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Sunday - April 27, 2008

Veneer Mill "Maintenance"? By Mary Lynne Dahl - Is this the "maintenance" that Jerry Jenkins claimed to be doing at the veneer mill site? It looks more like WWII to me! Buildings have been stripped of their valuable components and horrific piles of wasted lumber that could be given to the community for wood stoves are laying around, in addition to whatever else is in those piles. - More...
Sunday - April 27, 2008

Cha-Ching... By Jackie Williams - The KGB needs new offices, and this is a fact. The Reid Building is a health hazard, and this is a fact. We the citizens are going to pay for it, and this is a fact. - More...
Sunday - April 27, 2008

Gateway By Ruth Bullock - As a former employee of Gateway Center for Human Services, and a former Ketchikan resident, it saddens me to hear of Gateway's apparent disintegration. It has been a couple of years now since I worked there, and it sounds like things have changed in that time. But I would like to comment on some of what I was aware of during my employment at Gateway. - More...
Sunday - April 27, 2008

Getting rid of unwanted catalogs By MJ Cadle - I just want to share with everyone website I have found invaluable in the last few months in my efforts to cut down on the number of unwanted catalogs I receive. - More...
Sunday - April 27, 2008

The Right Wing Conspiracy By Joel Galli - I've come to realize that those on the right are, in fact, not stupid, as I previously believed. - More...
Sunday - April 27, 2008

Friday - April 25, 2008

KPU SALE AND LIQUIDATION By Pete Ellis - So who owns KPU? City residents? KPU rate payers? Local government bureaucracies? How much money are we talking about? -More...
Friday - April 25, 2008

Gateway By Elisa Rossi Max - After reading a recent article about Gateway Center for Human Services in which the clinicians were described as people not doing their job, I feel compelled to respond. I worked at Gateway from June 19, 2006 to April 4, 2008 as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. During that period, I was on-call at least one week per month. The on-call days were not as the newspaper indicated ( a full eight hour shift ), but instead were full twenty-four hour shifts, beginning Friday at 5:00pm and ending the following Friday at 5:00 pm for a total of one hundred sixty eight hours. As clinical staff vanished, the on-call responsibilities increased. In March 2008, I was on-call for fifteen days or three hundred sixty hours due to clinician shortage! While on-call, I could be awakened in the middle of the night and required to go to the hospital to see a patient. I could not go out of cell phone range since I had to be able to receive calls and go to the hospital immediately. I could not go boating, fishing, or hiking if it meant going out of phone range. I could not relax when at a restaurant since I might have to leave suddenly. - More...
Friday - April 25, 2008

Gateway Board Plans Next Steps by Mike Youngblood - I read with disappointment and dismay the article in the April 16th Ketchikan Daily News concerning the status of and plans for Gateway Center for Human Services. I feel I must respond to some of the points noted in that article. - More...
Friday - April 25, 2008

Where are the energy answers By Mike Isaac - Thank you Mark Neckameyer for pointing out what everyone else in the TV and print media has not asked? What are their answers to the energy problems??? Not only is it affecting the price of food but the travel industry is starting to take a big hit with airlines workers getting laid off due to less people are traveling and rising fuel cost.The cruise ship and hotel industry is also taking a hit. With all that bad news I have heard very little about energy except for John McCain on Sean Hannity's show state that drilling in ANWR won't happen on his watch and the need to move away from oil and invest in things like solar and wind power. The other two people in the race have said little on this most important issue but are big on change - More...
Friday - April 25, 2008

RE: Bridge By Miles Kaste - Regarding Jerilyn Lester's letter, can you give us some details about the "bridge maybe two" that the "mainland is getting"? - More...
Friday - April 25, 2008

Thank you! By Stephanie Sherva - I want to say thank you to the Walmart employees that spent Earth Day cleaning the road along mile 4 on North Tongass highway. - More...
Friday - April 25, 2008

Thank you Schoenbar students! By Courtney Watts - I'd like to thank all the Schoenbar students who helped clean up the garbage from around the school, fields, city park, Park Avenue, bike path, and along the creek. Your hard work on Earth Day really improved the appearance and health of our area. We can now take pride in our beautiful town especially along Ketchikan Creek. - More...
Friday - April 25, 2008

Wednesday - April 23, 2008

Special Meetings??? By Robert D. Warner - Have any of you folks been noticing how many "Special Meetings" have been called recently by the Ketchikan City Council and the Gateway Borough Assembly? It is my understanding that these "Special Meetings" are held on the public dime and taxpayers pick up the tab. - More...
Wednesday - April 23, 2008

Bridge By Jerilyn Lester - Regarding Stephanie Scott's letter, here is a really good reason. When the Airport was built on Gravina Island instead of Revillagagedo Island we were promised a bridge to get there and that was 30 years ago. The money was here for the bridge until the down-southers and some from up here got wind of it and the earmarks were taken off and Palin took it and spent 199 million before the ink was dry to take the earmarks off. How about the fact that the remaining 34 million was spent on the mainland and didn't even fill a pothole here. - More...
Wednesday - April 23, 2008

I agree By Patsy Stokkeland - I agree 100% with Ken Lewis only I would have put that news in big bold letters and published said perps Picture on the front page. You better wake up and realize that people who do these things usually escalate to something worse as time goes by and I sure as heck don't want this person around my grand children, or my animals. - More...
Wednesday - April 23, 2008

Why won't candidates debate energy issues? By Mark Neckameyer - Seems like every day crude oil prices hit another record. Every day airfares go up due to fuel costs along with the price of everything that has to be shipped. Food prices are soaring as grains are being used to make ethanol ... A lot of good that seems to do ... And there is no end in sight. The bad actors in the Middle East and in Venezuela control crude oil supplies and cutting consumption here in the US won't help as demand is growing so fast in Russia, India and especially China. Combined, the puplulations of those nations are eight or nine times our population and they are busily industrializing and buying cars. For all the talk the presidential candidates hammer away on in ads and debates, with all their arcane, indistinguishable plans for problems like health care, they don't touch the oil crisis except to somehow blame the current administration. The solution to all this seems so simple too. - More...
Wednesday - April 23, 2008

Monday PM - April 21, 2008

Shoencliff #2 By Charles Edwardson - Whoever coined that phrase should be commended for their astute observations. Most of us can just about bet a six-pack that this coined phrase will come true. The public expressed much of this same doubtful sentiment with the other, less than successful endeavors the borough has undertaken in the past six or seven years. The public expresses their concerns and the assembly just goes about their business any way regardless of public opinion. Their record should speak for itself. - More...
Monday PM - April 21, 2008

Knowledge Is A Good Thing By Terri-Lee Gould - I have to disagree with Mr. Johnson and Ms. Ortiz about the Ketchikan Daily News story printed earlier last week on the front page of said newspaper. In my opinion the Daily News provided a valuable community service by alerting the community about this dangerous person. - More...
Monday - April 21, 2008

Empathy and a referral is in order By Cecelia Johnson - In regard to the offensive "front page article" in KTN Daily News. Although offensive, more importantly, is getting proper help for this individual who has been identified as having a medical problem in the weekend newspaper. - More..
Monday - April 21, 2008

Thank You By Melissa Jourdain - I just wanted to thank your for publishing such a beautiful article about the four men who lost their lives in the helicopter crash on Tuesday, April 15th. Michael Seward was part of our family; he was my husband Darin's best friend of nearly 30 years and Michael was a part of every milestone in our lives. - More...
Monday - April 21, 2008

Bestiality By Teri Holderman - I want to say how appalled and embarrassed I am. The decision to publish the article on bestiality on the front page of the paper was an extreme lack in judgment. - More...
Monday - April 21, 2008

Don't need to air such dirty laundry By Michael Patrick Moyer - Give us a break! I don't care how much anyone thinks it's needed that we publicize decadent behavior in order to alert others to its existence. When I went to pick up my daughters from ballet they immediately asked me if I had read the paper that day. How much crap are you willing to print in order to sell a paper? - More...
Monday - April 21, 2008

