The Henderson County unemployment rate jumped to 8.5 percent in December, according to information from the Texas Workforce Commission, equaling the highest mark of 2009.
Last year’s final statistics indicates the county was up from an 8.3-percent reading in November. The year ended with the largest number of unemployed for the decade. The Henderson County workforce dipped from 36,800 to 36,614.
The total employed was also down from 33,740 to 33,498. The number unemployed grew from 3.060 to 3,116.
The Texas seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate rose from 8.0 in November to 8.3 percent in December. The state rate remains well-below the national rate of 10.0.
“Texas continues to feel the effects of this serious national recession,” TWC Chairman Tom Pauken said.
Trade, transportation and utilities were the hardest hit sectors of Texas economy, with leisure and hospitality industries close behind.
“December losses offset some of the gains from the past couple of months, TWC Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton said.
Congleton again reminded job seekers that the state has 28 workforce boards committed to assisting them in their searches.
The East Texas Workforce Center at 205 N. Murchison St. in Athens offers help to local job seekers. ETWC can be reached at 903-677-7277.
The closing 2009 figures show dramatic unemployment increases for Henderson County and its neighbors from the previous December.
The following is a list of the December, 2008 numbers followed by December, 2009:
• Anderson - 5.7, 9.4;
• Henderson - 6.8, 8.5;
• Kaufman - 6.4, 8.9;
• Navarro - 6, 8.2;
• Van Zandt - 4.4, 7.1.
Local News
Fewer employed in county in 2009
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Slide Show- Old Fiddlers Reunion
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Fiddlers firing up
You can get on out of that bed now, and get yourselves down to the courthouse square.
The fiddlers are firing up, and they'll be going until the clock strikes 12 with the street dance, as the 81st Annual Old Fiddlers Reunion gets into high gear. -
Valedictorian & Salutatorian
The Athens High School Valedictorian of 2012 is Rachaelle Browning. She is the daughter of Wes and Jan Browning. Rachaelle will be attending the University of Texas at Austin in the fall of 2012 and plans to major in Aerospace Engineering.
Rachaelle has participated in various extracurricular activities throughout high school in preparation for a career in engineering. -
3rd annual Hornet Fun Run continues through today
Fourth graders participated Thursday in the 3rd Annual Hornet Fun Run at the Cain Center. Above is the beginning, when the children would run one mile. At left, Isaac Garcia is shown taking overall first place. Second place honors for boys went to Armondo Garcia, and Third place Case Friedrich. Girls first place was Taylor Stiles, second place Veronica Campa and third place honors went to Semia Brazier. See those that placed, both boys and girls, on Page 14. The fifth grade will run today.
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Witnesses aid in suspects’ capture
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Valedictorian & Salutatorian
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GBC mayor official after vote canvassing
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There's a new mayor in Gun Barrel City, thanks to the canvassing of votes at Tuesday night's regularly-scheduled city council meeting. -
Recycled art gets attention
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Dogs waiting for homes
The Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake is proud to spotlight four dogs and one puppy this week in their never ending quest to find “furrever” homes for pets.
Alexis is a one and half year old white female small husky/Spitz mix. She is spayed, housebroken and good with kids but needs to be the only dog, or time to adjust to other dogs. Alexis was at the shelter for 3 months and is now in a foster home, waiting for her new family. She is very playful, loves her squeaky toys and has a lot of energy. -
SLIDE SHOW -Cedar Creek Women's Club fashion show
Bealls Department Store in Gun Barrel City held a fashion show for the women who attended the monthly luncheon at Cedar Creek Country Club.
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