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Thursday PM - January 14, 2010

ENVIRONMENTALISTS, GIVE US A BREAK By Charles Edwardson - I live in Alaska and love southeast. I have lived in the Tongass National Forest all of my life. My mother is Haida and our family is from Hydaburg. I am 1/2 Alaskan native and the other half a native of Alaska (there is a slight difference). I have four daughters and a beautiful wife who was also born and raised here. We graduated from Ketchikan High School together, got together, and have built our life here in southeast. I own five or six acres on Prince of Wales Island and fished of the west coast of Prince of Wales Island for many years, and worked in the timber industry at the Ketchikan pulp mill in the off season and also the canneries around town prior to fishing. I now teach at the University of Alaska and run my own construction company in Ketchikan. - More...
Thursday PM - January 14, 2010

Enough is Enough By Rob Holston - I just returned home from the Enough is Enough meeting at the Ted Ferry Civic Center. An estimated 300 people were in attendance. Hats off to Cathy, Zig and the other organizers and participants. The only downer was finding out at the end that the city had NOT donated the Ted Ferry Civic Center for this important event. - More...
Thursday PM - January 14, 2010

"Enough is Enough" Meeting By Carol Baines - I wasn't at the "Enough is Enough" meeting Tuesday night regarding the high suicide rate and other problems in Ketchikan. - More..
Thursday PM - January 14, 2010

Expand your horizons By Roberta Shields - Now, now Ms Richardson aren't you being "judgmental" regarding Mr. Borders and his hyperbole about his dog being a democrat. His thoughts on the subject were actually quite amusing and by the tone of your response must have hit a sensitive nerve. - More...
Thursday PM - January 14, 2010

Republicrats By Chris Barry - Just a reminder to all those republicrats out there, if you claim to be a democrat, then no matter what you say, you accept what the elected democrats are doing 100%. The same goes for Republicans. If you claim allegiance with a particular party, then you allow yourself to be lumped in with them and their political views. - More...
Thursday PM - January 14, 2010Democrats By Don Borders - I could tell by the tone of Lou Ann Richardson's voice, written in her viewpoint reply, she was hurt when she "picked up" the brush and "painted on" her democratic shoes, she must have felt much pain when finished. I had tears of joy and then pain for her streaming down my face as I read her painfully emotional rebuttal. - More...
Thursday PM - January 14, 2010

RE: Democrats By Stacey Stone - At first I was interested in what Ms. Richardson had to say about how she is hard-working and a democrat. - More...
Thursday PM - January 14, 2010

Tuesday - January 12, 2010

National Mentoring Month By Joann Flora - January is National Mentoring Month. This is a great time to look around and assess the needs for youth mentoring in our community. Kids need an average of five positive adult role models while they are growing up if they are to be prepared for adulthood. - More...
Tuesday - January 12, 2010

Democrats By Lou Ann Richardson - Wow, doesn't Mr. Borders paint all Democrats with an overwhelmingly broad brush. I guess in his world, if you're not like him, you're a dog. Mr. Borders, your dog isn't a Democrat, he's a dog. But, if in your world all Democrats are basically lazy, free-loading dogs, it indicates to we lifelong hardworking Democrats that you have little else in your life that's truly meaningful and helpful and instead, adhere to hateful, incendiary rantings and arrogant bigotry. - More...
Tuesday - January 12, 2010

Friday - January 08, 2010

Audit/Investigation Needed at Public Library By Robert D. Warner - Recent letters to SITNEWS describe waste and careless spending of $1.4 million dollars for planning and blueprints by the public library. One letter called this spending "obscene." Isn't it time for the Mayor and City Council to launch a complete investigation as to why and how this money was squandered? Today, we do not even have funding to provide essential safety and security in our local high school. - More...
Friday - January 08, 2010

$$$$ if Kpu sells ????? By Brad Cota - Do the residents of Ketchikan get a dividend from the sale of KPU telephone? As a public utility, I do believe the owners are the residents of the city of Ketchikan. We're voting to sell or not to sell, but we're not voting on what happens to the money? Does anybody know where the money is going? - More...
Friday - January 08, 2010

My Dog's life By Don Borders - My dog sleeps about 20 hours a day. He has his food prepared for him. He can eat whenever he wants, 24/7/365. His meals are provided at no cost to him. He visits the doctor once a year for his checkup, and again during the year if any medical needs arise. For this he pays nothing, and nothing is required of him. He lives in a nice neighborhood in a house that is much larger than he needs, but he is not required to do any upkeep. If he makes a mess, someone else cleans it up. He has his choice of luxurious places to sleep. He receives these accommodations absolutely free. He is living like a king, and has absolutely no expenses whatsoever. All of his costs are picked up by others who go out and earn a living every day. I was just thinking about all this, and suddenly it hit me like a brick in the head; Holy Cow, my dog is a democrat! - More...
Friday - January 08, 2010

Wednesday - January 06, 2010

KPU Sale By John A. Beck - I am responding to the letter by Mr. Edwardson. The sale of KPU Telephone is a much discussed item around our breakroom table. My personal view, and I have stated this in front of the City Council, is how can a resident of the City vote on a sale if the price and the buyer is not disclosed. Let me sell your house but the price will surprize you. The whole thing stinks. - More...
Wednesday - January 06, 2010

Fine qualities, yet NOT SUBJECT TO CONSIDERATION By Jose Garcia - The purpose of this letter is to react on how the HR Manager of the Ketchikan Borough composes letters to job applicants. It appeared to be vague and rather not within the norms of an equal rating good ethics, much more coming from the government employee as such. - More...
Wednesday - January 06, 2010

High school cop By Robert McRoberts - We've got to make up our mind about this. I've heard people say just having the cop car parked outside the school is a deterrent. I feel the students are use to the cop and they know how to avoid the cop now. What I would like to see is what has been accomplished by having a cop at the high school for the last few years. How much drugs have been confiscated and have the people that supplied the drugs been caught? This is where I feel we are wasting money if nothing is done. If we're not going to make life a living hell for the cooks and the dealers that supply the kids, we are wasting our time. - More...
Wednesday - January 06, 2010

Make a difference, Healthy Living! By Terri Bermudez - Recently I did a PSA radio ad, what I feel is a honest attempt to reach out to an addict, or someone who may still be suffering with Meth addiction. I learned the hard way, and believe me it does not need to end up like my situation did. Long story short, I was BAD. I sold drugs in this little town to SUPPORT MY METH habit. - More...
Wednesday - January 06, 2010

Evan Bolling's Rants By Richard Easbey - Time to get a new schtick Mr. Bolling. - More...
Wednesday - January 06, 2010

RE: Obamas Czars (Ooooh Please) By Bill Nelson - When I was in Biology class, Evan, we respected our teachers, classmates and the learning institution enough that we were not disruptive or trying to draw attention to ourselves. We were there to learn, Evan, can you say the same? - More...
Wednesday - January 06, 2010

Monday PM - January 04, 2010

Officer in our Schools - SAFETY FIRST By Roberta "Bobbie" McCreary - Thank you Chas for speaking out about our responsibility to support measures that protect our youth... we DO need to make our community safe for our youth and we DO need to take our community's rep down a few points (quite a few actually). What about our rep as the community in the US that has highest per capita prescriptions for the drug OxyContin? How do we stack up with meth labs, domestic violence, drop outs? Not so good, I'm told. - More...
Monday PM - January 04, 2010

RE: Obama Czars (Ooooh Please) By Evan Bolling - When I was in biology class, we would have "periodic" lab hours (lame pun, I know). I strolled into class one day, rather groggy but was immediately stimulated by the congested smell of formaldehyde, latex and VERY raw pork. "Heck Yes! We are going to be dissecting pig fetuses today!" I said out-loud. We picked and pried at all the little parts inside, and that is exactly what Al Johnson's article "Obama Czars" is in desperate need of, a painstaking dissection. - More...
Monday PM - January 04, 2010

Be a part of the Solution By Diana Chaudhary - You are right Teri J. Wilson.... there are a lot of serious problems in our community and it sounds like you have ideas on how to solve them. I would urge you and everyone else with concerns and ideas to come to the Community Conversation on January 12th to participate in a discussion that will address not only problems, but also what is currently being done or needs to be done to help solve those problems. - More...
Monday PM - January 04, 2010

Wednesday PM - December 30, 2009

Vandalism By Lois Munch - A random act of meanness. The most polite way to describe the vandalism to my car on December 27 while it was parked by the Frog Pond on the old Ward Lake Road. - More...
Wednesday PM - December 30, 2009

Officer in our schools By Charles Edwardson - Sometimes "maybe" I hit the wrong button and delete instead of send, but I sometimes send in letters that do not make this publication. I will be careful to SEND this one. I know it's not the sarcasm I mentioned in the"about section" that keeps my comments out of this publication.  - More...
Wednesday PM - December 30, 2009

Pay raises and other things By A.M.Johnson - Seems a nerve was stuck!! If Mr. Kling were to once again read the piece on pay raises and other things it will become clearer for him and other like thinking souls. - More...
Wednesday PM - December 30, 2009

Tuesday - December 29, 2009

RE: Speak up (O.K.) By James J. Schenk - Thank you Chaz Edwardson for your intelligent response to a problem that may face a lot of people soon. The loss of any job in a community such as Ketchikan is a tragedy, believe me I know. - More...
Tuesday - December 29, 2009

PROPOSED SMOKING TAX By Teri J. Wilson - The following is an open letter to the Members and Mayor of Ketchikan Gateway Borough: With disgust I read the article in the newspaper of Monday, December 21, 2009, wherein the borough is considering a cigarette tax, the supposed reasons for this are to discourage underage smoking and to create a new revenue source. - More...
Tuesday - December 29, 2009

RE: Obama's Czars By Gail Calhoun - I appreciate Mr. Johnson's letter of Nov.30, 2009, which compiled the new leaders in Obama's circle. I feel like this list is very informative. It offers the reader background information, and anything that offers more clarity is needed, because too much is filtered out of the news that is available these days. - More...
Tuesday - December 29, 2009

Bob Norton By Ken Leland - Like Neil Gray, I was also saddened to read of Bob Norton's passing. I knew that he gave a good fight until the end, yet was always upbeat despite his illness. I fondly remember those days at KTKN in the 80's when we worked at the radio station. He and Tom Allison used to collaborate on some very creative radio ads, and they always came to me as the station engineer to ask for my response. They always cracked me up! I will always remember his "Gramps" characterizations and some of the other zany pieces they put together. - More...
Tuesday - December 29, 2009

RE: Pay raises, and other goodies By Mike Kling - Congress does not vote on COLAs. It is set by a fixed formula based on the CPI (comsumer price index). There was no increase in the 2009 CPI, therefore no COLA increase for 2010. - More...
Tuesday - December 29, 2009

White House Immersed In Pork Barrel By Donald A. Moskowitz - When President Obama was campaigning for President he made a solemn pledge he would eliminate or reduce earmarks. He broke that promise during the push to implement the new healthcare program. - More...
Tuesday - December 29, 2009

Make a difference By Carol Alley - Reach out, offer understanding, if you want to make a difference. - More...
Tuesday - December 29, 2009

Wednesday - December 23, 2009

KPU TELEPHONE SALE: SPEAK UP By Charles Edwardson - WHAT do the Ketchikan telephone division employees think?? Last year I ran for city council. I went to several forums with telephone division employees at these meetings. I asked about the sale of the division and none of them spoke up. I told them I would stand with them, but not for them. They would not express their likes or dislikes about the pending sale -- in confidence I was told they feared for their jobs. This made no sense what so ever to me. Grown men and women (THEORETICALLY) represented by some phantom union that supposedly protects their interests, scared to lose jobs?? Guess what guys,, you're going to anyway if the utility sells so what have you got to lose? (Speak Up) - More...
Wednesday - December 23, 2009

RE: Stimulate not Obliterate By Don Borders - Rhonda Green is correct in the position she wrote about on Sitnews Viewpoint. When I came to this town, I had to pay large deposits on the Electric and Telephone service. Nevertheless, I was happy to get them as other communities in Southeast Alaska had neither. - More...
Wednesday - December 23, 2009

Open Letter to Sen. Begich By Rodney Dial - Dear Senator Begich, I am writing you in this forum because you seem unwilling to respond to those who question your support of the health care reform bills. My question for you is this: Since you support the Senate Health Care Reform plan, which is designed to comply with the President's mandate that the reform be "deficit neutral" (if that is even possible), can we expect you to stand by ALL elements of this bill? Specifically, this legislation requires congress to cut Medicare by $480 Billion over the next ten years. - More...
Wednesday - December 23, 2009

Open letter to Sen. Begich By Jay Jones - Could Sen. Mark Begich please explain to me this part of the Health Care Bill you just voted for? "Section 3403 it shall not be in order in the Senate or the House of Representatives to consider any bill, resolution, amendment, or conference report that would repeal or otherwise change this subsection. - More...
Wednesday - December 23, 2009

Another chance! By Al Johnson - Is it not the time for Senator Beigch to come to our local community's assistance? It would seem so. I believe all it would take would be the local Moderate/liberal Republicans jointly with the "Everything is free and all for Me" Democrats, in a bipartisan way, approach Senator Begich to make his vote for National Health Care worth something. - More...
Wednesday - December 23, 2009

Bridge to Nob Hill By Rhett Jackson - The article, Pelosi snares millions in earmarks for her area from defense bill By JOE GAROFOLI, contained a piece of data interesting to Ketchikanites: The earmarks include $54 million for a flood-control project that will raise two trestles used by the Napa Valley Wine Train. - More...
Wednesday - December 23, 2009

Our Community Spirit is Showing! By Bobbie McCreary - The Ketchikan City Council tackled the very difficult challenge of balancing their budget in tough economic times, with an uncertain future of tax revenues ahead. Beyond the wisdom of the council members, what impressed me was how the community stepped forward to give what they could to help. To help save jobs, employees offered to take furlough days without pay. To help protect the City's revenue, Kevin Gadsey withdrew his request for a donation of the rental fee at the Ted Ferry Civic Center for a SAIL event and offered his personal donation to cover this cost instead. This modeling of the community pulling together was really inspiring. - More...
Wednesday - December 23, 2009

Cut equally or not at all By Beth Antonsen - This letter is written to encourage all of you to reconsider the recent cuts to the non-profits. It is commendable that you have decided to reinstate some of the non-profits to 90% of their budgets but there are still two vital agencies you have left at 50% in cuts. Please, if you are going to cut the agencies do it equally the same to all, including to the Visitor's Bureau. - More...
Wednesday - December 23, 2009

Bob Norton By Neil Gray - I was very saddened when I received the news of Bob Norton passing away Monday. Beginning back in the 1970's Bob and I not only were working partners on the air and in Kayhi Sports on KTKN Radio, but became good friends. I'll always remember the days Bob and I covered Kayhi Basketball and Senior League Baseball. He was an excellent color commentator (and filled in play by play when I lost my voice), but one of the best stats man I ever had. He delveloped into a very good play by play man as well. - More...
Wednesday - December 23, 2009

