All three counties saw reductions in rates.  Deschutes County remains just over 10 percent and Crook County's is just over 13 percent.

Jefferson County actually saw the biggest reduction at 11.6 percent down from 12 percent.

But regional economist Damon Runberg admits that unemplyment in the region still remains too high.

"We're seeing all three counties drop, but our unemployment is still stubbornly high compared to the rest of the region.  Deschutes has the highest unemployment rate in the state for metro statistical areas.  Crook County remains the highest for all the counties in the state."

For the first time in months -- the state's unemployment rate fell from 8.4 percent to 8.2 percent.