A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.
Literally. Air quality in the Flathead is officially Very Unhealthy. Visibility at my home northwest of Kalispell. is only two miles. The fine particulate count, which reached 143 micrograms per cubic meter at 0200 MDT this morning, was down to 42 µ/m^3 at 1400. But working outside, smoke is everywhere and the atmosphere feels more particulate laden than the air quality bureau reports.
Today is the only day people 65 and older can attend the 114-year-old Flathead County Fair free of charge, a change from recent policy. Otherwise, seniors must pay four dollars each. On a day with good air quality, many seniors can and do walk to the fair. Today many will stay home to protect their health. Four dollars may not seem like much, but add to that at least five dollars for parking, and it begins to add up, especially at the end of the month when money gets short. For some seniors who stay home today, the men and women on extremely tight budgets, not being able to take advantage of today’s free admission amounts to surrendering their opportunity to visit the fair this year.