THE U.S. EMPLOYMENT SITUATION

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

October 2024

Total nonfarm payroll employment was essentially unchanged in October (+12,000), and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.1 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Nov. 1. Employment continued to trend up in health care and government. Temporary help services lost jobs. Employment declined in manufacturing due to strike activity.

Learn more at: www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf

The unemployment rates for surrounding counties in October were Jasper 4.1 percent, Starke 4.8, Marshall 4.0, Fulton 4.4, Cass 4.8 and White 3.5 (all slightly lower or the same as the previous month).

Howard County, at 8.7 percent, had the state's highest unemployment rate in October, followed by Miami County at 5.9 percent. Daviess and Gibson counties (both 3.0 percent) had the state's lowest unemployment rate, followed by Martin, Hamilton and Boone counties, all at 3.1 percent.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), sub-state level data are not seasonally adjusted due to sample size. For example, over the course of a year, the size of the labor force, employment and unemployment levels, and other measures of labor market undergo fluctuations due to seasonal events including changes in weather, harvests, major holidays, and school schedules. Therefore, for more accurate comparisons, data should be compared to the same month from prior years, not the previous month, as to better account for non-economic factors.

 

October 2024 Indiana Employment Report

INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 19) - The unemployment rate of the State of Indiana in October was recorded to be 4.4 percent, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. By comparison, the national unemployment rate reported for October was 4.1 percent.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate is 63.2 percent compared to the national rate of 62.6 percent. This rate is the percentage of Hoosiers 16 and older who  are either working or actively looking for work. Those not in the labor force include, primarily, students, retirees and other non-working populations, such as individuals unable to work due to a disability or illness, or adults responsible for their family's childcare needs. Indiana’s total labor force stands at 3,432,973 and is at its highest on record.

October 2024 total private employment is 2,872,900 - an increase of 100 from the previous month and 608,900 above the April 2020 Trough. This is a new Indiana private employment peak.

Industries that experienced job increases this month included:

  • Leisure & Hospitality (+2,700)
  • All Other (+800)
  • Private Education & Health Services (+100)

As of Nov. 1, there were 93,485 open job postings throughout the state. As of the week ending on Oct. 26, Indiana had 20,802 continued unemployment insurance claims filed.

Individuals looking for work, training or career information are encouraged to visit in.gov/dwd/job-seekers. 

 
 
 
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Local News Briefs

Holidays can be hard

Ask for help if you need it

The holiday season is often a time of joy, celebration and connection with loved ones.

However, for many, it can also bring challenges such as stress, loneliness or heightened emotions. Stressful family dynamics, financial pressures, or even the societal expectation to feel cheerful can amplify existing struggles. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are resources and individuals ready to help.

PCPL lists December events

The Pulaski County Public Library has listed its programs and activities for December which include a wide variety of Christmas and Winter Break offerings, such as visits from Santa, a Grinch story time, ornament-making crafts and gift-wrapping opportunities.

For more information on any program, call the library at 574-946-3432 or visit the library’s website at www.pulaskicounty.lib.in.us.

Tax planning for farm families program Jan. 29

Looking for strategies to reduce your tax burden? Thinking about what you can deduct, capitalize or depreciate? What about all that land, equipment, equity - even your own retirement?

Tax planning for farmers is important, but it’s also complicated. That’s why the Keller Advisory Group, Inc. and the Community Foundation of Pulaski County have partnered for an event to offer professional advice.

Pulaski Christmas Lights return for 35th year

PULASKI – The annual Pulaski Christmas Lights displays returns this year and will be lit from 5 to 11 p.m., nightly beginning Sunday, Nov. 24 through Monday, Jan. 1, for public viewing.

Returning favorites include lighted (and many animated) Santas, reindeer, angels, Nativity scenes, farm animals, storefronts, gingerbread persons, Christmas trees and the signature wreath arch. This year will also feature many updated and new light displays.

