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Tuesday
December 24, 2013
The Bald Eagle - An American Emblem
The bald eagle was chosen June 20, 1782 as the emblem of the United States of America, because of its long life, great strength and majestic looks, and also because it was then believed to exist only on the North American continent.
Front Page Photograph By DAVE SUCKOW ©2013
(Please respect the rights of photographers, never republish or copy
without permission and/or payment of required fees.)
Alaska: Outrage Over Federal Decision to Nix Land Swap: Grinch Steals Road From King Cove; Conservation Groups Praise Action By MARY KAUFFMAN - King Cove city and tribal leaders expressed indignation following Secretary Sally Jewell’s decision to deny a land exchange that would have granted them access to a small life-saving road corridor (206 acres) through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge to the nearby all-weather Cold Bay Airport. Jewell announced her decision Monday after several months of determining how to balance the needs of conservation with the health and safety needs of local residents.
As directed by Congress in the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell concluded yesterday a four-year analysis, and issued a decision supporting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s preferred alternative to decline a proposed land exchange with the State of Alaska and prevent construction of a road through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, which was first established in the 1960s.
This land exchange approved by Congress in the 2009 – the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge Land Exchange Act – proposed adding more than 56,000 acres of state and tribal land to the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in exchange for a 206-acre road corridor through a corner of the refuge to connect King Cove with an all-weather airport in neighboring Cold Bay. Use of the road would be restricted to emergencies only by law.
“We’ve undertaken a robust and transparent public process to review the matter from all sides, and I have personally visited the Refuge and met with the King Cove and Cold Bay communities to gain a better understanding of their concerns,” said Jewell. “After careful consideration, I support the Service’s conclusion that building a road through the Refuge would cause irreversible damage not only to the Refuge itself, but to the wildlife that depend on it. Izembek is an extraordinary place – internationally recognized as vital to a rich diversity of species – and we owe it to future generations to think about long-term solutions that do not insert a road through the middle of this Refuge and designated wilderness. I understand the need for reliable methods of medical transport from King Cove, but I have concluded that other methods of transport remain that could be improved to meet community needs," said Jewell.
“We are shocked that Secretary Jewell has made this dangerous, wrong-headed decision,” said Della Trumble, spokeswoman for Agdaagux Tribal Council and the King Cove (Native) Corporation. We are very insulted that our health, safety and quality of life simply do not matter to her. Clearly, the Secretary’s trust responsibility to the Native people is very subjective and, is in fact, meaningless.”
King Cove residents have been fighting for decades for a single-lane gravel road corridor that would provide safe access to Cold Bay’s airport, located just 22 miles away. When the federal government first created the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge more than three decades ago, it cut off the traditional land route between the Aleut community of King Cove and the old World War II outpost of Cold Bay. Community residents were never consulted. Because of that decision, King Cove is accessible only by sea or air. The remote community is often plagued by gale-force winds and thick fog, creating stormy, dangerous travel conditions, especially during medevacs.
“The lives of our people, our elders, children and grandchildren are at stake over this issue,” said Aleutians East Borough Mayor Stanley Mack. “Are birds really more important than people? It seems so hard to believe that the federal government finds it impossible to accommodate both wildlife and human beings. Is the Obama Administration turning its back on Native Americans?”
According to King Cove officials, over the years, more than a dozen people have died, either in plane crashes or because they couldn’t get treatment in a timely manner. King Cove has a clinic, but no hospital or doctor. Residents must fly 600 miles to Anchorage, via Cold Bay, for most medical procedures, including serious trauma cases and childbirth.
“Secretary Jewell listened to heartfelt, emotional stories of difficult medevacs when she visited King Cove last summer,” Trumble added. “But the decision to turn down the land exchange and road corridor access makes a mockery of the President’s recent Executive Order establishing the White House Council on Native American Affairs.”
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Interior Sec. Jewell and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski traveled to King Cove On Aug. 30, 2013 to visit with residents. They also flew over the Izembek Refuge to see where the road corridor would connect with the existing road system built during World War II. As part of the deal, Congress and President Obama approved a land swap that would have transferred more than 56,000 of pristine state and Alaska Native land to the refuge in exchange for access to a single-lane gravel road corridor. Following an environmental impact statement, the decision was left up to the Interior Secretary to determine whether it was in the public interest.
“The federal government’s decision is devastating,” said King Cove Mayor Henry Mack. “But it isn’t over. We will never give up until we get the road to protect the lives, health and safety of our people. This is too important. We simply have to find a way to turn this around.”
