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Thursday
August 14, 2014
Murphy's Landing: Sunset
Front Page Photo By MIKE GATES ©2014
(Please respect the rights of photographers, never republish or copy
without permission and/or payment of required fees.)
Ketchikan: 86 Years for Bugge Beach Park By MARY KAUFFMAN - Eighty-six years later, Bugge Beach is still a popular recreational area and Rotary and other volunteers continue to be involved in adding improvments to this long-enjoyed beach located just south of Ketchikan.
The most recent improvement is the completion of new concrete access stairs by First City Rotary at the northern end of Rotary Beach, also commonly known as “Bugge’s Beach.
This popular beach was first owned by Martin Bugge, who in 1915 bought a cluster of six or seven Gold Nugget claims that today would include Bugge Beach and a sizable stretch of the hillside above it.
According to the feature article, "Martin Bugge's Beach: Part of the 1915 Gold Nugget Claims" By June Allen, Martin Bugge was a quiet Norwegian miner-to-be who left Minesota during the Alaska Gold Rush to make his fortune. Bugge was of Ketchikan's original settlers at the turn of the 20th century and he was known as a hard worker and died a wealthy man.
The first road from Ketchikan to Saxman was built in 1925, providing east access to the Bugge's beach property In 1929, the Rotary Club of Ketchikan leased the beach property from Martin Bugge and did some work on the bathing pool and two years later decided to raise money by public subscription to buy the property from Bugge, to improve it, and dedicate it as a public park. That's why the property's name became changed to Rotary Park; however, Ketchikan folks are known for calling many if not most locations and businesses by "what they used to be" called, wrote Allen.
By 1930, Rotary bought the beach property from Bugge for $2500, wrote Allen.
Allen wrote, It was a recreation area built by volunteer efforts and enjoyed by all. Even in earlier years, vandals took their toll on destroying the beach. Vandals destroyed the toilets that had been installed, threw broken bottles into the swimming hole resulting in fewer and fewer people going to the once popular park.
Then during World War II, the U.S. Coast Guard took on the park as a project, cleaning the glass and debris from the swimming hole, repairing its damaged breakwater, and clearing the grounds. And since over the years, Rotary and other groups have made efforts to keep the park in good shape, wrote Allen.
The latest effort to improve Rotary Beach was completed this summer by First City Rotary with the completion of the new concrete stairs that will make access to the beach much easier for a larger number of individuals and groups in the community who previously may not have been able to enjoy this popular Ketchikan gathering area.
Funding for the 2014 project was a direct result of Rotary Duck Race ticket sales, with matching funds by Rotary District 5010, which spans throughout Alaska and the Yukon.
Past President of First City Rotary, Rosie Roppel, spearheaded the application for the grant from Rotary District 5010, while Coast Guard member, Jennifer Wescott, spearheaded the project management, and Dick Miller was the champion according to Roppel.
Despite early construction setbacks this summer due to vandalism on the wooden forms of the stairs which were removed and burned as bon fire material, many additional individuals and groups came together to ensure the ultimate success of the project. Liquid Stone Designs, also known for their work in constructing the new Skate Park, donated materials and labor, and local businessman, Scott Davis, of Cheap-N-Easy Handyman services, donated the replacement lumber and also rebuilt the stair forms after the vandalism incident. - More...
Thursday - August 14, 2014
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Alaska: Refuge Urged to Protect Alaska's Rare Kenai Bears From Overhunting - The Center for Biological Diversity submitted a petition Monday, urging Alaska's Kenai National Wildlife Refuge to enact a permanent ban on sport hunting of brown bears on refuge lands. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, over the past 18 months, after the state of Alaska loosened regulations, Kenai Peninsula bears have been killed at an unprecedented rate. Of the roughly 600 bears on the peninsula, some 100 were killed in 2013 and another 52 were killed by hunters this spring, most at bait stations according to the Center.
Photo courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
“Kenai’s bears have taken a beating ever since Alaska’s game commission loosened hunting rules. If the killing continues at this pace, these bears - which are isolated and genetically unique - could face the real possibility of disappearing from our public lands,” said Kiersten Lippmann, a biologist with the Center’s Alaska office. “That’s why we need science, not politics, to drive management. Unfortunately politicians want to manage Alaska’s wilderness as a giant moose farm, bereft of the bears, wolves, lynx, wolverine and other predators that make Alaska such a wild place.”
The following day, August 12th, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a proposed temporary closure of sport hunting of brown bears on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The closure would take effect on September 1, 2014, and would remain in effect until May 31, 2015.
notice of and additional information on the proposed temporary closure. The public hearings will be held at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Office, 1011 East Tudor Road, Anchorage on Tuesday August 26, 2014, and at the Soldotna Sports Center, Kalifornsky Beach Road, Soldotna on Wednesday August 27, 2014. Both hearings will be held from 6-9pm. The Service will be accepting both verbal and written testimony at the hearings.
