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Monday
April 07, 2014
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Night Lights of Ketchikan
This night shot was taken about 2 miles up the Deer Mountain trail and from the old cabin site.
Front Page Photo By CHARLES HABERBUSH ©2014
(Please respect the rights of photographers, never republish or copy
without permission and/or payment of required fees.)
Ketchikan: WIC Office reopened in Ketchikan - After a lengthy search for a new WIC Nutrition Educator, Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium’s WIC office in Ketchikan has reopened with Jessi Minshall at the helm.
For more than forty years, many low-income pregnant and breastfeeding women have been able to take care of themselves, their infants, and young children by signing up for the WIC program. SEARHC is the administrator of the Southeast program and helps many women apply in addition to assisting with any questions, concerns or issues that arise for individuals participating in the program.
WIC serves low income families with children under the age of 5. The State agency's income standard must be between 100 percent of the Federal poverty guidelines, but cannot be more than 185 percent of the Federal poverty income guidelines. Automatic eligibility is extended to women that receive low-income assistance such as Medicaid (including Denali KidCare), Food Stamps, Free or Reduced Price School Lunch or Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP- formerly known as AFDC). Additionally, single fathers with children under the age of 5 and grandparents who have custody or guardianship over eligible children are eligible to apply. - More...
Monday PM - April 07, 2014
Alaska: Supporters call for Alaska lawmakers to expand smoke-free workplace laws - Supporters of the Alaska Smoke-Free Indoor Workplace bill (SB209) sent the message to lawmakers last Thursday that it’s time for Alaska to have statewide smoke-free laws. The proposed law got a hearing yesterday with the Senate State Affairs Committee at the Capitol in Juneau.
If enacted SB209 will prohibit smoking in all indoor workplaces, businesses and public spaces. Individuals who choose to smoke will have to “take it outside” in order to protect others from the effects of secondhand smoke. The bill was introduced by Senator Peter Micciche in the Senate and Representative Lindsey Holmes in the House (HB360).
A coalition of Alaskan advocacy groups – American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, the Alaska Native Health Board, and AARP – are urging lawmakers to vote yes for the bill, to protect the health and safety of all workers and business patrons from secondhand smoke.
Though a self-described “man of small government,” Sen. Micciche testified that, “…like vehicle safety and car seats, [secondhand smoke prevention] is a public health and safety issue that government has a role in.”
“More than 400 businesses and organizations have stated their support of this bill, signing resolutions that they do want smoke-free workplaces as the statewide standard,” stated Sen. Micciche in his testimony.
Dr. Bob Urata, a Juneau physician and American Heart Association volunteer, testified during the hearing that the dangers of secondhand smoke are well established. “Secondhand smoke kills nearly 50,000 people in the United States every year. The 2006 U.S. Surgeon General’s report found that brief secondhand smoke exposure can have an immediate adverse effect on the cardiovascular system.” - More...
Monday PM - April 07, 2014 |
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Alaska: State Files Notice of Intent to Sue for Izembek Right of Way – Governor Sean Parnell today announced that the State of Alaska has filed a notice of intent to sue the federal government over access through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, based on a historic right of way. A strong advocate for the life-saving road between King Cove and Cold Bay, the governor has called the Department of the Interior’s failure to approve a road that would provide emergency medical access for residents of King Cove “unconscionable.”
“In just the last several weeks, serious health-related evacuations have shown just how critical a road for medical evacuations is for residents,” Governor Parnell said. “The State continues to explore all potential avenues to help the people of King Cove. The notice of intent to sue relates to one option the State is evaluating, but the fastest and surest way to provide emergency medical access for King Cove residents is for Secretary Jewell to reconsider her decision placing the possible temporary disturbance of birds above the health and safety of Alaskans. The State will pursue all options to help Alaska residents.”
The notice is required to be submitted at least 180 days prior to the State being allowed to bring suit against the federal government asserting a right of way based on historic use under Revised Statute 2477, a section of the Mining Act of 1866. - More...
Monday PM - April 07, 2014
Alaska: Spring 2014 revenue forecast update; Revenue Projections Confirm Oil Production Decline from SB 21 - The Alaska Department of Revenue has released its spring revenue projections, and beneath the rosy cover letter is a bleak picture of declining oil production and sharply declining revenue says 88-year old Vic Fischer, an original framer of the Alaska Constitution. The Parnell Administration projects a 38% oil revenue decline and a decline in Permanent Fund income of nearly $150 million by FY 2015. In addition, the administration continues to predict sharp declines in production, from over 536,000 barrels per day to approximately 321,000 ten years from now.
"This report confirms what Alaskans feared: Not only is the Oil Giveaway wreaking havoc by creating budget deficits, but it also is perpetuating our decline in oil production," said Vic Fischer. "Only by voting "Yes" on Proposition One can we begin to clean up the fiscal mess caused by the Giveaway and negotiate a better deal."
The content of the Department of Revenue report is inconsistent with the report's cover letter, which contains glowing praise for the Oil Giveaway. The contents of the report belie the administration's attempt to hide the real impact of the Oil Giveaway.