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) denounced as heartless and ill-informed Monday's decision by Interior Secretary Sally Jewell to reject a proposed lifesaving road for the isolated Alaska community of King Cove.
“I am angered and deeply disappointed by Jewell’s decision to continue to put the lives of the people of King Cove in danger, simply for the convenience of a few bureaucrats and the alleged peace of the birds in the refuge, despite the fact that many thousands of birds are killed by hunters annually,” Murkowski said.
Murkowski said the decision endangers the Aleut people of King Cove and clearly ignores the Interior Department’s trust responsibility to Alaska Natives.
“This is a horrible decision at any time, but horribly offensive going into the holidays. It is an additional slap in the face to the people of King Cove and shows that the Department of Interior understands how deeply troubling and problematic is this complete rejection of its native trust responsibility,” Murkowski said.
“This is not just about King Cove – it is emblematic of the attitude that we all too often in Alaska see from Washington. The idea that Alaska has to be protected from Alaskans is highly offensive,” Murkowski said. “This administration may be willing to abandon the people of King Cove, but I am not going to give up on them.”
Murkowski, who is the top Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and on the Appropriations Committee with jurisdiction over the Interior Department’s budget, is considering next steps to protect the people of King Cove.
U.S. Sentator Mark Begich (D-AK) was also critical of the Interior's decision on King Cove.
“It’s the same sad story - a federal agency that doesn’t listen to Alaskans. Even after visiting King Cove and hearing first-hand the tragic consequences of critically ill people being transported through 12-foot seas to get medical care, Washington bureaucrats have determined that the environmental impact of a single lane road somehow outweighs the health of Alaskans. Today’s decision is disappointing but unfortunately not surprising," said Begich in a prepared statement.
Begich said, “As soon as Congress reconvenes in January, I’ll be introducing legislation directing the federal government to build this vital one-lane road so the residents of King Cove can rely on the same basic access to critical medical care enjoyed by other Americans.”
Governor Sean Parnell also expressed his outrage at Interior Secretary Sally Jewell’s decision to not allow a lifesaving road between the communities of King Cove and Cold Bay. Calling it a matter of life or death for Alaskans, Governor Parnell has been a strong advocate for the construction of a 13-foot-wide emergency medical evacuation road connecting King Cove and Cold Bay.
"[Monday's] decision is unconscionable,” Governor Parnell said. “This is another irrational decision by the federal government that denies Alaskans access – in this case access to emergency treatment. As governor, I will continue to fight for the residents of King Cove who deserve much better.”
Congressman Don Young (R-AK) said the Interior's decision is the “largest pile of horse manure ever delivered on Christmas."
“While the families of King Cove gather together this holiday season, the Interior Department and the Fish and Wildlife Service have been sitting on this heartless decision until the most inopportune time,” said Congressman Young. “This shameful and cowardly decision by Secretary Jewell, just two days before Christmas, to place eelgrass and waterfowl above human life is exactly what I would have expected from the Grinch, but not from an Administration that preaches access to quality healthcare for all. This announcement falls right in line with an Administration that has continually demonstrated that their priorities are out of whack.”
“It is appalling for a Department Secretary, tasked with protecting the federal trust responsibility of our nation’s first people, to completely overlook and ignore a group of Alaska Natives,” said Congressman Young. “She is clearly mistaken if the words of outsiders and environmentalists, with no concept of the area or the people, are valued more than Alaskans who have supported this project from the beginning.” - More...
Tuesday PM - December 24, 2014 |
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Columns - Commentary
GLENN MOLLETTE: Christmas Is About Hanging in There - A lot of people have given up.
My father fell off a barn when I was about thirteen years old. He cracked his vertebrae and missed about six months of work. There was no unemployment insurance, or federal relief money. Everything became very lean as life was put on hold in hopes of better days.
By Christmas my father was getting around on crutches. We had a Christmas tree but I dared not ask for anything for Christmas. I knew we didn't have any money. On Christmas Eve we had a family gathering and we had food to eat. There actually was some exchanging of gifts and my mother handed me a small wrapped box. I was shocked. I anticipated nothing. Opening the present I found a simple watch. I would guess it cost eight to ten dollars at the most. It might as well have been a Rolex. I was so surprised and couldn't believe my parents had bought me something for Christmas. I don't know how they did it.
A couple of months later my father was back to work and times became better as we hung in there and survived difficult times. The Christmas gift is stuck in my head as being one of the all time best. The gift was simple but great.
Most of us know about a difficult time in life. We've all been there in some way. Maybe you are there now. Possibly your heath is not so great and you are hoping for better days. You may be unemployed and you don't know how you are going to pay all the bills. Often life is never exactly as we had hoped or planned. - More...
