Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

Mercer unemployment lowest in three years

County's joblessness lowest in the state at 4.9 percent

By Christine Henderson
Mercer County again has the state's best unemployment rate with a level not seen in nearly three years.
Data released today shows Mercer County had an unemployment rate of 4.9 percent in November, nearly a full percent better than the previous month and far better than the state average of 7.6 percent. The last time Mercer's jobless rate was so low was October 2008.     No other county was under 5 percent in November, and the rates rose to 13.9 percent in Pike County.
Yearly unemployment rates for Mercer County averaged 8.7 percent in 2009 and 7.4 percent in 2010.
The county's business diversification is the reason for low unemployment, said Tim McCourtie, director of Ohio Department of Job and Family Services' One Stop Employment and Training Network.
"Fortunately, there have been no major layoffs this year," he said.
Advanced, strong manufacturing and agriculture have much to do with the county's low unemployment rate, Mercer County Economic Development Director Jared Ebbing said.
"It is no coincidence that we are number one in agriculture and the lowest in unemployment," he said.
While actual farm labor is not included in unemployment figures, the county has many agricultural-related businesses, he noted.
Ebbing attributed the low unemployment "to our community."'
The people have jobs skills needed and a willingness and ability to work, he said. The small and medium businesses in the entire region are well run, he added. Village governments work with the businesses, and the schools attract residents.
Ebbing said seasonal work at retail businesses may have led to the drop from 5.8 percent unemployed in October to 4.9 percent in November.
In figuring the unemployment statistics, ODJFS looks at the number employed at least 15 hours a week and those receiving unemployment insurance benefits.
About 26 percent of the employed are usually working part time and looking for full time, but they are still counted as employed, McCourtie said.
"There is also the potential that a certain percent have exhausted unemployment and are no longer counted as unemployed," he added.
Depending on their eligibility, people currently may receive jobless benefits for 26 to 90 weeks.
Elsewhere in November, Auglaize County recorded 6.4 percent unemployment, compared with 7.4 percent in October; Darke County had 7.6 percent, down from 8.4; and Van Wert had 8.2 percent, down from 9.1.
The state unemployment average was 7.6 percent in November and 8.4 percent in October. Nationwide, the November rate was 8.2 percent and October was 8.5 percent.
Additional online story on this date
CELINA - The city police and public works departments were appropriated additional money to make payroll for the last period of 2011.
Council memb [More]
Subscriber and paid stories on this date
CELINA - Expenses continue to outpace revenue at Celina City Schools.
As of Nov. 30, expenses were $16.7 million with revenue at $15.6 million.
T
CELINA - City officials are wasting no time in getting a faulty drinking waterline replaced in southern Celina.
Council members on Monday night una
MINSTER - It was back to the classroom for board of education members Monday night as two Minster High School teachers demonstrated computer programs they use in the classroom.
Members of the St. Henry High School volleyball team who recently won the state championship were honored at Monday's board of education meeting.
Special state championship pins were given to the women.
Auglaize County
Auglaize County Sheriff's Department on Monday arrested 13 people on drug-related charges.
The charges include 35 counts of trafficking in marijuana, one count of trafficking in drugs and one count of permitting drug abuse, according to a press release from the sheriff.
Local Roundup
Compiled by Ryan Hines
The Coldwater swimming teams traveled to Ottawa on Monday evening and competed in a pair of dual meets against Western Buckeye League representatives Ottawa-Glandorf and Elida.