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Saturday
July 27, 2013
View From Dude Mountain
Front Page Photo By MICHAEL MCNALLY ©2013
(Please respect the rights of photographers, never republish or copy
without permission and/or payment of required fees.)
Southeast Alaska: Fifty years ago, two DC 7s crash in Southeast Alaska eight months apart; Had different outcomes A Feature Article By DAVE KIFFER - A half century ago, two identical passenger planes performing identical missions crashed in the waters off Southeast Alaska.
A photo example of a Douglas DC-7
Historical photograph courtesy Boeing
One plane, with 102 people on board, successfully ditched in the waters off Sitka with no loss of life.
Eight months later, the other plane crashed in Dixon Entrance with the loss of all 101 people on board and remains one of the most mysterious crashes in American aviation history.
Both jets were DC-7s belonging to what was then Northwest Orient Airlines but were chartered by the US Military Air Transport Service to ferry personnel and their families from McChord Air Base in Tacoma, Washington to Anchorage’s Elemendorf Air Force Base.
The first crash happened in October of 1962.
Captain Vinton Hansen was in charge of Northwest Airlines DC-7C, registration number N285, flight number 293, when it took off from McChord Air Base at 8:58 in the morning on Oct. 22, 1962. On board were 95 passengers and seven crew members. Nearly all were either members of the military or their dependents.
The first three hours of the flight to Elmendorf were uneventful. But just before noon, when the aircraft was south of Sitka, Hansen reported a loss of power in engine number two. The DC-7C was one of the last four-engine propeller jets.
Then Hansen reported that the prop of the second engine was “overspeeding” in an uncontrollable manner. It was decided to ditch to plane in the open ocean. The plane descended to 500 feet and the Coast Guard and other agencies were alerted.
A Coast Guard helicopter from the Annette Air Station was on site by the time the DC 7 came down. The helicopter pilot, Lt. James Glasser, told the Associated Press after the crash that the number two engine appeared to be on fire and smoking as the DC 7 came down. - More...
Saturday - July 27, 2013
Fish Factor: Undersea images By LAINE WELCH - If a picture is worth a thousand words, get ready for millions of undersea images - brought to you by a handmade, high definition undersea camera.
“Alaska Cam Sled is a towed imaging system that takes a lot of high resolution pictures of the bottom of the ocean,” said Gregg Rosenkranz, a state scallop biometrician based in Kodiak.
Rosenkranz and his colleague Rick Shepherd built the cam sled, which lets them experience a live stream of the sea floor while onboard a research vessel. They hail it as a non-invasive way to observe and collect data in real time.
“We found out pretty quickly after we started doing this about six or seven years ago that there is a lot of other stuff down there, for example, a lot of Tanner crabs live in the same areas as scallops do.
“I like to think of it as a really stupid robot that does one job really well, and that is to take high resolution photos,” Rosencranz said, adding: “It’s easier and cheaper than a lot of other ways, because it is towed. You’re not sending divers down there for example, who get tired out.” - More....
Saturday - July 27, 2013
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Alaska: Boreal Forests in Alaska Becoming More Flammable; Scientists are looking to the past to help project what may happen in the future - A 2,000-square-kilometer zone in the Yukon Flats of interior Alaska - one of the most flammable high-latitude regions of the world - has seen a dramatic increase in both the frequency and severity of fires in recent decades, according to research funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
The magenta-flowered fireweed, which springs up after a burn, dominates a landscape once covered in black spruce in Alaska's Yukon Flats.
Photo Credit: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Wildfire activity in this area is higher than at any other time in the past 10,000 years, the researchers report.
The research, funded by NSF's Division of Polar Programs, adds to the evidence that relatively frequent and powerful fires are converting the conifer-rich boreal forests of Alaska into deciduous woodlands.
Whether the shift to deciduous forests - which traditionally have been thought to be more fire-resistant - will overcome the fire-inducing effects of a warming climate remains to be seen.
"The evolution of climate is a complicated response to many interacting processes," noted William Wiseman, Arctic Natural Sciences program director. "This study develops a theory, using historical data, concerning how boreal forests respond to climate-induced changes in fire regime through a negative feedback process that stabilizes the regional system. Although it presents initial evidence that the present day boreal forests are responding to fire in a related fashion, only time will tell whether this is indeed true." - More...
Saturday - July 27, 2013
Southeast Alaska: New clinic dedicated in Kasaan - The Organized Village of Kasaan announces the opening of the new SEARHC Kasaan clinic on Prince of Wales Island. The new clinic is a prototype “micro clinic” designed for communities with a full time population of under 100 residents. Funding for the design work on this state-wide small clinic prototype was provided by the Denali Commission. The first deployment of the prototype is in the village of Kasaan. Construction project management was provided by the local Tribe, Organized Village of Kasaan.
The clinic construction was made possible through the efforts of combined funding from the Denali Commission, SEARHC, the Organized Village of Kasaan, the City of Kasaan and the Indian Health Service Tribal Equipment fund.
