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Tuesday
May 11, 2021
Is That Steller Sea Lion in Distress? Waving? Or Is It ...Thermoregulation?
Imagine that you are enjoying a wonderful day along Alaska’s rocky shores when suddenly you see something strange in the water. Is that an orca? You look through your binoculars and realize it is a Steller sea lion. You see its flipper in the air, and it only surfaces its head to breathe once in a while. Is it sick or injured? Or is this normal behavior?
- More...
Front Page Photo By RKim Raum-Suryan/NOAA Fisheries
To have your photo(s) featured on the front page,
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Ketchikan: Largest Outbreak of COVID-19: Ketchikan’s Community Risk Level Increased to 4 – Very High Posted & Edited By MARY KAUFFMAN - With 87 positive cases since May 1st, Ketchikan is experiencing its largest outbreak of COVID-19 since the pandemic began. There have been multiple clusters of positive cases spanning a variety of sectors of Ketchikan's population and age groups. COVID-19 has impacted Ketchikan's schools, daycares, businesses, hospitality industry, and every person in our community in one way or another.
The EOC Unified Command and Policy Group members are extremely concerned about the number of recent positive cases of COVID-19 and the impacts to Ketchikan. The EOC is specifically concerned about the increase in community spread cases. Because of the widespread nature of the outbreak, this afternoon Ketchikan Emergency Unified Command decided to increase Ketchikan’s Community Risk Level to 4 – VERY HIGH.
Level 4 - VERY HIGH alerts the community to a significant threat with immediate responsive action SHOULD be taken.
LEVEL 4 - VERY HIGH
EXTREME:
Stop non-essential travel outside home (Unless vaccinated)
Schools: Reference KGBSD Plans/Policies
(www.kgbsd.org)
No gatherings >20 people
Modified healthcare services
No non-essential visits to congregate facilities (e.g. nursing homes)
Recreation locally with safety measures (e.g. walking) |
For unvaccinated individuals and those at highest risk of negative outcomes the EOC recommends the following mitigation measures. Please consider doing the following to help curb the spread of COVID-19 and to keep your neighbors, friends, and family members safe:
- If you have even minor symptoms, stay home!
- Travel outside the home only for essential purposes.
- Refrain from gathering in large groups, especially with multiple households.
- Avoid in-person visits with people in congregate settings; instead, keep in touch by phone or video chat.
- When you do go out, wear a mask over your nose and mouth, keep a 6-foot distance from others, and wash or sanitize your hands frequently.
It is important to note that the EOC’s recommendations for Fully Vaccinated Individuals do not change based on the risk level.
Quoting a news release from Ketchikan EOC Unified Command, "We need everyone’s help to flatten the curve of COVID-19 transmission in Ketchikan, and stop the spread of this dangerous virus in our community."
After working closely with our school administrators, district nurses, the EOC and Public Health, Acting School Superintendent Katie Parrott issued the below action plan this afternoon. - More...
Tuesday PM - May 11, 2021
Ketchikan: PeaceHealth Ketchikan visitation restrictions imposed with recent increase in community positivity rate - The safety of PeaceHealth Ketchikan's patients and caregivers is a top priority. Given this priority, and with the increase in local COVID-19 cases, the hospital’s visitation policy has changed. Until Ketchikan's rate of new cases drops by at least half, no visitors are allowed in the hospital or clinic with few exceptions, for example, for labor and delivery, end-of-life, and pediatric patients. Family/partner participation during visits using video chat technology is welcomed and encouraged.
Quoting a news release, "These restrictions are challenging for everyone, and we appreciate your cooperation as we work together to reduce the spread."
To continue to actively reduce these numbers, vaccination against COVID-19 is easily available throughout Ketchikan. - More...
Tuesday PM - May 11, 2021
Fish Factor: May 17th Official Start of Salmon Season By LAINE WELCH - Alaska’s 2021 salmon season officially starts on Monday, May 17 with a 12-hour opener for reds and kings at the Copper River!
