The announcement that a major department store, Ross, is planning to open up shop in Covington gives great hope to a community that has been suffering through a major economic slump for the past five years.

The fact the Ross chose Covington to expand is a sign that there truly is some light at the end of the tunnel.

The arrival of Ross will not only provide jobs and a boost to the tax base; it also will open the door for other like retailers to move here.

We have heard of such a possibility. If what we heard comes to fruition, Covington and Newton County will be well on their way to a major economic recovery.