The sale of the 80-year old Reid Building closed on March 31st netting the Ketchikan Gateway Borough $335,836.50. File photo by Dick Kauffman

Ketchikan: Results of 2010 Remax Sourdough Stampede - Clear skies and light winds favored eighty one Ketchikan runners and walkers in Saturdays Remax Sourdough Stampede. The Stampede is the first event of the local running season and features a one mile and 5K race followed by a pancake breakfast at the VFW. Race Director Fred Jorgensen said, " 81 participants is huge. We usually have about 60. I think the word is out that our pancakes are very tasty."

The one mile male winner was Evan Wick in 6:58. The female winner was 7 year old Morgan Elerding in 8:52.

Greg Singstad won the 5K in 18:59. Fastest 5K female was Hilary Robbins in 21:20. - More...
Monday - April 05, 2010

Alaska: State Reaches Tentative Labor Agreement with ASEA-GGU - The State of Alaska's Department of Administration has reached a tentative agreement on a three-year contract with the Alaska State Employees Association, AFSCME Local 52-General Government Unit (ASEA-GGU) covering the period of July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013. The agreement now goes to the membership for ratification.

Commissioner Annette Kreitzer said, "This agreement with the State's largest employee union is the result of months of meetings and exchange of views. I would like to thank both negotiating teams for their hard work and professionalism."

The tentative agreement includes the following provisions: - More...
Monday - April 05, 2010

Fish Factor: Wild salmon sales boosted; Nation's fish basket is safe for now; Seismic testing and fish; Boom Boom 101; & Salmon spawns skin cream By LAINE WELCH - Continued misfortunes by Chilean salmon farmers should give an added boost to sales of wild salmon again this year.

Wild Alaska salmon faces stiff competition from farmed fish, delivered fresh to markets year round, usually as glistening fillets. Chile is the largest supplier of farmed salmon to the U.S. but the industry has been battling a deadly fish virus since 2007. Last year Chilean salmon production dropped 60% and exports are predicted to be down 40% in 2010. Salmon farms in Chile have been cut nearly in half, from 344 in 2007 to 174 farms last year, reported Seafood Source News.

"It has helped to keep the salmon market somewhat stronger than it might have been if the Chileans had been producing as much as people expected them to," said Gunnar Knapp, a fisheries economist at the University of Alaska/Anchorage.

Chilean fish farmers also have been widely criticized for using 'hair raising' amounts of antibiotics to curtail disease outbreaks. Last year federal seafood inspectors discovered three chemicals in Chilean farmed salmon that are banned in the U.S., including a pesticide that kills sea lice.

Nation's fish basket is safe for now

Fishing cheers went up when President Obama withdrew offshore oil and gas leases for Bristol Bay and the eastern Bering Sea, an area encompassing 5.6 million acres of America's most important fishing grounds.

The decision cancels planned 2011 and 2014 lease sales in the nation's fish basket - waters that supply more than 40% of the US seafood harvest, valued at over $2 billion dollars annually.

Leases for the region were pulled by President Clinton after the Exxon Valdez oil spill - but reinstated in 2007 by President Bush in his final days in office. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar visited the Bristol Bay region last year, and called it a "national treasure."

Dan Strickland of the Alaska Marine Conservation Council said it was gratifying that he heard the people's voices.

"Sixty-six native groups, fishing organizations, local tribal governments all lined up in support of protections for the Bay and Bering Sea. President Obama and Sec. Salazar acknowledged it is a very special place, and especially valuable for the jobs and the revenue it provides through fisheries," Strickland said from Homer. "I would hope that same sort of analysis would take place when the state and federal government look to further development in the area."

Strickland cautions, however, that the reprieve is not a done deal -

"It's not permanent. It provides protection for Bristol Bay and the eastern Bering Sea until 2017," he explained.

"The focus now will be to get permanent protection because, as we have seen, this could just as easily be withdrawn by another president. We are going to work towards perhaps legislative action so we don't have to fight this again and again."

Strickland cautions, however, that the reprieve is not a done deal -

"It's not permanent. It provides protection for Bristol Bay and the eastern Bering Sea until 2017," he explained.

