Photo of the day - July 28

The crop display at the Deltana Fair showed that despite the rocky summer freeze, Delta farmers were able to get a successful crop. Photo Courtesy Ruby Hollembaek

Remember to come out and visit the Deltana Fair this weekend. Fair starts today and will run through Sunday. You can view exhibits like the one shown above as well as handcrafted items, baked goods, and so much, much more.

Delta Huskies raffle trip to Barrow

The Delta High School Football team would like to offer you the opportunity to be a part of “history in the making”. On Saturday, August 19th the Delta High School football team will face off against the Barrow Whalers. Not only is this the first ever football game for Barrow High School, but it is the northern-most football game ever played.

This is a great opportunity for the Delta Huskies, but it will also be a great opportunity for one lucky person. The Delta Huskies will be raffling off tickets for a chance to win one roundtrip ticket to Barrow to watch this historic event and one free nights stay in Barrow.

Not only will you get to see the game, but you’ll have plenty of time to see the sights of Barrow. Tickets are $10 a piece or 3 for $25. Only 300 tickets will be sold. The tickets will be raffled off during halftime of the first home game one August 12th. The Delta Huskies will be selling these raffle tickets at our dunk tank at the Deltana Fair this weekend so stop by and buy some tickets for this once in a lifetime event!

A Professional Bull Riders Enterprise Tour Event

Tickets go on sale Monday, July 31st at noon for the Last Frontier Rodeo

The Last Frontier Rodeo, a Professional Bull Riders Enterprise Tour event hits the Carlson Center in Fairbanks, AK on September 1st, 2nd & 3rd .

See the world’s newest bull riding young-guns alongside some of the sport’s legendary cowboys as they try to make their mark while vying for positions in the coveted Built Ford Tough Series…the major leagues of bull riding.

The Professional Bull Riders Enterprise Tour combines the toughest bull riders with notoriously nasty bulls to create non-stop, gut wrenching, edge of your seat action. And with over $50,000 up for grabs, these men play for keeps.

Top PBR Riders are scheduled to compete, with finalization of riders and bulls to come at a later date.

Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com, Charge-by-Phone at 456-4800, Fred Meyer Ticketmaster Outlets and Carlson Center Box Office. Tickets start at only $36.00.
For more information on the Professional Bull Riders, the Enterprise Tour or the Built Ford Tough Series go to http://www.pbrnow.com/ .

For local information, please contact Kristin Bayer at (907) 451-7800 or via email at kbayer@co.fairbanks.ak.us

AT&T Alascom offering high speed Internet service in Delta Junction

Sign-up available at the Deltana Fair, by phone or online

ANCHORAGE, AK (July 25) – Delta Junction residents now have a new option for high-speed Internet service through AT&T Alascom’s wireless broadband technology. Wireless broadband is one of the fastest, most dependable and most affordable high-speed Internet options available today.

“We are very pleased to be in the Delta Junction market offering high-speed Internet through our wireless broadband technology,” said Mike Felix, president of AT&T Alascom. “Connecting Alaskans with the world is one of AT&T Alascom’s primary goals. Through high-speed Internet access, Alaskans can better utilize technology to reach across distances to accomplish their goals.”

Delta Junction residents have the opportunity through a special offer to purchase a high-speed Internet and nationwide long-distance bundle for $38 a month. The bundle consists of 100 minutes of in-state and state-to-state long distance as well as wireless broadband high-speed Internet at 128 Kbps.

AT&T will host a booth at the Deltana Fair Friday through Sunday, July 28-30, where fairgoers can sign up for the service and schedule a site survey. The free site survey is necessary to guarantee service availability at the resident’s location.

To sign up for service, Delta Junction residents can visit the AT&T Alascom booth at the Deltana Fair, call 1-800-620-6520 or log on to their website.

About AT&T Alascom
AT&T Alascom is committed to providing top-quality service to every corner of Alaska through a comprehensive global network. Our integrated business and residential solutions include long distance, local, data, video and Internet service.

Photo of the day - July 27

This picture was taken at Lost Lake located in the Quartz Lake State Recreation Area. Lost Lake is a favorite spot for those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the area's scenery and wildlife. At Lost Lake there are 12 campsites, a handicap accessible fishing dock, a picnic area, water and toilets. Photo Courtesy Patrick Clark.

Notice of Availability of Record of Decision for the Final Environmental Impact Statement

Construction and Use of a Battle Area Complex and Combined Arms Collective Training Facility within U.S. Army Training Lands in Alaska.

Based on the analysis contained in the Final EIS, which sets forth the Army’s requirements, the impacts associated with the Army’s actions, and the proposed means by which to mitigate such impacts, the Army has chosen to construct and operate a range complex at Eddy Drop Zone in the Donnelly Training Area East near Delta Junction, Alaska.

The Record of Decision and Final EIS can be viewed The Record of Decision and Final EIS can be viewed at: http://www.usarak.army.mil/conservation/

Copies of the Record of Decision are also available for review at the following locations: Noel Wien Public Library (1215 Cowles Street, Fairbanks) and Delta Junction Public Library (Deborah Street, Delta Junction). For further information or to request a copy, please contact Ms. Carrie McEnteer (907) 353-9507 (in Fairbanks), Ms. Ellen Clark (907) 873-1614 (in Delta Junction) or Major Kirk Gohlke (907) 384-1542 (in Anchorage).

Pet show at the fair

Saturday at 6pm on the Mt McKinley Stage bring your pets to the annual Pet Show. Sponsored be Ellie's Dog Gone Kennels all types of pets are invited.

Your critters need to be controled via leash, cage or kennel please. The 3 catagories are Costumed Pet, Best Tricks and basic Pet. So wax your turtles shell or primp up your puppies and bring them to the fair Sat at 6. Woof!

Still room for the Farm Tour

Registration forms and information regarding the Delta Farm Tour are available at many locations in Delta. There is still room so sign up and join the tour that will take you to see a variety of farms along the Alaska Highway and the Sawmill Creek area.

Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 9th at the Jarvis Office Center, Mile 1420.5 Alaska Highway on. Please come early to sign-in. August 4, 2006 is the deadline for $35 per person/ early registration tour fee; after the 4th the fee will go up to $40 per person. Seating is limited and space will be available – first come – first served.

Due to the popularity of these tours a second bus may be added with a different departure time so please be sure to supply good contact information so the extension office can contact you with exact times. Tour stops will include a yak ranch and an elk ranch followed by an Alaska Grown Luncheon being served on location by members of the local Farm Bureau. The tour will resume and continue through Sawmill Creek with a stop at a grain, forage, and grass seed production operation. Next on the agenda will be an opportunity to view bison, elk, reindeer, and musk ok. First or last visit will be made to a meat processing plant and the local farmers market/museum and gardens, returning to the Jarvis Office Center around 5:00.

Contact the Cooperative Extension Service at 895-4215 for detailed information.

Photo of the day - July 26

In June, Delta experienced more than their fair share of rain. While working at Pogo Mine, the photographer, (Charlie Atwell), sent the DNW several pictures. The first picture is of the Lower camp taken from the bridge just before the river flooded into the camp.

