Ketchikan: Murkowski Announces Sealaska lands bill Meeting in Ketchikan - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, announced Thursday a Ketchikan town meeting on the Sealaska lands bill. The meeting in Ketchikan will be among a series of public meetings scheduled to be held on Prince of Wales Island and in Southeast Alaska the week of March 8.

"These meetings will allow those most affected by the Sealaska bill to have their concerns fully heard," Murkowski said. "I'm hopeful this effort will help us improve the legislation."

Staff from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee are holding the following meeting in Ketchikan:

Saturday, March 13: 12 p.m. ­ 3 p.m. at the Ketchikan Borough Assembly Chambers - 1900 First Ave. - in the former White Cliff School building.

The meeting will be recorded with all comments transcribed and conveyed to members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, prior to the committee considering changes to the Sealaska lands bill and deciding whether to report the bill to the full Senate for consideration. - More...
Saturday - March 06, 2010

Fish Factor: Skimpy landings of season's first fresh halibut By LAINE WELCH - Blustery winds and high seas were set to put a damper on Alaska's March 6 halibut opener, and prices were expected to be artificially high for skimpy landings of the season's first fresh fish.

"That's the question of the day," said one Kodiak halibut buyer.

"It's hard to say how it will shake out," agreed Matt Moir, manager at Alaska Pacific Seafoods, one of Kodiak's largest processing plants. "The weather forecast is not good and frozen inventory is low, but the market won't sustain goofy prices. If it gets too high the market will shutdown."

Talk on the waterfront pegged starting prices at Homer at around $5 a pound, but no word from elsewhere until deliveries start hitting the docks. Last year's starting prices were in the $3-$3.50 range, down more than a dollar from the previous two years.

Halibut prices usually drop after the first month, when the market starts to settle out. Marketers expect about 4.5 million pounds of halibut will move to restaurants and supermarkets in the first month of fishing this year. Overall, there will be less of the big flatfish to go around during the eight month season ­ the coast-wide catch of 50.6 million pounds is a 6.4% decrease from last year. That includes fisheries in British Columbia, the West Coast and Alaska.

Alaska provides 80% of the North Pacific halibut harvest, and this year's catch limit is 42.3 million pounds, a drop of 3.3 million pounds from 2009. More than 2,100 Alaska longliners hold catch shares of halibut.

Homer holds the title of the nation's #1 port for halibut deliveries, followed by Kodiak, Seward and major ports in Southeast. Dutch Harbor also ranks as one of Alaska's biggest ports for halibut landings. In fact, the largest halibut ever caught at 459 pounds was taken from Unalaska Bay. The sablefish (black cod) fishery also opens at the same time as halibut. Both fisheries end in mid-November.

As a point of reference: the average price paid to Alaska halibut fishermen in 2009 was $3.13/lb, down from $3.70 in 2008. The dockside value of the halibut fishery was $132 million, a drop of $43 million from 2008. For sablefish, the average price in 2009 was $3.21/lb compared to $2.58 in 2008. The value at the docks was $77 million, an increase of $8 million from 2008. - More...
Saturday - March 06, 2010

Alaska Science: Mummy ground squirrel tells of a different Alaska By NED ROZELL - One fall day in Interior Alaska, a lion stalked a ground squirrel that stood exposed on a hillside like a foot-long sandwich. The squirrel saw bending blades of grass, squeaked an alarm call, and then dived into its hole. It curled up in a grassy nest. A few months later, for reasons unknown, its heart stopped during hibernation.

Twenty thousand years later, Ben Gaglioti is teasing apart the mummified ground squirrel's cache in an attempt to better reconstruct what Alaska was like during the days of the mammoth, bison, wild horse and camel.

Gaglioti is a graduate student with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Institute of Arctic Biology and the Water and Environmental Research Center. He is using tools ranging from tweezers to an isotope-analyzing device in his attempt to sift Alaska's distant past from the midden of a ground squirrel that perished during the last ice age. At that time, from about 14,000 to 45,000 years ago, North America looked much different than it does today.