"The focus now will be to get permanent protection because, as we have seen, this could just as easily be withdrawn by another president. We are going to work towards perhaps legislative action so we don't have to fight this again and again." - More...
Monday - April 05, 2010

Personal Finance: How will life look after retirement? By HELEN HUNTLEY - Having $25,000 in savings is fabulous if you are 25 but potentially disastrous if you are 55. Age matters and so does the lifestyle you hope to live in retirement. So how are you doing?

Tax season is a great time to evaluate your finances because you've already collected documents containing much of the information you need. Let's put those numbers in perspective.

To get started, use your W-2 and 1099 forms to determine your household income. Then go through your year-end statements to determine the value of all your financial assets, including bank accounts, investments and retirement plans. Leave non-financial assets, such as your home, out of the equation for the moment.

How do your savings stack up? Fifty-three percent of all workers 25 and older, including 36 percent of those 55 and older, have less than $25,000 in savings, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute. The typical (median) household has $25,300 in financial assets; those in the wealthiest age group (those ages 55 to 64) have $85,700, according to the government's Survey of Consumer Finances.

If you've done better than that, congratulations. But don't start feeling smug just yet. - More...
Monday - April 05, 2010

KPU TELEPHONE SALE: VOTE NO By Pete Ellis - So it is sort of like voting to sell your birthright and the right to choose services to be offered and their cost. A contrary vote is for the unknown. A yes vote results in an inability to provide further input as to any sales analysis, other than the limited opportunity to appear before the Council and urge their rejection or further negotiation of a sale proposal. Voting NO guarantees continued control and input. - More...
Monday - April 05, 2010

Vote "YES" to look for a buyer By Patti Fay Hickox - Voting yes [on Tuesday, April 6th] only means the city can look for a buyer for telecommunications. Ketchikan KPU cannot complete against GCI, AT&T etc. in the telecommunications business. We would need to buy massive equipment to keep up. This would suck out all the money and some day we will have to sell because GCI etc. has a lot more money to build these connections. We cannot keep up with these big outfits. - More...
Monday - April 05, 2010

Monty Hall and City Hall By Michael McNally - Sitnews readers of a certain age will remember a once popular game show, called Let's Make a Deal. The classic gimmick of the show was that contestants, having obtained a prize of moderate value, would be offered a chance to trade their prize in, sight unseen, for what was behind door number three. The trick was, only the show s host, Monty Hall, knew what was behind door number three and while it could be a valuable prize the contestants also ran the risk of losing what they had. It was an excellent gimmick for a game show, but it is a poor way to conduct public policy. - More...
Monday - April 05, 2010

New terminals in Metlakatla, Part 2 By Steven G. Booth - I would hope that the M/V Lituya would be home ported in Ketchikan unless and until appropriate security infrastructure is available in Annette Bay with the scenario of dismantling the Chester Bay Terminal. - More...
Monday - April 05, 2010

Sealaska Bill, S.881 By Bob Claus - I thank Arne Fuglvog of Senator Murkowski's office for traveling to Edna Bay and meeting with the residents there. I was glad to have been able to attend as well, and was impressed by the measured tone and thoughtful responses opposing the Sealaska land selections on Kosciusko Island from everyone who spoke. 100% of the community attended the meeting and opposed S.881. I also heard a great amount of hope and optimism for the future of Edna Bay and our other small communities surrounded by the Tongass National Forest so long as they continue to have community input through the forest planning processes. - More...
Monday - April 05, 2010

S.881 is not the solution for Southeast Alaska By Sandy Powers - Community hearings on Senate Bill 881/HR 2099 held in Edna Bay and Point Baker/Port Protection last week reconfirmed that a majority of Southeast Alaskans are opposed to this bill that would give 80,000-some acres of public-owned, roaded National Forest land to Sealaska Corporation. There was unanimous opposition from these three communities, with residents from age 13 to 82 speaking passionately of how their lives and futures would be forever adversely changed by this legislation. Hearings in other communities throughout Southeast were held earlier in the month. - More...
Monday - April 05, 2010