As part of the dedication ceremony on June 15, 2013, the new clinic was gifted to SEARHC who in turn, is leasing the land from the Organized Village of Kasaan. This new 975 square foot clinic in Kasaan replaces the current clinic which is about 250 square feet and did not allow for gurney or stretcher access, adequate storage, a provider office, or adequate patient confidentiality. Jon Wunrow, Project Manager for the Organized Village of Kasaan (OVK), also shared that the very small size of the old clinic did not allow for a mobile dental chair for itinerant dental care, or for more than one person to be seen at a time when visiting specialists are in Kasaan. The new clinic remedies all of these issues allowing for higher quality and more accessible healthcare in the community. - More...
Saturday - July 27, 2013
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Southeast Alaska: Central Council Hires Business & Economic Development Director - The Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Central Council) announced Gail Dabaluz has been hired as the Director of the Business & Economic Development Department (BEDD).
Gail Dabaluz
Photo courtesy Goldbelt, Inc. “Gail brings valuable 8(a) business development and federal government contracting experience with her,” stated Chief Operating Officer Corrine Garza. “Central Council’s administration looks forward to Gail joining our management team.”
The BEDD Director is responsible for achieving and maintaining sound business and program planning systems to enhance tribal growth in businesses and in new programs which include project/program planning and development along with securing, administering, and implementing grants and contracts to meet tribal objectives and community needs. - More...
Saturday - July 27, 2013
Alaska: Governor Not Satisfied With ANWR Plan Denial - Governor Sean Parnell expressed his dissatisfaction Friday after learning the Regional Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had rejected the State’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) Section 1002(e) Exploration Plan.
In denying the plan, Geoffrey Haskett Regional Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service stated in his letter, "The statutory and regulatory authority for submitting an Exploration Plan and related special use permit expired long ago. The authorization for an exploration program in section 1002 of ANILCA expired in 1987 when the Secretary of the Interior submitted the Report required by that section to Congress."
Governor Parnell said, “I am disappointed – the federal government chose to rely on an inaccurate interpretation of ANILCA.” The Governor said, “The Interior Department’s own legal opinion confirms our position: There is no expiration date set by the plain language of the statute for 1002(e) exploration. Obtaining accurate and complete scientific information from ANWR is a top priority for Alaska and a necessity for our country. In fact, it is a mandate of ANILCA. Federal law provides clear direction that the Interior Secretary must take certain actions upon the submission of a section 1002(e) exploration plan. The State will request the National Director of the USFWS to reconsider this decision.” - More...
Saturday - July 26, 2013
Alaska: Potential Hot Spot for Avian Flu Transmission Identified in Western Alaska - Low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses with Eurasian genes have been found among birds in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta of western Alaska, supporting the theory that the area is a potential point of entry for foreign animal diseases such as the more highly pathogenic H5N1 strain, according to a new study by U.S. Geological Survey scientists.
The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta is an important breeding ground for many bird species and is located where multiple migratory flyways converge, providing opportunities for avian pathogens to spread. Among these pathogens are H5N1 avian influenza, which occurs in both low-pathogenic and the more dangerous highly pathogenic forms.
After the outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza in wild birds of China in 2005, the USGS and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in cooperation with the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, the Kawerak Tribal Corporation and other partners, conducted four years of testing wild migratory birds in western Alaska for the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain.
In a paper published by the USGS and the USFWS scientists no highly pathogenic forms of avian influenza were found in more than 24,000 samples tested from 82 species on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta from 2006 to 2009, however, 90 low-pathogenic strains of the virus were obtained from these Alaskan samples. Low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses are common among wild birds and do not cause mortalities to the degree often seen with highly pathogenic forms of the virus, said USGS research geneticist Andrew Reeves, lead author of the paper. The significance of this study is that it demonstrates that viruses with genes of Eurasian origin can enter North America via migratory birds. |
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 The Gravina Bridge could Shrink Ketchikans Port and its Economy By Michael Spence -
In 1983 I attended my first Gravina Access meeting in Ketchikan municipal chambers, representing marine pilots in the region. I did so again in 2013. Thirty years ago, it was not feasible for the community of Ketchikan to build such a crossing. It still is not, for the following reasons. - More...
Saturday - July 27, 2013
The Secret Ballot Is No longer Sacred By Richard Jackson & Martha A. Johnson -
The KIC Recall Committee for Responsible Leadership is very disappointed in the recent decision of the seven KICTribal Council members who chose to ignore a valid recall petition submitted on behalf of 243 Tribal Members in the July KIC Tribal Council meeting. The recent KIC Tribal Council press release was rife with inaccuracies and is what would best be described as political "smoke and mirrors". - More...
Saturday - July 27, 2013
Misinformation about halibut catch sharing plan By Tom Gemmell -
There has been a lot of misinformation going around about the halibut catch sharing plan (CSP). In an effort to correct this the Halibut Coalition prepared a commentary on Mr Medred's article in the Alaska Dispatch published on July 20 and other online publications. - More...
