Hit hard? Fight back

Maybe we're headed for double-dip recession. Then again, maybe the economic roller-coaster ride will smooth out in 2011.

This much we do know: The past two years have battered our state and our nation hard, and Kootenai County even harder.

Area wage-earners disappointed with the net loss of about 1.5 percent of their personal income in the past year are none too happy, but compared to the stark blows endured by their employers, they could be rejoicing. Between June 2008 and June 2010, Idaho corporate income taxes plummeted 36 percent.

Retail businesses haven't been spared. In the past year, Kootenai County general sales tax collections have fallen by 24 percent. In other words, as hard as the recession has been on individuals and families, it's been even harder on businesses.

There's probably nothing you can do to thwart a second serving of national economic agony, but even in these times of reduced personal spending - especially in these times - you can have a major, positive impact locally.

Buying back-to-school clothes and supplies? Don't leave Kootenai County. Need other goods and services? They're here, and chances are they're as high quality and as competitively priced as anything you'll find outside Kootenai County.

This truly is a time when spending wisely and spending locally mean the same thing.

It can always be summer

Tomorrow, classes resume at North Idaho College.

One week later, Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy kids will answer roll call. And the following week, most other public schools will be up and running.

Where did the summer go?

Even though the calendar won't declare summer deceased for another month, it really feels like the long, sunny days have too quickly slipped away. And we confess that with all the bad news in the world, from oil spills to mounting economic tensions, many of us have fallen into the trap of looking forward and backward with worry rather than enjoying the here and now in this North Idaho playground.

Well, it's not too late to focus on the good things in life. In fact, it's never too late for that. It's merely a matter of choice. Your choice.