GARNETT — Anderson County Economic Development Agency director Dennis Arnold said the Anderson County economy is seeing mixed results because of the poor national economy. On the good side, more local shoppers are buying more at local stores, he said. Anderson County sales tax figures have shown some growth. However, Arnold said rural manufacturing is taking a hit. Small manufacturers in the area make parts for larger companies and orders for those parts have fallen sharpl, he said. Garnett has an ethanol plant and nationally. demand for ethanol has fallen. However, despite the sour economy some business building owners in downtown Garnett have been rebuilding and restoring their buildings, he said. He said he’s being asked more for help to restore more downtown buildings.
