If you walk into a restaurant or food establishment in Flathead County, chances are you’ll find a grade posted near the entrance, a simple letter that represents hours of work by our county health inspectors. But what you don’t see behind that grade is the philosophy that guides those inspections, a mindset best captured by Darin Woeppel, one of our longest-serving health inspectors. His motto? “Educate rather than regulate.”
Darin has been inspecting restaurants in Flathead County for over 30 years, and during a recent ride-along, I got to witness firsthand what that philosophy looks like in action. Whether we were checking the kitchen at Retreat at Buffalo Hill or the bustling food prep area at Twisted Bliss, Darin’s approach was the same: he praised what the staff was doing well, offered actionable advice on areas for improvement, and framed each correction as an opportunity for growth rather than a reprimand.
Darin’s background in environmental health and his years of experience in the Air Force have shaped his approach. He’s seen the county grow, regulations change, and the challenges evolve, but his commitment to building partnerships through education has remained constant. That dedication extends to the very structure of Flathead County’s inspection program. Unlike any other county in Montana, Flathead assigns A-F grades to licensed establishments, a system designed to encourage continuous improvement rather than just compliance.
The benefits of a county-run inspection program are significant. For one, our inspectors know the community. They understand the unique challenges our local businesses face and are invested in helping them succeed. They’re also able to adapt and respond quickly to emerging health concerns. For example, even though Montana follows the 2013 Food Code, updates are on the horizon. Darin is already preparing businesses for what’s coming, providing guidance on best practices that aren’t yet required but will likely be in the future.
Moreover, Flathead County partners with Flathead Valley Community College to offer ServSafe courses to food workers, reinforcing the educational focus of our inspection program. It’s not about catching people off guard; it’s about ensuring that every meal served in our county is safe and prepared with care.
As Darin approaches retirement in a few short years, he hopes the spirit of “educate rather than regulate” will remain a cornerstone of the department. And it’s a sentiment worth embracing, not just in health inspections but in every aspect of public service.
So, the next time you see that grade posted at your favorite restaurant, remember that it’s not just a letter, it’s a reflection of the work, heart, and dedication of people like Darin. And if you’re a business owner looking to learn more about how to keep your establishment at its best, reach out to the Flathead County Health Department. Let’s keep working together to build a safer, healthier, and more connected community.