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Sunday - May 31, 2009
In the wake of the Queen By Mark Gatti - Anyone who lives here
in Ketchikan knows that our airport ferry operates in one of,
if not the narrowest parts of the Tongass Narrows. Most prudent
mariners would agree, given the traffic volume and the current
in this area, they would not allow themselves to get into this
situation. A 19' Glasply is more manoeuvreable than the Airport
Ferry or a large paddle boat. - More...
Sunday - May 31, 2009
Friday AM - May 29, 2009
KCCB: never a disappointment By Judith Green - Attending any performance
under the direction of Roy McPherson is indeed always a pleasure.
A Celebration of 50 Years: Alaska Statehood was no different.
From Alaska's Flag to America, the Beautiful - an evening of
superb music on stage at Kayhi. - More...
Friday AM - May 29, 2009
Music on the Red Carpet By Judith Green - BRAVO! Ms Elliot
and choral groups! What a fun night! I SO enjoyed your many and
varied talents. Those high school 'kids' really did a great job!
And Ms Elliot so enjoyed being 'partner' with them. - More...
Friday AM - May 29, 2009
AMERICA, DEFINE REASON* by Ken Bylund - *reason \ n. computation;
to calculate, think: a statement offered in explanation; rational
ground, a motive or justification; the thing that makes some
fact intelligible... towards comprehending, and sanity. Been
reading words from the mind of a true genius, a most brilliant
essay on the problems of [our] society, and am taken by the succinct
use of words and analogy by this student of human instinct, our
flaws, strengths and trends. F. A. Hayek [1899 - 1992],
co-winner of the Nobel Prize in economics [1974], and
recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom [1991].
- More...
Friday AM - May 29, 2009
Supporting troops By Inge Kummant - Ketchikan readers may be interested
in learning that Operation AC still needs support, especially
from people interested in "adopting" soldiers deployed
in Iraq and Afghanistan. - More...
Friday AM - May 29, 2009
More Old Growth trees - meaningless By Don Borders - I am appalled at
the pointless and aimless projections that quote "mature
trees". Those personal references are not put into proper
perspective to just what a mature tree is. To say something is
or has reached a particular state of age or growth needs to be
referenced to which they are referring as. To say, "mature
old growth trees" needs a referenced point, which an end
user will use it. One would be: adequately large enough to mill
lumber. Another one, a recreational user, who wants to see the
overhead canopy of the green tops from older trees, which is
screening out the Sun Light so the brush has died off and the
young trees have no opportunity to grow due to the lack of light.
- More...
Friday AM - May 29, 2009
In the wake of the Queen... By Chris Barry - Sorry I can't show
any empathy regarding your concerns, but such is life when you
use a waterway as busy as our section of the narrows. - More...
Friday AM - May 29, 2009
Cars Coming from China By Donald A. Moskowitz - General Motors
(GM) received $20 billion in U.S. government loans and might
need another $50 billion to survive. - More...
Friday AM - May 29, 2009
Thursday PM - May 21, 2009
Fourth of July By Tom LeCompte - My letter may be moot as Independence
Day is on a weekend this year, but I've always advocated having
Fourth of July Fireworks at Midnight between the third and fourth.
- More...
Thursday PM - May 21, 2009
In the wake of the Queen By Bill Meck - I hopped in the trusty
19' Glasply Wednesday to make a run for a friend from city float
to the airport as a favor. There was a little chop but overall
still a nice day. I pulled out in the channel and saw the usual
cruise ships and float planes taking off from their piece of
the narrows. Then I took note of the Alaska Queen paddle boat
lumbering dead center in the channel heading towards her port.
I was able to stay clear as she was in front of Safeway. However
after I dropped of my pal she was next to the shipyard. Between
her, an incoming Beaver and the airport ferry my options were
severely limited. - More...
Thursday PM - May 21, 2009
Freedom to Decide By Preston Clark -I am a Vet and I believe those
of us who have gone off to protect have done this to give people
the right to say or do as they wish. - More...
Thursday PM - May 21, 2009
Tuesday PM - May 19, 2009
RE: Foster Care in Alaska By Cherry Ferry - Way to go, Mr. Jackson!
I applaud you for putting the harsh reality of "Greed"
out there. It's very sad times we live in, even though as Americans
- we are spoiled and have many opportunities. But, the fact remains
- it is very hard for those of us who haven't had the luxury
of a somewhat decent childhood to make a better life for ourselves.
And, the people who never have experienced such don't get it.
You have to live it to really understand it. Compassion and genuine
caring out of the kindness of the heart is becoming a lost act
in today's society. It does have a lot to do with money. - More...
Tuesday PM - May 19, 2009
KPU TELEPHONE DIVISION SALE By Sharon J. Wolfe - I am writing
to voice my opinion on this matter because I feel I have to as
a concerned citizen. I base my opinion on inside knowledge as
a small community member, as well as observance of recent public
meetings and information gained from many employees that I know.
- More...
Tuesday PM - May 19, 2009
Congratulations! By Frances Natkong - Congratulations, Anna Frisby!
You more than deserve the award for 2009 Health Aide of the Year!
You do so much for the people of Hydaburg. - More...
Tuesday PM - May 19, 2009
DO I HAVE TO SECEDE, TOO? By David G. Hanger - Mr. Bylund, I
don't need you to tell me the U.S. military is an equal opportunity
employer; I have three honorable discharges. Nor do I mind being
called a liberal, but to an extent that may be faulty labeling.
Certainly in this instance I am definitely taking the conservative
point of view. I am standing in defense of flag and country against
boneheads who want to secede, have a civil war, and kill all
those disagree with them. Folks apparently like you, Mr. Bylund.
- More...
Tuesday PM - May 19, 2009
Monday - May 18, 2009
Letter of Resignation By Samuel Bergeron - To the Mayor
and City Council and citizens of Ketchikan,
Effective 5-18-09, I reluctantly
resign my seat on the Ketchikan City Council. I do so with a
heavy heart. When I left on work assignment in Kazakhstan, I
was supposed to be working in the large metropolitan areas that
had good high speed internet service. Due to a change in my work
assignment, I will not be able to continue participating without
impacting my work. My current assignment is in a location that
does not have internet and is remote. I said before I left that
if it became impractical for me to continue to participate, I
would resign. The circumstance has arisen that makes it impossible
for me to continue. - More...
Monday - May 18, 2009
The Boys and Girls Club has a new home. By Chris Corrao - After months of
searching the Boys & Girls Club has now opened in our new
location 645 Jackson Street (more commonly known as the National
Guard Armory). - More...
Monday - May 18, 2009
Cruise Ship Tax By Vic and Judi Vreeland - On September 13,
2006, you published our letter concerning the cruise ship tax.
We were opposed to it and said; - More...
Monday - May 18, 2009
Sunday - May 17, 2009
Last Knot on the Rope to progress. By Don Borders - While Ketchikan stands
sliding on the slippery slope, fixated with both hands firmly
grasping the last stop, it has its back to the deep waters. The
cruise lines dropped one of its ships visiting our little town,
while adding one more to Anchorage. Sure, they cited the cost
of oil to run the ships, but in thought, it must take more fuel
to get the added ship visit to Anchorage. The fact two of our
local governments chose to spend the cruise ship passengers'
tax on stuff not adhering to the imposed head tax guidelines
must have been their problem. That is one aspect of the last
knot. - More...
Sunday - May 17, 2009
Open Letter: Dungeness crab fishery By Rep. Kyle Johansen & Rep. Bill
Thomas - We are very concerned with the decision by the Board
of Fish (Board) to open the commercial Dungeness crab fishery
in Districts 1 and 2 of Registration Area A from June 15 to August
15 (summer season). - More...
Sunday - May 17, 2009
Foster Care in Alaska By Lisa Bezenek - I certainly hope
the state will look into this information Mr. Jackson presented,
and somehow have Mr. Jackson's college fund be funded from that
large amount of money per month. What a great thing for him to
come to the public with information most people hide from or
just ignore. - More...
Sunday - May 17, 2009
Rental costs in Ketchikan By Heather Wills - Let me tell you
about us. I stay at home during the week and waitress on the
weekends and he works full time at the hospital and is going
to school for Nursing. I consider us to be very good renters.
We have two small children, no pets, we don't smoke or stay out
late, don't play loud music, always pay our rent on time and
take very good care of our little apartment. - More...
Sunday - May 17, 2009
Tongass National Forest By Charlotte Tanner - Mr. Stump you
are indeed an articulate, and well written person. - More...
Sunday - May 17, 2009
Appeasement Jeopardizes National Security By Donald A. Moskowitz - President
Obama is making mistakes impacting our foreign policy. - More...
Sunday - May 17, 2009
Thursday - May 14, 2009
RE: Foster Care in Alaska By Charlene Burns - I am sorry that
Mr. Jackson has been hurt by this news of the mass amounts of
money that is being used in some facets of our foster care system.
I would be just as devastated as you are if I had found out similar
news about my caregivers. - More...
Thursday - May 14, 2009
RE: Foster Care in Alaska By Melissa Muller - I have lived and
worked with the youth, in Ketchikan, for the past eight years.
Treating their mental health. At RYC, some of the kids come in
because they are having difficulty navigating adolescence with
their families. These kids are placed at RYC by their parents.
- More...
Thursday - May 14, 2009
Rental Costs in Ketchikan By Maria Neufeldt - There have been
several letters about "slumlords" in Ketchikan. Well
I have the other side. Is my rent higher here than in Oregon?
Of course. The cost of living is about 30% higher here overall
than Portland. - More...
Thursday - May 14, 2009
Coastal Alaska Forest Regrowth By Keith Stump - In response to Charlotte
Tanner's second request that I answer or otherwise enlighten
her: "Over-mature forests" include "dead and decaying"
trees, and healthy, growing trees. They are marked by a canopy
populated by gray, dead wood, and distinguished from a "mature
forest" by the substantial percentage of dead and dying
trees and more technically by the comparative lack of increase
or decrease in wood fiber. "Over mature" is a term
used to describe a forest, not a tree. A standing tree can be
dead or dying (i.e. decaying, rotting in part). A tree fallen
and turning to rot on the forest floor is not an "over-mature
tree," it's a dead tree, but it would possibly be in an
over-mature forest. - More...
Thursday - May 14, 2009
RE: ON SECESSION By Eileen Small - A discussion of history is
always a good thing in my opinion since, as they say, those who
don't study history are destined to repeat it. Slavery was, infact,
a great evil in the world. This includes wherever it existed
in America in our past and in places where minorities (such as
women) are enslaved today and where innocent civilians are tortured
and beheaded for quasi religious reasons by Al Quaeda and the
Taliban such as in Iraq and Afghanistan --- and where our current
elected U.S. President and Congress seem to have HUGE issues
in showing a little backbone when dealing with these oppressors.
- More...
Thursday - May 14, 2009
RE: ON SECESSION By Jeremy Price - I am sick to death of secession
being painted as such a dastardly act, when come to think of
it, our nation was born from secession. - More...
Thursday - May 14, 2009
Tuesday - May 12, 2009
Responses to my letters By Charles Edwardson - For some reason
some of my letters make it to this publication and some do not.
I do not know if they are screened or not but it seems that some
of my more polite letters make it on right away and some of the
more sarcastic letters do not make it at all. In any case sarcasm
is not a reason to discount the content of an opinion. - More...
Tuesday - May 12, 2009
Monday PM - May 11, 2009
The Theft of Taan ta Kwaan Lands in
Ketchikan By Aan Kadax
Tseen aka Don Hoff Jr. - The low tidelands around Ketchikan,
Alaska belong to the Taan ta Kwaan (Sea Lion People), also known
as the Tongass Tribe. Encroachment or theft of Native lands in
Ketchikan actually started during the Alaska gold rush in the
late 1880's with so-called mining claims like Venetia Lode and
Schoenbar Lode. It was during this time that Alaska Natives were
unable to make mining claims on their own lands, because they
were not citizens of the United States. - More...
Monday PM - May 11, 2009
ANOTHER CLIFF HANGER by Ken Bylund - Mr. Hanger, do you
believe that defending your political religion with the fervor
of Pope Gregory IX is persuasive, or productive? Many, especially
non-partisans, non-believers [like me] have had enough of this
religious inquisition rhetoric from all sides... leaves a bitter
history, all this constant sniping, the compulsive disorder to
shout down, accuse, and pitch divisive epithets; peculiar [as
it is repulsive], is the tone, that hollow echo of past totalitarianism.
My recommendation; provide logical, persuasive arguments for
specific concepts, [scientific method] to be studied, tested,
and proofed; resist all the blustery energy aimed at destroying
the reputations of them who disagree with you [not very scientific].
Listen and think about what skeptics are saying, much of it is
justifiable, offer reasonable, constructive alternatives. - More...
Monday PM - May 11, 2009
Thank You By Julia Guthrie - My son Christopher R. Stacy
was involved in a single car accident on South Tongass Highway
on May 4th. My family would just like to thank the South Tongass
Fire Department, the Alaska State Troopers, the Ketchikan General
Hospital, Guardian Flight, Harbor Veiw Medical Center, our friends
and family, and all the people of Ketchikan who offered their
support to our family. - More...
Monday PM - May 11, 2009
Foster Care in Alaska By Mary Ida Henrikson - I must respond
to Matt Jackson's letter. First it must have been devastating
to learn that money was the motivation in your foster care. Your
letter describing your conclusion is full of emotional pain and
confusion. - More...
Monday PM - May 11, 2009
Saturday - May 09, 2009
$414,000.00 plus $30,000.00 By Bob Jackson - The people I have
talked with believe the council made a costly mistake in the
decision to move KPU customer service out of its current location.
- More...
Saturday - May 09, 2009
KPU Telecom Sale By Michael Naab - Reading the recent letters
from Charles Edwardson and Rudy McGillvray, one might assume
that the sale of KPU's Telecommunications Division is a foregone
conclusion. Not so. Here are some facts: - More...
Saturday - May 09, 2009
Dungeness Crab in Southeast Alaska By Jackie Tyson - Briefly, I was at
the Petersburg Board of Fish (BoF) meeting. I spoke for the people
of Whale Pass who wanted to keep the little bay in front of their
town closed to commercial crabbers. My husband was trying to
get a small area in the Wrangell Narrows by Petersburg closed
to Dungeness because it's so depleted. We were shot down. It
was not pretty. - More...
Saturday - May 09, 2009
Foster Care in Alaska By Matt Jackson - Today, I learned
what really makes the "youth treatment system" go 'round
in Alaska. It's not love, it is not about the kids, and no one
cares about us. It is the money. I won't go into the many grievances
Residential Youth Care and foster care have committed against
me. Rather, today I will only talk about the numbers. -
More...
Saturday - May 09, 2009
Speed Limits By Libby Oaksmith - I have read the previous
two letters and agree with both of them. In 2000, I wrote a letter
to the Daily News asking drivers to please slow down. I too live
in the same area as Jennifer, only right across from the ball
park. - More...
