Ketchikan: Ketchikan musicians recorded by one of world's best - For Darren Morze, proprietor of Philadelphia-based Plan B Recording Studios, an average day involves recording some of the east coast's finest musicians, doing live sound for legendary bands at Philadelphia's Trocadero Theater, and rehearsing with his NYC-based indie rock band, Native Black. This Winter, Ketchikan residents Carol Alley and Jason Custer switched up Morze's schedule, offering him a free plane ticket, housing, and all-you-can-eat king salmon and halibut in return for some technical assistance. "Sure!" said Morze, a dedicated fan of seafood and travel. "This is like winning the lottery!"

Morze resided in Ketchikan from December 26th through January 10th, helping Carol Alley set up recording equipment at her community arts space, The stARTled salmon, and recording local Ketchikan musicians for free, and for small donations.

Morze worked with artists Pariah, Dave Rubin, Southside Totems, Carl and Tom Thompson, Chris Wilhelm, and the stARTled salmon's Winter Break Music Camp with Sitka guitar teacher Hank Moore, helping to empower musicians to find new modes of expression, and learn basic studio recording techniques. "It's great to work with people who really care about the music they're making," Morze reflected.

The end result of two weeks' work was a whopping 6 CDs of material! Carol Alley learned the in's and out's of recording, and is now prepared to continue to use The stARTled salmon as a recording studio for local artists.

Morze and Custer have been friends for several years, and have collaborated on community service projects in the past. Last year, they put on a concert in an impoverished, rural Appalachian community in Virginia, raising money and hope for a free community skate park for youth. - More...
Saturday - January 24, 2009

Alaska: Alaska Governor Sarah Palin delivers her 2009 State of the State
speech to the 26th Alaska Legislature January 22, 2009 - Text of Governor Palin's 2009 State of the State Speech:

Thank you. Our good Lieutenant Governor Parnell, President Stevens, Speaker Chenault, lawmakers, Native Leaders, my dear family, and all Alaskans. Thank you for this opportunity.

First, please join me in thanking those who protect our freedoms that allow us to assemble ­ our good men and women in uniform ­ they are America's finest, our U.S. military.

It's been quite a year since we last gathered in this chamber. Just two days ago we witnessed a shining moment in the history of our country. Millions of Americans are praying for the success of our new president, and I am one of them. His work is cut out for him, but if President Obama governs with the skill, grace and greatness of which he is capable, Alaska's going to be just fine. We congratulate President Obama. And, for keeping the homeland safe, and being a friend to Alaska, I thank President Bush. - More...
Saturday - January 24, 2009

Ketchikan: U.S. Forest Service Distributes Money for Alaska's Schools, Roads and Local Forest Projects - Regional Forester Denny Bschor announced Friday that the U.S. Forest Service disbursed over $21 million to the State of Alaska under the 2008 Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act. Payments under the Act help fund schools, roads and projects that maintain infrastructure and improve the health of ecosystems on national forests. The State Division of Community & Regional Affairs will distribute the funds to affected communities that are located in unorganized areas and to affected boroughs.

Since 1908, the Forest Service returned 25 percent of its revenues, such as those from timber sales, mineral resources and grazing fees, to states that contain national forest lands. Those revenues declined significantly in recent decades. In 2000, the Secure Rural Schools Act was first passed and it provided assistance to affected counties and boroughs by stabilizing funding and transitioning to lower payments. That Act paid out more than $2.5 billion over seven years.

The SRS Act also provides money to fund projects nominated by resource advisory committees to maintain infrastructure, improve the health of ecosystems, protect communities, and strengthen local economies. People in the state serve on these committees, known as RACs and are responsible for recommending projects to the Forest Service for funding under the Act. - More...
Saturday - January 24, 2009

Southeast Alaska: GreyWolf to head Southeast Area Health Education Center - The SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) Human Resources Department announced the opening of the Southeast Area Health Education Center in Sitka and the hiring of Iva GreyWolf, Ph.D., to serve as the center's director.

The Southeast Area Health Education Center (SE AHEC) is one of six regional sites for the Alaska AHEC program, which is focused on strengthening Alaska's health care workforce. The Alaska AHEC program is a partnership between the University of Alaska Anchorage School of Nursing's Alaska Center for Rural Health and various health care industry leaders from around the state. There also is a national AHEC program with sites in 45 states. - More...
Saturday - January 24, 2009

Ketchikan: UAS Ketchikan Student Artwork To Be Unveiled - The public is invited to the unveiling of a metal sculpture created by students and instructor in the Fall 2008 semester Metal Arts class, taught by UAS Ketchikan Adjunct Faculty Instructor Ken Horn. The unveiling will be held on January 30, 2009 at 5:30pm at the University of Alaska Southeast Ketchikan Main Campus, 2600 Seventh Avenue. The mural will hang on the second floor of the Paul Building.

This is the third piece of art to be unveiled by UAS Ketchikan which features the work of student artists. The first was unveiled in January 2007 and now hangs in the campus library, located on the second floor of the Ziegler Building at the main campus, 2600 Seventh Avenue. The second was created by a mural painting class taught by UAS Ketchikan instructor and local artist Mary Henrikson and hangs at the UAS Ketchikan Technical Center, Robertson Building, 600 Stedman. Henrickson was the instructor for the first student mural as well.

