Unemployment figures for southeastern Illinois were released this week by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The numbers indicate the statewide trend of an improving economy according to officials. Unemployment in Lawrence County in October was at 4.4% down from 4.8% in September. Other surrounding counties also saw drops in joblessness from September to October. Crawford County from 4.1% down to 3.9%, Richland County from 3.8% down to 3.7% and Wabash County from 3.7% to 3.4%.