Parenting podcast By Inge Kummant - As a teacher and the parent of a teen, I often have the challenges of parenting on my mind. If you are a parent, did you know that there is a podcast and radio show available online from the award-winning, well-established, tried and true Love and Logic Institute? - More...
Wednesday - December 23, 2009

What happened with the Christmas Lights? By Terry Miles - As everyone might have noticed, the Christmas "Snowflake" Lights that we've enjoyed in the past that hang on the power poles along Tongass Ave. are, at best, let's say, "Random", this year. I was wondering why? In years past the decorations hung from at least every other power pole. - More...
Wednesday - December 23, 2009

Beautiful lights By Laurie Hodne - For the family that lives on 2nd Ave that went to obvious extensive work in your light/music display for us to enjoy, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!! - More...
Wednesday - December 23, 2009

Christmas Spirit By Ken Leland - As a long time Forest Park resident, I applaud your efforts and appreciate your obvious Christmas Spirit. I am disappointed that there is someone who would rather act as Scrooge and spoil it for you and all of us who appreciate your efforts. Please don't let this person or persons dampen your Christmas Spirit. - More...
Wednesday - December 23, 2009

Puppy scams By Kathy Brendible - I read the BBB article on puppy scams and I was also a part of that. After reading the article it sounds exactly like what happened to me just last Christmas. I also thought I was buying a bull dog from a breeder, but the exact same thing happened . They said to send money by Western Union and I did . They said that the puppy was going to be shipped and it never showed and I never got any information on the shipping. - More...
Wednesday - December 23, 2009

RE: Dog Park By Kristin Coffin - Mr. Reed, I completely agree with you! I have two dogs of my own, and have thoroughly enjoyed using the local dog parks in WA and OR while completing graduate school. One of my concerns regarding a move back to town is the lack of open, safe space for my dogs to run and play. - More...
Wednesday - December 23, 2009

RE: Dog Park By Kim Morton - The trail at D2 loop is the best place we have found for walking our dogs. You can hit the right side and walk for miles and miles, or go to the left and they have an open area that is usually free (but sometimes there are 4 wheelers in the area). It 's a great place because you can keep an eye on your dogs but it is sheltered in by the trees. Also we have never had any problems with people getting angry about off leash dogs because there is no rule against it. Hope to see you out there. - More...
Wednesday - December 23, 2009

RE: Dog Park By Chris Barry - Mr. Reed, it is nice to have a confirmation that there are some responsible pet owners in Ketchikan that have a desire to let their pets run loose without bothering others. I love being around dogs, and I've always enjoyed having dogs (currently I don't have one). I would support having a pet designated area such as a dog park for multiple reasons that I am sure many locals will agree with. - More...
Wednesday - December 23, 2009

Tuesday AM - December 15, 2009

Let's Plan for Success! By W. Richard Harney - This is a personal invitation to join the KGB Planning Department's Unofficial Site. The Planning Department encourages everyone to become a member and help continue to improve the Ketchikan Gateway Borough as a vibrant and productive place to live. - More...
Tuesday AM - December 15, 2009

City Council Community Agency Funding By Kathleen Light - Last Thursday night the City Council decided to cut funding to the community agencies by 50% (except the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau). That, of course, includes the Arts Council. - More...
Tuesday AM - December 15, 2009

Win Afghanistan War By Donald A. Moskowitz - President Obama and many of his followers have dwelled on the past and attempted to blame George Bush for the country's ills. The Obama Administration has been in charge for almost a year and should have made more progress towards solving our problems, especially with a Democratic controlled Congress since 2006. It is the easy way out to blame others for problems. Bush could have blamed Clinton for decimating our military, but he didn't. - More...
Tuesday AM - December 15, 2009

Pay raises, and other goodies By A. M. Johnson - I submitted the following to our Alaska Congressional members. The Constitution of the United States prohibits Congress from passing any law that exempts Congress from being included. The Congressional majority is shredding that precious Document at every turn. - More...
Tuesday AM - December 15, 2009

RE: Stimulate not Obliterate By Linda Abbott - I am responding to the letter from Rhonda Green. I am the wife of Van Abbott, KPU Telecommunications Division Manager. - More...
Tuesday AM - December 15, 2009

RE: Stimulate not Obliterate By Robert S. Jones -Ms. Green's letter brought to light some very serious concerns that need to be addressed regarding Ketchikan Public Utilities / Telephone Division. - More...
Tuesday AM - December 15, 2009

Dog Park By Jeremy Reed - I have two Golden Retrievers and anyone who lives in Ketchikan knows how hard it is to find a place that accepts dogs, especially dogs of a large breed. - More...
Tuesday AM - December 15, 2009

Christmas Decorations By John and Mindy Lloyd - Happy Holidays. My family and I decorate our yard every year for the people who live in Forest Park and in Ketchikan.. We lost a lot of displays last year due to the snow and have yet to repair them. But sadly tonight (12-14-09) when our daughter got home she noticed our penguin blow up missing!!! - More...
Tuesday AM - December 15, 2009

The Year in Rebuke: An Open Letter to Obama Voters By Katharine DeBrecht - Last year at this time, you were giddy beyond words for your part in a historic election. You were utterly smitten with the first bi-racial President-elect of the United States. Like a child on Christmas Eve, you could hardly contain yourselves waiting for that Inauguration morning when this messianic figure would leave the columns in Denver behind and deliver unto you your wildest dreams once in the White House. - More...
Tuesday AM - December 15, 2009

Thursday - December 10, 2009

Open Letter to the Elected City Officials and Manager By Rodney Dial - Please stop insulting the intelligence of your citizens by justifying a property tax increase based upon the mill rate being unchanged for many years. As you know property taxes increase as home / property assessments increase, even if the mill rate remains unchanged. - More...
Thursday - December 10, 2009

Stimulate not Obliterate By Rhonda Green - I've got an idea. Instead of putting the sale of Ketchikan Public Utilities Telephone Division up on the block again, voters could vote to restructure the KPU Telephone organization. - More...
Thursday - December 10, 2009

Ward Cove Useage By Kathy Yates - I just read the Environmental Fact Sheet dated May 2009 by the EPA which has the headline: Ward Cove Sediment Cleanup: Monitoring Complete, Objectives Achieved . The report references the work that was performed in 2000-2001 stating: Regular monitoring of the sediments has taken place since the cleanup was completed. Results show that cleanup goals have been met. Environmental conditions have greatly improved. Findings show that no further monitoring is necessary . A good read of the current fact sheet would indicate that the area is now feasible for use. Perhaps we should all go read the information put out in 2007 and 2009. I did see that there will also be a five year review in 2010 so maybe that report would be the one to review once it is complete. - More...
Thursday - December 10, 2009

Prison in Ward Cove By Kara Steele - I think a prison in Ward Cove is a great idea! Look at Spring Creek prison in Seward - farther south, look at Walla Walla Washington. Both have each, huge prisons housing some of the worst offenders. - More...
Thursday - December 10, 2009

Ward Cove Worries By Robert McRoberts - Well it's been a time since I wrote but I want to get some concerns I have out on the table, I will try to make it to the planning meeting. I seem to feel the planning committee has not been looking at what is happening on the north end of town. Over the last few years the south end of town has made some rather large clean up of sewer in our neighborhoods. Now it's time to start getting the north end cleaned up. There are yards out there that stink of sewer water. Their pets roll in the water and then bring the stuff back into their homes. Some people don't have the money to pay for water deliveries and draw water out of nearby streams with their house up stream.It has now gotten to where we are going to be forced to put in sewer lines out that way. But where will it all go? - More...
Thursday - December 10, 2009

Obama's 15 Months of Fame By Katharine DeBrecht - When President Obama appeared on The Jay Leno Show in March, one of his myriad and unprecedented appearances by a US president, he said that Washington was a "little bit like American Idol where everybody's got an opinion." Hmmm. Maybe we need an Idol Czar. - More...
Thursday - December 10, 2009

School Police Officer By Kara McElroy Steele - Just a quick comment for the issue of having a police officer in Ketchikan High School. As a graduate of Kayhi in the 80's, it takes only a minute or less to see how our lives have changed over the years. The drugs are worse, kids are taking guns and knives to school, or in the latest case up here in Anchorage....a father looked into his high school son's back pack and found home made pipe bombs. Who took care of it? The on site police officer and the Dad. - More...
Thursday - December 10, 2009

Re: Customer Service! By Christina Martinez - To the lady that wrote about the good customer service she was provided, I think time after time we are ridden with the fact that there is this one place that we receive excellent customer service and other places where we're not. - More...
Thursday - December 10, 2009

Monday PM - November 30, 2009

OBAMA'S CZARS By Al Johnson - We in the hither land do not have access to the background of many of the persons who have direct control over our daily lives who serve at the pleasure of the President. It is interesting to read of these Czars' varied backgrounds. I don't know about the rest of you, but to me their positions are contrary to what I understand the Constitution and Bill of Rights laid out as our National guidelines. You make the call. - More...
Monday PM - November 30, 2009

Friday - November 27, 2009

Thanksgiving Away By Jeff Lund - Ten years and change ago, I made a decision I do not regret.

I left home to pursue a college degree and a career away from the sprawling metropolis that is Klawock, Alaska population 750. - More...
Friday - November 27, 2009

Yes we need a Community Police Officer on site at our schools! By Bobbie McCreary - This is so obvious it is hard to imagine that anyone cannot see the value of a SRO (school resource officer) assigned to Ketchikan High School! Especially when that officer is well disposed to forming a trust relationship with, and really cares about working with, our youth to make our schools safe. - More...
Friday - Novembr 27, 2009

Alaska Oyster Cooperative By Eric R Wyatt - On Thursday, November 19th, the Alaska Oyster Cooperative was formed, in Naukati Bay on Prince of Wales Island.  A interim-board of directors approved the Articles of Incorporation.  The six member board consists of oyster and clam farmers, who plan to operate the local shellfish nursery and a new shellfish processing facility in Naukati. - More...
Friday - November 27, 2009

Ward Cove By Carol Cairnes - I just read a Viewpoint on SitNews suggesting that a prison be built at Ward Cove. Because of the contamination on the site it can not be used for human habitation. The area has some serious restrictions on it that are known to anyone who reads the EPA reports. - More...
Friday - November 27, 2009

Tea Party Slogans By Monica Gaita - You gotta be kidding with this NONSENSE... right??? - More...
Friday - November 27, 2009

Monday PM - November 23, 2009

RE: Ward Cove Comprehensive Plan By Marina Keirn - Why not take the approach that the city of Seward took? When they needed to create sustainable income and job opportunities, they floated a bond and built a prison that was then leased to the State of Alaska. A prison with between 300 - 500 beds would create many opportunities for jobs as Correctional Officers, Medical Providers (Mental Health, Dental, Medical, etc.), Administrative staff, Maintenance personnel, and would also create more jobs in the community through increased demand for Food supplies, Office supplies, Mechanical Materials, Clothing vendors, etc. - More...
Monday PM - November 23, 2009

Lesson three regarding Liberal vs Conservative By A. M. Johnson - Recently I read Vince Flynn's latest book "Pursuit of Honor". At one point during a Senate hearing between a Liberal Democrat Female Senator, who supports late term abortion and was berating the central character, undercover CIA agent, Conservative Mitch Rapp, for torturing a Muslim terrorist to gain information. In response the Mitch Rapp character stated the following. - More...
Monday PM - November 23, 2009

"Going Rogue" By Andy Rauwolf - In response to the letter by Susan Round regarding the various definitions of the word rogue and how they may best apply to Sarah Palin: Susan, in reading the dictionary definitions you posted and which one would best apply to Sarah Palin, since the elephant is the symbol of the republican party, and "to separate from the herd" is considered to be a rogue, you need not look further. - More...
Monday PM - November 23, 2009

RE: TEA Party Slogans Cheap and Shallow By Cindi Davis - Mr. Bolling, you have made SOME valid points. Capitalism does have its problems. However, it sounds like you are advocating dumping our grand experiment in liberty in favor of a socialistic nation. Our last 200 years of history would be rendered meaningless and eventually be as forgotten as any utopia. Our founding fathers would roll in their graves. We would lose the personality and identity we have as a nation. Perhaps socialism could be beneficial. Personally, I doubt it would work. However, let's look it straight in the eye and tell the truth: 1) President Obama's stradegies ARE very socialistic. 2) We are being asked as a nation to take part in a socialistic experiment. 3) We are being lied to and led like a bunch of children by a government who claims this isn't happening. - More...
Monday PM - November 23, 2009

Saturday PM - November 21, 2009

Healthcare Reform By Chris Elliott - Last December I woke up after surgery in a room at Virginia Mason with a homeless female heroin addict in the other bed. I know this because a nurse patiently gathered the woman's medical history and current circumstances before the poor woman slumped across her food tray fast sleep. I'm pretty sure she didn't have health insurance. I'm pretty sure those of us with insurance are covering her in our premiums. (The Uninsured) - More...
Saturday PM - November 21, 2009

Cell Phones for Soldiers Program By Ed Vitorino - Every year millions of Americans throw their used/broken cell phones in the trash and we all know that it ends up on a landfill. I know we all have them sitting in a drawer somewhere taking up space. What if i told you that we can recycle them and in return the recycling company gives the military members calling cards? - More...
Saturday PM - November 21, 2009

Oh Sarah Palin..... By Evan Bolling - The much anticipated controversial autobiography, "Going Rogue" written by our very own claim to shame, Frm. Gov. Sarah Palin is now on the bookshelves. A sad day for Alaska, the literary world, and all sentient life too. We should have done a better job keeping the lid on this total embarrassment, but now she's a national satire. And in 2008 the most mocked person on Saturday Night Live. - More...
Saturday PM - November 21, 2009

GOING ROGUE By Susan Round - The following definitions of the word ROGUE are provided by Merriam Webster Online Dictionary: - More...
Saturday PM - November 21, 2009

Million Dollar Blunder at the Public Library? By Robert D. Warner - With the City Manager's plea to the City Council to increase properity taxes next year, it seems most urgent to end careless and wastefull spending. - More...
Saturday PM - November 21, 2009

Not in my Backyard By Don Borders - Here in Alaska we are not so energy deprived that we need to go out on a limb to resolve the electrical power needs. We have not even started to explore the tidal influx as a power source where other nations in the world have done so and commissioned such systems to feed their power grids. We do have an abundance additional hydroelectric possibilites and thermal ones such as Chena Hot springs thermal system which has proven to be efficient and has won several awards in its design. So to embrace an "iffy" fringe technological concept just to generate power which would release all kinds of substances into our lean pristine air is just foolish. - More...
Saturday PM - November 21, 2009

Pebble Mine Views By Martha Jacobson - Regarding the Ketchikan Daily News editorial about eating your salmon in Seattle without the restaurant owner sharing views on the Pebble Mine - the issue is way more complicated than narrowing it down to some restaurant chef's political views. Way more! - More...
Saturday PM - November 21, 2009

TEA Party Slogans Cheap and Shallow By Evan Bolling - "The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of everyone else's money" this becomingly trite slogan was at one point witty and creative. Witty because it employs an intelligent humor and creative because it cunningly neglects the obvious, making it a purely fantastic perspective. Fantastic, from the Latin phantasticius meaning imaginative, fantasy. The root definition has been included to avoid confusion in my intended meaning. - More...
Saturday PM - November 21, 2009

