About the New Look.....

Welcome to the New Look of the Delta News Web!  If you are a regular reader, you'll notice a couple of important changes.

The first change is the width of the page.  When we launched in 1999, we decided on a format that would provide a full display on nearly all computer monitor settings.  At that time, there were still a fair number of the low resolution monitors around.....still are a few, I'm sure.  Today, most people use 800 X 600 screen resolution, and our new width should pretty much fill up that screen. 

Another important change is how we hope to keep this project going.  We had some excellent suggestions from Delta folks when we asked about this some time back, and now we are implementing those suggestions. 

Because it costs money to keep the DNW operating, we are making a much stronger effort to operate in the black with sponsorships and advertising.

You will notice on the right hand side of the page a column of advertisements.  We are offering this space to our sponsors for only $15 per month....that's about 1/10 of a cent per page view on the home page alone!  The Delta News Web home page was displayed 11,246 times in the past 30 days.....and all pages on the DNW were displayed 36,045 times in the same period.

We hope you enjoy the new look and that you find it more user friendly.  As always, we are interested in your comments.  Just give us a ring (895-4919 M-F 9-5) or send us an e-mail.  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, here is some additional information. 

David Johnson -- Publisher -- February 18, 2003

Army releases draft environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact

The U.S. Army Alaska has released their Draft Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the proposed range project in the Delta area. Concerned citizens can read the entire document online at http://www.usarak.army.mil/conservation/  
It is the sixth link down, titled "Environmental Assessment-Range Expansion Projects, Donnelly Training Area. This is an 86-page pdf document and takes a while to download. According to the draft EA, signed on February 3, 2003 by Col. Lehman, “Military operations noise from the proposed actions would consist of two noise types: high amplitude impulsive noise (large caliber weapons and blast noise) and small arms noise.” There are other numerous findings and issues within the draft that local citizens should review. The Summary of Potential Environmental Consequences is Table 4.1 on pages 59 and 60 of the document.

At an Army Open House, held Thursday, February 6th in the Jarvis West Building, Delta residents learned that Eddy Drop Zone is the preferred location for the Army’s proposed CACTF (Combined Arms Collective Training Facility--a small “town” for urban warfare training) and BAX (Battle Area Complex--a live fire range designed for gunnery training andd use by the Stryker brigade). According to Mr. George Alexion, Installation Range Manager, the Army has had meetings with the FAA regarding restriction of the airspace over the proposed range development, but the Army is not addressing that issue at this time.

Residents at the Open House expressed numerous concerns about the proximity of the range selection to town and homes. Among the concerns voiced were the following issues: noise, fire management, decreased property values, effects of phosphorus rounds on the flora and fauna, air quality from vehicles, tear gas useage, effects on migratory bird routes, traditional recreation and hunting uses of 33 Mile Loop by local residents and Alaskan Natives, safety issues with training rounds and barbed wire debris, bison and caribou migration, access to state lands further south of the range, water quality and run-off, and range effects on wetlands, permafrost, and forest growth. 

Residents are strongly encouraged to put their comments in written form, for formal documentation and inclusion in the Environmental Assessment process. The public comment period is Feb 9th-March 12th. Public comments should be sent to: Gale Skaugstad, United States Army Alaska, Directorate of Public Works, Environmental Resources Department, Ft. Wainwright, AK 99703-6500. gale.skaugstad@wainwright.army.mil 

Kathy Sharp -- February 17, 2003


The long stretch adjacent to Donnelly Dome near Delta - a familiar sight to many Delta residents. Photo courtesy of J. Leon Vialpando.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Linda Johnson!  Your family loves you very much and wants to wish you a wonderful day today!!  Love from all of us!

Katie Johnson -- February 18, 2003


Jamie (Kohler), husband Matt, and their three year old son Tyler. Jamie was a DHS graduate, class of '98. Photo courtesy of Sarah Bevard.

High School Band Fundraiser

The Delta High School Band is getting ready for a trip to California as part of Disney Magic Music Days. They will be performing at Disneyland on Saturday, April 26, 2003. This has been a big project. Mrs. Purucker and the band members have been raising money for this trip for 2 years. They are currently selling raffle tickets for a quilt, 150 gallons of fuel oil, or chain saw safety equipment. You can purchase these tickets from any of the high school band members for $5.00 per ticket. If you don’t know any of the band members you can call Celyse Weller at 895-5128. 

Celyse Weller -- February 9, 2003


MacHomer - The Simpson's do MacBeth!
Saturday, March 8, 2003.  It's not your parents Shakespeare!  For more information click here.  Photo courtesy of Michelle Bartlett. 

Interested Residents to Serve on City Council

Due to the untimely death of Councilman Ron Beck, a vacancy exists. If you are interested in serving on the City Council for the City of Delta Junction until the next regular election in October, please write a letter of interest to the City Clerk and mail or bring it to City Hall during business hours, 8:00AM and 5:00PM.

To serve on Council, you must be a qualified voter residing inside the City limits.  Questions? Contact Pat White, City Clerk at 895-4656 or stop by the City Hall.

Letters are being accepted until February 18, 2003.
 

February 04, 2003


Hi Delta... Eat Your Heart Out! This picture was taken in January! These are growing WILD here in SUNNY Oregon. Ah... I mean... They are growing WILDly in my kitchen as the sun steams in through the window on this unusual SUNNY day. Miss you all (and almost wish we were back home in Delta!) QuilterPeg@centurytel.net, 541 451-4910.  (Picture and text submitted by AKA Peggy Christopherson)


This shot of No Name Creek is near Mentasta on the Tok Cutoff road. Photo courtesy of Dwight Phillips.