Along with a cover letter, Department of Revenue Commissioner Angela Rodell today released the spring 2014 revenue forecast update which she says shows a $374 million (7.6%) increase from the previous forecast in General Fund Unrestricted Revenue for fiscal year (FY) 2014. The ten-year forecast, starting with FY 2016, shows a modest increase in revenue, while FY 2015 shows a very slight decrease of -0.2% (-$9 million) from the previous forecast.
“Based on actual production data, we have seen an increase of 13,600 barrels per day of North Slope oil production in FY 2014 compared to what we had forecast just five months ago,” Commissioner Rodell stated in her cover letter.
The Department of Revenue is now forecasting unrestricted revenue of $5.3 billion for FY 2014 and $4.5 billion for FY 2015 said Rodell in the cover letter. - More...
Monday PM - April 07, 2014
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Alaska Agriculture: Pollinators are a grower’s best friend By NANCY TARNAI - Insects are essential, so farmers and gardeners benefit by studying them, according to University of Alaska Fairbanks Professor Pat Holloway.
A bumblebee visits a trollius at the Georgeson Botanical Garden.
While Holloway has focused her research on peonies during the past 10 years, she has kept an eye on the insects that visit the Georgeson Botanical Garden flower gardens and berry patches for the past 30 years. “We always have honey bees; I just had to figure out what else is out there,” she said.
Graduate student Rehanon Pampel discovered 19 kinds of bumblebees, with 14 being in large supply, and informally surveyed other insect visitors. The heath bumblebee (Bombus jonellus) appears to be the most prolific in interior Alaska.
The honey bees tend to be fickle, meaning they will jump from one type of flower to another, depositing pollen randomly as they forage. Bumblebees tend to be faithful; they work a single plant, thus increasing the chances for cross pollination from the same plant.
Bumblebees particularly love squash. “Plant a big field of squash to keep bumblebees busy,” Holloway said. “This is participatory farming; try identifying the insects in your own areas, because every farm and garden is different.”
Insects provide an ecosystem service to plant producers. “If you want good fruit production, you have to identify the pollinator and understand that it usually takes more than one pollen grain to make a fruit. You need lots of visits from many insects to get good fruit set,” Holloway said.
Farmers can take a shotgun or targeted approach.
The shotgun, she said, is when farmers don’t know what specific insects are around; they just know they need them. “They can grow great pollen and nectar sources, add a source of water, nesting and over-wintering sites and attract insects; there’s nothing wrong with that.”
Targeting what to grow to attract pollinators allows growers to increase their yield. “I prefer this one,” Holloway said. “It gets you into the biology of the insect and the plant.” - More...
Monday PM - April 07, 2014 |
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Columns - Commentary
TOM PURCELL: Privacy? Surely You Jest!- Ring. Ring.
"Hello, this is Tom."
"We know who you are, Tom. In the digital age, you will be shocked by what we know about you."
"Who is this? The National Security Agency? I thought President Obama issued orders to rein you in!"
"That's a good one, Tom. Obama told the NSA to stop storing bulk phone records on millions of Americans. The NSA can easily access that information through phone companies. I'm not from the NSA, however."
"Then who are you and what do you want?"
"What is more important, Tom, is who are you and what do you want? Lots of government and private organizations are interested in that information and you are making it easy for them to get it."
"I have given no one permission to access my information!"
"Really, Tom? Didn't you hand over your address, Social Security number and other information to buy a car, get a credit card, apply for a job or vote?"
"Maybe a few times."
"Did you know that since 1961, various Congresses and presidential administrations have enacted more than 40 laws, regulations and policies that require the use of Social Security numbers? That is a godsend to people like me — and that was before the digital era made my job easier!"
"What do you mean?"
"Every website you visit, every online purchase you make, every email, text or online comment you make leaves an incredibly rich electronic trail that defines who you are and what you do."
"You are bluffing."
"Really, Tom? That 32-year-old Bolivian flight attendant you've been flirting with on Facebook?"
"What about her?"
"He's 45 and he's an undercover surveillance expert for a large retail outfit." - More...
Monday PM - April 07, 2014
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Viewpoints
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Update in Progress. Thank you all for your patience as I update & install new software and set up new hardware...
 Education By A. M. Johnson - Couple of items related to Ketchikan education and then Alaska directly. As to Ketchikan and the issue of funding education, having been a Borough Assemblyman, and a school board member the current and annual issue of the funding process is not a mystery. The school board acts on Feelings the assembly acts on Reality . While there are frustrations, as well there should be, one can't ignore the basis of why the assembly is the money belt. Were the school board to act as its own taxing body as it was at one point in the history of Alaska, all the frustrations would disappear would they not? Looking at the scope of expenditures required and wish list of what could be it would be short order till the district would be taxing at a run away level would be my opinion. That is said as past listening to hours of pleading for this or that, and it is always for the children. Yet, in excess of 85% of every dollar acquired currently is directed to the cost of people. Pressure that against the desire to have the latest in educational fad or Best Practice or Current Research and you can see there would be no bottom or limits to funding efforts. - More...
Thursday PM - March 27, 2014
Protecting the unborn By Dave Jensen - I was moved by Marie Zelmer's letter to stand with those that are trying to protect the life of those innocent unborn babies. - More...
