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Wednesday
October 22, 2014
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Ward Creek Rainbows
Front Page Photograph By BRIAN DORGAN ©2014
(Please respect the rights of photographers, never republish or copy
without permission and/or payment of required fees.)
Ketchikan: New Life Comes To A Favorite Old Ketchikan Address By MARY KAUFFMAN - The start of a long-awaited renovation project at 335 Main Street has been announced by the Ketchikan Performing Arts Center Committee, under the auspices of First City Players.
335 Main Street, the site of the new Ketchikan Performing Arts Center
Photograph courtesy Debby Otte
This favorite old Ketchikan address is being revived as the new Ketchikan Performing Arts Center. This sturdy art-deco building at 335 Main Street, first opened in 1949 as Elks Lodge 1429 and was a favorite community gathering place for decades. This building was revived later as the Fireside Restaurant, with dances and other events - from theatrical productions to weddings. And now, a new life as a community performing arts center is just beginning.
After First City Players purchased the building in 2009, it has taken many hours of volunteer work and generous donations to get this phase of the project and the Ketchikan Performing Arts Center Committee and First City Players are most appreciative to all who have participated.
Two of Alaska’s longest-lived performing arts groups will make homes in the new Ketchikan Performing Arts Center. First City Players, established in 1964, owns the facility and Ketchikan Theatre Ballet will lease studios and offices. was founded in 1961 by Virginia Klepser. Ketchikan Theatre Ballet’s performing company formed in 1968 and a nonprofit board accepted leadership in 1980. Marguerite Auger led Ketchikan Theatre Ballet after Klepser’s retirement. Ketchikan Theatre Ballet presently boasts four instructors and more than 200 students. The Ketchikan Theatre Ballet faculty teaches creative movement, ballet, jazz and tap six days a week.
The new 21,000 square-foot Ketchikan Performing Arts Center will include some features that are essential such as: a flexible theatre that converts easily to a gathering space; studios for dance instruction and rehearsals; and offices for the community theatre company and the dance school.
The new Ketchikan Performing Arts Center will be directly across Main Street from the Ketchikan Area Arts and Humanities Council. KAAHC, like First City Players, reclaimed a historical property to turn it to a vibrant new use for the community.
Phase 1 of the project will consist of architectural and engineering services, including evaluation of the current structure, an intense period of planning with stakeholders regarding design needs and preferences and design plans up to 30%. - More...
Wednesday PM - October 22, 2014
Southeast Alaska: Edna Bay Incorporates as Alaska’s Newest City - Commissioner Susan K. Bell of the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development signed the Certificate of Incorporation of the City of Edna Bay on October 13th, completing the incorporation process and creating Alaska’s newest second class city and the becoming the first to incorporate since 2004.
Edna Bay is a small community on Kosciusko Island near Prince of Wales Island, about 90 miles northwest of Ketchikan. On October 3, 2014, the Division of Elections certified the results of an election on whether to incorporate as a city. The voters had approved the measure 33 to 6. Many citizens believe that incorporation will allow them to better manage their economic, environmental and political responsibilities. Incorporation provides the people of Edna Bay with maximum local self-government; it empowers residents by giving them the legal control of their harbor, roads, and refuse management. - More...
Wednesday PM - October 22, 2014
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Alaska: Gov. Parnell speaks with Guardsmen at town-hall meeting By SGT. EDWARD EAGERTON - Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell recently spoke with approximately 350 members of the Alaska National Guard during a town-hall meeting at the AKNG Armory at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
Gov. Sean Parnell speaks with members of the Alaska National Guard during a town-hall meeting at the AKNG Armory on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Oct. 19.
(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Edward Eagerton)
Parnell requested the meeting with Guard members as a platform to have an open discussion about current changes happening within the AKNG pertaining to the released report from the Office of Complex Investigations, current changes happening within the AKNG, and how the Guard will move forward.
In order to promote open discussion, the meeting was closed to the public, and officers at the rank of colonel and above were not allowed to attend.
