Montgomery Co. unemployment rate decreases; still second highest in Iowa

RED OAK — While unemployment numbers dropped slightly in October, Montomgery County still has the second highest jobless rate in the state.
After topping out at 9.6 percent in September, the unemployment rate decreased to 9.5 percent in October. While the number of people receiving benefits remained the same at 490, the number of employed residents increased from 4,590 to 4,670 in the month, accounting for the slight decrease.
Montgomery County is second only to Lee county for the highest unemployment rate in the state. With 1,860 people without jobs, Lee County has an unemployment rate of 10.9 percent.
Statewide, the unemployment rate remained the same at 6.7 percent.
Montgomery County’s jobless rate skyrocketed following the June closing of CDS Global. However, there are reports that Direct TV will be relocating a service center into the former CDS building, replacing the 200 jobs lost in June.
While the Direct TV relocation was reported by Red Oak Chamber and Industry officials nearly two weeks ago, it has not yet been confirmed or announced by the satellite television provider’s corporate office.