Saturday - July 27, 2013
"Stand your ground" By Duane Hill -
Was a 17 year old thug in training. An aggressive athlete, skilled in MMA type fighting, constantly in trouble, kicked out of school for being in trouble and making trouble, kicked out of his foster mother's home, kicked out of his mother's home, he finally ended up living with his father's current girl friend while his father left town. He was found to have women's jewelry in his backpack at school, along with a heavy screw driver suited for use as a pry bar. His cell phone had messages about him beating people, including a bus driver, plus photos of property missing from the condo next door to where he was staying. - More...
Saturday - July 27, 2013
Shane Howard White Skateboard Park By Bobbie McCreary - Ketchikan's Shane Howard White Skateboard Park development is underway! A long time coming. Stop by the site (corner of Park Avenue and Schoenbar) and take a look at what a beautiful site this park is being built on! Our contractors, Liquid Stone Designs, LLC, (Lori and Jason) are doing an incredible job of planning the site development, leaving a fringe of trees and shrubbery between the park and Ketchikan Creek, and maximizing every inch of space for skateboarder “heaven” skatepark. - More...
Saturday - July 27, 2013
Apologies By Victoria McDonald - I wrote a letter concerning tansy ragwort, incorrectly stating that the solid waste facility did not incinerate invasive plants. Lenny Neely, supervisor at the solid waste facility, informed me that toxic plants such as tansy ragwort or Japanese knotweed are incinerated, although they must be bagged. - More...
Saturday -July 27, 2013
Kake Access Project By David Beebe -
The Western Federal Lands Highway Division has released its Draft Purpose and Need Statement of the Kake Access Project. The Statement and public meeting comes at the worst possible time -- at the height of seasonal commercial fishing activities, and signals predictably negative consequences for the three directly affected Southeast communities and the region as a whole. - More..
Wednesday - July 24, 2013
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Classics a'la Carte III By Lallette Kistler - If you like classical music, wander down to Holy Name Church Friday night July 26th at 7:30. Classics a'la Carte III, a concert to benefit Ketchikan Performing Arts Center, will feature a great mix of instrumental and vocal music. - More...
Wednesday - July 24, 2013
Ketchikan needs to get rid of tansy ragwort By Victoria McDonald - For the past 5 years I have been pulling tansy ragwort out by the roots. It is especially noticeable aroung Ward Cove and spreads further each year. Nathan and Dorica Jackson have been pulling the plants even longer but the plants spread beyond our ability to pick. We now are concentrating on the south end of town where tansy has taken hold but not spread as much. Because of its toxicity, we wear gloves, long shirts and pants. It's a plant to be taken seriously. - More...
Wednesday - July 24, 2013
The Wrong Solution By Cheryl Henley -
I have lived here for 45 years. I have no expertise what- so -ever on the subject of bears that bother and scare because of the stupid actions of some people. What happened to the dump bears we used to see there? Didn't they move them to other parts of the island? What does the department estimate for numbers of bears living in this area? - More...
Wednesday - July 24, 2013
Ketchikan's Good Samaritan By Andrew and Kathleen Smith -
We’d like to express our gratitude to the Good Samaritan who stepped up to pay the twelve dollar entry fee for our visiting family of four at the pool recently. That was extremely generous and sincerely appreciated by all. - More...
Wednesday - July 24, 2013
We are not all... By A.M. Johnson -
Arriving back in K-Town and reading recent issues of the Ketchikan Daily News, I saw a front page photo of a sign holder that has taken the liberty to make a public statement that would include me without my permission, classifying me as a "Trayvon Martin". - More...
Wednesday - July 24, 2013
Alaska Wild Salmon Not Good Enough? By Peggy Ayers -
Just a note from a former Ketchikan resident. Having read the article from Fish Factor just want to say that I recently purchased canned Alaska salmon from the Walmart store in Mt. Zion Illinois, where I currently reside. - More...
Wednesday - July 24, 2013
KIC RECALL By Eliasica Timmerman - The Tribal Council meeting on Monday July 8th was very important and informative. The recall committee was there to address their petition, but did not stay to hear or ask any questions on the matters they are concerned about. I stayed until 11pm to listen to all the department reports. - More...
Saturday PM - July 20, 2013
Thank You By Connie Sue Knutsen -
My husband Greg Knutsen and I wish to thank all those who helped care for him from his recent fall in June. We sure appreciate the South Tongass Fire and Rescue, and all those at the scene. Also the emergency room techs here in Ketchikan were wonderful and professional in his care and getting him to the medivac to Seattle. His care helped keep him from major damage. - More...
Saturday PM - July 20, 2013
The Abominable Snowden By Donald A. Moskowitz -
Edward Snowden is not a human rights activist, he is a loathsome (abominable) traitor and spy. - More...
Saturday PM - July 20, 2013
End the IRS By Beverly Martin - Lighting fireworks on the 4th didn't restore freedom taken by the tyranny of the IRS. Reading the Declaration of Independence underscored this nation's return to conditions founding fathers found intolerable: government use of fear to take property and control citizens. - More...
Saturday PM - July 20, 2013
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