With the current economic crisis unfolding each day, local citizens and business owners are seeing the direct effect in Grady County.

Some have posted signs saying, “NO BAILOUT.”

While others are taking a more personal approach to solving some of the issues within their homes and businesses.

“Business overall is down. Compared to this time last year, we are down 10 to 15 percent. I can say exactly why that is, but part of it is business travelers are not making as many trips it seems,” said Best Western General Manager Chuck Phelps.

“We have had to look at our payroll and shifts to see if there are any areas that can be tweaked. We also lowered what we call our best available rate from $84 to $76 per night. But it’s not a good thing when our lowering prices and the price of doing business is going up.”

Mosley Agency/ Century 21 owner John Mosley said, “It has not been as good as last year but we are still doing fine. We still do business.”

Mosley attributed some of the local real estate success to the oil and gas industry in the area,

“Lending is the hardest part of the real estate deal right now. Banks are still lending but they are much more picky about who to lend to,” added Mosley.

Angel Nichols, a convenience store worker, is worried about where things are headed.

“Kinda makes me feel like we could be heading for another depression. There isn’t any extra spending going on at my house. We are really watching the budget,” she said.

However, Oklahomans may not be feeling the hardships as deeply as other states.

Derek Martinez of Montrose, Colo., said, “Everything here is less expensive to start. Our gas prices were $1.00 more per gallon when I left, and housing, food, everything is less expensive,” said Derek Martinez of Montrose, Colo. “I understand that we are paid more but it still doesn’t equal out. Bottom line is, McDonalds has a $1.39 menu not a dollar menu. I am a waiter at Chili’s and over the last year tips have went down a bunch.

“It’s sad because people still want the luxury of eating out, but can’t afford to tip after paying for the meal,” Martinez lamented.

Congress passed a $700 billion bailout package earlier this month, hoing to jump start the economy.

The stock market has been slow to respond, leaving some people are worried about their retirement portfolios and 401K plans.

That’s what concerns Darrell Harrington, 60, of Chickasha, who works for a Duncan equipment. He is looking at retirement in a couple of years.

“I’m afraid to check my portfolio. I have a 401K plan and by the looks of things right now and from what other guys are telling me, I may not be able to retire at 62,” Harrington said. “I know of at least three guys that have lost over 100K on their retirement in the last few months.”

It is unclear at this time if the bailout and other measures taken by the federal government will ease the pain.

Only time will tell but for many Chickasha residents, a turnaround can’t come quickly enough.