Taxpayers asked again to bail out a Corporation By Judy Magnuson - Why is the taxpayer again being asked to bail out a corporation? Why are small communities, the public, and businesses that depend upon public lands for their livelihood and recreation being asked to give it up for a private corporation? Sealaska's Vice President spoke in Ketchikan on March 31st , stating the Corporations need for S-881 to pass quickly, because they only have two years of timber harvest lands left. Whose fault is that? - More...
Monday - April 05, 2010

Roy McPherson By Doug Edwards - Thank you for the excellent article about Roy's induction into the Alaska School Activities Association Hall of Fame. - More...
Monday - April 05, 2010

Fawn Mountain Track and Field By Miguel Torres - I remember arriving in Ketchikan during the summer 0f '06 and looking forward to the upcoming Kayhi football season. Having lived in Texas for many years and enjoying quite a few Friday night football games, I inquired into the Ketchikan football tradition. I was referred to Blaine Ashcraft, high school football and commissioner to the Ketchikan football youth league.  - More...
Monday - April 05, 2010

Performance Scholarships Will Help to Improve our Schools By Larry LeDoux - The Governor's Performance Scholarship proposal would award substantial postsecondary scholarships to Alaska students who take a challenging curriculum in high school and meet thresholds for performance on grades and tests. The scholarships would be used at Alaska institutions, both technical and academic. - More...
Monday - April 05, 2010

Holy Name By Brandon Fast - I think more people should go to Holy Name Catholic School. At Holy Name we have a bully free environment and small class sizes. - More...
Monday - April 05, 2010

Health Reform By Jim Kempsell - Lamentably, Socratic form of debate (actually listening to an opponent, recognizing they may have some valid points) is virtually non-existent in this age of sound bites and "gotcha". - More...
Monday - April 05, 2010

Community By Joey Tillson - The other day I had lunch with an out of town friend. Her and I had gone to school together in Juneau for many years and for 29 years of my life, I lived in Juneau but was born in Ketchikan. It was wonderful to catch up with her and discuss how our lives had changed and progressed. - More...
Monday - April 05, 2010

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Sell KPU Telecommunications Division By Mike Ellis and Susan Fisher - Selling the KPU Telecommunications Division is the right move for our city. We're voting yes on both ballot propositions April 6. - More...
Wednesday - March 31, 2010

Don't Sell KPU Telecom, Part III By Mike Harpold - The Ketchikan City Mayor wants to get KPU Telecom out of private business, but selling the utility would be nothing less than throwing the baby out with the bath water. - More...
Wednesday - March 31, 2010

Re: Southeast Economy and S.881 By Evan Hjerpe - Senator Murkowski's letter to the editor in the SitNews on 3/24/10 ( Southeast's Economy and Promises ) states that the Sealaska legislation would bring renewed economic development to Southeast and is needed for the economic survival of the region. A single-interest bill that is based on the liquidation of old growth and exporting processing jobs overseas is by no means the answer to the regional economic woes of Southeast; this perspective has been echoed during the recent listening sessions in the region. In fact, letting Sealaska harvest these lands represents a costly option in terms of adverse impacts on subsistence opportunities and the regional economic drivers the Senator alludes to of tourism, fishing, and trade. - More...
Wednesday - March 31, 2010

Sealaska Land Bills By Roger DiPaolo -Sealaska refers to the bills HR2099 and SB881 as "Haa Aaní Bill". Since "Haa Aaní" means "Our Land", one could easily assume that the Sealaska is saying in effect that the specific Tongass National Forest lands on North POW and Kosciusko Islands that they want to privately own somehow belongs to them. This is not at all true, completely false in all respects. The disputed lands are part of the Tongass National Forest that belongs equally to ALL Americans, not just to Alaskan Natives. - More...
Wednesday - March 31, 2010

