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Thursday
October 31, 2013
Halloween's A Scream
"All Hallows' Evening", also known as All Hallows' Eve, is a yearly celebration observed in a number of countries on October 31st, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day. It initiates the triduum of Hallowmas, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the faithful departed believers.
Front Page Photograph By SHARYL HALL ©2013
(Please respect the rights of photographers, never republish or copy
without permission and/or payment of required fees.)
Ketchikan: Ketchikan Medical Center Recognized As A ‘Top Performer on Key Quality Measures™ - Wednesday, PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center (KMC) was named one of the nation’s Top Performers on Key Quality Measures™ by The Joint Commission for its exemplary performance in the areas of Surgical Care and Pneumonia.
L to R: Quality team members Pamela Standley, Carolyn Corrao, Carolene Hall, Erin Traudt, and Lindsay Duckworth
Photo courtesy Ketchikan Medical Center
Ketchikan Medical Center is one of 1,099 hospitals in the U.S. recognized in “Improving America’s Hospitals,” The Joint Commission’s annual report on quality and safety, for their performance in 2012. Top Performers are recognized for using evidence-based clinical processes that are shown to improve care for certain conditions, including heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care, children’s asthma, stroke and venous thromboembolism, as well as inpatient psychiatric services.
“Our caregivers understand that what matters most to our patients is safe, effective care,” says Chief Administrative Officer Ken Tonjes. “That’s why we are so committed to doing what it takes to assure positive patient outcomes through evidence-based care processes provided with a compassionate touch.” - More...
Thursday AM - October 31, 2013
Southeast Alaska: Forest Service plans to address future of cabin program - The changing face of visitation on the Tongass National Forest, along with the reality of shrinking budgets, has prompted Tongass managers to begin strategically planning for the future of the Forest Service’s 152 recreation cabins.
Increasing costs and declining funding resulted in a $600,000 budget shortfall in the Forest Service’s cabin program this year. In the strategic plan, managers aim to identify cabins that are underused, dilapidated, or otherwise unsustainable, and explore how the forest can refocus available funding on those cabins which are most heavily used and valued by the public. Another goal is to build partnerships with Tongass cabin users to sustain more cabins through volunteer work projects and philanthropy.
“Cabins on the Tongass are some of the forest’s most unique and popular visitor destinations, and they are a valued part of our recreation offerings,” says Forest Supervisor Forrest Cole. “Public recreation cabins on the Tongass are important to all of us in Southeast Alaska, because we use them for family recreation, hunting, fishing, and sometimes for emergency shelter. Unfortunately, we are faced with the challenge of sustaining a program we cannot afford.”
The forest’s most popular cabins - generally those on or near the road system, such as the Starrigavan cabin in Sitka or the John Muir cabin in Juneau, are often booked 100 to 270 nights per year. However, some cabins are used far less often—particularly those accessible only by floatplane or helicopter, as rising fuel prices have made charter flights increasingly costly. Of the 152 cabins managed by the Tongass, 21 of those saw less than 10 nights of use in 2012. - More...
Thursday AM - October 31, 2013
Ketchikan: Two pounds of marijuana seized at Bar Harbor - Two search warrants were served on two commercial fishing vessels located at the Bar Harbor docks in Ketchikan shortly after noon on Wednesday.
According to information released by the Alaska State Troopers, approximately two pounds of marijuana was seized, 11 illegal pills, and $8800 in US Currency.
The Alaska Bureau of Investigation's Southeast Alaska Cities Against Drugs Task Force (SEACAD) in Ketchikan and K-9 Justice, with the assistance of Alaska Wildlife Troopers and Alaska State Troopers from the Ketchikan Post, conducted the search. - More...
Thursday AM - October 31, 2013
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Alaska - National: U.S. Seafood Landings Annual Report Released - U.S. commercial fishermen landed 9.6 billion pounds of fish and shellfish in 2012, valued at $5.1 billion, according to Fisheries of the United States 2012, an annual report released by NOAA this week.
The value and pounds of fish and shellfish caught remain higher than the average for the previous ten years of 9.2 billion pounds and $4.1 billion, although this represents a small decrease from the high level of landings and value in 2011.
"Healthy, sustainable fish and shellfish stocks are incredibly important to our nation's social and economic fabric," said Sam Rauch, acting NOAA assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries. "The high landings and value of seafood in 2012 support the three-decade long effort that has gone into ending overfishing in the U.S. Thanks to our partners, the regional fishery management councils and especially U.S. fishermen, we now have some of the most responsibly managed, sustainable fisheries in the world."
U.S. Senator Mark Begich (D-AK) welcomed the news from the annual Fisheries of the United States publication that reports a record-breaking year for Alaska fishermen.
“Alaska fishermen continued to top the charts by landing over 5.3 billion pounds of seafood in 2012,” said Sen. Begich. “That’s 55.5 percent of the nation’s seafood production and worth $1.7 billion to fishermen. With this year’s record harvest of over a billion pounds of salmon, Alaska is bound to be in the lead next year too. These statistics just confirm that Alaska is still a world leader in effective, sustainable fisheries management.”
