Ketchikan: New Pastoral Care Chaplain's Journey Has Been One On Roads Less Traveled - We travel many roads in the course of our lives. Some people choose a well-worn trail but Sister Arnadene Bean's journey has been on the roads less traveled. Sister Arnadene, the new Pastoral Care Chaplain at PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center, has followed her calling to unexpected places in her years as a Sister of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.

Most recently she was a chaplain in the Salem maximum security Oregon State Prison, which included the residents of Oregon's only Death Row. Prior to that she was the first chaplain at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, the new women's prison in Wilsonville, Oregon. She also spent two years at Oregon State Hospital for the Mentally Ill, a job she found particularly rewarding.

In Salem, she was one of three chaplains ministering to 2400 men. While Sister sometimes found the work frustrating due to too many men and not enough chaplains, it did confirm her belief that God is intensely attentive to those in most need.

Many men in the prison were in for life but Sister Arnadene said that didn't mean these inmates were without hope. This is one of the surprises she discovered in the work. Despite much suffering endemic to living in a prison, many became mentors for the younger and more vulnerable inmates or found other ways to make peace with their life in prison. The goodness on the part of inmates, staff and volunteers she saw displayed against the darkness of the environment amazed her regularly.

The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary is an order of educators founded in Quebec in 1843. Like others in her order, Sister Arnadene's journey led her to a career in education. She taught in five Oregon Catholic grade schools, was principal at Christie School, a residential treatment center for girls at Marylhurst, OR and was principal at 'Mabathoana High School in Lesotho, southern Africa. Lesotho is a landlocked country surrounded by the Republic of South Africa and at the time ranked as the eleventh poorest country in the world. - More...
Friday - December 04, 2009

Ketchikan: Six Graduate From UAA Ketchikan's Nursing Program - A formal pinning ceremony for University of Alaska Anchorage Associate Degree Nursing Program Ketchikan graduates will be held on Sunday, December 6, at 6:00 pm at the Sunny Point Conference Center. Six registered nursing students will receive their pins. The pinning is a long held traditional nursing ceremony. Speakers include Maureen Northway, UAA School of Nursing Assistant Professor; Erin Pringle, Anchorage faculty; and Ketchikan General Hospital Nurse Manager John McCormick.

Cindy Carson, Sarah Cook, Kristin Fahey, Elena James, Julie Olmstead, and Pamela Standley spent two years training in clinical settings in Ketchikan and Anchorage. They also completed college course work which qualifies them to graduate with an Associate of Applied Science, Nursing degree. Graduates are now able to sit for the national licensing exam (NCLEX-RN), and practice as registered nurses. - More...
Friday - December 04, 2009

Ketchikan: KETCHIKAN MAN CONVICTED BY FEDERAL JURY OF DRUG TRAFFICKING CHARGES - Acting United States Attorney Kevin Feldis announced that on December 2, 2009, after deliberating for approximately two hours, a federal jury in Anchorage found Rodolfo "Rudy" Lastimosa, of Ketchikan, Alaska, guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, five counts of distributing methamphetamine, one count of attempted possession with intent to possess methamphetamine, and one count of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

Lastimosa, age 47, was tried before United States District Court Judge Ralph R. Beistline.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Aunnie Steward, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that Lastimosa trafficked in methamphetamine from late 2006, to June 2008. The defendant, together with his co-conspirators, shipped methamphetamine from outside of Alaska to Ketchikan through the U.S. Postal Service and sold the meth on the streets of Ketchikan. The evidence presented at trial showed that Lastimosa's illegal methamphetamine business sought to profit by charging the higher prices for methamphetamine in Ketchikan. - More...
Friday - December 04, 2009

Ketchikan: Judy Glasspool receives March of Dimes "Legend" Award - Long time Ketchikan General Hospital nurse Judy Glasspool was the recipient of an Alaska March of Dimes "Legend Nurse of the Year" award at the March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards banquet held November 20th in Anchorage.

The annual awards are given to "an exceptional RN who has dedicated their career to nursing". Eight nurses were named "Legends" at this year's event.

Glasspool has been a nurse for over 40 years, 27 of those years as an Obstetrical Nurse. She received her RN diploma in 1966, came to Ketchikan General Hospital in 1978 as a manager in surgery and later worked as an OB staff nurse and a relief nursing supervisor. She and her family left Ketchikan in 1983 only to return in 1987 when Glasspool returned to work in the KGH OB Department as a staff nurse and later as manager. She has worked for the Home Health Department since 2006. - More...
Friday - December 04, 2009

Ketchikan: 7th annual Sam Pitcher Memorial Concert Scheduled For Dec. 8th - The 7th annual Sam Pitcher Memorial Concert, "An Evening of Jazz, Rock, and Blues," will be on Tuesday, December 8 at 7 pm at the Kayhi auditorium. Performing will be the Kayhi Jazz Band and the McPherson's jazz clubs: Discovery, Soundwaves, and Windjammers. The bands include a wide range of ages, soloists and improvisation. The Kayhi Jazz Band's set includes a couple of holiday numbers.

