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Mayor says city is actively recruiting new businesses.
Story by Nicky Walters
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RAVENSWOOD -- As aluminum prices improve there's been talk about the possibility of reopening the Century Aluminum Plant in Jackson County.
But in the meantime, the community of Ravenswood is struggling from the effects of the plant being shut down several months ago.
Families in Ravenswood who once depended on the Century Aluminum plant for a living are finding themselves in a difficult financial position.
The closing of the plant coupled with an already struggling economy seems to be causing residents to cut back on their spending.
Mayor Lucy Harbert says several businesses have closed their doors in recent months - including two antique stores and two photography businesses.
That means the city is getting fewer B and O taxes causing them to scale back in some areas.
Harbert says there are people actively working to attract new businesses to the area to build the local economy.
"Its just not good to be negative about everything," Harbert said. "You just have to stay positive and I believe someone up there is taking care of us."
Harbert adds that for the most part those who used to work at Century Aluminum are not leaving the area. She says that is because of the weak economy and the fact that opportunities elsewhere are also limited.
The mayor says the city is doing alright financially and as long as residents and businesses continue to pay their bills Ravenswood will be able to make ends meet.
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