Real ID Act By Frank W. Turney - When it comes the the Senate Bill (202) not to fund any money towards the so-called Real ID Act of 2005 in Congress with no debate on our 4th amendment rights and HJR19 resolution that passed the house 33-1 and SB 202 17-3, the real KUDOS goes to the Ron Paul Coalition, Fairbanks/Northpole and Delta. They really made the difference. Over 98 percent of testimony, e-mails, phone calls POM came from Fairbanks. - More...
Monday - April 21, 2008

Thursday PM - April 17, 2008

New attitude and positive philosophy needed By Billy Johnson - Instead of building million dollar soccer fields and dreams of moving to lower level competition . . . . maybe it's time to bring in a younger, more hungry coaching staff and philosophy to the Kayhi soccer program. - More...
Thursday PM - April 17, 2008

Schoencliff Debacle #2 By Jackie Williams - Once again, we are being offered the Schoencliff Center, or that is my opinion after reading the Introduction in the proposal from Dawson Construction to remodel the more than 75-year-old building. The mention of tenants; of other groups or agencies that have invested much time and energy, sounds just like Schoencliff Center. The collection of property tax that makes it seem like KGB will have an offset in costs, I believe will be paid by the KGB through rental fees - More...
Thursday PM - April 17, 2008

Covenant Players By George R. Pasley - A small troupe from Covenant Players has been in Ketchikan this week and will be performing at the Presbyterian Church on Sunday. - More...
Thursday PM - April 17, 2008

Attitude makes a big difference By Jerry Cegelske - "Attitude Makes The Difference!" I recently read a bumper sticker on the side of a van that had that statement on it. - More...
Thursday PM - April 17, 2008

Shocking News By Ken Lewis - Being 8-year college credits short of having a Masters Degree in aberrant behavior will not prevent me from chiming in on the recent front page article regarding animal husbandry? Or what ever higher educated folks call it! - More...
Thursday PM - April 17, 2008

Bestiality By A. M. Johnson - How often would it be that Al Johnson would agree with Ms. Ortiz (Ketchikan Daily News, Lt to the editor-Bestiality 4/16/08)? My wife and I too, were dumbfounded that a family newspaper would print tabloid crap at best, on not only the front page, but continue the detail for several columns on interior pages. This from a paper that proclaims anonymity for local police reports involving charges far less than those on this case. Yet here every available detail including the perp's name on such a distasteful subject. - More...
Thursday PM - April 17, 2008

Gravina Island Bridge By Stephanie Scott - I travel to Ketchikan from time to time, so I was surprised to hear Mayor Weinstein complain on the radio recently about how difficult it is for elders and those with physical disabilities (he mentioned crutches ) to get to and from the airport in Ketchikan. I am surprised that he doesn't know that you can drive your car to the airport on Gravina Island, or that you can be picked up and driven - thus avoiding lugging luggage and oneself up or down all those airport ramps and steps. Ketchikan has good cab, bus, and airport shuttle service. It has an excellent airport ferry. It has a superb water taxi. Gosh, if you are a passenger, and if you do not live on one of those Ketchikan "roads" that are really walkways, you can actually board a vehicle at your home and stay seated until it's time to step into the lobby of the airport. - More...
Thursday PM - April 17, 2008

Thank You By Shannon Nelson - I would also like to thank Angie Olson for the Easter Egg Hunt at Ward Lake. I am sorry I missed it but saw the pictures and I am looking forward to next year's hunt with my grandson. -- More...
Thursday PM - April 17, 2008

Monday PM - April 14, 2008

Helen Finney, my friend By Julie Kay Smithson - Helen Finney. Even her name evokes a smile and always the memory of those sparkling blue eyes. This vibrant and special woman was my friend. - More...
Monday PM - April 14, 2008

Streets are not safe for roaming animals By Kimberly Morton - I am writing today to express my frustration in seeing dogs get hit outside of my work. In the last month I have or others have witnessed three dogs get hit by cars by Deermount and Tongass Ave. I was driving down today when a black lab and another mix ran right out into the street and hit a car. The car of course slowed down but the dog ran away, and the car drove off. It amazes me the lack of concern for the welfare of these dogs. Hopefully the car that hit the dog called animal control, I know I did as soon as I got back into the office. - More...
Monday PM - April 14, 2008

More Hillary Clinton Tall Tales By Mark Neckameyer - This weekend Senator Clinton, in a bid to differentiate herself from supposedly elitist Senator Obama who had dissed small town folks during a San Francisco fundraiser last week, told a story about her Dad taking her to her Grandpa's house to shoot guns, target practice after church. She made herself sound like a a cross between Billy Graham's daughter and Annie Oakley. What comes next? We find out she didn't have a Grandfather? She wouldn't answer press questions today about when she last fired a gun OR went to church. Hillary certainly has been a major anti-gun person most of her public life. She enthusiastically supported aggressive gun control lobbying against firearm manufacturers throughout her husband's term in the White House so when the conversion? Didn't she obviously do this just for the sake of, to hoodwink blue collar voters in Indiana and Pennsylvania? - More...
Monday PM - April 14, 2008

Saturday - April 12, 2008

Unique Opportunity By Cathy LeCompte - It struck me recently that our municipalities and elected officials of Ketchikan are presented with a unique opportunity to collaborate with two organizations who are working tirelessly in their endeavors to make Ketchikan a better place. I have had the chance to observe both groups and I have never seen, in my fifteen years of working with non profit organizations, two grassroots efforts that are so focused and well thought out. - More...
Saturday - April 12, 2008

Alaskans should not be penalized for stimulating economic growth By Governor Sarah Palin - With just a few days left in the 25th Alaska Legislature, the final actions taken by lawmakers will have a major impact on Alaska and Alaskans. HB 111, a critical bill which would lower the Business License Fee, is currently stalled. - More...
Saturday - April 12, 2008

Thank you By Dawn Uttke - Thanks to all who have made donations for Jeremy Raymond. He is still at Harborview, and the recovery process is going well. We may see his smiling face back in town within the next 6 weeks. - More...
Saturday - April 12, 2008

WMD's in Iraq By Charlotte Tanner - My conspiracy theory for the missing WMD's in Iraq is that the United States tried to "plant" them and failed. - More...
Saturday - April 12, 2008

Wednesday PM - April 09, 2008

Thank You By Tessa Hammoms - I would like to say a huge Thank You to the lady who took our dog 'Charlie" to the vet, after he was hit by a car on Saturday, April 5th. During all the chaos and tears, we never did get her name, as she was leaving as we arrived. - More...
Wednesday PM - April 09, 2008

Care for Ketchikan's Elders By Eileen Small -I truly enjoyed Shannon Guthrie's response. I believe that she is a caring provider. I agree with her comparison to buying a dozen eggs --- yet what we all must remember is that some of our elderly COULD NOT BUY A DOZEN EGGS without help. For instance my Mom cannot see or hear --- go figure. Mom has worked her entire life. She was never "on the dole". She did NOT have 8 kids by 7 men and collect government compensation for her bad behavior. She was a "Rosy the Riveter" during the war. After that she did well in the real estate and insurance businesses. - More...
Wednesday PM - April 09, 2008

Snow and the Roads By Sean "Sully" Sullivan - The whole time I lived in K-Town, I hated winter the most. Not because of the snow but because of the drivers in the snow. - More...
Wednesday PM - April 09, 2008

Where are Iraqi's WMDs? By Ken Solch - There is, if anyone would care to research it, much info to show that Iraq's WMDs were moved just before we attacked to Syria and the Bekka Valley in Lebanon. There are maps online showing the several sites that they were transferred to back then. The Russian special forces - Spetsnaz - did this with the help and complicity of Saddam's regime and his close allies in Syria. - More...
Wednesday PM - April 09, 2008

Tuesday PM - April 08, 2008

Re: Quality Care By Shannon Guthrie - I completely agree with the overall direction that Eileen Stated in the "Quality of Care for Elders". Being a Care provider myself, and having worked with the elderly for over a year, I think that it is not only important for Care providers to being competent of the job they are hired to do, but also compassionate and caring for the person/people they work with. This is what most people who enter the Health Care Field are aware of when they make the decision to become whichever profession they choose. - More...
Tuesday PM - April 08, 2008

