Earlier this year, Dallas County reached a significant milestone. The county’s unemployment rate fell to single digits for the first time in more than six years.

The rate would eventually fall to a as low as 8.1 percent in April before climbing this summer after job losses in education and other season work.

The good news is that Dallas County’s jobless rate was back in single digits (9.9 percent) in September.

That’s a testament to a lot of work being done around the county. However, there’s still work to due in the county but also surrounding communities.

Dallas County is surrounded by Lowndes, Perry and Wilcox counties, which consistently have the highest unemployment in the entire state and among the highest in the nation. Unemployment in Wilcox County last month was 15.1 percent.

We’ve covered in recent weeks the decision to close driver’s license offices, armories, state parks and even ABC Stories across the Black Belt. It’s a frustrating situation we hope is remedied soon.

However, the state is working with a local school system to put on an important event today in Perry County. The Alabama Career Center System is partnering with Perry County Schools to host a job fair on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

About 15 employers will be in attendance during the job fair at Frances Marion High School from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.

This job fair is much-needed and we hope it leads to work for those looking for opportunities in Perry County and neighboring areas.