Business

 Unemployment rates fell in 97 Kentucky counties between December 2011 and December 2012, while 21 county rates increased and two stayed the same, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

LaRue County’s rate in December was 7.6 percent, up from 6.9 percent in November; and up from 7.5 percent in December 2011.

Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 5.4 percent. It was followed by Fayette and Union counties, 5.9 percent each.

Patricia Krausman of the Small Business Development Center, University of Kentucky, was the guest speaker at the Jan. 16 LaRue County Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

 Shopko of Hodgenville donated $2,500 to LaRue County High School during the grand opening Jan. 10. LCHS Principal Paul Mullins, right, accepts the check from store manager Ryan Miller.     

 Peggy Cecil has been selected as the December Employee of the Month for Nationwide Uniform.

She has been employed with Nationwide since October 1979 and is under the supervision of Kim Beard in the trousers department.

She will receive an award for her dedication and service.