Tuesday PM - December 24, 2013
TOM PURCELL: Looking Forward this Christmas - I'm turning into my father.
About this time every year, my father pulls me aside and asks me to tell my five sisters that he doesn't need any gifts for Christmas — and, "for Godsakes, please tell your sisters I don't need more sweaters. I can't wear the sweaters I have now. Use the money to get something nice for your mother!"
Nonetheless, every Christmas, my father receives five sweaters (I usually get him things like lug nuts), and we always get something nice for my mother.
At 51, I am beginning to hold similar sentiments about gift-giving. There is nothing I want that I can't buy myself. And I don't want others to dig into their funds just to give me a gift.
Truth be told, Christmas makes me a little bit somber as I get older. Sure, I enjoy the large gathering every year at my parents' house — I enjoy going to church, too — but I can't help but look back and miss the things and people that are no longer here.
I vividly remember one Saturday in December 1967, when I was 5. It was uncharacteristically warm in Pittsburgh that year. My father was 34 (he's 80 now) and his hair was black as coal. He stood nearly 6-foot-2, a powerful man. As he lifted our Christmas tree off the roof of our station wagon, I marveled that his biceps and forearms were bigger than Popeye the Sailor Man's! - More...
Wednesday PM - December 24, 2013 |
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 Thank You By Jamie May -
I would like to thank the person that returned the $262.00 I dropped at Walmart on Saturday the 21st. When I was checking out with my Christmas gifts and I realized I had dropped the money I was really upset. I traced back my steps and could not find it so my last resort was to leave my name and number with customer service just in case it was returned. I can tell you that I was quite surprised that it was returned to customer service. I assumed I would never see that money again. - More...
Tuesday PM - December 24, 2013
Holiday Message By Gov. Sean Parnell -
While experiencing a few hours of harried gift-hunting, I turned the experience into a more joyful season by thinking of Alaskans and some of what we have to be thankful for. - More...
Tuesday PM - December 24, 2013
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays By U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski -
As Alaskans we are incredibly lucky to live in a true winter wonderland. The snow globe feel of our communities truly makes the holiday season. So during this special time of year, give yourself a Christmas present and take some time to enjoy our beautiful outdoors. Whether it’s hitting the slopes, sledding with your kids or ice fishing on a lake - the time to enjoy the best of Alaska with your families is now, creating memories you’ll look back on for years. - More...
Tuesday PM - December 24, 2013
A Very Merry Christmas By Congressman Don Young -
Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! As Alaskans, we are fortunate to live in a state of such majestic beauty. As many of you know, my love for Alaska began more than 50 years ago and has only grown in the years since. One of my great loves is our Alaskan spirit, especially during the Christmas season; the generosity of our people and our giving nature certainly sets us apart. - More...
Tuesday PM - December 24, 2013
RE: Arrest At Elementary School By Heather Morris -
I am appalled by the letters I have read regarding this sad incident. All of you claim to be Mothers but a Mother would know when children are involved you do as minimal damage as possible. Apparently, you seem to have forgotten that the gentleman who was apprehended has children. In fact a good portion of his family is local. How horribly inconsiderate of you all to discuss this on a public forum such as this. - More...
Tuesday PM - December 24, 2013
RE: Arrest at Elementry School By Vanessa Nowland -
In response to Christine Furey, it is not the responsibility of our public safety officers to act as social workers. Unfortunately, more and more often the public expects this of them. - More...
Tuesday PM - December 24, 2013
Mail Service By Phyllis Mueller - We have quite a few mail orders for our canned product. Have noticed a definite deterioration in the quality of mail service, especially in the past two years. The following is an example of the journey taken by a medium sized flat rate box I shipped earlier this month. - More...
Saturday PM - December 21, 2013
RE: Arrest at Elementary School By Giovanna M. Trentanelli -
Regarding Amanda Martin's letter in which she accuses the Trooper of knocking an innocent little girl to the ground face first hurting her and dirtying her sweet Christmas Dress, I would like to clarify that it was NOT the Trooper who knocked the child to the ground; it was Mr. Simpson, the FLEEING FELON who knocked the child down. - More...
Saturday PM - December 21, 2013
RE: Arrest at Elementry School By Christine Furey -
In response to everyone that has delivered an opinion on this matter, I would like to say that I do agree with Amanda. I think she is very valid in her point. I think that the whole situation happened at the wrong place, at the wrong time. Mr. Simpson was at Fawn Mountain to watch his child perform, if he was truly attempting to evade the police would he have really showed up, not to mention the fact that he had been seen in days earlier at various locations throughout town doing very normal things like buying cigarettes. This does not sound like someone who is hiding out. - More...