All eyes will be on early Cordova dock prices for Alaska’s famous “first fresh salmon of the season” as an indicator of wild salmon markets. Covid-forced closures in 2020 of high end restaurants and seafood outlets tanked starting prices to $3 per pound for sockeyes and $6.50 for king salmon, down from $10 and $14, respectively the previous year.
But early signs are looking good.
Heading into Mother’s Day on May 9 demand for seafood was “fanatic” said Mitch Miller, Vice President of national upscale seafood restaurants Ocean Prime in Nation’s Restaurant News.
National Retail Federation President Matthew Shay said there is a lot more consumer optimism this year as more people are getting vaccinated and stimulus checks are being distributed, and friends and family are moving about more freely.
Alaska’s 2021 salmon harvest is projected to top 190 million fish, a 61% increase over the 2020 catch. The break down includes 46.6 million sockeye salmon, 3.8 million cohos, 15.3 million chum salmon, 296,000 Chinook and 124.2 million pinks.
Elsewhere on the fishing grounds:
Alaska’s biggest herring fishery at Togiak kicked off on May 3 with two buyers and about a dozen boats on the grounds. They have a roughly 85 million pound quota, the largest since 1993.
Herring fishing continued around Kodiak for a nearly 16 million pound catch, the largest ever.
Sitka’s roe herring fishery this spring produced less than half of its 67 million pound quota, taken by 18 of 47 permit holders.
Southeast Alaska’s summer pot shrimp fishery opens on May 15 with a 40,000 pound catch limit. Southeast divers are still going down for a half-million pound Geoduck clam quota. A ling cod fishery opens on May 16. - More...
Tuesday PM - May 11, 2021
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Alaska: Alaska Legislature Rejects Pebble Leadership from serving on State Board of Fish - In an overwhelming majority, the Alaska Legislature today voted against allowing a member of Pebble’s leadership team to serve on the state fisheries management board, reflecting Alaskans’ widespread and bipartisan support for protecting salmon habitat in Bristol Bay.
Members of the Alaska State House and Senate voted 41-18 to reject Pebble Limited Partnership Director of Regional Affairs Abe Williams’ appointment to Alaska's Board of Fisheries, sending a clear message that Alaskans are not willing to trade Bristol Bay’s sustainable, world-class fishery for the permanent destruction of our rivers and streams that would result from the proposed Pebble mine.
SalmonState applauded the Alaska Legislature's overwhelming 41-18 vote to reject Abe Williams' appointment to the Alaska Board of Fisheries. Williams, who was nominated by Governor Dunleavy, is a long-time employee of the Pebble Limited Partnership, which made him absolutely the wrong choice for a seat on the board that is traditionally held by someone from the Bristol Bay region.
“This is a clear repudiation of the Pebble Mine and its backers in the Governor’s office," said SalmonState Executive Director Tim Bristol. “It was the right and proper thing to do and once again illustrates how deeply unpopular Pebble is with Alaskans.”
Williams’ appointment was widely opposed by Bristol Bay residents and Alaskans alike, with nearly 1,000 Alaskans submitting testimony in opposition to Williams’ appointment since Gov. Mike Dunleavy selected him in 2020.
Prior to the legislature’s vote, Rep. Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, said he heard an unprecedented amount of opposition to Williams’ appointment from his constituents, including a joint letter from a wide-range of Bristol Bay regional organizations opposing Williams’ appointment: Bristol Bay Economic Development Corp., Bristol Bay Housing Authority, Bristol Bay Native Association, Bristol Bay Native Corporation and United Tribes of Bristol Bay . Edgmon said William’s role with the Pebble Limited Partnership makes him a polarizing figure in Bristol Bay, and that constituents made clear that Williams’ did not have the trust or relationships necessary in Bristol Bay to serve on the board.
