Ketchikan: High School Students Create Raptor Stands - Ketchikan High School and Revilla High School welding students created 4 raptor stands and presented them to representatives from Ketchikan Indian Community's Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery and Eagle Center during a celebratory, year-end thank you BBQ for the students on April 30, 2008, at UAS Ketchikan's Tech Center. - More...
Thursday - May 08, 2008

Alaska: Governor Responds to Record Oil Prices - As the price of Alaska North Slope crude oil reached a record level of $123.53 a barrel Wednesday, Alaska Governor Sahar Palin said, "Alaskans are feeling the pinch of high energy costs. The state treasury is swelling while the family checkbook is evaporating. As prices continue to rise, we cannot wait for medium- and long-term solutions to come into place."

Each month the price of Alaska crude oil remains over $120 a barrel, the state treasury will take in approximately $650 million more than what was forecasted just last month.

"Since coming into office, we have been taking a methodical approach to long-term solutions that will move Alaska's communities off of expensive diesel to cleaner and cheaper alternatives," said Palin. "With today's prices, we don't have the luxury of time. Alaska's families, communities and businesses are hurting and we need relief now." - More...
Thursday - May 08, 2008

Alaska: California conservative group argues polar bears are not in danger By MATT WEISER - A California law firm known for its conservative advocacy is poised to join the political melee over the fate of the polar bear, vowing to sue the government if it cites global warming as a threat to the species.

The Pacific Legal Foundation's warning comes in response to a much-anticipated decision next week by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on whether to protect Alaskan polar bears under the Endangered Species Act. The service faces a court-ordered deadline of May 15 for that ruling.

At issue is growing debate over how aggressively government should act to protect wildlife threatened by climate change. In the case of the polar bear, neither side disputes that the Arctic is changing. But they disagree about the effect on polar bears. - More...
Thursday - May 08, 2008

National: As Mother's Day nears, strategies for infant survival shared By LEE BOWMAN - Allison Glover honors the memory of her infant twin son by teaching other new moms and childcare providers how to create the safest sleep environment for babies.

"I'm sure as the new mother of preemie African-American twins, I got some warnings about safe sleep and sudden infant death, but I was certain that would never happen to me,'' Glover said after taking part in a pre-Mother's Day briefing on infant survival strategies Monday on Capitol Hill.- More...
Thursday - May 08, 2008

Ketchikan Careers: A Success Story: Interview with Janis McElroy By DAWN RAUWOLF - We can look up to our local mountains and feel their steadfast dependability; so too can we look up to Janis McElroy as an example of perseverance and determination.

Though she started her career trek right after high school, throughout her life she has exemplified the qualities of an intelligent business woman by constantly keeping abreast of new technologies and opportunities. She is a lifelong learner, and highly successful because of it. In May of 2004, she graduated cum laude with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Alaska Southeast-Ketchikan. Her grades earned her the honor of Phi Theta Kappa membership. Today, McElroy is a self-employed bookkeeper and business secretary/office manager.

"Born and raised" in Ketchikan, McElroy exhibited dynamic qualities from a young age, to no one's surprise. In her senior year at Ketchikan High School, McElroy completed the Automatic Printing Calculator and the Ten Key Adding Machine classes, both of which were cutting-edge technologies for business students at the time. To this day, she uses the skills learned from those two classes. McElroy finished high school and went on to study at the ITT Peterson School of Business in Seattle. There, she completed the Bookkeeping/Clerical Course. McElroy returned to Ketchikan and in 1973 went to work in the Purchasing and Accounting Departments at the Ketchikan Pulp Mill.

While at the pulp mill, McElroy had many responsibilities, which included ordering supplies for every department. Her duties steadily increased each year. By today's standards, her office equipment was slow and gargantuan; McElroy says, "Before there were P.C.'s there were display writers. They were huge. Just big monsters. I could operate ours, and did for all of our letters and documents." - More...
Thursday - May 08, 2008

Official DOT&PF photo by Steve Potter, statewide maintenance and operations specialist Alaska: DOT&PF employees ready to paint the towns - Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) maintenance crews from around the state recently completed their annual paint training, equipment readiness, and preparation to begin annual road and airport runway restriping efforts. - More.. Thursday - May 08, 2008

Jay Ambrose: A Gore confession - Al Gore today said his irresponsible lies blaming global warming for every catastrophe to occur on Earth in the past few years were themselves a consequence of global warming, and warned that if we don't want more people like him mouthing off, we had better cut back soon on carbon emissions.