Soundwaves features Gillian Fazakerly as trumpet soloist on "Fallingwater." Stan Aegerter will be the featured bass trombone soloist on "Makin' Whoopee" with the Windjammers. Adult soloists with the Windjammers include Dale Curtis, Rob Holston and Dave Kiffer. Admission is by donation to the Scholarship Fund. - More...
Friday - December 04, 2009

Alaska: Parnell Leads Effort to Reduce Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault - With a goal of ending the epidemic of sexual assault and domestic violence within a decade, Governor Sean Parnell today unveiled a comprehensive initiative to fight the cycle of abuse. The package of proposed legislation, budget requests, and administrative actions will comprehensively address domestic violence and sexual assault.

"Today we're putting domestic violence and sexual assault at the forefront," Governor Parnell said. "We'll make it intolerable, unacceptable and the ramifications for those committing these crimes against Alaskans, unbearable."

The governor's 10-year plan to stop the epidemic of violence in Alaska's homes and communities focuses on putting abusers behind bars, protecting victims, and helping them heal, and preventing abuse. - More...
Friday - December 04, 2009

Alaska: Alaska Business Found To Have Violate Alaska's Human Rights Law - The Alaska State Commission for Human Rights has ruled that an Anchorage auto dealership discriminated against Larry flakes on the basis of his race when it failed to promote the African-American sales representative to a "team leader" position. The Commission concluded that Alaska Sales and Service, Inc. must pay Flakes back-pay damages of $118,375.

The Commission found that Alaska sales and Service violated the Alaska Human Rights Law, which prohibits discrimination because of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, physical or mental disability, marital status, pregnancy, or parenthood. - More...
Friday - December 04, 2009

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OBAMA'S CZARS By Al Johnson - We in the hither land do not have access to the background of many of the persons who have direct control over our daily lives who serve at the pleasure of the President. It is interesting to read of these Czars' varied backgrounds. I don't know about the rest of you, but to me their positions are contrary to what I understand the Constitution and Bill of Rights laid out as our National guidelines. You make the call. - More...
Monday PM - November 30, 2009

Thanksgiving Away By Jeff Lund - Ten years and change ago, I made a decision I do not regret.

I left home to pursue a college degree and a career away from the sprawling metropolis that is Klawock, Alaska population 750. - More...
Friday - November 27, 2009

Yes we need a Community Police Officer on site at our schools! By Bobbie McCreary - This is so obvious it is hard to imagine that anyone cannot see the value of a SRO (school resource officer) assigned to Ketchikan High School! Especially when that officer is well disposed to forming a trust relationship with, and really cares about working with, our youth to make our schools safe. - More...
Friday - Novembr 27, 2009

Alaska Oyster Cooperative By Eric R Wyatt - On Thursday, November 19th, the Alaska Oyster Cooperative was formed, in Naukati Bay on Prince of Wales Island.  A interim-board of directors approved the Articles of Incorporation.  The six member board consists of oyster and clam farmers, who plan to operate the local shellfish nursery and a new shellfish processing facility in Naukati. - More...
Friday - November 27, 2009

Ward Cove By Carol Cairnes - I just read a Viewpoint on SitNews suggesting that a prison be built at Ward Cove. Because of the contamination on the site it can not be used for human habitation. The area has some serious restrictions on it that are known to anyone who reads the EPA reports. - More...
Friday - November 27, 2009

Tea Party Slogans By Monica Gaita - You gotta be kidding with this NONSENSE... right??? - More...
Friday - November 27, 2009

RE: Ward Cove Comprehensive Plan By Marina Keirn - Why not take the approach that the city of Seward took? When they needed to create sustainable income and job opportunities, they floated a bond and built a prison that was then leased to the State of Alaska. A prison with between 300 - 500 beds would create many opportunities for jobs as Correctional Officers, Medical Providers (Mental Health, Dental, Medical, etc.), Administrative staff, Maintenance personnel, and would also create more jobs in the community through increased demand for Food supplies, Office supplies, Mechanical Materials, Clothing vendors, etc. - More...
Monday PM - November 23, 2009

Lesson three regarding Liberal vs Conservative By A. M. Johnson - Recently I read Vince Flynn's latest book "Pursuit of Honor". At one point during a Senate hearing between a Liberal Democrat Female Senator, who supports late term abortion and was berating the central character, undercover CIA agent, Conservative Mitch Rapp, for torturing a Muslim terrorist to gain information. In response the Mitch Rapp character stated the following. - More...
Monday PM - November 23, 2009