Water running through the lower camp Photos Courtesy Charlie Atwell

Loretta Schooley Obituary and Memorial Service

Delta Junction resident Loretta Volkman Schooley, 65, passed away at Family Medical Clinic on July 23, 2006, with her loving husband, Jim, by her side.

Loretta was born March 25, 1941, to Gilbert and Velada Volkman in Evansville, Ind., where she completed high school and heard the Call of the North. In 1959, armed with a job offer as a writer/reporter for the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, she boarded the bus and headed out to seek her future.

Read the rest of the obituary in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner >>>

Services for Loretta will be held Thursday, July 27 at 11:00 a.m. at the Delta Presbyterian Church. Pastor Carin Bear will officiate, in collaboration with the Pioneers of Alaska Women's Igloo #19. Family and friends will gather in fellowship at the Community Center following the service. Burial will be in the Pioneer section of Rest Haven cemetery.

Football season begins Monday, July 31

Football practice for the Delta High School Football team begins on Monday July 31 @ 4:30 at the Delta High School. The pre-season team meeting will be held Wednesday, July 26th at 6:30 in the high school gym. Parents and players are requested to attend. At that time the coaches will pass out required forms and answer any questions that the players/parents may have.

Before being allowed to practice all players will need to turn the following into Coach Wilburn: their sports physical forms, their ASAA Travel Consent Form (signed by both players and parents) and the Delta Football Code of Conduct form (signed by both players and parents). For those who have not had a sports physical you may pick up physical forms from Jackie Becker at the District Office between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

For any further information please contact Coach Wilburn at 895-5495.

Baby Contest at the Deltana Fair

Saturday July 29th at 4:00 PM on the Mt McKinley Stage is the annual Deltana Fair Baby contest.

This is open to all babies 24 months and younger. Catagories include attributes such as prettiest eyes, biggest smile, curliest hair and best outfit. Ribbons will be awarded.

Also immediately following the contest will be the Fastest Diapering Dad Contest. Bring your pride and joy to the Deltana Fair.

Karaoke contest canceled

The Karaoke Contest for the Deltana Fair has been canceled. Instead you are invited to bring your talents to the Talent Show Saturday at 4:15. For more info call 895-4104

World Harmonica Champion at the Deltana Fair

Pierre Herbineaux, a world famous harmonica player who won the World Harmonica Championship in 1957 and has toured professionally for the last 40 some odd years will be performing Sunday July 30 at 12:30 pm at the Deltana Fair on the Wells Fargo Stage.

Pierre is joining us from the Summer Fine Arts Festival where he has been a featured artist and instructor. Pierre is a wonderful performer who will astound the audience. Pierre is originally from Belgium but now resides with his wife Roseanna in Tucson, Arizona.

His Harmonica trio, Trio Candido, has performed all over the world and is internationally recognized as one of the finest of the genre. Be sure to come see Mr. Herbineaux at the Deltana Fair on Sunday.

Photo of the day - July 25

This is a photo of Shannon (Souhrada) Schmelzer with a large Chinook salmon (King) taken on the Kenai River. Photo Courtesy Shannon Schmelzer

Alumni Photos

For photo enlargements and additional text we invite you to browse our alumni pages.

Jessica, Hanni and Brenna Marchuck

Christie DuBois

Kenna and Christie DuBois

Jennifer Murray and her daughter Starrlyn, with Grandpa Mike.

Starrlyn Murray being shown with a treat from grandma and grandpa.

Photo of the day - July 24

This fellow was trying to escape the heat on yesterday. Temperatures reached 80 degrees. Photo was taken at the Fort Greely Airfield. Photo Courtesy Bob Troutman

Photo of the day - July 22

Thunderheads building on a calm day at Summit Lake. Photo Courtesy Gary Cooper

Photo of the day - July 21

Swimming caribou picture was taken up the North Fork of the Goodpaster River. Photo Courtesy Dave Davenport

BBQ at the Sullivan Roadhouse

Join the Delta Chamber of Commerce and the Sullivan Roadhouse Staff for a fundraising BBQ on August 9, between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. The BBQ is by donation.

BBQ items include: hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, cookies, watermelon and lemonade. All proceeds from the BBQ will go towards the Sullivan Roadhouse Restoration Project.

The Sullivan Roadhouse was built in 1905 by John and Florence Sullivan. It is the oldest roadhouse in the interior of Alaska. It is a beautiful piece of Delta Junction and Alaskan history. Wonderfully re-created rooms, as well as interpretive exhibits give visitors a feel for life at the turn of the century. The building is over 100 years old and takes many hours of costly care and maintenance every year.

The Sullivan Roadhouse is maintained by the Delta Chamber of Commerce and the generous donations from community members and visitors to Delta Junction. If you are unable to make the BBQ, donations are always welcome. Please contact the Delta Chamber of Commerce for additional information at 895-5068.

20th class reunion for DHS class of '86

The class of 1986 is holding it's 20th year reunion. It is planned for August 11-13th, 2006. The reunion will start in Fairbanks on Friday and will have more activities planned for Saturday in Delta.

For more information you can call Kim (Rohr) Liebich at 208-433-8198 or Barbi (Kephart) Ouellette at 907-746-0331 (evenings).

The class of '86 is also inviting any other classes that want to join us. Please RSVP so we can have a head count for dinner on friday and for the BBQ on Saturday.

Photo of the day - July 20

Mary Hayes has these lovely peonies growing in her yard... and they smell good, too! Photo courtesy Ann Geise.

Fort Greely project moves ahead

A new medical clinic, power plant and lodging/RV facility is to be built on 110 acres at Fort Greely just outside Delta Junction. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Army recently selected Greely Development Partners for the project. Greely Development will manage most aspects of the project, including planning, building, financing and running the facilities.
Read the complete story here

Power outage delays Missile testing

Due to a power outage in Southern California, a Minuteman III dummy warhead test originally slated for Wednesday was conducted today. The test was successful, with the missile traveling 4,200 miles from Vandenberg Air Force Base to the water target in the Marshall Islands. The two interceptors at Vandenberg and the nine missiles housed underground at Fort Greely are part of the U.S. Missile Defense System, which is tested periodically for reliability and accuracy.

Click here for more

Golden opportunity & great wages call miners to Pogo

Good pay, signing bonuses, challenging work and even great chow are just a few reasons skilled miners from the lower 48 are relocating to Delta Junction. Metal prices have resurged, and that means more workers are needed in all areas of mineral production.

Find out more about Delta’s newest underground industry by clicking here

First Graduates from Delta Volunteer Tutor Program

The Delta Refugee and Immigration Assistance Office is excited and pleased to announce the first two students to complete the U.S. Citizenship course through the Volunteer Tutor Program: Fedor and Lydiya Baldynyuk. Congratulations are also in order for Onufriy and Nina Kozak, and Valentina Nuzhnaya, who subsequently have also completed the course. These have received a Certificate of Completion for the VTP US Citizenship cour4se. (Four more students are currently taking the course and will complete it shortly.)

