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Monday
November 17, 2014
Haines: Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
Photographers are drawn to Haines each year to view the migration of Eagles to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. When the bald eagles migrate so do the photographers. The 20th annual Bald Eagle Festival took place November 10th - 16th. Frequent visitors to Ketchikan over the last 6 years, photographers Gary & Carol Cox are visiting from Horn Lake, MS.
Front Page Photograph By GARY & CAROL COX ©2014
(Please respect the rights of photographers, never republish or copy
without permission and/or payment of required fees.)
Southeast Alaska: Top Suspect in Devastating Sea Star Wasting Disease Identified; Virus' extensive geographic range and number of species infected might make it largest known marine wildlife disease to date - Since 2013, millions of sea stars native to the Pacific coast of North America from Baja California to Southeast Alaska have succumbed to a mysterious wasting disease in which their limbs pull away from their bodies and their organs exude through their skin; a disease researchers say could trigger an unprecedented ecological upheaval under the waves.
A SSWD-affected star. The fatal disease leads to behavioral changes, lesions, loss of appendages, and disintegration.
Photo by Neil McDaniel.
In Southeast Alaska, the Sitka Sound Science Center staff along with biologists from University of Alaska Southeast in Sitka have also identified an outbreak of sea star wasting disease in Sitka Sound. Tissue samples from sea stars taken from Sitka’s long-term sites are currently being analyzed at Cornell University.
Now, a researcher in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University has identified the deadly culprit as the Sea Star Associated Densovirus (SSaDV), a type of parvovirus commonly found in invertebrates. In a study published Nov. 17 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, microbiologist Hewson and colleagues present a genomic analysis of the newly discovered virus prevalent in symptomatic sea stars.
"There are 10 million viruses in a drop of seawater, so discovering the virus associated with a marine disease can be like looking for a needle in a haystack," says lead author Ian Hewson, a professor of microbiology. "Not only is this an important discovery of a virus involved in a mass mortality of marine invertebrates, but this is also the first virus described in a sea star."
The discovery will enable scientists to study how the virus infects sea stars and trace it in the ocean. Further research could reveal how the virus invades its host, why kills some sea stars, and why other species are unaffected.
Hewson suggests that the virus has been smoldering at a low level for many years. It was present in museum samples of sea stars collected in 1942, 1980, 1987 and 1991, and may have risen to epidemic levels in the last few years due to sea star overpopulation, environmental changes, or mutation of the virus. Sea water, plankton, sediments and water filters from public aquariums, sea urchins and brittle stars also harbored the virus.
The research lays the groundwork for understanding how the virus kills sea stars and what triggers outbreaks. The stakes are high, according to Drew Harvell, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology and a co-author on the paper. As voracious predators on the ocean floor, sea stars are 'keystone' species which have a large role in maintaining diversity in their ecosystem.
"It's the experiment of the century for marine ecologists," said Harvell. "It is happening at such a large scale to the most important predators of the tidal and sub-tidal zones. Their disappearance is an experiment in ecological upheaval the likes of which we've never seen." - More...
Monday PM - November 17, 2014 |
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Southeast Alaska: Repatriated Wrangell clan hat returns to Alaska - A clan hat from a Wrangell tribe was returned to Alaska last Thursday. The Oakland Museum of California returned the repatriated clan hat, Xhixhch’i S’aaxhw (Frog Hat). This clan hat is a sacred object and object of cultural patrimony of the Khaach.ádi clan of Wrangell. As a sacred object, the clan hat is a treasured object necessary for ongoing clan ceremonies.
Xhixhch’i S’aaxhw (Frog Hat)
Photo courtesy CCTHITA
The hat is painted, overlaid with copper and abalone shell, and decorated on top with small woven rings and ermine skins. The hat is an object of cultural patrimony, owned by a group and not an individual, which means Xhixhch’i S’aaxhw is inalienable by an individual without proven group consent.
The frog hat is at least 150 years old. A picture from 1898 shows the hat displayed at the Chief Shakes Tribal House in Wrangell. Further documented history of Xhixhch’i S’aaxhw indicates it was “collected” in Wrangell by a local shop owner named Fred Carlyon and his sister Anna Vaughn in the 1900s and was later donated to the Oakland Museum of California by the daughter of Mrs. Vaughn’s daughter in 1959.
The clan petitioned to have the hat back, and it was repatriated and arrived in Juneau last week. Will Micklin, Vice President of Tlingit Haida Central Council, accepted it. - More...
Monday PM - November 17, 2014
Southeast Alaska: Tongass Advisory Committee meets in Sitka - The fourth meeting of the Tongass Advisory Committee (TAC) will be held Nov. 19–21, at the Sheet'ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Tribal Community House, 456 Katlian Street in Sitka, Alaska.
Meeting objectives are to make further progress identifying key issues and drafting recommendations for the Forest Plan Amendment for January submission; to discuss current issues regarding transitioning to young growth with USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Bonnie; and to clearly identify objectives and next steps for the January committee meeting.
The Committee is being asked to make recommendations on forest management on the Tongass with emphasis on young-growth management; these recommendations may be included in the Forest Plan amendment.
