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SitNews - Stories In The News - Ketchikan, Alaska
Wednesday
May 23, 2012

Front Page Photo By CINDY BALZER

Settler's Cove: Black Bear
 Front Page Photo By CINDY BALZER

Ketchikan

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Ketchikan: Join Sen. Begich Friday for a Ketchikan Town Hall; Discuss Important Issues Facing Alaska - U.S. Senator Mark Begich will hold a town hall meeting in Ketchikan this Friday evening in order that the community can share their thoughts and ideas with him in person - thoughts and ideas he can take back to Washington. Begich will also answer questions about various issues affecting Alaska.

As the Senate finishes up a busy work period, Begich has been working on a varitey of legislation including the transportation bill, the development of the Niblack and Bokan mine projects, student loan interest rates, Arctic development this summer, and the tsunami debris arriving on Alaska coasts from Japan. - More...
Wednesday - May 23, 2012

Alaska: Potential Financial Information Misuse by Former GCI Employee - GCI has discovered that a former customer telephone service representative may have misused customer-supplied credit card or bank account payment information.

GCI has found no evidence that its electronic systems have been compromised. GCI has evidence that in two instances, the former representative gathered account information directly from customers in telephone calls and later attempted to use that information for personal purchases. Because this was an isolated incident that did not compromise its systems, GCI has been able to identify every customer (approximately 400 customers in all) that had any form of contact with the former representative. - More...
Wednesday - May 23, 2012

Alaska - Nationwide: Half Of U.S. States Short-Change Abused And Neglected Children; Alaska among six states in shameful range of D - Despite the moral imperative and sound fiscal basis for protecting the legal rights of abused and neglected children, half of U.S. states cheat them of appropriate legal representation, denying them an effective voice in proceedings that determine their futures, according to a state-by-state study conducted by two national child advocacy organizations.

The report - A Child's Right to Counsel: A National Report Card on Legal Representation for Abused and Neglected Children - was released this month on Capitol Hill by First Star, a national organization working to improve the lives of America's abused and neglected children, and the Children's Advocacy Institute at the University of San Diego School of Law (CAI).

The report is meant to serve two purposes. One is to alert child advocates, policy makers, the media, and the public of the inequities from state to state in providing abused and neglected children with legal representation in dependency proceedings. The second is to initiate a national call to action promoting stronger federal and state laws to provide these children highly trained and qualified legal representation to ensure they have a fighting chance to resolve and overcome childhood maltreatment and achieve bright futures.


"In the U.S., the right to counsel is guaranteed to everyone accused of breaking the law – including parents and other caregivers accused of child abuse and neglect," said Elissa T. Garr, Executive Director of First Star. "Yet the abused and neglected children in these cases, who are the least able to advocate for themselves, are not guaranteed counsel. It is tragic that in many states across the country, when judicial decisions are being made that will impact every facet of these children's lives, the right to counsel is not guaranteed to the victims of that abuse and neglect." - More...
Wednesday - May 23, 2012

Alaska: Foreign Relations Committee holds first in a series of hearings on importance of 'Law of the Sea' to U.S. - A series of hearings on the United States’ ratification of the Law of the Sea kicked off today by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.  The convention allows the U.S. to claim oil, gas and other mineral resources on the continental shelf beyond the current 200 mile limit, and also protects the Navy and Coast Guard’s freedom of navigation and rights to visit foreign ships.

In a prepared statement, U.S. Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) welcomed the hearings. He said, “The Law of the Sea is key to ensuring Alaska’s Arctic future.  Unless the U.S. ratifies the treaty, our oil and gas companies won’t be able to develop resources on our extended continental shelf beyond 200 miles,” said Begich.  “We’d leave hundreds of billions of dollars in oil and gas resources on the table and miss a chance to make Alaska bigger.  I applaud the Foreign Relations committee for starting the hearing process on this treaty, and I look forward to continuing to examine it in the Oceans Subcommittee that I chair.”