Parnell began by explaining the steps that led to his request of the OCI investigation from the National Guard Bureau and expressed his gratitude to the Guard members that participated in the surveys that led to the details of the OCI report.
“I want to say thank you to those of you who participated in that,” said Parnell. “There were about 1,000 responses to the command climate survey. I know you’ve been surveyed to death, and I’ve heard that, but I’ve got to tell you, that command climate survey, those 1,000 responses, were important to the Guard Bureau in assessing where we are and what changes need to be made.”
The surveys were conducted over a two-month period starting Apr. 1. With information revealed in the surveys, the OCI team then conducted on-site interviews with Guard members. - More...
Wednesday PM - October 22, 2014
Alaska: New Agreement Strengthens Sexual Assault Prevention and Victims’ Services - The University of Alaska System and the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (ANDVSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to prevent sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence and stalking on all 16 University of Alaska campuses, one of which is located in Ketchikan.
The agreement, signed on October 17th, is said will strengthen sexual assault prevention training, provide additional services to victims and open new avenues for confidential reporting.
The Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (ANDVSA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating sexual assault and domestic violence across Alaska. It’s a coalition of 23 victims’ service agencies and advocacy organizations throughout the state.
“It is so empowering to be able to work with ANDVSA,” said Marva Watson, director of campus diversity and compliance at the University of Alaska Anchorage. “They’ve already established a comprehensive way of working across Alaska. This will help the university refine what we have and make it even better. I see this agreement as nothing but a benefit.” - More...
Wednesday PM - October 22, 2014 |
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Alaska: FLOW SCALE CASES SETTLED FOR $1.75 MILLION - American Seafoods Company (ASC) and NOAA agreed last week to settle three civil enforcement cases involving flow scales on board the ASC’s fishing vessels. The cases relate to events that occurred during 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2012 in the Alaska pollock fishery. Pursuant to the settlement, ASC agreed to pay a combined civil penalty of $1.75 million.
The cases charged that personnel aboard the ASC’s catcher-processor vessels American Dynasty, Ocean Rover and Northern Eagle violated the Magnuson Stevens Act and the American Fisheries Act by causing the flow scales to weigh inaccurately.
Flow scales are used to ensure accurate catch accounting on catcher-processors, and the data they collect are essential to effective management of the Alaska pollock fishery, one of the largest, most valuable fisheries in the world. Pollock processed on these vessels is used for a variety of products, including fish fillets, imitation crab, roe, fish oil and fish meal. - More...
Wednesday PM - October 22, 2014
Alaska: Second Annual Alaska Women’s Summit Sparks New Solutions - The Second Annual Alaska Women’s Summit wrapped up last week in Anchorage. More than 300 of Alaska’s brightest and most successful women joined together for the two day summit addressing topics ranging from curbing high rates of domestic violence and sexual assault to shattering the glass ceiling.
“Do you want to meet the love of your life? The theme starts early in life with all of the Cinderella movies. Well, look in the mirror. It’s you,” said Senator Lesil McGuire, Co-Host of the Summit. “Alaska Women rock and this summit provided further proof that together, we can change the dialogue and help each other succeed beyond our wildest dreams.”
“As Alaskan women, we face many challenges. But we also have some of the smartest women I’ve ever met,” said Representative Charisse Millett. “During our discussions, we laughed and we cried, but most importantly we created a path forward to improving the future for ourselves, our daughters and our granddaughters. I am honored to be able to work alongside these women and spend this time creating solutions to our most difficult problems.” - More...
Wednesday PM - October 22, 2014
Arctic Fisheries: Canadian Beaufort Sea Fisheries Management Plan Praised - A new Arctic fisheries management plan announced by Canada's Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq that will protect more than 800,000 square kilometres in Canada's Beaufort Sea from large-scale commercial fishing and ensure a sustainable resource for local communities has been praised by The Pew Charitable Trusts.
The Canadian Beaufort sprawls over 833,000 square kilometres (322,000 square miles) off the coasts of the Northwest Territories and Yukon.
