Citizen of the Week: Dana Lance is ‘a role model in our community’

Published 8:26 am Friday, April 25, 2025

Whether it’s working at the Dalton-Whitfield County Public Library or volunteering to keep the community clean, Dana Lance makes a big impact on Dalton, say those who know her.

“Dana is a truly caring presence and a wonderful role model in our community,” said Amy Hartline, recycling and education program coordinator for the Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority and executive director of Keep Dalton-Whitfield Beautiful. “At the library, she greets everyone with patience, kindness and a warm smile that makes people feel seen and valued.”

Keep Dalton-Whitfield Beautiful is a local nonprofit that, as its website notes, focuses on volunteer “activities that promote litter prevention, beautification, sustainability and water protection.”

“She (Lance) even joined a Keep Dalton-Whitfield Beautiful cleanup, where she won ‘weirdest litter found’ after helping move tiny baby animals out of the road,” said Hartline. “It was a perfect example of how Dana is always looking out for others, human or otherwise. Her kindness and quiet leadership create a ripple effect in our community, and I know I’m just one of many who are better for knowing her.”

Library Administrator Brandy Wyatt called Lance “the backbone of the Dalton-Whitfield County Public Library.”

“She has done so many different jobs at the library,” Wyatt said. “Some might remember her from the bookmobile or working the front desk. Now Dana is the library manager. She knows the library inside and out. We could not do it without her.”

For her service to the environment, the library and others, the Dalton Daily Citizen names Dana Lance Citizen of the Week.