By David Howell and Billy Davis

Unemployment in Panola County showed a slight decline in November, dropping more than half a point from 12.5 percent in October to 11.8 percent in November.

The November figures, which come from the Miss. Department of Employment Security, are the most current available for the state.

November’s 11.8 percent unemployment rate indicated the number of unemployed persons in the county was 1,770. That compares to 1,870 the previous month. In November of 2008, Panola recorded a jobless rate of 8.3 percent.

 The MDES reports that Panola County has 14,990 in its labor force, with 13,220 currently employed.

The November drop mirrored a similar path nationally, as economists reported the national unemployment report for November – the best economic news of 2009. Only 11,000 jobs were lost nationally,  the lowest number since December of 2007.

The national unemployment rate fell from 10.2 percent in October to 10 percent in November.

Mississippi’s rate for November 2009 also dropped, coming in at nine percent and decreasing from October’s rate of 9.5 percent.

The number of unemployed decreased 7,700 over the month while the employed total increased 6,300.

Panola’s six surrounding counties all showed decreases in November, with Quitman  County recording a drop of one percentage point.

(See map on page A3.)