FOREST CITY, IA - Iowa's unemployment rate is rising. Now the reality of recent job layoffs is hitting several North Iowa counties hard.
Nationwide, December's unemployment rate is 7.2%. Iowa's overall rate is lower at 4.6%.
But a few North Iowa counties are seeing much greater jobless rates. 8.5% of folks living in Winnebago County are unemployed. The number is even higher in Hancock County - 9.1%.
Hancock County Economic Development Director Beth Bilyeu said she's helping many people turn these hard times into a fresh start.
"There are different things that are available now to help them retrain, going back to school, starting their own business. And lots of different opportunities," said Bilyeu.
She's is working with local colleges to re-train people who are recently laid-off. The John Pappajohn Entreprenual Center is also helping folks who want to work from home, or open their own business.
Bilyeu added she's hopeful things will turn around this summer.
