DES MOINES, IOWA – Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.2 percent in August from 4.1 percent in July. The state’s jobless rate was 3.6 percent one year ago. The U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.9 percent in August. Beth Townsend, Director of Iowa Workforce Development, says “While the unemployment rate ticked up again in August, there were a few bright spots.”

Townsend says “The total number of working Iowans also increased by 1,700 from July and 3,600 higher than a year ago. Additionally, for the third consecutive month, Iowa businesses expanded their payrolls and added 4,900 jobs, raising the total number of working Iowans. Iowa’s unemployment rate also remains 0.7% lower than the national rate.”

The number of unemployed Iowans rose to 72,700 in August from 70,700 in July. The current estimate is 11,500 higher than the year ago level of 61,200. The total number of working Iowans increased to 1,642,300 in August. This figure was 1,700 higher than July and 3,600 higher than one year ago.

For the third consecutive month, Iowa businesses expanded their payrolls and added 4,900 jobs, raising the total to 1,590,600. Both goods-producing and service sectors gained jobs this month with private services adding the majority (2,900). Government added jobs at the local level and is 4,800 higher annually; however, this gain is partially due to seasonal staff being retained and brought back earlier than usual this year. Compared to last year, the state has added 31,200 jobs, a gain of 2.0 percent.

Leisure and hospitality added the most jobs in August (1,400), with the gains evenly split between arts and entertainment and accommodations and food services. Despite recent uncertainty within the economy, staffing patterns in these industries has been strong, a reassuring sign that consumers are still willing to part with disposable income on non-essentials. Elsewhere, trade and transportation was bolstered by retail trade hiring and added 1,300 jobs. Retail in Iowa has not fared well recently, adding jobs in only three months in 2016. Other gains this month included financial activities, construction, manufacturing, and other services. Losses were small by comparison and were led by professional and business services (-600). Despite a sizable gain last month, this sector has pared jobs in three of the last four months. The only other losses were small declines in education and health services and information.

Annually, construction continues to expand over last year’s level and is now up 14,400 jobs. Leisure and hospitality is a distant second with 5,800 jobs gained, then other services at 4,300. Manufacturing continues to lag due to durable goods layoffs (-5,000), and this stagnation may now be carrying over into professional and business services—down 2,900 jobs versus one year ago.

Members of the CAM School District’s Board of Education met Monday evening, in Anita. Board Secretary Linda Edwards said there was no change in leadership during the annual organizational portion of the meeting. Gary Dinkla was re-elected Board President, while Chuck Kinzie was nominated for Vice President. And, Linda Edwards was sworn-in for another year as Board Secretary.

The Board also heard from the Facilities Committee with regard to an addition to the south side of the Massena Elementary School. The school is cramped for space, and the committee is tasked with finding a resolution to the problem. They’re expected to meet again in the next couple of weeks to nail down a proposal to have a wing added to the building before classes start in the fall of 2017.

More area and State news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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POCAHONTAS, Iowa (AP) – An assistant police chief in northwest Iowa has been accused of punching his girlfriend. Court records say 36-year-old Charles White, of Pocahontas, is charged with domestic assault causing injury. The woman told officers White punched her in a side of her face Wednesday while they argued over his cellphone, which she says she took to check for information while he was dozing.

Pocahontas Police Chief Al Hinrickson says White has been with the department for about eight years and has been assistant chief for about five years. White’s been placed on administrative leave.

Two women were arrested on Theft charges Monday, in Creston. Authorities say 23-year old Haley Vandel, of Creston, was arrested Monday afternoon for Theft in the 4th Degree. She was later released from the Union County Jail on $300 bond. And, late Monday night, 29-year old Amber Buchanan, of Creston, was arrested for Theft in the 4th degree. She was later released on $1,000 bond.

The area’s top news at 7:06-a.m., w/KJAN News Director Ric Hanson

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Ingredients:

1 – 28 oz can crushed tomatoes

1 large garlic clove, crushed

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 – 15 oz container ricotta cheese

1 large egg

12 no-boil lasagna noodles

1 – 14.5 oz can sliced carrots, well drained

1 – 13.5 oz can chopped spinach, well drained

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

In 2 quart saucepan over high heat, heat tomatoes, garlic, basil, salt and pepper. Heat to boiling; reduce to low and simmer uncovered 10 minutes to blend flavors. Heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease 12 x 8 inch baking dish. In medium bowl combine ricotta cheese and egg until well mixed. Spoon tomato sauce on bottom of dish to coat. Place 3 uncooked noodles lengethwise across the pan. Top with 1/3 of tomato sauce. With spatula, spread 1/3 of ricotta mixture. Scatter 1/3 of carrots and spinach on ricotta and 1/3 of mozzarella cheese. Repeat with uncooked noodles, tomato sauce, ricotta, vegetables and mozzarella two more times. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover dish with foil; bake 30 minutes. Uncover dish; bake 10 minutes longer. Let cool before cutting.

The Griswold School District’s Facilities Committee, Monday evening, shared their first update on options for the current facilities. Officials say the Committee’s original mission, was to look at three options. They shared with the Board that they would like to focus on two possibilities, and table “Option B,” at this time. Specifically “Option B” was to consolidate the elementary buildings into one building: either Lewis or Elliott.

Their focus is now shifting into looking at cost savings of the remaining two options and their academic, financial and community benefits, determining which option would best serve the district and our students. The Committee will meet again this Thursday evening, and will continue to meet, reporting to the board again in November.

An open forum meeting will then take place with the board in January.

Come out to the Montgomery County Show Arena on the Montgomery County Fair Grounds at the Legion Park (4th Street) Red Oak, IA on Sunday, October 23rd, 2016 at 12:30PM for the 2016 Mystery Drop! There will be light refreshments and music that will start at 12:30PM and the “The Big Drop” will be at 1PM. Light refreshments will be provided by the YMCA Auxiliary Club and music from DJ Greg Brower. Major sponsor and helicopter provided by Johnson Helicopter Services of Red Oak, IA—THANK YOU JHS!!

This is a great way to support the Y’s scholarship programs, program activities, as well as additional facility enhancements and funding for “The Y. For a better us.” program, all while enjoying fun, fellowship, and a chance to win up to $5,500!

It doesn’t take much to win—just purchase a ticket and wait for the MYSTERY SURPRISE FROM THE SKY to come down from the helicopter above and “drop” on your square. So get your friends and family together to split a ticket or two and come down for your chance to win! Win an extra $500 if present at the time of the big drop! Also, new this year is that two additional money balls will be dropped. A blue colored ball wins $5,000, a red colored ball wins $1,500 and the white colored ball wins $500.

In case of inclement weather the event will be rescheduled. For more information on the Mystery Drop, or how you can become a member, volunteer, and/or a donor please call Nick Zimmer, YMCA Executive Director at 712-623-2161, stop in at the Montgomery County Family YMCA located at the beautiful Red Oak Legion Park, 101 East Cherry Street, Red Oak, Iowa, or email Nick at nickz@mcymca.com.

(Press Release)