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Fish Factor: UFA Addresses Slate of Fish Issues At Annual Meeting By LAINE WELCH - Citing concerns that "fish and minerals don't mix," the United Fishermen of Alaska this week voted unanimously to oppose the Pebble Mine project being proposed near Bristol Bay. Pebble would be the largest open pit copper and gold mine in North America.

"The very development of Pebble is an industry unto itself," said UFA environmental chairman Bruce Wallace, after the annual meeting wrapped up on Thursday in Juneau.

"Clearly, one of the things we're going to do is demand is that all of the appropriate testing, particularly as it relates to surface and subsurface water, be done," he added. Wallace said UFA will provide a white paper on its Pebble Mine decision in coming weeks.

UFA also selected a slate of fish issues it will bring before Alaska lawmakers this year.
Topping the list - support for halibut quota shares for sport charters, whose catches have skyrocketed in some regions.

"We feel that the sport charter halibut sector needs to pony up and sit at the table with us and take some responsibility for conservation and longer term allocations," said outgoing UFA president Bobby Thorstenson, Jr.

Alaska fishermen are also going to bat for the Dept. of Fish and Game budget, which so far is facing a $150 million cut. "We feel that the fish and game budget has been woefully under funded for at least two decades. Meanwhile, the fishing industry has taken on more responsibility and paid more taxes and fees. Cutting the fish and game budget is unacceptable," Thorstenson said, adding that UFA will be pushing for a $4 million increase for the department.

UFA also has come out strongly against a law being proposed by Senators Murray and Spanel of Washington (SB 5207) that would impose a fee on all shipping containers. The law would create and fund a "freight congestion relief account", said UFA statewide chair, Kathy Hansen.

"The fee would be $50 per 20 foot container. So a 40 foot container (the shipping standard) would be $100. That's for both directions - inbound and outbound - on all products," Hansen said.

David Otte of Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association said his group sends almost 1,800 vans to or from Washington each year. The container fee would add a cost of $180,000.

"It may seem like a kind of innocuous bill, but it has huge ramifications for Alaska," he said.

UFA also elected a new president - Joe Childers of Juneau. He replaces Thorstenson who is stepping down after seven years at the UFA helm. United Fishermen of Alaska represents 35 regional fishing groups and several thousand members, making it one of the nation's largest industry trade groups. - More...
Friday PM - January 26, 2007

Alaska: 05HUNT Initiative Signatures Valid - Alaska Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell today gave notice that the 05HUNT initiative petition had the required number of qualified signatures. The 05HUNT initiative, if passed by the voters in the 2008 Primary Election, would enact law entitled, "An Act prohibiting the shooting of wolves and grizzly bears with the use of aircraft."

The initiative's prime sponsors are Joel Bennett, Nicholas Jans, and Thomas Walker. Former Lt. Governor Loren Leman certified that the subject matter of the petition was appropriate in October 2005. - More...
Friday PM - January 26, 2007

The week in review By THOMAS HARGROVE Bush asks Congress to support Iraq war

President Bush gave his State of the Union address Tuesday before the new Democratic majority in Congress, imploring support for his surge of new troops into Iraq. "We went into this largely united, in our assumptions and in our convictions. And whatever you voted for, you did not vote for failure," Bush said. "Our country is pursuing a new strategy in Iraq and I ask you to give it a chance." Virginia Sen. Jim Webb, in the Democratic televised response, said that "the majority of the nation no longer supports the way the war is being fought, nor does the majority of our military."

Democrats push anti-war statement

Congressional Democrats on Wednesday began work on a formal repudiation of President Bush's Iraq policy, saying deployment of more troops is "not in the national interest." The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 12-9 for the nonbinding resolution that faces a floor vote next week. "We better be damn sure we know what we're doing, all of us, before we put 22,000 more Americans into that grinder," said Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, the only Republican to vote for the measure. Bush was unmoved. "I'm the decision-maker," he said Friday. - More...
Friday PM - January 26, 2007

Washington Calling: CIA going after college-age kids ... More Marines in Iraq ... More By LISA HOFFMAN - Here's looking at you: The CIA now has its own Facebook group on the Web.

No, the point of the spy agency's presence on the social networking site favored by 8 million mostly college-age kids is not to keep track of America's youths. Instead, it is a tactic to attract them to apply for the National Clandestine Service, which collects "human intelligence" covertly around the world.

(Don't tell that to the legions of paranoid bloggers and others who already are hyperventilating about this latest effort at "government mind control." Some even believe Facebook is itself a clandestine government plant.)

In recent years, the CIA has been energetic in recruiting smart young folks into the fold, using its own lively Web site to sell itself. The agency says the group, which was launched last December, has attracted about 2,000 members, and officials swear it collects no information of any sort about them.

X...X...X

Forget a few good men. The Marine Corps wants 66,000 of 'em to deploy to the war in Iraq.

Commandant Gen. James Conway said that is the number of Marines in the 175,000-person corps who have not yet been to combat in Iraq. In a Jan. 19 message sent to all leathernecks - titled "Every Marine Into the Fight" - Conway said it's their time now.