For one thing, blue ice one mile thick was pressing down on Toronto and Chicago. Massive sheets covered much of the continent, but northern Alaska was a grassland, part of what UAF scientist Dale Guthrie called the "Mammoth Steppe."

The Mammoth Steppe blanketed the top of the globe from about France to Whitehorse. It was cold, dry, and featured grasses and sedges. So rich were the feeding grounds that the ancestors of today's animals were jumbo versions.

"Sheep, bison, caribou, and other ruminants on the Mammoth Steppe were giants," Guthrie wrote in "Frozen Fauna of the Mammoth Steppe."

Not many ground squirrels live in Interior Alaska today, probably because the current landscape of tundra and boreal forest plants doesn't provide them enough nutrition. But the squirrels were here during the ice age. A few of them perished within their dens, and, through a rare process of being buried and then frozen, became mummified. - More...
Saturday - March 06, 2010

Science: Study: Arctic seabed methane stores destabilizing, venting - A section of the Arctic Ocean seafloor that holds vast stores of frozen methane is showing signs of instability and widespread venting of the powerful greenhouse gas, according to the findings of an international research team led by University of Alaska Fairbanks scientists Natalia Shakhova and Igor Semiletov.

The research results, published in the March 5 edition of the journal Science, show that the permafrost under the East Siberian Arctic Shelf, long thought to be an impermeable barrier sealing in methane, is perforated and is leaking large amounts of methane into the atmosphere. Release of even a fraction of the methane stored in the shelf could trigger abrupt climate warming.

"The amount of methane currently coming out of the East Siberian Arctic Shelf is comparable to the amount coming out of the entire world's oceans," said Shakhova, a researcher at UAF's International Arctic Research Center. "Subsea permafrost is losing its ability to be an impermeable cap."

Methane is a greenhouse gas more than 30 times more potent than carbon dioxide. It is released from previously frozen soils in two ways. When the organic material-which contains carbon-stored in permafrost thaws, it begins to decompose and, under oxygen-free conditions, gradually release methane. Methane can also be stored in the seabed as methane gas or methane hydrates and then released as subsea permafrost thaws. These releases can be larger and more abrupt than those that result from decomposition. - More...
Saturday - March 06, 2010

Ketchikan: KETCHIKAN 1912-1918: A NOSTALGIC PHOTO ESSAY - The Tongass Historical Society & The Ketchikan Museum Department will present postcard images of Ketchikan in the early 1900s. The photographs taken by Ketchikan photographer David Nicoll, will be the subject of a free multi-media program at the Ted Ferry Civic Center on Wednesday, April 10th at 7:00 pm.. Dozens of vintage photos from the collections of the Tongass Historical Society and the Ketchikan Museum Department will recreate the mood and feel of the community almost 100 years ago. The images presented will range from townscapes to the comings and goings of ships and boats on the waterfront. All were printed on postcards for sale to tourists and proud local residents.

The second decade of the 20th century was a particularly lively period in Ketchikan history. Already established as one of Alaska's most important commercial centers, the town was still expanding. Concrete commercial buildings (among the first in Alaska) were going up downtown. Impressive residences were being built, and sparsely settled areas were becoming neighborhoods. By the end of the decade, Ketchikan was the most populous community in the Territory. - More...
Saturday - March 06, 2010

Ketchikan: KETCHIKAN COMMUNITY CONCERT BAND PRESENTS "XTRATUF" CONCERT - The Ketchikan Community Concert Band's annual "Lightweight Concert" is being renamed this year. Its new name is now the XTRATUF CONCERT. Conducted by Roy McPherson, the band is ready to present you with a combination of excellent musical arrangements with some surprises. Two pair of XTRATUF boots, donated by North Safety Products and Tongass Trading Company, will also be given away in a drawing.

