Bugge's Beach
MARTIN BUGGE'S BEACH: Part of the 1915 Gold Nugget Claims
An archived feature story By JUNE ALLEN
Front Page Photo by MIKE SMITH

Ketchikan: Faulty Wiring Causes Fire Damage - Ketchikan firefighters got off to an early start at a Friday morning house fire at 935 Nordstrom Drive #303.

According to Ketchikan Fire Chief Jim Hill, the call came in to 911 dispatchers at 7:15 AM Friday and the caller reported “..smoke coming from under the eves.”.  Hill reported that the first arriving units were on the scene in less than two minutes.  When firefighters arrived, all of the occupants were safely outside said Hill.

The owners of the home reported that earlier Thursday evening electrical breakers were “popping”.

Chief Hill said firefighters used Thermal Imaging equipment to find the location of the fire in the ceiling area of the living room, electrical service was shut down to the residence by Ketchikan Public Utilities (KPU) Linemen, and the fire was extinguished quickly.  Smoke damage was minimal but preliminary fire-loss estimates are $40,000 with $30,000 damage to the structure and about $10,000 in damages to the contents of the residence said Hill. - More...
Friday PM - January 14, 2011

Southeast Alaska: Fisheries scientists seek economic data on Southeast Alaska fisheries - What is the contribution of fishing and seafood processing to the Southeast Alaska economy?

Scientists at NOAA’s Alaska Fisheries Science Center are seeking improved data on that topic by asking a small number of Southeast Alaska fishermen and processors to voluntarily participate in the Southeast Alaska Fisheries Economic Activity Survey.

Respondents to the survey will contribute data that will help decision makers - local and state governments, businesses, fisheries managers and others - to better make decisions that would increase the long-run economic benefits to those who engage in fishing activities.

Commercial fishing and seafood processing contribute to the region's economy by providing jobs for fishing vessel skippers and crew, processor line workers and supervisors. Investments in the owning and operating of a vessel or seafood processing plant also boost the economy.

The survey asks about vessel or processor characteristics, labor payments, and other operation-related spending, including what portion of the spending is made in Southeast Alaska communities. - More...
Friday PM - January 14, 2011

Alaska: Governor Parnell Proposes Motor Fuel Tax Suspension; Gas Tax Suspension Not Enough Say Several Democrats; Governor urged to join anti-gouging efforts - Alaska Governor Sean Parnell today submitted legislation to suspend the motor fuel tax for 24 months.

“Alaskans are feeling the pinch of rising fuel costs when purchasing fuel for their vehicles, boats, snow machines and planes,” Governor Parnell said. “While suspending the motor fuel tax would provide a temporary reduction in the cost of motor fuel, action is necessary for long-term solutions to high energy costs.”

Suspending the $.08 per gallon of state fuel tax will save Alaskans money at the pump.

Several Democratic legislators again applauded Gov. Sean Parnell’s attempts to hold down fuel costs for Alaskans, but urged the governor to go further, and join their efforts to end fuel price gouging in Alaska. The governor wants to extend the eight cent fuel tax suspension, however, the Democrats’ say their proposal could reduce gasoline costs by as much as 51 cents per gallon.

 “Alaskans are paying too much for gas,” said Rep. Pete Petersen (D-Anchorage) who is a sponsor of HB 25 which would prohibit refineries from charging excessive or exorbitant prices.  “The state needs anti-gouging laws so we can get to the bottom of why residents of a major oil producing state are paying more than almost anyone else for a tank of gas.”

Despite being the nation’s largest oil producer per capita, Alaska gasoline and diesel prices have consistently been the highest in the nation, even when the state tax was suspended for a year.  According to the latest report from AAA, including state taxes, Alaskan gas prices are 51 cents higher than the national average.  The average Alaskan gasoline price is $3.498 per gallon excluding state taxes.  Hawaii, which produces no oil, has the second highest prices at $3.247 per gallon, excluding state taxes.  In Washington the price is $2.859. - More...
Friday PM - January 14, 2011

Southeast Alaska: Southeast State Forest Expansion Proposed by Governor – Governor Sean Parnell today transmitted legislation adding lands to the newly established Southeast State Forest from state lands presently used for timber harvest.

“Adding lands to the Southeast State Forest demonstrates our commitment to helping assure an increase in timber production over the long term,” Governor Parnell said. “This bill is one important piece in our overall strategy to stabilize and revitalize the timber industry, and expand wood energy opportunities in Southeast Alaska.”

The bill contains provisions to avoid conflicts with the newly formed City and Borough of Wrangell's land selection and entitlement.

Lands added to the state forest would continue to be open for multiple uses, including wildlife habitat and harvest, mining and recreational activities. - More...
Friday PM - January 14, 2011

Ketchikan: Free visit to UA campuses Jan. 18 – right from your laptop - The University of Alaska is hosting Virtual Preview Day on College Week Live from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Alaska Standard Time) Tuesday, Jan. 18.

Representatives from University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Anchorage and University of Alaska Southeast will be available to chat live about admissions, scholarships, financial aid and campus life. Presentations with experts from UA campuses across the state will be held every hour.

Prospective students will be able to watch videos highlighting each campus, view and download materials about programs and resources at the system’s three largest campuses, and speak with current UA students about what it’s really like to attend classes at a particular campus.  In addition to general financial aid information, special presentations will be available on the new Alaska Performance Scholarship and the UA Scholars Program.  - More...
Friday PM - January 14, 2011

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