One state after another has reported high levels of flu this year, and it also appears that many of those cases are more intense than in recent years.

Fortunately, Montana has thus far been spared some of the worst effects of this contagious virus, but the best way to make sure that you, your family and those around you stay healthy is to get the flu vaccine.

Influenza has the potential to cause life-threatening illness and complications — especially in the young, the elderly and people with weak immune systems.

The vaccination is inexpensive and generally readily available. Don’t put anyone in harm’s way. Get the vaccination and help keep Montana healthy.

A well-deserved honor

Bob Lopp’s tireless work with Flathead Audubon brought him some well-deserved recognition recently when Montana Audubon presented him the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award.

The annual award recognizes the achievement of Montanans in protecting birds and their habitat, and to that end Lopp has gone the distance, particularly at the Owen Sowerwine Natural Area east of Kalispell. The area encompasses 442 acres of state school trust land that’s covered with cottonwood forests and home to a wide variety of native birds.

To have such an easily accessible tract of land for bird watching, photography, hiking and other outdoor activities so close to Kalispell is a wonderful amenity for our community. Lopp’s important work in preserving bird habitat is a testament to the difference one person can make in improving not only our backyard but also the habitat for a lot of our fine-feathered friends.

Another sign of recovery

In another sign of confidence in the local economy, Fred’s Appliance has announced plans to open a new store in the Kalispell area, possibly as soon as mid-March.

Fred’s is the largest appliance dealer in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho and has also announced plans to open a store in Missoula.

The Kalispell’s store’s location hasn’t been announced yet, but general manager Troy Varness said the store will start with a staff of 10 to 12. That’s great news for a dozen local families, and consumers will also benefit by having a wider selection of appliances to choose from.

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