9-26 -2008

 

UNEMPLOYMENT RATES UP COMPARED TO A YEAR AGO

 

Broad-based employment increases took place over the year across a majority of the industry sectors in the Illinois Section of the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area.  However, slowdowns in some areas resulted in an overall loss of 1,000 jobs when comparing August 2008 with August 2007.  Unemployment rates in Bond County, for the same time period, showed an increase from 5.4 - 7.1%.  Surrounding counties also showed increases.  Clinton County rates went from 5.1 - 6.4%, Madison County 5.8 - 7.4%, and St. Clair County 6.8 - 8.5%.  Unemployment in the Illinois Section for August 2008 was down .5% from the July rate.

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SENATE OVERRIDES GOVERNOR'S VETO OF LIBRARY GRANT BILL

 

State Senator Frank Watson recently denounced Governor Blagojevich's veto of legislation that would impose longer hours on libraries under the threat of a loss of state funding.  Watson said the Governor's changes to the original bill were outrageous and library operations decisions should be left to local library boards.  The Senate followed the example set by the House earlier in September and voted 55-0 to override the Governor's veto.  The original bill, which increases library grant awards and the number of libraries eligible for grants, will now become law.

HOME EXTENSION HOSTING CRAFT LUNCHEON

 

The Bond County Home Extension is hosting a craft luncheon, Monday, October 6^th, at the Home Extension Food Stand at the Bond County Fairgrounds.  The event starts at 8:30 AM and lasts until 2:30 PM, with lunch served from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  The event is open to the public.  Pre-registration is required to prepare supplies.  Register for the craft luncheon, select the craft you want to make, and pay the fee for your craft choice.  Sample crafts will be on display at the Extension Office from September 17^th - October 1st.  For additional information call the Extension Office at 664-3665.

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