Unemployment rates released for the region

Unemployment rates throughout the region were up slightly from November to December, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Henry County had the highest rate at 5.4 percent with Putnam County having the lowest rate at 3.6 percent in December. The statewide unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted, was 4.7 percent. The nationwide, not seasonally adjusted rate, was 4.5 percent in December. In Ohio, the lowest unemployment rate was in Mercer County at 3.1 percent The highest unemployment rate was 9.6 percent in Mercer County. From November to December, 81 counties in the state saw an increase in unemployment.