Area unemployment rates increased slightly last month according to the latest figures from the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The October jobless rate in Wabash County stood at 4.4%, compared to the 4.2% mark in September, and the 4% level last October. Unemployment increased or remained unchanged in 21 southern Illinois counties, with the only decrease in the Southern Region being recorded in Alexander County compared to one year-ago. Hamilton County had southern Illinois’ lowest jobless rate at 3.8% while Hardin County had the highest at 7.4%.