The performance will open with our state song, "Alaska's Flag" augmented by voices from the Ketchikan Community Choir led by Steve Kinney. Next is "Olympiada", opening with an Olympic-style fanfare, and written in an attempt to capture the feelings of intense glory and pain that are inspired by the Olympic Games. "Footprints" is a new piece written by Matthew Sexton, the University of Florida band symphonic band conductor. It features horn player, Mary Kurth, our Schoenbar Middle School music director.

Gershwin fans will enjoy " I Got Rhythm", " 'S Wonderful", "Fascinating Rhythm", "Rhapsody In Blue" and other recognizable songs in "A Tribute to Gershwin". William Latham wrote "Brighton Beach" in 1954, and it is one of his most popular marches and one of the band's favorites.

James Swearingen's lyrical "Follow the River" will be followed by "The Golden Age of Rock and Roll" which includes "At the Hop", "Runaround Sue" and "Little Darling".

Mike Kurth, Mike Moyer, Rob Alley and Bill Urquhart will be featured pipers on "Highland Cathedral", a piece written specifically for bagpipes and concert band. - More...
Saturday - March 06, 2010

Public Service Announcements Public Meetings & Info Alaska DOT Open House South Tongass Ferry Terminal Reconnaisance Study Open House March 9, 2010, 6-9 pm Saxman Community Hall For more information click here Ketchikan Borough Assembly Agenda and Information Packets Live video stream of current meeting Assembly Meeting Minutes Calendar Ketchikan Planning Commission Agenda, Information Packets & Minutes Ketchikan City Council Agenda & Information Packets Ketchikan School Board Agenda & Information Packets Gravina Access Project SEIS Alternatives Development Gravina Access Website Ketchikan Jobs Ketchikan Police Reports AK Troopers Daily Dispatch Today's Forecast Satellite Today's Weather Images Marine Forecasts AK Weathercams Ketchikan Weather Data Current AK Weather Map CLASSIFIEDS Publish Publish Your Ad Click Here CLASSIFIEDS' CATEGORIES Announcements and       Help Wanted For Sale / Free Stuff Garage Sales Homes / Apts/ Property Pets Wanted Lost & Found Publish Your Ad Front Page Archives Jan. -Feb. - March 2010 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 29 30 31 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 01 02 03 04 05 06 More Front Page Archives

Good Things Happen in Ketchikan By Charles Edwardson - WHAT does lumpia and the Cape Fox Dancers have in common? Nothing but the KAYHI girls' basketball team. So often I write this publication to complain or find fault in our elected officials. Today I want to change the tone. - More...
Wednesday - March 03, 2010

Customer Service By Scott R. Davis - In 1989 I popped a hole in my fuel tank. While the details of that particular incident aren't important, what happened after that is. - More...
Wednesday - March 03, 2010

New Column - "Community Endeavors" by Enough is Enough Citizens Committee By Bobbie McCreary - The Enough is Enough citizens committee is proud to announce a new Sitnews column written by Jessi Chapman addressing positive actions taken by individuals and groups of citizens to improve the quality of life in Ketchikan. - More...
Wednesday - March 03, 2010

Re: Wake Up Parents By Bethany Phippen - I just finished reading Lori Headley's letter responding to Spring McCurry's statement. I don't know if you have children, but I don't know of one single Pediatrician who is going to have ANY child with a fever outside in just a diaper. Yes, my kids are 4 and 7, and I have to argue with them occasionally about wearing their coats outside to go play. I can understand where high school students don't wear coats, but having an infant outside in a diaper there is no excuse for. If a child has a dangerously high fever you alternate tylenol and ibuprophen every 4 hours, you run them a cool bath, not so cold that they go into shock. If you know of ANY doctor that is recommending a child go outside in 40 even 50 degree weather to get them over a fever, they need to be turned in for malpractice. That is just asking for pnemonia. - More...
Wednesday - March 03, 2010

Indoor sports facility By Linda Beaupre - Instead of a indoor turf field, why not an ice rink? - More...
Wednesday - March 03, 2010

