Local unemployment rates rise

OTTAWA – While the statewide unemployment rate remained steady over the past month, local unemployment rates continue to rise, leaving them among the highest in the state. State wide unemployment remained at 4.3%, however counties like LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam have seen increases of over 1 %. Currently, LaSalle falls under the highest unemployment rates locally at 8.4%, compared to 7.2 % last month. Bureau County also saw a 1.2%  increase this month, now at 7.4%. Putnam County experienced the highest increase locally at 8%, compared to 6% last month.