This course is offered to those refugees to the United States who are over 60 years of age, who have been physically in America for over 4 years, and who desire to obtain legal U.S. Citizen status. Through workbooks, CDs, flash cards, field trips, videos and individualized in-home tutoring, these individuals learn basic history of America, how the U.S. government is set up, national leaders, holidays and customs, and English. As a matter of fact, all must learn the answers to 96 questions about the United States, its government, leaders, laws, and history, which questions are given in English and must be answered in English. Quite an accomplishment for these older folks!

Tutors, besides teaching this basic information, are charged with imparting a bit of the American spirit; and we are working to integrate these relatively new-comers more fully into our community. Field trips to City Hall, the LIbrary, and the Senior Center play an important part of the Citizenship course in that interaction with community leaders, officials, and old-timers helps us all become more comfortable with each other, language notwithstanding.

We would also like to express our thanks to those local Deltans who generously stepped forward, giving of their time and energies to be in-home Volunteers in the VTP: Shirley Beck, Jim Harris, Brian Schaffer, Linea John, and Fran Hallgren of Delta Junction, and also Kathy Haile and Luke Sinclair of Ft. Greely. The teaching of this Citizenship course takes about 2 hours a week for about 12 weeks, so we heartily thank them for their pariticipation in this special program. (Mary Leith-Dowling and Mary Torrell also volunteered to tutor, but we had more tutors than students and could not readily use them: Thanks anyway for your interest in helping.)

We would also like to thank Anatoliy Frolov, who is faithful and diligent in his duties as interpreter. And, of course, many thanks are due to the staff at the RAP office: Vera Gorban-Site Manager, Svetlana Kravet-Case Manager, Yelena Berezhkova-Case Manager, and Fran Hallgren-Coordinator VTP.

As we finish up this very first year of VTP, we are already looking forward to the next group of students and tutors. If you would like to become a tutor this fall, please contact Fran Hallgren at the Refugee/Immigration Assistance Office, 895-9830 (or at home 895-5532).

Chinook by George M Hosier II - Pan Fever

One of the ways to distinguish a true Alaskan from a cheechako is by examining the bed of their pickup. If they don’t have a pickup, check their hatchback or at least their glove compartment. An Alaskan’s vehicle will always carry evidence of their participation in the lifestyle of the Last Frontier, while a cheechako’s will carry evidence of their futile attempts to keep the Last Frontier at bay.

For instance, an Alaskan’s pickup bed might contain a scuffed ice chest plastered with fish scales; a double handful of spent shotgun shells imbedded in a chainsawdust and two-cycle oil glop; and a frayed black trash bag containing a Wiggy’s sleeping bag, a couple of MRE’s, a blue tarp and a bottle of Muskol. The non-Alaskan’s vehicle, on the other hand, will contain things like a GPS device, a Milepost travel guide, a coconut shell bikini, and an inflatable palm tree. It will also probably contain one of those worthless little travel first aid kits with 42 Band-Aids, a tube of insect bite lotion, and a foil packet of Midol.

To read the rest of the story we invite you get yourself a cup of coffee and sit down and browse our Chinook pages.

Photo of the day - July 19

Clearwater Lake during my canoe trip 07-07-06. Photo Courtesy Brian Bonner, brother of Darlene Chaffin, who comes for his annual vacation to visit and fish.

State Department Advisory: Do you have family and friends in Lebanon?

Lebanon Situation Update
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

This information is current as of today, Tue Jul 18 08:41:13 2006. This Warden Message is to update Americans to the ongoing security concerns in Lebanon. The Embassy is monitoring the situation in Lebanon closely and is reviewing all options for assisting Americans who wish to depart Lebanon. The U.S. Department of State continues to work with the U.S. Department of Defense on a plan to help American citizens safely depart Lebanon. Additional information on departure plans, as it becomes available, will be released via the media, Embassy warden announcements, and on the Embassy website. The Department of State continues to work around the clock to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.

Beirut International Airport, which is severely damaged by bombings, remains closed. Americans who wish to depart Lebanon should prepare important travel documents such as a valid U.S. passport, birth certificates, and other civil documents such as marriage certificates, and medical records.

Once U.S.-sponsored travel arrangements are in place, travelers will each be allowed only one small suitcase. We give priority to U.S. citizens but will consider departure assistance to Legal Permanent Residents accompanying a U.S. citizen immediate family member. ONE guardian may accompany an American citizen minor, even if that guardian is not an American. The guardian must have a valid passport and a U.S. visa, if traveling to the U.S. We understand that neither Lebanese nor Americans need a visa to enter Cyprus. Pets will not be allowed to travel.

The Department of State has issued an updated Travel Warning, available at http://travel.state.gov, alerting American citizens that, due to on going security concerns in Lebanon, the U.S. Embassy has been granted authorized departure status. Family members and non-emergency American employees have permission to depart Lebanon.

We continue to urge Americans to remain in a safe location. Although we understand that Syria is willing to admit Americans without visas, there have been reports of damage to the border crossings at Mesnaa and along the northern Lebanon-Syrian border. However, if people encounter difficulty at the border crossing into Syria, they should contact the American Embassy in Damascus at 963-11-333-1342. Americans who attempt such crossings are advised to exercise great caution when traveling on major roads as they are subject to an air strike at any time.

The U.S. Embassy remains open for business; however, Nonimmigrant Visa processing has been suspended. American Citizen Services and Immigrant Visa processing are functioning normally. American citizens are urged to continue to evaluate their personal security and to keep in contact with the U.S. Embassy for continuing information on developments.

For the latest security information, Americans should regularly monitor theDepartment's web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. The available time for these numbers of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday(except U.S./federal holidays) has been extended to 24 hours a day until further notice.

Americans living or traveling in Lebanon who wish assistance departing Lebanon and have not yet registered are encouraged to register with Department of State by calling 888-407-4747 in the United States or202-501-4444 outside the United States.

Submitted by Joyce McCombs by the way of the Alaska State Library

Famished flyer? $5 buys your meal on AK Air starting next month

Famished Flyer? $5 Buys Your Meal on AK Air Starting Next Month

Guard that granola bar you stash in your carry on bag – your fellow Alaska Airlines passengers may be eyeing it as an option to forking over cold hard cash for an in flight meal. Following the trend of other major carriers, Alaska will now charge for meal service for flights lasting over three hours. Flights within Alaska without schedule meals will still offer a free snack and drink. Carrying less food makes for a lighter plane, which means less fuel consumption. For the complete story, click here.

More Missile Defense tests today

Water targets in the Marshall Islands over 4,000 miles away from Vandenberg Airforce Base are the objective of three unarmed Minuteman III warheads scheduled to be tested today. The readiness test was planned prior to the recent missile launches in North Korea. The nine underground silos at Fort Greely and two at Vandenberg in Central California are part of the Ground Based Missile Defense System. To read the Associated Press release, click here

Seat B Vacancy - interested residents needed to serve on City Council

A City Council seat has been vacated due to the recent resignation of Mayor Roy Gilbertson. If you are interested in serving on the Delta Junction City Council until the next regular election in October, please mail or hand deliver a letter of interest to City Clerk Pat White no later than the close of business on Friday, August 4, 2006. Appointment will be made at the August 15, 2006 regular City Council meeting.