"The warming has fried my brain," Gore said, adding that he had totally lost control of his tongue, which wags mendaciously at every opportunity.

"Why, not so long ago, I was arguing in my Oscar-winning movie that we would have oceans rising 20 feet within the very near future, only I failed to explain what I meant by 'very near future.' I meant within a couple of thousand years. I should have modified the phrase better. - More...
Thursday - May 08, 2008

Ann McFeatters: What-ifs begin for Clinton - And so, the what-if season begins.

It's hard to believe that it's over, but for Hillary Rodham Clinton, it is. She will not be president in 2009.

How did a "sure thing" a year ago turn into a what-might-have-been today?

The 2008 election season will be studied for years, but it is already clear what major mistakes by the Clinton forces helped sink the White House hopes of one of the smartest, shrewdest women of our time. - More...
Thursday - May 08, 2008

Michael Reagan: The Other Obama - Here we go again. After being subjected to eight years of the collegial presidency of Bill and Hillary, when we were told that when we got Bill we got Hillary as a bonus, it looks as if we are facing another twofer: Barack and Michelle.

Effete liberal Democrats are all but canonizing Barack Obama, who they see as one of their own -- cool, detached, impressively intellectual -- all in all what Pat Buchanan described as something fresh out of the faculty lounge, where lofty thoughts abound and contempt for the great unwashed is hardly concealed.

That may be an apt description, implying that the Barack Obama who scorned ordinary folks in small towns who, he sneered, cling to such lower-class crutches as religion and guns, is above the distractions of the madding crowd. - More...
Thursday - May 08, 2008

Dale McFeatters: Fed lays down rules for credit cards - The Bush administration has been notoriously regulation-averse, preferring to let "the market" work its will, but the sub-prime-mortgage crisis seems to have taught the administration that it can't sit on the sidelines while unhealthy business practices grow out of control.

Thus, Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke has proposed new regulations for the credit-card industry that "are intended to establish a new baseline for fairness in how credit-card plans operate."

Credit-card companies have had a generally free hand in how they operate, but in a sense they've become victims of their own success. Credit cards are essential to modern commerce; they really are electronic cash. But between consumer and company, it's hardly a level playing field. The cards are easily obtained -- perhaps too easily -- and come with acres of tiny print that only a bank lawyer could plow through.

The proposed regulations should curb some of the more egregious unfair practices and, if effective, may even stave off the stricter regulation that some in Congress are lobbying for.

Among the proposals that could become binding by the start of the year:

Lenders could not unilaterally raise interest rates on a cardholder because the borrower has a problem with another lender. - More...
Thursday - May 08, 2008

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RE: KPU telecommunications By Scott Willis - I don't care to name "names" in a public forum as this Mr Person, but I assure you that my information comes directly from the boasting of the managers' mouths bragging about the "golden parachute" they will enjoy from the sale of the Telecommunications Division. Clearly this boastful action directly from the "horse's mouth" made me quite sick to think a man would be willing to sell out his own people that he works with day in and day out. I'm not one to make waves, or enter the political arena but I can no longer sit by the sideline and watch as misrepresentations are made, copious amounts of taxpayer money is wasted, and blatant abuse of government position is flaunted. Bottom line Mr. Person is that I know first hand as it was boastfully and shamefully presented in a public address to Telecommunication workers and I was present in the room. I will gladly tell you who these men are that plan to sell Ketchikan's "golden goose" to the wolves. I appealed to the City Council to take action and investigate. Not to take my word on this issue, but let the facts and truth in Telecommunication accounts payable records tell the story where the extra money is flowing out so quickly. Sam Bergeron suggested the Council investigate into the matter, but was quickly silenced and the motion was suppressed! Why is that? If there is nothing to hide then checking a book for errors is just good business practice, right? If there is nothing to hide, why would anyone be against this audit? - More...
Thursday PM - May 08, 2008