Name calling By Tom Ferry - Mr. Warner, you say you would find it to be a privilege to vote for Obama's re-election. Hey that's fine , but if you did vote for him the first time and now the second time, you are not even close to being as I am "an independent conservative". - More...
Saturday PM - NOvember 21, 2009

Landless Issue By John Morris - I would like to respond to the folks who have this issue. I want you to realize that once you sign on with the ANCSA Corp, whether be regional or village, you are signing away all your aboriginal rights... that is what this Act has done. - More...
Saturday PM - November 21, 2009

Socialism to classroom analogy By Evan Bolling - Al Johnson's socialism to classroom analogy is absolutely genius. Of course, however, if you think about it for even a second more it becomes totally ill conceived. - More...
Saturday PM - November 21, 2009

Monday PM - November 16, 2009

Landless By Vernon M. Grant - Each time I read the Sealaska Corporation website ,I always hold my breath in thinking maybe, just maybe this time they will have something written about this issue, but each time I've read anything it was about some other facts, about a bill other then the landless issues.When will this issue be important enough for this corporation to take notice of its importance and set forth an honest effort to bring this to a resolve, before it is too late? In all these land bills I read about, NO where is there any mention of the landless bill mentioned, or of the communities thereof.What will it take to make Sealaska Corporation take charge and spearhead a honest-to-goodness effort to pursue and resolve this long awaited landless issue that many of our people have been weeping and begging for? This to be noticed, only for it to be forgotten and swept under the rug once more. - More...
Monday PM - November 16, 2009

The Problem With Socialism By Connie Emmert - If you have been watching the news about the TEA parties, you have probably seen the sign that says, "The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." We're beginning to realize the truth to this phrase as Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security careen into bankruptcy. - More...
Monday PM - November 16, 2009

Fighting and name calling By Chris Barry - I appreciate the comments, regardless of how wrong they are. If you consider a disagreement of ethics and morals to be insulting, petty, and degenerative to the upcoming generations of leaders, and that, to quote you, "No one can change beliefs of another so stop trying." then some enlightenment needs to be sent your way. - More...
Monday PM - November 16, 2009

Customer Service By Heather Wills - I remember reading a few different letters sometime in September or thereabouts talking about the lack of customer service. I would like to share my experience. - More...
Monday PM - November 16, 2009

Re: Plasma Garbage By Alan R. (Rudy) McGillvray - I suggest that Ketchikan would not be the sole enjoyer of this process, we could also take the wastes from all other towns and villages in southeast, and turn it into energy and pay those other towns for so doing, instead of everytown shipping their wastes as we do... to Spokane, WA.? - More...
Monday PM - November 16, 2009

Name Calling By Mike Harpold - Mr. Barry says President Obama is a communist, and maintains he's not name calling because it's the truth. I disagree. Until he can prove his assertion, Mr. Barry is merely calling names. - More...
Monday PM - November 16, 2009

Friday - November 13, 2009

Landless Natives of Ketchikan By James Llanos Jr. - Please attend our next Landless meeting on Sunday, December 6th, from 2PM-4PM at 429 Deermount Avenue. This issue began with the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). This is the bill that passed through Congress that settled aboriginal rights with Alaska Natives. In short, this was a process that set eligibility for the Native Communities of Alaska to be a part of ANCSA. - More...
Friday - November 13, 2009

Plasma Garbage By Rob Holston - Whether or not you own Loggerville or have another direct interest in Ward Cove Plasma Gasification of Garbage should be a community discussion. Contrary to claims made by Don West of TransGlobal, LLC the technology is not based upon a patent he holds. Many companies are doing this. I have talked to two, Star-Tech Environmental Corp & EnerSol Technologies, Inc. They both responded similarly when I told them our location and how much garbage our community produces per day. - More...
Friday - November 13, 2009

Fight over Liberals & Conservatives By Andy Hansen - In my opinion this petty argument over liberals and conservatives is not showing the best in anyone butting heads on the subject. I think we all need to grow up and stop insulting others' beliefs. I am embarrassed to see such arguments between adults who are what the young community of Ketchikan look to for knowledge, and should look to for peace and reason against others who don't agree with who they are. This is not teaching them Ketchikan, this by far is not. - More...
Friday - November 13, 2009

4th of July Parade By Blaine Ashcraft - As Executive Director of the Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce, I would like to respond to Mr. Garcia s letter. It is true that the Chamber is in charge of the 4th of July parade that our community enjoys each year. We have a committee that works tirelessly on this event. As with all volunteer committees, we can never have too many volunteers. We would welcome/appreciate any community member's participation in making this a successful event. We welcome any new ideas to make this the best celebration ever. - More...
Friday - November 13, 2009

Democrats Crushed By Chris Elliott - The only thing shovel ready appears to be the President's rhetoric. - More...
Friday - November 13, 2009

Name Calling By Chris Barry - You are correct, name calling is childish, but when someone speaks the truth, is it name calling? - More...
Friday - November 13, 2009

Security Requires Nuclear Deterrent By Donald A. Moskowitz - President Obama naively suggests the world can be free of nuclear weapons if the U.S. and Russia commit to arms reduction. - More...
Friday - November 13, 2009

Monday PM - November 09, 2009

Second lesson on Liberal vs. Conservative By Al Johnson - Normally I would space my contributions longer, however the reaction to lesson one on the subject is too good to hold back! The first lesson brought another!! - More...
Monday PM - November 09, 2009

Continued saga at Ward Cove By Don Borders - I watched the local telecast of the presentation where the development plan to build a Plasma plant at Ward Cove was presented. I have many concerns as to how the Borough might act on the slick mono-view of the "possibility" of the fringe technologies for Ward Cove. It was impressive to the scope which various people were taken by the smooth delivery without really answering any hard questions. The end results are breath taking, however, what about any concern if the thing will just not work due to local environmental conditions such as 80 to 99 percent humidity, lack of actual product to "burn," will they import materials to "feed" the Beast? What if the possibility the whole thing ends back up in the laps of the borough assembly with added additional problematic clean-up of Ward Cove all over again? Will it be additional pages and chapters in the ongoing saga of government mismanagement? - More...
Monday PM - November 09, 2009

Name Calling By Robert D. Warner - I too consider myself to be somewhat of an independent conservative, but I do not think that a recent letter in SITNEWS calling President Obama a Marxist and incompentent idiot is especially useful. This type of name calling is both stupid and childish. - More...
Monday PM - November 09, 2009

Irvin Thompson By Margery DeMan Welker - I personally have a huge problem with the cousin in Calif being Irvin Thompson's closest relative . . . they even mention that Irvin was related to the Schlais family, which he was, yet they didn't contact any of the people by that name in Ketchkan, e.g., Evard, Faye, Alex. It might've been nice to bury him near his mother and father, if they had done a little research, as I know Aunt Margie was devestated when he was killed. - More...
Monday PM - November 09, 2009

Thinking about the 4th By Jose Garcia - When I sent an email letter to the Ketchikan City Mayor Williams III regarding my ideas about the July 4th celebration, his office referred me to the Chamber of Commerce, annotating that they are in charge of such celebration. I did, but their office is manned with an answering machine. - More...
Monday PM - November 09, 2009

Heating & Ward Cove By Don Borders - I would like to address several recent letters, or opinions to the editor of Sitnews, submissions making their greenest concern or their environmental point of view. - More...
Monday PM - November 09, 2009

RE: Personal losses By F. David J. Jacob - Mr. Borders, I would first like to express my heartfelt sentiments over your losses. I cannot imagine what losing three friends in the space of a month would be like. I hope you are spending plenty of time reflecting on the good times and the lessons you learned from your friends. In memory they will live on! - More...
Monday PM - November 09, 2009

Wednesday - November 04, 2009

Ward Cove Comprehensive Plan By Mary Lynne Dahl - As an observer of what has been happening at Ward Dove this past 12 years, I agree wholeheartedly that before we sell Ward Cove piecemeal, we should develop a comprehensive, long term plan for that property. My 25 years as a financial planner have proven to me that planning produces much better results than shooting from the hip. The PIEER authors have some very good ideas for creating the kind of plan needed before any concrete actions are taken and their suggestions should be taken seriously. - More...
Wednesday - November 04, 2009

Heating and power generation By A.M.Johnson - Samuel Bergeron has it right, however I am not so sure that Petersburg and Wrangell, ahead of Ketchikan in this suggested heat form, has already been doing this to a high degree. It may be that the surplus power or the anticipated share of the Tyee power for Ketchikan is reduced up by these two town's recent and ongoing conversion activity to electrical heat. - More...
Wednesday - November 04, 2009

Democrats crushed By Tom Ferry - Obama was like an anchor around Corzines' neck. Now finally it is the beginning of the end of the Marxist Obama administrations complete gutting of America. with crushing defeats in key states the folks seem to finally be coming out of their trance. - More...
Wednesday - November 04, 2009

Loggerville By Rob Holston - On November 9, 2009 the KGB Assembly will be discussing Ward Cove, Loggerville and any other proposals that may be presented. - More...
Wednesday - November 04, 2009

Haloacetic Acid in the drinking water By Peggy Ayers - I am writing to let Dayle Amundson (and any other persons concerned with Haloacetic Acid in the water exceeding acceptable limits) know that according to the Minnesota Department of Health Haloacetic Acid can be removed from the drinking water using a Carbon Activated Filter. They can be installed as a whole house system or an under the sink system for use in drinking and cooking water. I do not know where these units can be purchased but I'm sure they can be found. - More...
Wednesday - November 04, 2009

Monday PM - November 02, 2009

Electric Heat By Samuel Bergeron - With the Swan-Tyee electrical intertie coming on line, it would be in all of our best interest as rate payers and owners of KPU and the Intertie, that we use it to its fullest extent. - More...
Monday PM - November 02, 2009

Health Care is in the Toilet! By Marie-Jeanne Cadle - I am still trying to get over the absurd implication by Mr. Peter Jensen a few months ago that un/underinsured people will somehow dirty his private toilet as he refers to his current health care. Mr. Jensen is also worried that access to health care by these apparently dirty individuals like myself, will somehow limit his access. I can assure Mr. Jensen that people such as myself; un/underinsured, will never have the opportunity to soil his precious private health care because 1) Mr. Jensen is Native American and has health care provided at tax payer expense that will never be available to the un/underinsured non-natives and 2) Mr. Jensen is military and has health care proved at tax payer expense that will never be available to un/underinsured non-military. - More...
Monday PM - November 02, 2009

Ward Cove by Rob Holston - I appreciate the information provided by the Ward Cove PIEER Group. Your idea of "..designting sections for appropriate uses." is in agreement with the Ward Cove Focus Group meeting Oct. 13, that called for the KGB to subdivide and offer for sale in a way compatible with community needs & economic development. I will be presenting the Loggerville Small Boat Harbor Business Plan at the next PLEADAC meeting the evening of Nov. 4, 2009. Anyone wanting to view plan details prior to the meeting, please email me. Plan Summary to follow: - More...
Monday PM - November 02, 2009

Ward Cove By Don Borders - What's next in the on going saga of local government mismanagement? It's been eleven years ago that the Ward Cove Pulp Plant shut down and then average incomes for the area dropped extremely low. It's only been from outside help from the federal legislators and departments like Homeland Security that have influxed the local incomes to regenerate the revenue which fuels the two local governments through the taxation of the populous. (Walmart helped also, however it's the next to the smallest store they have.) Boys and Girls, it is time to quit playing games and get the property back on to the tax roles. - More...
Monday PM - November 02, 2009

Re: Congressional leadership By Jim Dornblaser - Mr. Stallings' letter is rather harsh in inferring Congress' lacking of leadership. He seems to prefer "Oligarchy" rule in handing policy/law making over to an un-elected body. - More...
Monday PM - November 02, 2009

Personal losses By Don Borders - I wish I had kept a list of all the Ketchikan Pulp Mill employees. In the past few months I knew three of the ex- pulp mills' employees who have died. The last one was Mike Diverty (see Coast Guard suspends search for Sitka Fisherman Monday, Oct. 26, 2009 ) Mike lost his home, his dignity and his family in losing his job due to the actions of the "Tree Huggers" forcing the closure of the Pulp Mill. - More...
Monday PM - November 02, 2009

Mike Smith's Photos By Peter Bolling - There is little I have enjoyed more in the past month or so than logging on to SitNews and finding a new photo by Mike Smith. Poetic. Thanks Mike. - More...
Monday PM - November 02, 2009

Haloacetic acid By Dayle Amundson - I also worry about what haloacetic acid does to humans. I just read Peggy Ayers letter. It is interesting that the KGB mails Mt. Point consumers of the water papers saying it has too much haloacetic acid in the water (over federal guidelines). I now BUY my drinking water. - More...
Monday - November 02, 2009

Tolerance, Good Grief By Charles Schilli - Ms Abajian, have you attended college? Those who believe they know best for every one are, in my experience, far more likely to be young and overly sure of themselves, and "Liberals". (They are not actually liberals, but totalitarians.) - More...
Monday - November 02, 2009

Tuesday - October 27, 2009

Congressional leadership By Shelley Stallings - Regarding Senator Murkowski's op-ed, if Congress would take a leadership role in solving climate change issues, the EPA would not have to step in and do your job for you. Congress, both Democrats & Republicans have "dragged their feet" for years in implementing the legislative changes we need to protect us from the affects of changes in the atmosphere brought on by rapidly increasing carbon emissions due to population increases and industrial expansion. For you to attempt to put the blame on the EPA is disingenuous at best. - More...
Tuesday - October 27, 2009

In response to "Tolerance of Others" By Roxanne Abajian - Good Grief... Are you kidding me? - More...
Tuesday - October 27, 2009

Friday - October 23, 2009

Ward Cove Park for Innovative Economic and Environmental Renewal (PIEER) By Alethea Johnson , Larry Jackson, Katie Jo Parrott, Wayne Weihing & Joanna Desanto - Twelve years after the closure of the Pulp Mill, Ketchikan is still grappling with how to handle Ward Cove. The Borough Assembly is poised to dispose of Ward Cove as quickly as possible and we understand their urgency. After all, we have been "sitting" on the property for a long time and it costs the Borough money every day to maintain it. One of the options under consideration is auctioning it off in pieces without any overall plan. But Ward Cove's greatest potential will not be realized by a scattershot approach to development. Rather, what would most benefit this community is a creative and comprehensive plan for the long term use of Ward Cove that encourages stewardship of the property. - More...
Friday - October 23, 2009

Fire Safety Education By Liz Hook - I would like to send a thank you out to all the firefighters who donated their time to help run the Fire Safety Trailer this last month. I think it is wonderful that our local firefighters consider it to be their duty to teach fire safety education to all members of our community; not just the members who happen to live in their service area. - More...
Friday - October 23, 2009

Cut Exports of Rare Earth Minerals By Sen. Lisa Murkowski - Clean energy technologies face a range of obstacles. The credit crunch has slowed capital investment, disputes have arisen over which lands are suitable for infrastructure, and the electric grid has sometimes proved incapable of handling new generation. Over the long run, however, our most difficult challenge may be our most fundamental: ensuring a stable supply of the raw materials needed to manufacture clean energy technologies in the first place. - More...
Friday - October 23, 2009