This year, students from all walks of life spent the fall 2008 semester immersed in welding techniques, designing their pieces and creating an elaborate underwater 'seascape.' Student artists include JoMarie Alba, Margaret Cloud, Janine Gibbons, Anna Hillberry, Brooke Keith, Paige Keith and Martine Northway. - More...
Saturday - January 24, 2009

Public Meetings Ketchikan Borough Assembly Agenda and Information Packets Ketchikan City Council Agenda & Information Packets Ketchikan School Board Agenda & Information Packets 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 Publish ad Please select the proper category before posting. CLASSIFIEDS' CATEGORIES Announcements and       Help Wanted For Sale / Free Stuff Garage Sales Homes / Apts/ Property Pets Wanted Lost & Found Local Services Publish your ad Dec. - Jan. Front Page Archives S M T W T F S 30 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 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 More Front Page Archives

RE: Ghost town By Jim G. Grove - I have been a part of Ketchikan's city fathers foresight in regards to direction to sustain the community. I saw the end to the fishing and timber industry prior to the 1975 era . State Government, financed the development of the tourism and industry growth. This would not have taken place were it not for people such as John Granger , Bill Moran , Mr. Hanger's own father, and too many others to mention here. - More...
Saturday - January 24, 2009

Sales Tax By Chris Barry - I agree with Mr. Hofeling. The City and Borough can find other ways to fund their projects without leaning on the people. It's bad enough we have to pay an unconstitutional federal income tax on our hard earned money, but we also pay taxes on everything we purchase as well as any surplus in the bank. - More...
Friday - January 23, 2009

Taxes By Ken Leland - I think the idea of another tinkering with the tax code is a horrible idea! I still remember the "temporary Tax increase" of several years ago that became permanent the following year! The money will just end up supporting more "goodies" for our bloated bureaucracy instead of doing any real good for the community. - More...
Friday - January 23, 2009

Alaska History By Cecelia Johnson - As I read about Alaska history regarding Territorial days and Statehood I appreciate the individuals before us who worked tirelessly on "equality" for all. Just as we work today for "justice and equality." Some names in history: Frank Peratrovich, Frank Johnson, Fred Grant, Bob Bartlett, Felix Cohen, "William Paul", James Curry, to name a few. - More...
Friday - January 23, 2009

RE: Horrible Roads By Zac Young - You should be ashamed of your selfish nature, Ms Lawrence. What did the City of Ketchikan do to deserve such bashing from you? Do you not remember waking up 3 days in a row with massive amounts of snow on your car, in your yard, and on the roads? Do you not remember EVERYONE in town saying (something to the effect of) "WOW!! I can't remember ever getting this much snow in such a short amount of time!" ??? Do you remember just the previous week seeing how a city the size of Seattle WA was handling the massive amount of snow, no doubt from the same storm that brought us our "Winter Wonderland?" The whole of Southern Southeast Alaska was in the same boat that you and I were in. A WHOLE DAMN LOT OF SNOW!! - More...
Friday - January 23, 2009

Location of Library By Liz Lybrand - After many years of trying to fit the new library into what used to be the "downtown" area, it is time to rethink the location.  It is no longer "downtown".  That is the tourist area.  The library does not belong there.  It is not a tourist destination. It is our public library and should be located where we can use it. - More...
Wednesday AM - January 21, 2009

Herring and Fish Issues By Carol Christoffel - I am writing in support of the other good people who are concerned over the failing herring runs. I do not know the "politics" involved but note the board to regulate this largely consists of commericial fishermen, whose livelyhood depends upon consistant runs of fish. - More...
Wednesday AM - January 21, 2009

Herring group, who are they? By Kevin Kristovich - After reading the last viewpoint on the issue of herring and digging further into the Sitnews' archives finding past letters in regards to herring, I have always wondered who is the Ketchikan herring action group comprised of? - More...
Wednesdau AM - January 21, 2009

Herring By Larry Demmert - Again this is a sad rant and misinformation attempt by the sports/charter industry (which by the way is a COMMERCIAL FISHERY, you get paid it's commercial!!) - More...
Wednesday AM - January 21, 2009

Sales Tax By Trygve Westergard - Mr Ellis, I like the idea. What are the pros/cons? - More...
Wednesday AM - January 21, 2009

Sales Tax By Dustin Hofeling - This is in response to Pete Ellis' suggestion about a seasonal decrease in sales tax. I don't think this is possible considering many tax exempt people won't want to give up their status; and I don't want to pay an 8% tax during the winter. - More...
Wednesday AM - January 21, 2009

Tax folly By Al Johnson - Regarding the Pete Ellis sales tax , "None here, Pete".
- More...
Wednesday AM - January 21, 2009

SALES TAX SEASONAL ADJUSTMENTS By Pete Ellis - So neither the City nor the Borough seem to be interested in providing winter sales tax levy relief to local residents. So is there any interest in assisting with an initiative effort designed to provide a borough wide levy for a winter sales tax of 2% from November through March and a summer sales tax of 8% from April through October with neither tax subject to any exemptions? - More...
Thursday - January 15, 2009