SB 881: No Lands Bill Meeting for Ketchikan By Johnnie Laird - I was surprised to read the schedule of meetings about SB 881 being arranged by Senator Murkowski's staff do not include Ketchikan. - More...
Monday - March 01, 2010

Indoor Sports Facility By Jeff Carson - You may have noticed a petition going around town that asks for your support in urging the Borough to help a local group remodel the veneer building into an indoor turf field facility. This letter is to answer the questions that have come about because of this petition. First of all, the plan is to install a 250' by 100' sport turf field that would run from the south wall of the building 250 feet to the north. Currently in Ketchikan there are 2,241 kids who participate in Little League baseball, youth softball, youth soccer, wrestling, dribblers league, gymnastics, Kayhi baseball, softball & soccer & youth football. All of these kids would benefit from this facility, especially in the Winter months. That doesn't include adult soccer, baseball & softball leagues that could benefit from a field like this. - More...
Monday - March 01, 2010

Congressional Reform Act of 2010 By A.M. (Al) Johnson - The following caught my attention while studied current events surrounding the arrogance of our Congress in addressing many important issues of the day relating directly to our well being. - More...
Monday - March 01, 2010

Brief Letter of Thanks By Jeff Hendrickson - This brief letter is just to say thanks to Kris W. I too am tired of reading the "childish bantor" and business bashing that happens regularly by Mr. Hanger. - More...
Monday - March 01, 2010

KPU Telecommunications: Why Sell? By Karl Amylon, On Behalf of the Ketchikan City Council - On April 6th 2010, a special election will ask voters to vote 'Yes' or 'No', regarding authorizing the City to negotiate a sale of the KPU Telecommunications Division. The Ketchikan City Council recommends a 'Yes' vote. - More...
Saturday AM - February 27, 2010

S 881: A BAD HISTORY FOR A BAD BILL By Alan Stein - If S 881 passes out of a US Senate committee next month, Southeast Alaska and the nation will be worse off. Here is an untold story behind the legislation. 

Back in 1977, Sealaska got Congress to change ANCSA, then six years old. The amendment required Governor Hammond to consent to the transfer of 76,600 acres in Yakutat, and others in Saxman. Also removed from were Sealaska lands around Angoon. - More...
Saturday AM - February 27, 2010

Re: Wake up parents By Lori Headley - In defense of the parent outside with the toddler in the diaper, perhaps this mother was advised to do so by the family doctor because the toddler was having dangerously high fevers that were throwing the child into seizures even after having the kiddie cocktail. - More...
Saturday AM - February 27, 2010

More pressing issues By Kris Williams - Mr. Hanger is very quick and obviously a very educated man, and with that being said what he lacks is some common sense. In a town the size of Ketchikan a public bashing of another business or another resident is just uncouth. Voicing your opinion about a personal experience with a product or service is one thing, and I've had issues with my phone line not working for the last six months and can't get a repair man; but bad mouthing other tax preparers, or for that matter another citizen, well that's just not classy. I've lived here my whole life and people here have more respect, and values than Mr. Hanger has shown on this discussion forum. - More...
Saturday AM - February 27, 2010

Re: The real issue By Paul Jarvi - Mr. Hanger, you are a real piece of work. Nothing you said in your response of 2-25 is true. I don't think you are a lowlife, I just think you should pay your bills. - More...
Saturday AM - February 27, 2010

Sealaska Land Bill: Single Interest Proposal By Sandy Powers - The opening paragraph of Mr. McNeil's letter clearly sets the tone for the Sealaska/ congressional delegation's attitude toward the rest of us who do NOT stand to benefit from Sealaska land bill S881. To state, "The Tongass National Forest is a Native Place" clearly implies that those of us who are non-natives do not belong here, should not have a say, and our opinions are dismissible. As far as this land bill "enabl(ing) the government to complete the contract that it made with Sealaska and other Alaska Natives when it enacted ANCSA in 1971", one of the biggest issues is that the public lands they are now trying to take WERE NOT a part of the "contract"! These are public lands we have, as individuals, communities, and taxpayers to the federal government poured years and money into roading and managing, and built our very livelihoods around. Surprise! These value-added, roaded, multiple-use, highly used public areas are now the very areas they want to grab. - More...
Friday AM - February 26, 2010

