Yuba-sutter unemployment rate sees April improvement

As farming operations start to ramp up for the grow season, so do available jobs.

That’s one of the reasons why the Yuba-sutter area’s unemployment rate saw an improvement in April compared to the month prior, according to the most recent figures released by the state Employment Development Department.

The area’s unemployment rate was 7.7 percent last month, which was down from March’s rate of 9.4 percent. The local figure still lagged behind the state’s rate (3.9 percent) and national average (3.3 percent).

Yuba County fared better than its counterpart with an unemployment rate of 6.4 percent. That figure saw the county ranked 42 out of 58 counties.

Sutter County had an unemployment rate of 8.4 percent in April, ranking it 52nd in the state.

The biggest contributing factor for the improvement came from the farming industry, which added a total of 900 jobs in April. The area also saw another 400 jobs added from other industries including financial activities (100 jobs), educational and health services (100 jobs), leisure and hospitality (100 jobs), and government (100 jobs).

After three months straight of being ranked the worst in the state, Colusa County’s unemployment rate improved in April. The county had an unemployment rate of 15.7 percent, ranking it 57th in the state. The only county to experience a higher unemployment rate was Imperial County at 16.2 percent.

The spirit of Maxwell showed through the cloudy skies on Saturday as the high school was once again taken over by the annual Maxwell Rodeo.

The 89-year-old tradition is the longest running event in Colusa County and attracts hundreds of people to the tiny town, doubling the population for the day.

“I try to make it out here every year,” said Gladys Simms of Red Bluff. “It really is a great event.”

Leading up to the rodeo, a parade of dozens of floats made its way down Oak Street. People of all ages lined the streets to watch the procession of floats made by community organizations of every sort.

The parade ended at Maxwell High School, where the rest of the day’s festivities took place.

Entering the school, visitors could browse the impressive collection of unique cars featured in the classic car show.

Inside the high school, art from Maxwell High School’s annual art show was on display, with grades kindergarten through high school represented.

The horse show began with the American Legion leading the pledge of allegiance.

Children as young as 2 years old participated in various competitions demonstrating their horse training and control abilities. The Lead Line competition was first, followed by the Walk/jog competition, the Single Stake competition, Barrel Racing and then Birangle.

Next, children 7 and under participated in the boot race. To wrap of the show, children ages 8 though 11 took a stab a Boot Racing as well.

For those not participating in the rodeo, the Maxwell Fire Department orchestrated a Frog Derby.

“The fire department has been doing this for years,” said Maxwell Fire Department firefighter Jim Lausten. “I don’t know how long it’s been going on exactly but it’s been a really long time.”

A total of 33 kids entered the competition, hoping to receive a prize for placing in one of the top four spots.

Following the rules of a traditional frog jumping competition, participating children were judged on the distance their frog could cover in just three jumps. Each kid had to touch their frog at least

once prior to the frogs initial jump to be eligible to compete. Once the child had touch their frog and gotten it in position to jump, they were no longer are allowed to touch their frog. Kids were only allowed to coax the frog by stamping their hands and feet near it or kissing it.

Charolette Mustagni took first place with a frog that jumped 74 inches.

Following closely behind, three frogs jumped their way into a three