Highland County phone service out - UPDATED: Service restored

The Recorder is reporting that phone service has been out all day for Highland County. The latest updates on Facebook noted:

So it appears there is at least a countywide (Highland) problem with cell service and long distance. Both have been down all afternoon. No answers yet but we're working on finding out what's going on. This issue may extend at least in to Augusta and Rockingham as well. We'll keep you posted.

And this ...

In the Highlands, still, even if long-distance callers try calling residents here, they will get the superfast busy signal. We tested. The Recorder is trying to get some answers tonight.... but you Highlanders should consider yourselves on "the island" for now. At least the Internet still works ... use your email and Facebook and Twitter, etc., to communicate outside our borders.

UPDATE 10:15 pm: Service has been restored. The Recorder wrote on Facebook, "Long distance and cell service has returned to the Highlands! Still trying to find out what happened...."

MGW hopes to bring 40 new jobs to western Augusta

Deerfield, that crossroads in western Augusta County that many pass on the way to Highland County, may see new jobs, thanks to MGW Communications.

Vice President Craig Smith announced the company hopes to expand their telephone and internet service, currently serving western Augusta, Bath, and Highland counties, by adding a call center and technical support, according to the Waynesboro News Virginian:

Smith said the new operations will serve a variety of electric, cable and other companies in Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina.

Smith said the operation in the Deerfield Community Center could mean 10 to 15 jobs by the end of the year and as many as 20 to 40 jobs later.

“We are trying to breathe some life into this area,’’ Smith said.

This is indeed good news for an area that has been hard-hit by the loss of industry and a sagging economy.