A once bustling town in the Ozarks faces a dire economic challenge.
Nearly a third of Noel’s residents found themselves jobless overnight after the closure of a major Tyson Foods Inc. plant. “The people around here are resilient,” declared Noel’s Mayor, Terry Lance.
Mayor Optimistic Amid Challenges
Noel’s Mayor Terry Lance sees a hopeful future despite the significant job losses.
He expressed a positive outlook on the community’s spirit and direction. “I feel like I see more energy as far as people wanting the town to go in — at least what I believe is — the right direction, than I have seen for some time,” he added in his discussion with Fox News Digital.
Major Job Loss and Resident Departure
Following the factory shutdown, Noel experienced a sharp decline in population and economic stability.
Mayor Lance shared his concerns about the potential fallout from the closure. “I was concerned, very concerned that we might lose up to 25% of our population,” he stated.
Proactive Community Efforts
In response to the closure, local leaders including John Newby, McDonald County Chamber of Commerce President, organized job fairs to mitigate the unemployment crisis.
Newby described the impact of the closure, comparing it to a major industry loss. “It’s like removing the auto industry from Detroit,” he said.
Personal Impact on Residents
Jimi Lasiter, who had worked at the plant for over a decade, shared her immediate reaction to the news of the closure. “I panicked and started looking for jobs,” she said.
It took her nearly six months to secure another position, reflecting the limited job opportunities in the area.
Tyson Foods’ Statement on Closure
A spokesperson from Tyson Foods addressed the closure, emphasizing their awareness of the impact on the community and their employees.
“Closing a plant is always a difficult decision, and we understand the impact it has on the team members and community,” the spokesperson told Fox News.
Economic and Service Impacts
The closure not only affected jobs but also the town’s fiscal health. Reduced sales tax revenues have forced the town to make cuts to essential services.
Mayor Lance highlighted the economic strain, noting a significant decrease in revenue.
A Shift Towards Tourism
Despite the economic downturn, some locals see the closure as an opportunity to shift focus to tourism.
“It was a very pivotal moment with Tyson leaving,” Dustin Shurback, a local business owner, said. He believes that focusing on tourism could revitalize the town.
Local Business Owner’s Hope
Dustin Shurback, who owns multiple businesses in Noel, spoke about the initial impact and his future outlook.
“A large hit at first. I even felt it at my ice cream shop — our sales plummeted. But I think as the community comes together and focuses its direction on tourism, we can make a huge rebound,” he said.
Plant Sale Possibilities
Tyson Foods still owns the facility and is open to discussions about its future.
The company’s spokesperson mentioned their willingness to explore opportunities. They said, “We are always open to exploring opportunities and are willing to discuss a potential sale with any interested party.”
Tourism Potential
The natural beauty of Noel, with its river and scenic surroundings, offers potential for developing tourism.
This transition could provide a new economic pathway for Noel, leveraging its environmental assets to attract visitors.
Looking Towards a Sustainable Future
Mayor Lance remains hopeful about leveraging Noel’s natural attractions to support a new economic direction.
He said, “As long as we have the bluffs and the healthy river system, Noel can have a good future,” expressing confidence in the town’s ability to adapt and thrive post-closure.