Saturday - May 09, 2009
ON SECESSION By David G. Hanger - Eileen Small would have
us believe that there exists a binding contract between the state
of Texas and the United States that allows Texas to secede from
the United States if it so desires. That so-called contract language
dates to 1845 and was voided and superseded by what is known
as the American Civil War. You might have heard of it, Eileen.
- More...
Saturday - May 09, 2009
Our children's children's Forest By James Schenk - I have been to the
Maybeso experimental forest! For such a place to be chosen as
an example of a good one, is beyond my belief. The alder after
60 years in the Maybeso is still profuse, the reprod which was
never properly thinned makes human and animal passage difficult
at best. The reasoning of destroying our forest for profit of
corporations and publicly funded logging should be as dead as
a spawned out salmon. - More...
Saturday - May 09, 2009
Coastal Alaska forest regrowth By Louise Clark - I feel an obligation
to add my opinion to this discussion of old growth ugly versus
new beautiful human managed forests because it is refreshing
to know that man in his ultimate wisdom is better at this than
God or mother nature. - More...
Saturday - May 09, 2009
Coastal Alaska Forest Regrowth By Charlotte Tanner - Thank you Mr.
Stump for your attempt at "enlightening" me. I tend
to agree with you on your assessment of your grandmother, she
is over mature. Just as a tree that has fallen and decayed on
the forest floor for a few decades could be called over mature,
but to call a standing tree "over mature" is rather
pre mature in my humble opinion. - More...
Saturday - May 09, 2009
Sidewalk congestion By Julie Grimmer - This morning at
the tunnel, I witnessed two women get on their small electric
wheelchair-type vehicles and zoom on to downtown, using the sidewalk.
Now, these 2 were not handicapped in any way. I saw both of them
walking around their vehicles prior to using them, stooping down,
one even running down the street to get something. - More...
Saturday - May 09, 2009
Wednesday - May 06, 2009
Slumlords By Cecelia Johnson - On rent and landlords I
really need to add my two cents. I am a homeowner but have been
involved with social services which I was an advocate. - More...
Wednesday - May 06, 2009
Coastal Alaska Forest Regrowth By Keith Stump - Charlotte Tanner
has requested me to enlighten her with locations of "better,
greener, healthier forests" in Southeast Alaska. OK. First,
check out Maybeso Valley on POW where the Maybeso Experimental
Forest is located. It was used for experimental logging by the
U.S. Forest Service when large-scale logging first began to provide
the timber contracted to the two long-term (50 year) sales to
the two pulp mills build in the 1950's (Ketchikan and then Sitka).
To evaluate and better understand the effects of more significant
harvesting of timber (particularly the effects on salmon streams),and
the natural regrowth capabilities and processes in Southeast
Alaska, over four miles of forests on both sides of the Maybeso
Creek were clear-cut logged, and within that area a square mile
(after being was first clear cut logged) had all remaining trees
(down to just sprouts) removed. In that regrowth (or second generation
forest), you will uniformly find an overall "greener"
forest canopy (over sixty feet tall about ten or twenty years
ago) without the grey dead tops of dead or dying trees found
in the or climax forest that was there when the logging began.
- More...
Wednesday - May 06, 2009
Old Growth Trees - worthless? By Shelley Stallings - About the only
sentence in Mr. Dornblasers letter I can find any agreement with
is the one which states that trees, like all living things, grow,
mature, then die. After that it becomes more complicated and
most of these issues have be hashed and re-hashed many times
over in the media and at countless USFS public meetings. - More...
Wednesday - May 06, 2009
Take the Money By Rick Ferguson - I think our governor should
get off her high horse and take the money. -
More...
Wednesday - May 06, 2009
Monday - May 04, 2009
HELP SAVE OUR DUNGENESS!!!!! By Kimberly Peters - The Alaska Board
of Fisheries has decided to open commercial Dungeness fishing
in the Ketchikan area on June 15th, 2009. This just happens to
be when the crabs are breeding and have soft shells, this hasn't
been done since the 80's because they almost WIPED the species
OUT!! - More...
Monday - May 04, 2009
25 MPH speed limit neighborhoods By Michael Moyer - I will have to
agree with Jennifer Tavares that there is no intelligent reason
why the neighborhood streets of Ketchikan should have speed limits
as high as 25 mph. I live on upper Water Street and I have witnessed
near fatal accidents with pedestrians there including a child
who was simply stepping out of his street side home directly
into the path of an on-coming car. - More...
Monday - May 04, 2009
Re: KPU (Telephone Division) By Alan R. (Rudy) McGillvray - It
has never been incumbent upon the City Council to do anything
in governing Ketchikan that would REALLY benefit its citizens
and or customers. KPU Telephone Division is the only division
in KPU that makes more money than it spends; that would be called,
by any other name, PROFIT. KPU Telephone Div, is constantly called
upon to give monies to the Electrical Division, if you read the
minutes of City Council Meetings very carefully you will note
that on occasion the Council is asked by the Managers of KPU
to do so and they do. - More...
Monday - May 04, 2009
RE: Enlightment By Jim Dornblaser - Ms. Tanner, I find your
choice of words ironic. - More...
Monday - May 04, 2009
High Rent?? By Sonia Streitmatter - I am a homeowner who
currently has renters in my home. I'm fairly new to the game
(just a few months), but I have to say if anyone thinks I am
making money off the deal, they are just plain wrong. The rent
covers the mortgage payment, the property manager's fee and the
little bit extra goes to paying the increase in insurance from
a homeowner's policy to a landlord's policy. If there is anything
left, it will go towards a fund for repairs/alterations. - More...
Monday - May 04, 2009
Ketchikan Tea Party By Eileen Small - I thought Mr. Hanger's
tirade against Ms. Emmert's letter in support of the nationwide
tea parties to be a tad elitist and unjust--a characteristic
which that writer shares with many of our currently elected officials
and a fact that helped incite the grass root protests leading
to the tea parties. I know I am not a racist but I can see unnecessary
spending occur and I hate to see my kids and others' kids paying
for debts occurred in this generation. Frankly, I hate to pay
for it either and if I wanted to own Chrysler or GM I'd buy stock
personally! I guess I can determine right from wrong. Why is
the "race card" always played when someone disagrees
with liberal politics? I think it is silly--sort of like grade
schoolers calling each other baby- name-insults on a playground!
I don't think Ms. Emmert is a racist either and I am certain
of one more thing that neither she nor I are: WE AREN'T SOCIALISTS!!!
- More...
Monday - May 04, 2009
Iranian Nuclear Missile Threat By Donald A. Moskowitz - Iran tested
the launch of a Scud missile from a ship in the Caspian Sea,
which was designed to provide the capability of launching intermediate
range missiles from cargo ships sitting off coastlines. Also,
within a few years Iran will have long range missiles capable
of striking North America. - More...
Monday - May 04, 2009
Airline Travel Costs By Jerilyn Lester - I have to agree
with Chas Edwardson on this one, if Alaska Airlines thought in
terms of volume instead of gouging each individual that crossed
the Narrows it would be better all around. - More...
Monday - May 04, 2009
Thursday - April 30, 2009
KPU ADVISORY BOARD By Charles Edwardson - I have recently
been nominated and placed and the KPU advisory board. My main
interest in sitting on this board is to understand Ketchikan
Public Utilities (KPU) and to understand the sale of the publicly
owned utility - KPU PHONE DIVISION - and the discussion of the
sale of a company you and I own, without you or I involved in
the discussion. - More...
Thursday - April 30, 2009
Deermount Parking By Jennifer Tavares - My family & I live
on Deermount St. where the speed limit is currently 25 MPH. The
city is considering removing parking on half of my street, which
my neighbors and I feel this will encourage speeding even more.
I have been speaking to Chief of Police Ed Talik about my concerns.
Mr. Talik and the other police officers have been extremely helpful
in watching our neighborhood for people going too fast. I was
unaware the limit on many residential streets are 25 - I always
thought in these areas it was 20 MPH. Water St, Woodland, Baranof-
every little road the limit is the same as the main street Tongass
Ave. I don't understand why in areas where families live and
little children play the speed limit is 25, and downtown where
the "tourists" visit in the summer is 20! Does this
make any sense at all?!?
- More...
Thursday - April 30, 2009
Awaiting enlightenment By Charlotte Tanner - Mr. Stump says
in his letter that: "by logging over-mature, decaying, primarily
hemlock stands, the industry was creating a better, greener,
healthier forest for the future." This is an interesting
viewpoint. I've lived in SE Alaska since 1968, if indeed, the
logging that has taken place has created a better, greener, healthier
forest, I'd sure like to know where it is? Perhaps Mr. Stump
could enlighten me. - More...
Thursday - April 30, 2009
Why, Why, do we give up our Rights By Randy Williams - Someone please
tell me what has happened to us, have we become so corporate
that we have forgotten how important our food sources are to
us as Alaska Natives. I ask again, where is our leadership to
stop this greedy money grubbing theft of our traditional food
sources. I usually don't write in the Sitnews unless I'm discussing
Gaming and all the money that is made in almost every State but
Alaska with the exception of Metlakatla and they could make so
much more if they really addressed gaming the way it should be,
but that's another subject. - More...
Thursday - April 30, 2009
"Nanny State" is no longer
a metaphor By Jay Jones
- Commissioner LeDoux's letter disappointed me although it was
expected. The State of Alaska has determined that large amounts
of parents are incapable of raising their own toddlers correctly.
- More...
Thursday - April 30, 2009
LIMBAUGH LOONIES AND BECKBRAINS By David G. Hanger - One Connie Emmert
hails that the tea party movement has been "a huge success!"
So successful that using her base numbers a total of less than
three one-hundredths of one percent of the citizens of this country
participated. - More...
Thursday - April 30, 2009
High rents not always a simple case
of greedy landlords
By Mary L. Dahl - I understand the frustration of a tight budget
and paying rents that eat up a big chunk of that budget. It is
tough to get ahead under those circumstances. However, the problem
of high rents is not always a simple case of greedy landlords
bilking the tenants. - More...
Thursday - April 30, 2009
Rental Costs By Marcia Hilley - We have been landlords in
Ketchikan since 1975. Ohhh the stories we could tell! However
the only one who cares is another landlord! The tenants I have
now are working single parents. They pay their rent each month
and I haven't raised their rent since they moved in... - More...
Thursday - April 30, 2009
High Rent By Dave Jensen - There were generations contributing
to the cost of housing in Ketchikan. Most people move here to
work, or to make money. Some plan to leave with a sack full of
cash (retirement). People that grew up here may have the same
idea. I say some because there are always those that have no
incentive to provide for themselves. - More...
Thursday - April 30, 2009
High Rent Costs By Chris Barry - To those that scream buy a
house, I say 'WAKE UP MORONS'! - More...
Thursday - April 30, 2009
OUTRAGEOUS prices By Aimee Perry-Mazzella - I am an avid reader
of this website to keep up with the "Hometown News"
and felt compelled to respond to this issue. - More...
Thursday - April 30, 2009
Saturday - April 27, 2009
RE: HIGH RENTAL COSTS By Zak Young - Mr. Steiner has a valid
point, which is very simply "BUY A HOUSE, END OF STORY!"
- More...
Saturday - April 27, 2009
School Districts Will Pilot Ideas for
Publicly Funded Preschools
By Larry LeDoux, Alaska Education Commissioner - Giving our children
high-quality care from birth to age 6 is one of the best ways
we can prepare them for success at school -- and throughout their
lives. The Palin administration will help more Alaska parents
achieve this level of care, whether their children are at home
or in preschools. - More...
Saturday - April 27, 2009
Fiddler Problem By Rodney Dial - RE: The fiddler on the roof
carving on Creek St. not being in compliance with zoning laws.-
More...
Saturday - April 27, 2009
Commercial crab restrictions By Trygve Westergard - I heard a rumor
that fish and game opened Bostwick Bay along with some others
to commercial crabbers? Why was this opened? - More..
Saturday - April 27, 2009
Parking
By Rhett Jackson - I agree with Jackie Keizer; parking on Deermount
is already strained to the max as these old city houses weren't
planned as well as other newer homes. If the city would buy the
rock quarry behind Deermount and turn it into a parking lot that
might be an option but one has to wonder if taking the parking
off Deermount by fiat caters to folks who aren't residents. I
would have to bring my car up the 48 steps to my house if this
happens. - More...
Saturday - April 27, 2009
Thursday - April 25, 2009
Parking for residents By Bobbie McCreary - I strongly support
Jackie Keizer's comments and put in my own plea. Please, look
first to a more global, city-wide parking plan first and do NOT
take a piecemeal approach to parking issues. If you "squeeze"
parking in one place, it will just "pop up" in another.
We all know there is inadequate parking space allocated in the
central part of town to park the vehicles driven by people who
live there. - More...
Thursday - April 25, 2009
Tea Party Report By Connie Emmert - A PajamasTV report estimates
that about one million people came out for the Tax Day Tea Parties
across the nation! What a huge success! Not only
that, but a Rasmussen poll this week showed that 51% of Americans
viewed the tea parties favorably, while only 33% viewed them
unfavorably. - More...
Thursday - April 23, 2009
Thursday - April 25, 2009
Removal of Parking on Deermount St. By Jackie Keizer - I am writing in
regard to the notice that appeared in the Weekend Edition stating
that "the City of Ketchikan Joint Safety Committee is soliciting
input from the public regarding removal of on-street parking
for all the north side of Deermount Street." - More...
Thursday - April 23, 2009
The High Cost of UAS Administration By Robert D. Warner - Rapidly rising
costs for higher education are a major worry to college students
and their parents who struggle to find funds to cover these increases.
- More...
Thursday - April 23, 2009
Man Caused Disasters By A.M.Johnson - U.S. Department of
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has demonstrated
yet another shallow or corrupt example of the "Kenyan's"
cabinet talent, by claiming that the "War on Terror"
is really a "Overseas Contingency Operations" and then
this. - More...
Thursday - April 23, 2009
Re: Drivers By Alan R. McGillvray - Well by now, we should
all know that there are two ways to drive on the roads and streets,
around and about Ketchikan; either WAY TOO FAST, or WAY TOO SLOW.
- More...
Thursday - April 23, 2009
Contempt for "tea baggers" By Richard Easbey - Well, well, well.
In David Hanger's screed published 04/21/09, he manages to parrot
just about every DNC talking point/leftist ad hominem I've seen
since last Wednesday's Tea Party. And he starts off magnificently
with the elitism and snobbery which only a leftist is capable
of, with his remark about Republicans not reading. Yep, that's
right, Dave. Those of us who don't agree with statists like yourself
are just a bunch of dummies. Thanks for clearing that up. Oh,
and by the way: calling us "tea baggers" is so last
week. What is it with the left's obsession with this particular
sex act? What are you, 12? (If you don't know what "tea-bagging"
is, ask a middle schooler.) - More...
Thursday - April 23, 2009
RE: THE FIZZLE IN THE DRIZZLE By William H. Davis - Mr. Hanger,
you have an opinion. Great. Americans can voice that opinion
in anyway that they want to, be it in a letter to the editor
or standing on a soapbox...on a street corner. Either way is
perfectly acceptable under the law. - More...
