Mount Vernon Optic-Herald

Mount Vernon and Franklin County has led a relatively sheltered existence, with the dramatic social and economic changes of the U.S. seeming far away over the past 3-5 years. Those realities came to the front door of those living here this last year. Job layoffs record drought and related wildfires, along with effects of state and national government budget cuts were made apparent locally in 2011. See a review of major events of the past year and their effects locally in the January 5 edition of the Mount Vernon Optic-Herald.