Walla Walla's unemployment rate took a larger-than-usual seasonal leap to 6.7 percent in December, according to figures released this morning from the state Employment Security Department.

Last month's jobless rate rose from 6.1 percent in November, and from 5.8 percent from December 2008. The upward climb is not unusual during the winter months, said Regional Labor Economist Arum Kone. But in this case the increase is greater than a typical November-to-December jump, he said.

"This indicates more job loss activity than just the normal seasonal changes in employment which occurs during slower winter months," Kone said via e-mail this morning.