The Beaufort Sea Integrated Fisheries Management Framework, which applies to an area of the western Arctic Ocean that is larger than Hudson Bay, requires that future commercial fisheries have the support of the Inuvialuit who live in the region, do not harm local harvests, and provide meaningful economic benefits to local communities. - More...
Wednesday PM - October 22, 2014
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Columns - Commentary
WILL DURST: One Man, One Vote - Whiners. Bounders. Ingrates. Talking about the incessant griping and sniping currently buzzing over long overdue Republican reforms requiring citizens to produce a government issued ID before casting a vote. From the outcry you'd think the GOP was organizing competitive kitten clubbings. Again.
Oh for crum's sakes, settle down people. It's just an ID. You need one to fly or buy or ply or even take out a library book. What is wrong with insuring the integrity of the electoral process? This isn't voter suppression, it's voter protection.
Which is why in the great state of Texas, it's easier to buy an automatic weapon than register to vote and a gun permit is considered proper ID but a University student ID, not so much. Because the 2nd Amendment trumps the 14th, 15th & 19th Amendments. Always has. Always will. Simple math.
And no, not even paid investigators could find more than thirty examples of voter fraud in the entire country over the last 15 years, but that doesn't mean it isn't happening. You can't see gravity either, but all your fancy liberal scientists agree that's going on all the time, right? Same thing here. Only different.
And what responsible citizen doesn't have a driver's license? Do you really think people who aren't allowed to drive should be able to vote? Have you taken a bus lately? What's next? You going to open up elections to homeless people? You know what they're going to vote for: free whiskey.These series of incremental electoral fine- tunings are intended to curtail chicanery, not democracy. That the individuals most impacted are the young and the poor and the elderly, who can reliably be counted on to vote Democratic- is just a co-incidence. Besides, most of them don't pay taxes. In this country, the patriotic thing to do is encourage the givers, not the takers. Otherwise, you're not supporting the troops.
And yes, steps are being taken to reduce abuses caused by early and weekend voting. Why? Because easy voting is Un- American, that's why. In order to impart the gravity of the situation, casting a ballot should be a burdensome chore. Which is why in poor districts the polling places are few and far between. Most of them don't have jobs; what else do they have to do? The more standing in line- the less muggings. - More...
Wednesday PM - October 22, 2014
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Political Cartoon: Czars for everything
By
John Cole, The Scranton Times-Tribune
Distributed to subscribers for publication by Cagle Cartoons, Inc.
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 Governor has been steadfast in addressing Guard scandal By First Lady Sandy Parnell - As an Alaskan, a mother, and first lady who cares deeply about our families and our future, I was disturbed to learn about the very serious problems in the Alaska National Guard. - More...
Thursday AM - October 23, 2014
Supplemental food funding and school lunches By A. M. Johnson - Over the past many years of local grocery shopping it has been observed that person(s) in front me making purchases did so with various forms of governmental supplementary payment programs. What surprised me was the content of the shopping cart where various amounts of what is called Junk Food, meat purchases, and gourmet food items beyond my fiscal desire, were being inclded without any oversight. - More...
Thursday AM - October 22, 2014
Vote for Chere Klein By K.A. Swiger - November 4th I am voting for Chere Klein and hope you do too. - More...
Thursday AM - October 22, 2014
The Peoples' Representative: Dan Ortiz By Evan Wick - I have known Dan Ortiz on a personal basis for ten years and as a former teacher of mine for four. - More...
Thursday AM - October 22, 2014
Chere Klein for State House By Elijah Verhagen - Chere Klein is Ketchikan's best choice! - More...
Thursday AM - October 23, 2014
SMS "Songs for your Supper" By Judith Green - What a beautiful group of young people were seen tonight / and not a few. They were all 'right in step' and hardly was any adult supervision seen nor needed - they just knew what to do and when and how, and did! All dressed up in their 'finery', happy to be a part of such a wonderful evening of sharing with the community their many talents and skills. From the opening of the SMS entrance doors to the final 'farewell, thank you for coming' it was an experience showcasing wonderful young teenagers. - More...
