Illinois jobless rate drops but job growth slows

CHICAGO (AP) – Unemployment across Illinois dropped in April for an eighth straight month, but job growth all but stalled.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security said Thursday that statewide unemployment fell to 8.7 percent. That’s down a tenth of a percentage point from 8.8 in March. The national jobless rate was 8.1 percent.

The department says Illinois employers created just 100 more jobs than they cut in April. Virtually all growth was in the manufacturing sector and among firms in the professional and business-services sector. The latter includes many temporary jobs.

Department Director Jay Rowell notes that Illinois’ economy has still averaged a steady 6,300 net new jobs a month for three months.

Sectors that lost the most jobs in April included government, construction and trade transportation and utilities.

Drawdown and Night at the Races to benefit Easter Seals

Looking for something to do Saturday night?  Easter Seals of La Salle and Bureau Counties and the Streator Knights of Columbus are hosting a Drawdown and Night at the Races.

Saturday at the Streator K of C.  Doors open at 5pm.  The drawdown begins at 6pm and the races start at 7pm.  Tickets are $10 and are on sale at the Easter Seals office in Ottawa.  You’ll find free food and soda.  There will be 17 monetary prizes, prizes for the first ticket out and a second chance drawing.

Annual cruise night to return to Earlville

Sunny and dry is the forecast for Saturday- perfect weather for a car cruise.  Hundreds of cars are expected to roll into Earlville Saturday for their annual cruise night.

Aside from the cars you’ll find food and a DJ.  Registration is $3 and begins at 5pm.