Sealaska Bill S-881 By Judy Magnuson - While trying to maintain the image of environmental responsibility Mr. McNeil ignores the facts that 71% of Sealaskas enterprise areas on North Prince of Wales Island and Kosciusko are on Karst, currently protected by the Federal Cave Resource Protection Act. This Act which directs Federal land managers to secure, protect and preserve significant caves on Federal land for the perpetual use, enjoyment and benefit of all people. To protect the caves one must also protect the karst system as a whole. The conveyance of karst to a private entity so that they may destroy it violates the FCRPA. - More...
Friday AM - February 26, 2010

The real issue By David G. Hanger - People whose stock in trade is porcelain and glass should not be throwing stones, Paul Jarvi. Your presentation reminds me of those Pipster cons of about five years ago, those who knew it was a fraud and were gaming it for their own profit, thus used a variety of diversionary tactics to try to distract others from the fact that the whole thing was just a massive half-billion dollar Ponzi scam. OK, we now understand clearly you believe that anyone who gets behind on their bills for even five minutes, whatever the reason, is a lowlife. I rather imagine there are now a bunch of lowlifes out there who won't be doing business any time soon with you, either. - More...
Friday - February 26, 2010

Competition is good By Marilyn Catron - I would like to commend Mr. Hanger for standing up for himself after receiving such "Bad Person" services from a KPU employee. Most people would just complain about it for a little while and just let them get away with what they did even if friends prod them to do something about it. That is why people who abuse their positions continue to get away with treating people so badly. - More...
Friday - February 26, 2010

Wearable Arts Show By Kathy Flora - Thank you Kathleen Light, Ann Froeschle, and Anita Maxwell for another exceptional, and seamless production of Ketchikan's Wearable Arts Show. Thank you backstage managers, front of the house, and Cape Fox staff. - More...
Friday - February 26, 2010

Kayhi's Art Honor Society By Bobbie McCreary - Thank you for sharing the story of the Art Honor Society decorating for the Schoenbar Dance. This is the most awesome way of mentoring younger students coming behind the high school students and showing them and their teachers and their parents and families what time well spent with energy and talent can produce! - More...
Friday AM - February 26, 2010

Preserve Bell Island!! By Carrie Lawrenson - I have lived in Alaska all my life. I was born in Fairbanks and lived in southeast all of my life. My family always had an airplane, and I have some of the best memories flying in to Bell Island Hot Springs. After beach combing or just lake hopping, we would stop at Bell Island so I could swim. Some of the time mom and dad would join me, but it was just the best treat a kid could have. - More...
Friday AM - February 26, 2010

RE: Wake up parents By Charlanen Thomas - While I tend to agree with you regarding smaller children not being dressed appropriately, I still find the need to point something out. I have four children, all of which never wear their coats. Yes, I buy coats for my children every year, sometimes more than one. Yes, I make sure they have them on when they head to school. Yes, I remind then constanly to put on their coats. However, once they leave my sight, the coats come off and go straight into the backpacks! I can't even count how many times I've been told, "Mom I left my coat in the car", or "Mom I left my coat at school" (three hours after school is closed). - More...
Friday AM - February 26, 2010

Response to "Wake up parents" By J. Smith - In response to your letter about the teens in this town not wearing a jacket... Have you ever tried to "make" a teenager wear something??? - More...
Friday AM - February 26, 2010