Tolerance of others. By Charles Schilli - Mr Schenk, I have difficulty in finding anything hateful in Mr Johnson's post. What he is saying is, in fact, in line with many things I have run into as a live aboard. - More...
Friday - October 23, 2009

Simple Minded Labels By Charlotte Tanner - Thank you James Schenk. - More...
Friday - October 23, 2009

Haloacetic Acid By Peggy Ayers - In response to Kirk Amundson's letter regarding haloacetic acid; this link is very interesting and may provide some answers for him. -More...
Friday - October 23, 2009

Tuesday - October 20, 2009

Open Letter: KPU By David G. Hanger - Upon further reflection I have concluded that our telephone conversation of last Thursday afternoon is so fascinating the whole town ought be in on it. Let us begin by pointing out that I called about the fact that you lied to GCI when they contacted you to transfer my account by claiming my ancillary phone numbers had been reassigned, when in fact you knew they had not been re-assigned; merely the beginning of the grotesque retaliatory tactics your company has engaged in. My call, after the concerned intervention of our mayor, was to reverse your previous nonsense of lying to GCI about my phone numbers, and to arrange for said numbers to be transferred to GCI. - More...
Tuesday - October 20, 2009

Congress, not the EPA, Should Lead Climate Battle By U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski - Congress is currently engaged in one of the most complex policy debates of our time -- how best to mitigate climate change without harming the economy. - More...
Tuesday - October 20, 2009

Drinking Water By Vanessa McElory Alderson - In response to Kirk Amundson's "Drinking Water" request, per a report on the U.S. Department of the Interior's website (they manage water in the western states), Haloacetic Acids may cause an increase in cancer. - More...
Tuesday - October 20, 2009

Simple minded Labels By James Schenk - I oppose the kind of hate you have so deliberately set out like most of your conservative ilk who have no manners and indeed, go out of your way to insult people with racial and mean attacks, as you have published here. - More...
Tuesday - October 20, 2009

Monday - October 19, 2009

Conservative vs. Liberal By A.M. Johnson - Often there is debate on what differentiates a Conservative from a Liberal persona. the need has become paramount with the current political scene being played out by our current President and his Congress. - More...
Monday - October 19, 2009

Fighting at bus stops By Kara (McElroy) Steele - My question to Karen Brown is WHY didn't you call 911 immediately seeing this all unfold??? That's where it apparently needs to start, then on to the parents about their children's behavior at the bus stop. Unfortunately this has been going on for sometime if they think they can do that openly around others. Next time call the police, and make sure they pursue on to the parents to start reeling in their kids. - More...
Monday - October 19, 2009

Disenrollment By Alice and Gene Sloan - If a family must move from their tribal area to find work, why must they be removed from the rolls? If a spouse chooses to live near their partner's family in a different community as many do, why should they be disenrolled/disenfranchised? In this vast world that is becoming smaller everyday with communicaton and travel, why must this type of action be taken? - More...
Monday - October 19, 2009

Saturday - October 17, 2009

KIC Election October 19th: No to Proposition 2 By Axel & Kathleen Svenson - Get out and vote at the KIC Special election at the Mall Monday, 8 - 8! This election is crucial for all tribal members. The silence surrounding the election, and particularly the silence on Proposition 2, should speak volumes to you. This silence is a big red flag waving to all concerned. - More...
Saturday - October 17, 2009

WARD COVE FOCUS GROUP By Rob Holston - A group of local interested citizens met for nearly 2 hours on Oct. 13, 2009 at the offices of R&M Engineering to discuss Ward Cove. Trevor Sande provided maps of the pulp mill side of the cove with subdivision and roadway boundaries indicated. The subdivision plan had been previously prepared for a past owner of Ward Cove. - More...
Saturday - October 17, 2009

Thank you all for a Successful Car Show By Laurel Bray - The Ketchikan Kruzers Car Club would like to extend a huge thank you to the Ketchikan Plaza for allowing us, along with the Ketchikan Harley Riders Association to have a car/bike show inside the Plaza on October 10th and 11th. To Judy and Dave Zenge and your Plaza staff, we can't thank you enough for helping us make this a successful show. Who would have thought 20 cars could fit inside the Plaza. We asked the public to vote for their favorite cars, by Saturday night we had a 3 way tie for all 3 places. We continued the voting on Sunday and the winners were: - More...
Saturday - October 17, 2009

Kids at bus stops By Karen Brown - Every morning I take my foster grandson to the bus stop. We sit and wait until the bus leaves for Fawn Mountain. In the last few mornings we have watched children from the Houghtling Bus Stop. We have watched them fighting with each other. One morning, one little boy was being sat on while others were "tickling" him, rocks are thrown at kids and at other people's property. There are a lot of children here and some are rather small and can't fight back. My daughter went over and rescued the little boy who was being sat on, the day before or sometime last week she spoke to them about throwing rocks at each other and property. - More...
Saturday - October 17, 2009

Drinking water By Kirk Amundson - This is to ask a few questions -- what cancers does haloacetic acids cause??? How many years does this take to cause cancer??? Why are we spending 4.2 million if we don't know if this is going to fix the problem??? - More...
Saturday - October 17, 2009

Focus on the positive By Ivy Rose - I have tried really hard not to write any opinions on Sitnews and to say what is on my mind, but after reading so many of the letters written -- and granted the letters are just opinions -- it made me think. What if when we get put into situations that we don't like or agree with, we look at the situation as a whole? - More...
Saturday - October 17, 2009

Afghanistan Debacle On The Horizon? By Donald A. Moskowitz - President Obama is trying to decide our military strategy in Afghanistan. He is mulling over input from his civilian and military advisers, and members of Congress, but he cannot make a timely decision because of his lack of military and national security experience. His community organizing background is not very helpful in this situation. - More...
Saturday - October 17, 2009

RE: LAWYERS AND MEANINGFUL HEALTH CARE REFORM By Chris Elliott - Great letter! Between tort reform and making insurance companies compete across state lines, we'd have a winner! - More...
Saturday - October 17, 2009

Tuesday - October 13, 2009

LAWYERS AND MEANINGFUL HEALTH CARE REFORM By Andy Rauwolf - Thirty years ago my family doctor explained to me that one of the biggest reasons he had to charge so much for his services was because of the high cost of his malpractice insurance. Since that time this problem has only gotten worse. - More...
Tuesday - October 13, 2009

Noise Complaint? By Terri Wenger - Well today was a rough one and it's not over yet. We have had a car alarm going off for over 4 hours, and still going. There has been more than one complaint to the police department. A car alarm is loud and very irritating. Migraine Headache Style. But our police department can't do anything about it, why? I have a scanner and believe me the petty tattle telling that goes on and our police have to respond to is terrible in this town. This isn't petty, why can't you file a noise complaint on car alarms? Why do people use car alarms in this small town? - More...
Tuesday - October 13, 2009

Ridiculous policies By Holly Finley - Oh Lordy don't get me started on how ridiculous KIC's policies are, perhaps they should take some notes from the Native hospital in Anchorage where I've had the pleasure of being taken care of completely by the doctors and staff. - More...
Tuesday - October 13, 2009

High Costs & Judgmental Medicine By Charles Moon - I am so sad that Mr. Parks feels the way he does about his medical care. The fact that he is alive and able to write his opinions means the system worked for him. I am sure Mr. Parks has a family and friends that love him. There is no price that can be put on a human life. I could have been his nurse at KGH or on the ambulance that saved his life. - More...
Tuesday - October 13, 2009

Littering By Dustin Hofeling - To the person(s) who sees fit to throw their McDonald's wrappers out their window on Ketchikan Lakes Road every single day - shame on you! How can you be so disrespectful of other people's property, the land, and our city? - More...
Tuesday - October 13, 2009

Customer Service By Holly Finley - Poor and negligent customer service is on the rise. I understand we all have our days and your energy affects those around you, having said that, I'm not getting paid to shop at your store, however you are getting paid to provide a service. That is your purpose. If you are going to do a job, do it well. A smile and good manners goes a LONG way. - More...
Tuesday - October 13, 2009

Monday - October 05, 2009

How Can We Survive as a Community Without Access to Public Lands? By Myla Poelstra - News of the upcoming Senate hearing on S. 881, the Southeast Alaska Native Land Entitlement Finalization Act, or "the Sealaska bill," has sent a wave of disbelief and disappointment throughout our community. For years we have been reaching out to our Senators and Congressman, imploring them to take a closer look at the devastating impact this legislation will have on Edna Bay and other Prince of Wales communities. We have sent more than 1200 letters to our government over the past two years trying to get someone to listen. - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

Vote Yes on pool issue By Wayne Kinunen - Ketchikan Borough citizens, On this upcoming Tuesday, I am encouraging you to vote yes on Proposition 2 which will provide Ketchikan with a new pool at no increase in your taxes. Reasons: - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

Please write in Michelle Houtcooper By Michelle Houtcooper - I would greatly appreciate your write in vote on October 6th for the Ketchikan Gateway School Board.  - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

Pool By Walt Hoefe - In 1968 I was elected to the Borough Assembly. My main platform was to push for a pool/pools. We had a lot of projects going at the time: Valley Park School, High School addition, White Cliff upgrades, Airport Terminal, buying two airport ferries. It was an exciting time, what with all the public works projects. - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

School Zones: Slow Down the Speed Limit is 20mph By Amber Anderson - Failure to enforce the school zone speed limits are a tragedy in waiting. I am appalled at the lack of concern of our children's' safety here in Ketchikan. Over the course of a year I have witnessed that most drivers drive far above the posted limit. These drivers do not come into any stereotype. Offenders to yield to this school zone are young, middle aged and older. They are city bus drivers, cab drivers, city workers, people dropping their kids off at school and those going to work. The worst time is during the time children are walking to school and their bus stops and then again when school lets out, for these times are when everyone is in a hurry getting to school, work or returning home. I know this because I stand with my children as we wait for their buses. I stand out there on Schoenbar every morning and afternoon. Schoenbar has a bend in the road across from the charter schools and there are kids walking along the opposite side of the road where there is no sidewalk. Cars drive so fast around the bend that they often have to slam on their brakes just in time to notice a school bus with their flashing lights. Or worse blow past them. In addition, cars often don't stop for children at the cross walks. - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

RE: THE DEVIL WEARS POOL-LA By Vanessa Nowland - THE DEVIL WEARS POOL-LA is quite honestly one of the best pieces of entertainment to come out of Ketchikan in a long time. Thank you Mr. Dial for sharing your knowledge on the financial hurdles we as a community are up against. - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

High Costs & Judgmental Medicine By Ken Parks - I was transported in 07 to Harborview Medical Center for injuries sustained during an auto accident I didn't cause, the bill just about killed me as the amount exceeded any expectation I could have afforded.... 25,000 dollars for a 2 hour flight with life support was the amount to fly with Guardian Flight. I realize we have to pay for our services that are provided, but that's a little steep by me. I could have died, without the assistance, but it seems to be a little extreme don't you think???? - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

Swimming Pool By Kim O'Shea - It is refreshing to see your support for development of a community facility. You have certainly hit the needs of many of our communities.an aquatic facility that can accommodate everyone. Every day, we are seeing the need for pools that aqua-aerobics, hydrotherapy, lessons programs and competitive clubs can use. - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

Urination (proper word) By Jacquie Meck - Mr. Bolling, you were quick to attack Ms. Elliott's solution to a very large problem our young people share with a great deal of the world, but my questions to you are: - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Elections By Cecelia Johnson - Elections for the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) is coming up fast. When you vote it is important to vote for an individual who promotes tribal membership input. The Health Board has been changed to Health Committee and the public no longer can vote for their health representative. They are now appointed by tribal council. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Kyle Palmer & Upcoming Elections By Cheryl L. Dodson - I am the grandmother of Kyle Palmer, the young man who was shot in the face while asleep in his apartment in Ketchikan on September 1, 2009. Our family is finally at the point where we can thank and acknowledge the beautiful people who have sent their love, prayers and good wishes to us. We especially want to express our appreciation to those of you from Ketchikan who have come together as a community in showing your love and support for Kyle. You are too numerous to name individually, but we will not forget each and every one of you. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Vote Yes for the New Pool By Mike Dooley - I agree with Zig Ziegler 100%, and I will certainly vote yes for the new pool. I use the pool on a daily basis. Mr. Ziegler's letter did a great job listing the folks that use the pool, and I thank him for his research. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

PLEASE SUPPORT A NEW POOL! By Lois Munch - One summer day, when rain canceled a tennis game, I went to the newly opened pool to swim. And thus began a relationship that continues today. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

THE DEVIL WEARS POOL-LA By Rodney Dial - After my last letter regarding the pool I received phone calls, emails and had people stop me to comment on the letter. Only one of those I talked to still believed we should build the mega pool, and not renovate our existing facility. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Let's vote for a new pool By R.K. Rice - As a regular user of the pool, and observer of the non-stop use of the pool, I would hope we can continue access to this vital facility. Reading the letters from native Ketchikanites who recall numerous, yearly drownings of their classmates, before we had a pool, dramatically illustrated how important this pool is for the safety of Ketchikan's children. Swim teams, Killer Whales, kids birthday pool parties are all healthy activities to help our children make good choices. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Re: Important Community Information - The Pool Vote By Ken Bylund - Rodney Dial's lengthy, and yet chillingly accurate report on the Borough's decision to press on with the Mike Smithers Pool replacement, has gone unchallenged by the promoters for this > $fifty million dollar debt$ < that will be attached to our future... they want it, and if or when they don't want it anymore, they can just sell their property, and move away. Their names are not attached to this loan; it is our property that is attached... does this sound like an alluring consideration for them who might be thinking to move here... or another reason to leave? - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

VOTE By Denise Buker - Just a question for Mr. Dial and his opposition to the pool intiative...he stated in his letter: "..Valley park pool can be re-opened while Mike Smithers Pool is being renovated, meaning that we will ALWAYS have an open pool." - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Vote for the Pool By Steve Clossick - Even though I do not live in Ketchikan anymore, I want to express my support of the NEW POOL in Ketchikan. I moved from Ketchikan 4 years ago and used the pool on the regular basis. I also coached KKW under Coach Martin during my time in Ketchikan.- More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Workshop for Creek Street HD Zone By Richard Harney - The Planning Department will be holding a Workshop session on November 10 at noon in the Assembly Chambers, in the White Cliff building to discuss the Creek Street Historic District's section of code. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Write In Chris Barry for School Board By Chris Barry - Hi. I am running for School Board as a write in candidate. As a write in candidate, the voter must spell the name correctly and fill in the bubble. My name is Chris Barry. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Customer service By Bill Hartley - I wanted to express my opinion on the customer service at a north of town retailer. It's my opinion that the workers there may not be extremely well paid so I don't expect to be treated like family when I walk in the door, so here's what I do... get what I need and get the heck out. It works for me. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Customer Service By Heather Montero - I just thought I should add that I applaud the people who DO have good customer service skills at Walmart. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Poor customer service By Ken Arriola - To you with complaints of negative customer service at our local stores, sorry that someone hurt your "feel goods". If you perceive this to be a serious and/or pandemic problem among store personnel then, your concerns rightfully should be addressed by the store management, public forum won't get you far. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Customer Service By Lisa Martin - I agree when it comes to customer service, despite if it's minimum wage or not. WE all work for our money and would like it if someone would acknowledge our presence once in a while or make an effort to put forth seeing that we may need help. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Health care By Jessica Rollberg - I have been a working, tax paying citizen for over 10 years now and have gone without health insurance for 8 because of my inability to afford it. I pray constantly that nothing will happen to me so that I can continue to support my family. I graduated from college, I am educated. There is no reason that I should have to fear for myself and my families welfare should I fall victim to illness. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Saturday AM - September 26, 2009