Once Upon a Time By Carol Cairnes - It is fitting that Senator Murkowski started her March 24th Viewpoint with "Once Upon a Time" in classic fairy-tale style.  Her version of the facts is a fantastic fiction.  The Senator is living in a dream world if she believes Senate bill 881 will revive Southeast Alaska's economy.  The bill, and a similar House bill, 2099, allows Sealaska Corporation to trade the land it is entitled to by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act for publicly owned land in the Tongass National Forest, along with roads and log transfer facilities paid for by American taxpayers.   The deal the Senator envisions for Sealaska Corporation would give the corporation ownership of timber and other valuable resources currently owned by all American citizens under the false claim of aboriginal rights. - More...
Wednesday - March 31, 2010

City Council Meddling By Charles Edwardson - I was contacted by the owner of the low speed vehicle - golf carts as I referred to them in my last tirade against the ineptitude of Ketchikan City Council decisions on private business. - More...
Wednesday - March 31, 2010

Skating Rink and Sports Facility By Amy Stepper - I really love the idea of having a ice rink here in Ketchikan, but I don't care for another sports facility. Isn't that what the Recreation Center is for? - More....
Wednesday - March 31, 2010

"Part one" DOT-PF AMHS new terminals and South Tongass By Steven G. Booth - I believe new terminals located at Annette bay or at a location along South Tongass Highway will cause numerous burdens for the Community Members of Metlakatla and at the same time cost the State and the federal taxpayers money that need not be expended. Therefore, it will also further deteriorate any efforts to create a more efficient operation for DOT-PF AMHS. - More...
Monday - March 29, 2010

RE: Southeast's Economy and Promises By Don Hernandez - Senator Murkowski's recent opinion published on SitNews begins with " once upon a time"; this should indicate to all who read it that they are reading a fairy tale, a complete work of fiction spun from her imagination. - More...
Monday - March 29, 2010

American citizens own National Forest By Carol Cairnes - Regarding Southeast's Economy and Promises By Sen. Murkowski, the U. S. Forest Service does not own any land. American citizens own the land that is designated National Forest. - More...
Monday - March 29, 2010

A BETTER SOLUTION TO SEALASKA LAND CONVEYANCE By Eric Muench - Much of Senator Lisa Murkowski's opinion is quite true, but her promotion for Senate Bill 881 left out so much of the other side of the story that it could almost have been written by Sealaska Corporation. - More...
Monday - March 29, 2010

Sealaska Lands Bill By Mike Brown - Murkowski lies when she speaks of the need for the Sealaska CORPORATION to be allowed to reneg on a legal CONTRACT that they drew up, and pick lands outside the AGREED upon area they chose in the 1970's. - More...
Monday - March 29, 2010

A definite need for more taxi permits in Ketchikan By Conan Steele - The Ketchikan City Council recently rejected a proposal to increase the number of taxi permits based upon the argument that there is no need for more taxis. I have driven taxi in Ketchikan for a number of years and I know this to just not be true. During peak periods in Ketchikan (usually during the cruise ship season), it can be nearly impossible to get a taxi in a timely manner, if you can get one at all. This is even true in a bad year. - More...
Monday - March 29, 2010

Additional Taxis By Richard Morgan - As someone who works in the retail sales business, I know that wait times for a taxi can be very long in the Summer. So it is fine and well that some oppose additional Taxis, citing short wait times for bar-goers at night as ample reason to reject the proposal, but what about normal, everyday people who are just trying to get home with their groceries during daylight hours? - More...
Monday - March 29, 2010

ObamaCare: Advancing the Destruction of America By Lawrence R. Huntoon - On March 21, 2010, our country witnessed a Bolshevik moment, whereby our U.S. Constitution was trampled and utterly violated by those for whom the ends justified the means. If Obamacare is allowed to stand, the American way of life will be changed forever, and not in a good way. - More...
Monday - March 29, 2010

National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month By Patti Fay Hickox - April is "National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month." In Alaska, for the last 12 years, we have been doing this awareness campaign with "Mint Green Ribbons." 12 years ago two women from Kenai made 1000 mint green ribbons with Forget-me-knots embroided in the middle. These ribbons were distributed up north and to Juneau. At a "Stand up for Kids" rally in Juneau we saw the ribbons and we brought the idea to Ketchikan and South Southeast Alaska. - More...
Monday - March 29, 2010

