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• March unemployment rates increase in western Wisconsin

Local unemployment rates throughout western Wisconsin took a little climb upward in March, according to figures released by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

In March 2008, the unemployment rate in St. Croix County was just 5 percent. This year that rate jumped to 9.8 percent, up from 8.8 percent in February.

The Pierce County rate climbed to 9.2 percent, up from 8.1 percent in February and 4.9 percent last year.

The rate in Polk County jumped to 12.6 in March, up from a February rate of 12 percent.

Wisconsin's smallest county saw its rate climb to 9.5 percent. The February rate for Pepin County was 9.3 percent.

Dunn County's rate climbed to 8.7 percent, up from 8.3 percent the previous month.

Things were worse in Chippewa County which came in at 10.9 percent, up from 9.8 percent in February.

The bright spots in the region were Eau Claire and La Crosse counties, both at 7.4 percent, tied for the second lowest unemployment rate in the state. Dane County had the lowest unemployment in the state at 6 percent.

"Wisconsin counties and local areas, like the state, are feeling the impact of the global economic challenges facing everyone," Secretary Roberta Gassman said.

"Governor Doyle is working hard to ensure that funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is spent wisely and efficiently to get people back to work and enhance our great quality of life."

Unemployment rates increased in each of the state's 12 Metropolitan Statistical Areas in March compared to February. The Madison MSA had the lowest rate in March at 6.4 percent. The Janesville MSA recorded the highest rate at 13.5 percent.