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee heard from Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey, all of whom supported U.S. ratification.  They testified that the treaty is critical to advancing U.S. security interests as well as to preventing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and interdicting the flow of illegal drugs by sea.   They also highlighted how the treaty would allow U.S. companies to engage in deep seabed mining for rare-earth metals which are necessary for cell-phones and consumer goods as well as weapons systems.  Currently China controls 95% of the rare-earth resources. - More...
Wednesday - May 23, 2012


Alaska Science: Magpies a more common sight throughout Alaska By Ned Rozell - A while back, Ron Koczaja was walking a riverbank in Kasigluk with a village elder when a large, striking bird perched on a power line.

Magpies a more common sight throughout Alaska

A black-billed magpie in the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge.
Photo by Dave Menke.

“What is that bird?” the woman asked.

“A magpie,” said Koczaja, a teacher in the village. “What’s it called in Yupik?”

“I don’t know,” she said. “Them birds never used to be here. There is no word.”

Koczaja, a math teacher at Ryan Middle School in Fairbanks, remembered this exchange from his first assignment in the Bush, about 14 years ago. He found it interesting that, in the thousands of years people had spoken Yupik in Southwest Alaska, their language had no word for magpie.

The lack of a term for the black-billed magpie may be because the bird was not in Southwest Alaska until recently. The long-tailed relative of ravens and jays seems to be extending its range throughout Alaska.

Since 2007, biologists at the Alaska Bird Observatory have tracked sightings of magpies in the far north. Reports of the black-and-white bird with the raven-like head, iridescent plumage and sweeping tail have come from as far north as Fort Yukon and from way down the Yukon River, where Nulato residents have seen them feeding on a carcass pile.

“Based on what people have told us, they’re expanding their range,” said Sue Guers of the Alaska Bird Observatory. “Are people just noticing them more, or is climate helping them out, making it warmer?”

Unlike ravens and jays, most Alaska magpies migrate out of the cold Interior for the winter, often to Southeast Alaska. But people in Fairbanks have been seeing at least a few magpies in recent Christmas Bird Counts, meaning some are wintering in the far north.

“(In the past) we didn’t often see them north of the Alaska Range in wintertime.” Guers said. “Now we do.” - More...
Wednesday - May 23, 2012


      

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Questions, please contact the editor at editor@sitnews.us or call 617-9696
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letter GRADE SCHOOL POPULARITY CULTS By David G. Hanger - Congratulations Ketchikan.   Your number one politician of the last four decades is now a convicted life-long pedophile.  How embarrassing.  Rather than anger (at whom?), some serious soul-searching is in order.  I do not myself forget the fact that Andrea Jacobsen was falsely accusing the Talleys, young Ken Liljekvist, and any number of other innocent people of various forms of child abuse they never thought of committing; and the late Dick Callentine was howling that Ketchikan is the child abuse capital of the universe; and many innocents were terribly victimized and impoverished. - More...
Thursday - May 24, 2012

letter Re: Educational Equipment By Mike Carney - In response to Mr. Powel's comments about videos, I watched a video on the Ketchikan School District's web site last week that was called "GONEPLAY" and if this is what they teach at our high school, I would like a refund on my taxes. - More...
Thursday - May 24, 2012

letter Ketchikan Gymnastics By Gerald Scarzella - It has been a pleasure to sit on the Ketchikan Gymnastics Board for the past few months. There have been some exciting changes in regards to the gymnastics club. There is a new and exciting summer program for all children interested in gymnastics. We have a new manager, Calli, and she has been working on a summer schedule that should accommodate anyone interested in participating. - More...
Thursday - May 24, 2012

letter Massive mine planned on the Unuk; Economies of Scale Create the Greatest Damage By Victoria McDonald - The proposed KSM mine on a tributary of the Unuk River could give rise to one of the largest gold-copper mines in the world. If Seabridge's project is permitted, Alaskan waters within Misty Fjords will be threatened by millions of gallons of heavy metals laden acid drainage. King, coho and sockeye salmon that rely on the Unuk River will be forced to find new spawning areas, in addition to steelhead, cutthroat, char, and other species of fish and wildlife. - More...
Thursday - May 24, 2012