Thursday PM - March 27, 2014
RE: The idiocracy of Anti-Realists By Heather Morris -
It is safe to say that Marie Zellmer's letter was her own personal opinion. Correct? An opinion which some may share with her and some do not. Again, an opinion non the less which she is entitled to have. However, calling people idiots for having a different opinion is just down right mean. - More...
Thursday PM - March 27, 2014
The idiocracy of Anti-Realists By Marie Zellmer -
Again I find myself inundated by the idiocy of some people. I would ignore it, but they now stand on the street corner annoying all with their stupidity. First of all you can't even get an abortion in Ketchikan, you have to go 400 miles away. Second, it is LAW, and even the Bible says to accept and obey the laws of your kingdom. Third, and most important, not every woman was created to bear children equally. Having a safe abortion procedure available saves lives, of those who are unable to. Lastly, having a procedure does not mean the woman hates children, it is an act of love. Yes, Love! - More....
Tuesday PM - March 25, 2014
Herring Cove By Ken Arriola -
I feel compelled to reiterate my argument on the behalf of the residents/ private property owners of Herring Cove. I guess I'm befuddled as to why the Ketchikan Borough deems itself the purveyor of tourism activities in a predominantly residential neighborhood. - More...
Saturday - March 22, 2014
SB 182 By Dan Ortiz - I read with interest and concern the recent article in the Ketchikan Daily News, concerning the potential passage of S.B. 182. and the subsequent demonstration by the IBU, (Inlandboatmen’s Union), the Masters, Mates and Pilots Union. The IBEW joined the protest. As a longtime resident of southern Southeast Alaska and as candidate for the AK State House District 36, I stand with the workers and their families on this issue. - More...
Saturday - March 22, 2014
THE SUBCHAPTER'S CORPORATION SOCIAL SECURITY TAX AVOIDANCE SCAM By David G. Hanger -
A local half-wit or two has once again concluded that the licensed practitioners of Ketchikan, despite their collective 250 to 300 years of field experience, and the untold thousands of politicians, bureaucrats, lawyers, regulators, and accountants who have contributed to making these laws are, nonetheless, all dunces, particularly in light of your extreme brilliance in seeing what none of the rest of us have ever seen, that you can form a Subchapter S corporation and never pay social security taxes again. - More...
Saturday - March 22, 2014
Real Reality Cruise Ship Woes By Rob Holston -
Welcome aboard the USS Concep’tione 40 week world voyage. You have been assigned a state-room where ALL of your needs are automatically taken care of: meals served 24/7 with ALL the nutrition perfectly blended and balanced for your individual physical and mental growth and development; climate controlled comfort; every detail taken care of. The name on your state-woom might be Montana, California, Georgia ..... only problem is, it was assigned to you along with a womb-keeper. Google WOMB. She alone has the soul power to toss you overboard at any time during the first 13 weeks of your cruise for ANY reason, her discretion. Your little heart beats frantically as you sense a stranger at your door. You see the womb-keeper will be assisted by one person who has been trained to drag you from your room, kicking and screaming, you will be pulled from your room one piece at a time; arms & legs & then the rest, an early end to “once in a lifetime cruise”. - More...
Saturday - March 22, 2014
B.C. Transboundary Mine Development By Rob Sanderson, Jr. -
My grandmother who raised me taught me an important lesson — take care of the land and water, and it will take care of our present and future generations. I try to live by that principle every day. That’s why I’m speaking out about industrial developments happening near my home in Southeast Alaska. These developments are occurring across the border in Canada, but they have the potential to pollute Southeast Alaska rivers and harm our wild salmon. - More...
Tuesday PM - March 18, 2014
Another Pre-election Gasline Study By Bill Walker -
Here we go again. With another gubernatorial election we get another gas line study (SB 138) designed to fool voters into thinking there's progress on gas line development. - More...
Tuesday PM - March 18, 2014
TERRIBLE TODDLERS By Rob Holston -
Elective Abortion is legal in all 50 states. That’s the law. So why don’t the most liberal states allow elective killing of toddlers i.e. the TERRIBLE TWOS? - More...
Tuesday PM - March 18, 2014
Meter Choice By Amanda Mitchell - On March 5th, Ketchikan Public Utilities came to our house to install a digital ‘smart’ meter on our home. We have been very vocal about not wanting one and you can even reference my online Sitnews letter Technology. The gentleman stated his name was Mark Johnson and we didn’t get the name of the other KPU employee. I do have to give them credit that they have not installed a meter or they switched it back when we caught them in the act, but Mr. Johnson threatened us saying they would disconnect our power in the future if we did not switch over. - More...
Tuesday PM - March 18, 2014
Please don't poison me!! By Sally Balch -
I have lived in Ketchikan most of my life. I live here because we don't live in polluted surroundings and for the most part we have a very clean pristine environment. I'm not a Greenpeace or anything like that, but I am very worried about putting ammonia in our water system. I have several allergies and one of them is ammonia. I can't breath it touch it or have it at all in my home. - More...
Tuesday PM - March 18, 2014
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