James Dobson

Jun 27, 2024 | kpax.com | Kiana Wilson |Zach Volheim |James Dobson

KALISPELL — The covered grandstand bleachers at the Flathead County Fairgrounds have been cleared for use. All of the bleachers at the fairgrounds were closed last month due to safety concerns. Following an additional inspection, the covered grandstand bleachers were deemed to be in good condition and fit for continued use. However, some repairs will need to be done to enhance the integrity and extend the life of the grandstands.

Jun 27, 2024 | kpax.com | Kiana Wilson |James Dobson |Zach Volheim |Derek Joseph

KALISPELL — Educators from across the Flathead Valley and from around the country had a unique opportunity this week to explore what's called Personalized Competency Based Education (PCBE). PCBE is different from a conventional school model where students learn based on well-defined targets for all students and shifts the focus from traditional grading to meeting competency goals. Educators gathered at the Doris Mountain Summit to learn from those who have been successful in this model.

Jun 27, 2024 | kbzk.com | James Dobson

GREENOUGH — The beginning of summer is a good time to look to the mountains as the snow is quickly melting. The most recent numbers from the USDA show the Upper Clark Fork River Basin has only 66% of normal snowpack, which affects the Blackfoot River, which is already extremely low. As summer is now here and the temperatures are rising, people are going to be hitting the river. But after a near-record low snowpack this past winter, the Blackfoot River is looking really low.

Jun 27, 2024 | cutt.ly | James Dobson |Zach Volheim |Derek Joseph |Martin J. Kidston

LIBBY — A search is underway for a kayaker who went missing near Kootenai Falls near Libby. Lincoln County Sheriff Darren Short says dispatch received a call of a missing person in the Kootenai River shortly before 8 p.m. on Wednesday. It was reported that two kayakers were having problems when the woman — who has been identified as Jessica Prado — was seen struggling in an eddy in the river. Lincoln County Sheriff's Office deputies and David Thompson Search and Rescue responded to the scene.

Jun 27, 2024 | kpax.com | James Dobson |Zach Volheim |Derek Joseph |Martin J. Kidston

WEST GLACIER — Glacier National Park’s popular Going-to-the-Sun Road was more congested than usual on Wednesday after a series of separate crashes caused heavy delays. Park officials report that two of the three wrecks on the iconic road happened after 3 p.m. One crash halfway between “the loop” and the west tunnel happened after a driver hit a rock outcropping after swerving to miss a vehicle that had crossed over the yellow line.