letter Canoe Journey By Vivian Mork - I am writing this in hopes that someone will be able to help us there in Ketchikan. We have a 38 ft. canoe in Ketchikan that needs to get to Kake via the ferry on May 26th .In order to put it on the ferry we need a boat trailer for it. Our original way of shipping it to Kake fell through at the last minute. Now we are in a race against time to get this canoe to Kake. We only need to borrow it for the shipping to Kake and we will send the trailer right back on the 30th. Does anyone have a boat trailer we can borrow or rent? - More...
Thursday - May 24, 2012

letter Lands Bill: Push is still on By Gretchen Goldstein - If you do not receive a Corporation newsletter, you may think that Sealaska’s land-grab Bill, S 881/HR 1408, has died a merciful death.  Attacked by local, State and Federal land managers, Alaska Natives, private hunting, caving and environmental groups, and Southeast residents facing the loss of their living in the name of job creation, one might hope that our elected official would abandon the outdated proposal. - More...
Thursday - May 24, 2012

letter

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letter

letter No Cut in Ketchikan's Educational Funding By Dave Kiffer - I must correct some incorrect information that was recently published in a letter on your website. First of all, the Borough is absolutely not proposing a cut in "local" funding for the school district. - More...
Monday - May 21, 2012

letter Re: Educational Equipment By Agnes Moran - In response to Mr. Powell's assertion "The video is a reminder to all what the most important item is in your child's classroom... the teacher." - More...
Monday - May 21, 2012

letter XKKF Activtities By Lisa Lang - The XKKF (Xaadas Kil_Kuyaas Foundation) or "Precious Haida Words Foundation" is the 501(C)(3) public non-profit in Hydaburg, Alaska. My name is Lisa Lang, my Xaada name is Ka'illjuus. I am the Executive Director for the XKKF. Our Board of Directors volunteer and provide their expertise to assist in developing a sustainable non-profit for the future benefit of our culture. - More...
.Monday - May 21, 2012

letter China’s Expansionist Policies By Donald A. Moskowitz - The U.S. Defense Department believes China will soon have anti-ship missiles with a range of 1000 miles, B-6 bombers armed with long range cruise missiles, aircraft carriers, 75 surface navy ships, 60 submarines and missile boats.  These forces will enable China to project its influence in the Asia Pacific region. - More...
Monday - May 21, 2012

letter Land Exchange By Lois Morgan - Thank you so much for your ongoing, open-eyed coverage of this issue, and special thanks for today's extensive installment. - More...
Friday - May 18, 2012

letter The Senate Hearings on the Sealaska Land Exchange Bill - A political cartoon by Jim Guenther - More...
Friday - May 18, 2012

letter Sealaska Term Limits 2012 By Wanda J Culp - Ray Austin's letter is well written and respectfully presented. The Sealaska Term Limit Resolution is a very important business decision for the owners of the Sealaska Corporation. If election reform is not passed in 2012, it will be status quo, business as usual for the select few as the beneficiaries. - More...
Friday - May 18, 2012

letter KTB Spring Gala Saturday Matinee By Debbie Azure - All of our extended family dropped everything on Saturday afternoon to attend our little ballerina's Spring Performance. We all dressed up, even uncles, bought flowers and watched all the darling kids dance on the big stage. The music was bright and fun, the costumes were cute or beautiful, depending on the age of the dancer and the performances were all we could hope for. I would recommend this fun afternoon to anyone looking for something fun to do. - More...
Friday - May 18, 2012

letter ATV Off-Road Trails By Jose Blanco - Upon receiving orders to Ketchikan I got excited being I consider myself an ATV off road, outdoors enthusiast. Since my arrival however I have spoken to both parks and wildlife and the State Troopers about legal places to ride. I checked out Whipple Creek and sadly was a bit disappointed by its size. - More...
Friday - May 18, 2012

letter Educational equipment By Sean P. Powell - The following video was recently submitted for airing on KPU and was turned down as it was deemed too political. Since I don't believe that is a restriction here, I would like to humbly submit it for your perusal. - More...
Friday - May 18, 2012