Sealaska land bill: Time to work together By Chris E. McNeil, Jr. - The Tongass National Forest is a Native Place. Southeast Natives gave up claims to over 17 million acres of land for approximately 375,000 acres. From less than one-half of one percent of all lands conveyed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), Sealaska has shared over $300 million dollars with other Alaska Natives under Section 7(i) revenue sharing. The Sealaska land legislation S. 881 and H.R. 2099, currently before the U.S. Congress, enables the government to complete the contract that it made with Sealaska and other Alaska Natives when it enacted ANCSA in 1971. - More...
Tuesday - February 23, 2010

Where's Lisa? By Bob Claus - In October, 2009, I had the opportunity to testify in front of the US Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests about Senate Bill 881, the Sealaska land transfer bill. Senators Murkowski and Begich were there, as were other members of the committee. This makes me the only person from Prince of Wales Island to have had an opportunity to speak directly to the decision makers in an official setting. This is not fair to those who wish to express their own opinions about this legislation. - More...
Tuesday - February 23, 2010

Crossing Guards By Tracy Mettler - If you believe that the downtown crossing guards should should wear a uniform, or at the very least, have a dress code this season (and seasons to come...) please follow the link below to the Mayor and Council pages and let your elected representatives know. - More...
Monday PM - February 23, 2010

Drug testing By Kay Taylor - I agree with the opinion letter by Jose Garcia. Since drinking and boating is not allowed by Coast Guard directive, why doesn't the city require drug testing for new hires and applicants as well as current employees? They are on duty in the harbor and are responsible for our safety. Why they are exempt and the operators of boats are not flies in the face of discrimination. - More...
Monday PM - February 22, 2010

An Open Letter to Senator Bingaman: Sealaska Land Grab By Myla Poelstra - Can you hear the growing chorus of voices sounding the alarm throughout all of Southeast Alaska? One by one over the last few days, city after city within the Alexander Archipelago, and nearly every town in between, have come forward with formal resolutions of opposition or requests for formal congressional hearings. What would make so many different and diverse communities cry out for justice and fair consideration? Something really wrong is happening in Southeast Alaska. That something is a bill known locally as the "Sealaska Land Grab". S.881 ­ Southeast Alaska Native Land Entitlement Finalization Act has been wrapped in a well designed package that looks and sounds very good, but what's inside is greed and total disregard for everyone but themselves. - More...
Monday PM - February 22, 2010

Open Letter to Senator Lisa Murkowski: Sealaska Land Grab Bill By Myla Poelstra - We read your latest news release this morning in the Juneau Empire, "Public Hearings in Southeast region to begin in early March". Everyone is once again disappointed by what appears to be stubborn indifference to formally addressing our concerns. We have been writing letters since 2003 when you introduced S.1466 - The Land Transfer Acceleration Act. Sealaska had already made their out - of - withdrawal area selections on N. Prince of Wales at that time. Over seven years and several different attempts at legislation, and they have never really adjusted their proposed selections. You have left us to feel there has been an extensive effort of stonewalling against the legitimate concerns of the people living in these areas. Evidently we do not have the deep pockets that it must take to gain your support. If this letter sounds angry and cynical, its supposed to. Your deliberate remarks designed for deflection are easily picked up on. People living remote are not as intellectually challenged as you might think. - More...
Monday PM - February 22, 2010

Request for information By Lauren Stevens - My name is Lauren Stevens. I am a fourth grade student at Evansville Day School. I am doing a state report on Alaska. The reason why I wanted to do Alaska is because I wanted to learn as much as I can about the animals because I want to be a vet. - More...
Monday PM - February 22, 2010

KPU SALE ADVERTISING BUDGET By Pete Ellis - Further to Edwardson's commentary on the approved budget for the KPU Sale Election referendum did not the City Council action really result in a budget that should be divided equally between those in favor and those opposed? - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Sealaska Landless Communities By Vernon Grant - In my last letter for public interest, on November 16th 2009, I had voiced my personal opinion about how Sealaska has not addressed the landless issues of the 5 communities, that were left out of the original ANCSA of 1970's. But have you noticed the Sealaska website headlines: "Haa Aaní Legislation" you would think that what they were speaking about is the final act of the ANCSA to finalize the whole bill as promised!  - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