He ordered commanders to identify each Marine who has not yet served on the ground in Operation Iraqi Freedom - "first-termers and career Marines alike" - and to reassign them to units heading for the war zone. The idea is to spread the burden more equitably throughout the corps, which has deployed about 56,000 Marines twice or more, and to provide combat seasoning to most in the ranks. - More...
Friday PM - January 26, 2007

Local Diabetes Education Program merits ADA recognition RN Janet Hanna, Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)

Ketchikan: Local Diabetes Education Program merits ADA recognition - The Ketchikan General Hospital (KGH) Diabetes Education Program has been awarded continued recognition from the American Diabetes Association. The KGH program, originally recognized in July, 2000, offers high-quality education services to the patients in this area.

The ADA Education Recognition effort, begun in the fall of 1986, is a voluntary process, which assures that approved education programs have met the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education. There are only six such programs in Alaska. Programs that achieve recognition have a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide state-of-the-art information about diabetes management.

At KGH the Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is Janet Hanna, RN, CDE. Hanna has recently renewed her CDE status by successfully completing the continuing education renewal process. Candidates must meet rigorous credential and professional practice experience requirements to be eligible for certification. Her credential demonstrates to patients that Hanna possesses distinct and specialized knowledge, thereby promoting quality of care for patients with diabetes. There are currently more than 15,000 educators who hold the CDE credential, though only 16 in Alaska. - More...
Friday PM - January 26, 2007

Patterson Named KGH Employee of the Month

Ketchikan: Patterson Named KGH Employee of the Month - Hannelore Patterson, Lab Assistant, was named Employee of the Month at Ketchikan General Hospital by a committee of her peers. Patterson has been an employee of the hospital for two years.

Patterson's responsibilities include phlebotomy (drawing blood), entering and verifying lab test orders, and communicating with all parts of the care giving team, including nurses, physicians, clinics, and most importantly, patients. - More...
Friday PM - January 26, 2007

Ketchikan: Hospital Provides Obstetrics/Gynecology Clinic - With the departure of obstetrics and gynecology specialist Donna Smith, MD, and the loss of Southeast OB/Gyn's clinic space, Ketchikan General Hospital (KGH) has provided an OB/Gyn clinic and locum (temporary) physicians, until permanent facilities are once again established.

The new clinic opened January 2nd on the second floor of the hospital, just steps away from the New Beginnings Birthing Center. John Varallo, MD, has provided services throughout January. Quang Nguyen, MD comes on board January 26th through February 15th. On February 12th, OB/Gyn specialist Sarah Archer, MD, arrives and will stay through April 30th. During the transition there will always be one or more OB/Gyn physician available. - More...
Friday PM - January 26, 2007

The Ketchipoo Traveling Medicine Show 'Jammin at the Monthly Grind' Jan. 20th Amos Hopkins, Katie Graves, and David Rubin. Front Page Photograph by Hamilton Gelhar

Ketchikan: The Ketchipoo Traveling Medicine Show By BILL HUPE - The Saxman Tribal House was rockin' 'n' rollin' 'n' stompin' 'n' cheerin' last Saturday night due to Thomas P. Fowler's Traveling Medicine Show performing Live and selling his Possum Oil Elixir to Ketchipooo... er, Ketchikan residents. The Droolers provided the musical accompaniment to the Professor's purveying of his Fine Wares and introduction of the evening's performers.

After the Ketchipoo Borough Sheriff let the evening's festivities continue following a personal donation of a bottle of 90 proof Elixir, the show opened with The Andy Piston Rock 'n' Roll Philharmonic Freak Show, a one-man orchestra, decked out in a bird hat, singing songs about being a bird geek and what happens after having too much to drink whilst camping. Quite humourous, although possibly a little too off-colour for some of the younger audience present.

Madam Marie, the Happy Medium followed, making a variety of predictions that are certain to come true. Madam was quite entertaining, and her jokes were certainly well-done. Grind favourites, Famous Amos Hopkins and Katy Graves along with Dave Rubin, performed their take on "An Elephant Fly" that had the entire gathering participating before they were finished. The introduction of kazoos to their performance was priceless. - More...
Friday PM - January 26, 2007