TAC members advise and give recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture through the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service. The membership represents a broad and diverse range of viewpoints and expertise, geographically diverse communities in and outside of Alaska, and people with a demonstrated commitment to working on collaborative solutions. - More...
Monday PM - November 17, 2014 |
Alaska: Independent Bill Walker wins Alaska governor's race; Governor Parnell concedes election- After Friday’s vote counting by the Alaska Division of Elections, it became clear to the Parnell-Sullivan ticket that while a win was numerically possible, it was highly improbable.
Governor-Elect Bill Walker
Saturday, Governor Sean Parnell (R) met with Bill Walker to pledge an orderly transition. In line with his pledge, Parnell offered office space for transition activities to the Walker-Mallott ticket as well as resources to accomplish the transition. Parnell said in a prepared statement, "We had what I believe to be a very productive discussion about how to work together for the benefit of Alaskans in this time of change in administration."
Governor Parnell said, "It has been an honor to serve as Governor of Alaska for more than five years." Parnell said, "We respect the will of the voters, and offer Bill Walker, Byron Mallott and their families our sincere congratulations."
Alaska’s swearing-in date this year for the governor-elect is December 1st. Some ballots still must be counted, however, Parnell deemed it in Alaskans’ interest to begin coordinating transition activities now with the Walker-Mallott ticket in the event the vote count holds.
Regarding the meeting, Governor-elect Bill Walker (I) said, “The tone of the meeting was very cordial and focused on ensuring that Alaskans’ interests are protected and served first in the weeks and months that lie ahead. We also recognized the dedicated effort of our respective campaigns and expressed tremendous gratitude for our families and volunteers. This evening, Governor Parnell graciously conceded the race in order to facilitate a smooth and efficient transition process.” - More...
Monday PM - November 17, 2014 |
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Alaska: Mark Begich concedes to Dan Sullivan in Alaska Senate race - Democratic Senator Mark Begich conceded his re-election race on Monday to Republican Dan Sullivan, bringing a delayed conclusion to the Alaska Senate race almost two weeks after Election Day and almost one week after the Associated Press had called the race for Sullivan. By last Wednesday, Sullivan was on his way to Washington. The race was the most expensive in Alaska's history, with more than $50 million spent.
U.S. Senator-Elect Dan Sullivan
In a prepared statement, U.S. Senator-elect Dan Sullivan said, “Earlier today I spoke with Senator Begich, who congratulated me on my election to serve Alaskans in the U.S. Senate.”
Sullivan said, “I thanked Senator Begich for his service, and we agreed on the importance of a smooth transition process. The responsibility of representing and serving Alaskans comes first. I look forward to doing the job that Alaskans elected me to do, and to begin the process of turning our country around and building a brighter future for Alaska.”
Sullivan said he is deeply humbled and honored to be chosen by his fellow Alaskans to serve them in the United States Senate. In a prepared statement after the General Election, Sullivan said, "Now, the real work begins. We’re going to get our country back on track and empower Alaskan families and communities to decide their own destiny. We’re going to unlock Alaska’s energy potential and roll back the avalanche of regulations crushing Alaska’s small businesses and making it harder for them to create good jobs. And we’re going to do everything we can to truly honor our veterans and protect the most vulnerable among us."
U.S. Senator-Elect Sullivan is currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. He has served in the Marines since 1993 on active duty and in the reserves as a Marine infantry and reconnaissance officer. He is currently the Commanding Officer of 6th ANGLICO (Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company), Marine Forces Reserve.
Following today's vote count by the Alaska Division of Elections, Begich had 127,860 vote (45.79%) and Sullivan had 134,071 votes (48.01%). The Division of Elections will continue counting absentee and questioned ballots this week. The target election certification date is November 28th.
Begich, a first-term U.S. senator and former Anchorage mayor, called to congratulate Sullivan earlier today. Following the call, Begich said in a prepared statement, "Alaska is a place unmatched by any other, and the opportunity to represent Alaskans and all of Alaska's communities in the U.S. Senate has been a tremendous honor for which I am eternally grateful. Alaska deserves a bright future with expanded economic opportunity, equality for all Alaskans under the law, and a strong and prosperous rural Alaska. As a born and raised Alaskan, I will always be involved in my community, and the results of an election have never diminished my desire or passion to achieve these goals."- More...
Monday PM - November 17, 2014 |
Political Cartoon: Net Neutrality
By David Fitzsimmons ©2014, The Arizona Star
Distributed to subscribers for publication by Cagle Cartoons, Inc.
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 Ketchikan Homeless Shelter Annual Food Drive By Gary Boatwright - The Ketchikan Homeless Shelter (PATH) is conducting its annual food. Collection boxes will be at local grocery stores or donations can be dropped off at the Shelter at 628 Park Avenue (across from the American Legion).- More...
Wednesday PM - November 12, 2014
First City Players By Robert Holston - We attended Les Miserables last night [Saturday]. No. You did not just "Pull it off." That would be a gross understatement. YOU pushed it over the edge. A milestone performance. A huge feather in the cap of Fist City Players that is adorned with a now 50 year history of memorable performances. Grading this performance is easy. Remembering all the components... maybe not so easy. Where to begin! - More...
