Feature: Prince Rupert Turns 100 By DAVE KIFFER - On March 10, The City of Prince Rupert is celebrating the centennial of its incorporation in 1910.

The events will begin with a pancake breakfast at the Masonic Hall from 8 to 10 am. At 9:45, there will be a children's parade on Third Avenue from City Hall to Nisga'a Hall and at noon a Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the North Coast Meeting and Convention Center featuring Dr. Bill Hick.

Dr. Hick is a half century resident of Prince Rupert who, in addition to being a prominent doctor on the BC North Coast, is credited with development of the Port of the Prince Rupert. He was president of a community holding company that pressed the provincial and Canadian federal governments to establish the bulk/break terminal in Prince Rupert in 1970 and later developed the Ridley Island grain terminal. His work in developing the Fairview complex in Prince Rupert led to the eventual opening of the container port three years ago.

In 2003, Hick published "Hay's Orphan: the Story of the Port of Prince Rupert" a comprehensive economic history of the community. Hick also served for many years on the board of directors of the BC Ferry system and fought to expand service to the North Coast.

From 1 to 3 pm there will be a free family swim at the Earl Mah Aquatic Center followed by a community celebration from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Lester Centre of the Arts. The celebration will feature the cutting of a ceremonial birthday cake, musical entertainment and the sealing of a time capsule that will be opened at the community bi-centennial, March 10, 2110.

The events will conclude with a fireworks display at the golf course.

Although Prince Rupert's official history dates from 1910, it was in 1895 that the Canadian Grand Trunk Railway first began looking into a western expansion to the British Columbia coast. That was the year that it hired American railroad executive Charles Melville Hays to push its expansion plans.

Originally, Hays had hoped to terminate the proposed railroad in the only significant community on the North Coast at that time, Port Simpson, and that was the plan that the Canadian government approved in 1903.

Port Simpson, just south of the Alaska/Canada border, had been established as the Hudson's Bay trading post Fort Simpson in 1834. Port Simpson is now called Lax Kw'alaams.

But further exploration determined that a better site would be a deep water port - one of the finest on the West Coast - some 20 miles south of Port Simpson, not far from the village of Metlakatla. The port sight had been populated by Tsimshian tribes for generations. Hays was particularly interested in the harbor because it was ice-free and the location put it some 500 miles closer to Asia than Vancouver and Seattle.

Although the Canadian government was paying for 75 percent of the cost of the rail line, Hays was also looking for other ways to help fund the rest and he decided to generate some national publicity by staging a nationwide "naming" contest for the proposed community.

The winner of the $250 grand prize was Eleanor Macdonald of Manitoba who suggested "Prince Rupert" after the original director of the Hudson's Bay Company in 1670.

On May 17, 1906, Hays got to work on his town. A steamer entered what was then called "Tuck's Inlet" and dropped off the first work party on Kaien Island. The party consisted of two carpenters and a Chinese cook, according to historian R.G. Large in his 1960 book "Prince Rupert: A Gateway to Alaska and the Pacific."

Hays had told his backers that the city would eventually have 50,000 residents, but within a few weeks the population had only reached five with the addition of two more carpenters. Still, work proceeded rapidly and within a year the first streets had been laid out, land had been cleared back to what is now known as Mount Hays and the population had boomed up to nearly 150.

By 1909, the town population was nearly 3,000 according to the Prince Rupert Optimist, the small newspaper that eventually became the Prince Rupert Daily News. In March of 1910, the town was officially incorporated but just as things were looking up, it was dealt two body blows.

Both took place far away from the town.

In September of 1911, the Liberal Party of Sir. Wilfred Laurier was turned out office after nearly a decade and a half in control of Canada. Laurier had been a very strong supporter of Grand Trunk's efforts to span the continent because he was concerned that many in the Western part of Canadian felt that they had more in common with the United States than eastern Canada.

The Conservative government that replaced Laurier's Liberal one was much less concerned about Western Canada. The Conservatives were also more closely aligned with Grand Trunk's main competitor, the Canadian Pacific Railroad.

The next disaster to befall Prince Rupert was in April 1912, when the Titanic sank on its maiden voyage. Among those who died was Charles Melville Hays, returning from a trip to Europe to raise funds for the railroad and the city. - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

DAVE KIFFER: You Got A "No Problem" With That? - I have a problem. Well, it's not really a problem. It's just that I say "no problem" a lot. That's not really a problem. Unless of course you are one of those folks whose has a problem with how often I say "no problem."

Oddly enough I have discovered that (particularly among those "experienced" folks in our community - "experienced" meaning anyone more "experienced" than me) there is a train of thought that posits that "no problem" is absolutely, positively the rudest possible response to "Thank You." You, of course, know whom you are. Thank you for sharing.

Those "experienced" folks often explain to me that by saying "no problem" I am implying that whatever I did was of so little consequence that it was literally nothing. Therefore, it was beneath them even saying "thank you" to begin with. So I was "insulting" their heartfelt "thank you" by saying it was no big deal. As if I wasn't actually helping them, I was really just engaging in an involuntarily reflex and not consciously going out of my way to help them. Therefore, they and their activity, meant little more to me than digestion (which, let me tell you, does mean a lot to me, even if I don't spend a lot of time bragging about it).

Whew. Some people (obviously not me) think way too much. That's what I think, anyway. - More....
Monday - March 08, 2010

TOM PURCELL: "Expert" Advice - It's frightening, if you want to know the truth.

I speak of the reversal of fortunes in the housing market.

