This week, Linden Lumber Company – the county’s second-largest employer – laid off the majority of its workforce, sending 125 workers home.

The company was a leading manufacturer of southern hardwoods including red oak, white oak and ash with vertically-integrated operations in procurement, sawmills, kiln-drying and logistical support.

Now, many local residents will spend their holidays in hardship.

It’s an unfortunate side effect of today’s sluggish economy. Layoffs have made headlines nationally in recent weeks, but they hurt most when they hit home.

There is really nothing I can say here to help ease the strife of the affected men and women, but there is something this newspaper can do top help.

If you’ve been affected by layoffs, call the Demopolis Times office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. until Dec. 25. You can place a “Job Wanted” ad for free. If you possess a certain skill set, you can advertise it with us as you seek out new employment.

On our daily classified pages, you will find a variety of jobs, but those may not fit your talents.

In hopes that some of the 100-plus affected employees can find work before Santa comes, we welcome you to place a classified ad seeking a job on us.

No strings. No commitment. No purchase necessary.

If you worked in the lumber yard but have experience in another field, let us know. Maybe someone needs your talents as a painter, plumber or electrician.

In statistical data released yesterday, Marengo County’s jobless rate rose a half-point to 7 percent for the month of October.

The Linden cuts were not factored in, which means our jobless rate could bump 10 percent come December.

Hopefully, local employers will find some of their next employees on the pages of the Demopolis Times just as countless of thousands of local residents have found jobs there over the years. If you find yourself in need of work, please call Melodie King at (334) 289-4017 and let her advertise your largest assets – your talents and know-how.

To the affected employees, we wish you nothing but the best of luck.

Jason Cannon is the publisher of the Demopolis Times.