Fewerresidents out of work

At the 384-seat Rex Theatre, a good movie night in today’s economy usually means an audience of 50.

“It used to be a lot more than that (to make it a good night),” said theater owner Carol Mesenbrink.

The tide seems to be changing. The number of unemployed workers in Boundary County dropped to 10.6 percent in February from 11.8  percent in December, according to Idaho Department of Labor. Boundary County had the sixth highest unemployment rate among Idaho’s 44 counties in February.

Adams County had the highest rate for the sixth consecutive month at 14.3 percent. Owyhee County had the lowest rate at 3.2 percent. The statewide unemployment rate was 6.8 percent.

Boundary County’s unemployment picture is expected to make it easier for Clifty View Nursery to find 40 seasonal workers this spring. The wholesale nursery outside Bonners Ferry delayed advertising the positions by two weeks and has seen a 20 percent increase in early applicants.

Jobs start $7 an hour. During the harvest, pay increases to $8 an hour.

We’ve probably had 30 people (apply) so far,” said human resource manager Derek Blumenschein.

Blumenschein doesn’t expect to have any problems filling positions.

The ailing economy hasn’t made it difficult for Tylor Brooks to sell $1 candy bars for a Valley View Elementary School fundraiser.  While going door-to-door in the downtown Friday with his older brother, Aaron, Tylor was approaching his 400th sale.

“Lots of people like these candy bars,” Aaron said.

And according to Eileen Marcotte, the economy isn’t really hurting her Bonners Ferry business, E.T. Wireless — a Verizon authorized dealer selling cell phones, business phones and wireless Internet connection cards.

“January was pretty slow, but quite honestly that’s typical in cell phone sales,” Marcotte said. “We’ve noticed an upswing (since then).”

People are using tax returns to buy cell phones, while others trading in land lines for cell phones and wireless Internet.

“We’re still going strong, people still come in and tell us they love us,” she said. “We really appreciate them shopping local.”