Sen. Lyman Hoffman, D-Bethel, said he didn’t believe Williams’ would best serve the interests of all Alaskans on the board, and was concerned that Williams’ would put Outside interests ahead of Alaskans’ when it came to decisions about fisheries management. “We need to protect Alaska fisheries for Alaskan fishermen,” Hoffman said prior to the vote. - More...
Tuesday PM - May 11, 2021 |
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Ketchikan: Marc Wever, MD, Joins PeaceHealth Ketchikan's general surgery team - PeaceHealth Medical Group recently announced that Marc Wever, MD, has recently joined their surgical team. Dr. Wever is a skilled surgeon with nearly 30 years of experience and expertise in endoscopy and general surgeries.
Dr. Wever has a significant association with PeaceHealth Ketchikan. He has been a part-time acute care surgeon at PeaceHealth since 2018 alternating his practice between Ketchikan and North Carolina where he was working as an acute care surgeon at Carolinas Healthcare System near Charlotte and the CarolinaEast Health System in New Bern. Dr. Wever was also an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. With the departure of Julie Conyers, MD, Dr. Wever has accepted a full-time position on our general surgery team.
Dr. Wever graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine where he also completed his internship in internal medicine. Dr. Wever was a resident and chief resident in general surgery at the Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. He received his Bachelor of Science degree at Southern Illinois University. He has provided private practice and healthcare system general surgical services since 1993. - More...
Tuesday PM - May 11, 2021
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Alaska: Alaska Legislature Votes to Reduce Government Regulation of Renewable Energy Projects - The Alaska Legislature on Friday passed Senate Bill 69, encouraging private investment in renewable energy projects by extending an exemption from duplicative government regulations for independent power producers (IPPs).
“Extending this exemption will encourage more private investment in renewable energy projects across Alaska,” said Senator Josh Revak (R-Anchorage) the bill’s sponsor. “Since 2010, this exemption has led to new investment, and has generated a growing diversity of energy sources for Alaska’s utilities. During a time of increasingly tight state budgets, simply getting government out of the way and allowing the private sector to work is one of the best ways to ensure our state remains a leader in renewable energy and encourage investment in our struggling economy.”
In 2010, the Legislature enacted Senate Bill 277 to better align Alaska’s regulatory treatment of renewable energy power generation produced by IPPs with how they are regulated at the federal level.
At the time, Alaska was the only state to extend the regulatory authority of a public utility commission like the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) to regulate not just the power purchase agreement but also the IPP. By doing away with the duplicative layer of review and regulation in 2010, the Legislature encouraged private investment in renewable energy projects. - More...
Tuesday PM - May 11, 2021
Alaska: Alaska sportfisheries receive a boost in funding as HB80 passes House - The Alaska House of Representatives passed a bill Friday that allows the Department of Fish and Game to collect funds that are vital to the successful operation of Alaska's sportfish hatcheries and facilities.
House Bill 80 passed 32-4 and was originally introduced by Gov. Mike Dunleavy's administration. The measure would allow the State of Alaska to resume collection of a surcharge on sportfishing licenses. An estimated half a million dollars would be raised annually, with the funds collected going toward the enhancement and maintenance of sportfishing facilities.
"Alaska is home to world-class natural resources, including many places that attract sportfishers from across the state and around the globe," said Rep. Bart LeBon (R-Fairbanks), who carried HB 80 on the House floor. "This bill will help ensure that the future maintenance needs at hatchery facilities around the state continue to be supported and will promote habitat restoration, sport fisheries management and research, and invasive species management." - More...
Tuesday PM - May 11, 2021
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Alaska: New 2020 Alaska Scorecard Released - The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), in partnership with the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority (Trust), announced the release of the 2020 Scorecard: Key Issues Impacting Alaska Mental Health Trust Beneficiaries. This scorecard aligns with Strengthening the System: Alaska’s Comprehensive Integrated Mental Health Program Plan 2020-2024 that was completed by DHSS and the Trust in 2019.