Vote Yes for the New Pool By Zig Ziegler - I am a strong supporter of the bond issue for the new pool. I have been an active user of the pool since it was built and have seen how broad=based the activities there are. Just the other day I saw the pool utilized by mothers and fathers with infants, a crew from a cruiseship doing lifeboat training, physical therapy for young adults to older adults, and the school swim teams. This was just a portion of the day! - More...
Saturday AM - September 26, 2009

Pace and Borough Atty. By Michael Moyer - After reading Mr. Adams letter concerning his child and the help PACE has provided and then reading the attached threat by Mr. Brandt-Erichson, I would suggest Mr. Brandt-Erichson be terminated immediately from employment by the Ketchikan Gateway Borough. - More...
Saturday AM - September 26, 2009

Customer Service By Heather Montero - I have just read the letters about customer service at Walmart. I lost a necklace there and when I asked if anyone has turned it in, I got an immediate NO. She didn't even bother to look in the box under the counter or go in the back room and take a peek. So unless she already looked for my necklace and knew it wasn't in there before I got there she really didn't care and she made that very clear to me. - More...
Saturday AM - September 26, 2009

Smile By Lorrie Gunya - If Alaska Airlines could see how customers are being treated here at Ketchikan International Airport, most likely all would be demoted, or whatever their policy & procedures are. - More...
Saturday AM - September 26, 2009

Customer service By Tom Hanson - To all these people complaining about the service they recieve, it's pretty simple, if you get treated bad once um ok. You get treated bad twice not good, but to have multiple bad experiences??? Why do you keep shopping there? Is the crappy service worth the extra $2.31 cents you're gonna save? Or are you using that much in gas to get there? - More...
Saturday AM - September 26, 2009

Kyle Palmer Fundraiser By Rhonda Green - Congratulations to Kayla, Tre', Danika, and all of the other Ketchikan High School students involved in putting together the Concert/Spaghetti feed fundraiser event for Kyle Palmer! - More...
Saturday AM - September 26, 2009

Thursday - September 24, 2009

PACE By Lonnie Adams - Good Day all. My name is Lonnie Adams and I am a 27 year resident of Ketchikan, my wife Lisa and have been married for 16 years. My two children were born and raise here in Ketchikan, we have one child in 7th grade at Schoenbar and one in fourth grade at Holy Name. Our youngest child was blessed with dyslexia and has struggled in school from the beginning. In third grade her teacher did research on dyslexia and our daughter had the same characteristics, after struggling for years to help, and get her help we finally have a direction that does help her, my wife spent countless hours researching ways to help her finally finding Camille Booth with the Pace Program out of Craig, AK. - More...
Thursday - September 24, 2009

Voting in Hydaburg's City Election By Frances C. Natkong - To Registered Voters of Hydaburg: I'm writing once again with the threat of being sued hanging over my head because I feel that our school here in Hydaburg needs to be about the children again. Right now there are two (2) teachers for Kindergarten to 5th grades. Sounds like way back in the day when all grades were grouped in one class. We're supposed to be moving ahead not going further back. - More...
Thursday - September 24, 2009

Catching a Can in Ketchikan By Bill Rentz - Great and informative article on the history of canning in Ketchikan! We have a very interesting history for such a young city. The fish wars were one of the most exciting. - More...
Thursday - September 24, 2009

Cats, Wolves, Winter By Ardath Piston - If you let your cats outside to roam, the likelihood that they will be eaten, hit by a car, stolen, or killed by ingesting poison is high. There are many possibilities as to why a cat does not come home besides being eaten by a wolf. If you let your cats outside, you must accept that they may not return. - More...
Thursday - September 24, 2009

Multiple pool indoor facility By Mick Nelson & Sue Nelson - The USA Swimming Facilities Development Department is pleased to learn of the community's interest in developing a multiple pool indoor aquatic facility that would include pools for not only competitive swimming but also pools and programs dedicated to water safety for children and health and wellness for adults. - More...
Thursday - September 24, 2009

Concert/ Spaghetti feed fundraiser By Kayla Howe - On October 8th, Ketchikan High School is holding a fund raiser for Kyle Palmer. As we all know Kyle is recovering at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. Kyle is uninsured and will be requiring extensive surgeries. - More...
Thursday - September 24, 2009

RE: Customer service By Candice Bailey - I am a frequent shopper at our local big box store. I have had more bad shopping experiences there than good ones. - More...
Thursday - September 24, 2009

Monday PM - September 21, 2009

Alaska Airlines Fails to Live Up To New Moto, "North of Expected" By Russell Thomas - Before Alaska Airlines rolls out another catchy slogan to adorn its uniforms and promotional material, they ought to spend some time talking with their team about how it might actually be implemented. Yesterday I watched as nearly twenty of their customers were left in the Ketchikan lobby because, although they had been in line for more than hour, they checked in too late for the flight. Although most of my 45 clients and their bags made the 6:15 a.m. ferry, the ferry was too full to allow our last van (carrying some of the luggage) to board the ferry. When the last van did arrive the lobby was stilled packed with people and fish that had arrived on the 6:15 a.m. ferry. The people whose luggage arrived on the 6:45 a.m. ferry lined up behind the others who were already patiently waiting in line. - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

Drugs By Ken Lewis - It is understandable that we have an emotional outrage over drug use, locally, regionally and nationally. And that focusing upon our young adults just might curb future use. But if the reason we send our youth to public schools is to get the best education, then I will suggest the following: - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

To pee or not to pee By Chris Elliott - I'm confused. Is the current drug testing policy, the one in place in the Ketchikan School District, unconstitutional? What about Acton v. Vernonia? Is it lawful to drug test students who participate in extracurricular activities? My suggestion or recommendation that parents and teachers work together on a plan for selective or suspicion-based drug testing was just that. Perhaps it wasn t as clear as it could have been, but I was envisioning a voluntary, confidential program. My whole point was that it should not be punitive. In addition, I would strongly disagree that the only information teachers have is gossip picked up in the hallways. - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

To Pee or Not to Pee By Kristenia Johnson - I would first like to say that while I agree that drug testing should be performed and more frequently with no interference from coaches, it is not the only problem facing children and teens today. I do not know if drugs or alcohol were involved in the recent suicides but there certainly was no reference of them in the police reports as I saw. This should show that a mental or emotional issue was prominent and along with the debate (and action) of drug testing should be the debate (and action) of helping our young adults with their mental and emotional wellbeing. - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

Wolves in Ward Lake area By Ardath Piston - It is always good to be aware of wolf activity in our area. I appreciate Meghan Hogben taking the time to inform everyone that the packs are making their way closer to town. - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

Wolves By Bev Newell - I read Meghan Hogben's SitNews letter about wolves. We have two of our cats missing since April to Sept 3rd. Our last cat went missing Sept. 3rd. We were told by Humane Society for Animals that wolves could have gotten our last cat. It is odd, three cats missing in four months. One of our neighbors cats went missing this summer too. That makes three cats that I know of missing. - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

Gas Prices By Steve Randall - While visiting Juneau this past week (Sept. 18, 2009), I was astounded to see gas prices at multiple service stations that were 60-70 cents a gallon cheaper than any in Ketchikan. - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

Customer Service By Cayenne Rowton - Moving to Ketchikan from larger cities in the south has been quite an experience. Mostly positive, I find this town to be refreshing in its simplicity and beauty. Being that there are limited places to shop for general goods, I too am a frequent visitor to the local Wal-Mart. - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

Mr. Fisherman Sculpture By Mary Ida Henrikson - Regarding the "Mr. Fisherman" wire sculpture divers found off the Arctic Bar Deck, don't you just love that art is everywhere in Ketchikan? - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

Sobriety Walk By Wanda Isaacs - On Saturday, September 26, 2009 in Klawock there will be an island wide Sobriety Walk. The event is intended for families and individuals. - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

Reckless Health Care Changes By Donald A. Moskowitz - President Obama continues to pitch his reckless and unrealistic health care initiative to the public. "Big Brother" Obama wants Congress to pass a bill quickly before Congress and the public understand the plan. - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

Abusive treatment of animals By Alka Chandna - Reports of color blindness experiments on squirrel monkeys at the University of Washington (UW) have only speculated on any relevance to human beings and have failed entirely to mention the pain and misery suffered by the hundreds of monkeys, cats, dogs, gerbils, and rats used by the experimenters over the past 25 years. These animals are invariably forced to endure lives of deprivation, terror, depression, and physical trauma. - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

Mega-disaster pool By James Schenk - Thank you Mr. Dial. I appreciate your watch. - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

Thursday - September 17, 2009

Important Community Information By Rodney Dial - As you decide how you will vote on the proposed Pool bonds on October 6th, you may want to consider the following concerning the health of the City and Borough finances: - More...
Thursday - September 17, 2009

To Pee or Not to Pee By Evan Bolling - Aside from the extreme unconstitutionality of the current drug testing system, the proposal for a "selective drug testing policy" offered by Chris Elliot is much MUCH worse. - More...
Thursday - September 17, 2009

Suicide and abuse problems in Ketchkan By Donna Teal - I have read all letters with interest lately on this subject. - More...
Thursday - September 17, 2009

North Slope seas contain oil and gas vital to US By Senator Lisa Murkowski - Alaska's offshore oil and natural gas resources are vital to the nation's strategic economic and energy security. That's why I strongly support responsible exploration and production in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas. - More...
Thursday - September 17, 2009

Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Drug Testing By Chris Elliott - As parents we are sometimes (oftentimes?) oblivious to what is going on right in front of us. We can't see the forest for the trees. We can't believe that our child would lie to us or take drugs or routinely drink too much. We believe that because their friends come from "good" homes, everything is fine. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

KPU DIESEL GENERATION EXPLANATION By Pete Ellis - The reasoning behind running diesel generators at this time of year needs to be further explained by KPU so that we can understand the economics involved in not waiting to see the effect of Tyee connection access and the extent of lake level changes that will be occurring later in the year as affected by Tyee and our further rainfall. Or perhaps the Tyee connection will cost more than the diesel generation? - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

RE: They just don't get it By Dave Kiffer - On Sept. 8, the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly authorized $6,000 for a voter pamphlet for the swimming pool bond issue AND the transient occupancy tax changes. It is now estimated that the pamphlet will actually cost approximately $3,200. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Yes to Proposition 2 By Mary Schulz - YES, it is time to replace the Mike Smithers' pool with a new facility. The movement to build pools in Alaska began 40 years ago. The State of Alaska recognized the value of pools in each community and developed a plan to assist with the pool projects through the Department of Education. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Airlift Northwest's History By Shelly Deering - In 1978, a Sitka house fire left 3 children severely burned. Dr. Michael Copass, founder of Airlift Northwest, was teaching there at the time and spent the day assisting Dr. Longenbaugh in caring for and trying to arrange transfer of these critically injured children to the regional burn center in Seattle. The children died before this could happen. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Don't be too quick By Evan Bolling - Let's play a quick session of Q&A. Question: Does Ketchikan have a major drug abuse problem? Answer:Yes. Question II: Is that drug abuse the major force behind the recent suicides? Answer: No. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Suicide, Violence, and Drug Abuse. By Ken Bylund - At thirteen [1955], two friends and I went to see "Rebel Without a Cause" [a movie] at the local cinema's 25 cent matinee; a few weeks later one friend began acting out, the distraught, misunderstood, unreachable character of young Jim Stark, arguing with his girl friend - and she played her part too - both seeming to enjoy the drama... then he did something that stunned us all. Won't go into detail, just that we all went to the funeral parlor, saw his mother sitting in a chair, her back against black curtains, crying her eyes out -- we all felt bad -- there in his coffin, rosy cheeks and handsome, was our friend, Doug. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Rendezvous Senior Day Services Adult Day Program - Adult Day Services week is celebrated September 21-25th by centers like Rendezvous Senior Day Services across the nation. Alaska has 12 adult day programs across the state, two in Southeast Alaska. Rendezvous Senior Day Services currently has an adult day program, among other programs which support our community. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Eyes Finally Opening By Nicole Esau - Upon watching and reading SitNews lately I have to say that I am encouraged that the people of Ketchikan are finally opening their eyes! - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

I Do Not Assert A Stigma By Harold A. Maio - There is such a stigma regarding Mental Health. The sentence actually reads, "I associate such a stigma." It is the writer's statement. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Mayor's support of 347 Bawden EPA Assessment By Kenneth Carpenter - As the owners of 347 Bawden Street, we extend our public thanks to Mayor Lew Williams III for his writing a letter of support for EPA assessment on the behalf of the City of Ketchikan. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

The Time Is NOW To Act By Kristenia Johnson - After my letter was published on Sitnews I received a number of responses from my friends and family congratulating me on saying what they have been thinking for years. I also received a reply from a man I did not know who shared his struggles with staying positive while growing up in Ketchikan and having to combat depression almost year round during the rain. He suffers from SAD. I also knew to expect those replies who did not whole or at all agree with my opinion, one opinion more personal to me was from my boyfriend. While he agreed with some of what I said he still had his disagreements and it hurt me to hear a semi-lack of support from him. I soon realized that this was my big test to understand that not everyone shares the same opinion. However, this is not about me or whether you believe my opinion is one sided or not. Aren't all opinions usually geered toward one side? This is about protecting and saving our children and our town from drugs, alcohol and disruptive behavior which will most likely lead to a life in and out and in jail again. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Suicide By Tracey Horne Scadden - Having read Ms. Martin's letter on her thoughts about suicide.I applaud you for taking the stand it wasn't your fault. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Wolves By Meghan Hogben - This is a letter to warn people who are walking dogs in the Ward Lake area. Minutes before 8 pm tonight my boyfriend and I were walking our dog on the road down to Ward Lake, they were unmistakable -- wolves, five of them, and they wanted our dog. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

RE: Memorial fund By Linda Beaupre - First of all, my condolences to the Azure family. Not only do they have to grieve for their son, but they also have to process the tragic circumstances of his death. I cannot imagine the heartache they must be experiencing right now. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Monday - September 14, 2009

Response to "Enough" By Rebecca Clark - I couldn't agree with Mr. Ziegler more! Drugs, murder and suicide seem to be a big problem; EVERYWHERE! It seems more threatening when it is closer to home. "Gatekeepers" is a suicide prevention coalition that had their open house last night. I encourage those in our community who want to be proactive in the fight against these monstrosities(both physical and spiritual) to attend upcoming invitations. - More...
Monday - September 14, 2009

