WeDo Fudge sets seasonal closure

Christina Norman, co-owner of WeDo Fudge, last week announced WeDo Fudge’s seasonal closure.

The Carlsborg-based business will reopen May 2, with hours set for noon-5 p.m., Tuesdays-Saturdays. Until then, WeDoFdge is available at Sunny Farms Country Store, Forage Gifts and Northwest Treasures, Agnew Grocery and Swain’s General Store.

In 10 years, WeDo Fudge has donated more than $20,000 to local charities, including KSQM 91.5 FM, Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County, Welfare for Animals Guild, Sequim Community Aid, Sequim Valley Foursquare Church, Sequim Lions Club, Sequim Food Bank, Sequim Irrigation Festival, Peninsula Friends of Animals, Dungeness Community Church and InFaith Ministries.

For more information, visit wedofudge.com.

State payroll employment, unempoyment both increase

Washington’s economy gained an estimated 2,500 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in December, according to the Employment Security Department (ESD).

Job growth was highest in the following industries: leisure and hospitality; other services; education and health services; professional and business services, and financial services.

Washington’s monthly unemployment rate rose from 4 percent to 4.2 percent in December.

“Job growth appears to be slowing,” ESD economist Paul Turek said. “The December jobs report brings another sign that the labor market is beginning to soften but still remains very strong.”

ESD paid unemployment insurance benefits to 52,715 people in December, an increase of 9,945 paid claims over the previous month. Typical seasonal increases in paid claims within agriculture and construction contributed to the overall increase in paid claims over the month.

The national unemployment rate decreased slightly in December from 3.7 percent to 3.6 percent. For comparison, the national unemployment rate (revised) for December 2021 was 3.9 percent.