The 2020 Alaska Scorecard has been revised to include both new indicators and new narratives that are consistent with goals set forth in Strengthening the System that define a health care system that provides a full continuum of prevention, treatment and support services to Trust beneficiaries in Alaska. The new scorecard builds on the historic practice of updating an annual scorecard examining health outcomes that began in 2008 following the publication of the previous version of the Comprehensive Plan, and adds new indicators including those related to early childhood intervention, long term services, and the social determinants of health.
“I appreciate the strong, collaborative team that has worked to update the annual Scorecard so it’s aligned with the new health outcomes in the Comprehensive Plan. Their work will help DHSS, the Trust, our partners and stakeholders to evaluate the current health of Alaska’s population, identify strategies that are working, and focus on the challenges we still need to address,” said DHSS Commissioner Adam Crum. - More...
Tuesday PM
Alaska: Firearm safe storage proposal introduced in Alaska House of Representatives - A proposal to promote the safe storage of firearms was introduced in the Alaska House of Representatives last week.
House Bill 203, introduced by Rep. Adam Wool (D-Fairbanks), would encourage gun owners to safely secure weapons in their homes to avoid accidental injuries and deaths by establishing the offense of misconduct involving weapons in the sixth degree.
This would simply allow law enforcement officials to issue citations to people who, in the course of investigations into deaths and injuries, are found to have left firearms unsecured – meaning, without a trigger lock or placed outside of a locked container. Citations could range from $500 to $1,000.
The proposal does not enable the seizure of firearms, nor does it encourage law enforcement to search for potential violators or allow incarceration for the new class of offense. - More...
Tuesday PM - May 11, 2021
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Alaska: Governor Dunleavy Creates Task Force on Broadband- Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy last week signed Administrative Order No. 322 to establish the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband (Task Force) to address the growing need for reliable, high speed connectivity for all Alaskans.
“On the heels of a global pandemic, now more than ever do we see the critical role that the internet plays in nearly every part of life and the importance of good connectivity for every Alaskan.” said Governor Dunleavy.
Dunleavy said, “We have a large amount of federal pandemic relief funding coming to Alaska, with potentially more on the way if an infrastructure bill passes Congress, and there is a lot of discussion surrounding broadband. The Task Force on Broadband will convene the stakeholders involved in delivering and using broadband, particularly in rural Alaska, to identify the communities that need to be connected and upgraded, and provide recommendations back to our administration on how best to get Alaskans connected with high speed, affordable internet.”
Closing Alaska’s digital divide important to meet the growing demand for bandwidth to support basic government functions, commerce, innovation, economic development, and a high quality of life at home for Alaskans. The Task Force will assess remaining gaps in the system and technologies used to deliver broadband and provide recommendations to the Governor on State of Alaska on state involvement in broadband infrastructure development, and equitable use of state funds to assist in the buildout of broadband networks to get more Alaskans connected. The recommendations are to be submitted to the Governor by October 1, 2021. - More...
Tuesday PM - May 11, 2021
Alaska: “Don’t poo in the blue!” - With the summer boating season underway, Alaska Department of Environmental Commissioner Jason Brune reminds recreational and commercial boaters that it is illegal to discharge untreated sewage anywhere in the State’s freshwaters or the marine waters within three miles of Alaska’s shores. This includes dumping buckets, leaning over the rail, as well as bypassing the holding tanks of an on-board toilet whether in a harbor, at anchor, on the fishing grounds, or while underway. Reminder letters were sent to all Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission permit holders reminding them of their responsibility to protect Alaska’s pristine waters.
“’Don’t poo in the blue’ is a funny way to help us all remember to do the right thing, but this is a serious issue,” said Brune. “Untreated human waste can harm fish and shellfish and contaminate shellfish beds, and it can transmit diseases to other people. Discharging untreated sewage is illegal, and it sends the wrong message about how Alaska cares for our home waters.”
Discharging sewage with less than primary treatment can result in penalties of up to $2,000.