To serve on the Council, you must be a qualified voter who resides within City limits and has for one year prior to filing.

Questions? Call 895-4656 or stop by City Hall Monday – Friday, 8:00AM-5:00PM.

Thanks for your interest in serving your community.

Last day to register to vote for City Council

Sunday, September 3, 2006 is the last day to register to vote to be eligible to vote in the General Municipal Election on October 3, 2006.

Your Voter Registration Application must be postmarked before Sunday, September 3. An application can also be used to update your current voter registration. State and City law requires 30 days before an election to register or make changes to your voter’s registration. You may obtain an application from City Hall during business hours or download one from the state website

The Elections Office will accept faxed applications until Sunday, September 3. Fax completed form to (907) 451-2832. Once your application is processed, a voter identification card will be sent to your mailing address within 3 to 4 weeks.

For additional information contact City Clerk Pat White at City Hall (895-4656) or your Regions III Elections office in Fairbanks (451-2835).

Two new events at the Deltana Fair

Is it that time of year again? After a long winter of being stuck in the house due to freezing cold temperatures and a Spring full of rain its time to get outside and find something fun for the whole family to do. The Deltana Fair is the perfect place.

The Friends of Delta Agriculture have seized the opportunity to bring to Delta a rare event for Alaskans. Many of those who grew up in the lower 48, remember Tractor Pulls and Lumber Jack events. Or, like myself, have heard family members reminiscing about the “good ole’ days”. Reminisce and wonder no more!

The Friends of Delta Agriculture will be hosting these two unique events this year at the Deltana Fair, July 28th-30th. A group of avid tractor lovers from North Pole and Fairbanks will be joining local participants in the first ever “Delta Tractor Pull”. An added bonus will be the kid’s “Peddle Tractor Pull” for children 8 and younger. Prizes will be awarded to every kid that participates with a special “Tractor Pull” hat for the “big kids”.

If you are interested in competing please contact Jeff and Carol McNabb at (907) 895-1936 or Russ and Jeannie Pinkleman at (907) 895-5250.

Many of you may have seen or participated in the “Lumber Jack Challenge” at the Friendly Frontier Days or the Fourth of July Celebration. The Challenge consists of cross-cut saw and the axe throwing competitions. The finals will be at the Deltana Fair and include a “Hot Saw” event in which participants will have an opportunity to show off their own gas powered chain saws. All events are open to men and women ages 16 and up, with the exception of the Hot Saw event, which is for ages 18, and up. Prizes will be awarded for the winners of each event. There will be a grand prize drawing of a chainsaw donated by Rod’s Saw Shop of Fairbanks.

For more information please contact Adam McNabb at (907) 895-1035 or Sam Dighton at (907) 895-4186.Excitement is just around the corner, so if your sick of moose scouting or dumpster chicken chasing and looking for something new and exciting to take the family to, then look for us at the Deltana Fair this year by the livestock barns, and be sure to stop by and check out the rip-roarin’ action.

Photo of the day - July 18

Alaska is host to many beautiful wildflowers including this wild Geranium which was photographed on a small island in Prince William Sound. Photo copyright by Dwight Phillips

Registration deadline for August Primary is July 23

The Division of Elections reminds you that this Sunday, July 23, 2006 is the last day to register to vote or update your current voter registration for the Primary Election on August 22, 2006. This Sunday, July 23 is also the deadline to update your party affiliation for the Primary Election ballot choice. Your party affiliation on file with the Division will determine which ballot you are eligible to receive.

You may register to vote at any regional elections or municipal clerk’s office, the Division of Motor Vehicles and any local library that offers registration. Regional Elections offices will be open on Saturday, July 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, July 23 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. for voter registration.

Registration applications are also available online at the Division of Elections’ website.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact your regional elections office or the Director’s office in Juneau at (907) 465-4611, TTY/TDD: (907) 465-3020.

Information and applications for voter registration and absentee voting is available on the
Division of Elections’ website

A look at Delta past

Old time photos submitted by Dave Davenport, for your viewing enjoyment. For photo enlargements and additional text, we invite you to browse our family photo album.

Katie Rabbit

Boulder Pup is of one of the many pups that we used to raise

"Captain" and "Cappy" are the subjects of this picture "Captain" is the dog and "Cappy"

Deltana Fair Amateur Talent Show

Saturday July 29, 2006 is your opportunity to strut your stuff at the annual Deltana Fair Talent Show. Brush up on that song you love to sing, work on your instrumental, your dance routine, stand up comedy or whatever talent it is that you have been blessed with and come out on Sat afternoon and give us your best. You may win a cash prize!

The show is scheduled for Sat afternoon on the McKinley (Main) stage from 4:45- 6:30 PM. Sign ups will be at the table stage side 30 minutes prior to the Show. You may also call the Talent Show coordinator, Mr. Kenneth Farrow @ 895 4104 and get more information.

The show is open to contestants of all ages who are amateur performers. There will be microphones available and a CD or cassette player is also available. Prior arrangements may be made for keyboard use. If you require any other special equiptment please let us know and we will do our best to help you out.

The Talent Show is always an exciting event, so even if you aren’t planning to entertain do plan to come out and enjoy the show.

Photo of the Day - July 17

Daredevil Eli Grossmann who gets too close to moose! Photo was taken on the flats on the way home to Delta after midnight. Photo Courtesy Dawn Grossmann

Carefree Gourmet articles

Kid's Cook

If you haven’t heard it yet, I bet you will pretty soon. Someone small and probably very cute most of the time, but without a driver’s license or captivating hobby is going to let loose with the infamous summer vacation phrase “I’m BORED! There’s NOTHING to do!” Never fear, children. (And perhaps fear just a tiny bit, dear parents!) Auntie Joyce has rounded up a few recipes that will keep the pint sized set amused for at least a day or two.

Chances are most kids these days have some experience in the kitchen. From microwave popcorn to instant cups of mac n’ cheese, even the tiniest tot can punch the buttons and produce a snack in record time. I have to admit that for a long time I didn’t think this qualified as real cooking, but I’ve changed my mind. It’s real cooking, just not HOME cooking from scratch, which I always think is better for lots of reasons.

>>>More

Photo of the day - July 15

Snowshoe hares wear an all white coat during the wintertime. This picture, taken in May, shows just a few remaining white hairs as this rabbit has almost completed changing into its summer coat. Photo Courtesy Art Lenon

Missile Defense Announces Successful Flight Test

On Friday July 14 at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, flight tests were conducted on parts of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THADD) portion of Ground Based Missile Defense System, part of which is located at Fort Greely. THADD is only one component of the combined land, sea and air based system, but is considered critical to success as it is designed to engage targets both in and out of earth's atmosphere. A HERA target missile was successfully locked onto, intercepted and destroyed, making this third test flight a success. THADD's mobility and flexibility provides long, medium and short range defense capabilities. For more information, read the entire article here

Buffy Comes To Delta

So.... yesterday I'm sitting here working away on Summer Readers stuff, and three guys come in.. one buffed to a high gloss and the other two schlepping giant equipment bags.

