves that feel cozy and curious, plus a relaxed wine bar for sips between chapters. When your TBR needs a nudge and you crave an easy weeknight escape, this quietly charming nook delivers.

Pie break, anyone? When the craving hits, Oakwood Cafe keeps it classic with pies that finish any meal like the South intended. A slice this week feels right, no excuse required… just you, a fork, and a friendly promise to share that you probably won’t keep.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements — they’re the local spots your fellow readers clicked on most this week.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Paying full price is officially optional: Blu Dot just marked down dozens of their best sofas, beds, dining tables, outdoor pieces, and lighting by as much as 60%. Not because something’s wrong with them, but because every great design eventually has to make room for the next one. The deals change daily, so it’s always a new adventure. *See what’s on sale today →

Most people have no idea what’s happening inside their body: Not because the data doesn’t exist, but because no one’s collecting it. Routine annual checkups miss things like body composition, biological age, and the biomarkers that can help predict long-term patterns. The good news? HumeHealth offers tools to help you track all of that at home for less than the cost of a specialist visit. *Use code NEW20 to save 20% →

Something in your house is about to break: It might be your AC, your water heater, your fridge… doesn’t matter. Every major appliance has an expiration date, and when it goes, you’ll be staring down a repair bill that can climb into the thousands fast. An AHS home warranty covers these types of surprises + *select plans are $150 off right now →

📆 Sneak peek at next week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🌟 Ringgold’s Got Talent @ Ringgold Depot – Official | Friday (3/20) at 6:00 PM – Got pipes, jokes, or questionable magic? The Depot hosts the showdown, $1,000 up for grabs, $50 to enter, ages 15+. Nail it and you’re on the Dolly Day main stage, big crowd, civic pride, and maybe some rhinestones, spectators welcome.

🌿 Moss Garden Workshop @ The Perfect Place | Friday (3/20) at 6:30 PM – Get your hands dirty at a moss garden workshop that turns terracotta, soil, wire, and sheet moss into a self-watering oasis. Step-by-step guidance, low-key vibes, and all materials included, so you head home with a forgiving little houseplant that thrives on benign neglect.

🎭 The Great Gatsby @ 11th Hour Theatre & Creative Studio | Friday (3/20) at 7:30 PM – A night at 11th Hour Theatre means one thing, Gatsby’s glitter without the bootleg hangover. Slip into the Jazz Age as Nick Carraway meets his mysterious neighbor, all secrets, champagne, and longing. It’s classic drama done right, intimate, stylish, and just nosy enough.

⛑ Battlefield Hospital Living History Day @ Tunnel Hill Heritage Center & Museum | Saturday (3/21) at 10:00 AM – History buffs, this one’s basically ER, 1863 edition, at the Clisby Austin House. A Union officer walks you through a battlefield hospital setup, minus the gore, plus plenty of stories. It’s immersive, local, and a lot more interesting than yard work.

🧘 Community Reiki Day @ Blue Sun Fusion Studio | Saturday (3/21) at 10:00 AM – Consider this your permission slip to get de-frazzled. Community Reiki by donation, suggested $10, where newcomers melt, practitioners share quick sessions, and you can call it self-care that also keeps the lights on, then poke around the apothecary, crystals, and local good energy.

🌸 Spring is Sprung @ New Echota Historic Site (Calhoun) | Saturday (3/21) at 2:00 PM – Celebrate the first day of spring with a ranger-led stroll on New Echota’s New Town Creek trail. Easy to moderate, perfect for stretching winter legs while we hunt for buds, birds, and proof the pollen gods have awakened. Admission required, obviously.

❤ Date Night @ McFarland Hill Baptist Church | Saturday (3/21) at 7:00 PM – If your idea of romance is eating a hot meal while someone else wrangles the kids, this is your night. Dinner, games, and entertainment for $50 per couple, childcare included, and it all benefits Overcome Youth. Look at us, fed, fun, and charitable.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Dalton report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 72°F – Low: 39°F – Precip: 9%

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Southeast wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Later: A chance of rain showers between 8pm and 2am, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. South wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

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Tomorrow – High: 50°F – Low: 26°F – Precip: 94%

Rain showers before 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Most popular house this week

Completely remodeled, this 5-bed, 4.5-bath standout pairs modern comfort with mid-century flair on a 4.6-acre lot across from Nob North Golf Course. Highland Forest perks include a clubhouse, pool, pickleball and tennis, play area, fishing pond, and walking trails. Inside, a sunroom and open living take center stage. Outside, a covered outdoor kitchen, screened porch, and 20×40 storage building await.

Take a peek inside →