Thursday - April 23, 2009
RE: Timber Industry Retooling By Dave Abeyta - I'm in agreement
with Keith Stump's comments & information. I've spent half
my working life (15 years) in the northwest logging industry
& one thing is for sure forest management is an imperfect
science in the works. The Forest Service sends out well intentioned,
college educated people to tell loggers what's best for the forest.
In spite of what the preservationists think we loggers care about
what is best for the trees so they will be there for us &
our children. - More...
Thursday - April 23, 2009
Reply to High Rental Costs By Mark Steiner - Buy a house, end
of story. - More...
Thursday - April 23, 2009
High Rental Costs By Katherine Wood - I too think rental costs
in Ketchikan are extreme. I have two children and I am renting
on my own for the first time. It is such a struggle, not fun
at all. I am a hard working person who has a fairly good job
and I can never get ahead. It makes me sick when I talk to my
mom in Oregon who rents a 3 bedroom 2 bath brand new house with
a 2 car garage, a grassy front yard with a fenced grassy back
yard and a dog and she only pays $750 a month. I pay $1007 a
month not including utilities and that's in a 2 bedroom 1 bath
APARTMENT in a four-plex. - More...
Thursday - April 23, 2009
Tuesday - April 21, 2009
High Rental Costs By Zak Young - I read the letter about the high
cost of rentals in Ketchikan, and myself am in the mad dash search
for an apt due to circumstances beyond my control, and am having
the same issues. The writer hit the nail on the head! I usually
am a person who tells it how I see it...so this is what I see!!
- More...
Tuesday - April 21, 2009
Unbelievable Renters By Susan Hoyt - I read the letter
"Unbelievable Rental Costs". I am not defending high
rents but I must add that I have had my share of great renters
and I thought I might share just a couple stories. - More...
Tuesday - April 21, 2009
THE FIZZLE IN THE DRIZZLE By David G. Hanger - This "tea
bagging" nonsense is a classic example of that old adage,
the difference between Democrats and Republicans is Democrats
believe what they read; Republicans just don't read. Believing
what one reads has always exemplified stupidity; one must follow
the footnote trail to determine the writer's ideology, method,
and motivation, none of which has anything to do with belief.
Not reading epitomizes and enhances ignorance, and ignorance
is certainly the primary message broadcast by the "tea baggers."
- More...
Tuesday - April 21, 2009
Regarding Tax Day Tea Party By Connie Emmert, Laura Antonsen,
and Dick Coose - Thanks to all of you who came out to the sign
waving Tax Day Tea Party! It was a great turn out, and
you were true patriots for standing out there in the cold and
wind. We and our fellow tea party patriots across the country
made history and surely we have begun to make an impact in congress.
- More...
Tuesday - April 21, 2009
Tax
Tea Party By Eileen Small - Ms. Gay, there is a petition
circulating in support of the tea party's concepts. I have one
copy in my office if you'd like to drop by and sign. Also, there
will be a "like event" on July 4 and you are definitely
welcome to come. - More...
Tuesday - April 21, 2009
"Tea Party" By Lou Ann Richardson - Ketchikan's
"tea party" made one of the New York Times Op-Ed articles,
(Gail Collins, 4/18)....along with Texas. We're famous yet again.
- More...
Tuesday - April 21, 2009
Open Letter: Refund anticipation loans By David G. Hanger - On behalf of
the consumers and the taxpaying citizens of the state of Alaska,
first and foremost, but in this instance contributing to the
enhanced well-being of the citizens of all of the states, I respectfully
request the immediate outlawing of refund anticipation loans,
an abomination that has brought loan sharks and incompetents
into the fields of accounting and of tax preparation, thereby
degrading the standards of this profession to an embarrassing
degree, while bilking the consuming public for high fees and
high rates of interest, constituting as much as 20% to 30% of
a taxpayer's refund, for a loan that lasts no more than five
to ten days. - More...
Tuesday - April 21, 2009
Re: Drivers By Doug Johnson - I share some of Mr. Harper's
frustrations. I see just as many over cautious drivers driving
well under the speed limit for no apparent reason. Maybe they
lack the driving skill necessary to manipulate the corners at
speed, maybe they have no place to go and don't care how long
it takes them to get there. - More...
Tuesday - April 21, 2009
ALASKA AIRLINES TICKETS By Chas Edwardson - If it cost me
let's say 300 dollars to get from here to Seattle, I would probably
go there at least 4 to 5 times a year just to dry off. Ironic?
total= 1200 to 1500 bucks. - More...
Tuesday - April 21, 2009
Tickets
By Heather Wills - Exactly, we don't have that option here, we
don't have any options here and they know it. Alaska airlines
has a Monopoly in Southeast Alaska and they know it, it's not
just Ketchikan that gets the shaft either, tried flying out of
Juneau lately? - More...
Tuesday - April 21, 2009
Re: Drivers By Floyd Crocker - A classic case of road rage,
Give yourself a few more minutes and enjoy the trip. - More...
Tuesday - April 21, 2009
Thursday - April 16, 2009
KFD Dispatchers By Dave Hull - I want to start off by saying
that the Ketchikan Police Department and Alaska State Troopers
dispatchers deserve all the accolades given them for the performance
of their duties. In fact, they can't be given enough. I have
been involved with emergency response for the last 34 years and
have taken great comfort many times in the calm, warm voice coming
out of my handheld radio speaker. Just knowing someone is there
when I key the microphone is of great reassurance. I must object,
however, that one group has been left out of the honors recently
bestowed by the Borough Assembly. The group I am referring to
is the dispatchers with the Ketchikan Fire Department. They are
still there filling in when needed and doing an excellent job
but were referred to as 'others' in the proclamation. - More...
Thursday - April 16, 2009
Unbelievable Rental Costs - Letter removed by request.
Thursday - April 16, 2009
Help save the Dungeness! By Lloyd Gossman - Everyone needs
to help stop the Ketchikan area summer commercial Dungeness crab
fishery. It hasn't taken place for 20 years because it was a
bad idea back in the day and it's a bad idea now. As of now,
this fishery is scheduled to start on June 15th, right when most
of the Dungeness are soft shelled and reproducing. Millions of
pounds of Dungeness will be wasted because of the high mortality
rate of the soft-shelled crab. - More...
Thursday - April 16, 2009
RE: Timber Industry Retooling By Keith Stump - I read, with some
dismay and perhaps even some amusement, Mr. Hjerpe's attempt
to pan Sen. Murkowski's Southeast Alaska Timber Industry Retooling
and Restructuring Act. Amused by yet another OIE ("Outside
Instant Expert") postulating and perpetuating ad nauseam
something somebody told them was true (but really isn't), and
dismayed that others with equal ignorance will possibly believe
it and extend the vicious cycle of propaganda. - More...
Thursday - April 16, 2009
Hydaburg School By Frances C. Natkong - On April 9, 2009, the
Board of Education of Hydaburg City School District met in a
regular school board meeting and voted unanimously to retain
the present CEO of Hydaburg school. There was one board member
absent that night so was not counted in the vote. Their logic
in retaining the CEO is "he's saving the district money
and it's not feasible to hire a superintendent at this time."
I've done some computing and both the CEO and his significant
other's salaries combined are outrageous! The school board hired
SERRC to do a superintendent search and that was not brought
up at the meeting, the president skipped right over that on the
agenda (more money going out without just cause). It makes me
wonder how much was spent on the superintendent search and why
weren't any of the candidates for the position even considered?
- More...
Thursday - April 16, 2009
Three if by mandate By Ken Lewis - And then there was
dark! Can one of the smarter people on this Island explain in
real terms what House Bill 19 will do for evening outdoor activity
in South East Alaska? My fear is the Snooze Alarm Junkies are
trying to steal another hour of our evening outdoor activity
time, for the sake of fewer hours separating Anchorage and a
Hash Bar in Socialized Europe. - More...
Thursday - April 16, 2009
Close Encounter of the Squirrel Kind
By Joseph Miller -
Just wanted to say, we had a squirrel encounter last night. Two
of our flying squirrel friends found their way into my home.
- More...
Thursday - April 16, 2009
Truth Scenario! By Arilee Bird - Chas Edwardson, I raise you
high for your succinct portrayal of what's gone on for years.
I used to spit my coffee like you, and then have morning 'incredulous
blowouts', and finally started wondering: "Where the heck
do I get in line for these outrageous handouts?" Lie like
a rug, devise a devious hell-bent-for-failure plan, sell the
council and Ta-Dah! Make big lying 'doo-doo', and come out of
it with big bucks, and smelling somewhat like a rose, but leaving
a stench. Apparently if one is not part of the "inner circle"
that keeps it going. - More...
Thursday - April 16, 2009
Drivers
By David C Harper - May or may not be a stupid pet-pieve of mine,
but why do 99.99% of drivers either drive too fast, or waaayyyyy
too slow? It seems most are confused as to which driving habits
they should use during each season. - More...
Thursday - April 16, 2009
Tea Party By Gay D. Peters - I did not know the Tea Party
was going to happen here or I would have been there. I do not
check this web sight all the time. - More...
Thursday - April 16, 2009
ALASKA AIRLINES TICKETS By Julie Steiner - I wanted to respond
to Kim Morton's letter from April 6 - I agree with her 100%.
We live in a town that the only way out is by ferry or plane.
I have a big family, and trying to buy airplane tickets costs
a ton of money. Oregon - Washington - why are they getting these
deals on Alaska Airlines when they have a whole lot more choices
on which airline to choose - we sure don't have that option here.
- More...
Thursday - April 16, 2009
Landless settlement due years ago By Anita Edenshaw - I am a landless
share holder, most of my family didn't live long enough to see
the long awaited settlement, and it's about time people quit
playing games and settle. Get the landless people who are willing
to put the time and effort in fighting for our land or money.
It's long over due. Have them inform the shareholders on the
progress if any at all times. - More...
Thursday - April 16, 2009
Combat Somali Pirates By Donald A. Moskowitz - The Somali
pirates continue to wreak havoc on commercial shipping off the
coast of Africa. There are about 20 ships with over 300 hundred
hostages currently being held by the pirates for ransom. - More...
Thursday - April 16, 2009
Friday - April 10, 2009
Ward Cove and our "burro"
leaders By Lawrence
"Snapper" Carson - Hurrah to Chas Edwardson! Isn't
it wonderful to see local government at work and what wonderful
ways to spend our tax money. If you want to have a bad day drive
out to the old pulp mill site and look arround. Sunken and abandon
historical boats, sinking old logging camps, sunken barges and
a mill site that resembles Berlin after the war. - More...
Friday - April 10, 2009
Tax Day Tea Party in Ketchikan By Connie Emmert - I'm writing to
let everyone know that there is a Tax Day Tea Party scheduled
to be held on Wednesday, April 15th between 4:00 p.m. and 6:30
p.m. on the corner of Jefferson and Tongass. This is a peaceful
protest against the stimulus package and bailouts that are burying
us and our children in debt. - More...
Friday - April 10, 2009
Ketchikan Tea Party? By Richard Easbey - Here is some information
I found about a Tax Day Tea Party here in Ketchikan: Ketchikan
is having a tea party on April 15th at 4:00 to 6:30 pm at the
corner of Jefferson and Tongass! - More...
Friday - April 10, 2009
Tax Tea Party By Larry Fischer - I would be interested in
attending a tea party. If anyone is planning to organize one
please list the details, perhaps others here in Ketchikan would
also be interested. I'm tired of our Govt. spending this money
like it was theirs! - More...
Friday - April 10, 2009
Clotheslines By Elaine and Steve O'Brien - Using a clothesline
instead of a dryer would save huge amounts of energy. But it
is against the law for Americans to line dry their laundry! -
More...
Friday - April 10, 2009
Shotgun Approach To Economy - The Bailouts By Donald A. Moskowitz - The President
is using the last $100 billion from the $700 billion bailout
for banks to continue to loan money to them, and he desires an
option for another $250 billion. The optional $250 billion should
not be approved and the $100 billion in loans should have significant
restrictions. - More...
Friday - April 10, 2009
Thanks to KPU and a heads up to others By MJ Cadle - Recently I discovered
the power line coming from the pole to our house was seriously
damaged and the insulation burned off. Checking the power line
to our house was not something I ever thought of or heard that
I should do but I would suggest that home owners, especially
older home owners, do so. It is so easy to do and the consequences
if you have a damaged line could be devastating. - More...
Friday - April 10, 2009
Thanks
By MJ Cadle - I would like to thank Robert Renninger of Software
Engineering of Alaska for saving me during my recent computer
crisis when both my work computer and mirrored backup drive crashed
fatally within days of each other leaving me without access to
client files or my photos - both necessary for me to work.
- More...
Friday - April 10, 2009
Monday - April 06, 2009
It's More Than Just The Head Tax By Shauna Lee - I have read all the
letters recently regarding the head tax, and whether it has an
effect on a ships decisions to re-locate their vessels to other
ports. I believe that people are missing the larger picture on
issues that face the cruise industry. -
More...
Monday - April 06, 2009
On track for a greener, cleaner, and
brighter future in Southeast Alaska By Lindsey Ketchel - The recent sunshine is just
one thing for Southeast Alaskans to smile about. In the past
few weeks, both the Alaska Legislature and U.S. Congress have
taken bipartisan actions that will boost the Southeast Alaska
economy and steer our region towards a greener, cleaner, brighter
and more sustainable future. - More...
Monday - April 06, 2009
ANCSA PROMISES By Diane Hoisington - I was born, and lived
in Southeast Alaska. My parents, were also born, and lived in
Southeast Alaska. Now both my mother and father are both gone.
Let's admit. there comes a time (the last 38 years have been
a long time) to end the wait for the Southeast Alaskan Settlements
Act which was promised to the Alaska Natives. - More...
Monday - April 06, 2009
Timber Industry Retooling By Evan Hjerpe - Sen. Murkowski's
press release advocating her Southeast Alaska Timber Industry
Retooling and Restructuring Act ( Murkowski Proposes Southeast
Initiative to Aid Regional Economy, 4/2) misrepresents many facts,
leaving me concerned that her bill may miss the mark. The Murkowski
press release incorrectly attributes the decline of the timber
industry in Southeast Alaska to a litany of federal forest policy
changes. In fact, the decline of the timber industry is due to
a number of market-driven factors and a long history of unsustainable
high-grading of the biggest and best trees. The timber industry
in Southeast Alaska has always been affected by inherent competitive
disadvantages. Because of rugged terrain and distance from markets,
logging, manufacturing, and transportation costs have always
been high. Southeast Alaska's forests are also dominated by tree
species with lower value in timber markets, which means higher
lumber production and processing costs. These factors, and the
collapse of the lumber export market to Japan in the 1980s, have
caused the decline of Southeast Alaska's timber industry. - More...
