[Peg]

It's scary how much the Ohio Valley depends on the steel industry. Way back when, when I graduated high school, getting a job at the steel mill was THE thing to do. Over the years, the industry has had more downs than ups. People who thought they had job security, and were already over spending, found themselves losing their homes, their wives, etc. as things continued to get worse. The men and women have given up benefits, taken pay cuts, etc. to keep their jobs. What had once been their dream job, became their worst nightmare. The trickle effect goes to every business around. They have less to spend shopping, so stores, bars, etc. are affected. Things are starting to improve somewhat, but I doubt the steel industry will ever be what it once was. I see steel workers every day at my job, and it's sad to see so many people who feel stuck with a job they are miserable doing now.