[10/31/01] The number of people unable to find jobs in Warren County rose slightly in September compared to August, but the county still has a brighter employment picture than many other parts of Mississippi.

In September, Warren’s jobless rate rose to 3.7 percent. The August rate was 3.3 percent

Statewide, the trend also showed an increase in the

unemployment rate from August’s 5.1 percent to 5.2 percent in September.

“I’m not identifying any one industry,” said Bill Ray of the Mississippi Unemployment Security Commission office in Vicksburg. “I think our economy is following the national trend.”

He speculated the economy softened some and some local manufacturers may have laid off people. Another trend that the local economy may be following is a slowdown in consumer buying.

Issaquena County posted a September unemployment rate of 13.8 percent, up from 11.9.

Claiborne County’s rate also rose, from 7.5 percent to 8.2 percent.

The unemployment rate in Sharkey County dropped from 8.3 percent to 6.6 percent.