Unemployment rate rose slightly in February
HANCOCK COUNTY — The county’s estimated jobless rate rose a little again in February 2021, to 3.7%.
That’s up from 3.5% in January and 3.3% in December 2020. In February 2020, it was 2.8%.
On a list ranking unemployment rates in Indiana’s 92 counties from highest to lowest, Hancock County came in 71st. LaGrange County was the lowest, at 2.9%, while Howard County topped the list, with 8.5%.
Indiana’s estimated unemployment rate for February 2021 was 4%, down from January’s 4.2% but up from February 2020’s 3.2%.
The U.S. rate was 6.2% for February 2021, down slightly from January’s 6.3% and up from February 2020’s 3.5%.
Agency recommends denial of natural gas rate hike
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor is recommending denial of CenterPoint Energy’s requested natural gas rate increase for customers in the Vectren North service territory.
Vectren North’s request would raise annual revenues by $20.8 million in two phases due to higher operating and maintenance costs, along with infrastructure investments. The consumer counselor’s analysis shows that a rate reduction of $26.9 million is justified based on the case’s current evidence and applicable law.
The office recommends reducing the monthly fixed charges on a residential natural gas bill from $17.59 to $12.
Rebuttal testimony from Vectren North is due on May 3, with an Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission evidentiary hearing scheduled to start on May 24. A final commission order is expected later this year.
‘Coolest Thing Made in Indiana’ contest coming up
INDIANAPOLIS — As the state enjoys the spotlight during this year’s NCAA March Madness, the Indiana Chamber is announcing the “Coolest Thing Made in Indiana” competition to celebrate the state’s long manufacturing history. Companies entered in the tournament will face off in a single-elimination bracket format.
The program kicks off in October, but businesses can register now at indianachamber.com/about/awards-program/coolestthing to be notified when they can officially enter. To participate, a company does not need to be headquartered in Indiana, but the product entered must be manufactured in the state. Companies are limited to having one product nominated.
