The Daily Freeman is reporting that employment increased slightly in the Mid-Hudson Valley and Catskills during the 12-month period ending Jan. 31, the state Department of Labor reported March 8. Greene County gained 500 non-farm jobs, an impressive 3.3 percent jump, during the period, to reach a total of 15,700. Columbia County added 300 non-farm jobs, or an increase of 1.4 percent, to reach a total of 21,100. The Dutchess-Putnam Metropolitan Division, which is made up of both counties, showed a 1.3 percent increase. Ulster County’s total was unchanged. Non-farm jobs include all positions in the private and public sectors, with the exception of those in agriculture. The statewide unemployment rate in January 2018 was 4.7 percent, the same as it was a month earlier and a year earlier, the Department of Labor said. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.