Logs being prepared for export at Ward Cove north of Ketchikan, Alaska. Photograph by Marya Tyler

Ketchikan: Trade Barrier Resolved for Alaska Log Exports - Governor Frank H. Murkowski today congratulated Alaska's log export industry on the establishment of a new processing zone in China's Fujian Province that will accept unfumigated Alaska logs.

"This designation is positive news for Alaska's timber exporters," said Murkowski. "It is a good outcome after several years of persistent negotiation between China and the U.S. The Division of Agriculture and the timber industry spearheaded this effort and successfully kept the pressure on both sides. It was a privilege to work alongside them on this issue and now to see success." The Division of Agriculture and the state's trade office worked closely with the timber industry to resolve the log fumigation issue. - More...
Monday - February 28, 2005

Viewpoints Opinions/Letters Clearcuts by Sharon Fraley - Monday New Capitol Building by Robert Fruehan - Monday Memory refreshment by Neil Gray - Monday Healthy Forest Concept by Michael Martin - Monday PETA by Robert Fruehan - Monday More Viewpoints/ Letters Publish A Letter February 2005 Click on the date for stories and photos published on that day... S M T W T F S     01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28           Today's Front Page Front Page Archives

National: Growth in the sea comes down to a struggle for iron - Scientists know that injecting iron into some major regions of the oceans can stimulate the growth of diatoms and other phytoplankton, but something odd occurs as these tiny marine plants continue to grow. They begin to starve in the midst of plenty, acting as though iron, an essential nutrient, still is in short supply. Why this happens is unclear, but the answer could be that iron sets off a kind of chemical warfare in the marine ecosystem, according to University of Maine oceanographer Mark Wells. And diatoms may not always come out on top.

In collaboration with a large Japanese research program, Wells and a team of scientists from UMaine and other universities are studying the fate of iron in marine waters. Their findings could help determine the fate of something else, a controversial proposal to address the threat of global warming. The National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy are providing financial support.

Field work got underway in July, 2004, when Wells served as chief scientist on the Kilo Moana, a research ship that left Hawaii, bound for the sub-Arctic waters of the western Pacific. Owned by the Office of Naval Research and operated by the University of Hawaii, the ship was loaded with equipment and supplies, ready for an extended stay at sea. Its subsurface pontoon hull give it more stability in choppy seas, a benefit to Wells who normally gets seasick on these voyages. - More...
Monday - February 28, 2005

Ethan Cook & Governor Murkowski Courtesy Office of the Governor

Thorne Bay: Thorne Bay Student Presents Gift to Governor - Alaska Governor Murkowski recently accepted a gift from Ethan Cook, a 14 year old student from Thorne Bay. Cook was invited by the White House to take part in the Presidential Inauguration as a result of his participation in the Presidential Youth Leadership Conference.

The conference organizer, LeadAmerica, forwarded Cook's name to the White House for consideration. Cook, pictured here at the Governors office, presented a poster to Governor Murkowski which he created using many of the photos he took while traveling in Washington D.C.

The governor's office provided financial support for boarding and per diem expenses while Cook was in Washington, D.C.

Cook is on track to complete all courses for high school graduation this year. He excels in math computation and is active as a volunteer in his community.
Monday - February 28, 2005

Jason Love: The Magazine Rack - At the supermarket, we face the same dilemma a thousand times: Do I get the healthy version or go for taste? Being skilled in self-deception, I go for taste. "One cheesecake won't kill me." Times a thousand. - More...
Monday - February 28, 2005

Michael Reagan: Legalized Murder Looms in Florida - Unless Florida courts or the U.S. Supreme Court reverse themselves, Michael Schiavo will be allowed to kill his wife, Terri, and do it in the most horrific way. - More...
Monday - February 28, 2005

Dick Morris: Behind The Winning Bush Road Trip - After a week of touring Western and Eastern Europe, it could not be more evident to me that the balance of power on this continent is shifting in President Bush's favor.... More...
Monday - February 28, 2005