SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL
The Flathead River flows fast and full under Buffalo Bridge. Boat launches at both Buffalo and Sloan’s Bridge were mostly submerged last week.
High waters pose risks to recreators By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal
Traveling circus stops in Ronan Story and photos by Taylor Davison / Valley Journal
RONAN — The Lake County Fairgrounds hosted the Mission Valley Carnival and Circus on Saturday, June 18. Sponsored by SAFE Harbor, which serves Lake County and the Flathead Reservation to provide shelter, safety, nurturing, advocacy, financial support and healing to the survivors of domestic violence, the event drew in crowds of families
throughout the day. The carnival was free for all who attended, and featured a variety of fun activities for kids. From a bouncy house, face painting, pony ride, and even a dunk tank, there was plenty to keep the families entertained while they waited for the main show. The biggest draw of the day, of course, was the Culpepper & Merriweather Great Combined Circus coming to town. With two shows throughout the day, several talented performers graced the stage. The
show started with a visit from Delilah the Tiger and Wendell the Lion, followed by aerial performances, a masterful balancing act, and some blindfolded navigation of “The Wheel of Death” by two siblings. Leo the clown’s frequent appearances between acts kept the kids engaged and enthused by encouraging audience participation during his plate spinning act. There was even a special section on bird rescue, in which one performer explained his accompanying cockatoos
were both rescues, and working with the circus had allowed him to rescue 18 birds. Kids could even buy inexpensive paintings done by the cockatoos themselves to help support the cause. “I liked the acrobats,” one young attendee said, pointing to the picture in the circus’ coloring book obtained during intermission. “It was a really fun time for the kids,” one parent visiting stated. “I hope the show comes back another year.”
Valley Journal
more photos on page 6
LAKE COUNTY — As flooding in Montana has been declared a major disaster by the President, officials would like to remind everyone to act safely during this time of increased water danger. Energy Keepers of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes has reported that the current water elevation of Flathead Lake is 2892.7 feet and very slowly filling, while current river flows over the channel are 51,500 cubic feet per second (CFS) and slowly rising as the lake rises. They further report that there is still some high elevation snowpack above 6,000 feet in the basin and with upcoming warm weather and another possible round of rain, we could see a modest surcharge of Flathead Lake. It is possible, they state, that the lake could rise to approximately 2893.5 feet before settling down into its summer operating range. Swift moving waters of engorged rivers pose risk to recreators. Flood tips from the Red Cross remind those interested in getting to their summer water activities that high water is cold and very fast moving, often carrying dangerous debris left over from winter thaws. It is advised to wait until water has settled to summer operating range to begin water activities, or take extensive safety precautions if fast moving water cannot be avoided. June 22, 2022 - 5