Ketchikan Youth By Sara Skan - After reading and agreeing with Public Nuisance by Harry Howard, it got me thinking. Yes, there are quite a bit of Ketchikan youth that is disrespectful, destructive amongst other things. However, there is also a side of our beautiful town's youth that is worth encouraging. Three of my four children are enrolled in the Ketchikan school district, on many occasions my oldest has spoken with me about the things that are said and done on the bus, the way the "older kids talk" It makes me nervous to send her off! She is learning things that she shouldn't know at her age, things their father and I should be discussing with them at what we feel is the appropriate time. As a parent I also know that I am responsible for teaching my children to have good judgment and knowing the difference between right and wrong. Having respect and compassion for their elders and one another. - More...
Monday - September 14, 2009

Worried By Rebecca Simpson - I am a concerned citizen of Ketchikan and worried about the children and young adults in our area. There is so many actions being taken by the young people in our area. With all the drug and alcohol use in this town, WHY isn't drug & alcohol awareness being taught to our students? - More...
Monday - September 14, 2009

RE: Too many suicides and attempts By Charlanne Heath - While I realize that this forum is intended to spout your own point of view to a community, Kristenia Johnson's letter is a typical one-sided point of view. - More...
Monday - September 14, 2009

Mental Health Stigma By Jan Cadero - This letter is in response to Mykayla Martin's letter regarding too many suicides or attempts. Mykayla, it is really sad that you at the young age of 17, have a strong opinion regarding suicide. And it is a tragic thing that anyone should have to deal with, but you should not say it is an easy way out. - More...
Monday - September 14, 2009

Healthcare reform By Dale Albertson - In reading Dale McFeatters' oped on Healthcare reform I was inclined to ignore this issue. However, truth always wins out. Revisit the "speech" on this matter to the joint session. It is empty of fact or substance, full of rhetoric and grandstanding. There is plenty of denial on issues dear to the citizens but empty of sources to back up those denials, just denial, oh, and threats against any who oppose the "reforms". Here is just one "fact" relative to peoples concerns: In an article by Byron York, Chief Political Correspondent, The Washington Examiner, entitled: "Health care reform means more power for the IRS", he claims that the IRS would become the main agency charged with determining if you have "acceptable" health insurance. This article inspired Herman Cain, "The Herman Cain Show" to do some research. He found the following little tidbit: "It's Division A, Title IV on pages 167-215 called Amendments to IRS Code of 1986. The expanded powers of the IRS in H.R. 3200 would empower the IRS to require taxpayers to show proof of health insurance coverage, collect fines on individuals and employers who did not have adequate proof of health insurance and determine whether your health insurance was a government approved plan." - More...
Monday - September 14, 2009

Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

Time to say "Enough" By Zig Ziegler - There is a huge problem in Ketchikan that appears to be the undercurrent to much of the criminal activity, suicides and social problems we are experiencing. That problem is drugs, specifically, meth and oxycontin. I would be willing to wager that drug use is directly linked to so much of what our community has been facing over the past few years. Is Ketchikan alone in this? Certainly not. Is that an excuse for not taking on this problem head on? Absolutely not. - More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

RE: Too many suicides and attempts By Kristenia Johnson - I am having a hard time believing that people in Ketchikan could solely blame a person for ending their own life.There are two (from what I understand) different suicides in a matter of a few months in Ketchikan and neither share two commonalities. - More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

Kyle Palmer Had KIC insurance...but By Wayne Beaupre - Ketchikan Indian Corp has refused to cover Kyle Palmer, a 23 year member of Ketchikan Indian Corp because, they were not notified first. - More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

They just don't get it By Jon Van Essen - I really find it hard to believe that the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly feels the need to spend $55K to supposedly inform us voters all the details on why we need a new community pool. - More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

My Roof Thanks You! By Shauna Lee - I recently wrote a letter to Sitnews regarding my leaking roof and asked for ideas. I must say, Ketchikan didn't fail me. I had three phone calls and numerous letters with offers to help. I couldn't even get to them all so please know that to every one of you that called and wrote, I thank you so much!! - More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

Sea Otters By Mike Moyer - In response to Mr. Jean Bland's letter to me concerning the truth about Sea Otters, I can only say that if there are no shellfish around Craig, Klawock, or Hydaburg now, then how did people survive in the old days there before the Russians wiped out the Sea Otters? - More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

RE: Memorial Fund By Lisa McClould - Regarding the request from Deborah Harney, a child is a gift from God. - More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

Obama Attempts School Intrusion By Donald A. Moskowitz - President Obama continues to hover over us like "Big Brother". Tuesday, September 8, 2009 his targeted audience was our impressionable school children. - More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

Tuesday - September 08, 2009

Public nuisance By Harry Howard - I have lived in Ketchikan for a little over a year now.  One thing I can say is that this town is full of unusual people, but I quickly felt at home and fit right in. I love the ability to walk everywhere, and do so many things outside while being close to home.  I try to encompass my son in everything that I do, and while doing so I teach him good morals, ethics, and respect for himself and others. I am military and since joining I represent my service well at all times. I have lived in 3 major cities, and Ketchikan children stand out from any place I have lived in. - More...
Tuesday - September 08, 2009

Logjam: Give Peace a Chance By Lindsey Ketchel - The Tongass is the foundation of Southeast Alaska's culture, communities and economy, so we owe it to our fellow and future Southeast Alaskans to work together to keep all three thriving. - More...
Tuesday - September 08, 2009

Lost Priorities at UAS Ketchikan Campus By Robert Warner - The SITNEWS article of August 31, 2009 describing the hiring of a new college humanities faculty member sadly reflects the lost priorities of UAS Ketchikan Campus. With high unemployment and few opportunities for young people in our community, one would think that UAS Ketchikan would focus most funding and programs on training that helps students learn essential skills related to work and employment. Instead, the school seems to drift aimlessly into an arty dreamland called "the humanities." - More...
Tuesday - September 08, 2009

Memorial Fund By Deborah Harney - Every mother loves her son, and as far as I know, only one mother in history had a perfect, blameless one. That being said, I hope that any funds generated by the Jared Azure Memorial Fund will be donated to Kyle Palmer to help pay his medical bills as he recovers in intensive care with no insurance.
- More...
Tuesday - September 08, 2009

Don Ross: Correction By Doug Barry - I wrote a note about Don Ross last week where I inadvertently said I was a passenger of his on a harrowing flight when he flew for Webber Air. I meant Ketchikan Air Service, which he owned with Mike Salazar and others. - More...
Tuesday - September 08, 2009

Health Care Reform We Can All Live With By Alan Emmert - "All Americans should have a health insurance plan that they can afford, own, and keep - that government can never take over or take away.  No American should be forced into a government-run system that limits their choices and rations their care." - Senator Jim DeMint - More...
Tuesday - September 08, 2009

Too many suicides and attempts By Mykayla Martin - I know grief can be hard and sometimes you need someone to blame for such a tragedy but the only person responsible for a suicide is the person hurting them self. I feel this is the easy way out. There is always another or better option. Our community is so close and knowing the impact some of these kids had on it, they should have more than enough people to turn to for help and guidance, before resulting in death. You can't blame anyone other than the one hurting themselves. - More...
Tuesday - September 08, 2009

Recreation Center By Inge Kummant - As the bad weather approaches, it is necessary once again for our young people to find safe and interesting indoor activities. - More...
Tuesday - September 08, 2009

Sea Otters By Jean Bland - The Fish and Game planted Sea Otters on the south end of Hydaburg, out where we got our Abalone, Crab, Clams and other shell fish. We always got enough shell fish for the winter's supply, Now you go out there and there are NO SHELL FISH left out there. - More...
Tuesday - September 08, 2009

Disappointed with Russia By Mark N. Katz - Russians, we know, have a long list of grievances against the West in general and America in particular. NATO expansion, intervention against Serbia, recognition of Kosovo, the plan to deploy an American ballistic missile defense system in Eastern Europe, and criticism of Russia for going to war with Georgia are just some of them. But has it ever occurred to Russians that Westerners - especially those who hoped for friendly relations with Russia after the Cold War - might be disappointed in Russia? Well, we are. And there are several reasons why. - More...
Tuesday - September 08, 2009

Thursday - September 03, 2009

GUARDIAN FLIGHT: GOOD FOR THE COMMUNITY OR CARPET BAGGERS? By Matthew Rielly - This letter is in response to the article in the Ketchikan Daily News, dated August 8-9, titled "Medevac up, insurance, too".

First, I should disclose that I am employed by Guardian Flight. I am not an official spokesman for the company. I am writing as a concerned citizen to help educate the community by refuting confusing and biased information presented in the aforementioned article. I have lived in Southeast Alaska for 20 years and consider myself a local. - More...
Thursday - September 03, 2009

And my question will always be.... By Nancy Doherty - Thank you so much for publishing a letter I was lucky enough to find on my computer that spoke and questioned some of the news that has been in the papers regarding Patrick Doherty. - More...
Thursday - September 03, 2009

Hurtful unnecessary article By Sandra "Sunny" Holland - I was appalled when I read the article in the paper written by reporter Tom Miller this past weekend titled "Teen Charged With Theft". I saw absolutely no redeeming social value in the article. What that article did was to remind lots of folks about a terrible loss and tragedy. - More...
Thursday - September 03, 2009

Sea Otters Part of Natural Balance By Mike Moyer - In a recent article by Laine Welch on Sea Otters an attempt is made to vilify Sea Otters as pests of the sea. It should be noted that due to the unregulated over harvesting of these mammals what we now look at in Southeast Alaska as our view of a natural marine ecosystem is far from that. Sea Otters were part of the natural balance between the urchin populations which they feed upon, and the kelp forests which are fed upon by the urchins. - More...
Thursday - September 03, 2009

Show me the money Governor By Rep. John Harris - It's hard to believe it was barely a year ago when the legislature voted to suspend the state's eight-cent-per-gallon tax on gasoline. Our new Governor Sean Parnell is now calling to continue the tax holiday past September 1, 2009. If he seriously wants to make it happen, he has the constitutional authority to call the legislature into special session at any time. - More...
Thursday - September 03, 2009

Special Election for U.S. Senator By Joe Armstrong - As a citizen of the small harbor community of Scituate, MA (pop. 17,000), I am impressed that your own harbor community appears more aware of the threat to the tradition of fair elections evidenced by Governor Patrick's proposed change in our electoral laws than most locals do in the BayState. Not two hours ago, I met personally with my local State Representative, a Democrat, to express my objection to the Governor's proposal to change the electoral laws existing since 2004 in regard to how a Senate seat is filled in the case of a mid-term vacancy. - More...
Thursday - September 03, 2009

Roof Leak By Pete Lapinski - This is an answer to the roof problem Shauna is having. Replace the whole roof. Unfortunatley roof leaks are unpredictable. A patch is no good. I have replaced shingles and plywood and the roof still leaked. Like she said it could be 20 or more feet away -- rain and wind driven? - More...
Thursday - September 03, 2009

Health care hysteria By R.K. Rice - Despite the massive disinformation blitz by the pharmaceutical and insurance companies most of us would like to see major changes in our health care system. - More...
Thursday - September 03, 2009

Tuesday - September 01, 2009

RE: FACT OR FICTION By Kelli Peura - First of all, Mitchell and Patrick have been close friends since they met at Whitecliff school back in the mid 1990's. They were true "bros" as Pat would say. And we considered Pat as a member of our famliy because of all the time he had spent at our house over the years. Whether it was the time camping out on our boat, or just camping out at our house. So this friendship wasn't conjured up out of convenience for this particular crime. - More...
Tuesday - September 01, 2009

Crab By Jeff Kemp - In regard to Mr. Beck's letter today ... we too in the Juneau area have experienced fewer numbers and smaller male Dungeness crab in recent years. Funter Bay is all but fished out as is Swanson Harbor. Taku Harbor and Windham Bay are other examples of poor Dungeness numbers. - More...
Tuesday - September 01, 2009

Good Times Law: U.S. HR 1475 By Joyce L Baldwin - This bill is an attempt to shorten the sentences of prison inmates who serve their time without problems and earn credit to shorten their sentences. Not everyone knows about this law unless you have relatives who are serving time, or who are in a criminal justice or law enforcement. - More...
Tuesday - September 01, 2009

Massachusetts Political Shenanigans By Donald A. Moskowitz - In 2004, Senator Edward Kennedy asked the Massachusetts political leadership to change the law that allowed the governor to appoint an interim Senator, because Governor Romney would have appointed a Republican if Senator Kerry won the Presidency. The politicians changed the law to require a special election within five months of a vacancy. - More...
Tuesday - September 01, 2009

Monday - August 31, 2009

Summer Commercial Crab Season By John A. Beck - I recently went crabbing up the Carrol Inlet and was amazed at the lack of crab after the commercial crab season. I also was amazed how few crab were just under the legal limit. I would say it was one third the take in the same areas compared to past years. - More...
Monday - August 31, 2009

FACT OR FICTION, OR CITY POLITICS? by Ken Bylund - The story, "Teen charged with theft", on A-2 of the weekend edition of the Ketchikan Daily News, was at best a weighty psychological slant designed to put words in the mouth of Patrick Doherty... to ensure he looks guilty? All pulled out of "the complaint". Was on the grand jury earlier this year, and respect the DAs, the citizens who served, and our humanly imperfect process... but this article has built a prejudicial case against a 19 year old boy who can't challenge his alleged accomplice, or the authorities. - More...
Monday - August 31, 2009

Remembering Don Ross By Doug Barry - The picture on the Sitnews front page of floatplanes-in-formation honoring Ketchikan bush pilot Don Ross brought back an instant memory of a time when I believe Don's exceptional experience and skill saved four souls. - More...
Monday - August 31, 2009

Thank you letter to donors and volunteers on the trail By Alethea Johnson - Ketchikan Outdoor Trails and Recreation Coalition (KORTC) volunteers had two productive work parties on the trail from Point Higgins School to Coast Guard Beach over the weekend of August 22-23 thanks to generous donations from several individuals and businesses in the community: - More...
Monday - August 31, 2009

Help Me Solve A Mystery Ketchikan! By Shauna Lee - Any homeowner in Ketchikan can tell you that the older homes have interesting construction, at best. I own a home which is on the historic registry, it overlooks the dock 4 area of downtown, and I couldn't love it anymore than if I'd built it with my own two hands. I have done what I can over my 10 years of ownership to help preserve it, restore it, and give it the loving care that a single income can afford. - More...
Monday - August 31, 2009

Public or Private Health Care? By Peter H. Jensen - Ladies and Gentlemen: Image yourself with the desperate urge to relieve yourself, where do you go? Would you rather use your private bathroom, in the privacy of your own home, or would you rather make the most of the nearest public restroom where privacy, access control, and congenial sundries may be none existent? - More...
Monday - August 31, 2009

Tuesday - August 18, 2009

News releases By Ray Massey - I appreciate that SitNews publishes news releases verbatim from many organizations, including ours (Forest Service). I see it as a public service as long as attribution is given. - More...
Tuesday - August 18, 2009