Buffy says: Hi, I'm Ted Rowlands from CNN... can we use your Internet?

JMc: ::after swiftly recovering from near faint:: "Of course!"

So they did - they filed this story from the Delta Library.

They were all totally adorable and stunned at the beauty of Ak and tired, since they hadn't slept since leaving LA the night before and couldn't get over the constant light. While the tech guys got all their equipment hooked up, they asked a million questions, leading with the obvious "why do you live HERE?"... to which I always reply, "why do you live THERE?" which I've found to be a handy come back.

Anyway, the video is on Fort Greely and why everyone is jumpy around here because they are on ALERT out there and ordinary mortals can't even get on post right now to go to work. They wouldn't let Ted on post either, but he does look charming standing in front of the trees at the gate, doesn't he? [Link to CNN : click on “Alaska base key to U.S. defense”]

Just another day in the life of a Rural Alaska Librarian, and it goes to show that the center of the universe IS Delta Junction, like I keep trying to tell people.

They are on their way out to Dillingham next - I told them to be sure and use THAT library to file a story, too. :-) Joyce McCombs, Director Delta Community Library

[Do you have a story to share? Send it along and I will do my best to include it!] (Taken from Alaska State Library's Friday Bulletin

Photo of the Day - July 14

Steven Murray (class of 2002) in Afghanistan serving our Country! We are extremely proud of you, Son!!!! Parents Mike and Jamie Murray. Photo Courtesy of Jamie Murray

Missile Defense Studies Show Lack of Confidence in the System

There are 9 ground-based interceptors in Alaska and 2 in California, and in nearly 4 years, there seems to be some glitches in the interceptors. Interceptors are rockets that have missile seeking devices meant to destroy incoming weapons. The system has been set up to help protect the U.S. homeland, deployed troops, and America's friends and allies against ballistic missiles. The defense system is still being developed.

The interceptors have hit 5 out of 10 dummy tests. It has been suggested that the missiles may contain parts that are not quite capable for use in space.

To read the entire article

Opinion: ARCTICULATES

By: Certainly Uncertain about being Certain

Ahhh, Remember when talking about the weather was a good thing? It was a nice icebreaker between complete strangers. It was a great way to start a discussion, when there seemed to be nothing else to talk about. It was a safe subject that everyone had an opinion on, and it also could be the one thing that two people that never agree on anything, could agree on, or agree to disagree on.

Not so now!!! If you say “How about this weather? The response will almost always be what I will from now on call “the look” which is a head slowly shaking back and forth with downcast eyes and a sigh and groan in the voice saying, “I can’t believe all this rain, wind, smoke (Smoke is also part of the summer weather here in Delta, and if you live here long enough you will understand why) too hot, too cold, cloudy, dry,” etc etc.

And if you happen to be a “see the glass half full” type person and always try and see the good of it by saying, “Gee, the sun will do the flowers and gardens good”, the response with “the look” will be, “Yeah, but it brings the bugs out big time, so who has time to enjoy it with all that swattin”, or “I am housebound when the sun is out; don’t want to take chances with the big C”, or maybe in trying to find a bright spot, you might say “I’m glad that we are getting the rain, I don’t have to worry so much about how dry it’s getting, and about fires starting, endangering homes and lives”. The response will be “the look”, with the added brows pulled down, and the “how could you be so cruel” expression on the face, while saying “Don’t you know how many wildfire fighters are out of work, and will starve this winter from lack fire fighting paychecks?”, or “What about the farmers, they won’t be able to get their crops in if this weather keeps up!”

With the rain we have been having almost daily, I have overheard some saying “this summer will be short, so we better get ready for a long, long (the second long is said with “the Look”) hard winter” or, “summer? What summer? Doesn’t look like we are going to have one this year”, or “If I wanted to live in a damp climate I would be living in Seward or ___”. I have yet to hear a positive response, like: “Wow, have you noticed how green and plush the plants are? Or, “how amazingly clean and fresh the air feels when the rain lets up? Or, just how awesome those clouds look on our big, expansive, clear blue skies, as they build up, and darken up, just before a lightning and thunder show, with pelting rain?”

I do have to say my lungs are in a real quandary on how to behave, because of the last two summers with dense smoke from the wildfires, that covered a good portion of Alaska, it feels strange this summer to breath deeply now without that “little cough” at the end. It is also nice to view the beautiful mountains nearby, and see their majestic definition with sharp clarity, that is usually missing from the wildfire smoky haze, summer after summer. I do realize that some people depend on the income from the wildfires in Alaska and it is ecologically good for the land, but one summer of less fires and smoke is actually nice. Now, if we can just do something (now I have the Look) about those pesky insects that are messing with our trees and greenage. After a long winter of white, grey and dark browns colors, the various shades of greens and the wildflower colors are soothing for the eyes. It seems a travesty to have insects feasting on the green leaves destroying the color we cherish, summer after summer after summer…

Editor's note: This was submitted as an opinion article. The author wishes to remain anonymous.

Photo of the Day - July 13

This Big Boy didn't mind posing for my camera. I spotted him in the Big D area. Photo courtesy Barbara Tharp.

Family Photos - July 13

For photo enlargements and additional text, we invite you to browse our family photo album.

Scott & Ruby Hollembaek along with Ruby's cousin, Pat Kelley & his wife Janine

Delta Greely kids attending the DGSD QS2 Summer Enrichment Program

My nephew Gary on his boat in Prince William Sound.

Johan Bostrom with the Gulkana Glacier in the background

Photo of the Day - July 12

A band of mature and immature Dall sheep rams is shown in the Johnson River drainage during recent Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game aerial sheep surveys. Preliminary results of the survey are that the sheep population in the mountains south of Delta Junction looks healthy. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois
Golden Eagle Outfitter pilot Jim Cummings is shown piloting his Supercub toward a mountain side while conducting a Dall sheep survey for the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game during July. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

UAF-TVC World Regional Geography Class

This summer TVC will be offering World Regional Geography, GEOG F101, with instructor K Kirk, at the Delta Career Advancement Center, Room 103. This course will be offered in a quick three week seminar format. Earn three college credits in social science towards a degree and still have time to enjoy all the benefits of a beautiful Interior Alaskan summer.

The class will take place July 28 and 29, August 4 and 5, and August 11 and 12. It will be held from 5:30 to 9:30 pm on Fridays, and from 8:30 am to 9:30 pm on Saturdays.

The class is described as: An introduction to physical, political, economic, and cultural geography of major world regions. It examines each region in relation to others and in the context of global economic, political, and environmental change.

To register for the course please see Cheryl Helkenn at the Career Advancement Center. The office hours for the month of July preceding the class are Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 am to 2 pm. If you have questions call Cheryl at 895-4605, or 895-4249, or instructor K Kirk at 895-4047.

