West Point News

Motor Trend reports Kia will have a busy 2011 model year ahead, with the first vehicle on its launch list coming from the U.S. The new Kia factory in West Point, Georgia, is in preproduction for the 2011 Kia Sorento , and the first versions of the new crossover vehicle should begin to ship to dealers early next year.

A town that seemed on the road to becoming a ghost town has taken a turn toward prosperity despite the recession, thanks to an automaker.

More wet weather is forecast today after a line of strong thunderstorms with reported 70 mph winds brought down trees and power lines across Troup County.

Here are holiday closings for Independence Day: Government offices Federal, state, county, and LaGrange, West Point and Hogansville city offices will be closed Friday.

The Georgia Department of Banking and Finance closed Newnana s Neighborhood Community Bank June 26.

Any hope that the pace of bank failures might be slowing was dashed on Friday when the FDIC announced five new names to add to the growing list of the defunct.

The financial crisis has taken a heavy toll on small banks across the nation as losses in the housing market mount and unemployment dents household wealth.

Emily Watkins, Aneshia Whitehead and Makayla Gaddy swing on a playground Friday during the Boys and Girls Club a LEAPa program, a summer cultural enrichment program.

Oftentimes, but especially in trying times, it can be useful to step back a few paces and see how things look from another perspective.

A leading economic forecasting consultant is projecting that the Columbus metro area will not rebound to its pre-recession employment peak until late 2012.

As other automakers agonize over idled plants and tough choices, things are looking good for Kia-both overseas and for its rapidly growing operations in the U.S. Overall, Kia sales are down 6.8 percent versus last year; but that's one of the smallest drops in sales of any brand, second only to Subaru .

With the green light from the Board of Regents, Columbus State University has opened up a temporary office in West Point and started registering students for classes.

Kia Motors hired 90 more people Monday, bringing the total to nearly 700 at its West Point plant.

Kia Motors has hired almost 700 workers for its west Georgia factory, which is scheduled to go into production in December.

Seohan Auto USA Corp. and Seohan-NTN Driveshaft USA Corp. are expanding in Auburn, adding 76 jobs.

A benefit has been scheduled for West Point police Sgt. Jeffery Billingslea, who has been diagnosed with cancer and is on medical leave.

Parkway Mitsubishi owner Jesse Liechty plans to break ground for a new Kia dealership at 1217 Lafayette Parkway within the next month.

It was bad enough when workers at the General Motors plant in Doraville, Ga., lost their jobs when the final car came off the line in December 2008, a former plant worker says.

An advisory committee has recommended an impact fee of $1,250 for building homes in the unincorporated area of Troup County starting in July 2010.

'You have challenged my mind and inspired my soul' slideshow slideshow Image 1 of 2 Robyn Miles/Daily News LaGrange College President Stuart Gulley said he's been 'overwhemed' by multiple tributes as he prepares to leave the post he has held for 13 years.