Facing Recession: Noble County

Thursday,  October 1, 2009 6:04 PM

Video
CALDWELL, Ohio — Mark Chickwak is not ready to hit the panic button.

Instead, he is hitting the Byesville Scenic Railway in Guernsey County, a place he volunteers as an engineer after losing his job when the Mahle plant closed in Noble County.

"It's the worst thing they could have done to you because they took your livelihood away," said Chickwak.

Four-hundred jobs were elminated, including Chickwak's who is now living on unemployment at age 54.

He's definitely not alone. The current unemployment rate in Noble County stands at 15 percent, one of the highest in the state reported ONN's Denise Alex.

"There's no doubt there is a big effect in the county losing that many jobs. Good paying jobs," said Mike Lloyd of the Noble County Economic Office.

Lloyd said as the state economy recovers, the county hopes to follow and find something to fill the former Mahle plant.

It was the biggest employer in the county before it closed.

Mark Chickwaks' wife, Monica, also lost her job to outsourcing and she now volunteers at the railway as well.

"It's the only time in my life I wish I was older, so I could have been on social security," she said.

Now, they are both hoping to find a good paying job and affordable health insurance to enjoy the golden years.

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