Missouri’s smoothed seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December 2021 fell to 3.3%. That number is down two-tenths of a percent from November. The December 2021 rate is down 1.1% from where it was in December 2020. The estimated number of unemployed Missourians was 101,988 in December 2021.

Missouri’s unemployment rate has consistently remained below the national rate. That rate fell three-tenths of a percent from 4.2% in November 2021 to 3.9% in December.

Despite the good news on the numbers, businesses in the area continue to work around staffing issues. Retail stores and restaurants have cut hours and even days out of their operating schedules. There are plenty of jobs for students, adults and retirees found on the Kearney Chamber of Commerce’s job board Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/kearneyjobboard).

Now hiring at Watkins Mill Park Camp serving students in grades 6-12. Full and part time positions. Youth services workers. If interested contact Kylie at 816-296-3250 or Jeff at 816-889-2428.

Casey’s General Store is hiring for the following positions: Store Managers, Assistant Managers, Food Service Leaders, Shift Leaders, and Team Members. To set up an interview day/time, text TEAM to 227397 to apply.

Dairy Queen Kearney is now hiring crew members and closers. Email chillgrill02@gmail.com or stop in to apply or for more information.

Assured Healthcare is seeking caring, compassionate and committed nurses to become a part of our team. Assured Healthcare offers flexible schedules to create work and life balance for our healthcare providers and their families. Applying is easy! They are interviewing daily. Call 816-415-820 www.assuredhealthcareinc.com

Plygem has INCREASED their wages for Production Associates to $18/hr! They also still have the $1/hr perfect attendance bonus + $1/hr shift differential if you worked the night shift (6 pm-6 am). They do have day shifts if you would prefer (6 am-6 pm). Weekly walk-in interviews happen at 303 W Major St. Kearney. Have any questions before stopping by? Call or text (816) 974-7980.

Fat Boyz is looking for a day time cook. Pay negotiable based on experience but starts at $14/hr. Schedule is Tues-Fri 10:00am-4pm. Please call the bar at 816-903-2699 and ask to talk to David.

The Kearney Police Department is currently accepting applications for employment. Call 816.628.3925 for more information. Download an application at: https://tinyurl.com/h2syws86

Garage Force of Greater Kansas City is in growth mode and looking to hire an amazing sales person. Send resumes and a short intro email to Zachary Atwell at Zatwell@garageforce.com

Stables Local Kitchen & Patio is looking to add to their team. For more information visit: https://conrads.jobaline.com/

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story