[10/31/03]The jobless rate in Warren County took a tumble for the second month in a row in September and dropped 1.2 percentage points to 4.3 percent, according to figures from the Mississippi Employment Security Commission.

The statewide rate also fell for the third month in a row, dropping from a rate of 7.3 percent in July to 6.4 percent in August and 5 percent for September. The national unemployment rate for September was 5.8 percent.

John Nelson of the MESC office in Vicksburg said the improvement was a result of students returning to school and teachers to the classrooms.

“We have also had fairly dry weather and (farm workers) have been able to work and have not been applying for unemployment insurance,” he said, adding that the mat sinking unit of the Vicksburg District Corps of Engineers began its 2003 work season in August, and that could have also had an effect on the unemployment rate.

“There were 18,800 fewer Mississippians unemployed in September than in August and 1,200 more state residents working in September than August,” said Curt Thompson, executive director of the Mississippi Employment Security Commission.

Job gains were made in education, which added 6,200 jobs as a result of back-to-school employment, and educational health services, which added 1,600 jobs. Agriculture and manufacturing each added 800 jobs.

Leisure and hospitality sectors of the economy reported the loss of 2,000 jobs. Retail trade and other services lost 700 jobs each and construction lost 500.

Nearby counties also experienced a drop in unemployment from August to September. Issaquena’s rate dropped from 9.3 percent to 6 percent while Sharkey went from 10.2 percent to 8.3 percent.

Claiborne County’s rate dropped from 11.6 percent to 8.9. Jefferson County remained at the bottom of the state list, although its unemployment rate improved from 18.6 percent in August to 12.2 percent in September.