Monday - August 17, 2009

Best investment By Charlotte Glover - As the City of Ketchikan continues negotiations with the IBEW and begins to look at the 2010 budget, I want to remind the City Manager, City Mayor and City Council where their money goes. - More...
Monday - August 17, 2009

Are There Two Logjam Creeks? By Eric Muench - Sitnews is a valuable addition to the local news and opinion exchange. I appreciate its publisher and her great source of information of all kinds. Its continued accuracy and impartiality in news articles is important to us all. That is why I write this critique. - More...
Monday - August 17, 2009

Lands of the First Peoples By Dale Albertson - One cannot make an argument against the history of the people. And, even though "others", claim a hundred or even hundreds of years of possession, and have practiced genocide, we still persist. Our possession goes back at least 10,000 years, your scientists have proven that for all to see. Truth is Truth, and not open for argument or discussion. Land to our people is sacred, and we are the caretakers. In most cases we allow almost anyone to live in our lands, there is plenty, however we do not accept: greed, avarice or forceful behavior into what is not yours to begin with. We do not exact huge taxes or demand outrageous fees for this, only that you honor the land and use its resources wisely, not to line your pockets, and not care for all as we would. - More...
Monday - August 17, 2009

Early morning noise By Lisa Martin - I've been back in Ketchikan for two years now. I know exactly what the fuss is about. I have never seen so much domestic violence, drug abuse, and pill popping individuals in my life. Maybe it's a smaller town and you see it around you on a daily and nightly basis...or hear of it. - More...
Monday - August 17, 2009

Irresponsible journalism. By Weston Davis - Encouraging people to take plants home from one state to another, or from one country to another is at best a bad idea, and at worst is a form of ecological sabotage.(Not to mention illegal.) - More...
Monday - August 17, 2009

Bail Em Out! By Al Johnson - Following has been sent to our congressional members as an observation as a result of the current FooFa on many governmental failures being brought to the public pallet. - More...
Monday - August 17, 2009

Re: Arrested Citizen By Alan R. (Rudy) McGillvray - I hereby retract almost everything I wrote about Robert Gates and his arrest on his own property. From what I now understand, Gates immediately began berating the police officer for even showing up; leaving the officer no choice but to arrest Gates for disorderly conduct. - More...
Monday - August 17, 2009

Friday - August 14, 2009

Election Time Again By Jackie Williams - It is that time of year again; Elections for City Council, Borough Assembly and School Board are coming up on October 6, 2009. The folks elected to these seats will be making decisions for all of us the next three years, except one (1) for one-year. - More...
Friday - August 14, 2009

MEMORIES By Linda Brownstein - I thank you Dave Keifer, old friend for writing such a true, beautiful, sad story about our friend Pat. I remember walking behind you on your first date with Charlotte as you both giggled down the Pine St. Hill together. I thank you Ketchikan, Alaska for being the place in my life that grounds me with some of my life's most precious memories and dearest friends. Thank you to the real White Cliff School-where tucked away in the corner of the first floor--always busy...never quiet...soil/gardening and paint stains always on the carpets...it was always happenin' in my Kindergarten classroom there. Thank you to Pat Doherty--my student there who pushed me to learn that fish don't just just have fins...even when you are just a kindergartener...they have adipose fins, dorsal fins, anal fins,pelvic fins and pectoral fins...and I watched him as he carefully copied the letters of the names of these fins as he labeled his salmon chart/diagram, writing the words before he could really spell or read...proud as can be that his mom Susan, the fish biologist, brought that fish in a bucket to class that day. - More...
Friday - August 14, 2009

Tongass Tribe Land -101 By Don Hoff Jr. - We are the lineal descendants of the Taan ta Kwaan means Sealion People or known as Tongass Tribe (hereinafter the Tongass Tribe or Tribe ), a traditional and historical Alaskan Native Tribe indisputably recognized by all Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian tribes in Southeast Alaska. - More...
Friday - August 14, 2009

Logjam By Charlie Reynolds - I got the impression that Southeast Alaska Conservation Council, Audubon Alaska and the Alaska Wilderness League are dictating to the Forest Service and the timber industry (what's left of it) how to run their business. - More...
Friday - August 14, 2009

Palin got it right By Rep. Don Young -On July 24, Democratic Sens. Barbara Boxer of California and John Kerry of Massachusetts took to The Washington Post to attack former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's opposition to the Waxman-Markey cap-and-tax legislation and her overall energy philosophy. - More...
Friday - August 14, 2009

On the lighter side By Ed Marksheffel - Ah....... you've got to love Ketchikan. While driving South of our Fair City the other day I noticed a politically correct sign at the bottom of the driveway for our Bayview Cemetery - it read "Not a Through Road" instead of saying DEAD END. - More...
Friday - August 14, 2009

Man arrested for breaking in his own home By John T. Flood - It seems convenient to blame the cops for everything, except when they show up to save your life or the lives of one of your loved ones. If they show up because it appears someone is breaking into a home and the person becomes beligerent then they had every right to arrest the subject, I would expect to be arrested if I was beligerent towards a police officer even if I was on my own property. If he had shown his identification at first instead of becoming belligerent, then I'm very sure he wouldn't have ended up in handcuffs. - More...
Friday - August 14, 2009

Early Morning Noise By Damon Hampel - I know first hand what Ms. Lewis is speaking of. Not only do I agree with everything mentioned I would like to add to the list open threats, vehicle damage, property damage, litter, and drug use. Many businesses and homes have had windows broken, electricity tampered with, and doors broken by individuals. And all anyone has to do is walk from the tunnel to First City Saloon to see the vehicle damage and litter. - More...
Friday - August 14, 2009

RE: Early morning noise By Dawn Lawrence - I am not sure what area of town you live in, but here in the Carlanna area it is the same. So, trust me, you are not alone! We also hear the mid-week parties with people standing outside their homes obnoxiously talking loud and blaring music, dogs barking until 1 am while their owners are inside watching TV and are too occupied or just too inconsiderate to get off their butts and quiet their dogs, etc. etc. - More...
Friday - August 14, 2009

Presidency In Disarray By Donald A. Moskowitz - President Obama is in disarray and heading in many directions, thereby diluting our efforts, our energies, and our resources needed to move this country forward. - More...
Friday - August 14, 2009

RE: Great Horned Owl By Jacy Pierson - Thank you so much Pat. That is the second owl I have seen since I moved to POW in 1994. What was really nice was that we saw a second one that night! - More...
Friday - August 14, 2009

Bathrooms at Kayhi during events By Marie-Jeanne Cadle - My husband and I recently enjoyed a fun evening at Gigglefeet marred only by the filthy women's restroom that was out of paper in one stall. I wish I could say this wasn't the norm at events but it is. I understand event sponsors pay a great deal for the use of facilities at Kayhi. It seems the restrooms would be cleaned for the event and toilet paper and soap dispensers refilled as part of the service for the payment ­ much like tires on a new car. Something you don't even think to ask for because it should be standard. - More...
Friday - August 14, 2009

No guns on Census Form By A. M. Johnson - I answered my own inquiry. Found the form for Census online. No gun question and no question on being a Citizen. - More...
Friday - August 14, 2009

Saturday - August 08, 2009

Please continue to be careful with fire By David Hull - The summer of 2009 has been a great one! Let's keep the memories pleasant ones. Please, be very careful with any type of fire. Whether you are camping out, having a day at the beach or just cleaning up around the yard, careless use of fire can spell disaster. North Tongass VFD has responded to several reports of controlled burns that had gotten out of hand. The department has also responded to a few beach fires where people had left a smoldering cooking fire and it flared up. We have been lucky this year as none of the fires caused any real damage. Many may remember the fire a few years ago near Point Higgins School. That fire costs several thousands of tax dollars to bring under control and put out. It will take a long hard rain to lessen the true fire danger. We know it's coming, we just need to be patient. - More...
Saturday - August 08, 2009

Questions about firearms on census? By Al Johnson - I have been asking Senator Murkowski's office for a copy of the forthcoming census format or confirmation that there are question(s) regarding firearms on the form, and that the question of being a honest US.Citizen is not. - More...
Saturday - August 08, 2009

Early morning noise By Christina Lewis - Every morning I wake up only because some drunken people are arguing or yelling around my home. I have seen just about everything looking out my window -- people getting beat up, peeing, etc. Mind you this is around two or three in the morning. I am a single parent who needs her critical sleep to take care of two active girls, work, cook, clean, etc. - More...
Saturday - August 08, 2009

Health Care By La Shaine Reynolds - Let me start by introducing myself, my name is La Shaine Reynolds and what I have e-mailed you is what is in our health care package that the President is trying to get passed. I am sending this to every newspaper that I can in the U.S.. I am also sending this to CNN, Headline News, Fox, and where ever I can send this. Everyone deserves to know what they are up against. And I am exercising my freedom of speech. - More...
Saturday - August 08, 2009

More on National Health care legislation By A.M..Johnson - As the Congress is returning to their individual states for the August recess and with Senator Murkowski slated to be in Ketchikan,during the recess it is timely that as many of her loyal constitutes be aware of a summation of the current Health bill contents. - More...
Saturday - August 08, 2009

Great Horned Owl By Pat Long - Thanks to Jacy Pierson for the wonderful picture of the Great Horned Owl. We are used to seeing, and seeing pictures of eagles and ravens, ducks and swans, etc. But it is rare to actually see one and be able to get such a great picture to share with others. - More...
Saturday - August 08, 2009

Man arrested for breaking in his own home. By Alan R. (Rudy) McGillvray - This is about the arrest of that Cambridge professor alleged to be breaking into a home in Cambridge Massachusetts. It is a point that no one, in the drive-by media, the right-wing radio talk show host has mentioned; NO ONE HAS NOTICED. - More...
Saturday - August 08, 2009

Painted buses By Pat Long - Did I read that the borough assembly members were discussing and considering painting all the buses because of the success of the downtown shuttle? How much did money did they put out for the shuttle painting? - More...
Saturday - August 08, 2009

The rainiest place By Chuck Lakaytis - I always thought that the town of Ketchikan was there because of a chance meeting. - More...
Saturday - August 08, 2009

Friday - July 31, 2009

Government amuck! By A.M.Johnson - Let me get this straight. In order to obtain Federal funds, encroachments over State right of ways have to be "Cleared". That means "Removed". - More...
Friday - July 31, 2009

Why Ketchikan was built on a hill instead of Flatland. By Dan McQueen - When our fair city founders first got here they had a choice to build on a hill where every thing flows down hill to drain into and disperse into the Narrows or build on flat ground. - More...
Friday - July 31, 2009

911 Response By Eileen Small - All I will say, Mr. Hurley, is that if you had had a heart attack you'd be dead. Period! And 911 probably wouldn't have even FOUND you in that unfortunate condition til 45 minutes after you called them!!! - More...
Friday - July 31, 2009

Septic fees By Lewis Nelson - I remember when my father Dan Nelson charged $75.00 for a 500 gallon septic tank and $125.00 for a 1000 gallons. It took us the better part of 3-4 hours in those days to pump a tank. Then we hauled it to the city sewer at the bottom of Carlana Street just behind the Ketchikan soda works. Between all of us boys and girls we all had a hand in working the lever on the back of that old truck and the new ones that came along and occasionally getting things sprayed on us that we had rather not. - More...
Friday - July 31, 2009

Bears & Garbage By Lisa Martin - Having secure bear proof lids will help. We just need local residents willing to take part on keeping our area clean and safe. But doing this alone, takes a lot of time, effort and pride. Love your state and love your and your home town. I love to see and watch bears from a safe distance. - More...
Friday - July 31, 2009

Logjam By Mary Danforth - The Tongass National Forest. The home of the Grisly bear, the black bear, the bald eagle, Osprey, wolverines, black tailed deer, the wolf and the 'Island Wolf' found nowhere else in the world. All the wildlife mentioned here are greatly endangered of becoming extinct if we keep taking their habitat. We cannot ignore the fact that the cutting of these trees, this ancient forest, will do just that. - More...
Friday - July 31, 2009

Obama "Shoots From the Hip" By Donald A. Moskowitz - President Obama has confirmed my fear of having a president with terrible judgment. - More...
Friday - July 31, 2009

Sunday - July 26, 2009

Re: Dave Kiffer's 4 blocks wide column. By Mary Ida Henrikson - I understand one of the reasons our forepeople left Loring was the deep harbor issue. - More...
Sunday - July 26, 2009

The bleak furture of the Republican party By Mike Issac - When Jon Huntsman (R) Governor of Utah won his second term in November there was already some talk of him running in 2008 in this part of the country. However back in May Obama made him Ambassador to China so that leaves Sarah Palin, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckeebee and while we are at FOX News maybe Glenn Beck would like to try his hand at it. But with Sarah quitting her day job it not be looking good for her unless she runs for Lisa Murkowski's seat in 2010, then runs in 2016 if Huntmans or Romney can't beat the Messiah in 2012. - More...
Sunday - July 26, 2009

Bears and Garbage By Eddy Hayne - When I was a young person growing up in Ketchikan in the early 60's, bears weren't a problem since the garbage dump was out past the ferry terminal a couple of miles out the road. After my family left in 1967, The dump was moved behind the city at the base of Deer Mt. I moved back to Ketchikan in 2001 and the bear problem moved to the downtown area. Then the city fathers started shipping the garbage out of town. Hmmm... The bears started moving their feeding areas to the town area. What a great solution huh? - More...
Sunday - July 26, 2009

A Solution to the Bear Problems By Julie Steiner - Bears are a real problem for everyone. Jennie Lawrence has a great idea for trying to keep the bears away from her garbage - only it doesn't work all of the time. I have tried both ammonia and bleach - sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. - More...
Sunday - July 26, 2009

Thursday PM - July 23, 2009

Government competing with private business By Bill Nelson - I read with interest the Viewpoint titled OceansAlaska by Mike Dooley in particular the statement regarding why the exercise equipment was removed from the pool facility it was stated: "This is because the pool is supported by tax dollars, and private enterprise can't be expected to compete with that." Ketchikan can figure this out when our annoited Federal leader(s) cannot. For example the GM take over, the financial institution take overs and now a grab for the health care industry. Once private industry, that now or will compete with the federal government. - More...
Thursday PM - July 23, 2009

Bear problems to "Bear Valley" residents By Jennie Lawrence - I'm sure every single house in Bear Valley has had their garbage knocked down and strewn across their driveway or street. It's a constant problem and will never go away since the bears are so used to eating our garbage, it's easily accessible, and it's in their territory. - More...
Thursday PM - July 23, 2009

Re: Rude Behavior By A.M. Skidmore - Wow! Mr. Grant did I open up a can of worms or what?! I hope that you get some satisfaction from whatever comes of what happend to you in the store. I wish that I had the debating skills that the N.Y. graduate student has. - More...
Thursday PM - July 23, 2009

