Jobless rate up in the North Country

Watertown (Nathan Lehman WTNY -- Unemployment in the North Country still up significantly from where it was a year ago according to the latest numbers from the New York State Labor Department. 

According to the latest figures, unemployment in Jefferson County for the month of August was 8.9%.  That's down from July, but up from 8.3% that was recorded a year ago. 

Lewis County's unemployment rate was 8.6%, up from 8% a year ago. 

St. Lawrence County's jobless rate was the highest in the area at 10.8%.  Up from 10.1% a year ago. 

All three numbers matched the statewide trend.  The overall state average for the month was 8.8%.  Up from 8.1% in August of last year.