Commercial herring management By Michael Baines - I read the article by Andy Rauwolf: "An expose on the history and controversy surrounding commercial herring management in Southeast Alaskan fisheries (excluding Sitka Sound)." I was very interested because the state and fishermen seem intent on wiping out the Sitka Sound herring stocks. The state and fishermen are fond of saying that the herring biomass here is in fabulous condition and healthy as it has ever been. That is the farthest from the truth that they can possibly get. The schools were the smallest they have ever been that anybody here can remember, and the spawn was short in duration and area as well. - More...
Thursday PM - May 08, 2008

A Huge Thank You to Gateway Staff By Dee McLellan - I received a huge, beautiful bouquet of flowers last week from the CSP Department staff at Gateway. These flowers came to me with appreciation, support and a big thank you. I want you all to know your thoughtfulness and generosity are so very appreciated and cherished. - More...
Thursday PM - May 08, 2008

Unfulfilled Public Information Request By Kathleen Svenson - You are probably aware the Ketchikan-Kanayama Student Exchange Program is funded by both the Borough and the City of Ketchikan. As a publicly-funded body, the program is required to share their By-Laws, Policies & Procedures, Meeting Minutes, Articles of Incorporation, etc., etc. with anyone who asks. But they don't. - More...
Thursday PM - May 08, 2008

White Cliff not another Schoenbar By Lance Mertz - Reading comments about the White Cliff lease from Dawson Construction by the Borough makes me wonder if the people writing and complaining are discussing the same lease arrangement that I have read about and discussed with Borough staff. - More...
Tuesday PM - May 06, 2008

Herring Stocks and Mining By Michael Moyer - In response to Mr. Harris and his opinions concerning the decline of the Pacific Herring as a result of the release of hatchery fish, I find it strange that someone who has lived in Southeast Alaska for 60 years would have such little knowledge of the life cycle of these fishes and of the history of man's wide ranging impacts upon them. - More...
Tuesday PM - May 06, 2008

KPU Telecommunications By Dave Person - It appears that the web site address I provided concerning the city report on KPU telecommunications and union activities does not work properly. - More...
Tuesday PM - May 06, 2008

Right and Left Wings By Charlotte Tanner - I would like to point out to both Right and Left Wingers that it takes two wings to fly. - More...
Tuesday PM - May 06, 2008

THANK YOU By Jerry Cegelske- I would like to say "Thank you" to the groups that cleaned up along N. Tongass on the 19th of April. The highway looks nice in the areas they cleaned. - More...
Sunday - May 04, 2008

KPU telecommunications By Dave Person - Mr. Scott Willis made some very serious accusations recently concerning Ketchikan City senior management and the telecommunications division. I for one am very interested to know his source for that information. Please inform us Mr. Willis how you "know" certain managers near retirement are going to sell out the city, and take the money and run. Please tell us who these managers are and who informed you of their actions. Please tell us exactly what money is involved and how these senior managers plan to run with it. Before anyone should accept your comments, they should demand verification rather than believe another unfounded "Ketchikan" urban myth. I can understand your concern as a union employee about Ketchikan selling the phone company because any buyers likely would not hire union help. They cannot afford to and remain competitive with GCI, ACS, or AT&T. I am sure you are concerned that your job will disappear, which is probably why you wrote the letter to SitNews. - More...
Sunday - May 04, 2008

Sale of KPU Telecom By James Schenk - In my professional opinion the administrators of the public trust company should be ashamed of themselves for this despicable action of even considering the elimination, or sale of many good paying public union jobs for their own gain. This is a disturbing trend in Ketchikan and the public needs to rise up and voice their displeasure with any decision like this that would adversely affect the stability of our great city.These carpetbaggers have been a part of Ketchikan since its inception, but there is absolutely no reason to stand on the sidelines and watch these people sell our children's future. The industry as a whole in the electrical field grows by leaps and bounds with the telecommunications field leading the way. - More...
Sunday - May 04, 2008

