Taking caring to another level

Shepherd’s Hand Free Clinic in Whitefish has been on the front line of providing crucial medical care to low-income residents since the clinic began in 1995. Along the way the clinic has responded to community needs, adding meal and wellness programs.

Now Shepherd’s Hand is ready to embark on a new dental program that will offer free urgent care to Flathead Valley residents starting Jan. 13. The need is huge for dental care among those living at or below the federal poverty level.

We commend Shepherd’s Hand for the caring, thorough approach its coordinators and volunteers take to meeting these community needs. And we encourage those looking to make tax-deductible donations before the end of the year to consider giving to Shepherd’s Hand Clinic. The clinic is still working to raise about $40,000 more for the dental program; go to www.shepherdshand.com to learn more.

Thanks to our officers!

A heartwarming local tradition celebrated its 10th year last week when a crew of Columbia Falls Police officers descended on the Target store along with children from three families.

The Shop with a Cop program provides a great outing for kids and cops alike as the officers and their young charges enjoy a shopping spree through the department store.

We commend the police for this great community program. Merry Christmas!

Let’s get ready to roar!

We were happy to report last week that the Mountain Madness air show is back on. Barring any unforeseen developments, the Air Force Thunderbirds will highlight the show on Aug. 30 and 31, the weekend before Labor Day.

Thank you to the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce and Glacier Park International Airport for their persistence in making this show happen. The 2013 version was canceled due to federal government spending cuts.

More than 40,000 spectators are expected for the show, including thousands of visitors to the Flathead Valley. That will be a huge infusion of dollars into the local economy, and will put a fine cap on next summer’s tourism season.

A highlight of the show will be the first local appearance of Capt. Jason Curtis, a Flathead High School graduate who joined the Thunderbirds two years ago.

We can’t wait!

Editorials represent the majority opinion of the Daily Inter Lake’s editorial board.