Re: Sitnews Front page photos By Alan R. Rudy McGillvray - I find myself in total agreement with Ms. Susan McMurray and her thoughts on Sitnews' front page photos. I check Sitnews for a new photo every time I turn on my computer. A new picture goes first to my desktop screen saver, and then I e-mail it to friends and family, to show them the beauty that surrounds us everyday, whether seen or not. Then I save it to a folder in My Pictures. - More...
Monday - March 29, 2010

Mike Gates Photos By Nellie Miller - I couldn't agree more that Mike Gates pictures are consistently impressive and really capture what I miss most about Ketchikan-thank you for sharing your mind's eye and keep up the excellent work! - More...
Monday - March 29, 2010

AcDc By Alexis Schofield - In regards to AcDc, CONGRATULATIONS! - More...
Monday - March 29, 2010

A great teacher By Katie Shull - I wasn't a member of AcDc in high school, but Mr. Sean Powell was my geometry teacher one year. I have to say that classmates of mine who shared the experience of being his student and I still talk and reminisce about days in his class. - More...
Monday - March 29, 2010

Thank you By Sean Powell - It has been pointed out that I missed a few people that helped us get to state: - More...
Monday - March 29, 2010

Southeast's Economy and Promises By U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski - Once upon a time, the Southeast timber industry was one of the largest economic drivers in Alaska. In 1990, timber jobs hit an all time employment high. Now the timber industry consists of a few remnants, scratching desperately to hang on. Southeast has one of the highest rates of unemployment in Alaska, and it's the only region in the state where the population is declining and the average age is increasing. - More...
Wednesday PM - March 24, 2010

Kayhi Academic Decathlon By Miguel Torres  Mr. Powell's leadership and passion to direct these great students is an inspiration. Thank you for your commitment. - More...
Wednesday PM - March 24, 2010

RE: City Council, Who are you representing? By Leonard Bergamaschi - I think the only thing that surprises me anymore is how surprised some people are when they realize how much bullheaded biases local businesses have to go through while anything that will benefit "short term" business,IE tourist related, goes on the fast track for approval. 'Nuff said? - More...
Wednesday PM - March 24, 2010

Permits for Yellow Taxi By Shane Sooter - Now, I must be honest, I was against the permit increase for the simple fact it would increase the competition between my fellow drivers and the other two companies, but with the comments made at the Ketchikan City Council meeting last Thursday, I have had a mind change. - More...
Wednesday PM - March 24, 2010

Front Page Photos By Susan McMurray - Monday's featured front page photo by Mike Gates is one of the most beautiful shots I have ever seen of the Ketchikan area, and I have seen several. - More...
Wednesday PM - March 24, 2010

Subject: SB 129 -- Residential Sprinkler System Requirements By David Hull - This residential sprinkler system debacle needs some air clearing I believe. First of all, I oppose SB 129 because I don't think the state should pick and choose the way the local community should conduct their business. It has nothing to do with the installation of residential sprinkler systems. This bill has to do with whether or not the local community can make an appropriate decision on their own to require the sprinkler systems or not. The state and the home builders apparently think we can t be trusted to do things the way we always have. We need more process and state guidance on this one specific issue. Why? - More...
Monday PM - March 22, 2010

Subsistence Rights opinion By Aan Kadax Tseen aka Don Hoff Jr. - Our Lands, Our Seas, So fight for it!