Monday’s petition submitted by the Center for Biological Diversity, requests that the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge begin a process of official rulemaking, resulting in a permanent ban on brown bear hunting on the refuge. The refuge has already taken steps toward protecting brown bears on its lands with a ban on brown bear baiting. In fall 2013, the refuge imposed an emergency halt to brown bear hunting as the death toll neared 100 bears. This year, with the fall hunting season set to begin Sept. 1, could be just as deadly for the bears.
“The vast majority of Alaskans, and visitors to Alaska, enjoy viewing and photographing bears, not shooting them,” said Lippmann. “The Board of Game catered to the whims of a few when they enacted a policy designed to kill off as many of these iconic bears as possible.” - More...
Thursday - August 14, 2014
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Southeast Alaska: Coast Guard Responds to Grounding - After the M/V Pacific Queen grounded at Harris Habor in Juneau Tuesday morning, the Coast Guard Sector Juneau personnel responded to a report of possible pollution caused by the grounding.
The motor vessel Pacific Queen grounded at Harris Harbor
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffry Crews.
Coast Guard pollution responders arrived on scene and observed a small sheen. The hull of Pacific Queen sustained minor damage due to grounding.
The owner of the vessel took actions to regain the stability of their vessel and mitigate any threat of pollution. The Coast Guard will maintain an active role in overseeing the safety of the worksite.
“Even though this is a small spill, Coast Guard members are trained to respond to all sizes of spills of oil or hazardous materials,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffry Crews, Sector Juneau marine science technician. - More...
Thursday - August 14, 2014
Alaska: Interior Department’s Response To King Cove Confirms Worst Suspicions - King Cove residents commended Senator Lisa Murkowski today following what they said is Murkowski's accurate assessment of the U.S. Interior Secretary’s letter: Jewell has done nothing to help King Cove with its transportation access problem, despite her pledge nearly eight months ago to do so.
“Once again Secretary Jewell is brushing us off. We wholeheartedly agree with Senator Murkowski’s assessment,” said Della Trumble, spokeswoman for the Agdaagux Tribe and the King Cove Corporation. “It’s truly shocking that after months of waiting to hear from the Secretary, all we get is a disingenuous response completely lacking in substance.”
“How can she ignore two Izembek environmental impact statements, both of which rejected marine/dock and helicopter alternatives?” said King Cove Mayor Henry Mack. “An improved dock and ferry would not adequately address King Cove’s access to medical flights at the Cold Bay Airport in harsh weather. Furthermore, what commercial helicopter is going to be able to fly in howling winds and zero visibility? If Jewell believes there are other workable alternatives, we need to see some real evidence to support those claims, not just idle words.” |
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Yesterday’s letter from Jewell was the first response from the Secretary since her promise to respond to King Cove’s letters. On January 16, King Cove tribes and community leaders wrote asking Jewell to reconsider her December 2013 decision to reject the road corridor and land exchange. On April 15, the King Cove group sent a letter to Jewell explaining in detail why alternatives other than the road would not meet the safety concerns of the remote community.
“Every possible alternative has been discussed, analyzed and ultimately rejected as being either unreliable, infeasible or both,” Trumble said.
“Let’s be honest here,” said Mayor Mack. “Jewell’s rejection of the road has little to do with the real facts of the environmental impacts of a road. Her rejection is in keeping with this administration’s policy of catering to the wishes of environmental activists who have repeatedly rejected our attempts to increase the size of the Izembek Refuge in exchange for safer access to emergency medical care.” - More...
Thursday - August 14, 2014
Columns - Commentary
DAVE KIFFER: Alaska Bush Mayor - I must be the only person in Alaska without my own reality show.
Really, every time I turn on the tube, someone else has a show “celebrating” just how bat-guano crazy someone has to be live in this here Last Frontier.
First, it was those wacky fishermen on the Deadliest Catch. Bad weather, check! Bad crew, check! Bad language, check!
Of course, if anyone spent so much time fighting foul weather, foul crews and foul language as those yahoos do on that show they wouldn’t have any time to catch anything to sell. But who would turn in to watch a show in which the weather was nice, the crew was nice and the language was nice?
Apparently one person.
You see, I have a surprisingly high Google “profile” and people seem to contact me with questions about Alaska all the time. Usually several times a week.
A few years back, right after Deadliest Catch hit big, I got a message from someone claiming to a “religious broadcaster” wondering if I knew of “any Alaskan fishermen who fished in a Christian manner.”
I suspected he meant something a little less profane than Deadliest Catch. Maybe even a few allusions to “fishers of men” etc. But I wasn’t sure, so I asked him to define “fishing in a Christian manner.”
