Unemployment rates increased in most counties in Southern Illinois compared to one year ago according to figures released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The data is not seasonally adjusted.

Poor weather conditions delayed construction activity as well as seasonal employment expansion in Retail Trade and Leisure-Hospitality. Government payrolls continued a steady downward trend. Employment gains were reported in Health Care Services, Financial Activities, Professional-Business Services, Transportation and Wholesale Trade. 

Employment opportunities were available in Health Care and Medical Support, Sales, Food Service, Transportation, Office and Administrative Support, and Computer Operations. Job openings also were available in Business and Finance, Engineering, Production Occupations, and Building and Grounds Maintenance.

Indiana Landmarks has announced its 10 Most Endangered, an annual list of Hoosier landmarks in jeopardy. For the second straight year, Harmony Way Bridge is on the list.

“Our mission is to save meaningful places, and this is a list of ten important places in greatest danger of being lost,” says Marsh Davis, president of Indiana Landmarks, a nonprofit preservation organization. “All of these places are full of memories and meaning and revitalization potential.”

The bridge has been closed for nearly a year after a report showed repairs were needed.

Check out what the students at Carmi White County Middle School did on Monday.  

Better yet, here's what science teacher Sarah Haley told us about how they observed Earth Day with some fun and games before taking the above photo.  Pretty cool stuff!