Wednesday PM - November 12, 2014
Ferry cost projection By A. M. Johnson - I trust that you have read the article in the Ketchikan Daily News recently regarding the new U.S.Coast Guard recovery search and rescue boats that cost by their numbers, $2 million each. Now I ask you, take a look at this used Cat boat and if you recall some of the details on the USCG boats square those to this rig with the asking price. How can there be way over $1.1/5 million difference in performance, equipment, and such even this being a "used" example. - More...
Wednesday PM - November 12, 2014
Transboundary mines will affect the Unuk, Stikine and Taku By Victoria McDonald - Southeast Alaskans have every reason to be alarmed at the Mt Polley tailing dam failure on August 4, despite what Bill Bennett, Ministry of Energy and Mines in B.C., tells Alaskans. Speaking recently in Anchorage, Bennett reported that the tailings dam failure was an unusual occurrence, which is questionable. - More...
Wednesday PM - November 12, 2014
Israeli / Palestinian Peace Impossible By Donald A. Moskowitz - J Street, a national organization, promotes a peace agenda for the Israelis and Palestinians. It believes a final status agreement between the Israelis and Palestinians embodying a two state solution will guarantee peace in the region, but this is sheer naïve folly. - More...
Wednesday PM - November 12, 2014
Fuel Prices By Robert K. Rice- There is a web page to contact the U.S. Attorney General's office regarding the possibility and/or probability of gas price fixing here in Ketchikan. - More...
Wednesday PM - November 12, 2014
Mining forums in Southeast Alaska By Victoria McDonald - Thanks to the United Tribal Transboundary Mining Work Group and Salmon Beyond Borders for the forum held last Thursday in the Discovery Center. Carrie James and Rob Sanderson of KIC, John Morris Sr, Trout Unlimited, Rivers Without Borders, and SEACC organized meetings in Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Juneau, and Ketchikan. The USFS Discovery Center and local volunteers contributed for the Ketchikan presentation. Approximately 70 people attended, as a mining engineer and fish biologist presented information on transboundary mines threatening the Unuk in Misty Fjords, Stikine and Taku rivers. - More...
Saturday AM - November 08, 2014
GASOLINE: $2.65 A GALLON AND FALLING By David G Hanger - Free enterprise and the great American way are wonderful things, so it really is too bad that folks in Ketchikan don’t get any of it; but instead get price gouging, price fixing, and exclusive monopolistic practice; and a bunch of dud (bought and paid for???) politicians who have no leadership skills at all. They are happy to blow your dough sky high, but anything involving saving their community money is beyond any possibility of their contemplation. - More...
Saturday AM - November 08, 2014
Mental Hygiene By Emily Chapel - We all know to brush our teeth, but how is our mental hygiene? The Ketchikan Wellness Coalition (KWC) recently received a grant from the State of Alaska to improve the behavioral health conditions in the Ketchikan area by addressing one of the following: substance abuse, suicide, or mental health. To do this, the KWC will be gathering data, hosting data work groups and action planning groups, all in an effort to come up with practices and policies that could improve the overall behavioral health environment in our area. - More...
Saturday AM - November 08, 2014
Thank you By A.M. Johnson - I do not know Ms. Tina Singer. I do recognize the correcting of a wrong to a right. A lost art of civil decorum is the ability of making apologies. - More...
Monday PM - November 03, 2014
RE: Going too far By Tina Singer - In regards to my last letter, this morning I received a call from both my landlord and Chere Klein. Apparently my landlord had told someone in the Klein campaign that it was ok to post on all her rentals - not realizing that neither tenant in this particular duplex did not want political signs posted here. - More...
Sunday - November 02, 2014
Gas prices in Ketchikan By Jesse Kvale - Have you been watching the prices of gas? Three weeks ago in New Mexico, gas was at $2.89 a gallon. Today in areas of Washington it's $2.78 a gallon. It's as high as $3.00 in some areas. - More...
Saturday PM - November 01, 2014
Trans Boundary Mines and SE Alaska Fishing. By Joe Mehrkens - On October 24th a public forum was held on the potential impacts to the SE Alaska fishing industry from new large mines in British Columbia. This is not the same old battle between greenies and boomers over development. It is a large, growing problem where no institutional mechanisms exist to insure environmental safeguards or any means to compensate third parties for potential damages. - More...
Saturday PM - November 01, 2014
STOP USING THE R WORD! SPREAD THE WORD END THE R WORD! By Janalee Minnich Gage - So the other morning, either a Saturday or a Sunday I was lying in bed, thinking I don't have to move. What I nice change since I have been going, going, and going. Working on my show, Look, See, Hear, & Listen and all the amazing things that have come from it has been both rewarding and exhausting. I am trying not to forget anything or anyone who has wanted to be a part of it or help. So again I was lying there when I heard the neighborhood kids playing and arguing like they do every weekend when it's nice out. - More...
Saturday PM - November 01, 2014
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