I guess the fact that I had to ask meant I wasn’t fit to know because he never answered.
Or maybe he just got some Canadian fisherfolk because they are less profane and work for less money. - More...
Thursday - August 14, 2014
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Political Cartoon: Internet Control
By Randall Enos, Cagle Cartoons
Distributed to subscribers for publication by Cagle Cartoons, Inc.
PHIL KERPEN: A Big New Tax Coming to Your Internet Bill - Since 1998 it has been prohibited by federal law for states and localities to tax Internet access. This policy, known as the Internet Tax Freedom Act, has been extended three times with broad bipartisan support. But it is set to expire again on November 1, and some Senate Democrats appear willing, this time, to allow it to actually expire if they can't use it to leverage an unrelated tax issue. It's a dangerous game that could cost taxpayers billions of dollars and worsen the digital divide by pricing some lower income Americans off of the Internet entirely.
The House, led by Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte of Virginia, passed a bill last month to make the ban on Internet access taxes permanent. It was a voice vote — meaning not a single member objected. "The permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act merely prevents Internet access taxes and unfair multiple and discriminatory taxes on e-commerce," Goodlatte explained on the House floor. "It does not tackle the issue of Internet sales taxes." - More...
Thursday - August 14, 2014
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Update in Progress
 True Tongass ‘transition’ would increase local jobs per log cut By Malena Marvin - In its latest statement on the direction of the much-awaited Tongass transition, the Forest Service says the future is now for the Tongass National Forest. We couldn’t agree more, and we’re happy to see the agency working with local people to chart a course toward a more prosperous and sustainable future for Southeast Alaskan communities. - More...
Wednesday AM- August 13, 2014
My rights are like "a child asking for candy" By Janalee Minnich Gage - Last Thursday night I attended the Ketchikan city council meeting regarding the integrated access to the new performing arts center, and it is hard to imagine how it is that after 24 years that we still have no concept of what ADA law is or about. - More...
Wednesday AM - August 13, 2014
Thank You By Chere Klein - Thank you to Metlakatla Indian Community, Mayor Hudson & the entire Metlakatla community for being so welcoming to all the visitors at your Founder's Day celebration events & feasts. - More...
Wednesday AM - August 13, 2014
Tax Increases By Greg Harris - I hope this finds you all healthy and happy as its been a couple years since I've been on the rock. After reading Mr. Dial's letter concerning tax increases proposed and passed I couldn't help myself, I just had to comment. - More...
Wednesday AM - August 13, 2014
Fed Up! By Susan Cody - I have lived in my Ketchikan residence at the dead end of a city street for over 4 years. There are more than 10 trash cans near the front of my house for the residents that live in this area. For the past 3 summers I have drilled holes in all of the trash cans, paid for and installed reinforcements to keep the bears from spreading garbage. Although 3 of my neighbors are bear proofing and helping the situation, the majority of my neighbors don't. They simply do not take the 2 seconds to latch them. For the last couple summers I would just pick up all of the garbage, but this year I am fed up with it all. It seems as though they expect me to continue cleaning it up. - More...
Wednesday AM - August 13, 2014
Chere Klein for District 36 By Peggy Wilson - I’d like to tell you why I am ENDORSING CHERE KLEIN for District 36 House of Representative; and why it’s important you vote for her August 19th over other candidates currently running. - More...
Wednesday PM - August 13, 2014
Vote for Klein By K.A. Swiger - I will be voting or Chere Klein on August 19th. I hope you do too. I have known Chere for many years, serving on chamber committees with her and have seen her many community involvements. - More...
Wednesday PM - August 13, 2014
Moran for State House By Steve Ortiz - I believe that southern southeast Alaska would be well served by electing Agnes Moran as its State Representative. Agnes brings multiple years of leadership, experience, and dedication to District 36. Her work history with the Ketchikan Gateway Borough and previously Cisco Systems demonstrates that she produces innovative actions and an ability to solve difficult issues for large organizations. - More...
Wednesday AM - August 13, 2014
Vote for Chere Klein By Renee Schofield - I'll be voting for Chere Klein. As a small biz owner, she understands the need for diversity, clarity and simplicity in laws that affect small businesses. That matters a great deal to me. As a small business owner, incorporated in Alaska, but working nationally, I need representation that will grow with me. I think Chere can do that. - More...
Wednesday AM - August 13, 2014
FairTax By Kathleen Perera - I agree with Wiley Brook's letter to you dated August 6, 2013. Our country was able to be financial stable for over half of its life WITHOUT the IRS and income tax. - More...
