Some clouds have silver linings

The current economic recession is like a dark cloud hanging over us all. But inside some dark clouds are silver linings. And we have one.

A story on today's front page details the financial impact that Taylor Regional Hospital has on our local economy. And it's a significant impact, indeed.

Between the hospital's 501 employees earning $20-plus million and those employees and the hospital spending an estimated $14.4 million on local purchases, there's some big money exchanging hands. Add in the $3.2 million in state and local taxes paid and the nearly $1 million in indigent care, and then we can really see the big picture.

In addition, while many businesses are closing their doors today, we have a few opening them instead.

With the decision by Fort Knox Federal Credit Union to open a local branch office, not only is there another financial institution to serve our needs, but the company brought with it eight new full- and part-time jobs.

Then there's Saver Group with its 23 employees. That company has taken the old movie theater building that had been sitting vacant and renovated it into well-equipped office space.

Hopefully, our country's leaders will get us on the right track to a successful economic recovery - and quickly.

But, for now, we're holding our own in Taylor County.