Speak Up: Delaware unemployment rate drops closer to pre-pandemic levels

Delaware’s unemployment rate was slightly lower than the national figure in June and is inching closer to pre-pandemic amounts, according to a recent Department of Labor report. About 5.8% of Delawareans in the labor force were out of work in June, compared to 5.9% nationally. In February 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated closures, the state’s unemployment rate was about 4.5%, and the nation’s was sitting at 3.5%. Delaware’s unemployment rate generally has decreased since June of last year, when the state was about three months into COVID-19-related shutdowns and subsequent economic impacts. In that month, Delaware’s number was about 13%, and the nation’s was 11%.

• Because everyone is on the state’s payroll! — Cal William

• Imagine when all the free money ends. Unemployment should take a big drop then, but libs don’t understand economics. — Bob Hice

• Pre-COVID rates would mean the vast majority are already back to work. But yeah, it’s the libs that don’t understand things. — Frank Williamson

Cape Henlopen’s Gelof signs with Athletics

Zack Gelof has officially started his pro baseball career with the Oakland Athletics. The Cape Henlopen High grad, who was a second-round pick of the A’s in the amateur draft earlier this month, announced that he signed with Oakland on Saturday. A third baseman in college, Gelof was the No. 60 pick overall. According to Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline, the University of Virginia standout signed for $1,157,400, which was the full value for the 60th slot. “Officially a part of the Oakland Athletics!” Gelof posted on Twitter. “These past few years at UVA have been some of the best years of my life. I’m so thankful for the coaches and teammates over the years that have helped me get to this point. Let’s get to work!”

• Yeah, man. Love to see locals succeed. — Keith Martin

• So happy for him. Wonderful young man and family! — Sonja Tunnell

• Congratulations, Zack! — Jerry Whitcomb

Yarn & Bone brings the love to pets in Camden, Dover locations

When it comes to pampering pets and finding nutritious food for fur buddies in Kent County, Yarn & Bone Pet Supply Co. has local pet lovers covered twice over. Matthew Moorefield and Michael Morris, co-founders and owners of the business, moved their Camden store in January from its original location behind Redner’s to the site of a former Pet Valu at 374 Walmart Drive, near the Camden Walmart. They also spread their wings recently and decided to open a second location at 55 Greentree Drive in the Greentree Shopping Center in Dover. “After moving our original store location from where we opened six years ago to our new location into a former Pet Valu near the Camden Walmart in January of this year, we were looking to open a second location,” Mr. Moorefield said. “The property owner for Greentree Shopping Center reached out to us and encouraged us to tour the former Pet Valu location that closed in December (2020) at his shopping center.

• Another wonderful and heartwarming story. — Bob Hice

• Nice store and nice people. — Delmarva German Shepherd Dog Club