Wednesday AM - August 13, 2014
The Fair Tax By Pat Burkett - Wiley Brooks letter of August 6, 2014, is informative and timely. It is of interest to me that the writers of our Constitution rejected taxing income and believed that a tax on consumption was the proper way to fund government. Taxing consumption puts individuals in charge of their money and the amount of taxes they pay because there is no tax on spending for basic necessities due to the rebate provision of the Fair Tax. Therefore, it is discretionary spending that is taxed, and that spending is under our own, immediate control, not that of the IRS to take out before we ever get our paychecks. - More...
Wednesday AM - August 13, 2014
Machinations, part II By Rodney Dial - I wasn’t going to write another letter again so soon, but couldn’t believe what happened between my last letter on June 24th and the Ketchikan City Council meeting on July 24th.
People who have been reading my letters know that I have been saying for the last ten years that the excess spending, massive buildings, government parties, waste, etc. would lead to massive debt, tax increases and a City too expensive for our children. - More...
Thursday - August 07, 2014
The Importance of Integrated Access to the Performing Arts Center By Janalee Minnich Gage - I am concerned about Ketchikan's support quality integrated access to the performing arts center. I am an active member of the First City Players, which has been an integral part of my life even while I was out of town working for the past 10 years in public service. In many ways it is my refuge, my release and my savior. The arts keep me grounded and involved as a community member; it is my therapy. First City Players has always been about my ability not my disability. They have strived to be inclusive and have gone out of their way to provide a place for anyone and everyone who wants to be a part of the program. I think the City should want to support this. - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
Thanks with meaning! By A.M. Johnson - A couple of things on my mind that warrants following up on. The first is the line crew of the KPU who are installing new poles on North Tongass. I pass these fellows several times a day. What is most noticeable is the intense attitude of the crew. From the foreman and I suppose the safety watch on the operation to the full crew. There is no slack time. Everybody appears professional with no lost movements. I thank them for their diligent and safe work area that they provide for their selves and the driving public. Good job!! - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
Four Friends By Garnet Dima - Four of my friends are running for the House District 36 seat. All four candidates vying for the House District 36 seat are truly wonderful people. They are longtime residents of Ketchikan who want nothing but the best for souther Southeast Alaska. Each of the candidates is smart and hardworking. - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
Moran for House District 36 By Bobbie McCreary - Vote for Moran, the best person to speak for Southeast. I have observed Ms. Moran's ability to speak with a strong voice for issues or projects she has carefully researched and determined appropriate for the Borough to support. She will make sure she is well informed and then will go to bat to lead the charge for what we need in Southeast. - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
TWO OF THE 3 ALASKA REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES FOR THE U.S. SENATE SUPPORT THE FairTax® By Wiley Brooks - An issue that deserves our attention has recently surfaced in the debates between the Republican Party candidates who hope to unseat Senator Mark Begich in the November 4 General Election. That issue is the 100 year old income tax system which can only be described as a ridiculous complex and intrusive mess. It is burdensome to tax filer, destructive to the economy and custom designed to invite political motivated abuse and corruption. It is broken beyond repair and the time has come to correct a 100 year old mistake. - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
Big business & Ketchikan's dock By Bob Brown - Big business is dictating the dock we load and unload , and the City of Ketchikan is going along with it. On July 29th, I brought my bus down for the tour that I was assigned to wait for. We must give our sellers time to sell enough before loading . I normally would have someone come out to back me but instead the Harbor Master came out and tells me I'm too big to be on the dock while Princess buses are there so was told to remove myself for a time while they get to bring more buses down. This has never happened before this year. WE had all been given a space no matter what. They argue that they should bring their buses down first and make us wait and then let us come on the dock. - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
SB21: ?A Bad Deal for Alaska By Hal Gazaway & Barbara Gazaway - In the oil revenue debate we've heard and read misleading statements and distorted facts. As long time Alaska residents, business owners, and grandparents, we are very concerned about Alaska’s future economy. The “Vote No on Proposition One” group paints an “almost too good to be true” picture if SB21 prevails in August. The group repeatedly alludes to Alaska’s partnership with the oil companies, assuring us that this new deal (SB21) will result in more jobs as well as economic growth. - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
Prop 1 By Paul Hovik - Just say No to "Oiligarchy" - Vote Yes on 1! - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
Women Legislators Weigh In On Oil Tax Referendum By Senator Lesil McGuire, Senator Anna Fairclough, Senator Cathy Giessel, Representative Mia Costello, Representative Lynn Gattis, Representative Lindsey Holmes, Representative Shelley Hughes, Representative Charisse Millett, Representative Lora Reinbold, Representative Peggy Wilson & Representative Tammie Wilson - The discussion around oil tax reform and Ballot Measure 1 has benefitted from many informed and passionate voices from across the state. As women who serve in the Legislature and who voted for the bill that created our new tax policy, we want to lend a unique perspective on why we voted to pass Senate Bill 21 and why we will vote NO on 1 this August. - More...
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
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