Jobless rate surpasses 8 percent

Henderson County’s jobless rate surpassed the 8-percent mark for the seventh consecutive month, according to a report released by the Texas Workforce Commission.

December’s rate of unemployment rang in at 8.5 percent, tying for the highest jobless mark with September and October during the seven-month run, and making it three of four months that recorded an 8.5 percent rate.

In June, the county hit 8.2 percent, starting the streak of above 8-percent unemployment for the area. TWC estimated 3,003 residents were without jobs.