A smaller-than-usual climb in January's unemployment may be a sign that the local economy is on the mend, labor officials say.

Walla Walla County's unemployment rate rose to 8 percent in January from a revised 7.1 percent in December, according to figures released this morning from the state Employment Security Department.

Though an increase between December and January is no surprise for this area, Regional Labor Economist Arum Kone said the latest figures show a slightly smaller jump than is normal considering the seasonal break in student employment and slowdowns in construction and farm work.