SitNews - Stories In The News - Ketchikan, Alaska - January 04, 2014

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Saturday
January 04, 2014

Front Page Photograph By ALETA UTTERBACK

Fire Destroys One Home; Two Others Damaged
Shortly after 10 AM Saturday morning, a downtown residential fire claimed a home at 341 Edmonds Street belonging to Vanessa Robertson who reportedly was not home at the time. Two other homes were damaged. Containment efforts by the Ketchikan Fire Department & emergency responders brought the fire under control Saturday afternoon. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
Front Page Photograph By ALETA UTTERBACK ©2014
(Please respect the rights of photographers, never republish or copy
without permission and/or payment of required fees.)

Ketchikan - Our Troops: Sgt. Ginter Named Marine of the Week - Sgt. Chester Ginter of Ketchikan was named Marine of the Week by his unit. Sgt. Ginter is currently serving as a motor transportation maintenance chief with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Ginter said he joined the Corps to be a part of something bigger than himself. - More...
Saturday PM - January 04, 2014

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News In Photos
An unidentified Ketchikan Police Officer going up the steps to reach firemen during the blaze.
Front Page Photo by CHARLES HABERBUSH ©2014
Click on the photo for a larger photo

Ketchikan News In Photos: According to local photographer Charles Haberbush, the roof of the 341 Edmonds Street home collapsed as the fire was under control. Haberbush said the house next door was scorched but did not burn. Onlookers came and went he said. The Ketchikan Fire department had one truck at the end of Edmonds and there was a another truck fighting the fire from the parking lot down below the residence. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Fish Factor: In Deep Winter Alaska’s Largest Fisheries Get Underway By LAINE WELCH - Salmon will always be the heart of Alaska’s fisheries. That’s why many people think of summer as “the fishing season.” But that’s not the case.

The deep of winter is when Alaska’s largest fisheries get underway each year. On January first, hundreds of boats with hook and line gear or big pots will begin plying the waters of the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska for Pacific cod, rockfish and other groundfish. Then on January 20th trawlers take to the seas to target Alaska pollock, the world’s largest food fishery with harvests near three billion pounds.

Crab boats out on the water for golden kings along the Aleutians and snow crab in the Bering Sea, Alaska’s largest crab fishery.

Early March sees the start of the eight month long halibut and sablefish seasons. March also marks the beginning of Alaska’s roe herring circuit at Sitka Sound, and those fisheries continue for several months all the way up the coast to Norton Sound.

And while fresh Alaska king salmon is available from Southeast trollers nearly year round, mid-May marks the official start of Alaska’s salmon season with the runs of kings and reds at the Copper River. Salmon fisheries take center stage all summer and into the fall.

Mid-October brings another of Alaska’s fishing highlights – red king crab from Bristol Bay … and so it goes, on through the end of each year, along with too many other fisheries to name.

Crab updates

Southeast crabbers ended one of their best fall/winter Dungeness fisheries ever. The fishery, which began in October, produced one million pounds for the season, even with less gear on the grounds.

“The last two years, the catch has come in at half that,” said Adam Messmer, state assistant shellfish manager for Southeast, adding that 87 permits fished for fall dungies.

The price averaged $2.53 a pound, similar to last year, bringing the value of the catch to over $2.5 million. The Dungeness harvest from the fall and summer fisheries totaled 2.6 million pounds, well above expectations.

Switching to the Bering Sea – snow crab pots are being dropped earlier than usual. The fishery traditionally gets going in mid-January. Two reasons: crabbers want to avoid getting closed out by sea ice – and strong demand for less crab is pushing the highest prices ever.

Contract prices for snow crab on its way to Japan were reported at $5.50 to $5.60 for smaller sizes and $6.10 for large crab. Alaska’s total catch is 54 million pounds, down 20 percent from last year. Prices to crabbers were still being negotiated, said Jake Jacobsen of the Inter-Cooperative Exchange, a trade group. - More...
Saturday PM - January 04, 2014

Alaska: Senate Education Committee to Hold Hearing on Common Core and Alaska Academic Standards - Next week, the Senate Education Committee will meet for two days in Anchorage to shed light on issues surrounding the Common Core and Alaska Academic Standards and their implementation. The hearing will begin with a national perspective, how the Common Core originated and evolved. Committee members will then move to the Alaska state level, examining policy issues, how the standards were vetted, and where they stand now. The hearing will then move to local level education leaders and stakeholders addressing implementation and expectations.

“There appears to be a fair amount of misinformation and misunderstanding about these standards in Alaska,” said Education Committee Chair Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak. “This hearing is intended to help the Alaska Legislature and general public understands the standards, their importance and their impact on our Alaskan students.” - More...
Saturday PM - January 04, 2014

Alaska: State to extend administrative fee waiver for flu vaccine statewide - In an effort to encourage more Alaskans to get immunized against the flu, the Alaska Division of Public Health will continue waiving the standard $28 administrative fee for the flu vaccine for an additional three months at all state public health centers in Alaska and at the Municipality of Anchorage Public Health Center. The fee waiver is in effect through the end of March 2014 for certain Alaskans.

