Rathdrum looks ahead
During the Rathdrum State of the City, Sam Wolkenhauer of the Idaho Department of Labor said economists and citizens view the 3.1% inflation figure with vastly different points of view. Economists see that figure as putting a brake on inflation versus concern from citizens that things have been radically altered.
"We have to acknowledge what we would really like is to have our old prices back," Wolkenhauer said.
CAROLYN BOSTICK/Press
Rathdrum Chamber Executive Director Ashley Cameron imparts the value of community to the attendees at the Rathdrum State of the City on Thursday.
Mayor Mike Hill addresses the crowd at the Rathdrum State of the City at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.
Lisa Arnold, superintendent of Lakeland Joint School District said that graduation rates are high across the board for Rathdrum schools.
RATHDRUM — While economists see a slowed inflation rate as positive, Sam Wolkenhauer said three years of sustained inflation created an “immense burden” on American households.
“The objectives of inflation from the Federal Reserve Bank have absolutely nothing to do with what American households would like to see,” the Idaho Department of Labor’s economist for North Idaho said Thursday.
Wolkenhauer spoke to about 100 people at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church for Rathdrum’s State of the City address.
Inflation trends are largely attributed to supply chain problems and massive monetary stimulus during the pandemic. Wolkenhauer estimated the cost of living has risen 30% to 40% depending on what prices are considered.
“I’m an economist, right, but I eat, so I don’t understand trying to be intentionally obtuse about the price of food,” he said.
Other community leaders shared their visions for the future.
“We live in a place where community is the heart at the center,” Rathdrum Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ashley Cameron.
In 2024, the Rathdrum Chamber of Commerce plans to focus on new education programs for young people about to enter the workforce and additional networking opportunities, as well as marketing and leadership training.
For the Idaho Transportation Department, looking to the future means contemplating major traffic issues in the next 20 years.
Population projections indicate traffic will double by 2045, according to an ITD presentation by Heather McDaniel and Bob Beachler.
In study along the Interstate 90 corridor between the Washington state line and Coeur d’Alene, potential solutions to a larger population may manifest in extra lanes of traffic or reconfigured interchanges. Temporary and permanent bridges are being finalized for construction season.
ITD plans to complete the study while preparing some phases for design and construction such as widening I-90 from state highway 41 to Atlas Road. The new I-90/Highway 41 interchange is expected to be open by 2025.
Reflecting on 33 years of service, Lakeland Joint School District Superintendant Lisa Arnold said she’s proud of the district’s patriotic and conservative values.
New Rathdrum Mayor Mike Hill is excited for a revitalization of the baseball diamond and a new basketball court at Stub Myers Park.
“I’m colorblind and even I can tell it’s an incredible color of green ... or red,” Hill said.
“Red!” shouted someone in the crowd.
Rathdrum has received a grant for city park aquifer protection and a facelift for the Veterans Memorial Wall at Pinegrove Cemetery.
Rathdrum Chamber Executive Director Ashley Cameron imparts the value of community to the attendees at the Rathdrum State of the City on Thursday.
Mayor Mike Hill addresses the crowd at the Rathdrum State of the City at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.
Lisa Arnold, superintendent of Lakeland Joint School District said that graduation rates are high across the board for Rathdrum schools.