Viewpoints Opinions/Letters Basic Rules Health Insurance By Alan Lidstone - Sunday PM North American Union By Darlene Hall - Sunday PM Airport Shuttle By Signe Markuson - Sunday PM Ketchikan Taxman By Robert McRoberts - Sunday PM Democracy/Liberty: Surprise to some, old news to others By Iliya Pavlovich - Sunday PM History of Steamships By Pat Bundy - Sunday PM Airport Shuttle Response By John Harrington - Friday PM Tax Increases By Charlotte Tanner - Friday PM 57% property tax increase By Mike Isaac - Friday PM Modest Proposals By Chris Elliott - Thursday PM Shuttle To Airport By Ken Levy - Thursday PM Open Letter to Congressman Young: NO on North American Union By Mike Jones - Thursday PM More on Ketchikan's Property Assessment Increase By Sandy Powers - Wednesday Mural Unveiling & Renovation Celebration By Marty West - Wednesday Full Plate of Issues Will Get 90-Day Test by Rep. John Harris - Wednesday Tax Cap Needed By Dan McQueen - Wednesday Property value increases excessive By Tyrell Rettke - Tuesday Increased Property Taxes By Michael Spence - Tuesday THANK YOU FOR RESPECTING THE PROPERTY OF KETCHIKAN HOT SHOTS PAINTBALL LEAGUE... TRAILER NEEDED! By Bobbie McCreary - Tuesday Read My Lips By Glen Thompson - Monday More Bureaucracy, Less Learning at UAS By Robert D. Warner - Monday Ketchikan Property Tax Assessments By Hunter Davis - Monday Property Tax Hike & the Cruise Ship Tax By Dan McQueen - Monday Thank you By Colette Milam - Monday Proposed container fee from State of Washington By Judith Green - Monday A day to remember JFK By Ken Levy - Monday More Viewpoints/ Letters Publish A Letter Ketchikan Ketchikan Police Report AK Troopers Daily Dispatch Today's Forecast Satellite Today's Weather Images Marine Forecasts Ketchikan Weather Data Current AK Weather Map CLASSIFIEDS Auto-post your ad in the proper category, or email your ad & photos to ads@sitnews.us  CLASSIFIEDS' CATEGORIES Announcements For Sale / Free Stuff Garage Sales Homes / Apts/ Property Pets Wanted Lost & Found Local Services January 2007 S M T W T F S 31 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31       More Front Page Archives

Jason Love: Super Bowl - Every year I look forward to the Super Bowl, and every year it's like eating a TV dinner -- always looks better in the picture.

Nothing, not even Armageddon, could live up to the hoopla. The pregame show begins three weeks before kickoff, when neckless men begin dissecting the games, going backward week by week till they finally get to the beginning...

"Football dates back to the 1800s, when a soccer player decided, on a lark, to pick up the ball and run. Opponents tackled him to the ground, beat him silly, and gave birth to the sport we love today."

As much as I enjoy football -- well, the 12 minutes of actual play time -- maybe we're watching a little too closely...

The Patriots are more likely to score on odd weeks when Aries is in the seventh house. For further analysis, we go to Shirley MacLaine. Shirley?

And we gobble it up, gimme, gimme, gimme. We need the puffery, the sensation, some amazing, worldwide thing. And the footballogists always deliver. - More...
Friday PM - January 26, 2007  

Preston McDougall: Chemical Eye on the Me U - There is an interesting new phenomenon afoot. I call it the Me U.

No, it isn't an anatomical anomaly like Dr. Doolittle's Pushmi-Pullyu. In fact, even though one was in "Animal House" (the movie), it isn't an animal at all. And, its name changes from place to place. For instance, only if it were on my property, would it be called Me U. If it were on yours, it would be called You U. Strangely, they also exist on property that doesn't belong to any one, where it is called It U.

Confused? Let me give you a recent example that I just heard about. For those who aspire to succeed in the music business, George Jones University will open its doors to its initial class of up to 200 country-style acolytes this coming March. Apparently, the campus will be located on Mr. Jones's own farm in Franklin, Tennessee. No dormitories will be needed, since its condensed curriculum - focusing on music publishing, recording contracts, concert promotion and the like - lasts only three days.

Confused? Let me give you a recent example that I just heard about. For those who aspire to succeed in the music business, George Jones University will open its doors to its initial class of up to 200 country-style acolytes this coming March. Apparently, the campus will be located on Mr. Jones's own farm in Franklin, Tennessee. No dormitories will be needed, since its condensed curriculum - focusing on music publishing, recording contracts, concert promotion and the like - lasts only three days. - More...
Friday PM - January 26, 2007  

Rob Holston: Health Care vs. Health - President Bush recently presented his State of the Union Address. Besides the state of foreign affairs and the "war on terror" taking center stage, the president addressed the state of this nation's health. NOT! That would have been refreshing but Bush chose to address this nation's "health care" system, rising costs and health insurance.

Now am I splitting follicles here? I think not. Let me use a couple of historical health analogies. Malaria is known to be spread by an infected female anopheles mosquito so by eliminating the breeding grounds of the mosquito, malaria is controlled. Small pox and polio are controlled by vaccines. If this country did not utilize the methodology for controlling THE CAUSES of these and other diseases, we would be suffering from drastically higher medical costs than we now realize.

The fact is that most historical disease states are abated by society addressing the causes of those disease states. The problem is that Bush and most of society is not willing to address the health of the nation's peoples because we all know that there is no vaccine for stupid decisions or ignorance and the stupor that most folks find themselves in. This stupor of making unwise health decisions is known as "lifestyle" and is the cause of obesity, the root of our health epidemic which leads to heart disease, diabetes, many cancers and a myriad of health concerns that plague the nation. - More...
Friday PM - January 26, 2007