Unemployment increases in western UP

Employment numbers worsened in all western Upper Peninsula counties in January, according to the Michigan Labor Market Bureau.

Gogebic County’s unemployment rate rose from 5.5 percent in December to 6.7 percent in January.

The leap came despite 75 more people being employed in January. That was also balanced by 75 more unemployed persons, as well, as 100 more people entered the labor market. Total employment rose to 6,400 and unemployment has reached 450.

A year ago, the unemployment rate in Gogebic County was 8.1 percent.

The jobless rate in Ontonagon County rose a tick by one-tenth of...