Unalaska-Dutch Harbor led the nation with 752 million pounds of seafood and ranked second in the nation in terms of value with production worth $214 million to the fleet, trailing only New Bedford’s lucrative scallop fishery. Other Alaska ports on the value charts included Kodiak, the Aleutians, the Alaska Peninsula, Bristol Bay, Naknek, Sitka, Seward and Ketchikan. - More...
Thursday AM - October 31, 2013
Southeast Alaska: Governor Announces Nominees to Pacific Salmon Commission - Governor Sean Parnell announced his nominations of Alaskans with experience in salmon fisheries for service on the Pacific Salmon Commission as public members. The Governor's nominations are subject to final approval and appointment by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
To the Pacific Salmon Commission, Northern Panel, the Governor nominated:
Clay Bezenek, of Ketchikan, has been a commercial fisherman for 30 years. He has significant knowledge of fisheries subject to the terms of the Pacific Salmon Treaty. Bezenek currently serves as a member of the Alaska Fisherman’s Fund Advisory Board, United Southeast Alaska Gillnetters, Southeast Alaska Fisheries Alliance, United Fishermen of Alaska, and Ketchikan Fish and Game Advisory Committee. This is Bezenek’s first nomination to the commission as a member.
Brennon Eagle, of Wrangell, has more than 35 years of experience as a Southeast Alaska gillnet fisherman. He also participates in halibut, shrimp, and crab fisheries. Eagle has served as a member of the Wrangell Fish and Game Advisory Committee for 20 years. He is a board member of the Southeast Alaska Fisherman’s Alliance and a member of the United Southeast Alaska Gillnetters Association. This is Eagle’s first nomination to the commission as an alternate member.
Mitchell Eide, of Petersburg, is a commercial fisherman and lifelong Petersburg resident. A vessel owner and operator, he fishes for salmon, herring, halibut, black cod, and crab. He serves on the boards of directors of the Southeast Alaska Seiners Association and the Northern Southeast Alaska Regional Aquaculture Association. Eide has served on the panel since 2006. - More...
Thursday AM - October 31, 2013
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Southeast Alaska: NEW $2.5M GRANT TARGETS FISHERIES TECHNOLOGY JOBS - The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) Sitka Campus will receive $2.5M for the growth and expansion of its Fisheries Technology degree program. The grant will foster the training and job preparation of a fisheries workforce in communities from Southeast Alaska to the Bering Sea. The award, which extends over four years, will allow students in coastal communities the opportunity to complete their coursework without leaving home. The grant advances the University’s Fisheries/Seafood/Maritime Initiative (FSMI), which involves collaboration with university and industry partners throughout Alaska.
According to UAS Provost Dr. Rick Caulfield, "this grant focuses on creating a skilled Alaskan workforce for fisheries, seafood, and maritime industries. While based at UAS, the program involves statewide partnerships with employers and with UAA and UAF. We appreciate this vote of support for our Fisheries Technology program from the US Department of Labor and our industry partners.” - More...
Thursday AM - October 31, 2013
Alaska: Alaska Airlines Increases Minimum Check-In Time to 40 Minutes - Alaska Airlines is changing its minimum check-in time for customers traveling on most domestic flights from 30 to 40 minutes prior to departure, regardless if a bag is checked or not. The minimum check-in time for international flights remains at 60 minutes.
The policy change is being made so that travelers on Alaska Airlines can expect the same minimum check-in time at almost all airports the carrier serves. The exceptions will be at airports where the check-in cutoff is already 45 minutes, such as Atlanta, Denver, Las Vegas, Newark and Philadelphia. Passengers traveling from Guadalajara have a 90-minute check-in cutoff time.
Alaska Airlines' longstanding boarding policy remains the same - passengers must be available to board at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time for all flights. - More...
Thursday AM - October 31, 2013
Alaska: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Finalize Guidance Regarding Native Handicrafts Made from Sea Otter - By the end of November, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service intends to issue final guidance to clarify the phrase “significantly altered” as it pertains to authentic native handicrafts and clothing made from sea otter, a species protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The intent of the guidance will be to reduce confusion over what this phrase means; the guidance will not change existing MMPA implementing regulations (50 CFR Part 18).
In March 2013 the Service made available for public comment draft guidance to clarify the phrases: “significantly altered from their natural form,” “dwells on the coast,” and “large-scale mass production”. Based on comments received on the draft guidance, the Service does not intend to address the latter two phrases in the final guidance and will instead focus only on clarification of the term “significantly altered.” - More...
Thursday AM - October 31, 2013 |
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 A Great Friend passes By James Schenk -
I lost a wonderful friend last night, Ketchikan lost a great person. I wish to thank all from South Tongass Fire department for their valiant efforts and the wonderful people of the ER department of PeaceHealth Hospital. God Bless all of you, we as a community are truly blessed to have all of you including the nurses who travel here to work in our little town. - More...