Monday PM - October 20, 2014
Let’s not cook the goose that lays the golden eggs By Malena Marvin - According to Southeast Conference, Southeast Alaska’s economy is increasingly stable, diverse, and strong. Bolstered by the powerful twin engines of fishing and tourism – drawing $1 billion each to the region annually – the Tongass is not unlike the proverbial goose that is laying golden eggs. - More...
Monday PM - October 20, 2014
Vote to Re-Elect Sen. Mark Begich By Bill Williams - As a Republican and ex-Legislator representing Ketchikan and Saxman, I’m voting for Senator Mark Begich. - More....
Monday PM - October 20, 2014
Don't be buffaloed! By Bill Walker - Alaskans, don't be buffaloed! Every day the opposition comes up with a different attack ad, a misleading poll, a misquote. They send their people to our events to record us, take copious notes and watch our every move. When I first announced my run for governor in 2009, they sent an investigator to Valdez to go through all my actions as mayor in the 70's. Parnell has spent more time making public records requests of my involvement with local government when most Alaskans would prefer he properly respond to the ones that have been presented to him on important issues. - More...
Monday PM - October 20, 2014
Vote Yes on 2 By Hunter Smith - I wish to respond to Substance Screening business owner Renee Schofield. I also wish to encourage Ketchikan citizens to vote Yes on 2. - More...
Monday PM - October 20, 2014
Scientists Who Know Say ‘No’ By U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski - On November 4, Alaskans will consider Ballot Measure #2, an initiative to legalize the sale and use of marijuana for recreational purposes. And those who support that commercial trade are investing heavily in hoping you will vote yes. Make no mistake about it, marijuana – like tobacco and alcohol – is big business. Like alcohol and tobacco, the costs of marijuana to public health, public safety, our youth, and lost productivity are similarly high. - More...
Monday PM - October 20, 2014
Vote Walker/Mallot & Ortiz on Nov. 4th By Franklin H. James, Sr. - Our Alaskan people finally have the opportunity to vote for two Alaskans, Bill Walker and Byron Mallott who were born and raised in Alaska. We are not against big money being invested in Alaska, as long as it does not hurt our environment, animals and our seafoods. Please look at who was hired to work in our fisheries; he worked for the Pebble Mine; hiring someone like that is like getting a coyote to take care of your chickens. - More...
Monday PM - October 20, 2014
Ebola By Charlie Freeman - I've been hearing a lot in the last few days, how the real fear is not Ebola, it's the flu and I wonder just how many fools are out there thinking that makes a deference. Both can kill. Is hanging better than being shot? Ask the dead guy. - More...
Monday PM - October 20, 2014
Ebola Czar appointment By A. M. Johnson - Following the appointment of a non-medical, political crony to the head of Czar on Ebola a news article was posted. In response to that article under "comments" the following was posted: - More...
Monday PM - October 20, 2014
Sullivan's False Claim By Eric Muench - On Wednesday, October 15, we received a political flyer promoting candidate Dan Sullivan which claimed him to be "the only Senate candidate with an 'A' rating from the NRA" (National Rifle Association). The NRA rates political candidates with an 'A' to 'F' grade depending on their support or opposition to 2nd Amendment gun ownership rights. As a matter of fact both Mark Begich and Dan Sullivan received 'A' grades but Sullivan's was appended with a 'Q' to indicate that he had as yet no voting record on 2nd Amendment issues. Neither candidate was given an endorsement. - More...
Monday PM - October 20, 2014
Re-elect Mark Begich By Peggy Monaghan- I appreciate the fact that Mark Begich supports adding Arts to STEM education, making it STEAM. I’ve heard him talk about how his son dreaded piano practice until he applied his math skills to the piano. All the sudden the piano made sense to him and he started to actually look forward to practicing. As a voice teacher and a musician myself, I see the benefit of overlap disciplines all the time and how learning music and art can help students learn other subjects better and build their confidence. Arts education increases integrated brain function and a well rounded education prepares kids so much better to excel after they graduate. I am happy to see our Senator understands that as well. - More...
