Mike Segota, the co-owner of Whitlock's Stillwater Steakhouse, said business started dropping off this summer when gas prices shot through the roof. He said their business is down about 20%, but he's concerned the layoffs at the mine will mean more trouble for his business and Stillwater County.

"The mine donates, spends and contributes a tremendous amount to Stillwater County," he said. "It's going to affect everybody." The mining company is the largest taxpayer in both Stillwater and Sweet Grass Counties.