Take the politics out of fisheries decision making By Louise Clark - I agree whole heartedly with Mr. Rauwolf. I was born here nearly 70 years ago and have lived here most of my life and remember very well the unbelieveable masses of herring that once came through this area. - More...
Thursday - January 15, 2009

KPD's Drug Awareness at Kayhi By Joey Tillson - My family and I attended KPD's Drug Awareness Seminar this evening, January 13 at Kayhi. I would like to commend the Ketchikan Police Department, their guest speaker and other organizations that have put forth information regarding drug awareness for our community. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009

WHAT IN THE WORLD CAN FISH AND GAME BE THINKING?? By Andy Rauwolf - On November 6th, the Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published a request for public comments in the Federal Registry regarding listing Southeast Alaska Pacific Herring Stocks as "Threatened or Endangered." Shortly thereafter, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced plans for yet another record herring harvest in Sitka Sound. Out of the seven largest stocks, this herring biomass just happens to be the LAST REMAINING MAJOR HERRING STOCK left in Southeast Alaska. At least five were over exploited under ADF&G management. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009

Fish Traps ill suited for commercial fisheries By Bob Thorstenson - As much as old timers like to romanticize about fish traps, they were a bad idea and will remain a bad idea no matter what the fuel costs are. With the logic shown by Mr. McGilvray and revealed by his idea that the "replaced" gillnetters and seiners would indeed have jobs (pitching fish out of the traps), like some of the "new-age green" logic out there, you'd have to follow that analysis up with a 3rd level, replace drift gillnetting by just doing more purse seining. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009

Fish Traps By Steve Smeltzer - You make an excellent point Rudy. As one who grew up in the era of fish traps, they were efficient, cheap to run, and you only needed two men to watch it. Called trap watchman. There were some interesting times during that era, which have been covered somewhat by Mr. Keiffer. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009

Performing Arts Center By Lallette Kistler - Music and dancing! I remember those happy days (nights) at the Fireside. Wouldn't you like to have them again? We can. Help bring song and dance back to the Fireside in a way that the entire family can enjoy, by supporting the Performing Arts Center project. Downtown is the perfect place for a performing arts center. Most performance events take place during the evening hours when parking is not an issue, and during summer days, cruise ship visitors can use the space for meeting and performance space. More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009

LIBRARY LOCATION TO THE WEST END By Pete Ellis - So why not review and reflect upon the best location for a new public library as being in the West End and located somewhere in the area between the Plaza and the high school. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009

Enough is Enough at the Ketchikan Public Library By Robert D. Warner - Here we go again! For the second time, the Ketchikan City administration is being told that the Old Main School location will likely not work as a site for a new library. Now there is a parking issue. To date, how much public money has been wasted on this scheme? Tax payers have the right to know this information as they always end up paying the bills. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009

Herring, Hoff, and Ooligan By John Harrington - Don Hoff's letter almost begs for a response. So much of his letter is counterproductive to solving the real problems facing southeast Alaska. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009

Snow Removal By Judith Green - I would like to add my THANK YOU to Chief Edward Talik. Day by day I have realized the huge responsibility and task that faces our road crew and have been grateful for the constancy of the crew and for the well defined plan of operation. - More...
Wedneseday - January 14, 2009

Praise to the plowers By David Hull - I would like to echo Chief Talik's praise to the people who spent most of the holidays sitting behind a steering wheel. While the airport guys got well deserved praise for their efforts and the City Public Works guys absolutely kept things going in town, the DOT guy s efforts were equally challenging and important. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009

Coverage By Al Johnson - In reviewing the "Trooper Report" of 1-11-09 it is noticed that there was a break-in and theft at the Webb residence on Pond Reef Road during the past couple of days. I know our troopers will do their best to solve this break-in. I thank them for their efforts. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009

Gas Prices By Jerilyn Lester - My question to all that live and do business with the two stations on Tongass Avenue is: If the price of $2.49.9 is as low as they can go, how can Tatusada's sell their gas for $1.99 a gallon? The answer is that both Chevron and Safeway are charging you $.50 a gallon to be on that corner and for you to see their signs. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009

Road Crews By Cindi Davis - Hats off to the road crews! You have done Ketchikan proud and kept a smile on your face while doing it. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009

Snow removal By Joe Jacobs - I think the state, borough, and city could have planned and executed snow removal in a safer and more cost efficent manner. As a second year resident I was just dumbfounded seeing the lack of coordination playing out. I think snow removal training and better equipment need to be thought about no matter how much snow we get. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009

Horrible roads.... By Jennie Lawrence - The snow we've received recently has been ridiculous. Of the few times I ventured out and tried to run errands I couldn't help but notice the horrible road conditions. I know, because of the amount of the snow the roads couldn't be in the best condition, however I feel the city could be doing a better job at trying to clear the roads. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009

More Letters/Viewpoints
Webmail your letter or
Email Your Letter To: editor@sitnews.us