Egg Hunt clean up By Angie Olson - There were about 7 of us that went around that day to pick up the garbage. I'm sure much was missed, but have gone back twice twice then. It may take some time, but we will be continuing our clean up efforts until the job is complete. - More...
Tuesday PM - April 08, 2008

Egg Hunt By Jim Lewis - I would like to thank the people who put the Sunday Easter Egg hunt together. Thank you. Even though I didn't have any children there it was a joy to view with beautiful weather. - More...
Tuesday PM - April 08, 2008

Why is anyone a Democrat? By Mark Neckameyer - Every death of a valiant American soldier is a terrible tragedy. Irregardless of the ranting of Liberal Democrats who want us to surrender in Iraq now (at least that is what they say in the "I am more of a dove than you" Democrat Presidential Primaries!) it is important to keep things in perspective while remembering that freedom is not free. There were 39 combat related killings in Iraq in January. In the fair city of Detroit alone there were 35 murders in the month of January. Detroit is just one American city, about as deadly as the entire war-torn country of Iraq . Have you read lately about the adventures of Detroit's Democrat mayor? Freedom is never free. In World War 2 from 1941-1945, 450,000 American lives were lost, an average of 112,500 per year. Over the past 5 years the war on terror has claimed around 750 American lives per year, trending down now and remember, when the Muslim terrorists bombed New York on 9/11, 3,000 innocent lives were lost in just one business center. They have their evil eyes on lots more of our buildings but they have not been successful even once in the past six years. Thank you George W. Bush! - More...
Tuesday PM - April 08, 2008

Monday - April 07, 2008

Let's make use of the veneer mill scrap logs By Margaret Cloud - There are some large piles of logs at the veneer mill that are not usable for veneer. Some of these logs have already been sold or given away for fire wood. This wood is really the community's wood as it is our money that has been used for years at the site. - More...
Monday - April 07, 2008

Easter Egg Hunt By Charlotte L. Glover - I know firsthand how much work go into making successful public events and I am glad that everyone enjoyed the Easter Egg Hunt at Ward Lake coordinated by Angie Olson, but I have to express my disappointment at the mess that was left behind. - More...
Monday - April 07, 2008

Thursday - April 03, 2008

Quality of Care for Elders By Eileen Small - This is an interesting topic and one that I have some experience with. My mom is 95 -- nearly deaf and blind and unable to walk very far or on her own. She has a Medicaid waver and since she signed up with Community Connections she is getting her respite care through them. It is important to understand that a "not for profit" organization is simply a tax status -- it does not mean that they are not billing for everything they do, billing highly and making a profit. - More...
Thursday - April 03, 2008

Refuge Cove By Mark Hanzlik - Thank you Leslie Engler for cleaning up Refuge Cove. The broken glass on all the local beaches has bothered me for quite a while, but it always seemed like there was too much of it to bother trying to clean up. - More...
Thursday - April 03, 2008

Egg Hunt at Ward Lake By Joey Tillson - I just want to express my gratitude for the Egg Hunt at Ward Lake this year. Both my older and younger daughter enjoyed themselves and the weather could not have been better (except maybe a bit warmer). I want to thank everyone who made this possible so we could have a memorable Easter with the community and nature! - More...
Thursday - April 03, 2008

Tuesday PM - April 01, 2008

KVRS Rocks! By Melissa Ausman -On Sunday March 23, around dinner time, a young girl went missing in the woods behind Bear Valley. This area leads to mile after mile of dense dark forested land. She had played behind the house for years, without ever a problem. Not this night. After looking and calling for her to no avail, her dad called the State Troopers and Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad. When I came upon the scene, it was scary. A great deal of people had gathered, walkie talkies and flashlights in hand. Search dog ready to roll. They were all gathered around the KVRS mobile unit. It's a large panel type van, filled with computers, gps systems and more. On top of this van is mounted two large poles with bright bright lights on top. People were searching under cars, between houses, before getting their search instructions and heading off into the woods. Every minute seemed so long. After several hours, YEAH!! she was found, safe and sound, although cold and scared she put up a brave front. - More...
Tuesday PM - April 01, 2008

Bristol Bay is burned out By Cindy Roque - When a lightbulb is burned out in our homes, we change it - and things are bright once again. I'm afraid some of the brightness of Bristol Bay has burned out and it's all in the face of the economic & energy crisis that has silently sneaked up upon us and is holding us captive. Our communities are blowing away in the cold wind around us as life long residents of Bristol Bay are migrating out of the Bay. - More...
Tuesday PM - April 01, 2008

Alaska Marine Highway By Elma Schiel - Our family of eight (included three generations) visited Alaska in May-June of 2003. We traveled by plane, train and ferry. We had a fantastic experience and hope someday to be able to return. - More...
Tuesday PM - April 01, 2008

Seward's Purchase of Alaska By Rudy McGillvray - I just love correcting writers. The "Purchase of Alaska" was NOT for the territory itself. Russia didn't OWN Alaska: what they sold was "Rights of Governance" to the United States, and no one, except an educated few understand that point. What Russia had in Alaska was colonies, (some of them stil exist today), and she sold us the right to govern those colonies for the 7.2 million dollars the U.S. paid for them. - More...
Tuesday PM - April 01, 2008

Federal Building By Barbara Morgan - I am glad that the Federal Building is going to be painted again as it now looks like a spawned out salmon. However, I do not really like either the original white or salmon pink options. - More...
Tuesday PM - April 01, 2008

Teens & Alcohol By Brenda (Zwieg) Benson - This is about my nephew -- a good kid from a good family that made a bad decision one night. We are also parents and are involved through Girl Scouts and other oraganizations with kids in our own community. We would like his story to be a learning tool so other teens will think twice before drinking. - More...
Tuesday PM - April 01, 2008

RE: Various Medical Economics Responses By Joel Galli - I'm glad to see there are those out there with a pulse and who actually care about some of the real issues in the upcoming elections and I'm pleased to be a part of the healthy debate here on SitNews. If you missed the premise of this response, I encourage you to read Mr. Harmon's and Mr. Neckameyer's March 15 opinion responses to one I wrote not long ago regarding universal health care. The scope of issues has since grown and I will now respond to all of the items raised by these two gentlemen. - More...
Tuesday PM - April 01, 2008

Sunday - March 30, 2008

Ketchikan Youth Initiative Scores Big! By Nancy Coggins - When recently talking on the phone with an older female family friend in North Carolina, she was complaining about the teenagers who are into drugs and other destructive behavioral activities. So I told her about the Ketchikan Youth Initiative (KYI) and its goal to renovate a vacant building [the Water Warehouse (WW)] to benefit teenagers. In this plan, the teenagers would be its leaders, and we adults, their mentors. Our aim, I explained, is to provide a safe place for teenagers not only to hang out but also to get a chance to run a small business like an ice cream or a gift shop. The whole idea gave her a lot of hope for America's teenagers. - More...
Sunday - March 30, 2008

Squeezin' out a big bucket o' savings By Sen. Kim Elton - As we begin, I agree it is not irrational to believe giving a lot of money to politicians is like giving a credit card to your teen before they head to Vegas on a class trip. - More...
Sunday - March 30, 2008

School budget process By Charles Edwardson - I guess my last rambling letter missed the mark appealing to the public to attend and comment on the Ketchikan school budget process. Only one guy commented and apparently the budget is perfect so none of us has any room to complain. Good job school board and borough budget committee. You have passed a perfect budget that needs no public comment or participation. The public trusts you completely and has no qualms about how things are running. Microsoft could take some pointers from this budget committee and the school board. - More...
Sunday - March 30, 2008

Thursday PM - March 27, 2008

March for Babies By Janie Odgers - The March of Dimes March for Babies (WalkAmerica) has taken Ketchikan by storm! Over a long weekend ladies from around Ketchikan gathered at the Ted Ferry Civic Center for the annual Scrap-A-Thon organized by Heather Borch. They raised $3,520.00! - More...
Thursday PM - March 27, 2008