Monday - April 06, 2009
Response to Mr. Currall By Dan Ortiz - I do indeed stand corrected
in the light of the U.S. Justice Department's decision to remove
the judgement against former Senator Ted Stevens. An independent
jury did find our former longtime and effective Senator guilty
of all charges against him, but evidently with faulty presented
evidence. Being that the Justice Department was being headed
by a President Bush appointee and going on the assumption that
their duties require them to act in a non-partisan manner regardless,
I had no reason to believe that justice was not done at the time.
However it's apparent, that wasn't the case. - More...
Monday - April 06, 2009
Palin and White Cliff By Chas Edwardson - I literally (no
joke) laughed out loud all by myself drinking coffee in my kitchen
at 5am after reading the "Palin opens new White cliff School
article " (Ketchikan Daily news article dated March 31 2009).
I waited to write this comment until today April 2 2009 to see
if it was as funny as the first time I read it --"it was".
- More...
Monday - April 06, 2009
Re: UAS library movies questioned By Donita O'Dell - I am a full-time
student at UAS, and although I also work full-time and therefore
do not get to participate in any day-time recreational activities
on campus, I have a hard time understanding Mr. Warner's concern
about brown-bag lunch movies once in a while. The truth is that
most students could use more breaks from the never-ending cycle
of studying, researching, writing, and tests -- not a moratorium
on the occasional fun activity. The library is the perfect location
on a very small campus for just such an activity. And, should
a student need peace and quiet to study at that particular time,
the Learning Center offers just such an environment a mere five
steps from the Library. - More...
Monday - April 06, 2009
Outrageous spending By Jon Boyd - Obama keeps throwing
our money away. Who does he think he is? America is in a recession.
We need to be saving money, not spending it. - More...
Monday - April 06, 2009
Shouldn't Alaskans get deals too? By Kimberly Morton - It's been a while
since we have taken a vacation off of the rock. I always seem
to browse the internet to find a special that Alaska Air might
have, sometimes the extra few dollars saved on a ticket can mean
a nice break away from island life. - More...
Monday - April 06, 2009
Thursday - April 02, 2009
Head Tax By Suzan Thompson - Mr. Edwardson is correct
in his assessment that Alaska's $50 head tax is being used by
some of the cruise lines as an excuse to pull a few ships from
the Alaska run in the next year or two, and that it has little
meaning for the average tourist. Try checking out www.cruisecritic.com.
Click on Boards, and then under Ports of Call, click on Alaska.
On about page 6, there are two threads dealing with this topic.
Nearly all of the cruisers who responded to this topic clearly
stated that a fifty-dollar tax had absolutely no effect on their
decision to cruise or not cruise to Alaska. Several of them said
they had no idea there even was a $50 tax. They are far more
concerned about the rising cost of the airfare to get to their
embarkation points in Seattle and Vancouver than they are about
this fee. -
More...
Thursday - April 02, 2009
Tour Ship Head Tax By Lloyd B Ruaro - I have worked for
Holland America corporate office for 5 years. I believe that
they are bluffing that a head tax deters people from booking
a cruise to our great state. - More...
Thursday - April 02, 2009
Head Tax By Susan Hoyt - Silly people. Do you possibly
think that maybe the cruise ships are pulling out because there
is a decline in the amount of people traveling these days?(Due
to the economy ) - More...
Thursday - April 02, 2009
Shotgun Approach To Economy--The Budget By Donald A. Moskowitz - The Obama
Administration is throwing many hundreds of billions of dollars
at a multitude of programs, hoping for economic success. It appears
the thrust of the policies encompass Rahm Emanuel's philosophy
of "not letting a crisis go to waste". - More...
Thursday - April 02, 2009
U.S. Drops Case Against Former Sen.
Stevens By Nathaniel
Currall - Mr. Ortiz may wish to reconsider his lesson to the
community of Ketchikan about politics, law and "Loyalty"
in light of recent events. - More..
Thursday - April 02, 2009
WE ARE THE GOVERNMENT By Jacquie Meck - Gosh, I guess some
people realize that WE ARE THE GOVERNMENT. We own it we pay for
it .... out of every paycheck we make, and here in Ketchikan
pretty much every service and product we buy and use. - More...
Thursday - April 02, 2009
Tuesday - March 31, 2009
Re: The Mayor Responds By Ken Bylund - Thank you for your
response to Mr. Dial's, Questions for the Mayor, and clarification
as to where you stand on these issues. I'm certain that everyone
in this Borough would like to have that new library, a new heated
swimming pool, and performing arts center [aka tourist restrooms],
and skateboard park... etc., we really do. We want our citizens
to enjoy all the pleasures of a prosperous and vibrant city/state.
- More...
Tuesday - March 31, 2009
Ketchikan "Tea Party"? By Eileen Small - I have been hearing
that many communities across the USA are planning "tea parties"
to protest government spending, etc on "Tax Day" (April
15). - More...
Tuesday - March 31, 2009
Tour ship head tax By Chas Edwardson - I doubt very highly
that a fifty dollar head tax was a big factor in Princess Cruise's
visitations or lack of. And now that they have made this public
announcement about this (devastating tax), other cruise lines
will make this claim to reinforce Princess' claims in an effort
to put that fifty bucks back in their pockets. - More...
Tuesday - March 31, 2009
Big numbers By Mike Sallee - OK, I won't argue with Mr.
McGillvray, but for the edification of the rest of those perusing
this column, in America a billion is 1 followed by nine zeros,
a trillion is 1 followed by twelve zeros. - More...
Tuesday - March 31, 2009
Monday - March 30, 2009
The Mayor Responds By Dave Kiffer - Dear Rodney, Thank
you for writing and expressing your concerns.
As you noted, I can't answer
all of your questions but I will try to respond to the ones that
I can. - More...
Monday - March 30, 2009
Mr. Dial's letter and a few of my own
thoughts. By Derek
Andrews - I think I have found the person I will write-in for
mayor at the next election, if he is not going to run. Library
project is wasteful in these economic times and that art should
be funded by the private sector. The role of government should
be to minimize expenses and focus those resources they do use
to the greater good of the populous. - More...
Monday - March 30, 2009
RE: Time for some climate realism By J.A. Rasmussen - Kudo's to Rep.
Gato for publishing his opinion about man-made global warming.
- More...
Monday - March 30, 2009
NIGHTCRAWLERS By David G. Hanger - Escalation is wise only
when you know you have a winning hand, so let this serve as warning
to you AMHS employees who have been spying for your tax-cheating
guru, Martin A. Kapp, that not only are you playing a very bad
hand, you are also playing a very dumb one. If you want my address
so you can get Marty Kapp to jump all over me with his threats
of lawsuits, etc., rather than crawling around in the night and
getting it wrong, you could simply ask. But no, just like your
guru, you crawl around in the mud and hide from the light. -
More...
Monday - March 30, 2009
RE: Cruise Ship Head Tax By Dustin Hofeling - In the words
of Chris Barry: "Silly people." Now you see what happens
when taxes are increased. The cruise ships are pulling vessels.
- More...
Monday - March 30, 2009
Problem Bus Driver By Bryan Oftedahl - This is for the
fellow customers of Ketchikan's public transit system. Is it
really just me or is there one bus driver in particular who never
seems to care about us? I have seen this bus driver fly right
past bus stops with people waiting to get on and out of the rain
yet he doesn't even flinch. I've been on the Blue Line while
he skips going up to Wal-Mart so I have to wait while he goes
out to Totem Bight then get dropped off on Shoreline Dr. (so
long as he doesn 't skip that one too) and walk through the freezing
snow to get to Wal-Mart. I've sat on Green Line and witnessed
him go right past three people standing at the Baranof/ Tower
Rd. stop. One day a woman came running up to the bus when he
was waiting to pull back into traffic from the Plaza stop and
she knocked and I mentioned that somebody was knocking on the
door but ignored me and the woman, he refused to sacrifice a
couple of seconds to open the door. - More...
Monday - March 30, 2009
UAS Library Movies Questioned By Robert D. Warner - Recently I have
noticed that the UAS Ketchikan Library is offering a series of
"brown bag lunch" movies. The movies are scheduled
from noon to 1:15 p.m. in the library.- More...
Monday - March 30, 2009
Administration's Shotgun Approach To
Economy - Part 1 of 3-The Stimulus By Donald A. Moskowitz - The recently enacted
$787 billion economic stimulus plan designed to create jobs includes
about $300 billion in tax cuts for individuals and businesses,
which will not create jobs because companies are not hiring and
consumers are saving their money, not making purchases they can
postpone. The Commerce Department recently reported a U.S. savings
rate of 5%, which is the highest since 1995. - More...
Monday - March 30, 2009
Up to here with...well I simply can't
say. By Marina Keirn
- In response to the "dog poop" concern: I too am disgusted
with the various "piles" deposited around town. - More...
Monday - March 30, 2009
Dog Droppings By Hal Smith - Thanks Carrie Mueller, someone
is finally saying something about the dog poop on the sidewalks
by the Mary Frances Building. - More...
Monday - March 30, 2009
Re: A Trillion dollars By Rudy McGillvray - Dear Ken, and
everyone else who doesn't know that a trillion dollars is not
what you think it is. - More...
Monday - March 30, 2009
Re: Thanks to Young Democrats By A. M. Johnson - My error, without
the Mark Steyn column involved, my letter to the Editor regarding
thanks to young Democrats for their assumption of future fiscal
indebtedness was left off or out of my post. - More...
Monday - March 30, 2009
Sunday PM - March 22, 2009
Questions for the Mayor By Rodney Dial - Dear Mr. Kiffer, you
seem like an intelligent and gifted writer, and a decent Mayor.
However, I am at a loss to understand two of the beliefs you
seem to govern by: 1. That it is never a good time for government
to build or buy something, so it is always a good time to build
or buy something, and 2. Your apparent belief that quality of
a thing equals quantity of cash directed at it. - More...
Sunday PM - March 22, 2009
Global Warming By Charlotte Tanner - Carl Gatto states "
"Global warmers" also predict no more agriculture in
California, and in ten years the oceans will be toxic and all
life could die. And yet, we're halfway to the much-feared "doubling
of CO2" in the atmosphere, and none of these disasters has
even begun to appear". - More...
Sunday PM - March 22, 2009
Shouldn't have voted for McCain By A. M. Johnson - Much to my dismay,
prophecy's predicted have come true and I find myself in a rare
position of having to concede that my vote for John McCain was
in error. - More...
Sunday PM - March 22, 2009
Palins
By Frances Natkong - Excuse me, enough already about the Palin's,
Bristol and Levi. There's more to worry about these days than
whether or not they stay together or break up......sheeshhhhhhhhh.
Give it a rest. I for one am so tired of hearing about this.
-
More...
Sunday PM - March 22, 2009
Tuesday PM - March 17, 2009
Buffett Not Good Enough By Chris Elliott - Another ridiculous
editorial in The Seattle Times. This one, Gates Foundation should
open up, by Pablo Eisenberg, a senior fellow with the Georgetown
Public Policy Institute, was published March 17. Mr. Eisenberg
states that while the Gates Foundation will increase its giving
by an additional $500 million in 2009, it would be well-advised
to have an enlarged board of four to eight additional members
who are not part of the Gates family or their personal advisors
and retainers to assure public accountability and because the
decision-making process (deciding where the money goes) requires
broad perspectives, a wealth of experience and interests beyond
family concerns. Warren Buffett is a member of the Gates Foundation
board. There's a guy we all know is clueless. - More...
Tuesday PM - March 17, 2009
TIME FOR SOME CLIMATE REALISM By Rep. Carl Gatto - We try to stay
informed, read the newspapers, watch the news on TV, and still
we missed a major event that affects our future and our pocketbooks.
700 scientists, economists, and public policy experts from 20
countries met in New York City in early March of this year. They
concluded that global warming, if it is occurring at all, is
probably natural rather than man-made. - More...
Tuesday PM - March 17, 2009
Dog poop on the sidewalks - GROSS!!! By Carrie Mueller - I would
like to confront dog owners in downtown Ketchikan. Since I never
actually see them when it counts, I will hopefully reach all
of you inconsiderate, so called "dog owners" here.
- More...
Tuesday PM - March 17, 2009
A Trillion Dollars By Ken Leland - A Trillion Dollars
is a Million Million Dollars.Imagine all the wealth of a million
Millionaires confiscated by the government and handed out by
Congress to spend however they want. - More...
Tuesday - March 17, 2009
Monday - March 16, 2009
Letters of Support for EPA Assessment By Kenneth Carpenter - Our nonprofit
received as a donation the 347 Bawden Street property. As you
all know, this was your former hospital and was built with asbestos
in the building. The asbestos has hampered the development of
the property for several owners. The first step in rehabilitating
this property is to remove the asbestos. Remodeling or demolition
legally requires abatement, which is removal of the asbestos
and other hazards such as lead. Your health is our #1 priority
with this project, the health of the future sites occupants is
our second, and meeting the best needs of the community is our
third. Our immediate goal is abatement, however assessment must
take place first. For nearly a year we have been working with
the EPA to achieve this goal. Currently the EPA is evaluating
our request for Site Assessment of the building. Abatement funding
is dependent on assessment, and assessment funding is based on
community support. All they need is a letter of support for our
project from your City Mayor, KGB Mayor, Tribal Council or Governor
in order for assessment and abatement to begin. I wrote to all
of your elected government leaders and they all have not responded
to date. - More...
Monday - March 16, 2009
Trillion-Buck Rogers of the 21st Century By Al Johnson - As a senior citizen
looking at the fiscal shenanigans being fostered on the American
Public by the uncertified holder of the Office of President,
my frustration on how this reckless future debt will be paid
was antagonizing. - More...
Monday - March 16, 2009
Understanding Million, Billion, and
Trillion By Charlotte
Tanner - We read about how billions, and trillions are being
thrown around as "bail-outs", etc. I have never had
one inkling what these figures actually meant. They are much
too large for my mind to grasp, so I did some googling. This
one website had these neat definitions, they kind of give me
a feeling for what our government is promising various corporations,
and other entities. WOW! - More...
Monday - March 16, 2009
Thursday - March 12, 2009
PEPPERMINT PATTIES By David G. Hanger - On a nice, sunny
day a rich man goes for a walk down a sandy beach. The wind gusts
suddenly, and up ahead are three children; a middle class child,
an upper middle class child, and a lower middle class child;
who in the course of playing five feet off the shore have fallen
over a shelf into deep water and are drowning. Noticing that
the gusting wind has chilled him a bit, the rich man turns and
goes home to get a sweater. Once home he gives his dog a bone,
just for being such a good, good boy. The three children, of
course, drowned. - More...
Thursday - March 12, 2009
Wednesday - March 11, 2009
Native Oratory Contest: THANK YOU!
By Cara Wallace - Thank
you to everyone who made Ketchikan's first Native Oratory Contest
(held on February 16) a success! The Native Oratory Contest was
a contemporary way of celebrating Alaska Native peoples' oral
traditions. Oral traditions tell us who we are and where we come
from, they connect us to our ancestors, affirm our relationships
with one another, and help us navigate the future. One of Alaska's
most famous orators was Elizabeth Peratrovich, who spoke with
conviction, honesty, poise and eloquence when she addressed the
territorial legislature to advocate for our collective civil
rights. It was especially fitting that we celebrated the exchange
of Native knowledge, ideas and history on the same day Alaska
honors Elizabeth Peratrovich's legacy. - More...
