Panhandle Jobless Rate Declines

Tue., Feb. 29, 2000

From Staff

The Idaho Panhandle’s unemployment rate dropped to 7.2 percent in January - nearly 2 percent lower than this time last year.

A stronger economy and better weather conditions accounted for the decrease, said Kathryn Tacke, state labor market analyst.

Most of the industries in Idaho’s five northern counties grew during the past 12 months, she said. In addition, frozen ground kept loggers in the woods this year. Last year, mild weather in January led to an early spring break-up, which made outdoor work more difficult, Tacke said.

January’s unemployment rates, by county: Kootenai, 6.2 percent; Bonner, 8.1 percent; Boundary, 8.6 percent; Shoshone, 9 percent; Benewah, 10.9 percent.

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Panhandle Jobless Rate Declines

Jesse Tinsley

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