Scotland County's unemployment remained at 16.5 percent for the month of September, something Scotland County ESC Director Burnest Graham believes is a positive sign.

"Traditionally, we would be experiencing some layoffs at this time of year," Graham said. "It staying the same shows we are going to stabilize."

Job growth trails economic recovery, Graham says, which means Scotland may not see large drops in the unemployment rate for a few more months.

A seasonal drop is around the corner, according to Graham, as holiday workers are typically added to payrolls in October and November in anticipation of Christmas.

Another source of relief for local unemployment will be the opening of a new factory by Nature's Earth Products, Inc. by year's end.

"We certainly should have the people to fill their needs as we have one of the highest applicant pools in the county," Graham said.

Graham also said a job fair is coming up on Nov. 13 at the National Guard Armory on South Main Street.

The job fair will last from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m and include hour-long workshops at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

Graham anticipates about 50 employers will be present at the event.

JobLink will focus on finding jobs for veterans.

"We want to get as many vets hired as we can," Graham said.

Unemployment rates dropped in 76 counties, increased in 14 counties and remained static in 10 for the month of September, according to figures released Friday by the N.C. Employment Security Commission.

The state's rate also remained unchanged at 10.8 percent.

"The global and national recession continues to affect our state," ESC Chairman Moses Carey, Jr. said. "While 76 counties across North Carolina experienced an unemployment rate decrease, we must remember that most of the same counties remain at a high rate. We're encouraged by some recent job announcements, but we are also aware of some continued layoffs."

The list of top counties for unemployment remains unchanged from August.

Scotland County retains the distinction of having the highest unemployment rate in the state, followed by Edgecombe at 16.3 percent, Caldwell at 15.2, Anson at 14.8, Rutherford and Cleveland at 14.3 and Cherokee at 14.2.