Wednesday - March 11, 2009
Monday - March 09, 2009
Southeast CHAMPS scrounging for money By Charles Edwardson - I have written
about the activities' fund in this publication more than a few
times and as predicted I did not actively do anything about it,
or think about it much until the time came when my kid needed
support for her extracurricular activity. Guilty as charged and
so is the school board. So I reached into my wallet and slapped
down another thousand bucks as do many parents and faithful fans.
- More...
Monday - March 09, 2009
Ketchikan to Hyder link By Gary Benedict - Pete Cessnun and
Ken Eichner told me years ago about a route up to LeDuc Glacier
from around the Rudyard Bay area. At the start of the work on
what was to become the Granduc Copper mine there was a road grubbed
out from the Behm Canal to where there is now the head of an
11.5 tunnel that comes out at the Granduc mill site. - More...
Monday - March 09, 2009
Let's get real!! By Robert D. Warner - Recently there have been
several letters to SitNews pushing this issue of building a hard
link to the mainland. - More...
Monday - March 09, 2009
Re: Over the Horizon By Alan R. (Rudy) McGillvray - Well,
as I said before, we have many more ridges that the wind blows
across than we do lakes that drain into our inland waterways.
Also, we have many more inland waterways that have a lot of tidal
action. Both may be used to generate electricity, and in the
case of wind-power, could be online before the permitting process
for a new expensive dam is even read by the permitting authority.
- More...
Monday - March 09, 2009
Financial crisis explained in simple
terms By Al Johnson
- There was a time when you couldn't find anybody that voted
for Jimmy Carter. It seems to becoming that way for "Dear
Leader". - More...
Monday - March 09, 2009
AMHS Survey By Kristine Bellanich - Anyone interested in
voicing their opinion about the AMHS, new Alaska class ferries,
I urge you to take the survey. The state is trying to switch
over all newer ferries brought online into 'daytime' ferries
with no staterooms, sitting room only and what seems to be switching
from kitchen/ cafeteria stlye to vending for meals. - More...
Monday - March 09, 2009
GUN BILL GOING NOWHERE By Donald Daugherty - I'm glad to
see opposition to the gun bill. Americans have every right to
bear arms to protect themselves. IF every law abiding citizen
in the country were to turn their guns in, only the criminals
would have them. - More...
Monday - March 09, 2009
Gun bill By Richard Lippart - I'm sorry to say that our
country is coming to this, thanks to anti-gun people. But, I
can say that as a service-member and avid hunter, if you dare
think you can make me turn in my guns and wait for the local
law enforcement, you're sadly mistaken. - More...
Monday - March 09, 2009
Economy
By Robert McRoberts - Every one is losing their job. We have
messed up our economy so bad. What happened? Being a contractor,
I can see how we can not afford to hire help. I wish I could
hire help but I hate the idea of putting so much money out to
hire other people. I get so little in return. If they have an
accident I end up paying. I lose by putting out so much for just
the pride to be a employer. Maybe it's just a little guy theory,
but if every one was responsible for their safety we would all
work safer. - More...
Monday - March 09, 2009
Thursday - March 05, 2009
Another link to Mainland By Al Johnson - Charles Schill submitted
the following while reviewing contour maps of our area. Excerpt
quote: "There is no way in the world we are going to see
a road through MFNMW. And the cost would be 1000 times the bridge
to Gravina." - More...
Thursday - March 05, 2009
Hanger: Wise Investment By Chris Elliott - Nothing undermines
an argument more than outrageous claims: "There are no patriots
among the rich; just whores." Like many clever phrases,
this is more amusing than accurate. - More...
Thursday - March 05, 2009
Wednesday PM - March 04,
2009
Petition to the Ketchikan Borough Assembly
and City Council By
Mike Holman - A few days ago SitNews published a letter captioned
"Taxes" written by Dustin Hofeling. At the end of his
letter Mr. Hofeling wrote: "I've heard that there is a petition
circulating around town which people are signing. The petition
will be presented to the borough and city about our disgust at
paying more taxes. Where is it? And where do I sign?" -
More...
Wednesday PM - March 04, 2009
WISE INVESTMENT By David G. Hanger - The stock market has broken
through the 8000 barrier, going south. Like the Nenana Ice Classic
one can bet where ultimately it will fall, but net zero is not
impossible. - More...
Wednesday PM - March 04, 2009
Link to the mainland By Charles Schilli - The more I look
at the topo maps of the land between Ketchikan and the Canadian
border, the more I wonder if anyone advocatiing a link to the
mainland can read a map. - More...
Wednesday PM - March 04, 2009
Over the Horizon... Too late? By Ken Bylund - The ideal human trait
is to look ahead and see whether we are going to eat or get eaten.
We have shelter... good. Food and water, plentiful enough for
our everyday needs. What is at risk is energy... electrical
power - that magical helper we take for granted - it pumps
water into your shelter to bathe, drink, cook, wash, and yes...
flush the toilet. It enables the furnace, electric space heaters,
stoves, washer, dryer, refrigeration, freezers, keeps the plumbing
from freezing solid, the source that keeps us alive depends
on hydroelectric reservoirs that are out of sight and [unfortunately]
out of mind. - More...
Wednesday PM - March 04, 2009
Once Again Sam Tells It Like It Is!
By Dan McQueen - I've
been wondering when someone on the "Official" side
would speak up. We the people who live on this "Rock"
are TAXED OUT. - More...
Wednesday PM - March 04, 2009
I have a nightmare. By Chris Elliott - The Seattle Times
published an interesting editorial by E. J. Dionne Jr. on 3/3/09
entitled "Learning to share (some of) the wealth".
Mr. Dionne opined: Politicians will say lots of things in the
coming weeks, but they should be pushed relentlessly to address
the bottom-line question: Do they believe that a fairer distribution
of capitalism's bounty is essential to repairing a sick economy?
Everything else is a subsidiary issue. - More...
Wednesday PM - March 04, 2009
Thank You By Joey Tillson - I would like to send out a
huge "thank you" to Senator Kim Elton for all of his
hard work, dedication and loyalty to the people of the state
of Alaska. He has been a great motivator for change and has been
the "watchdog" of our finances. - More...
Wednesday PM - Marhc 04, 2009
HR-45 COMMUNIST GUN CONTROL By Leonard Dobrzyn - One famous American
put it as best as it can be... Why would you want to surrender
or give back rights that your forefathers fought and shed blood
to uphold and provide for you? Australia recently passed these
similar measures. Rape is up, break in's are up, murder is up,
and homes remain unprotected because a man cannot blow away some
dirty low life druggie that breaks into his home to do him and
his family harm! - More...
Wednesday PM - March 04, 2009
Lack of communication from Elected
Officials By Chris
Barry - Why must we continually wait for those that are supposed
to be working for our best interest to inform us of bills that
would harm our way of life? Why must the general public be the
ones to bring these harmful bills to light? - More...
Wednesday PM - March 04, 2009
Dogs in the Borough By Bethany Phippen - I remember reading
awhile back about the dogs on North Point Higgins Road that were
always running loose on the roads. I have the problem down on
the south end of the island with neighbors putting their dogs
out at all hours of the "dark" and leaving them on
their decks to bark. I do not understand why nothing can be done
about it. Just because we don't live in "the city",
shouldn't mean that we don't receive the same law enforcement
that everybody else does. - More...
Wednesday PM - March 04, 2009
Monday - March 02, 2009
Tax increase is not the answer By Samuel Bergeron - Each morning
a young family with two young kids waits for the school bus.
Some mornings the children have an uncooked Top Ramen noodles
to eat for breakfast and say they are hungry. Obviously this
is the best the parents can do for their children. The City Council
is now considering raising the sales tax the parents of these
children pay at the grocery store for food, on the rent they
pay to their landlord, and on the clothes they buy at the thrift
store. - More...
Monday - March 02, 2009
Saturday - February 28,
2009
Gun bill is going nowhere By U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski - Legislation
recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives reminds
us that we must remain vigilant in the defense of our Second
Amendment rights. Many in Fairbanks, and across the nation, have
expressed great concern about the introduction of HR 45, The
Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act, and I would like to
address these concerns. - More...
Saturday - February 28, 2009
Gun Control HR45 By Chris Barry - Here is a bill introduced to
further force communism upon the citizens of the USofA. - More...
Saturday - February 28, 2009
Initiative process: Tackling an enormous
problem By Rep. Kyle
Johansen - HB 36, also known as the Open and Transparent Initiative
Act, is an attempt to tackle an enormous problem we have here
in Alaska: our initiative process is used as a way for special
interests to maneuver around the lawmaking body to enact laws
without regard for the public as a whole. The right to petition
government belongs to the citizens of Alaska. It is imperative
that the process be protected from abuse. HB 36 offers those
safeguards. I am taking this opportunity to review the changes
I believe need to happen to protect our initiative process. -
More...
Saturday - February 28, 2009
Tuesday - February 24, 2009
More taxes to fix our streets?? By Chas Edwardson - We all know that
taxes are necessary and that certain taxes are needed to maintain
the town we live in. But it should not be the only answer our
elected officials come up with every time there is a problem.
Come up with an original idea for once. - More...
Thursday - February 26, 2009
Taxes
By Dustin Hofeling - I've written in this forum many times about
why local taxes should not be raised. Like many of the other
contributors and readers here, I just don't have the time to
go to the city or borough meetings to voice my opinions. So I
guess I shouldn't complain too much about the looming tax increase.
- More...
Tuesday - February 24, 2009
Monday - February 23, 2009
Sales Tax Increase By John Harrington - The City Council
has begun the process to raise the sales tax. They are a first
class city and as such they don't need a vote of the people to
raise them. But they do provide the forum so that the citizens
can be heard. - More...
Monday - February 23, 2009
DIAL PERFORMING ARTS SUPPORT By Pete Ellis - It would appear that
Rodney's recent remarks were, perhaps, of a far more positive
nature than have been some of his previous expressions. - More...
Monday - February 23, 2009
Is this the time? By Rich Elliott - Hopefully the fourteen individuals
presently sitting on the Borough Assembly and the City Council
either read the newspaper or watch the news on television. If
they do, they probably can see that not only our nation s economy,
but the entire global economy is in dire straits. Presently,
it s in the toilet and possibly over the next couple of years,
it could end up in the drain field.
- More...
Monday - February 23, 2009
Open Letter: Alaska Marine Highway
System By David G.
Hanger - Dear Governor Palin: A substantial percentage of the
employees of the Alaska Marine Highway System have been involved
for the better part of ten years in a collective and systematic
income tax fraud that has cost the U.S. Treasury millions of
dollars in unpaid tax revenues. These employees had every reason
to know that what they were doing was wrong, and they did it
anyway. Rather than respecting the expertise and integrity of
any number of Alaska accountants who told them the simple truth,
they crawled into bed with an individual named Martin A. Kapp,
a liar and crook who resides in southern California, who professed
"magic" knowledge known only to him that permitted
him to deduct on Federal income tax returns the cost of meals
provided on board and paid for by the state of Alaska. Repeating
that, expenses incurred and paid for by the state of Alaska were
deducted on the individual tax returns of state employees. -
More...
Monday - February 23, 2009
Ketchikan's property assessments By Chas Edwardson - I was talking
to a friend of mine in church the other day and he was dazed,
amazed, confused and not in a good way. And he is not alone in
this. As many in Ketchikan have stared in awe at their borough's
assessments and property tax statements, we marvel at the mysterious
powers Ketchikan seems to have. We are in the midst of one of
the nations worst recessions in our lifetime. In fact not many
of the generation of a worse economic crisis are left to draw
off of any sort of reference on how to handle such a serious
economic down turn. - More...
Monday - February 23, 2009
Reinstate the death penalty By House Speaker Mike Chenault - [This
week], the House Judiciary Committee will begin hearing legislation
I have proposed to reinstate the death penalty in the State of
Alaska. As we in the Legislature enter into what I suspect will
be a lively and controversial debate, I want to take the opportunity
to share my views on the matter with Alaskans who might not have
a chance to listen to the hearings. - More...
Monday - February 23, 2009
Snow dumped in the water By Joey Tillson - This is in response
to dumping the snow in the water. It's unfortunate that we have
litterbugs in this town that make it impossible for that to happen.
Have you seen what our city plow-guys have had the wonderful
opportunity of plowing along with the snow? Cigarette butts,
cigarette boxes, drink containers, gum, gum wrappers, and other
crud. - More...
Monday - February 23, 2009
Bridge to Gravina Island By Edward Ness - I lived n Ketchikan
for 25 years & Alaska for 62. I never could see a bridge
to Gravina Island. There is no benefit to Ketchikan that I can
see but it's too bad the money couldn't be used to subsidize
the ferries for 50 years. - More...
Monday - February 23, 2009
Roads & Bridges To Somewhere By Jerilyn Lester - Mr. McGillvray
& Mr. Glenn, I have never said that bridges and roads to
the mainland would not be beneficial and I am not sure that anyone
for the bridge to Gravina and the airport was. The fact is that
the bridge to Gravina and the airport has been promised to us
for 30 years and it always seems to find the biggest opposition
from people out of the state and those on the mainland. The fact
that in my 25 years here the option that you propose has not
been more than another pipe dream because it is no more favored
than the bridge to the airport. - More...
Monday - February 23, 2009
Instead of a bridge... By Steve Elliott - Instead of a bridge
to a mainland highway, a road to a port & a port and road
on the mainland side, then a non government vehicle ferry operating
in the spring, summer, fall, & closed for the winter. Gate
the road on both ends closed for the winter = no road clearing
expense & we the people can come & go for minimal expense.
- More...
Monday - February 23, 2009
Benny's From Heaven By Rob Holston - This letter is a response
to Ernestine Henderson's letter RE: Benny's From Heaven. Insensitive?
perhaps. Bigot? no way. - More...
Monday - February 23, 2009
Thursday PM - February 12,
2009
Performing Arts Center By Lallette Kistler - Thank you, Rodney
Dial, for keeping the Performing Arts Center debate alive. Excuse
me for not recognizing your efforts towards the cause. Indeed,
had we consolidated, the funds would not be available, and I
do believe that you deserve a great deal of credit for its demise.
- More...
Thursday PM - February 12, 2009
Performing Arts Center By Lou Ann Richardson - I am writing
to thank Mr. Dial for his recent letter to the Sitnews Editor
and for his overall support of Borough funding of the Performing
Arts Center with CPV funding. I did, however, want to correct
some misconceptions in his letter, and answer some of Mr. Dial's
reservations concerning parking for the new center. - More...
Thursday PM - February 12, 2009
Benny's From Heaven complaint By Rob Holston - It is wonderful to
live in a country where you & I can be published without
censorship. But I do not hide behind this right as a means to
offend the innocent & propagate prejudice as you claim. I
once greeted a friend at church with a hardy slap on the back.
