by Bill Kotowski

Despite an increase in unemployment numbers nation wide, there is some good news for the Gem State.

Unemployment in Idaho has dropped one tenth of a point to 8.8%. That's one full percentage point below the national average of 9.8%.

Bannock County jumped 7 tenths of a point to 8.4% despite an increase of nearly 500 jobs in the county. Bingham and Bonneville counties have both recorded unemployment at 6.4%.

Franklin County has the state's lowest unemployment at 3.7% and Adams County has the highest at 17.8%.

Workers at the state department of labor say although these numbers are higher than we're used to seeing there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Scott Hobdey, Idaho Department of Labor: "Lots of things are done to make businesses more effective and more efficient. In the long run that will pay off and we will have a better economy. It's a matter of confidence and people putting their money where their mouth is so to speak."

Recent lay-offs at PMC and Heinz were not included in this report. Hobdey is hopeful with construction expected to pick up at Hoku and the fall harvest unemployment will either stay the same or go down.