Federal law requires all vessels with onboard heads use a U.S. Coast Guard certified Marine Sanitation Device (MSD). Type III MSDs are preferred and include holding tanks, incinerators, and recirculating tanks. These tanks store waste until it can be pumped out at a pump station or released offshore. Vessels equipped with a Y-valve are required to have those valves locked within 3 nautical miles of shore to prevent illegal discharge. - More....
Tuesday PM - May 11, 2021 |
FINANCIAL FOCUS: First-time homebuyer? Follow these steps Provided By BEN EDWARDS, AAMS® - Is homeownership a goal of yours? It does offer some benefits, in addition to meeting your basic need for shelter. The equity you build in your home can be a valuable financial asset, and you may get to deduct your interest payments on your taxes. But if you’re a first-time homebuyer, what steps should you take?
First, make sure the time is right for you in terms of your personal and financial situations. For example, are you fairly confident that your employment is stable and that your earnings won’t decline? Of course, external events can also play a role in your decision. A recent study by Morning Consult and Edward Jones found that 12% of respondents postponed purchasing a house during the COVID-19 pandemic.
But if you’re ready and eager for homeownership, consider the following moves:
- More...
Tuesday PM - May 11, 2021
DANNY TYREE: ARE YOU STILL PROCRASTINATING ABOUT YOUR TAX RETURN? - Misery loves company, but it’s cold comfort that many of you – like me – still haven’t filed your 2020 income tax returns.
(And I’m aware others of you had already pre-spent your refund SIX MONTHS AGO, but come on, dude. When you announce, “I’m anxious to revisit 2020!,” you probably need to spend part of that refund on an ensemble that matches a white straitjacket.)
Prompt filers, don’t judge your foot-dragging fellow citizens. People have the right to prioritize their time, and income tax doesn’t necessarily rate a top spot in the middle of January. Millions of good, decent Americans will tell you (a) “We’re shorthanded at work and the overtime is killing me,” (b) “Taking care of my aged parents is more urgent than a Schedule C” or (c) “Those three stockpiled seasons of ‘Real Housewives of Southeast Podunk’ aren’t going to watch THEMSELVES. Duh.”
Rushing to pay my taxes is just rushing to be reminded of my INSIGNIFICANCE. Nothing puts you in your place like realizing that your paltry contribution to the national budget would fund three nanoseconds of a congressional junket. (“I’ll bet a year-long town fundraiser would buy enough school desks to shield us from Putin’s nuclear arsenal!”) - More...
Tuesday PM - May 11, 2021
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Political Cartoon: Biden and non-vaxxers
by John Cole©2021 The Scranton Times-Tribune, PA
Distributed to subscribers for publication for Cagle Cartoons, Inc.
Political Cartoon: Biden Infrastructure Spending
by Daryl Cagle©2021, CagleCartoons.com
Distributed to subscribers for publication for Cagle Cartoons, Inc.
Political Cartoon: Economy Horse Race
by Dick Wright©2021 PoliticalCartoons.com
Distributed to subscribers for publication for Cagle Cartoons, Inc.
Political Cartoon: Labor shortage
by Kevin Siers©2021, The Charlotte Observer, NC
Distributed to subscribers for publication for Cagle Cartoons, Inc.
Political Cartoon: Birth rates down
by Dave Granlund©2021, PoliticalCartoons.com
Distributed to subscribers for publication for Cagle Cartoons, Inc. |
S. 1 Would Muzzle Free Speech By Mead Treadwell - If you want to turn private life into political warfare, there’s a bill in the U.S. Senate just for you. It’s the Democrats’ 800-page election takeover, S. 1.
Promoted as a voting and campaign reform measure, 300 pages of the bill actually contain new restrictions on your First Amendment rights to association and free speech. These provisions have been criticized by everyone from the ACLU to Mitch McConnell, but Democratic leaders refuse to budge. The bill has already passed the House of Representatives.