Wednesday AM - July 22, 2009

OceansAlaska By Mike Dooley - I agree with Rob Holston about OceansAlaska. Let's look at a similar situation. About 3 years ago the Mike Smithers swimming pool inherited an old cardio stair stepper from the rec. center. Many of us daily patrons of the pool used the machine. After about 3 months it suddenly disappeared. When asked, the staff simply said someone complained. After digging a bit deeper it turns out that the pool cannot add any new workout equipment that would compete with any private gym facilities. The old equipment that had been at the pool for 20-30 years is ok, but nothing new that would compete is allowed. This is because the pool is supported by tax dollars, and private enterprise can't be expected to compete with that. - More...
Wednesday AM - July 22, 2009

Health Care Promises Broken By Connie Emmert - On Wednesday last week the article "It's Not An Option" in Investor's Business Daily was startling. - More...
Wednesday AM - July 22, 2009

911 System By Jon Hurley - I called 911 the other day because there was quite a lot of smoke and it looked like the Norquest bunkhouse was on fire and I was put to voice mail that said please call another number if you have an emergency. If I would have had a heart attack or other injury I can not write down another number and redial. - More...
Wednesday AM - July 22, 2009

Tuesday - July 21, 2009

Palin & other small things By Chris Elliott - If my friend Al Johnson is suggesting that "good" Republicans should not criticize Governor Palin, I have just one thing to say: Governor Palin is no Ronald Reagan. Whatever your party affiliation, it's time to stop holding your nose in the voting booth and start voting your conviction--regardless of the party. - More...
Tuesday - July 21, 2009

Re: Rude Behavior By Shieva Kleinschmidt - I must disagree with A. M. Skidmore's response to Vernon Grant's letter. Simply looking the other way in the face of racism is a way of enabling it. Given that we don't want a community where racist acts occur, we need to examine two issues: (i) how can we prevent people from endorsing (or continuing to endorse) racist ideologies? And (ii) given that some people are racist, how do we prevent them from acting on those beliefs? - More...
Tuesday - July 21, 2009

RE: Rude Behavior By Chris Barry - Mr. Grant, it is a shame that people like that are still in our community. What is even worse is that this person will get away with his actions and continue to treat others in the same manner. You can either ignore it and expect him to continue acting this way, or pursue further actions to ensure this man does not continue treating people this way. - More...
Tuesday - July 21, 2009

Monday - July 20, 2009

ASTRONAUTS By James Schenk - IN 1969 I WAS 10 YEARS OLD, A COMPLETE SPACE NERD. When the Apollo lander was headed for the surface of the moon, I was transfixed to the t.v. along with my brothers and sisters 40 years ago. We all watched with supreme pride in being AMERICANS and watching Armstrong take that first step onto the surface of the moon. We all cheered and hugged, I took pictures of the T.V. and my Family with the Astronauts walking on the moon, my heroes. - More...
Monday - July 20, 2009

Re: Rude Behavior By A.M. Skidmore - Don't worry about the person who was so rude to you Mr. Grant. He is obviously a very unhappy person. His rudeness and racism only goes to prove that he is so unhappy. Rather pity him, he will not last long in the retail trade. - More...
Monday - July 20, 2009

Friday PM - July 17, 2009

Palin Resignation By Jerilyn Lester - I agree with Georgianna Zimmerle 150% and would go even farther to say that the worst thing that has happened to Southeast Alaska since the logging shut down was Governor (not for much longer) Palin. I have come out and called her a thief both in letters to SitNews and to her face in an email to her. She started the work and then delayed it for 2 years so that she didn't have to move to the Governor's mansion in Juneau. She has stolen the money for the bridge to our airport, refused to even consider an alternative and then helped to stop any road to the outside world from anywhere in Southeast. - More...
Friday PM - July 17, 2009

Palin, bridge and other small things By A. M. Johnson - A timely quote: "No one knows where the future will take Palin, not even the governor herself. Her reemergence on the national scene and the scathing response from so many of her party peers underscore one thing, however: Republicans may hold dear their memories of the late Ronald Reagan. But his famous 11th commandment -- "Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican" -- was laid to rest a long time ago." - More...
Friday PM - July 17, 2009

PALIN RESIGNATION GOOD FOR SOUTHEAST ALASKA By Cindi Davis - Well said, Georgianna Zimmerle! What a well crafted and sensible letter. - More...
Friday PM - July 17, 2009

OceansAlaska By Rob Holston - What a great letter of support for OceansAlaska by Tor Jorgensen . I would agree with it all IF it were private enterprize money footing the bill for OceansAlaska. But it is not. Please address the crux of the issue, "Tax dollars putting private business out of business." - More...
Friday PM - July 17, 2009

It's Time for Prison Reform By Tom Proebsting - There are more than 2.3 million persons behind bars in the U.S. according to last year's statistics. Prisons cost taxpayers in excess of $55 billion annually. - More...
Friday PM - July 17, 2009

Rude Behavior By Vernon Grant - On 4th of July @ 12:15 PM as my friend and I walked about heading north, on the right side of the road, we stopped in at a seafood store where they sell processed seafoods.And in a teasing happy mood, I stopped in to see what kind of samples they had for the holiday celebrations.As I entered the establishment, I noticed a woman standing there waiting and I said, we just stopped into see what kind of samples you have for today's celebrations. And she said the manager will be out soon and we can see what's available. Within a minute a man came out from the back and he was in a good mood, and said"We have some 4th of July samples of smoked salmon candy"  and he walked ahead of me towards the coolers on the right side. I had tried it before and I mentioned to him that I did not like that type of fish. - More...
Friday PM - July 17, 2009

Sunday - July 12, 2009

PALIN RESIGNATION GOOD FOR SOUTHEAST ALASKA By Georgianna Zimmerle - On July 3, 2009 I listened with astonishment and unreserved delight as Governor Sarah Palin announced to the world that she would not seek a second term as Governor of the State of Alaska. And if that wasn't enough, she will resign at the end of July surrendering her Governor's seat to Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell in order to avoid the trappings of a "lame duck" governor. Her reasoning is about as silly as the rest of her rationale for abandoning, in mid-term, the highest elected office in Alaska. After a lengthy diatribe on the virtues of her two years in office, she launched into her many defensive excuses for walking away mid-term in a vain attempt to cloak the facts in pretty paper. It is laughable that she used a basketball analogy to describe her term and her resignation from the Office of Governor. She considers herself the "point guard" leading the team to success and passing off the ball for the sake of the team. I'm sorry but the starting point guard doesn't quit in the fourth quarter just because the game gets rough! She could just as easily avoid behaving like a "lame duck" Governor by simply doing her job. She could stay in the State and attend to State business instead of gallivanting off to spotlight functions across the country. She whined about the many ethics complaints occupying her time since her failed run for Vice-president. She need not address these "frivolous" ethics complaints if there is no validity to them. She is the one who chooses to spend time on them. She has staff that can tend to them while she works on State business. - More...
Sunday - July 12, 2009

Pools vs. Flotation Suits By Dan McQueen - I've been on the water all my life. Yes, I can swim. I earned my 1 mile merit badge in a lake in Eastern Washington. But even knowing how to dog-paddle ain't gonna save you in the North Pacific if you ain't wearing an exposure/life jacket suit at least. - More...
Sunday - July 12, 2009

Sludge fee??? By Robert Bates - Maybe someone could enlighten me on the future benefits of paying this ridiculous quarterly sludge fee... I've been paying this fee for the last couple of years now, which doesn't even hold a candle to someone like my grandfather who has lived in the borough of Ketchikan since 1959. I know it's only 45 dollars every few months, but I see no reason for it. Sure you get a free pump out every couple of years, but my tank is not even close to being in need of one. - More...
Sunday - July 12, 2009

Capital move By Robert Stewart - I'm with Jackie Williams. Moving the capital from Juneau hurts all of Southeast Alaska, not just Juneau. We have voted against this move so many times it is ridiculous. - More...
Sunday - July 12, 2009

AK Airlines Fees By Kayla Edenshaw - I believe that it will change airfare prices for the better if Alaska Airlines had some competition. I have flown from Seattle to Nagasaki Japan for around $900 round trip. I have flown from Ketchikan to Seattle for almost the same price on some occasions. - More...
Sunday - July 12, 2009

EXXON Payments for Processors By Donald Kilbuck - I've done processor work, and that was before the (1989) Valdez Exxon Oil Spill. Although I have gotten a letter stating that I wouldn't get paid, I hear other stories that are far different. - More...
Sunday - July 12, 2009

Thursday - July 09, 2009

Community Swimming Pool By Don Borders - I would like to comment on the process of building our community replacement swimming pool. I was raised in a town that lost many people on the Pacific Ocean waters due to them being unable to swim. That community is Reedsport Oregon, where the Umpqua River Bar which has a reputation for being one of the meanest unpredictable ones on the Oregon coast. After one winter after there were too many fishermen lost, the population raised the question why so many were losing their lives on the ocean waters? - More...
Thursday - July 09, 2009

Fire Victims Thank Ketchikan By Shannon Guthrie - On June 13, 2009 our home caught fire. I was at the mall with my son and parents shopping at the Tongass furniture sale and definitely didn't expect anything like this to happen while I was out. We raced home to find several fire trucks, EMS personnel and an ambulance blocking the entire road. After watching my life burn to a crisp we felt hopeless. The place where my husband, son and I resided at for the last 2 years was gone. My Son's 1 year old Cocker spaniel was stuck in the house, his baby pictures, baby blankets toys, clothes... everything we knew was gone. We were lost and felt we had no where to turn. - More...
Thursday - July 09, 2009

OceansAlaska By Tor Jorgensen - I support OceansAlaska. I live and work in Ketchikan year around and have children who attend the local schools. I believe OceansAlaska would be a major benefit to our community. It will create jobs and a new seafood industry for Ketchikan. It will be a great resource for my kids and everyone in Ketchikan, especially in the winter, to learn about the ocean around us and get students involved in science and learning. The science center will make Ketchikan an attractive place for visitors (cruise, fishing lodges, B&Bs, ferry, yachts, etc) increasing their chances of visiting, returning, and staying longer and spending more money locally. It will help keep families and retirees (my parents) in our community, and help attract skilled workers. - More...
Thursday - July 09, 2009

4th of July Parade By Joann Flora - On behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters, I wish to extend our thanks to the Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce for entrusting our matches with the responsibility of judging this year's parade. Five matches worked diligently to assess and score according to the categories of Best Theme Interpretation, Most Creative, Most Patriotic, Best Performance, Most Entertaining, Best Appearance, and Best of Show. It was an honor and a privilege to be the first youth group selected to perform this important job. We really enjoyed having great seats for viewing the parade and the delicious lunch courtesy of Steamer's. Thanks to all who made this possible and congratulations to this year's winners! - More...
Thursday - July 09, 2009

Juneau is the Capitol of Alaska By Jackie Williams - The first thing I would like to see Governor Parnell do is to, move the capitol back to Juneau, live in the Governor's Mansion (hire the chef back as there would be folks IN RESIDENCE to cook for, do any interviews as Governor from the Governor's Mansion that is officially located in Juneau, SE Alaska, USA. - More...
Thursday - July 09, 2009

The Prophetic 'tongue in cheek' Kiffer By Ed Brown - June 08, 2009, Monday then Dave Kiffer prophesied the following in his column: Ketchikan, Alaska - Press Release from the Office of the President of the United States of America: April 1, 2017 --- President Sarah Palin announced this morning a plan to locate America's newest maximum security "terrorist/enemy non-combantant" permanent holding facility in Ketchikan. - More...
Thursday - July 09, 2009

Friday - July 03, 2009

Re: Speech and Public Policy By Hunter Davis - I agree absolutely with Mr. Claus, thoroughly, completely, and joyously with your identification of some of the fantastic freedoms that we enjoy as Americans. - More...
Friday - July 03, 2009

They got my $50 too! By Lynn Stewart - Yes, I too had the same frustrating experience. I was loading two kids, 5 bags into the airport. The young attendant came running inside to tell me that I was about to be ticketed. He knew who I was because I had made several trips into the building already, dragging kids back and forth (can't leave the kids behind). I rushed out to my car, got in and started the engine, the police car rushed up ahead of me and blocked my car (as if I could get away). He got out and came back to my window to inform me I was being ticketed. I tried to ask what my options were given my situation and I was told that was not his problem. I had left my vehicle "unattended" and that was that. - More...
Friday - July 03, 2009

Mark Sanford By John Suter - Across America people are up in arms about South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford having sex with some woman from Argentina. That's not so bad. - More...
Friday - July 03, 2009

Tuesday - June 30, 2009

Right to speak freely to influence public policy By Bob Claus - I would like to take this occasion, the 233rd anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, to honor the courage and sacrifice of our forefathers and to salute the servicemen and women currently fighting on foreign fields for our freedom. - More...
Tuesday - June 30, 2009

Wow, did you Catch the Wave? By George Miller - A picture on the front page of The Daily News offered a glimpse of what happened Monday June 29th , here in Ketchikan. - More...
Tuesday - June 30, 2009

Saturday - June 27, 2009

Spend, Spend, Spend By Samuel Bergeron - The majority of elected officials on the City Council and Borough Assembly seem to be thinking of more ways to indenture the fewer and fewer taxing units (that's you and me), while at the same time exporting our economy to outside contractors and vendors. The recent construction contracts for Berths 3 and 4, and the design of the Way-finding signs are just a few examples of this process. - More...
Saturday - June 27, 2009

Health care bill unworkable, unaffordable By U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski - Americans are looking to Congress and the White House to see whether lawmakers and the president will deliver on their promises to reform our health care system. As a member of the Senate committee considering comprehensive health care reform legislation, I am committed to working with both my Republican and Democratic colleagues. - More...
Saturday - June 27, 2009

Friday - June 26, 2009

Is Oceans Alaska going to put you and me out of business while using our tax dollars? By Rob Holston - John Sund indicates that Oceans Alaska will depend on revenue from the visitor industry their first year of operation by selling shore excursions i.e. tours of the aquarium facility to 122,000 tourists! This number will increase to 150,000 visitors per summer season according to the Oceans Alaska business plan. - More...
Friday - June 26, 2009

Re: Out of Sight By Frances H. Field - Ms. Price is not the only one who has had an issue with airport parking tickets at Ketchikan airport. On June 23rd at approximately 7:15 PM I was on an outgoing plane with 6 heavy bags, a car seat, a 2 year old, and I am 5 months pregnant. My 65 year old mother, pulled up to the loading zone right in front of the revolving doors to allow me to move the bags and my daughter through the doors and then she was going to go park in short term. My mother came out of the car to assist me after my 2 year old tripped and nearly got smashed in the revolving door. My mother got my daughter through the door and immediately returned to her car to find an officer writing her a $50 ticket. - More...
Friday - June 26, 2009

UAS Ketchikan By Cameron Taylor - During high school, I never had any interest in going to college after graduating. It was at the end of my senior year that I decided last minute to attend UAS Ketchikan. I still believe that it was the best decision that I have made. - More...
Friday - June 26, 2009

Reporting NNN By Heather Williams - Thank you to the Browns for their honest assessment of the "progressive" NNN (No News News), as I have been calling it for the last several years. I can get opinions anywhere but would LOVE to sit and watch a newscast which is FACTUAL in regard to ALL world news. - More...
Friday - June 26, 2009

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