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This bear was taking a stroll down by the road at
Ketchikan airport early Sunday morning
Front Page Photo By SUSAN HOYT

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Ketchikan: Gateway Aquatic Center Grand Opening Celebration Announced - The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Parks and Recreation Department announced the Grand Opening Celebration for the new Gateway Aquatic Center will be held in June.

"We are ecstatic to see the completion of the Gateway Aquatic Center. Customers and staff alike have been anxiously anticipating this day. With the help of an Ad Hoc Committee and community support, we now have a quality aquatic center that will meet the needs of all ages. I hope everyone can come out and join us in the Grand Opening Celebration. It will be a fun day for all," said Wendy Miller, director of Parks and Recreation Department.

The new $23.5 million Gateway Aquatic Center will include: - More...
Tuesday - May 15, 2012

Southeast Alaska: Governor Parnell Signs Budget; Includes Priority Projects for Southeast Alaska - Monday, Alaska Governor Sean Parnell (R) signed the FY2013 capital budget that he says continues his commitment to economic development across the state, and to save more surplus revenue for the future. The budget includes numerous projects for Southeast Alaska.

“Our priorities are jobs and economic opportunities for Alaskans,” Governor Parnell said. “Infrastructure development and energy projects will unlock more Alaskan success stories.”

The capital budget will fund many important transportation and infrastructure projects across the state.  

More than $1.6 billion was appropriated for highways, aviation, the Alaska Marine Highway, harbors, village safe water, and municipal water and sewer projects. The Roads to Resources initiative was also funded allowing work to continue on a road to Tanana, the Ambler District Road, a road to Umiat, and improvements on the Klondike Industrial Use Highway to Skagway.

Another $50 million was set aside in the Vessel Replacement Fund as a down payment on the second new ferry for the Alaska Marine Highway System.  

“Maintaining spending discipline, focusing on our constitutional priorities, investing in infrastructure to build economic opportunity, and saving for the future are vital components of the budget approved for the upcoming fiscal year,” Governor Parnell said. “I appreciate the detailed legislative work on the budget and legislators’ willingness to join me in limiting spending.”

The operating and capital budgets statewide now total $12.1 billion, including $7.9 billion in state general funds. Total state operating budget growth has been limited to 3.3 percent. The budget includes full funding for K-12 education, Medicaid, retirement system unfunded liability, debt service, and employee contracts. The capital budget totals $2.9 billion, including $1.9 billion in state general funds.

Highlights of capital projects in Southeast Alaska include: - More...
Tuesday - May 15, 2012

Alaska: It’s Official: Texting While Driving Is Illegal in Alaska - Legislation led by Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) and Representative Bill Thomas (R-Haines), Alaska’s strong anti-texting law is officially back on the books as of May 10, 2012. Last year, a number of judges questioned whether the law at the time covered texting while driving, but the new law is clear—it is illegal to text while driving in Alaska.

“The Legislature intended to ban dangerous conduct like texting while driving. Rather than wait for appeals, we’re sending a clear message to the public, now, that texting, and typing on personal and computer devices can cause death and serious injury. In an average text you drive the length of a football field before paying attention to driving. We don’t want cars to be moving weapons,” said Rep. Gara.

“This is a public safety issue. When people type or text while they’re driving, they are endangering people’s lives. That’s not acceptable,” said Rep. Thomas, the bill’s other prime sponsor.

The Department of Law has said for first time violators, the usual sentence has been a fine or community service, but no jail time. That is consistent with prosecutions before some courts called the law into question last year. - More...
Tuesday - May 15, 2012

Ketchikan: Patrick Branco Receives AHA Grassroots Award - PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center’s CEO and Chief Missions Officer Patrick J. Branco has been awarded the 2012 Grassroots Champion award by the American Hospital Association as nominated by the Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association (ASHNHA).

Pictured (LtoR): Karen Perdue (ASHNHA CEO), Vicki Branco, Patrick Branco, and Rich Umbdenstock (President AHA)
Photo courtesy PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center

This award recognizes the achievements of grassroots leaders who have worked over the previous year to effectively deliver their hospital’s mission to elected officials, broaden the base of community support for hospitals, and tirelessly advocate on behalf of patients, hospitals, and communities. Just one hospital leader from each state is recognized each year for their dedication to the hospital mission on both a local and national level.

“We depend upon strong local voices to help tell the story of hospitals as cornerstones of the communities they serve,” said Rich Umbdenstock, AHA president and CEO. “This award is a small token of our appreciation for the hard work and dedication of these individuals to improving health and health care in America.” - More...
Tuesday - May 15, 2012

Ketchikan: New medical practice opens in Ketchikan - A new solo medical practice, Cherish Health Clinic, has been established in Ketchikan by Carol Alley, MD.  Located at the offices of Creekside Family Health Clinic, Dr. Alley’s practice provides out-patient primary and acute care for adolescents and adult patients.  Dr. Alley recently retired from the US Public Health Service after twenty years of service.

“I love the art of medicine and the art of helping others,” says Dr. Alley.  “It is wonderful to finally have the flexibility of a private practice to do what I love.”

Dr. Alley emphasizes that the practice of medicine is only one part of improving patients’ health and that patient ownership of health maintenance is also key.  “Educating and motivating individuals regarding their health, in a safe and compassionate environment, is something I do well,” she says. “It is not until individuals become internally motivated to care about their health, to focus on the lifestyle changes that are within their control, that they take responsibility for their own well-being”, she notes. She points out that oftentimes it is the small, but significant, changes that a person makes in their lifestyle that improves their overall health. - More...
Tuesday - May 15, 2012

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