MOUNT VERNON — Although unemployment figures have not quite turned the corner, evidence continues to mount they soon may, according to Matthew Kurtz, director of the Department of Job & Family Services.

Kurtz met with the board of commissioners Monday to review a personnel issue, but he also noted that a stir had been created in the district by the hiring of 425 people in the last month at the Whirlpool plant in Marion. He said the hiring has been so brisk recently in Marion County that Kurtz has had to send some help over to assist its operation. Some local unemployed workers have applied in Marion as well.

Meanwhile, Kurtz said, Opportunity Knox continues to do a brisk business, so there is clearly still a great number of unemployed people. Kurtz said he hopes to hear of more hiring as things start to pick up.

Commissioner Allen Stockberger said he heard Sanoh Corp. was adding on to its plant, increasing the need for employees. Kurtz said he hopes the next round of unemployment figures reflect these stirrings.

In other business, the commissioners received bids for asphalt resurfacing. The engineer’s estimate for Knox County road work was $1,023,726. Kokosing Construction of Fredericktown bid $1,289,116, while Small’s Sand and Gravel of Gambier bid $1,021,863.

For work in Wayne Township, the engineer’s estimate was $105,141, which was pursued by a quote of $96,276 from Small’s. Kokosing declined to bid.