Minnesota’s unemployment rate dropped to a nearly 19-year low of 2.9 percent in August — versus the national jobless rate of just under four percent. Employers shed 200 jobs last month, but state officials point out that over the past year, Minnesota has added nearly 51-thousand jobs — 1.7 percent growth, which is slightly lower than the national average. Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Shawntera Hardy says annual figures point to a state labor market that’s “growing strong.” She adds the number of unemployed Minnesotans last month fell below 90-thousand for the first time in over 18 years.