Bridge, No Bridge By Angela Garton - I just wanted to say a brief thank you to Dan Williams for expressing so clearly some common sense about that bridge. I have lived in Ketchikan for 22 out of my 23 years. My dad worked at the airport for many years so I spent quite a bit of time traveling on the ferries back and forth to visit dad's work. - More...
Thursday PM - March 27, 2008

Tuesday PM - March 25, 2008

School budget process By Charles Edwardson - I am afraid this letter will be too late for the budget comment period for the district on March 26, 2008, never the less I urge the people who have time to participate in this process to express your opinions. - More...
Tuesday PM - March 25, 2008

Rev. Wright's viewpoint of America is wrong By Patty Alsup - I consider Rev.Wright's speech just a speech & not a sermon. The speech did not address religious ideals it appears to promote only hate for white people & for America. If this is the type of speeches he promotes then it is no wonder the African American population can not forget Slavery or Racism! People need to remember that Slavery is an unfortunate history. But that is what it is .. "History"! A War was fought to also abolish Slavery... Slavery is not now. - More...
Tuesday PM - March 25, 2008

Hillary's wild stories and ... Lies! By Mark Neckameyer - The crazy stories Hillary has been telling make no sense. We all have seen people with no "resume" make up tales of war heroism or athletic accomplishments but Hillary has had a stellar career; top corporate attorney, First Lady, U.S. Senator and more. So why the crazy tales? Here are a few examples; - More...
Tuesday PM - March 25, 2008

Monday PM - March 24, 2008

Thank you Ketchikan! By Angie Olson - I am so proud to call Ketchikan my home! My friends and I decided to put together a community Easter egg hunt out at Ward Lake, the support we received was amazing!! - More...
Monday PM - March 24, 2008

The Bridge By Chuck Saunders - The first time I ever heard of "the bridge" was when it hit national news due to the cost. Having visited Ketchikan several times now, I think I understand the need for "the bridge". - More...
Monday PM - March 24, 2008

Saturday - March 22, 2008

Behavioral Health Services By Camielle Call - I am the most recent director of Gateway Center for Human Services, having tendered my resignation on or about March 1 of this year. It is important for me to clarify some issues associated with this position and with recent SitNews letters and the Ketchikan Daily News of March 8 - 9. - More...
Saturday - March 22, 2008

Infestation of Local Faith Groups By George Miller - There a several local churches downtown who could be listed as part of the 'infestation of non-profits' -- at least in the eyes of those who might belittle faith along with everything else. It is a proven fact, practiced by even the faithless rich, that generosity brings financial health -- and that the opposite is also true. Those who support groups that are doing good for our community are doing themselves a favor. - More...
Saturday - March 22, 2008

Petition to the MIC Council to apply Due Process By Steven G. Booth - A Petition to the MIC Council to apply Due Process states: We, the undersigned Members of the Metlakatla Indian Community (MIC), do hereby in signing this petition affirm that every Member should have a basic right to due process of MIC laws and procedures when faced with charges against us in MIC remedial forums. When MIC Council violated Mayor John A. Scudero, Jr. s due process rights on February 6, 2008, the Council set (or continued to set) a precedent for the type of treatment any Member can expect at all MIC remedial forums, including tribal government. - More...
Saturday - March 22, 2008

Non-Profits By Debra Pomeroy-Dundas - In response to Jay Jones' letter, I also have to protest with Ms. Antonsen! Not only is this non-profit agency, Community Connections, an asset to Ketchikan and the many people they help, they are part of the out lined communities, providing respite care and PCA services! They also employee people in other communities. - More...
Saturday - March 22, 2008

The Bridge By Forrest Mackie - I had a thought outside the box! I heard it said once that it would be cheaper to build an airport on this side that we could drive to than build a bridge. - More...
Saturday - March 22, 2008

Stimulus Loan By Judith Green - Thank you, RK Rice, for your thoughts about the Stimulus Loan which is being offered to citizens by our Federal Government. - More...
Saturday - March 22, 2008

Wednesday - March 19, 2008

Bridge, No Bridge By Dan Williams - This was quite entertaining reading about the bridges here in Alaska. Now it is quite OLD. People, the bridge is not going to happen, Governor Palin axed that idea. The bridge is old news. Some complain about the ferry to the airport and having to wait, and then brining in the emergency vehicles having to wait. This I know for fact that the ferry will break the schedule for emergency vehicles. - More...
Wednesday - March 19, 2008

Proposal to relocate the Ketchikan Borough Offices to the Plaza By Robert Nedzwecky, Jerry Pierce, Dave Filyaw - We are writing to express our support of Ketchikan Plaza LLC's proposal to relocate the Ketchikan Borough Offices to the Plaza for the following reasons: - More...
Wednesday - March 19, 2008

Non-profits By Beth Antonsen - Jay Jones' letter caught my attention because it brought up the revolving door at Gateway Human Services. Having worked at Gateway I felt I should respond and did. When I got to the end of Jones' letter I was taken aback by his statement about downtown Ketchikan being infested with non-profits. The main non-profits that I know about downtown are Community Connections and the Arts Council. I must protest his lumping those beloved agencies in with rats and roaches. - More...
Wednesday - March 19, 2008

Why you love Alaska! By Maria Hite - Hi! My name is Maria Hite. I am in the 7th grade at Queen of Peace School in Mishawaka, Indiana. I am doing a report on a state. I chose Alaska. - More...
Wednesday - March 19, 2008

Monday PM - March 17, 2008

Gateway Human Services' Revolving Door By Beth Antonsen - There has been a huge turnover in directors at Ketchikan Gateway Human Services and the services there are very important. There are several unsung heroes at Gateway and for the most part it is a tough job working there. Dealing with people and their plethora of problems can be very draining. I am speaking as an 8 year employee at Gateway. My job was phased out 6 years ago. The rewards where getting to help people and see them achieve positive goals in their lives. - More...
Monday PM - March 17, 2008

STIMULUS LOAN By R.K. Rice - Our household has received our first application for our "stimulus payment" from the IRS. This year the federal deficit is projected to be only $163 billion. So far this decade the total deficit is over 1 trillion dollars. That is money that we borrow from various lenders around the world and largely the Chinese. The taxpayers pay the interest on these loans. As we are currently in a deficit spending year, this means we must borrow the $180 billion or so that the federal government is sending out to placate the US taxpayers. - More...
Monday PM - March 17, 2008

Kink Arm Bridge By Jerilyn Lester - Your loyalty is admirable for someone here for such a short time. What do you think a bridge to and across the two islands next to Ketchikan would do? It would allow us to get to and from our airport without having to wait for the ferry; it would allow us to access land and development on Gravina Island and Pennock Island as well. I do know that some think we don't need to develop that land and some think the only reason for this bridge is to make sure that the former Governor can get to his land, but 30 years ago we were promised the bridge to allow us to get to our airport, Ketchikan International Airport, to be more precise. - More...
Monday PM - March 17, 2007

Saturday PM - March 15, 2008

Ketchikan Mental Health Services By Carol Alley - Our silence as a community regarding the lack of adequate mental health and substance abuse services is deafening. Those most in need likely lack the ability to voice this concern for themselves. Those providing services in our community, and the ancillary staff working with them, find themselves overworked and under-appreciated. - More...
Saturday PM - March 15, 2008

Why is there high a turnover for Director at Gateway Human Services? By Jay Jones - Hey "Fourth Estate", why is there such a high turnover for Director at Gateway Human Services. As taxpayers, we are the bosses, we ought to know the facts. And what has been the average weekly client count at the city-run treatment center since the first of the year? And what do they pay a counselor with a bachelor's degree? I guess if I want questions asked or answered I'll have to ask the City Manager or City Council myself. - More...
Saturday PM - March 15, 2008

Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad & HB 320 By Jerry L. Kiffer - The search and rescue community received some good news this week with the passage of HB 320 through the State House the bill has been sent on to the Senate for their approval.. For those who may be unfamiliar with this legislation HB 320 will fill a dire need to support our search and rescue volunteers if they are injured during the training missions necessary to participate in search and rescue activity. As with much of the State the volunteer professionals working for the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad are not paid for their service, nor are they compensated for their participation in training missions to keep their skills honed. - More...
Saturday PM - March 15, 2008

Thank You Tom Fisher By Shaun Haseltine - Thank you to Mr. Fisher, I was glad and surprised to see a Ketchikan resident say publicly that the commercial fishing industry is alive and very much healthy. - More...
Saturday PM - March 15, 2008

Kink Arm Bridge By Ken Hudson - I don't know about Ketchikan but I do know about Anchorage and the Mat-Su Borough. Both of these areas are still growing even in a slowing economy, few areas still are. A bridge across the Knik Arm would open up new land to relieve Anchorages land shortage, stimulate the economy in the area and provide an alternate route to the Mat-Su. - More...
Saturday PM - March 15, 2008

Medical delivery systems By Mark Neckameyer - I respect Joel Galli's intelligent comparison of Medical systems in the USA and in Germany but Joe, have you been in or done business in Germany lately? Until very recently I was there every three months. Their tax rate is HUGE. The sales tax (VAT) is 19%. The price of gasoline is double our high price and most of that is tax. Income taxes are much higher and are more pervasive. I believe you pay a tax on each and every TV you have in your home for instance. The cost of manufacturing anything in Germany is so much higher than about anywhere else that even the highly intelligent and educated people of that much smaller nation, are suffering economically and their factory jobs are leaving for China and points east even faster than ours. - More...
Saturday PM - March 15, 2008

In Praise of Nazi Medical Economics? By Bob Harmon - I can't believe I just read Mr. Galli's story praising the way Germans save money to provide for better citizen medical care. Mr. Galli even mentions the 1930s in his letter. I am just a retired High School teacher but the way I remember it is the Germans gassed and cooked all or most of their disabled, retarded and even Gay citizens along with millions of Jews and Gypsies and Slavs and others. Maybe they have racially purified their genetics now so they can spend less on medicine? Sitnews is to be applauded for putting something like this out so we can all see how some people feel about sensitive issues. - More...
Saturday PM - March 15, 2008

Wednesday AM - March 12, 2008

Veneer Mill Shut Down By Mary Lynn Dahl - The veneer mill operated by Renaissance Ketchikan Group, LLC, a corporation owned by Jerry Jenkins, is now delinquent on more than $100,000 in property taxes. Tax delinquency normally results in foreclosure, unless all back taxes and penalties are paid. That seems unlikely, since the mill has shut down several times and is currently shut down yet again. Most of the mill employees have been laid off, unfortunately. - More...
Wednesday AM - March 12, 2008

Community's Youth By Judith Green - In response to these notes about Our Community's Youth, let us not forget that there are other activities besides sports that attract our youth, from preschool through high school years; and even continue on through adult years. That would be the Arts; my specialty being M U S I C. - More...
Wednesday AM - March 12, 2008

Clean Elections Works By Eric Ehst - The letter published Thursday attacking the working of the Clean Elections system of public campaign financing in Arizona does not present a true picture of the results. The referenced report from which the examples are taken uses cherry picked and distorted data to support a preordained and biased conclusion. - More...
Wednesday AM - March 12, 2008

Sunday - March 09, 2008

RE: Community's youth By Tyrell Rettke - This letter is in response to Eileen Small's letter recently (3/6 I believe) posted here on Sitnews. I have seen and heard the same frustration that she is presenting from many other people, as well as felt it myself. The old mantras that we like to throw out there (but which I will refrain from using) are tired and really don't help in these cases. What is needed is action. - More...
Sunday - March 09, 2008

RE: Democrat Veep Remarks By Joel Galli - Well, I really hate to interject myself into the seemingly private banter on the issue of the Democratic VP, but I feel I must address Mr. Neckameyer's very typical conservative responses to Liberal policies. - More...
Sunday - March 09, 2008

RE: Real America By David Ferrall - Just to let you know Mr. Harmon, I was born and raised in Ketchikan AK, ( 20+ years in SE Alaska). I also lived in Southern California for 6 years, and I'm very familiar with Mr. Neckameyer's neck of the woods, Orange County or land of the "Duke" as you seem to fawn all over it. I've also lived in other parts of this great country so I'm not sure if I could call myself a real "Brooklynite" but I do live in New York City. - More...
Sunday - March 09, 2008

Thursday PM - March 06, 2008

Bridge By Stephen Smeltzer - I see some folks have not given up on a bridge. The reason Juneau and Sitka didn't have a problem with a bridge, was because they don't have an international waterway running between Revilla and Gravina. Also they connected to DEVELOPED communities, or to an out of the way airport. How many airplanes do you think will end up being "caught" by this bridge, or how many tugs with tows will get hung up on this bridge? Seems this has happened in San Francisco, when a huge ship side swiped one of the Golden Gate bridge supports. - More...
Thursday PM - March 06, 2008

Dead Humpies By Aan Kadax Tseen aka Don Hoff Jr. - There is nothing like beating a dead humpy to death. There is not going to be a bridge to nowhere in Ketchikan, Alaska, move on with more important problems in Ketchikan. There are only 50 or so people that live on Gravina Island. Open more land for whom? Build a bridge on speculation? That is insane. - More...
Thursday PM - March 06, 2008

Tribute to a Great Lady, Helen Finney By Phyllis Yetka Hobson - Thank you Mr. Kiffer for the lovely thoughts of a lovely lady. Helen Finney was indeed the "Grand Dame" of Ketchikan. She was also one of my role models. - More...
Thursday PM - March 06, 2008

Annette Island Expansion By Philip Doherty - The United Fishermen of Alaska are opposing any expansion of the waters and fishing rights around Annette Island. UFA has just sent this letter to the Department of the Interior: - More...
Thursday PM - March 06, 2008

Community's youth By Eileen Small - I am so glad my kids are grown and graduated!!! I shipped my final "baby" home to college in Houston this past year. I dealt with all these same problems: what to do with young adults in a boring climate, Kay-Hi and the total fiasco that Revilla has become, all the "same-old-same-old" for YEARS. Personally, I never found anyone in a position to make a solution who actually gave a damn - from mayors to school board and so on. I don't really see that anyone elected in this town cares --- though it does look nice to say you do on a campaign poster when one is running for a position in local government, huh?!!! - More...
Thursday PM - March 06, 2008

Helen Finney By Jill Lukin - I am saddened to hear of Helen's passing, I met Helen years ago while I had my hair salon in Ketchikan. I always looked forward to Helen's next perm or haircut at the Salon to just get caught up on everyday events... and where she was off to on a new adventure. - More...
Thursday PM - March 06, 2008

Ketchikan school budget By Charles Edwardson - I received some very good feedback from my last letter, on the school activities budget. I was encouraged to approach the borough assembly and the budget committee and present my thoughts. - More...
Thursday PM - March 06, 2008

Bridge that won't Quit By Charlotte Tanner - All you people comparing this bridge from Revilla to Gravina, to bridges such as the Golden Gate Bridge are ridiculous. When a person drives across the Golden Gate Bridge that person can keep on driving, all the way up to Alaska if they choose to do so. Now if you drive across a Bridge to Gravina I guess someday you may get farther than ex Governor Murkowski's property, and over to Clarence Strait, but that will take awhile. - More...
Thursday PM - March 06, 2008

Celebrating By Mark Neckameyer - I was just now watching TV showing "citizens" of Palestine romping and cheering in the streets, firing guns in the air celebrating that two of their extremist, going to heaven to get virgins, gunmen killed seven defenseless Israeli students. I know that not all extremists are Muslim but it sure seems like all Muslim nations, the adult men there anyway, can certainly be classed "extremist". - More...
Thursday PM - March 06, 2008

Governor's May baby By John Suter - In a couple of months Governor Palin will have a baby girl. I understand that she is going to name her daughter Lyda Green Palin. With this act she will ask, now, can we all get along? - More...
Thursday PM - March 06, 2008