S. 1 also seeks to nationalize election law in ways that won’t fit our unique state. I oversaw elections as Gov. Sean Parnell’s lieutenant governor. Alaska’s election rules reflect our vast land areas, diverse languages and cultures, and even the challenges of getting an ID card if you live in rural Alaska. Sadly, S. 1 will not allow for our uniqueness and diversity. It turns more power over elections to the federal government, and overrides our state’s constitution in several ways.
A second challenge in the law is its effort to stifle political debate and undermine individual privacy, both things Alaskans hold dear. Under S. 1, any group that mentions a candidate in communications about legislation or public affairs could be forced to publicly expose its supporters. This will discourage Americans from joining groups that speak about the issues. It would also violate the privacy of longstanding nonprofit organizations that care about public policy and good government. - More...
Tuesday PM - May 11, 2021
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Part II – FY 2022 Borough Manager’s Proposed Salary – Follow-Up to My Letter of May 3 By Dan Bockhorst - I was told by one elected Borough official that I caused division by widely distributing a copy of my May 3 letter to the Assembly. Another elected Borough official has made false and defamatory comments about me on social media because of my letter. A third Borough official told me that they have “lost quite a bit of respect” for me because of the way I handled the matter.
Those comments reflect the perceptions of those who made them. I don’t apologize for anything I did and would take the same action again if faced with the same circumstances.
The comments regarding my May 3 letter were by no means universally negative. I also received many positive remarks about my letter.
Mayor Dial took the time to write a lengthy note to me the other day (just after midnight!). Mayor Dial was courteous, explained his views on the matter, candidly told me he didn’t agree with some of the things I had said, but thanked me for my comments. That was professional and much appreciated.
I won’t speculate about how other elected Borough officials might view my comments.
I’m a strong believer in transparency in government. During the time I was the Ketchikan Borough Manager, I wrote standards to ensure that the Borough budget and other financial documents promoted transparency and accountability, were easy to understand, and provided trust and confidence. I wanted those standards to be given great weight. Therefore, I proposed to the Assembly that it enact an ordinance instituting those standards in law. The Assembly did so by adopting Ordinance Number 1777S2. The standards are codified in KGBC 4.05.015, a copy of which appears below. - More...
Tuesday PM - May 11, 2021
Ketchikan Harbor Board By A. M. Johnson - Hats off to the Harbor board!!! The addition of safety ladders for overboard boaters (floaters?) in the harbors are a long time issue.
Thanks to the action, too that the ladders are well spaced and numerous is a pilus.
While giving thanks for this improvement to the harbor safety, might I add a oft times mentioned subject of liability insurance as a moorage requirement. When suggested, the response is commercial boat owners overwhelmingly oppose additional harbor cost. I find that a bit hard to accept. Most if not all, commercial boats of value, are covered, Boats under purchase contracts are most surely required to have insurance, as well, financed pleasurer boats. Then there are those like myself, who have responsible self worth with insurance to protect ourselves and those around us.
I reflect on a recent sinking in Bar Harbor North. It would be a wonder if the boat owner has insurance to cover this incident, Assuming not, the cost of raising the boat falls on the taxpayers and users of the harbor that provide such insurance coverage. - More...
Tuesday PM - May 11, 2021
Ketchikan Borough Manager budgeted a $50,000 annual raise for himself By Dan Bockhorst - It's been brought to my attention that the Borough Manager has budgeted a $50,000 (40%) annual raise for himself beginning July 1. That level of increase for any Borough employee at any time is outrageous. It's especially so in the economic climate we currently find ourselves.- More...
Tuesday PM - May 04, 2021
Fishing and Mariculture Update By Rep. Dan Ortiz - The fishing and mariculture industries - including fishing, processing, and management and hatcheries - produces $5.6 billion in economic output to Alaska’s economy and employs almost 60,000 workers each year. One of my main priorities as the District 36 representative is to protect and enhance our seafood industry.- More...
Tuesday PM - May 04, 2021
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