Saturday PM - December 21, 2013
New Council Member Appointment By Douglas J. Thompson - The Ketchikan city council wanted the authority to appoint vacant seats and I do not necessarily disagree with that however with authority comes responsibility. In this case to do 'due diligence' on the prospective applicants was obviously not done (I can only hope they did not intentionally do this, we certainly don't need another Jack Shay!). The resumes should have been checked by the city manager. - More...
Wednesday PM - December 18, 2013
KRBD News Report on Wodehouse Appointment By Douglas J. Thompson -
I read with interest the news report filed by KRBD after I had written my previous letter regarding the Wodehouse appointment to the Ketchikan City Council. I guess it has to fall under the axiom of: If you feel hot air moving look for a politician's mouth. I could not believe the imbecilic replies of the three quoted councilmembers. It is just this type of non-thinking that got them into this situation and many others. - More...
Wednesday PM - December 18, 2013
RE: Arrest at Elementary School By Kelli Carlin-Auger -
Regarding Amanda Martin's letter, I completely disagree with her. This reminds me of when a student asks a teacher "Why did you fail me?" The teacher did not fail you - you failed you. This arrest was not the fault of the State Trooper, it was the fault of Mr. Simpson. He had a warrant for his arrest for a very serious reason. He has alluded the police before. I'm guessing that his family knew he had a warrant out for his arrest as well. He chose to go to the school concert. He was spotted by a off duty officer who was at the concert to watch their child The Troopers were kind enough to allow Mr. Simpson to stay at the concert and watch his kids perform. They even let him hug his kids after the concert and interact with his family all while keeping a safe and comfortable distance from Mr. Simpson so as to not upset his children. - More...
Wednesday PM - December 18, 2013
RE: Arrest at Elementary School By Vanessa Nowland -
I totally disagree with you, Amanda. The suspect was wanted on a felony warrant, in an elementary school with drug paraphernalia and armed with a switchblade knife. Thank God the Alaska State Trooper was there to apprehend him! - More...
Wednesday PM - December 18, 2013
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays By John & Mindy Lloyd -
I want to take the time to wish many friends and family in Ketchikan a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year. John & I miss you all dearly. Ketchikan community will always be home to us. - More...
Wednesday PM - December 18, 2013
Lies, damn lies and Statistics By Al Johnson -
There is a political saying: "Lies, damn lies and statistics" One political party point its fingers at the other and vise verse. Any who are involved with politics, be it local, State or National have been and are guilty of finger pointing. There is no innocence's claimed or declared. - More...
Wednesday PM - December 18, 2013
No New Taxes By Rodney Dial -
The Ketchikan City Assembly is in the process of creating a budget for the upcoming year. As I have been saying in my letters for years, reckless local government spending has created a cycle of ever increasing debt and rising taxes. The City is currently planning to increase the sales tax rate to 6.5% and raising water rates by 15%. This is on top of two years of property tax increases, multiple years of double digit water, sewer and assessment increases. A sales tax increase means that your food, fuel, rent, etc. will cost more. We are taxing our people off the island and the people making the decisions to raise our taxes are pulling in six figure salaries courtesy of the tax payer. - More...
Saturday PM - December 14, 2013
Honesty & transparency needed By James Llanos, Sr. - Some time ago the Recall Committee to recall Ketchikan Indian Community Council completed a recall petition and submitted it to KIC. I was on that committee at that time. - More...
Saturday PM - December 14, 2013
Mail Problems All Over Southeast By John Wiley -
Your story on the Ketchikan Post Office seemed to hit the problem face on. However, it did not go far enough. The problems Ketchikan faces is happening all over Southeast. Sitka has the same problem, where once we had a sorting machine, it was torn out and our mail is sent to Juneau in the evenings and is expected to return the next morning. Twice this week it has not happened. - More...
Saturday PM - December 14, 2013
Arrest at Elementary School By Amanda Martin -
What in God's name made the Alaska State Trooper think it was a good idea to march into a crowded Ketchikan elementary school on the night of our precious children's Christmas pageant to apprehend his "guy". Was he a serious threat? No. He wasn't. - More...
Saturday PM - December 14, 2013
Obama Appeasement Weakens U.S. By Donald A. Moskowitz - Obama and Kerry continue to promote an agenda of U.S. appeasement. - More...
Saturday PM - December 14, 2013
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