Unemployment rising in Pike and Wayne

Wayne’s rate is better than Pike’s

By TOM KANE

WAYNE & PIKE COUNTIES, PA - It probably comes as no surprise that the unemployment rate of both Pike and Wayne counties has risen sharply.

According to information released last week by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (DOL&I), the unemployment rate in Pike County is 7.6 percent, ranking 39th in the list of 67 counties, up from 6.4 in December 2008. The current unemployment rate for Wayne County is 6.4, ranking 17 out of 67 counties, up from 6.1 in December 2008.

“Wayne is doing better than Pike,” said Peter Phelan, labor data manager for DOL&I.

Last week, the DOL&I declared the unemployment rate for Northeast Pennsylvania at 7.7 percent, up 0.7 percent. The current average for the state is 6.7 and is 7.2 for the entire nation.

The increase is demonstrated by the recent closing of businesses in the county. Wayne County recently lost three out of six auto dealerships that were located in Honesdale.

“We lost Ashley Chevrolet, the Owl Plymouth dealership and the Lincoln Mercury dealership on Route 191, which will become a used car dealership and will not close,” said Donna LaBar, executive director of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce.

The area also lost the Weekly Almanac newspaper, which ceased publication a few weeks ago. In Pike County, Milford Magazine closed its offices in Milford recently.

“On the brighter side, three new businesses have just opened in Honesdale, Fresh Fish and Seafood on Grandview Avenue in Honesdale, Fromm Electric of Fair Avenue and the Philip Hone Gallery on Main Street in Honesdale,” LaBar said.

“It’s really becoming very difficult to get a job,” said Jack Bishop, Wayne County veteran’s employment representative. “People are flocking into our office. We’re almost overrun,” he said.

Bishop also offers services for non-veterans as well.

Anyone who is laid off can call the unemployment compensation office on the phone at 888/313-7284, he said. “They’ll put you on their list by phone.”