Ellsworth Issues Hiring Freeze for Civilians

RAPID CITY - Ellsworth Air Force Base has issued a civilian hiring freeze. Ellsworth, which is the state's second largest employer, announced the freeze last week.

KOTA-TV reports that the freeze means temporary workers will be released immediately and term civilian workers will not be renewed for further service.

Some workers may be exempt from being released based on their position.

Air Force leaders say the ban could be lifted in the future.

There are more than 750 civilian workers paid with federal funds on the Ellsworth payroll, totaling more than $40 million a year.

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