As of Dec. 28, the state had recorded 242 laboratory confirmed cases of the flu, most within the past three weeks. H1N1, or swine flu, is the dominant strain this season. Protection against the strain is included in this year’s vaccine. - More...
Saturday PM - January 04, 2013

Columns - Commentary

JEFF LUND: What's the howling about? - It occurred to me as I waited for Dave to pick me up to tag along as he and Elijah checked their wolf traps, how really ordinary this was for them and how little I know about the subsistence lifestyle.

I’ve disappeared into the woods seeking deer or fish or just for a camping trip with some buddies in high school, but to have it be a part of my routine, a life outside of an occasional recreational visit interested me.

On the morning of the day everyone would be saying goodbye to 2013, Elijah Winrod, Dave Ryno and I headed north of Klawock to check their traplines. It was evident that they were on a different level of outdoorsing, not that it is saying much because of my 14 years out of the state, but though I grew up here, the here in which I grew up, was different than theirs.

The first day we went to two areas and it was obvious this was a wolf-running trail that looked like a human running path. They were around.

Dave and Elijah discussed the roaming patterns and how the wolves cycled through areas then we hiked up to muskeg and saw more prints, but no definitive trail. We did see a wolf’s work. A deer had been killed in one area, then dragged into an opening where it was more easily devoured. All that remained was hair and bones scratched by teeth, a reminder that Nature is just a violent and brutal as it is majestic and beautiful.

That evening we headed to the west side of the island where we spent the night and woke up early on the first day of the new year to check more traps.

At the first spot two of the traps had been dug out and dragged away. I tried to imagine wolves poking around, feeling something that wasn’t mud, digging, then removing the trap with its mouth without springing it. I knew wolves were smart, but I didn’t expect that level intellect.

After seeing how the wolves outwitted these experienced trappers, I would think the wolves which are trapped or counted are the...dull, or unlucky ones of the bunch. If I was a wolf, I’d be one of those. - More...
Saturday PM - January 04, 2014

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A PROMISE MADE, A PROMISE BROKEN By Gary Wilken - We Alaskans are proud to live under the creed by Robert Service: A promise made is a debt unpaid. Well, Mr. Service right now wouldn't be very happy with our State and neither should we taxpayers. With respect to State funding of education in municipal districts, the State of Alaska made a promise in 1963 then broke it. In FY 2013 that broken promise will cost the Ketchikan Gateway Borough $4,198,727. I'm hopeful that other boroughs will assist the Ketchikan Borough's bold effort to remedy this breech. It's plain and simple tax relief based on matters of fundamental responsibilities, constitutional validity, fairness, and equity. - More...
Saturday PM - January 04, 2014

Howling at the fiscal Moon By A.M. Johnson - The issue: The Ketchikan Gateway Borough School board has convinced the Gateway Borough to file a law suit against the State to obtain funding that according to the suit, is guaranteed under the Alaska Constitution. That local tax base is being used to fund what in effect is a unfunded mandate by the State. This knowing there exist inequalities due to UN-organized boroughs and other mitigating circumstance. All well and good. So, then comes this bit of educational news. - More...
Saturday PM - January 04, 2014

My Vision For Alaska By Byron Mallott - There is a special pride that comes from being Alaskan: pride in the fishermen helping feed the world; the oil workers coaxing a national energy resource out of the frozen tundra; the small business owners who are creating new jobs and new opportunities; the public employees providing for essential needs; and teachers and first responders who strengthen every one of our communities. As Alaskans, we have always taken pride in bravely facing the challenges of living in this great state. And this year we have some important choices to make. - More...
Saturday PM - January 04, 2014

Open Letter: Taking money from the veterans By A.M. Johnson - As one of the Senate Republicans who voted to end debate with 60 votes allows what Chief Master Sergeant Wooten expounds. To this add that knowing all of you Senators read ALL the content of ALL legislation before voting, you knew of the results that vote contained. You knew that you were dis'ing our service men and women. You knew. Shame on you, double shame on you. - More...
Monday PM - December 30, 2013

Build the damn Road By A.M. Johnson - The King Cove road issue as reported in your fine publication reflects the sound of howling banshees. The following three quotes by our elected Congressional officials, who in my opinion, couldn't lead a drunk to a beer hall, all sound so condescending, concerned, and promising to do what they should have done many times over. Makes one ill to hear all the bull feathers they stir up after the fact. Heck, any common sense person who follows this Leftist administration could have told them what the outcome was going to be. But never fear, Senator "Murky" Murkowski threatened to with hold she vote and support for Jewell's confirmation, lot of good that did and more so, each and every time she, and Representative "Foghorn" Young reach over the aisle, they have their teeth and as a result, Alaskan's teeth kicked in. As to Senator "Bagman"Begich, being a good Democrat, again talks out of the other side of the mouth. Yada yada yada. - More...
Friday PM - December 27, 2013