Dog Park Needed By Kimberly Morton - My boyfriend and I have a pit bull and a pit bull mix in town. We love taking the dogs out to D1 loop and the beach by our house for the dogs to run. We spoil our dogs and they go to work with my boyfriend every day and are two of the most socialized dogs in town because we take them everywhere. The one problem I have found though is there is no "dog park" in Ketchikan. - More...
Thursday PM - March 06, 2008

Clean Election Law By Megan Kearl - In a letter published March 3, Representative Gabrielle LeDoux voiced her support for a "Clean Election Law" for Alaska, stating that it could give candidates more time to discuss policy, free candidates from the constraints of money-driven elections, prevent candidates from becoming "indentured to special interest groups" who give contributions, and help "worthy" candidates enter the election process who wouldn't otherwise have the funding. While these are admirable goals, Alaskans will likely be disappointed with the actual results of Clean Elections. - More...
Thursday PM - March 06, 2008

Tuesday PM - March 04, 2008

KETCHIKAN'S SMALL BOAT HARBORS By Bill Tatsuda - Tom Fisher's viewpoint in Sitnews on February 27, 2008 touched on some important issues concerning Ketchikan's small boat harbors. Now that the State of Alaska is no longer responsible for small boat harbors, what are we doing to develop and preserve our harbors? After the State's deferred harbor maintenance funds have been spent, how are we going to perform effective routine maintenance and put aside funds for major repairs and future improvements? We are facing a new paradigm, because we are now supposed to be responsible for our harbors. It can no longer be business as usual at the Harbor Department. - More...
Tuesday PM - March 04, 2008

Magnitude of Ketchikan's education budget issues By DeAnn Turner - I wanted to provide Mr. Edwardson with some additional information regarding the KGBSD budget he commented on after the article in the KDN's. I participated in the KGBSD budget sessions. There were several notices in the newspaper announcing the dates the budget sessions were to be held and that they were open to the public. - More...
Tuesday PM - March 04, 2008

Re: Ketchikan School Board: Come on guys! By Dave Lieben - Having served on the School Board for three years, I came to accept that we were often blamed for everything that happened in the school district, whether we had anything to do with it or not. - More...
Tuesday PM - March 04, 2008

Exxon should accept responsibility By Louise Clark - When a huge corporation such as Exxon has the audacity to show such reckless disregard for our beautiful state, the people the environment, and the wildlife it is my firm belief that, that corporation must be banned from doing any kind of business in this state ever again. If that is not possible they should be banished for a minimum of 50 years and then they must show good faith of their responsibility before being allowed back again. After all they are not the only oil company around, furthermore, I think all the people in the United States should band together and demand corporate responsibility for their actions because an oil spill is not the only disaster that can happen and Exxon is trying to set an example whereby a large corporation is not responsible no matter what they do. - More...
Tuesday PM - March 04, 2008

RE: Oil rich Alaskans struggle to heat homes By Mike Isaac - Melissa O'Bryan nailed it! In two short paragraphs Ms. O'Bryan said so much about the direction the Republican party is going and the self serving people that have taken it over. Heating oil (diesel fuel) and crude oil prices are all going up and a check from the government won't change that but might help the senator get re-elected. - More...
Tuesday PM - March 04, 2008

Bridge definitely needed By Sandra V. Browne - I fully agree the bridge is definitely needed. Mr. Hoff was not here the night that all the emergency equipment was called to the airport and had to sit on this side and wait for the airport ferry because it wasn't on our side. - More...
Tuesday PM - March 04, 2008

Build the Bridge! By Vanessa Nowland - I've read all the opinions about a bridge being built in Ketchikan, and boy are there a lot of them! I have a few questions for the people out there that are so against it and refer to our bridge as the "Bridge to Nowhere" - More...
Tuesday PM - March 04, 2008

Helen Finney By Nellie Cleveland - For all of my life, I will consider myself and everyone who knew her to have had our lives been made more magical by Helen Finney. She was a friend indeed! - More...
Tuesday PM - March 04, 2008

Monday AM - March 03, 2008

DOTPF dances out fantastic statistics By Sen. Kim Elton - The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities is losing street cred faster than Idaho Senator Larry Craig. - More...
Monday AM - March 03, 2008

Oil Rich Alaskans Struggle to Heat Homes By Melissa O'Bryan - It's refreshing to see how Alaskans are depicted in the media. This is a copy of a letter I sent to Senator Tom Wagoner, Kenai regarding his comments in an AP article. - More...
Monday AM - March 03, 2008

Clean Elections By Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux - A Clean Election Law should be the linchpin of a new political climate in Alaska. We have weathered the storms of indictments, public distrust, and scandals. We have enacted comprehensive ethics reforms; are scrutinizing conflicts of interest in regards to who can vote and when; and even modified fund raising practices during session. - More...
Monday AM - March 03, 2008

ALL NATIVE CHAMPIONS By Marcia Brendible - The MAC Intermediates Are Intermediate Division ALL NATIVE CHAMPIONS! 5 games 5 wins! - More...
Monday AM - March 03, 2008

Ketchikan School Board: Come on guys! By Charles Edwardson - I am writing to offer positive criticism again; I would like to see it as positive criticism. In my experience though this is virtually a non existent concept with all I have criticized. Whether it is the city council, borough assembly, KIC board, or now the Ketchikan school board. - More...
Monday AM - March 03, 2008

Thanks By Marie- Jeanne Cadle - I want to say thanks to Deb & Hunter Davis for paying to neuter the dog I am fostering (He's adoptable - see SitNews classifieds). It's not cheap to care for and get shots, medical attention, etc for dogs you don't own and their financial asistance is greatly appreciated! - More...
Monday AM - March 03, 2008

Democrat Veep Remarks By Mark Neckameyer - Ketchikan resident Noam Ploomb wonders if I will address his critique of my tongue in cheek recommendation of Fidel Castro to be the Democrat Veep and so I will. First of, it was clearly "tongue in cheek" as to be Vice President you have to be native born but I think I do have some logic and experience to share so here goes; - More...
Monday AM - March 03, 2008

Sunday PM - March 02, 2008

Bridge needed By Forrest Mackie - Don Hoff is my friend, but why does live in Tennessee and tell us what we need and don't need. We do need the bridge for our future expansion and to move into the future. I don't think that Gravina is the proper place for the hardlink though. I don't remember Juneau or Sitka having this much trouble getting their bridge. - More...
Sunday PM - March 02, 2008

Higher moorage rates By Peg Travis - AMEN! Tom Fisher. We agree, higher moorage rates and less maintenance on harbor facilities, so where is the money going? - More..
Sunday PM - March 02, 2008

Memories of Helen Finney By Lynne Miller - Sweet memories of Helen permeate my kitchen here oh so many miles away from Ketchikan. I see Helen Finney's smiling face in that beautiful picture next to the notice of her passing published in the Ketchikan Daily News and I smile at all the sweet memories of times we shared together. - More...
Sunday PM - March 02, 2008

VP Candidate Suggestion By Robert D. Warner - The recent suggestion for a Democratic Vice Presidential candidate by Mark Neckameyer could likely be a significant improvement over the current ticket of Bush and Cheney, but who wouldn't be? My feeling is that historians will rate Bush and Cheney at the bottom of the list of respected administrations and certainly below the rankings of Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge. - More...
Sunday PM - March 02, 2008

"Thinking about the real America" By Bob Harmon - I am a retired Alaska school teacher but I have lived and visited and vacationed around our great nation and I wonder about Mr Ferrall's "Brooklyn" being the "real America". It is a dank, brokendown city populated from what I saw by new immigrants who move out to Long Island, New York, California or Florida as soon as they learn English and learn a trade. Even their only decent sports team bailed on them 50 years ago. - More...
Sunday PM - March 02, 2008

Wednesday PM - February 27, 2008

Energy is everywhere By Marshall Kelly - Southeast Alaska doesn't go very often without a breeze. We rarely suffer water shortages in this country, and every Southeast Alaskan community is nestled right next to the globe's largest, cleanest power source known; the ocean. - More...
Wednesday PM - February 27, 2008