Photo of the Day - July 11

A double rainbow taken during the rain on July 7. This was taken facing east on N Eielson St. Photo Courtesy Lisa Miller

Photo of the Day - July 10

This is one of a family of Artic Ground squirrels located on Ft Greely. During hibernation, the body temperature of the arctic ground squirrel drops from 98.6° F to 26.4° F that's below the freezing point of water and is the lowest known body temperature of any living mammal. Most mammals, including people, would be frozen solid at that body temperature! Scientists aren't sure just how these diminutive rodents do it, but they apparently have developed a unique mechanism that allows their body fluids to become super cooled to fall below the freezing point without crystallizing into ice and damaging cell tissue. Photo Courtesy Patrick Clark

NWS: Delta Has More Rain Coming Our Way

We have experienced more than our share of rain for this summer. National Weather Service said that we have more rains coming our way this week. Crews are repairing roads that have been damaged in from the rains we received last week. With the heavy rains south of Delta, the DOT officials are on alert. It is advised before you travel that you visit the NWS website or call 511. The National Weather Service said the system will remain stationary through today. Forecasters are warning the rainfall could flood small streams around the Alaska, Richardson and Taylor highways."

Alaska Railroad Extension through Delta to Yukon Studied

In 1942 the US Army did a survey of having the railway run parallel with the Alaska Highway, and today the concept is much nearer to becoming a reality. Even though few details are being released at this time, a new study study points towards a future that may include a Delta/Greely stop on the rail link between Alaska and Yukon.

"The $5.5-million study looking at the feasibility of building a rail link between Alaska and the Yukon has been completed. But the full results are not yet being released to the public.When and how the findings are released will be up to the management working group, Kells Boland, the project’s manager, told a media briefing this morning.The group includes Premier Dennis Fentie, Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski and Andy Carvill, the grand chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations.

The report examines the rail link’s feasibility from a 50-year life cycle perspective, said Boland, and proposes a T-route, which would see Carmacks become a hub.From Carmacks, the route would have three branches. The first branch would go south to New Hazelton, B.C., to connect to a Canadian National Railway line.The second segment would head north to Delta Junction in Alaska, while the third would go to the Inside Passage, connecting to either Skagway or Haines. All three branches would end in deep water ports."

To read the complete article.

July 10 - Delta's 4th of July Celebration Photos II

Photos Courtesy Natalie Jones. To view text and photo enlargements, we invite you to browse our family photo album.

Men's Hairy Legs Contest

Obstacle Course

Balloon Toss

July 10 - Delta's 4th of July Celebration Photos I

Photos Courtesy Natalie Jones. To view text and photo enlargements, we invite you to browse our family photo album.

Color Guard at opening ceremonies.

Burning the old flags

Conley Jones with his first place prize in the bike decorating contest

Photo of the Day - July 8

Gray-cheeked thrushes are usually fairly secretive birds when on their wintering grounds in central and South America. But when they arrive on their breeding grounds in the boreal forest of Alaska and Canada, the males sit in the tops of trees and sing to announce their presence to the world (but mainly to other gray-cheeked thrushes) like this male that was photographed near Delta recently. Gray-cheeked thrushes are one of 5 thrush species in this area, with the others being robins, varied thrush, hermit thrush, and Swainson's thrush.
Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

NWS Flood Warning

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FAIRBANKS AK
620 PM ADT SUN JUL 9 2006

...FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 400 PM ADT MONDAY FOR
SMALL STREAMS IN THE UPPER TANANA RIVER BASIN FROM THE CANADA
BORDER TO CHICKEN TO DOT LAKE TO SOUTH OF DONNELLY DOME...

...FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 400 PM ADT MONDAY FOR THE
TANANA RIVER AT NORTHWAY...TANACROSS...AND DELTA JUNCTION...

THIS WARNING DOES ...NOT... INCLUDE THE DELTA RIVER.

RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF ONE TO THREE INCHES OVER THE LAST 24 TO 36 HOURS IN THE UPPER TANANA VALLEY AND EASTERN ALASKA RANGE IS PRODUCING RAPID RISES OF WATER LEVELS AND FLOODING OF SMALL STREAMS AND TRIBUTARIES OF THE UPPER TANANA RIVER.

THE AFFECTED AREA INCLUDES THE TOK CUTOFF FROM TOK TO MENTASTA LAKE... THE ALASKA HIGHWAY FROM DOT LAKE TO THE BORDER...THE RICHARDSON HIGHWAY SOUTH OF DONNELLY DOME TO BLACK RAPIDS...AND THE TAYLOR HIGHWAY SOUTH OF CHICKEN.

THE TANANA RIVER IS AT FLOOD STAGE AT TANACROSS AND WILL REACH FLOOD STAGE AT NORTHWAY EARLY MONDAY MORNING. THE TANANA RIVER WILL REACH FLOOD STAGE AT DELTA JUNCTION EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING. THE TANANA RIVER IS EXPECTED TO CREST AT TANACROSS ON MONDAY MORNING... AND CREST AT NORTHWAY ON TUESDAY.

CAMPERS AND HIKERS SHOULD AVOID CAMPING NEAR STREAMS AND RIVERS AS WATER LEVELS MAY RISE RAPIDLY...PARTICULARLY IN ROCKY AND STEEP TERRAIN.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO EXERCISE CAUTION AND AVOID CROSSING FLOODED ROADS OR HIGHWAYS.

A FLOOD WARNING MEANS FLOODING IS IMMINENT OR OCCURRING. TAKE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS IMMEDIATELY. THE NEXT FLOOD STATEMENT WILL BE ISSUED AT 12 NOON ADT MONDAY OR SOONER IF NECESSARY.

From the National Weather Service's Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for Alaska: http://www.weather.gov/alerts/ak.html

Opinion: ARCTICULATES

By: “Certainly Uncertain About Being Certain”

Has anyone noticed how many houses are being built all over the place in this pretty little town of ours? I don’t know about you, but I have overheard “this town is going downhill fast” or “will be a ghost town in a couple of years” or “there will be no more good jobs here after the missile base is done”.

For such a dismal broadcasting of Delta’s future, we sure have a lot of building going on. Not just houses either, but businesses too. Though it is nice to see the town growing, I wonder if there is something going on that we locals don’t know about. I could see a few smaller to medium size houses going up around here, but the new houses being built in the town and on the outskirts are huge!!! Beautiful!!! But huge!!!

Also, as for me being pretty blind to anything going on around me, even I have noticed the prices of houses and land in this area have skyrocketed in the past few years. It seems to me, and it could just be me, but if a small town in the middle of “nowhere land” is “going downhill fast” then shouldn’t the property values be doing the same.

There are homes being sold, or are for sale, that are priced higher than in some cities with all the amenities of living in a big city. We have nothing here that some would consider of worth; for instance: a movie theater, a mall, a fast food place, (other then the “Buffalo Drive In” in the summer, which is fantastic, by the way) a bowling alley, big day care centers, Wal-Mart, Kmart, a Jiffy Lube, or Midas Muffler shop, etc.. etc… So, my enquiring mind needs to know - just exactly what is driving the house and land values up???

Of course, it is good for the ones leaving this area; they may make a pretty penny selling their property - if it sells. Come to think of it; I have seen a lot of “For Sale” signs all over town and the outskirts of town lately. Could it be that everyone is moving out, and someone has been terribly misinformed about the prospects of this town and vicinity??