I was thinking a lot about my Brothers and Sisters living in Southeast Alaska. I love and miss the fishing. I really need to teach a few of you how to subsists off the land and sea, I noticed that you lucky dogs catch a King Crab every now and then, but you throw them back because the State of Alaska State laws say so. I say hell with the State of Alaska... the State and Federal Governments are protecting the King Crab and Halibut for the commercial fisheries only. Watch the Deadliest Catch... you don't see any Subsistence Users! Money and greed is all I see by a very few people dictating what we Indigenous People can eat or can't eat and when to eat it! Time to say No! - More...
Monday PM - March 22, 2010

Landless, money-less, heritage-less By Chris Barry - It has been my experience personally, and what I have witnessed & read that when a group of people want to be accommodated and repaid, that they never stop. With every restitution they seek, they state that they will be happy, yet with every restitution given them, they become more hungry and seek to gain more and more. This is true with all peoples. And the Natives of SE Alaska it is no different. Once they get land for payment, what will stop them from seeking more of 'their' land. After all, they did live here first. - More...
Monday PM - March 22, 2010

CITY COUNCIL WHO ARE YOU REPRESENTING? By Charles Edwardson - OK I tried, I have tried to not put my two cents in but I cannot help it with headlines like "CITY COUNCIL NIXES TAXI PROPOSAL" WHAT ?? SERIOUSLY?? - More...
Monday PM - March 22, 2010

Don't Sell KPU Telecom, Part II By Mike Harpold - Never mind that GCI is forty times KPU's size; the backers of the sale of KPU Telecom say that it is unfair for a public utility to compete against a private company. But the competition has been good for Ketchikan, facilitating the lowest telephone and cable TV rates in Alaska and bringing a variety of Internet related services not found in most other Alaskan communities. - More...
Monday PM - March 22, 2010

WASTE, FRAUD, & ABUSE By Rob Holston - The following is taken from a recent email from Senator Mark Begich: "Health reform will NOT bust the bank ­ it is fully paid for. The money will come from cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs, ending big subsidies to insurance companies and increasing efficiency by coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. Reform takes money already being spent on health care and re-allocates it. We can reduce unwarranted subsidies to insurance companies, negotiate cheaper drug prices and cut unneeded hospital readmissions. The Senate bill also taxes the most expensive insurance plans (the vast majority of Alaskans won't be affected) with the goal of making good benefits affordable, while the House pays for reform through a health tax on families making more than $1 million annually." - More...
Monday PM - March 22, 2010

Sincere thanks By Sean Powell - I would like to thank the following ten people: Marco Torres, Leslie Snodderly, Kate Guillemette, Dorsey Winter, Maxx Keizer, Jodie Gatti, Michael Hosley, Valena Johnson, Amelia Cooper and (Kayhi's own team Mom) Ellen Funk. This is our 2010 Kayhi Academic Decathlon State team and they did something magical on the last weekend of February. For those of you who don't know what it is: Academic Decathlon (AcDc...small "c" no copyright infringement here!) is a school sponsored activity that has kids studying Math, Music, Art, Economics, Literature, Science (Chemistry this year) and the Superquiz (this year it was the French Revolution) so they can take tests on those subjects. For fun. They also write an essay, give two speeches and attend an interview as part of the competition. This year they placed in all but one event, took third in the Oral Superquiz and were the second place OVERALL in the STATE! While that is a matter of some indifference to some, it is an amazing accomplishment! - More...
Monday PM - March 22, 2010

Fawn Mountain By Kay Jones - After years of waiting, planning and hoping the new turf field at Fawn Mountain is finally ready for Ketchikan to use and enjoy. It is going to make such a difference in the playing ability and experience for our soccer and football players. Our track and field participants now have beautiful track and field event place. This is a dream come true for many. Now it is up to all the folks of Ketchikan to work together and take care of this beautiful facility. This means NO DOGS! No exceptions. I love dogs as much as the average Ketchikan citizen (I have 3), but dogs will destroy the track and field. Their nails tear up the track and rubberized field surface. Urine will clog the drainage system and disintegrate the rubber pellets and I will avoid describing what dog poop does to fields. Not to mention it is just gross and unfair to our players as they come out to enjoy the new field. - More...
Monday PM - March 22, 2010

Ice Hockey Rink By Randy Cooper - It's nice to see others interested in an ice hockey rink. Kids love hockey and we are one of the few communities in Alaska that doesn't offer it. It's a fun pastime for families and is a wonderful sport to watch. - More...
Monday PM - March 22, 2010