Monday PM - October 20, 2014
Begich made huge strides for Alaska energy, jobs By Evan Beedle - I've been seeing U.S. Senate candidate Dan Sullivan's ad on TV, trying to claim Sen. Mark Begich hasn't done anything to help Alaska s energy production and I had to ask myself, where has this guy been? - More...
Monday PM - October 20, 2014
Let's vote for Dan Sullivan By Alan R. (Rudy) McGillvray - I for one am going to vote for Dan Sullivan, because I feel that he would be the best for Alaska. Primarily because we are both Republicans or conservatives. - More...
Monday PM - October 20, 2014
Re-elect Begich By Robin Smith - If Alaska loses Begich in the Senate, how do we regain his influential position on the Appropriations Committee? Alaska is incredibly fortunate that both Begich and Murkowski serve on that powerful committee. It puts our small state in an extraordinary position. But that only happened because they are from opposing parties. Sullivan can’t replace Begich. - More...
Monday PM - October 20, 2014
Sullivan's Absence at High School Senate Forum By Willie Hall - While Tuesday's Senatorial Forum at West Anchorage High School provided a platform for Mark Begich to display, once again, his superior poise and presentation to an audience, the lack of legitimate competition among the present candidates was obvious and disappointing. Even Mark Fish who was hardly able to articulate out his responses made a more compelling case for his candidacy than an absent Sullivan. Meanwhile Ted Gianoutsos could barely restrain himself from spewing wildly inappropriate answers (detailing sexual encounters with his wife seated in the front row), vaguely racist jabs, and far flung promises (a vote for Gianoutsos is a vote for a $10,000 PFD?). - More...
Monday PM - October 20, 2014
Begich protects Social Security and Medicare By Pamela Rahn - I just can't get over Dan Sullivan and his Outside groups accusing Mark Begich of cutting Medicare. Do we know the same Mark Begich? - More...
Monday PM - October 20, 2014
NOW Applauds Begich’s Plan to Preserve Social Security and Medicare By Barbara McDaniel - The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) found that “Nearly 9 in 10 men and women aged 65 or older receive Social Security benefits.” Boosting and preserving those benefits is exceptionally critical for women’s survival. Continued workplace and wage discrimination, our persistent cultural habit of leaving low or unpaid caregiving responsibilities to women, and poor accommodations for mothers’ employment ultimately result in meager retirement options for women. IWPR indicates “three out of five women today work in sales, clerical, and retail jobs. Service, part-time and contingent jobs (that accommodate caregiver schedules) are low-waged and rarely provide benefits, such as pensions that women require to ensure a secure retirement.” - More...
Monday PM - October 20, 2014
Mark Begich By Jody Serrano - Does Mark Begich ever sleep? He has been debating every chance he can from what I can tell, traveling around the state campaigning, on radio stations (liberal and conservative I might add) and doing town halls left and right (I know because I've been invited to a few). I've never seen anyone campaign like he does - he clearly really loves talking to people. God knows I'd be exhausted if I were him. - More...
Monday PM - October 20, 2014
Truth and Propaganda on Initiative 2 By Marie Zellmer- Ok, I had someone tell me today that they hoped the pot initiative would not pass because of "All those kids who died from overdose in Colorado." I was shocked! Someone had died from an overdose of marijuana? I would have thought that something like that would make national news, probably world news, if it was true and undeniable. I passed it off because I had not kept up with the latest info on it, guessing that if it was true then they must have eaten their parent's edibles. I went to Google and checked news reports, college research papers, and drug awareness and prevention groups. - More...
Monday PM - October 20, 2014
Reply to Dr. IRS and the FairTax By Stephen C. Eldridge - Yet again, this senior propagandist attempts to utilize the IRS as a tool to deceptively try to sell us the awful FairTax. - More...
Monday PM - October 20, 2014
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