Hmmmm!

Editor's note: This was submitted as an opinion article. The author wishes to remain anonymous.

Alumni Photos

For complete text and enlargements of photos we invite you to browse our alumni pages.

Robert and Bambi Gilpin with their children

Sierra Luke after her soccer game

Mr. and Mrs. Reuben John

Phillip/John wedding party

Alumni Photos

For larger photos and text we invite you to browse through our alumni pages.

Heinbockel family over the 4th of July weekend-fishing in Valdez!!

Vanessa John - sister of the groom

3 generations. Courtney Yates, mom-Lorry & grandson

Marki Adams - Maid of honor for the Phillip/John wedding.

Photo of the Day - July 7

Recent rains have damaged some access trails to lakes stocked by ADF&G. The picture above is the old Richardson Road at MP 242.8 Richardson Highway. The trail has been washed away from water draining South of Donnelly's Dome. Access to Weasel Lake is possible by foot, but by ATV would be nearly impossible. ATV access is possible from the repeater road on the West side of Donnelly's Dome. Photo Courtesy Fronty Parker

Chinook by George M Hosier II - Duck Weather

I sure appreciate the fact that we aren’t snorting forest fire smoke this summer. After breakup, I was the stereotype of your ordinary middle-aged Alaskan guy praying that the fire season wouldn’t limit my recreational options. I was looking forward to lots of camping and fishing and swimming and loafing, so when I saw that we were ramping up for a moderate summer, I was ecstatic.

I should explain that I never have been one to enjoy heat. I guess that’s why I like Alaska so much. When I talk to people who are raving about the vacation they took in some exotic locale with an ambient temperature of a blast furnace, my eyes roll back in my head and I begin to convulse at the mere thought. For the life of me, I cannot fathom the alleged bliss of slowly broiling on a tiny strip of white sand sprinkled between the toes of a looming glass and steel luxury hotel complex.

For the rest of the story visit our Chinook page.

Photo of the Day - July 6

This Golden Eagle was spotted at the Ft. Greely landfill. The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is one of the best known birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere. Adult Golden Eagles have an average length of 75-85 cm (37-40"), a wingspan of 175-200 cm (70-80"), and a weight of 3 to 5 kg. As in all birds of prey, the females are generally slightly larger than the males. Photo Courtesy Patrick Clark.

Seat B Vacancy - Interested Residents Needed to Serve on City Council

A City Council seat has been vacated due to the recent resignation of Mayor Roy Gilbertson. If you are interested in serving on the Delta Junction City Council until the next regular election in October, please mail or hand deliver a letter of interest to City Clerk Pat White no later than the close of business on Friday, August 4, 2006. Appointment will be made at the August 15, 2006 regular City Council meeting.

To serve on the Council, you must be a qualified voter who has resided inside the City limits for one year at the time of filing.

Questions? Call 895-4656 or stop by City Hall Monday – Friday, 8:00AM-5:00PM.

Thanks for your interest in serving your community.

Photo of the Day - July 5

The Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) is the only grouse with white meat, and is a favorite of many hunters because of the sport they provide and the flavor of the meat.
Photo Courtesy Art Lenon

Alaska Highway - Sawmill Creek Farm Tour

The public is invited to attend the 2006 annual Delta Farm Tour sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Service and hosted by the Alaska Farm Bureau, Delta Chapter.

Wednesday, August 9th is the date set for the all day bus tour that will travel down back roads through one of the largest agricultural areas in the State. The day will begin with a visit to a yak farm, the next stop will be at an elk ranch. An Alaska Grown luncheon will be served on site by members of the local Farm Bureau Delta Chapter.

Following lunch participants will travel to a farming operation with grain, grass seed, and perennial forage crops in production, then to the end of the road to observe bison, elk, and reindeer. Either at the beginning or the end of the tour folks will be stopping at the Highway’s End Farmers Market and the historic Sullivan Roadhouse Museum and gardens in addition to Delta Meat and Sausage meat processing plant.

Detailed information will be in future issues of the “Delta Wind” and posted around town. For information regarding fees and registration please call 895-4215.

Photo of the Day - July 3

This dramatic sunset was captured around midnight 24 June at the entrance to Quartz lake looking west on the Richardson Highway. Photo Courtesy Reggie Salinas

DNW is Needing The Community's Help

We are on the scout for photos and community news. If you can help with either of these, please send us an email.

We would like to thank those who have contributed to the Delta News Web over the years. It's with your help that we have made the DNW a success. Thank you again.

We would like to wish you a Happy 4th of July. Be safe in your travels and celebrations. The DNW will be taking the day off and will return on July 5 with updates.

Photo of the Day - July 1

Last month while driving to town (Delta Jct) I noticed a flock of snow geese and they were cooperative by allowing me to get close enough for this photo. This photo is actually scaled down from the original which has 6 geese in formation plus the sentinel. See it here. Photo Courtesy Pam Dunklebarger

Delta Wind: Farewell to Loretta Schooley and Hail to Michael Paschall

Delta’s community newspaper Delta Wind recently changed hands, and Loretta Schooley, its most recent publisher gave us permission to publish her story below (published in the June 29th Delta Wind). But first, by way of preamble, I’d like to publicly say a heartfelt thanks to Loretta, and a welcome to the new publisher, Michael Paschall. This is published here with permission from both of them.

Loretta made Delta proud with her consistently useful and professional approach to small community journalism. Not surprisingly, Delta Wind has won a number of awards over the years. It has been a consistent source of community news in good times and bad, and always with class.

On a personal level, I have read Delta Wind since the early 1980’s, sometimes subscribing even when we have lived in other parts of the world, as we do now. As a young area wildlife biologist, Loretta encouraged me to contribute information and stories about wildlife in the Delta area. I remember well sitting with a manual typewriter and triplicate carbon sets cranking out what I hoped would be useful information about hunting, wildlife and the outdoors for Delta folks. She always published them, but I wonder what she thought about some of them!

Then, back in Delta in the late ‘90s I came to Loretta again with stories about the new Delta News Web™. While I’m sure that she recognized immediately that there was some overlap between the two publications, she willingly published the articles. Loretta has always worked from the heart for Delta, and I suspect she saw the Delta News Web as something potentially good for Delta.

Thanks, Loretta. You are an inspiration for me personally, and you are the kind of “salt of the earth” person that every community must have to thrive.

Now, to Michael, I say hail and well met. You have big shoes to fill, but after an enjoyable and wide ranging discussion with you at your office on Friday evening, I believe you are up to the challenge and will also make Delta proud. Congratulations from us at the Delta News Web, and hearty best wishes.

David Johnson, Publisher
The Delta News Web

Thirty years

Who would have thought it, then? It started with a trip to Kodiak for the Women’s State Bowling Tournament in March 1976. Several of us from the Interior were flying down for round-the-clock shifts on the lanes.

A year earlier, Delta’s newspaper, the Midnight Sun, had ceased publication because it was losing money. The need for a community paper became more apparent as each month went by.