When will rate hikes be enough to improve infrastucture? By Tom Fisher - Well once again the rates for reserved moorage are raised and yet there is hardly any improvements being done to the harbors. For the last 15 years I have complained and begged, got down on my knees and asked to get my finger float fixed. Yet I am repeatedly blown off as if it isn't important, however if Karl Amylon had to walk down my finger float to check his boat it would have been fixed 10 years ago. - More...
Wednesday PM - February 27, 2008

No Means No By Roy Nathan - What part of no needs auditing? I see the people from the Matsu are relentless about moving the Capitol and 'The Bridge to Nowhere' advocates are no less stubborn. - More...
Wednesday PM - February 27, 2008

The Transition and missing Mariners By Victoria Canul Dunne - My husband, Michael F. Dunne, grew up on the waters of Southeast Alaska -- in Metlakatla. Mike is a former Marine Corporal (1981-85) a fisher, logger, sawmill worker and commercial tree-thinner. In 2005 he received his bachelor's degree in Technical Management which he added to his welding certificate and electronics A.A.S degree. His Dad and Uncles are experienced with vessels, have a healthy respect for the sea, and taught Mike well. He knows how to ready a boat for sailing and was experienced in living off the seas/beaches of Southeast Alaska, and if need be, could survive off the same. Vern McGee grew up in Juneau, was in the Navy, experienced in northern Southeast waters and graduated from school with a degree in Marine Electronics. - More...
Wednesday PM - February 27, 2008

Thank You! By Ardath and Andrew Piston, and Becky Bentley - We would like to thank everyone who came to our aid after we were involved in a car accident on N.T.H. February 23. We wish we could remember the names of all of you, but the whole thing is still a blur. The one thing that stands out in our minds is the quick response of the locals. - More...
Wednesday PM - February 27, 2008

Kudos, and Extreme Environmentalism By Gregory Vickrey - Major kudos to Larry Jackson and the students of Kayhi for not only producing wonderful and LOCAL red and yellow cedar benches for the First City, but their ingenuity and drive. Thanks to the City of Ketchikan and the Downtown Steering Committee for encouraging local use and creation of high-value added wood products. - More...
Wednesday PM - February 27, 2008

British Women in Alaska By Isla Williams - My name is Isla Williams and I am a freelance journalist writing mainly for women's magazines in the UK. I am currently looking to write an article on a British woman who has left the UK to set up a new life in Alaska. She needs to be under 45, married or single, with or without children. She will get paid for the article which will consist of around 300-400 words in a question and answer style. I will also send her a copy of the magazine. - More...
Wednesday PM - February 27, 2008

"Perfect Candidate" By Noam Ploomb - Mark Neckameyer's tongue-in-cheek letter regarding Fidel Castro as the "perfect" choice for a Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate brings up some questions. - More...
Wednesday PM - February 27, 2008

Perfect VP Candidate By David Ferrall - Just thinking about the about the real America, from Ketchikan to Brooklyn. - More...
Wednesday PM - February 27, 2008

Monday PM - February 25, 2008

Smoke detectors save lives By Scott R. Davis - Thank you to Carol Baines for bringing up this very important subject! Smoke detectors are required by law in Alaska as well as Carbon Monoxide alarms under AS 18.70.095. - More...
Monday PM - February 25, 2008

Making Silk Out of Sow's Ears By Jay Jones - The article in Sitnews on Feb.23rd concerning the conviction of James C. Hayes for Theft, Money Laundering, etc, etc, fails to mention that the "grants" in question were actually earmarks. Maybe the lawmaker who submitted the earmarks should have checked on the character of the recipient more thoroughly, even if he was the ex-mayor of Fairbanks. But wait! The lawmaker was The Hon. Ted Stevens! And The ex-Hon James C. Hayes used to work for (and live with) The Hon. (as for now) Ted Stevens. For all we know The ex-Hon James C. Hayes wrote his own earmarks. - More...
Monday PM - February 25, 2008

Billary Clobama By Amos Hopkins - Here here to what this last writer just said. And I would like to add that Hillary Clinton has had the same effect on young people as well. - More...
Monday PM - February 25, 2008

Perfect Democrat VP Candidate Available! By Mark Neckameyer - There is one man (person?) in the world who would be the ideal Vice President candidate able to run with either Hillary or Obama as he perfectly shares their political philosophies right down the (left) line. Want to guess who? He is a little old but balances the ticket on the age and experience issues, has a long attractive beard and just resigned his old position. Give up? It is Fidel Castro! - More..
Monday PM - February 25, 2008

Saturday - February 23, 2008

Against Ketchikan Borough Land Grab: Proposed Annexation By Don Hoff Jr. - I am in total support of Sen. Albert Kookesh concerns about Ketchikan Gateway Borough attempts for annexation of 4,000 square miles of uninhabited lands. I am very concerned that annexation will cause further exploitation of all our natural resources that still belong to the Taan ta Kwaan (Sealion People) and the Saan ya Kwaan (Cape Fox People). I will not speak for the Saan ya Kwaan because it is not my place but I will speak for the Gaanax adi Clan of the Taan ta Kwaan. We object to any annexation proposals that the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Government is proposing. Annexation of these lands will have major effects on subsistence rights of our people and future land claims that are on-going and owed to us by the Federal Government for future land selections of our people. - More...
Saturday - February 23, 2008

Alternative fuel methods By Christopher Lemerond - I agree with Mr.Moon that we we need alternative methods for energy production. Biodiesel, Hydroelectric, and biomass are all good alternatives. These and other methods are the only hope for our future as humanity. The automobile companies buy off and eliminate any threat to their great empire. How long will their influence last? Will there be a day when the people stand together against pollution, rising cost of fuel, and the crippling effect they have on our wallets, and way of life? Many people struggle and worry about how they are going to pay their bills, heat their homes, and get to work this week -- just to turn around and give their hard earned dollars right back. - More....
Saturday - February 23, 2008

Legislative Audit of Gravina Bridge Project By Don Hoff Jr. - This audit is just more wasted taxpayer dollars and time for the dead proposed Gravina Island bridge project in Ketchikan. This audit will only show the citizens how much taxpayer money that has been wasted to the "bridge to no-where". Congress has put a stop to earmarked projects. What is going on now is the road to no-where, a $30 million taxpayer dollars for a road and for what? The environmental impacts on sensitive muskegs, stream crossings, wetlands, fish and wildlife should be a major concern by everybody. I would challenge anybody that these environmental concerns are being violated while being constructed. - More...
Saturday - February 23, 2008

Bridge to Nowhere By Peg Travis - Responding to Senator Stedman's letter requesting an audit of the project, I don't agree the bridge is a top state priority - or if it is - it shouldn't be. There are many higher priority issues. i.e. education, health care, senior's concerns, veteran's care and maintaining roads and existing bridges. - More...
Saturday - February 23, 2008

Barack Obama By Sam Osborne - The candidacy of Barack Obama has excited a whole new generation of previously disinterested young Americans. And though this large and swelling involvement of youth should set Democratic Party members singing Happy Days Are Here Again, a few in the ranks of the regular and older members seem averse to joining the movement and instead expect these young people to temper their idealism and switch allegiance to a candidate of their elders' choosing. - More..
Saturday - February 23, 2008

Don Young's comments By Karen Ramsey - I'm a registered Democrat who's voted for Don Young a couple of times now since residing in Alaska. A couple of comments he made while in Ketchikan recently now have me scratching my head and asking myself why on earth I would have voted for him in the past. These same comments have helped me decide to vote against him in the next election. - More...
Saturday - February 23, 2008

OF TINHORN DESPOTS AND SIMPLE THINGS By David G. Hanger - This is my last contribution to Sitnews.  I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to present to you several of the interesting cases on which I have worked and my occasional opinions on other subjects, but there has come a calling, and besides the day job that calling will require all my time and energy henceforth.  Grant that one old man cannot begin to clean up the mess that is Alaska politics at all levels, and accept that this old man has sense enough to know that, may it be that others restore checks and balances, integrity, and a functioning two-party (or more) system to this great state.  The tinhorn despots running rampant at all levels of government in this state are becoming both inconveniently expensive and absolutely embarrassing.  Good luck. - More..
Saturday - February 23, 2008