He winced, cried out in pain and explained he had recent back
surgery to repair an old and very deep injury. I sense that you
and others also suffer from old very deep injuries. I pray you
can forgive me for any pain I caused you. - More...
Thursday PM - February 12, 2009
Did not find the humor By Ernestine Henderson - This letter
is in reference to the Jazz Cabaret Concert on Friday, January
23, 2009 and Rob Holston's presentation hosted by First City
Players. - More...
Thursday PM - February 12, 2009
Roads and Bridges to SOMEWHERE By Rob Glenn - Mr. McGillvray, I have
been saying that for many years. When I lived in Ketchikan and
the bridge was to Gravina was a big topic, I said they needed
a bridge and road to the mainland. After I moved I said the same
thing. But on here, people did not like that. They wanted that
bridge to Gravina period. -
More...
Thursday PM - February 12, 2009
Make it easier to live here. By Robert McRoberts - Yesterday, I
had the opportunity to visit the new White Cliff building. I
think Mr. Dawson and his workers did a very good job. Nice colors,
easy on your eyes so to speak, and the memories of how the old
building was when I did my term there many years ago went through
my head. I could remember making the old pipe stink like sulfur.
Nice job guys. - More...
Thursday PM - February 12, 2009
Porkulus Bill By A.M.Johnson - The following has been submitted
to Senator Murkowski this date, 2-8-09. Sending it to the Democrat
Senator from Alaska is a "fool's errand". - More...
Thursday PM - February 12, 2009
Snow stacking By Kay Taylor - The idea of not dumping the
snow into the bay and therefore stacking it is positively insane.
Where do they think the melting run-off is going to go? If we
could dump it into the bay in the first place it would save a
lot of time and eliminate all those high mountains of ugly melting
snow existing through out the community. - More...
Thursday PM - February 12, 2009
Thank You By Cecelia Johnson - Thank you Gerry. Although
I was not in attendance, I appreciate you speaking out. - More...
Thursday PM - February 12, 2009
Thursday PM - February 05,
2009
Performing Arts Center By Rodney Dial - Congratulation to
Lallette Kistler and the Arts Council regarding their efforts
to secure a borough endorsement of $500,000 Cruise Ship funds
for a performing arts center. - More...
Thursday PM - February 05, 2009
BAILOUT, DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY? by Ken Bylund - Go on the internet
and ask 'what is in the bailout bill'. You won't find
anything... biggest, best kept secret and We shouldn't
be cautious or suspicious of aristocrats running government?
Does anyone think GM will change if we give them billions [that's
thousands of millions] of dollars? Who believes it only postpones
an inevitable collapse of a corrupt and dying industry? Why is
that a good idea? Bernie Madoff should've been stopped when he
began the world's 2nd biggest ponzi scheme... show of hands on
that? So, SEC is incompetent or worse? Is corruption in government
responsible for our owing $10,674,204,242,448 or nearly... Eleven
- Thousand - Billion-dollars; roughly $35,000 dollars for
every citizen - 300 million of us. American money is worthless,
promissory notes for what? Don't worry? - More...
Thursday PM - February 05, 2009
Taxes
By Dustin Hofeling - This is in response to Mr. Carro's assessment
of sales taxes in Ketchikan. I agree wholeheartedly with his
assessments. Taxation is necessary to pay for road maintenance,
utility lines, etc. We simply cannot go without taxes. However
the idea of raising taxes is a death spiral. As more money comes
in, the government will spend more, which requires more money,
which induces more spending. It is hard for the government (or
any other entity) to get out of such a chain of events. - More...
Thursday PM - February 05, 2009
Fireside Pork By Dan McQueen - In this time of budget cuts,
layoffs, bailouts, states [Calif] going bankrupt, the very last
thing Ketchikan needs is to go into DEBT for a Performing Arts
Center! As this summer will prove, people ain't got the money
to CRUISE so that money will DRY UP! We can't afford another
remodel rental. - More...
Thursday PM - February 05, 2009
Roads and Bridges to SOMEWHERE By Alan R. McGillvray - While I may
agree that Nome needs road communication with the rest of the
state, I say that a road to Hyder, AK and Stuart B.C., with its
attendant bridge from Revilla Island to the Mainland would probably
better serve the State of Alaska. - More...
Thursday PM - February 05, 2009
PERFORMNG ARTS CENTER??? By Charles Edwardson - I also agree
with the Borough Assembly's decision to endorse the performing
arts center with the head tax fund we receive from tourism and
with the decision to explore the old Fireside building for the
location. - More...
Thursday PM - February 05, 2009
Re: Offensive By Hunter Davis - Thank-you Gerry. - More...
Thursday PM - February 05, 2009
Middle Class Bailout By Jim Thompson - While the letter
was a bit long winded & more than a bit highfalutin for my
taste I whole heartily agree with Mr. Hanger. If all the money
that is being given to bailout the business that are so critical
to our Nation's Economy was actually given to the American Citizens
that actually spend money that keeps our Economy working, the
BIG BUSINESSES WOULD NOT NEED A BAILOUT!!!!!!!! - More...
Thursday PM - February 05, 2009
Senator Murkowski's vote By Al Johnson - Well, Senator Lisa
Murkowski (RINO-Alaska) voted for Eric Holder to become the U.S.Attorney
General. Remember Holder from the Clinton administration? He
ushered through pardons for 16 Puerto Rican terrorists in the
last days of the Clinton administration. To refresh your memory
the following excerpt from the Los Anglos Times: -
More...
Thursday PM - February 05, 2009
Middle Class Bailout Petition By Peg Travis - The petition and article
were well done and we do need to sign and get it to our politicians
as soon as possible. - More...
Thursday PM - February 05, 2009
RE: Horrible roads By Thomas Thrush - Where do you think
that snow and ice will go if not into the bay? I too applaud
the government workers who worked hard to keep our steets and
highways drivable. I also like the berm ideas, it's safer. -
More...
Thursday PM - February 05, 2009
Tuesday PM - February 03,
2009
Performing Arts Center By Lallette Kistler - I would like
to thank the Borough Assembly for taking a giant step towards
making a Performing Arts Center in Ketchikan a reality. They
recently endorsed the contribution of $500,000 in cruise ship
head tax funds to go towards the First City Players purchase
of the old Fireside/Elks Club building. - More...
Tuesday PM - February 03, 2009
MIDDLE CLASS BAILOUT APPLICATION FORM By David G. Hanger - Realizing as
they should have that the Congress of the United States forfeits
both its moral authority and its actual authority to govern by
representing only the one percent of this country that has managed
to steal so much from everyone else, and in recognition of the
precedent established that when the fox steals all the hen-house
chickens, the U.S. Government gives the fox another hen-house
full of chickens, we the vast physical majority of the U.S. citizenry
do hereby apply for relief from impoverishment and from the need
to support all these rich bastards who have lied, cheated, and
stolen all of us into this abhorrent mess. Since the U.S. Congress
has seen fit to finance the whims of the criminal elements of
our society, indeed has seen fit to limit communication essentially
to only the minions of that criminal element (lobbyists), and
has seen fit to cater to their needs and not to the needs of
the vast majority of the honest, hard-working citizens of this
country, it is only appropriate that the precedents established
to support this criminal element also be used to support the
honest, ordinary citizens of this country. - More...
Tuesday PM - February 03, 2009
Sales Tax By Justin Carro - I noticed a lot of discussion
about sales tax lately. Taxes are an unfortunate part of life
and though necessary to run the parts of our government most
of us appreciate. However, one thing that we need to keep in
mind is that we have nearly the highest sales tax rates in the
state. Let that sink in just a bit -- highest sales tax rates
in the state, because that is exactly what we will have if we
raise them at all. This is counter-productive to keeping our
position as a regional hub. - More...
Tuesday PM - February 03, 2009
Offensive By Gerry Knasiak - First let me assure Mr. Rob
Holston that should you have any opinions that are repugnant
to me I would defend your right to have them; they belong to
you. Having said that I would add that that right stops, as it
should have at the Cabaret performance on Friday , January 23,,
2009, when you blatantly included as part of your act something
that obviously reflects your opinion that can only be termed
racist. - More...
Tuesday PM - February 03, 2009
Direction Please! By James Schenk - Thank you for this forum,
I enjoy its content and our citizens participation in community
concerns. What I don't understand is why all the negativity?
If this forum is available why not utilize it to build our community,
rather than criticize its failings? When you build something
you take into account what that something's strengths and weaknesses
are. Then you begin to find ways to change the weakness to strength.
- More...
Tuesday PM - February 03, 2009
Poor Herring Stocks By John Arthur - This is in response
to Larry Demmert's Letter to the Editor. You can sure tell Mr.
Demmert knows "nothing" about healthy herring stocks.
Maybe he should come to Sitka and visit the Pioneer Home and
senior centers and learn all about "Healthy Herring Stocks"
here in Sitka. - More...
Tuesday PM - February 03, 2009
The price of gas By Jim Dornblaser - The price of fuel (gas included)
is regulated by the demand on a base amount of supply. We are
living in a capitalistic free market society & I for one
am GLAD, HAPPY, wouldn't want it any other way. - More...
Tuesday PM - February 03, 2009
Thank you for the help By Judith Green - This morning as
I was trying to get out of my driveway, my car got high centered.
SO the car was half in the drive and half on the South Tongass
Highway, at the bottom of Shoup St. While standing there trying
to figure out how to un-do, an AP&T employee saw the dilemma,
turned around and stopped to assist. Then a neighbor on Shoup
St saw, and stopped and came over to assist. Then a truck with
a snow plow attahment stopped in the middle of the highway to
stop traffic from both directions, and voila! the car was freed
and I was ready to go. - More...
Tuesday PM - February 03, 2009
Underneath the Politics By Tim Reveri - When my Grandpa entered
the hospital two weeks before my birthday, it was supposed to
be for a simple operation. It was so minor that my parents almost
forgot to tell me. The procedure went off without a hitch, and
my dad visited him the next day, telling me later that my Grandpa
was his normal, albeit incoherent, grouchy self. He spent his
time in bed bemoaning the Yankees pitching staff to the family.
Two days later, he suddenly fell into critical condition, he
had been retaining fluid in his stomach but, since there were
only two nurses tasked to the entire hospital floor, it had gone
unnoticed. My grandpa had gotten up to go to the bathroom and
ended up not seeing the next morning. - More...
Tuesday PM - February 03, 2009
Horrible Roads By Jerilyn Lester - I would like to inform Ms.
Lawrence that as soon as the city could move the snow they did.
The EPA has told them they could not dump it into the bay because
of the chemicals that are put onto the road. When they remove
the snow this time should we suggest that they dump it into your
yard? Or is there somewhere else that you would like it put?
I don't want it in my yard, but I have to agree with Mr. Young
that for you to complain is completely uncalled for. - More...
Tuesday PM - February 03, 2009
Monday - January 26, 2009
Automotive Insurance By Nancy York - I have a question
if anyone can answer. I was talking to a friend on the telephone
about automotive liability insurance, which is mandatory in the
state of California where he resides. That is, once you are face
to face with the DMV clerk to obtain your vehicle registration,
they ask the usual question, "Do you have proof of liability
insurance?" And you MUST show them proof. I have returned
to Ketchikan after being out a few years residing in the state
of Oregon where the driver MUST show proof of at least liability
coverage. Although I carry full coverage insurance and after
chatting with my insurance agent at State Farm, she mentioned
to me that most Alaskans do not carry full coverage insurance
and a lot don't even carry liability automotive insurance. -
More...
Monday - January 26, 2009
Gas prices By Troy Nelson - I would like an answer. I have
worked as an attendant (8 Years) and I thought the people that
stood on the corner with their signs protesting the high gas
price was a great idea. - More...
Monday - January 26, 2009
Recent Road Conditions By Shauna Lee - I was stunned to see
the letter of complaint regarding our city roads during the recent
snow. In all the years I have been in Ketchikan I have never
seen the snow so deep - or pile up so quickly. I live only a
block off of Water Street and I watched, day after day, as the
city workers plowed, filled dump trucks and basically worked
their tails off for days on end, far into the night! - More...
Monday - January 26, 2009
Saturday - January 24, 2009
RE: Ghost town By Jim G. Grove - I have been a part of Ketchikan's
city fathers foresight in regards to direction to sustain the
community. I saw the end to the fishing and timber industry prior
to the 1975 era . State Government, financed the development
of the tourism and industry growth. This would not have taken
place were it not for people such as John Granger , Bill Moran
, Mr. Hanger's own father, and too many others to mention here.
- More...
Saturday - January 24, 2009
Friday - January 23, 2009
Sales Tax By Chris Barry - I agree with Mr. Hofeling.
The City and Borough can find other ways to fund their projects
without leaning on the people. It's bad enough we have to pay
an unconstitutional federal income tax on our hard earned money,
but we also pay taxes on everything we purchase as well as any
surplus in the bank. - More...
Friday - January 23, 2009
Taxes By
Ken Leland - I think the idea of another tinkering with the tax
code is a horrible idea! I still remember the "temporary
Tax increase" of several years ago that became permanent
the following year! The money will just end up supporting more
"goodies" for our bloated bureaucracy instead of doing
any real good for the community. - More...
Friday - January 23, 2009
Alaska History By Cecelia Johnson - As I read about Alaska
history regarding Territorial days and Statehood I appreciate
the individuals before us who worked tirelessly on "equality"
for all. Just as we work today for "justice and equality."
Some names in history: Frank Peratrovich, Frank Johnson, Fred
Grant, Bob Bartlett, Felix Cohen, "William Paul", James
Curry, to name a few. - More...
Friday - January 23, 2009
RE: Horrible Roads By Zac Young - You should be ashamed
of your selfish nature, Ms Lawrence. What did the City of Ketchikan
do to deserve such bashing from you? Do you not remember waking
up 3 days in a row with massive amounts of snow on your car,
in your yard, and on the roads? Do you not remember EVERYONE
in town saying (something to the effect of) "WOW!! I can't
remember ever getting this much snow in such a short amount of
time!" ??? Do you remember just the previous week seeing
how a city the size of Seattle WA was handling the massive amount
of snow, no doubt from the same storm that brought us our "Winter
Wonderland?" The whole of Southern Southeast Alaska was
in the same boat that you and I were in. A WHOLE DAMN LOT OF
SNOW!! - More...
Friday - January 23, 2009
Wednesday AM - January 21,
2009
Location of Library By Liz Lybrand - After many years
of trying to fit the new library into what used to be the "downtown"
area, it is time to rethink the location. It is no longer
"downtown". That is the tourist area. The
library does not belong there. It is not a tourist destination.
It is our public library and should be located where we can use
it. - More...
Wednesday AM - January 21, 2009
Herring and Fish Issues By Carol Christoffel - I am writing
in support of the other good people who are concerned over the
failing herring runs. I do not know the "politics"
involved but note the board to regulate this largely consists
of commericial fishermen, whose livelyhood depends upon consistant
runs of fish. - More...