HVRM offers 'Santa Trains'

Santa Trains will provide Christmas and winter fun on Saturdays in late November and into December at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson.

Ride in a vintage commuter coach or former business car through the wintery countryside for approximately five miles from the depot to the small town of English Lake. After crossing the Kankakee River, the train returns to the depot and museum grounds. During the trip, passengers will enjoy visiting with Santa and each child and toddler will receive a gift bag from Santa.

  

Indiana News

OCRA announces 20 communities to receive more than $3.6 million in federal grants

INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 19) – Pulaski County and Kewanna are among 20 Indiana communities which will receive a portion of more than $3.6 million in Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Grants and Planning Grants through the Community Development Block Grant program.

The announcement was made Thursday by  Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA).

Reps. Culp, Jordan to serve on key House committees

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 16) – State Reps. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) and Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) recently received appointments to serve on key House standing committees at the Statehouse. (Both legislators’ districts include portions of Pulaski County.)

House standing committee appointments are made by the Indiana House Speaker biennially after the November election and are in effect for the duration of members' two-year terms.

Yakym selected to serve on Ways and Means Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) has been selected by the House Republican Steering Committee to serve on the House Ways and Means Committee in the 119th Congress.

The Committee on Ways and Means, the oldest tax-writing body in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1789, shapes fiscal legislation including taxes, tariffs, and social service programs.

Pulaski County unemployment dips to 3.5% in October

Pulaski County's unemployment rate dipped to 3.5 percent in October, down from 3.6 percent in September, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development reported Tuesday, (Nov. 19). The rate was 2.5 percent a year ago.

The state's October unemployment rate was 4.4 percent (seasonally adjusted), up from 4.3 percent in September. The October 2023 rate was 3.5 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in October (seasonally adjusted), the same as September. A year ago, the national rate was 3.8 percent.

 

Indiana COVID-19 News

Respiratory illness activity moderate statewide; lower in Pulaski County - but on the rise

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Department of Health reported Dec. 10 that COVID-like illness emergency department visits numbered 328 from Nov. 27-Dec. 3, up 8 from its previous weekly report.

There were no state COVID-19 hospital admissions (Dec. 1-7) unchanged from the week before. The state reported no COVID death in the seven-day period (reflects confirmed COVID deaths reported to IDH).

  

Post News

The Gift of Public Transportation

By: Ashley Bice, AVP/Marketing Director

Most people don’t have to think twice about jumping in their vehicles and driving to the places they need to go - work, school, shopping and appointments.

Imagine what it would be like having that taken away from you. Your eyesight starts failing. You are laid off and cannot afford gas. Your car breaks down and it’s a few weeks before you can get it repaired.

Hoover appointed to county election board

Aaron Hoover of Winamac has been appointed as the Democrat representative to the Pulaski County Election Board, according to an announcement made Wednesday by Pulaski County Democratic Chairman Doug Denton.

Hoover succeeds Jessye Gilley as the party representative to the election board.

County police respond to two separate, troublesome domestic disputes

WINAMAC – Pulaski County sheriff’s deputies were called to two separate domestic disputes Sunday and Monday (Dec. 8, 9), one resulting in knife injuries to two persons, and the other causing minor injuries to a deputy.

The sheriff’s office reports its wish to inform the community of critical incidents such as these, and acknowledge the professionals responding to the danger.

NIPSCO announces Public Safety Education and Training Action grant recipients

Pulaski County EMS receives grant

MERRILLVILLE - Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) has announced that 16 organizations across northern Indiana will be able to further their public safety initiatives as a result of support from the 2024 NIPSCO Public Safety Education and Training Action Grant program.

Among the grant recipients is Pulaski County EMS which will receive funds for emergency medical responder education. 

Corrin Combs named 2025 Lily Scholar

The Community Foundation of Pulaski County announced Corrin Combs of Winamac Community High School is the recipient of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Pulaski County.

Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character and leadership.