DO NOT ALLOW The Sealaska Bill out of Committee By Myla Poelstra - S.881, the Sealaska land grab bill, should die in committee. Sealaska's selections should only occur within the area specified by ANCSA in 1971.- More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Thank You Ketchikan & Metlakatla By Blanche Dilleshaw - I would like to give a huge heartfelt thank you to the family and friends for the seafood fundraiser held in Metlakatla. Ý A lot of work went into it.Ý I heard the food was awesome!!Ý I do wish I could have been there. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Thomas Jefferson By A.M.Johnson - From all reflections of current community, National and local awareness, it seems the history of the greatness of America from its founding days is not taught in a manner that is retained by students of public education. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Are the Ports & Harbors exempted from drug test for applicants as Ports Security Officers? By Jose S. Garcia - In my recent stint as Port Security Officer for the year 2008, the interview and CPR/First Aid Training was done in conjunction to what protocol has agenda'd. Nevertheless, there were no drug tests applied or even mandated to by the hiring personnel of the Ports and Harbors having to note that these hired personnel reflects being a model ports officer in the City of Ketchikan. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Kayhi's National Art's Honor Society By Frankie Urquhart - I want to acknowledge the wonderful students who are a part of Ketchikan High School's National Art's Honor Society. These students, led by Jeanette Sweetman, did an amazing job decorating the Schoenbar Valentine's Dance last Friday. This group of students worked for hours after school everyday and put in 20+ hours building pieces of art for the dance. They crafted a very impressive Eiffel Tour that became the center piece for our dance. They also built a heart shaped frame that students were able to stand in front of to take pictures with their friends, and a few other wonderful banners. These students did all of this on their own time, and the day of the dance actually came and set up for 4 hours before the dance. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Bell Island Hot Springs By Kara Steele - I was just on Facebook, and one of our classmates has discovered a horrible end that no one expected at Bell Island. If anyone remembers this precious site, the hot springs pool and cabins were all the rave! Now, the pool has been left unattended for who knows how long, critters and moss have taken over the inside, the boardwalks to everything are falling down, the cabins are gone, and apparently the lodge has had a major cave in with the roof some years ago. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

RE: KPU By Barbara Dupea - The last time I checked there aren't many businesses in this world that give service away for free, including First City Tax. I suspect that's why Mr. Hanger has remained in business for as long as he has. Just pay your bills on time, seems pretty simple to me. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

RE: KPU By Paul Jarvi - Mr. Hanger, pay your bills. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Create and Keep Jobs in U.S. By Donald A. Moskowitz - President Obama is promoting a new $300 billion economic stimulus program. When he took office in January 2009 he said the $787 billion stimulus program will CREATE 3.5 million jobs by the end of 2010 and unemployment will remain below 8.0%. Unemployment is hovering around 10.0%, and the jobs promised by Obama might hit 1.5 million by the end of 2010, but during the last 13 months we lost 5 million jobs. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Wake up parents! By Spring McCurry - I don't understand what I have been seeing this winter or any winter for that matter. On my way into work I see high school students walking to school with NO jacket! I see middle and elementary aged students waiting at the bus stop or walking to school with NO jacket! It's raining and windy out, but these kids don't have a jacket on. Why is that? As I drive through town I notice the kids that are walking with their parents, parents have a jacket on, but not the kids. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

Doggie Dems By Kara Steele - I almost fell outta my seat reading this one! LOL Good job on the letter! Yes I must admit, I believe my dog too, is a Democrat....she sleeps all the time, eats, I feed her, bathe her, take her to the doctor....all she has to do, is be here when I get home! - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

DOG POO/WARD LAKE By Kathryn Smith - I PICKED UP AFTER YOUR DOG THE OTHER DAY. - More...
Friday AM - February 19, 2010

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