Thursday AM - October 31, 2013
Affordable Care Act By Norm Noggle -
I am retired and currently receiving Medicare benefits. Prior to the Affordable Care Act I was paying $75 for 100 test strips for my diabetic condition. I now pay $8 thanks to this Act. I also recently underwent a very expensive (to me) colonoscopy and all but 20% of the pre-op visit was paid. I also benefited from the most through physical exam of my life by my Primary Health Care Provider, Lani Hill; again at no cost to me, because of the benefit of ObamaCare. - More...
Thursday AM - October 31, 2013
RE: Wondering about Jackson Street? By Linda Hansen -
This is a very good questions, reguarding Trick or Treat on Jacksone Street? Will it be open to trick or treaters for Halloween day? What time does Halloween trick or treaters start? After dark? - More...
Thursday AM - October 31, 2013
RE: Halloween on Jackson By Teri Dickey -
I don't know what is happening on Jackson St., however we are celebrating at our house! The front yard is ready! Kristen, I hope to see you and your girls tomorrow night! And the rest of you too! - More...
Thursday AM - October 31, 2013
No More Traditional Paper Marine Charts By Michael Moyer -
The Federal Government recently announced it will stop printing Marine Navigation Charts this April. I find this to be another example of the absurd logic prevailing in our modern society. We foolishly believe everyone has an i-Phone, expensive electronic GPS plotters or has a lap top in their possession at all times. We have become so dependent upon our electronic devices we have no concept of how vital something like a paper marine chart can be. We cannot possibly conceive of the failure of our devices or the need for anything else. - More...
Monday PM - October 28, 2013
Will there be Halloween on Jackson? By Kristen Gilliard -
As Halloween creeps closer, I wanted to confirm if anyone has any information about Jackson Street being closed becuase of construction? My daughters and I, like many other families, traditionally "treat" throughout the Jackson Street neighborhood. If Jackson is closed, I am in need to make other holiday arrangements! - More...
Monday PM - October 28, 2013
Open Letter: Affordable Care Act By Michael Singsaas, MD; Rob Lieberson, MD; Colleen Murphy, MD; Peter Mjos, MD; Leif Thompson, MD; Joseph W. Vargas, DDS; Paul D. Forman, MD; Diane Maythorne, ANP-C; Emily Kane, ND, LAc; Norman Thompson, MD; & Burt Vanderbilt, MD - As medical professionals in Alaska, we are writing to correct the record with respect to the Affordable Care Act. As you probably have noticed, interest groups from Outside are running numerous, misleading television ads about the Affordable Care Act. Given the incredible amount of money being spent on these ads, we hope this letter plays a small role in providing accurate information about implementation of the Affordable Care Act, particularly as the Marketplace opened on October 1st. - More...
Monday PM - October 28, 2013
Ketchikan International Airport By Marvin Seibert -
Time for a little chuckle with all the problems Washington D.C. is causing the citizens of this great country. Recently there was a list of world's most thrilling airports and our very scenic airport in Ketchikan made the list. - More...
Monday PM - October 28, 2013
For an exciting landing try Sitka By Alan Rudolf (Rudy) McGillvray -
The people who decide the exciting landings for airplanes must not have gone to Sitka, where the tail of the plane landing is over the water at High Tide, when the wheels hit the tarmac, and when the plane finally stops, the nose of said jet plane is hanging over the far end of the runway. I would say that makes for an exciting landing every time, and I've done that a few more times than desired. - More...
Monday PM - October 28, 2013
Sealaska's need of a new CEO By Dominic Salvato -
As many of "facebook's" Sealaska Shareholders Underground (SSU) members know and I hope Sitnews readers understand, SSU doesn't want Sealaska to fail. Sealaska Shareholders Underground suggests we change from a resource extraction corporation to a Motion Picture and Television Studio based in Juneau or Ketchikan. One that would be creating a new Alaskan Industry to benefit all Alaskans with Sealaska's people involved at every level. - More...
Monday PM - October 28, 2013
RE: Shutdown was orchestrated... By Duane Hill -
Oh, I'm certain that every National Park keeps a printer able to create signs on 2'x3' sheet of plywood. Complete with a dark brown back ground. - More...
Monday PM - October 28, 2013
RE: IRS Tea Party Scandal By Paul Jarvi -
Getting rid of the IRS is Mr. Brooks' solution to helping the Tea Party. How do you solve funding our national government, the military, social security, and other functions of the government that you rely on in your daily life? - More...
Monday PM - October 28, 2013
Float plane Follies By James O'Neill -
Ketchikan is the child of prostitution and smuggling so it should come as no surprise that it is steeped in scandal and corruption. Long before I arrived, environmental concerns shut down the the town's primary industry. Hardworking loggers and pulp mill workers were forced out and a new industry grew out of the modern gold rush of tourism. The transition was slow and painful but the new revenue revitalized a depressed economy. - More...
Monday PM - October 28, 2013
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