Only Minor Changes in Overall Unemployment Numbers Last Month
There’s no major news to report on the jobs front here in the Raccoon River Valley, as Iowa Workforce Development recently released the September unemployment figures.
According to the report, Greene County’s unemployment rate had the biggest change last month going from 4.5 percent in August down to 4.1 percent in September.
The percentage of people without a job in Dallas County increased 0.1 percent to 3.5 last month, while Guthrie County’s unemployment rate remained steady at 3.9 percent.
Iowa’s unemployment rate went up slightly to 4.6 percent in September and the U.S. unemployment rate is currently 5.9 percent.
Perry Police Arrest a Man for Assault and Criminal Mischief
A Perry man was arrested Sunday after damaging property and being combative with police.
According to the Perry Police Department, a call came in just before 3pm Sunday saying Ben Husted damaged the front door of a house in the 500 block of 3rd Street. Officers were able to locate Husted in the 1600 block of Evelyn and make an arrest, charging him with 4thdegree criminal mischief, three counts of assault on a police officer, two counts of interference with official acts and a third or subsequent offense of public intoxication.
While two officers were transporting Husted to the Dallas County jail, he became combative and caused damage to the squad car, leading to an additional charge of 2nd degree criminal mischief.
Perry Chamber Receives Tourism Award from Travel Iowa
Some more positive news for Perry… the Perry Area Chamber of Commerce has been awarded the Tourism Publication of the Year award from the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
The honor was given to Perry at the Iowa Tourism Conference in Council Bluffs Thursday night and chamber executive director Bob Wilson says it’s nice to have their hard work recognized.
“Every year we put out a chamber guide, a visitor’s guide we call it, and we were awarded this year. They loved it. We put a a little bicycle spin on it, we put a map in there that shows the local trails as well as the downtown area and the overall town. It’s just a nice piece” says Wilson. ”It’s got a business directory in the back, it talks about the programs we have throughout the year with the city and the chamber, a calendar of events as well as just little amenities and tidbits on how you can really take advantage of all these great things that we have.”
And this just helps continue to market Perry to visitors from near and far.
“The tourism award is something that I’ve wanted for a long time and we were happy to accept that. Everybody put a lot of work into this and it really paid off. These are just another thing we keep doing to keep Perry on the map,”
If you’d like a free visitor’s guide, or a stack of them to have available at your business, stop by the Chamber office.
Driest Week of the Month So Far
More rain fell in the Raccoon River Valley area this week, but it was the driest one so far this month.
According to the National Weather Service, Guthrie Center received another 0.67 inch of rain this week, Perry saw another 0.46 inch and Jefferson saw just under 0.3 inch.
With a week left to go in October, Perry has already seen almost 5.6 inches of rain this month. Guthrie Center has seen more than 5.3 inches and Jefferson has received 3.6 inches.
Normal monthly rainfall totals for the three local weather reporting areas range from 2.4 to 2.6 inches in October.
Hy-Vee Hosts Family Halloween Event This Afternoon
Kids of all ages are invited to another Halloween themed event in Perry this weekend.
The Perry Hy-Vee is hosting a free trick-or-treat event Saturday from 1-4pm. Children are welcome to come in costume but don’t need to dress up to participate. There will be coloring activities, cookie decorating and mini pumpkin decorating.
Families in costume can also get their photo taken for free and stroll around the store to pick up treats in the various departments.
If you have questions, contact Larry Vodenik at 465-5321.