May was another bleak month for unemployment

in Kansas, with another increase in the jobless rate.

The state Department of Labor said the May unemployment rate

rose to 6.9 percent, up from a revised 6.2 percent in April.

The May rate compares with 4.1 percent for the same period a

year ago.

According to estimates, the Kansas economy has shed some 39,100

jobs over the past 12 months.

There was some bright news, with the construction sector adding 800

jobs. But state labor officials said most of those gains can be

attributed to seasonal work.

Government jobs increased over the year by 2,500 workers, with

gains attributed to outdoor maintenance and swimming pool employees

by local government.