Ice rink & sport facility By Penny Eubanks - Both an indoor skating rink and an indoor sporting facility has long been a discussion in our home as a good idea for Ketchikan. I think both would benefit the community economics. Hotels and restaurants would see a boost from outside teams coming for competitions. All stores would see more spending. It would open some jobs up as those industries would need more year round employees, as well as the new skating and sporting facilities needing employees. - More...
Monday PM - March 22, 2010

Don't Sell KPU Telecom By Mike Harpold - Saying that the KPU Telecommunications Division is losing profitability, the city wants to sell it. But voters need to ask if selling the utility is truly in the best interests of city residents. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

Ensuring Accurate Tribal Counts In 2010 Census By Norman Arriola & Lee Wallace - Ketchikan Indian Community (KIC) and Organized Village of Saxman (OVS) are proud partners with the 2010 Census. The 2010 Census will provide us with a snapshot of our nation and tribal communities. By being counted, tribal citizens will help paint a clearer picture of Alaska Native peoples. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

Stolen Tongass Tribe Lands, 202 By Aan Kadax Tseen aka Don Hoff Jr. - We are the lineal descendants of the Taan ta Kwaan means Sealion People or known as Tongass Tribe a traditional and historical Alaskan Native Tribe in Ketchikan indisputably recognized by all Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian tribes in Southeast Alaska. My Clan, Gaanax adi Clan is the oldest Clan in the Tlingit Nation, with that said, Ketchikan is the aboriginal territory of the Gaanax adi Clan that is Tongass Tribe. We still claim all the low tide lands starting from Tatsuda's to the Tunnel. Tongass Tribe also owned unoccupied village sites on Tongass Island, Long Island, Village Island, Cat Island, Duke Island, Annette Island, Portland Channel, Nakat Bay, Cape Chacon, Pennock Island, Gravina Island, Prince of Wales Island, and Kasaan. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

Lands Sealaska Wants NEVER Belonged to Sealaska By Roger DiPaolo - The following argument has become very prevalent of late: "Sealaska only wants the lands they are entitled to returned to them" - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

Sealaska Land Bill By Jean Bland - I attended the meeting in Craig; Sealaska's Attorney said to quit hiding behind these letters and call them, they welcome calls and will answer your questions, the land will still be open for public use, if you read the paperwork they handed out. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

Sealaska Land Swap bills By Roger DiPaolo - As a resident of Edna Bay, one of the 3 communities most affected by this bill, the major reason that these bills are bad is that the lives of the residents of our 3 towns were not adequately taken into consideration. We residents of these towns are not hostile to Sealaska nor our native neighbors, we wish to see them live and prosper equally beside us. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

Big thank you to Sitnews By Sandy Powers - I just want to thank Sitnews for their lack of bias in running articles and letters which present various points of view, THANK YOU! Also for running a lot of user generated content, pictures, classified ads, etc. It is very encouraging that, while the local printed newspaper's content shows a marked bias, yours does not. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

THE OLD FOLKS AND THE CORPORATION By Lois Morgan - There was once an old woman who had spent her whole life in the Great Forest. She was the daughter of a lumberman on the most southern edge of the Great Forest, she grew up benefiting from the beauty and purity of the nature around her and learned at an early age that the nature beings were much kinder then most humans; counting on the creatures of nature to soothe her when a human had abused her. She grew up wanting to go to Alaska, at the far north of the Great Forest, where there were alleged to be fewer humans as well as more pristine nature. When she met a man who wanted to go with her, she abandoned her studies and left with him on their grand adventure. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

Ice Rink Suggestion By Kara Steele - I was reading Linda Beaupre's letter and wanted to say kudos! An ice rink is an EXCELLENT idea for Southeast! - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

Energize with Nuclear Power By Donald A. Moskowitz - Oil is a diminishing and expensive source of energy, and coal is dirty. - More...
Tuesday - March 16, 2010

The Need to Stop S. B. 881 By Eric Muench - The people of Southeast Alaska need to know what is in Senate Bill 881, sponsored by Senators Lisa Murkowski and Nick Begich, and the subject of a meeting Saturday, March 13 at the Borough Assembly Chambers. So far much of it appears to be unknown to most people. - More...
Friday - March 12, 2010