Wednesday AM - January 21, 2009
Herring group, who are they? By Kevin Kristovich - After reading
the last viewpoint on the issue of herring and digging further
into the Sitnews' archives finding past letters in regards to
herring, I have always wondered who is the Ketchikan herring
action group comprised of? - More...
Wednesday AM - January 21, 2009
Herring
By Larry Demmert - Again this is a sad rant and misinformation
attempt by the sports/charter industry (which by the way is a
COMMERCIAL FISHERY, you get paid it's commercial!!) - More...
Wednesday AM - January 21, 2009
Sales Tax By Trygve Westergard - Mr Ellis, I like the
idea. What are the pros/cons? - More...
Wednesday AM - January 21, 2009
Sales Tax By Dustin Hofeling - This is in response to
Pete Ellis' suggestion about a seasonal decrease in sales tax.
I don't think this is possible considering many tax exempt people
won't want to give up their status; and I don't want to pay an
8% tax during the winter. - More...
Wednesday AM - January 21, 2009
Tax folly By Al Johnson - Regarding the Pete Ellis sales
tax , "None here, Pete".
- More...
Wednesday AM - January 21, 2009
Thursday - January 15, 2009
SALES TAX SEASONAL ADJUSTMENTS By Pete Ellis - So neither the City
nor the Borough seem to be interested in providing winter sales
tax levy relief to local residents. So is there any interest
in assisting with an initiative effort designed to provide a
borough wide levy for a winter sales tax of 2% from November
through March and a summer sales tax of 8% from April through
October with neither tax subject to any exemptions? - More...
Thursday - January 15, 2009
Take the politics out of fisheries
decision making By
Louise Clark - I agree whole heartedly with Mr. Rauwolf. I was
born here nearly 70 years ago and have lived here most of my
life and remember very well the unbelieveable masses of herring
that once came through this area. - More...
Thursday - January 15, 2009
Wednesday - January 14,
2009
KPD's Drug Awareness at Kayhi By Joey Tillson - My family and I attended
KPD's Drug Awareness Seminar this evening, January 13 at Kayhi.
I would like to commend the Ketchikan Police Department, their
guest speaker and other organizations that have put forth information
regarding drug awareness for our community. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009
WHAT IN THE WORLD CAN FISH AND GAME
BE THINKING?? By Andy
Rauwolf - On November 6th, the Department of Commerce, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published a request
for public comments in the Federal Registry regarding listing
Southeast Alaska Pacific Herring Stocks as "Threatened or
Endangered." Shortly thereafter, the Alaska Department of
Fish and Game announced plans for yet another record herring
harvest in Sitka Sound. Out of the seven largest stocks,
this herring biomass just happens to be the LAST REMAINING
MAJOR HERRING STOCK left in Southeast Alaska. At least five
were over exploited under ADF&G management. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009
Fish Traps ill suited for commercial
fisheries By Bob Thorstenson
- As much as old timers like to romanticize about fish traps,
they were a bad idea and will remain a bad idea no matter what
the fuel costs are. With the logic shown by Mr. McGilvray and
revealed by his idea that the "replaced" gillnetters
and seiners would indeed have jobs (pitching fish out of the
traps), like some of the "new-age green" logic out
there, you'd have to follow that analysis up with a 3rd level,
replace drift gillnetting by just doing more purse seining. -
More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009
Fish Traps By Steve Smeltzer - You make an excellent point
Rudy. As one who grew up in the era of fish traps, they were
efficient, cheap to run, and you only needed two men to watch
it. Called trap watchman. There were some interesting times during
that era, which have been covered somewhat by Mr. Keiffer. -
More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009
Performing Arts Center By Lallette Kistler - Music and dancing!
I remember those happy days (nights) at the Fireside. Wouldn't
you like to have them again? We can. Help bring song and dance
back to the Fireside in a way that the entire family can enjoy,
by supporting the Performing Arts Center project. Downtown is
the perfect place for a performing arts center. Most performance
events take place during the evening hours when parking is not
an issue, and during summer days, cruise ship visitors can use
the space for meeting and performance space. More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009
LIBRARY LOCATION TO THE WEST END By Pete Ellis - So why not review
and reflect upon the best location for a new public library as
being in the West End and located somewhere in the area between
the Plaza and the high school. -
More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009
Enough is Enough at the Ketchikan Public
Library By Robert D.
Warner - Here we go again! For the second time, the Ketchikan
City administration is being told that the Old Main School location
will likely not work as a site for a new library. Now there is
a parking issue. To date, how much public money has been wasted
on this scheme? Tax payers have the right to know this information
as they always end up paying the bills. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009
Herring, Hoff, and Ooligan By John Harrington - Don Hoff's letter
almost begs for a response. So much of his letter is counterproductive
to solving the real problems facing southeast Alaska. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009
Snow Removal By Judith Green - I would like to add my THANK
YOU to Chief Edward Talik. Day by day I have realized the huge
responsibility and task that faces our road crew and have been
grateful for the constancy of the crew and for the well defined
plan of operation. - More...
Wedneseday - January 14, 2009
Praise to the plowers By David Hull - I would like to echo
Chief Talik's praise to the people who spent most of the holidays
sitting behind a steering wheel. While the airport guys got well
deserved praise for their efforts and the City Public Works guys
absolutely kept things going in town, the DOT guy s efforts were
equally challenging and important. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009
Coverage By Al Johnson - In reviewing the "Trooper
Report" of 1-11-09 it is noticed that there was a break-in
and theft at the Webb residence on Pond Reef Road during the
past couple of days. I know our troopers will do their best to
solve this break-in. I thank them for their efforts. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009
Gas Prices By Jerilyn Lester - My question to all that live
and do business with the two stations on Tongass Avenue is: If
the price of $2.49.9 is as low as they can go, how can Tatusada's
sell their gas for $1.99 a gallon? The answer is that both Chevron
and Safeway are charging you $.50 a gallon to be on that corner
and for you to see their signs. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009
Road Crews By Cindi Davis - Hats off to the road crews!
You have done Ketchikan proud and kept a smile on your face while
doing it. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009
Snow removal By Joe Jacobs - I think the state, borough, and
city could have planned and executed snow removal in a safer
and more cost efficent manner. As a second year resident I was
just dumbfounded seeing the lack of coordination playing out.
I think snow removal training and better equipment need to be
thought about no matter how much snow we get. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009
Horrible roads.... By Jennie Lawrence - The snow we've
received recently has been ridiculous. Of the few times I ventured
out and tried to run errands I couldn't help but notice the horrible
road conditions. I know, because of the amount of the snow the
roads couldn't be in the best condition, however I feel the city
could be doing a better job at trying to clear the roads. - More...
Wednesday - January 14, 2009
Tuesday - January 06, 2009
Thanks to the Snow Removal Crews By Chief Edward Talik - Weather, like
we have had for the last couple of weeks, can be dangerous. It's
a good idea to stay put while the plows make their first pass.
Staying put; however, is not always an option. The men and women
of public safety, for example, must continue to provide services
regardless of the conditions. Last week's storm placed heavy
demands on both police and fire. The dedicated Public Works snow
removal crews made meeting those demands much easier and safer.
- More...
Tuesday - January 06, 2009
Boys and Girls Club Seeks New Location By Chris Corrao - The Boys and Girls
Club's First Avenue location closed this October due to building
concerns, leaving many kids without a place to go after school.
Staff is currently seeking a new location to house the Club.
The support of parents and community members has always been
a very important piece of our daily operations at the Club and
we are open to any suggestions that the community may have as
to a new location for the Club. - More...
Tuesday - January 06, 2009
Fuel Prices in Southeast Alaska By Capt. Dan Nutt - Having noticed
a few letters concerning the fuel prices and how that is related
to the barges that bring the fuel, I wanted to clarify a couple
points and hopefully provide a better picture of the fuel transportation
issue for you. - More...
Tuesday - January 06, 2009
Fish Traps By Rudy McGillvray - In light of the high
price of deisel fuel for boats, perhaps fish traps are not a
bad idea. They are and were the most efficient way to catch fish.
They just need better management. - More...
Tuesday - January 06, 2009
50 Years By James Schenk - Well it's been fifty years
since I landed in a PBY with my mom, I was born in Michigan,
and now I was landing on the waterfront of Ketchikan, at a place
called Ellis Air. I was going to learn what it meant to be an
Alaskan over the next fifty years, I still wonder where those
years went. - More...
Tuesday - January 06, 2009
Go Angie, Safe Trail, Mush Along!! By Sarajustine Black and Pam Christianson
- Ketchikan's own Angie Taggart, daughter of John and Charlene
Taggart, is in pursuit of one of her personal goals - the Iditarod
2010. The Delta Kappa Gamma International Society - Epsilon Chapter
is happy to announce their full fledge support of one of their
teacher sisters. Angie is a first grade teacher at Houghtaling
Elementary School who left for Knik at the start of Christmas
vacation. Our chapter members have contributed $700 towards her
efforts and know that other groups are doing the same. Since
being in Knik, she has been running dogs from Ray Reddington's
kennel. Angie has completed the Aurora 40/40 race in December.
- More...
Tuesday - January 06, 2009
Thank You Volunteers By Franny Weihing - I want to thank
the four volunteers that gave my dad (Dale Gilmore) a ride to
our house on Christmas day and picked him up and took him back
to long term care. - More...
Tuesday - January 06, 2009
Investigation into Alaska gasoline
prices By Ed Vitorino
- As you know i've been posting comments on fuel prices a few
times. Well, after writting to the State of Alaska's Office of
the Attorney General, I got a response dated December 30th, 2008.
The office is currently investigating Alaska gasoline prices
and they hope to have some results for the investigation on their
website by the end of this month. We'll see what happens. - More...
Tuesday - January 06, 2009
Cowards of Our Destiny, part two. By Don Hoff Jr. - The State of Alaska
and the federal government like to blame the subsistence users
for the exploitation and near extinction of our herring fisheries.
Meanwhile, they allow the commercial fishing industry to over-harvest
our fish. Picking seaweed is unlawful anywhere in Alaska except
a few places in Southeast. How absurd is that? - More...
Tuesday - January 06, 2009
Let's be safe on our roads. By Kathleen Wendt - Winter is here
and along with it comes poor driving conditions. It is the time
for extra care and driving responsibly with patience and consideration.
- More...
Tuesday - January 06, 2009
Time is running out and the solution
is so simple... By
John Kelsch - It's critical that Congress get the investors back
into the markets! The only way to do that is to make the "capital
gains tax" (a.k.a. "Investors Tax") permanent
or something similar! - More...
Tuesday - January 06, 2009
Singing Christmas Tree By Al and Carol Johnson - I want to
take the moment to express my thanks to the crew at Clover Pass
Church for the again, wonderful Singing Christmas Tree program.
To have this seasonal tradition repeated for the 27th year is
a testimony to an expression for the Love of Jesus. - More...
Tuesday - January 06, 2009
Thank
You By Liz Hook - The members of North Tongass Fire Volunteer
Fire Department would like to thank the staff at North Point
Higgins Elementary School for being our partners in "adopting
a family for the holiday". Not only did the staff at North
Point Higgins Elementary School help us find the Peavey's they
also opened their hearts and joined NTVFD in their efforts to
"adopt" a family for the holidays. They generously
donated gifts for the whole Peavey family along with all the
food items that were collected from this years "Breakfast
with Santa". - More...
Tuesday - January 06, 2009
Gas Prices, You know it ! By Ed Vitorino - Yes, we are going
to keep talking about it. This time I find it funny and very
interesting of how these fuel stations are ripping off the tax
payers (at the pump) and not to mention friends and neighbors
of the fuel station owners. Are they really your friends at that
point? - More...
Tuesday - January 06, 2009
Christmas Tree By M.J. Cadle - I am very glad to hear the Christmas
tree will be back in its usual location next year bringing a
smile to all who can so easily view it there. Thank you Diane
Naab for filling us in on the reason. And thank you to all who
make it happen! - More...
Tuesday - January 06, 2009
Better lives because of strong leaders By Shannon Nelson - January is the
month we celebrate two great leaders Martin Luther King Jr and
Elizabeth Peratrovich. I would like to ask whoever may be planning
an event to please let the general public know when and where
we can be a part of the celebration of these two wonderful people
who set their lives apart to insure a better life for all of
us. - More...
Tuesday - January 06, 2009
Complaints about roaming cats By Alice Bajno - I love my garden
too. But I think a living, breathing creature is beautiful and
I don't make a fuss when my neighbor's cat uses my garden as
a litter box. I just clean it up and get on with life. There
are many much more troubling, serious issues that could appear
in your life at any moment. Something tragic could happen and
you would find these little interruptions so trivial and ridiculous.
Life is not meant to be perfect. Consider all the blessings in
your life and learn to live with your neighbors and all of God's
creatures. After all, they are here for our enjoyment. Trapping
and removing someone's pet to a shelter is absurd. How about
talking to your neighbor first. It is the spoiled brat mentality
of so many Americans who live comfortably and forget all that
is good in their lives that makes this type of behavior reprehensible.
- More...
Tuesday - January 06, 2009
Tuesday AM - December 23,
2008
Thank you to N.T.V.F.D & Pt. Higgins
Elementary By Jessica
Peavey - I want to say a huge thank you to the North Tongass
Volunteer Fire Department for adopting our family this year for
Christmas. Also, a big thank you to Pt. Higgins Elementary for
thinking of our family when it came time to choose! - More...
Tuesday AM - December 23, 2008
In the Eyes of Santa By Santa - I had the privilege of
visiting your fair town of Ketchikan recently for a beautiful
tree lighting ceremony! In this year of many firsts, it was wonderful
to hear that Ketchikan was reviving a fabulous tradition inviting
me to light the town Christmas tree! As I approached the dock
in the city's fine Fire Engine, what to my wandering eyes appeared?
A sea of smiles from children of all ages waiting in joyful anticipation.
As Mayor Weinstein and Mayor Kiffer joined in, we three announced
with glee the lighting of your most beautiful Christmas tree!
- More...
Tuesday AM - December 23, 2008
Elections By Cecelia Johnson - The Indian Reorganization
Act (IRA) council elections are upcoming and gives you a chance
to have a voice in who you think could fulfill a leadership position.
With this privilege think and vote for: - More...
Tuesday AM - December 23, 2008
Cheapest gas By Katie Parrott - Just FYI to those of you
concerned with gas prices, Gas at Last by Tatsuda's has gas for
$1.99/gallon, as of Monday night. (But they don't have a sign,
so you have to look on the pumps to confirm the price.) It might
be the cheapest gas on the Rock right now. Does anyone know of
another station, out North or South maybe, with cheaper? I say
let's only patronize those stations that are offering the lowest
price. Maybe it will drive the other prices down even more. -
More...
Tuesday AM - December 23, 2008
Keep Looking Up By Ardath Piston - I would like to thank all
of the people involved in putting up the Christmas tree downtown.
If one parks their car and walks over to it, they might be amazed
at what they can see in our night sky. Just last week we were
fortunate enough to view not only a magnificent full moon, but
also a meteor shower. Such a display puts things in perspective.
