Quarter Of The Work Force Unemployed In Perry County

- Job Openings at NewsChannel 5
- EEO Annual Public File

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LINDEN, Tenn. - Perry County had the highest jobless rate in Tennessee at 27 percent. More than a quarter of the work force has filed for unemployment insurance.

Last summer an auto parts manufacturer closed, laying off hundreds of employees. Betty Floyd was one of the workers laid off.

"Devastating. It was a good job, made good money. I was right here at home," said Floyd.

Floyd had to take three jobs to make the same money, but she considered herself one of the lucky ones.

"There's others still drawing unemployment," said Floyd.

County leaders have been looking for ways to lure employers and jobs back to the area.

Linden is scheduled to under go a downtown makeover later this year. The town is getting nearly a million dollars in federal grant money.

The mayor said the money will pay for rebuilding streets, sidewalks and replacing street lights. Officials also planned to build a new visitors center.

Community leaders like Jodi Brey believe making Linden a destination for artists, art lovers and tourists will create new jobs.

"Well, this is the bank, the old bank building that will be revitalized and turned into an arts center," said Brey. "We truly believe we can make a difference."

A lot of people are making a big effort to make the art concept work.

Katey Culver and Howard Switzer were preparing for the Blooming Arts Festival.

"Celebrating art, celebration how arts heals because this is really a way to get our frustrations out and do those kinds of things in a really beautiful and engaging way," said Katey Culver.

The festival kicks off an effort to rebuild the Linden economy as an arts destination.

"You know, it's been a tough time," said Culver.

The Blooming Arts Festival is this Saturday in downtown Linden. Admission is free.