Hospital makes the grade
The recent round of honors bestowed on Kalispell Regional Medical Center by HealthGrades, a leading health-care ratings organization, is a clear indicator that our medical facilities here are top-notch.
Awards for clinical excellence, patient safety and outstanding patient experience have ranked the Kalispell hospital among the top hospitals in the country. Kalispell Regional was one of 47 in the nation and the only Montana hospital to receive the patient safety excellence and outstanding patient experience awards.
Having excellent medical facilities in a community is not only a bonus for those who need health care. Facilities such as Kalispell Regional position Kalispell as a regional trade center, and that helps grow our local economy in all kinds of ways.
For a little insight into HeathGrades review of some of Kalispell Regional’s major medical procedures, go to http://www.healthgrades.com/hospital-directory/montana-mt/ hospital-awards-HGST02A70596270051/
WHEN IT COMES to opening Going-to-the-Sun Road over Logan Pass, the home stretch often proves to be the most challenging part of the epic snow-plowing project.
That was the case this year with frequent snowfall on the upper elevations of Glacier National Park’s historic highway in the days leading up to a June 19 opening at Logan Pass. Crews had to re-plow plenty of times to clear the way for a relatively early opening compared to recent years.
Hands down, it beat last year’s all-time late opening of July 13. Thank goodness, and let the summer begin!
JASON CURTIS is not just a pilot — he is a U.S. Air Force pilot. That makes him part of a special breed right away, but add to that the fact that he is now training to become a member of the Thunderbirds demonstration squadron, and Curtis is a rare bird indeed.
All of the Flathead Valley is proud of this young man, who was raised in Kalispell and learned to fly at the city airport. He saw combat duty in Afghanistan and Libya, and will be one of only six F-16 pilot members of the Thunderbirds.
Like most high achieving members of the military, he is an inspiration to those of us who live more humdrum lives. As Curtis reminds us, “You can absolutely live your dream. Dream those big dreams and it’s amazing what happens.”
We are looking forward to a chance to see Jason perform with the Thunderbirds — a truly remarkable show that highlights human ingenuity and accomplishment in a unique way.