Around 300 workers at the Vise-Grip plant in De Witt found out they'll be out of a job at the end of October.

Employees of Irwin Tools -- the maker of Vise-Grip -- got the official news Wednesday morning that the plant will close at the end of October.

Local electric customers are looking at a 5 percent rate increase next year as Nebraska Public Power District passes a 7 percent rate increase for purchased power.