THE LOWLY HERRING OF AK By Bill Harris - "HERRING" ALMOST THE LOWEST THING IN THE OCEAN FOOD CHAIN, UNTIL MAN MESSED WITH MOTHER NATURE AND DUMPED SEVERAL BAJILLION HATCHERY FISH INTO THE OCEAN, THEY DID FINE AND EVEN THRIVED. AS A KID IN SOUTHEAST AK. WE COULD ALMOST WALK ON WATER ON HERRING AND SALMON [OVER 60 YEARS AGO]. - More...
Sunday - May 04, 2008

Library and other offices By MJ Cadle - I would like to ask the city to re-open site selection for the library and to ask Joe Burns to offer the old hospital site as a potential location. This site has many positives going for it. It is downtown, it is located between 2 parking lots and could be built with additional parking either on the first level or on the top (challenging but do-able). The space could be 4 levels (not including parking) with floors for the city and borough offices. If the roof is not used for parking, it could be leased to private enterprise for a coffee stand with outdoor seating for those nice days or have a small green area for sitting. Access to Grant street parking achieved with a handicap accessible ramp and an elevator to all floors. The exterior design should be in keeping with the historic flavor of downtown just as downtown local business are required. - More...
Sunday - May 04, 2008

NEWTOWN PARKING By LAURIE PRICE - I AM CONCERNED WITH WHY THE NEWTOWN LACK OF PARKING IS A BOROUGH PROBLEM. I DID NOT RECEIVE ANY CONCERNED HELP FROM EITHER THE CITY OR BOROUGH WHEN TOTAL LACK OF PARKING PUT ME OUT OF BUSINESS IN 2007. - More...
Sunday - May 04, 2008

Aleutian Ballad Tour By Patrick Johnston - I just wanted to say thanks to the crew of the Aleutian Ballad for there hospitality last Saturday. I took several children to the boat for the open house. The kids loved it! - More...
Sunday - May 04, 2008

RE: Right Wing Conspiracy By Walt Bolling - I've ccome to realize that those on the LEFT WING are in fact stupid , as I previously thought. - More...
Sunday - May 04, 2008

City Council and Borough Assembly: Listen to the public By Charles Edwardson - To the citizens of Ketchikan, everyone including myself has the responsibility to vote in our public officials, and to run for public office if we think we can do a better job. - More...
Wednesday - April 30, 2008

RE: KPU SALE AND LIQUIDATION By Scott Willis - So who owns KPU?

The City Of Ketchikan dba Ketchikan Public Utilities. It is the City registered voters that can sell or stop the transfer of KPU Telephone in an election.

How much money are we talking about? - More...
Tuesday - April 29, 2008

Keep Asking Questions By Al Johnson - Ms. Dahl raised continued concerns regarding the mill site. As a wood burner, I too have taken to watching the clean up. - More...
Tuesday - April 29, 2008

Veneer Mill "Maintenance" By Jerilyn Lester - I agree, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. How long are we going to put up with the KGB being soft where this mess is concerned? Although this is the same bunch that gave our emergency money to a group of men headed up by a man that never makes things work. This man had a logging company in the area and it went belly up after it wouldn't support his big salary. Again the venture went belly up when the very large salaries of the executives could not be supported. - More...
Tuesday - April 29, 2008

HELP WANTED By Bill Gass - One of the recurring themes in this forum has been the lack of recreational opportunities for young people in Ketchikan. Next week over 200 kids ranging from age 5 to 18 begin play in Ketchikan Little League and we are in need of umpires. Requirements include decent vision, selective hearing and a thick skin. Baseball knowledge is a plus. Compensation consists of a burger, fries, cold beverage and a heartfelt thank you. - More...
Tuesday - April 29, 2008

President Don Young By Peter Stanton - Browsing through the letters here I happened upon the idea that "What we need is someone like Don Young in the White House[.]" This idea truly struck me. It's amazing. A Don Young Presidency might be an unprecedented event in the history of these United States! - More...
Tuesday - April 29, 2008

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