- More...
Tuesday AM - December 23, 2008
Ketchikan Community Chorus Chrismas
Program By Judith Green
- On Sunday afternoon, a lovely cold clear afternoon, and wonderful
choral music was heard at the Presbyterian Church by the Ketchikan
Community Chorus, directed by Steve Kinney.
There were solos and a men's quartet along with the full chorus.
At the end of the program the audience was invited to join the
chorus in singing Handel's Hallelujah Chorus and some traditional
Chrismas songs. - More...
Tuesday - December 23, 2008
If You Don't Volunteer, You Can't Complain! By Charlotte L. Glover - I was glad
to see Diane Naab's letter explaining the position of the downtown
Christmas tree. I attended the tree lighting ceremony with two
very excited little boys. We enjoyed the singing of the Tongass
School, the free refreshments and we were happy to be out of
the rain in the spacious covered shelter. The free holiday stockings
full of fruit, nuts and toys were deluxe.Those of us who actually
PARTICIPATED in the event had nothing but happy smiles on our
faces. I think the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Steering
Committee did a fabulous job at kicking off our holiday season.
And I know Sockeye Sams and Tongass Trading sure did not mind
the many of us who took time to shop that afternoon while we
were on the dock! - More..
Tuesday AM - December 23, 2008
Christmas lights By Dalton Fox - I would like to express my apprieciation
for the great job Northland services does in decking out there
building for Christmas. I have always been an fan of their great
decorations.I want to say I also enjoy so many of the beautifully
decorated houses as we commute around Ketchikan. - More...
Tuesday AM - December 23, 2008
Christmas tree By Trygve Westergard - I would like to recommend
a place for the Christmas tree if we have to move at again. What
about the little park where the eagle is? That way it can be
seen by both lanes of traffic. - More...
Tuesday AM - December 23, 2008
While you're talking about trees... By Kimberly Groves - I have read many
letters concerning the placement of the town Christmas tree.
This really has nothing to do with that, as I no longer live
in Ketchikan, so I do not know the current location of the Christmas
tree, as opposed to where it should be. - More...
Tuesday AM - December 23, 2008
Gas Prices By Travis Tippetts - How long have these high
gas prices been the topic of every water cooler conversation?
If asked, I dare say that most every resident would rate this
as their number one issue. Is the gas issue not news worthy!
How many powder puff articles have we been bombarded with while
this "real" story is being ignored. I feel the media
is negligent in the covering of this story. Where are the tough
questions and raw information that will let us make an educated
decision as to any price gouging? Power is in an informed public.
People perpetuating injustices thrive in information vacuums.
- More...
Tuesday AM - December 23, 2008
Price gouging-grab your ankles By Dr. Ed Fry - Even though we live
in Florida, we often think about Ketchikan daily because we have
a prestnet that started her life there. - More...
Tuesday AM - December 23, 2008
Price Gouging? By Robbie King - I just moved to Ketchikan from
Minnesota in September. It is my understanding, (and I may be
off here) that there was a petition and even a city council meeting
talked about how high the prices were. The outcome of which was
a few choice people saying that the gas stations wouldn't do
that and then they quoted exactly what the people who mark the
prices told them. - More...
Tuesday AM - December 23, 2008
Good Job By Cecilia DuPree - Way to go Ken Horn and supporters
of lower gas prices! My pocket book thanks you! - More...
Tuesday AM - December 23, 2008
Protest
By Jerilyn Lester - I want to thank Ken Horn for organizing the
gas price protest and for calling me to let me know about it.
It went off without a hitch in spite of the cold. There were
lots of car horns in support and several people stopped to talk
to us about their thoughts and to say thanks. Well it worked!!!
- More...
Tuesday AM - December 23, 2008
Gas prices By Harold Carpenter - As a by-product of higher
fuel prices, how have your other prices reacted? Here outside,
groceries & other consumer prices all rose in proportion
to fuel because of production & transportation costs. - More...
Tuesday AM - December 23, 2008
Friday - December 19, 2008
Auto Bailout By U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski - In early December,
the U.S. Senate met in a post-election session to consider whether
the Federal Government should provide financial assistance to
the "Big Three" U.S. automakers: Ford, Chrysler and
General Motors. The Big Three argue that without federal assistance
in these turbulent financial times, their cash flow will end
and they will not be able to continue operations. With a federal
bridge loan, the automobile companies say they will be able to
continue operations until revised labor and business plans are
in place. - More...
Friday - December 19, 2008
Join us in picketing the gas stations
on Dec. 20th By Ken
Horn - I am sending a letter out to the public to let them know
that we are picketing the Ketchikan gas stations on Saturday,
Dec. 20th from 10:00 am to 12 noon. We would encourage anyone
who is as concerned about the ongoing prices of gas here in Ketchikan
as we are, to come on down and express your unhappiness with
us. - More...
Friday - December 19, 2008
Gas & Fuel Prices By Jeremy Wills - I want to know how
exactly the people reponsible for our gas prices sleep at night.
I am so disgusted at their greed and total disregard for the
well being of the citizens of their own city. I understand making
a profit, but this is completely ridiculous. - More...
Friday - December 19, 2008
Fuel Barges By Ed Vitorino - If you drove into town from
south of the Island on Tuesday of this week you would have seen
a fuel barge at Petro Marine. Soon you will see another picking
up fuel to go north. This is a weekly event that keeps fuel moving
throughout southeast and prices change every day basically. -
More...
Friday - December 19, 2008
Christmas Tree By Diane Naab - I was reluctant to respond to
Mr. McGillvray's first letter because of the rude content. But
now I find it necessary to respond to the additional letters
concerning this year's placement of the community Christmas tree.
I agree that the placement wasn't ideal but it was done for a
good reason. Work being done on the dock next to the Visitor's
Bureau prohibited that site from being used this year. Next year
we'll be back to the traditional and most visible place on the
dock with a fully lit tree. - More...
Friday - December 19, 2008
Placement of the Christmas Tree By Denise Buker - Wasn't
there an announcement in the paper about the placement of this
year's Christmas tree? - More...
Friday - December 19, 2008
Christmas tree By Diane Johnson - I suppose if you have to
have a tree at the new visitors' dock, the least you could do
is put another one where the tree has always been. Two trees....
double beauty. - More...
Friday - December 19, 2008
Tuesday - December 16, 2008
AIRPORT PEDESTRIAN TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES By Pete Ellis - It isn't necessary
that every flight arrival and departure at Ketchikan International
be met and the only requirement should be that transportation
be available on a scheduled basis so that passengers having nothing
else available can rely upon transport coming across for delivery
and pickup at particular times that may require a passenger to
wait for the schedule. - More...
Tuesday - December 16, 2008
On corruption... By Geoff Brandt - Back, a lot of years ago,
I sent a "care-package" or two up to Palmer and my
friend George Holman, the former state senator and Power Broker
from Bethel. Maybe it was '82, or '83? Have to look it up when
I have time... - More...
Tuesday - December 16, 2008
Gas Prices - Is Ketchikan #1? By Sandy Powers - I just read an interesting
article on CNNMoney.com, called "Uh-oh: Gas prices on the
rise". It states that the national average price for a gallon
of gas rose to $1.663 from $1.66 the previous day. Uh-oh, indeed.
The article went on to say, "Two states still have average
regular unleaded gas prices of $2 and higher. The highest gas
prices are in Alaska, at $2.689 a gallon. The remaining 48 states
and the District of Columbia have regular unleaded gas prices
below $2. The cheapest gas prices are in Missouri, at $1.477
a gallon." - More...
Tuesday - December 16, 2008
Gas Prices By Lisa Hydock - I agree with Mr. Vitorino.
Although I have been going to the Department of Energy website
to file a complaint of price gouging since September, it seems
to have done very little to help Ketchikan residents. - More...
Tuewsday - December 16, 2008
Gas Prices, you know it!!! By Ed Vitorino - Found out more on
what we need to do on the matter of fuel prices. - More...
Tuesday - December 16, 2008
Stolen Christmas Siberian Husky By Deborah Harney - I would like to
cry "Bah-Humbug and stop thief" to whomever stole our
Siberian Husky Christmas decoration Saturday night (13th December).
- More...
Tuesday - December 16, 2008
Public Apology By Alan R.(Rudy)McGillvray - I hereby publicly
apologize for any seemingly anti- anything remarks I made in
my last letter to the editor of SitNews. Umbrage should have
been taken. - More...
Tuesday - December 16, 2008
Ketchikan's Christmas Tree By Lorrie E. Gunyah - Whose idea was
the location for the Christmas Tree? A bad one I must say because
it was always a BEAUTIFUL sight to see it on the dock by the
Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, not TOO Late to put it BACK THERE,
after all it is a joyful event for everyone, not just cause somebody
wanted it in that location, who knows. - More...
Tuesday - December 16, 2008
Christmas Tree - I too am disappointed By Marie Jeanne Cadle - Each year
I look forward to the sight of the Christmas tree downtown. In
years past it was next to the original visitor center where you
could see it driving both north and south and while you were
walking or shopping down town. - More...
Tuesday - December 16, 2008
Christmas Tree By Suzan Thompson - Just finished reading the
letter regarding the placement of the city's Christmas tree.
If anybody really believes that Mayor Weinstein sits at home
in his Grinch suit trying to figure out how to hide the community
Christmas tree, they're just knocking back a little too much
eggnog. - More...
Tuesday - December 16, 2008
Christmas Tree By Don Loughman - I probably won't be the first
person to note that Alan R. McGillvray's letter appears to break
Sitnews' basic rules. - More...
Tuesday - December 16, 2008
Drive to the Capitol - Palin By Christopher Wright - I'm
not particularly a Palin supporter but this letter is really
digging deep for something to whine about. In fact, my first
time to Juneau was through Canada and I LIVE in Alaska. Juneau
isn't even available from most of Alaska unless you have the
money for a plane ride - which we sure don't. - More...
Tuesday - December 16, 2008
Gas Prices & Bridge to Nowhere By Chris Barry - Well, if you all
want them to drop the gas prices, then stop being a bunch of
whiny babies and boycott them as best you can. Stop driving your
vehicles as much as possible and start riding the Bus or carpooling
or walking to work and the store. - More...
Tuesday - December 16, 2008
Gas Prices By Kerry Foster - You can do something about
high automotive gasoline prices. - More...
Tuesday - December 16, 2008
Thursday - December 11,
2008
Gas Prices By Ed Vitorino - Relating to the letter by Pam
Kemble, I see a barge at Petro Marine every week. Sometimes it's
every other week. I have reason to believe, from someone that
works there, that Petro Marine sells fuel to these stations at
a much lower price and it's the stations that are keeping them
high. They were quick to react to the rising fuel prices and
there should be no reason why they can't react to the lowering
of prices. - More...
Thursday - December 11, 2008
Lack of Response By Jennifer Brewer - Why haven't we heard or
read any answers to our fuel price questions from Petro Marine
or Anderes Oil? We deserve some answers as to why we're still
being charged September fuel prices. - More...
Thursday - December 11, 2008
Gas Prices By Colleen Scanlon - I am down in Port Orchard,
Washington on vacation and was shocked to find out that gas prices
are $2.00 less a gallon here then they were in Ketchikan when
I left last Friday. I understand that there is a cost to getting
the fuel to Ketchikan, and that our supply takes longer to go
through than it does in the "lower 48", but come on
give me a break, this is downright outrageous. - More...
Thursday - December 11, 2008
Gas prices and the Palin factor By Mike Isaac - Gas prices are coming
down but I am paying $1.89 or .50 more than people up in Wyoming
(70 miles away) and down in Denver and Grand Juction (180 miles
away) but at least Im paying less than those down in the Vail
area. However I find it funny that people always want to blame
Governors in the Republican party for gas prices, but you never
here them blame the DEMS in states like New York and Washington
or credit Republicans in states like Wyoming. - More..
Thursday - December 11, 2008
Christmas Tree By Alan R. McGillvray - Am I the only person
to notice the Christmas tree and its location is so far out of
view that no one may gaze upon it unless parked facing west on
the City dock? Which by the way would run counter to the way
the parking spaces are laid. - More...
Thursday - December 11, 2008
Palin out of touch By Penny Eubanks - In the 12/10/08
front page Ketchikan Daily News article "Palin compares
Alaska, Canada" shows how out of touch Palin is with Southeast
Alaska and Alaska in general. In her interview with CTV's Canada
AM she attempts to show her knowledge of Alaska's proximity to
Canada when she states "We drive through your country to
get even to our own state capital". Much like her VP campaign
interview when she attempts to show her capabilities in foreign
affairs by stating that you can see Russia from Alaska! - More...
Thursday - December 11, 2008
DAVID KIFFER'S WEATHER STORIES By Tracey Horne Scadden - I LOVED
DAVID KIFFER'S ACCOUNT OF THE THANKSGIVING STORMS..THEY BROUGHT
BACK VIVID MEMORIES FOR MYSELF,WITH A SMILE ON MY FACE NOW!!!
BUT NOT BACK THEN. - More...
Thursday - December 11, 2008
Tuesday - December 09, 2008
Gas prices By Pam Kemble - I
would like to know how many barges have come in to deliver fuel
in the past month. I have reason to believe that it is at least
two. That would be two while the price of fuel has stayed at
the $3.75 mark. That would be two when the price of fuel has
been under $3.00 down south. - More...
Tuesday - December 09, 2008
Bridge to Nowhere By Diane Guzman - The bridge to nowhere has
been built. - More...
Tuesday - December 09, 2008
Please! Your help is needed this Holiday
season By Rita Carro
- Two Ketchikan people are fighting for their lives and need
your help. Many of you may already know that both John and Brenda
Murphy (Owners of Ketchikan Welding and Murphy's Custom Metal
Art) are both battling Cancer. These two people have helped many
and have lived in Ketchikan for many years. - More...
Tuesday - December 09, 2008
Monday - December 08, 2008
HMO: prescription management By David Jancauskas - I am truly saddened
by the deplorable service of the "big box" prescription
service and their homage to something called Merck-Medco. - More...
Monday - December 08, 2008
Budget Reality By Charles Edwardson - The budget process has
started for Ketchikan and we have to shave off a half-million
dollars. One of the suggestions from staff is that possible positions
need to be cut at the city level, - More...
Monday - December 08, 2008
Water rates being raised for local
processors By Kevin
Kristovich - I read a recent article in the Friday issue of the
Ketchikan Daily News in regards to the city considering raising
the water usage rates on local processors. - More...
Monday - December 08, 2008
Thanksgiving Storms By Jan Cadero - I love David Kiffer's
stories. Yes, I remember well the storms we had on several Thanksgivings.
I lived on Second Avenue and David lived on First Avenue. It
wasn't any big deal to have shingles flying by your windows,
or the bricks off the neighbor's chimney landing on your roof
or in your yard, scary stuff, but we all survived it. I think
those storms would be classified as hurricanes today. - More...
Monday - December 08, 2008
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