Electricity from trees By Joseph Rene DuPont - Once again I found your article on electricity from trees very interesting. - More...
Saturday - February 23, 2008

Complaints about City Workers By Linda Lingenfelter - In response to Ms. Richardson's 'bashing' City employees during the recent snowfall, the person you are pointing a finger at was one of two persons working on snow-removal that particular Sunday; - More...
Saturday - February 23, 2008

Thursday - February 21, 2008

Property Tax By Beth Antonsen - According to the article in the Ketchikan Daily News the KGB assessment department was raising property tax at the most 15%. Not so. My mother's assessment went up 30%. At this rate I will have to put the fireplace back in her condo and chop some firewood, build her some window boxes so she can grow her own food and move in with her to help her with expenses. I am afraid to finish fixing my house because I won't be able to live there and afford it once the borough re-assesses that. - More...
Thursday - February 21, 2008

Borough assembly decisions By Charles Edwardson - Bronze statues, bowl factories, defunct veneer mills, defunct economic development advisory boards due to no money to run it, higher properties taxes just for the heck of it, oh! And never mind - increased funding for school activities to try to reinforce our kids' connections to this community so they may think twice about leaving this area. - More...
Thursday - February 21, 2008

Smoke Alarms By Carol Baines - Regarding smoke detectors: I think that if there are children in the dwelling, it should be against the law to remove the battery from a smoke detector, and the law should be strictly enforced. What's the point of having a smoke detector if it's going to be disabled? - More...
Thursday - February 21, 2008

City taxes and sorry service By Eileen Small - To add to the voice: I have TWO properties in K-kan and get taxed out the you-know-what on both. I have paid all my taxes on both. It wouldn't irk me so much if I saw that I got something for my money. As it stands, the city hasn't picked up my home trash in over a month because the trash truck won't come down my hill and won't sand the hill on which I live so they CAN come down it!! DUHHHHH!!!!! And just generally does less than anywhere I have ever lived for the taxes they charge!!! I know a woman whose Dad retired from the city and she tells me that 10 years ago, the streets were taken much better care of than now. Surprise, surprise! - More...
Thursday - February 21, 2008

A job VERY WELL done! Keeping up with the snow. By Bobbie McCreary - I was very impressed with the dedication shown by our governments to work on keeping our roads cleared and our paths safe to travel (as safe as they could given the conditions.) Early in our long stretch of snow and ice I saw City workers clearing sidewalks that did not pass by residences or businesses..in particular the block of Grant going uphill from the Police Station. - More...
Thursday - February 21, 2008

All neighborhoods don't receive equal services By Lou Ann Richardson - Must be nice to live on Jackson Street during heavy snow fall and have city crews come through hauling out massive amounts of snow and clearing out driveways. I've heard there's at least one city employee who lives on Jackson St., is that what it takes to get the extra effort? - More...
Thursday - February 21, 2008

Ferry system failures By Ronald Currit - This is a letter I sent to Governor Palin adding my voice to the dissension about the Ferry system. - More...
Thursday - February 21, 2008

Alaska Marine Highway By Michael Nelson - I was seriously considering taking my 6 year old daughter to Ketchikan and then out to Craig this coming summer so that she could meet friends and family. Having grown up in Ketchikan, I have been riding on the blue canoes since the days of the Wickersham, so nostalgia was driving my decision to take my daughter to Southeast on the AMHS. Yet, even before I started reading all of the letters regarding the AMHS, I did some date crunching and pricing and frankly realized that the AMHS was narrowing my window of opportunity and also pricing me right out of the trip. - More...
Thursday - February 21, 2008

Monday AM - February 18, 2008

Setting the Record Straight on Earmarks By Senator Ted Stevens - On January 4, a fire broke out at a residence in Salcha. Thanks to specialized "Project Code Red" equipment and training, first responders extinguished the fire, saved the home, and prevented injuries. Salcha Fire Chief Rob Weathers recently wrote me about the fire and said, "Without Project Code Red a family would have lost their home and business that night." - More...
Monday AM - February 18, 2008

The Borough & City Lobbing trip to Juneau By Samuel Bergeron - Last week, Mayor Weinstein and I had the pleasure of representing the City of Ketchikan, along with other area representatives including: the Borough (Mayor Williams, Assemblymen John Harrington and David Landis, Deputy Clerk Kacie Paxton and Attorney Scott Brandt Erickson), Saxman Mayor Charles Denny, Ketchikan General Hospital administrators Patrick Branco and Joan Nugent; and Oceans Alaska Director John Tighe and Terry Gardiner in the annual lobbing trip to Juneau. Leading the delegation was City and Borough Lobbyist Ray Matiashowski. - More...
Monday AM - February 18, 2008

Property Taxes By Wayne Phillips - I am quite perplexed at the annual property assessment increases that the Ketchikan Borough has imposed. I too, disagreed with the borough s assessment last year and had a representative walk through my home in order to reassess their initial findings. The gentleman that walked around and through my home was certainly professional. However, I disapprove of the idea that any government entity should have the ability to intrude in on my privacy. - More...
Monday AM - February 18, 2008

Paving Paradise? By Chris Ruecker - The City is taking new steps to develop the downtown docks. Hot on the heels of the nearly finished berth three development, the city has contracted PND Engineering of Seattle for preliminary plans for a complete redesign of the current berths 1 & 2. - More...
Monday AM - February 18, 2008

Property Value Assessments By Jennifer Brewer - If I lived at the level to which the Ketchikan Gateway Borough has assessed my property value at; I'd be in a really nice home with a paved road and a half acre lot around me. Instead, I live in an two bedroom logging camp trailer on a quarter acre lot at the end of a (unmaintained) gravel road. Yet somehow; the value has been assessed at almost 200k! I would REALLY like to know the criteria that is used to assess our property values because I'm at a loss to fathom how my property can be assessed at such a phenomenal amount. - More...
Monday AM - February 18, 2008

An open invitation to Mayor Scudero By Carrie Beckham - I'm sure that I am not the only constituent in Ketchikan that would like to invite Mayor Scudero to our town. Although I have only lived here for about two years, I have noticed that perhaps a certain financial department may benefit from an independant audit as well. Like others, I gasped in shock when I received my house assesment, get fired up every time I have to write a check for the sludge "fee", and speculate on a constant basis as to where my (highly inflated) taxes may be going. Ketchikan is a nice small town with nice people Mayor Scudero, and I'm sure if you consider this invitation - your vehicle will be safe with us. - More...
Monday AM - February 18, 2008

Speaking of Change. By Virginia E. Atkinson - Everyone talks about change, but when someone tries to change anything they get crucified for it. So much for change, huh? All the Presidential candidates have been talking about change, nothing new, I've been hearing talk of change since back in high school days, and the only change I ever see is inflation going out of control and it's always a select few that benefit from it. - More...
Monday AM - February 18, 2008

Waste Facility By Ginny Clay - There is talk of a regional waste facility. Ketchikan could be the place for it. I am not sure where they are in the procces, but I belive last I heard the "authority" needed to be formed. Anyway, very interesting! - More...
Monday AM - February 18, 2008

Alaska Ferry Summer OP Plan By Jennifer Peterson - Below is the letter I wrote to Alaska Governor Palin: - More...
Monday AM - February 18, 2008

1/2 Ferry System By Jerilyn Lester - WELL!!! Now that the state has taken none of the opinions of the people that use the system, we are now stuck with only one ferry going to Bellingham which means that we are now relegated to going on vacation at the state's discretion. Since the Lynn Canal "old boys club" is more important to the government of the State of Alaska and the Palin bunch, those of us who actually use the Alaska Marine Highway System and live south of Juneau are not even considered to be part of the state, although if we attempted to stop being part of the state they would holler. - More...
Monday AM - February 18, 2008

Ferry Service: Sold out in