While reports of business shutdowns and job losses remainpervasive in the current economy, it must be remembered that notall news is bad.

Reed’s Metals on Friday confirmed plans for its third expansionin three years. The $1.6 million venture will add 32,000 squarefeet of production space and mean the addition of 15 employees forthe company.

Company employment plans should have at least a small positiveeffect on local jobless rate numbers that appear to already beimproving. Totals released last month showed Lincoln County with ajobless rate of 9.5 percent in August, a 1.4-point drop from Julyand the second-lowest rate in the area.

We are hopeful that more positive business activities andjobless rate reports lie ahead to help part the ominous economicclouds that continue to lie on the horizon.