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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

Unemployment in Chilton County rose to 3.1% in June, according to preliminary reports from the Alabama Department of Labor.

This is up from a 2.5% unemployment rate in May.

However, Chilton County still had a lower unemployment rate then the state seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3% for June.

“As our unemployment rate continues to drop and employers continue to fill jobs, we’re proud to celebrate the fact that Alabama is open for business,” Gov. Kay Ivey said of the state rate. “The drastic changes we’ve seen since last year are truly remarkable and are a testament to the dedication and work ethic of Alabamians. After months of struggling through an unprecedented pandemic, I’m proud to say that nearly 90,000 more Alabamians are working today than last year!”

In Chilton County, “now hiring” signs are prevalent on restaurants, with one putting new employees into a drawing for a car and many fast food restaurants starting hourly wages at $10.

Manufacturing and industrial businesses in the county have also been looking to hire, including Merchant Food Service, O-Flex Metal Finishing and West Fraser.

Lists of open positions are frequently posted by local nonprofit Kelsey’s Place on its Facebook at facebook.com/KelseysPlace1.