Research firm First American CoreLogic reported last week that 24 percent of all homes with mortgages -- some 11.3 million -- are "underwater," worth less than what their owners owe on them.

Home sales are tanking, too. New home sales plummeted unexpectedly in January to their lowest level in 50 years.

I witnessed -- and successfully avoided -- the housing bubble firsthand. In 2001, before the 9/11 tragedy, I nearly bought a half-duplex just outside Old Town, Alexandria, Va., for $165,000.

The owner was eager to sell -- there were no lines of people outbidding each other yet -- but I wasn't sure if I'd be staying in the D.C. area, so I passed.

I had no idea that just a few years later, interest rates would rocket downward -- that the Federal Reserve would pump an unimaginable amount of dough into the economy to stave off recession.

Boy, did the easy money cause housing prices to soar. A property nearly identical to the one I almost bought for $165,000 in 2001 sold for $465,000 in 2005 -- an increase of $300,000 in only four years!

The Washington Post reported on a new phenomenon that year: housing envy. - More...
Monday - March 08, 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

S 881 meeting set for Ketchikan By Johnnie Laird - I want to take this opportunity to thank those that sent in emails to Sen Murkowski asking her to set a meeting about this legislation in Ketchikan. It has been set for Saturday, March 13th at 12 noon at the borough chambers.

I want to make a few statements about this legislation. - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

Why are S 881 meetings being rushed through? By Alan Stein - The Sealaska's Bill S 881 should die immediately in committee in Congress. Two weeks ago, I warned the Senate Staffer, Chuck Kleeschulte, who is conducting the S 881 dog and pony shows in Alaska, how dangerous travel conditions are on Prince of Wales this time of year. In a stampede to get this bill through Congress, Chuck Kleeshulte did the opposite. - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

Landless By Charles J. Jackson Jr. - As part of the landless and relatives, when is Sealaska going to help-out the landless people of Southeast? - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

Sealaska S 881 observation By Michael Lee Beasley - Arm in arm and toe-to-toe, Sealaska tribal member shareholders are united in their quest to secure acreage owed for for a debt unpaid on behalf of the Federal Government and the People of the United States, since 1971. Nearly 4 decades or 40 years have not satisfied this debt totally. - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

South Tongass Hiway Ferry Terminal By Rob Holston - Back in 2007 Saxman missed an opportunity. Perhaps this is their second and last chance to take advantage of their strategic location. The measure failed at that time because the Saxman political leadership took the position that the waterfront property could never be replaced once it is sold. I think they can have their cake and eat it to. The Saxman community should sell the land necessary (Seaport A or B) for the new terminal for 100% of commercially appraised value with the following conditions: - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

Ketchikan Wellness Coalition: Letter to the community By Karen Eakes - In July of 2006, the United Way of Southeast Alaska sponsored the United Way Compass II Community-Building Assessment in Ketchikan. The McDowell group completed this assessment with 300 randomly selected phone interviews, ten focus group discussions with different segments of the community and individual interviews with community citizens and leaders. The comprehensive report on the results was released in January of 2007 and copies were distributed to our governmental bodies and throughout the community. - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

Ward Cove By Rob Holston - As I enter my 11th year of trying to purchase or long-term lease waterfront property in Ward Cove, perhaps this information, gleaned from a news article by Dave Kifer will help folks understand the history behind the present circumstances in Ward Cove: - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

Annual immigration cost By Al Johnson - Do you wonder as you watch the various newscast reporting Tea Party frustrations, what it is that has these usual normal non-activist citizens on the streets and in front of public buildings or at Town Hall meetings? Lord, there are so many encroachments by Government into the lives of private citizens to the extent the collective weight test the patience and patriotism of each. - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

Good Samaritan By Will Roberts - Dear Good Samaritan, the words "thank you" aren't enough to describe the gratitude that I feel when I think about what you did for me Tuesday in line at Wal-Mart. I've been thinking about what you did ever since and am proud to have met you. Love for one another is rare these days, especially between strangers. You are the proof that "love thy neighbor" isn't a pointless phrase these days. - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

Uncle Al By Jay Jones - I heard with my own ears The "Honorable" Senator Kookesh threaten, bribe the Craig/Sitka City Council. He received a slap on the wrist and has to write a letter of apology to the Craig Council for use of a poor choice of words which implied he would use his senatorial power to block funding for capital improvement projects for the City of Craig. Since the ethics findings Kookesh has already denied intent and claims his statements were "misconstrued". - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

RE: WAKE UP PARENTS By Julie Steiner - Okay! Sounds like we have some controversy along the "kids and coats" subject. Lori Headley is right: You can't force your kids to wear something they don't want to wear! You can try, however, you can also give them consequences when they disobey! But they will just leave and then take it back off! It's a battle your gonna fight until they are 18! - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

GOLDEN PARACHUTES & BIRDS THAT CANNOT FLY By David G. Hanger - Mr. Jarvi keeps referring to these bills (plural) that I have not paid and I must confess you have one on me, because I am not familiar with any unpaid bills. I duly noted back in July I was late paying a bill, but that has nothing whatsoever to do with your allegations that I am not paying my bills. Where did you get that from? You have been carping so loudly about all these unpaid bills of mine, I invite you simply to provide the venders' names, the amounts of the bills, and copies of all of these invoices you keep saying I have not paid. Put up or shut up. - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

Thank yous to others By Judith Green - You know it is just nice to finally see that our community can and will and does put on sitnews.com the positiveS about our town and peoples and organizations. - More...
Monday - March 08, 2010

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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