It's never too late to do the right thing By Joseph J. Chadwell - I would like to thank Senator Murkowski for the Christmas Present she and others on Capital Hill gave to America's retired Military Men and Women. I would like to thank her for cutting their Coast Of Living Adjustments (COLA) to their retired pay. Of all the wasteful spending or lack of any attempt at shared sacrifice (chained CPI COLA) for everyone receiving federal entitlement payments; they instead went after America's Defenders of Freedom. - More...
Friday PM - December 27, 2013

RE: Arrest at Fawn Mountain School By Margaret Cloud - To Heather Morris - The arrest of Jason Simpson was reported in the Ketchikan Daily News on December 14. Are you going to complain about that as well? Such silliness. - More...
Friday PM - December 27, 2013

Pot calling the kettle black By John Suter - Have you noticed in the ADN 12/24/13 page A-8, Izembek: Road supporters say they don’t plan to give up fight. 3rd column over second paragraph down the governor says, “unconscionable” and another “irrational decision by the federal government that denies Alaskans access – in this case access to emergency treatment.” - More...
Friday PM - December 27, 2013

Thank You By Jamie May - I would like to thank the person that returned the $262.00 I dropped at Walmart on Saturday the 21st. When I was checking out with my Christmas gifts and I realized I had dropped the money I was really upset. I traced back my steps and could not find it so my last resort was to leave my name and number with customer service just in case it was returned. I can tell you that I was quite surprised that it was returned to customer service. I assumed I would never see that money again. - More...
Tuesday PM - December 24, 2013

Holiday Message By Gov. Sean Parnell - While experiencing a few hours of harried gift-hunting, I turned the experience into a more joyful season by thinking of Alaskans and some of what we have to be thankful for. - More...
Tuesday PM - December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays By U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski - As Alaskans we are incredibly lucky to live in a true winter wonderland. The snow globe feel of our communities truly makes the holiday season. So during this special time of year, give yourself a Christmas present and take some time to enjoy our beautiful outdoors. Whether it’s hitting the slopes, sledding with your kids or ice fishing on a lake - the time to enjoy the best of Alaska with your families is now, creating memories you’ll look back on for years. - More...
Tuesday PM - December 24, 2013

A Very Merry Christmas By Congressman Don Young - Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! As Alaskans, we are fortunate to live in a state of such majestic beauty. As many of you know, my love for Alaska began more than 50 years ago and has only grown in the years since. One of my great loves is our Alaskan spirit, especially during the Christmas season; the generosity of our people and our giving nature certainly sets us apart. - More...
Tuesday PM - December 24, 2013

RE: Arrest At Elementary School By Heather Morris - I am appalled by the letters I have read regarding this sad incident. All of you claim to be Mothers but a Mother would know when children are involved you do as minimal damage as possible. Apparently, you seem to have forgotten that the gentleman who was apprehended has children. In fact a good portion of his family is local. How horribly inconsiderate of you all to discuss this on a public forum such as this. - More...
Tuesday PM - December 24, 2013

RE: Arrest at Elementry School By Vanessa Nowland - In response to Christine Furey, it is not the responsibility of our public safety officers to act as social workers. Unfortunately, more and more often the public expects this of them. - More...
Tuesday PM - December 24, 2013

Mail Service By Phyllis Mueller - We have quite a few mail orders for our canned product. Have noticed a definite deterioration in the quality of mail service, especially in the past two years. The following is an example of the journey taken by a medium sized flat rate box I shipped earlier this month. - More...
Saturday PM - December 21, 2013

RE: Arrest at Elementary School By Giovanna M. Trentanelli - Regarding Amanda Martin's letter in which she accuses the Trooper of knocking an innocent little girl to the ground face first hurting her and dirtying her sweet Christmas Dress, I would like to clarify that it was NOT the Trooper who knocked the child to the ground; it was Mr. Simpson, the FLEEING FELON who knocked the child down. - More...
Saturday PM - December 21, 2013

RE: Arrest at Elementry School By Christine Furey - In response to everyone that has delivered an opinion on this matter, I would like to say that I do agree with Amanda. I think she is very valid in her point. I think that the whole situation happened at the wrong place, at the wrong time. Mr. Simpson was at Fawn Mountain to watch his child perform, if he was truly attempting to evade the police would he have really showed up, not to mention the fact that he had been seen in days earlier at various locations throughout town doing very normal things like buying cigarettes. This does not sound like someone who is hiding out. - More...
Saturday PM - December 21, 2013

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