Rockbridge area copes
with tough economic times

Rockbridge didn't suffer from unpleasant weather as much as other parts of the country. Still, cold temperatures made heating costs soar. (GENE J PUSKAR/AP Photo)

Cold weather aggravates
energy costs
By NED OLIVER
Bitter cold hit the area, exacerbating high energy costs and unemployment.

Churches are laboring
to meet additional needs
By STEPHANIE HARDIMAN
Donations to many Rockbridge area churches have not shrunk, though their members might be struggling with unemployment and financial instability. But churches are struggling to meet increased need from local charities.

Factories feel the pinch of faltering economy By JOEL POELHUIS By JESSICA RAMOS About 50 workers were laid off from Rockbridge area manufacturers recently. New orders to U.S. factories fell 4.6 percent in November, the fourth month in a row that new orders have decreased. Appliance sales drop with weakened economy By JACOB GEIGER The Census Bureau reported this month that the sales of durable goods fell 1.5 percent in November, half a percentage point worse than forecasts. And local store owners see customers buying fewer of the expensive appliances. Obama to the rescue? By MICHAEL WHITE As the economy continues to fail, Buena Vista residents express their hopes for reform during Pres. Obama's term.
	Workers face layoffs nationwide. (SPENCER GREEN/AP Photo)
	The ntaion's economic slump hits big companies and small. (PAUL SAKUMA/AP Photo)
	President Barack Obama addresses America's economic crisis. (PABLO MARTINEZ MONSIVAIS/AP Photo)

Other Headlines

Security system installation
delays courthouse debut
By JASON BACAJ
The opening of Rockbridge County's new courthouse has been postponed to Feb. 10. Court security officers need to be trained to use the system before the courthouse can open.

The AARP is offering free help this tax season from IRS-trained volunteers. (FARRELL ULRICH/The Rockbridge Report)

AARP sponsors tax-assistance program
By FARRELL ULRICH
As tax season approaches, the AARP is sponsoring free tax aid every Monday at the Rockbridge Regional Library.

Editor's note

Check out The Rockbridge Report blog here!

Producer: Alisha Laventure
Associate Producers: Jasaon Bacaj andAlexandra Scaggs
Assistant Producers: Alison Chopin and Eden Taylor

Contractors to bid on Lylburn Downing renovations

Parry McCluer students learn marketing from pros

Buena Vista reaction mixed to SVU expansion

Hospital program helps local residents sleep tight

Residents rate Lexington's quality of life

Avoid a home break-in

Hip new restaurant reaps big business

Lexington restaurants tease locals' tastebuds

Local weather forecast

Community Calendar

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Produced by
Washington and Lee
journalism students.

Lead Supervisors:
Prof. Brian Richardson
Prof. Indira Somani

Editing supervisor:
Prof. Lisa Tracy

Technical supervisor: Michael Todd