County refund is good news
Inter Lake editorial
Flathead County had a measure of success this week when its insurance carrier presented a refund of $402,000 to the county for its outstanding safety record and risk-management program.
Three years ago the county took a risk by breaking away from the insurance pool operated by the Montana Association of Counties and getting its own insurance company. Then county officials and insurance agents mapped out a strategy to improve the county's safety record with a number of improvements such as a drug and alcohol testing program, quicker reporting of on-the-job injuries and the addition of an early return-to-work program.
In short, they turned things around and are now financially reaping the harvest of their good work. We're very mindful that when the county benefits, so do taxpayers. This is an example of responsive and responsible government leadership, something we all should encourage.
WHITEFISH HAS added another fine facility to its repertoire of public-private partnerships with the addition of the Hugh Rogers Wag Park at the Armory Park complex.
The five-acre dog park is the culmination of four years of work by community volunteers and city leaders, and is the first such park in Flathead County. With its fully accessible paths, drinking fountain for dogs and people, benches and plenty of room to run, this facility surely will be well-used by the canine community.
Future park plans include a gazebo, a dedicated area for small or shy dogs and development of a pond.
Naming the facility after popular veterinarian Hugh Rogers, who died recently in a plane crash, is a fitting memorial. Rogers supported the park from Day One and volunteered his time for many community projects.
The Whitefish Animal Group, the nonprofit that led fundraising for the dog park, deserves a pat on the back. Once again, Whitefish has shown the rest of us how seamlessly such projects can be completed when the goal is clear and the community support unwavering.
A KALISPELL MAN'S painful encounter with a grizzly bear last weekend should serve as a reminder of the reality of recreating in Glacier National Park.
Human visitors share the trails with Glacier's grizzlies (and black bears), so people should remember simple precautions: Carry bear spray, make lots of noise and avoid hiking (or trail running) alone.
Meanwhile, we wish Thomas Nerison a swift recovery from his injuries.