letter School Funding By Rebecca L. King - I have concerns about the money being allocated to the school district by the borough assembly. At the proposed amount many programs may be in danger of being reduced or completely cut from schools including universal preschool, advanced placement courses, academic support courses, culinary arts, building construction, welding, child careers, business courses, art, and music. - More...
Friday - May 18, 2012

letter Bill and Charles Huckins By Becky (Huckins) Hanson - Mr. Finch, the pictures posted with your letter are of Bill Huckins himself. Charles was Bill's father, not his brother, and it was Charles that was involved with the raising of the Islander. - More...
Friday - May 18, 2012

letter Elephant in the Womb By Jim Guenther - As I have earlier stated, I don’t believe that governments, either state or federal, have the right to insert their legislative dogmas into the reproductive organs of American women.  I would have thought that Ron Paul-Republicans would agree with me on this point, but it seems otherwise. Since 2010, when the Tea Party backed, conservative Republicans won seats in many state and federal elections they have introduced over 916 bills related to limiting the reproductive rights of women. Nine hundred and sixteen! These bills defund Planned Parenthood, require abstinence only sex education, and make it illegal for private insurance companies to provide abortion compensation. Some even limit access to contraception!  Where is the logic in that? - More...
Friday - May 18, 2012

letter The real problem By Irving B. Welchons III - The members of the U.S. House of Representatives have been working in Washington on 41 of the first 127 days of this year.  They are planning to be in session half of the remaining weeks.  How long would you keep your job if you worked like that? Even when they show up they fail to address the biggest problems facing the country.  It would take a 50% tax increase in order to balance the so called budget yet they are avoiding the problem while the debt grows by 1200 billion dollars per year.   - More...
Friday - May 18, 2012

letter Just sat there... By Sam Stouder - A few days ago I was sitting at a Ketchikan bus stop. The air was crisp and the day beautiful. I believe it was May day for it was a friend's birthday. Compared to the deary winter that has thankfully begun to pass; the ocean was bright and shining and the island hummed with the notes of spring. I was eating banana chips and ice cream, the crisp fruit slices perfect sized spoons for my tiny palm sized frozen treat. The day thus far had been rather enjoyable, then I saw her. Young, pretty, blonde, rather a tiny girl really; by the usual curvy Alaskan women I've become accustomed to. She was walking - no rushing down the opposite side walk. She was tightly gripping her purse glancing back behind her at the man who followed her at a determined pace. He scared me, that's the biggest thing I remember. - More...
Friday - May 18, 2012

letter Progressive Activism By Jim Guenther - My recent credo of beliefs certainly raised some hackles on the necks of my right wing brethren. I supposed that it would have such an effect and anticipated a healthy debate in return. I appreciate those of you who offered some defense of your own opposing viewpoint and disregard those few others whose response degenerated to insults and patronization. Enough said about that. - More...
Friday - May 18, 2012

letter RE: Progressive Activism By Doug Barry - As has been well-expressed by others, "everyone is entitled to their own opinions but not their own facts". Unfortunately, and too often, both sides of many controversial issues seem to forget that adage or only partially apply it to suit their viewpoints. - More...
Friday - May 18, 2012

letter Re: Progressive activism By Alethea Johnson - I believe that Mr. Guenther, a man who made his living as a teacher for decades in this small town is most likely a role model to hundreds of the young adults who live here. As a person who holds (or held) a position of authority in the classroom while dispensing both wisdom and grades, he is looked up to with respect. He has influence. So when a man in that position writes a letter to the editor, I believe it should be a well developed essay that contributes something meaningful to the public discourse on significant issues. - More...
Friday - May 18, 2012

letter Recess is for children By Billy D. Clifford - Members of the U.S. House of Representatives continue to get re-elected in spite of their inability to resolve our $15 trillion national debt - which they created. Yet Congress is taking a two-week recess! And when they get back in session, they will spend much of their time and energy preparing for the next election. Why do we continue to give jobs to these inept people? We need serious, responsible adults who will spend their time and energy on the real problems our country faces. Recess is for children. - More...
Friday - May 18, 2012

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