A slowing economy and dip in advertising from the Sept. 11 attacks led Cincinnati-based E.W. Scripps Co. Monday to lower its fourth-quarter earnings estimates. The company expects earnings of 45 cents to 55 cents a share in the quarter that ends Dec. 31. Previously forecast earnings were 55 cents to 65 cents a share.

        The company expects the ad decline at its newspaper and broadcast television properties to last through 2001. Its Scripps Network holdings — including HGTV and Food Network — should see a 10 percent increase in revenue in the fourth quarter, despite a 10 percent decline in October advertising in that division.<

Bob Evans Farms builds facility

        Construction has begun on a $6 million Bob Evans Farms distribution center in an industrial park near Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport in Springfield, Ohio.

        The 55,000-square-foot facility on 25 acres will be used for shipment of frozen and refrigerated foods to grocery stores and restaurants on the East Coast and in the mid-Atlantic states.

        It will employ about 40 people at jobs paying about $14 an hour, said Tom Franzen, the city's economic development administrator. He said its annual payroll will exceed $1.1 million.

        Construction should be completed in the fall of 2002.

Wheel maker to close Ky. plant

        Hayes Lemmerz International Inc. on Monday said it will close a plant in Kentucky by mid-2002 and eliminate about 235 jobs, as the largest maker of automobile wheels reduces costs amid lower vehicle output.

        The company will offer an undetermined number of the workers jobs elsewhere, spokeswoman Marika Diamond said. The factory is in Bowling Green and makes steel wheels for cars and light trucks. Hayes Lemmerz has about 14,000 employees.

        The move comes less than two weeks after the Northville, Mich.-based company said it fired 145 people, or 11 percent of its North American salaried work force.

        — From staff and wire reports

GE experts to assist in crash probe
Crash, terrorism fears sink stocks
Changes coming to Chiquita
Chiquita hopes worst is over
Sales, earnings growth seen
Morning Memo
Tristate Summary
What's the Buzz?
AOL, Sony to link entertainment, 'Net
Dynegy, Enron expect approval