"Going Rogue" By Andy Rauwolf - In response to the letter by Susan Round regarding the various definitions of the word rogue and how they may best apply to Sarah Palin: Susan, in reading the dictionary definitions you posted and which one would best apply to Sarah Palin, since the elephant is the symbol of the republican party, and "to separate from the herd" is considered to be a rogue, you need not look further. - More...
Monday PM - November 23, 2009

RE: TEA Party Slogans Cheap and Shallow By Cindi Davis - Mr. Bolling, you have made SOME valid points. Capitalism does have its problems. However, it sounds like you are advocating dumping our grand experiment in liberty in favor of a socialistic nation. Our last 200 years of history would be rendered meaningless and eventually be as forgotten as any utopia. Our founding fathers would roll in their graves. We would lose the personality and identity we have as a nation. Perhaps socialism could be beneficial. Personally, I doubt it would work. However, let's look it straight in the eye and tell the truth: 1) President Obama's stradegies ARE very socialistic. 2) We are being asked as a nation to take part in a socialistic experiment. 3) We are being lied to and led like a bunch of children by a government who claims this isn't happening. - More...
Monday PM - November 23, 2009

Healthcare Reform By Chris Elliott - Last December I woke up after surgery in a room at Virginia Mason with a homeless female heroin addict in the other bed. I know this because a nurse patiently gathered the woman's medical history and current circumstances before the poor woman slumped across her food tray fast sleep. I'm pretty sure she didn't have health insurance. I'm pretty sure those of us with insurance are covering her in our premiums. (The Uninsured) - More...
Saturday PM - November 21, 2009

Cell Phones for Soldiers Program By Ed Vitorino - Every year millions of Americans throw their used/broken cell phones in the trash and we all know that it ends up on a landfill. I know we all have them sitting in a drawer somewhere taking up space. What if i told you that we can recycle them and in return the recycling company gives the military members calling cards? - More...
Saturday PM - November 21, 2009

Oh Sarah Palin..... By Evan Bolling - The much anticipated controversial autobiography, "Going Rogue" written by our very own claim to shame, Frm. Gov. Sarah Palin is now on the bookshelves. A sad day for Alaska, the literary world, and all sentient life too. We should have done a better job keeping the lid on this total embarrassment, but now she's a national satire. And in 2008 the most mocked person on Saturday Night Live. - More...
Saturday PM - November 21, 2009

GOING ROGUE By Susan Round - The following definitions of the word ROGUE are provided by Merriam Webster Online Dictionary: - More...
Saturday PM - November 21, 2009

Million Dollar Blunder at the Public Library? By Robert D. Warner - With the City Manager's plea to the City Council to increase properity taxes next year, it seems most urgent to end careless and wastefull spending. - More...
Saturday PM - November 21, 2009

Not in my Backyard By Don Borders - Here in Alaska we are not so energy deprived that we need to go out on a limb to resolve the electrical power needs. We have not even started to explore the tidal influx as a power source where other nations in the world have done so and commissioned such systems to feed their power grids. We do have an abundance additional hydroelectric possibilites and thermal ones such as Chena Hot springs thermal system which has proven to be efficient and has won several awards in its design. So to embrace an "iffy" fringe technological concept just to generate power which would release all kinds of substances into our lean pristine air is just foolish. - More...
Saturday PM - November 21, 2009

Pebble Mine Views By Martha Jacobson - Regarding the Ketchikan Daily News editorial about eating your salmon in Seattle without the restaurant owner sharing views on the Pebble Mine - the issue is way more complicated than narrowing it down to some restaurant chef's political views. Way more! - More...
Saturday PM - November 21, 2009

TEA Party Slogans Cheap and Shallow By Evan Bolling - "The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of everyone else's money" this becomingly trite slogan was at one point witty and creative. Witty because it employs an intelligent humor and creative because it cunningly neglects the obvious, making it a purely fantastic perspective. Fantastic, from the Latin phantasticius meaning imaginative, fantasy. The root definition has been included to avoid confusion in my intended meaning. - More...
Saturday PM - November 21, 2009

Name calling By Tom Ferry - Mr. Warner, you say you would find it to be a privilege to vote for Obama's re-election. Hey that's fine , but if you did vote for him the first time and now the second time, you are not even close to being as I am "an independent conservative". - More...
Saturday PM - NOvember 21, 2009

Landless Issue By John Morris - I would like to respond to the folks who have this issue. I want you to realize that once you sign on with the ANCSA Corp, whether be regional or village, you are signing away all your aboriginal rights... that is what this Act has done. - More...
Saturday PM - November 21, 2009

Socialism to classroom analogy By Evan Bolling - Al Johnson's socialism to classroom analogy is absolutely genius. Of course, however, if you think about it for even a second more it becomes totally ill conceived. - More...
Saturday PM - November 21, 2009

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