Shortages here too. Not for lack of people looking for employment though--lack of people willing to work as the sole associate at places like dollar stores and being one person running 2-4 departments at Walmart or being the only cashier up front for ~$10/hr or less. I don't know exactly what restaurants/fast food places are paying (and tips as servers is very seasonal as pretty much the only business is from tourists), but DD claims pay is up to $15/hr and last person I knew that started there with no experience started at $12.50. When I worked there it was $7.25.

Starbucks pays $16/hr+tips (DD has tips too) and I've applied, but I'm tentative at really pursuing it because the drive sucks. It's only about half an hour one way, but it's either interstate that gets really backed up at times (it is verrrry slow going SB today) or backroads that are not kind to your alignment.

But regardless, applications are being sent in.