Talking about it, Patti Dull, Su (Emry) Swenson and I decided that we could start a paper. (We may have had too many Bloody Marys.) Each of the three had certain talents to contribute and ideas simmered during the trip. Home again, we enlisted Karen Hesser, who was teaching English and journalism at Delta High School. Plans came together during several evenings as we consumed appropriate quantities of affordable wine -- Lancers Rose or Mateus -- in Su’s kitchen.

The four of us each kicked in a little over $125 to purchase a used Gestetner mimeograph machine and learned that Chris Brann, a fireman working for the City of Delta Junction, knew how to operate and even repair the machine. We were in business!
We’d already chosen what we felt was an obvious name, “The Delta Paper”, because that’s what everyone in town had called the Midnight Sun.

That paper was originally “The Delta Midnight Sun” when started by Paul and Trilby Lott in January 1955. The Lotts moved away about a year later and Don and Marian Nilsson took over. The Nilssons eventually sold the paper to Sid and Jan Fleser, who later sold it to Jo and Emil Blahut, who changed the name in, what turned out to be, an unfortunate effort to draw readership from a larger geographical area.

Working on IBM Selectric typewriters, with interchangeable “ball” typefaces, and a ball-tip stylus when needed, the newspaper was impressed on blue stencils that went onto the drum of the mimeograph machine. That first issue, published and distributed on April 14, 1976, was printed on only one side of the 8 ½ x 14-inch pages because we were afraid the ink would bleed through and made it unreadable. (It did not.) The new paper was well received by the community.

A newspaper, then and now, is made possible only by its advertisers. Some of those who signed on early included the Club Evergreen, Delta Concrete, Trophy Lodge, Norton’s Goodyear, Delta Welding Service (Bob Geise), Diehl’s Shopping Center, Jack’s Service / Jack’s Liquor, Delta Seafood Products (Bob Edwards), Seitz Building Supplies and the Buffalo Lodge.

Karen was first to leave the group. She and her husband moved away from Delta at the end of the next school year. Su eventually bailed out, too. Working from home, her “real job”, was editing textbooks for major publishers. She moved to Tok and later took employment on the North Slope. (As many will recall, these were “pipeline days”.)

A major change came when Chris and his wife Frances purchased an offset press in the late 70s and a new Delta business, Dragon Press, was born. In addition to being folded instead of stapled, the paper got a complete new look with our purchase of a state-of-the-art Compugraphic typesetting machine. Patti, Chris and I formed a corporation in 1979 to “own” the newspaper and TriDelta, Inc., became the official publisher.

In 1982, Chris bought a second, larger press and the paper became the same size it is today.

Over the years, many people have asked why we printed on white bond paper instead of newsprint. The simple explanation was, and is, that newsprint comes in large rolls, which feed into huge presses, and the paper is printed before being cut to size. Smaller offset presses are “sheet-fed” and it’s not cost effective to work with pre-cut newsprint paper.

Originally, The Delta Paper was published every week but, once pipeline construction was completed, there was an economic downturn and we switched to every-other-week publication so advertisers’ monthly bills were lower and they could afford to stay with us.

Among many other changes, Chris sold Dragon Press to Polar Run Printing and, in time, the presses were moved to that shop in Fairbanks. Chris and Frances sold their Fleet Street home and took up world-class sailing, boat-building and computer work.

An opportunity to sell The Delta Paper arose in 1991 when John Lindauer was creating a small conglomerate of community newspapers. Ours was a successful (paying its bills) enterprise and Lindauer’s catch phrase was “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But he did attempt to “fix” it and his small empire began to crash over his head less than eight months into the effort. He tried printing all his papers in Anchorage, on newsprint, with shared advertising contracts, and it was no longer “Delta’s paper”. Death was imminent.
(Yes, this was the same Lindauer who later ran for governor -- that didn’t work out, either.)

Considerable attorney fees later, TriDelta got back its equipment but the newspaper’s credit rating had been trashed and, again, there was no paper for a couple of months. To get started again, we enlisted the help of Ann Geise, her space and her typesetting equipment and Delta Wind (another obvious name choice) published for the first time on October 28, 1992.
Patti sold her Help Secretarial Service in 1997 when she and husband TC, who used to write “Topcat’s Litterbox” for The Delta Paper -- he had retired the end of ‘96 from his “day job” with Alyeska Pipeline Service Company-- decided to become full-time RV people.

Over the years, the paper had numerous faithful employees and helpers who worked long hours and weekends and often sweat blood to get an issue to press on time. There’s not room to list them all but they included Debbie Heral, Ann Geise, Lori Meek, Cheryl Heral, Patti Shaw, Gay Bowley, “Bill” Dennison, Sherri Orcutt, Lynne Groppel, Lorraine (Stockwell) Veihl, Cynthia Hilton, Barbara Boadwine, Karen (Lile) Sutherland, Eddy Growden, Cyndi Stamm-Wear, scores of others from time to time and, most recently, Janet Boyer, Sherry Heinbockel, Judy Sowell, Tana Wood and Mary Leith-Dowling. (Thank you, to all of you!)

Last fall, I decided I needed more time to myself. The long hours just weren’t as effortless as they’d been when I was younger. And it was time for changes to the paper if it was going to continue to serve this growing community. It needed “new blood”.

A few people were interested but couldn’t quite get comfortable with making the commitment. Then Michael Paschall stopped in one day to talk about it. A tentative agreement was reached and Michael would begin to observe and start getting involved.

He did a little reporting and writing, working with Janet Boyer, who was scheduled to leave Delta this summer due to her husband’s work assignment. Shortly thereafter, health matters forced me to quickly rearrange my priorities. I literally “dumped” the paper into Mike’s lap.

The last few issues have had a different look, a new and different flavor. There are more pictures and bolder headlines. Most, if not all, of the work is being done on the computer and transmitted electronically to the printer, Graphic North, Inc., in Fairbanks. This should have happened a while ago -- I just wasn’t up to it. Mike has made it happen. He’s hit a few bumps in the road, but he’s getting it done and the community still has its own newspaper.

There’ve been a few minor criticisms but most comments are positive. I figure anyone who wants to be too critical had his / her chance earlier when the paper was advertised for sale. Some people didn’t take that seriously -- others are probably glad I’m “out of there”!

Now, without the responsibility and stress of producing a paper on schedule, I’ll have the opportunity to advise and to do some writing when the mood strikes me.

Thank you, advertisers and readers, for your support through all the years. I hope you will continue to show that same support to Michael and his wife, Catherine Hadley, in their efforts to publish this newspaper for the community of Delta.

-30-

Delta Library Announcing.....

Three newsworthy items for your information:
1. The Library will be closed on Tuesday, July 4th for Independence Day - enjoy the holiday!
2. Wireless Internet is now available in the library - laptops and travelers are welcome.
3. Come hear professional Story teller Joy Steiner on Thursday, July 13 @ 7:30 in the Alaska section of the library . Joy will tell her story "Arctic Gem" - the life and times of Alaskan Pioneer Mardy Murie. Don't miss this fun family evening - it's free and sponsored by your Delta Library Board.

Photo of the Day - June 30

Purple Crocuses taken on May 15. Photo Courtesy Michael Kingston/CRTC.