Sealaska Bill listening sessions on POW By Bob Claus - The Sealaska Bill listening sessions on POW proved the bill is controversial and splits our communities. But they did not serve the stated purpose of letting affected communities be heard. Nor do the way they were handled give residents confidence that their statements will be accurately conveyed to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. - More...
Friday - March 12, 2010

S881 Sealaska Lands Bill: Port Protection & Point Baker By Judy Magnuson - Port Protection and Point Baker residents deserved the common courtesy of notification that their meeting was canceled. Residents of both communities kept calling to ask - has it been canceled? And the answer was always the same- no word yet. Finally, with no notification to the contrary and needing a half hour to travel from Point Baker across the open Bay to Port Protection, and not wanting to miss the only opportunity to be heard we have had , people came. We were never notified by Mr. Kleeshulte that he was not coming until 5 minutes AFTER the time the meeting was to start. Even though he must have known in advance of that he would not make it. - More...
Friday - March 12, 2010

S.881 Impact: Town Hall Meeting Canceled in Edna Bay By Myla Poelstra - The community of Edna Bay is deeply disappointed that Chuck Kleeschulte has unilaterally canceled a meeting in Edna Bay scheduled for 1:00 pm Wednesday. Had he consulted with us first we could have told him the timing of the meeting was ill conceived and dangerous.  - More...
Friday - March 12, 2010

S.881/HR.2099 - SEALASKA LAND GRAB LEGISLATION THE WRONG ANSWER FOR SOUTHEAST ALASKA By Myla Poelstra - S.881/HR.2099, two highly questionable pieces of legislation that are quickly becoming stark examples of the wrong approach being taken to resolve an issue that cannot possibly be defended by its sponsors as equitable. The responsibilities being avoided or ignored by our representatives only add to the perception that something is wrong with this process. The recent ethics violations by Senator Kookesh during his lobbying on behalf of Sealaska Corp., in which he is Chairman of the Board, bring into focus the tip of an iceberg many now believe exposes unconscionable support for a contentious proposal that will only represent the interests of its proponents. - More...
Friday - March 12, 2010

Prohibition of U.S.Citizens from Commercial, Personal fishing By A.M Johnson - The Obama administration has ended public input for a federal strategy that could prohibit U.S. citizens from fishing some of the nation's oceans, coastal areas, Great Lakes, and even inland waters. - More...
Friday - March 12, 2010

DXM By Lela Raymond - I would like to say how thankful I am to the Ketchikan school board, police chief Ed Talik, Kyle Johanson, Dave Scott and the Ketchikan Daily News for really getting the issue of DXM out there. I missed getting tapped in to the school districts mailing to get this thank you out to all the parents for the support that I have received which has been overwhelming and more than I expected. - More...
Friday - March 12, 2010

Indoor Ice Rink By Patrick Branco - Thank you Linda. Families can skate together, boys and girls can learn figure skating, boys and girls and men and women can play hockey. And on the heels of the olympics we could try a curling club here. (that wasn't a joke, by the way). I love the idea of an ice rink for family fun. - More...
Friday - March 12, 2010

The cup half full By Ivy Rose - With the days seeming to fly by and caos of our everyday life we all fall short of looking at the cup half full. I remember not to long ago writing a letter on sitnews about customer service and being positive, and it got me thinking. Customer service is more than just serving people, and being nice, but what how we react day to day. It is a proven fact that people remeber and hold on to negative experiences more than the positive ones. How easy it is to let the zen of goodness be zapped by something as silly as someone not letting us out in traffic when we are in a hurry. Then we feel that the whole world needs to know of the wrong doing. - More...
Friday - March 12, 2010

Re: Wake Up Parents By Bethany Phippen - So the debate continues. First and foremost I have totally given up the talk about the older children who ditch their coats. There is only so much that can be done when it comes to the kids who can actually speak for themselves leaving their coats when they are told to put one on. - More...
Friday - March 12, 2010

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

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