Bison On Track from Delta to Stevens Village

Just South of Delta, a 2,000 acre farm owned by the Stevens Village Tribal Council supports a growing herd of bison and has provided jobs, education and a chance to reconnect with traditional ways for villagers of all ages. The bison farm will provide healthy, inexpensive meat to supplement the dwindling salmon and moose populations in Stevens Village. Click here to learn more.

Weather vs. Missiles - Will Clouds & Fog Postpone Thursdays Test?

Missile Defense Agency spokesman Richard Lehner outlined the system tests scheduled for Thursday morning and expressed his concerns about the impact weather could have in this article

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld held a press conference during his recent visit to Fort Greely and Fairbanks. He had high praise for Fort Greely's Alaska National Guard and for the 172nd Stryker Brigade in Fairbanks. Read the complete transcript here

Photo of the day - August 30

"Monkey Flower (mimulus species) Figwort Family. Mosit areas, stream edges and wet slopes are favored habitats of monkey flowers." Photo By Sebastian Saarloos

Photo of the day - August 29

Horsetail Falls taken Saturday 26 August on our way to fish for silvers in Valdez. Photo Courtesy Dave Luntz

Photos - showing activities in the Interior

There is always something to do in Alaska, no matter what time of the year it is. You can go hiking, floating a river, or even dipnetting and cooking on the rocks. The possiblities are endless in Alaska.

We invite you to browse our family photo album for additional text.

Eli Grossmann at the Summit of the Chilkoot Trail

Delta resident Jesse Cummings proudly displays a chum salmon

Brian Palmer grills reds on flat rock at Chitina

Photo of the day - August 28

Fall colors coming in...with Donnelly in the back ground. Photo Courtesy Lisa Stossmeister

Defense Secretary Visits Greely, Urges More Testing of Missile Shield

Donald Rumsfeld got a first hand look at the US Missile Defense system during his recent visit to Fort Greely when he descended into a silo to view one of ten 54 foot long interceptors currently in place. At a news conference later, Secretary Rumsfeld said "more complete and realistic testing" of the system was needed. An 11th interceptor is scheduled to be installed today, and a target missile test from Kodiak and Vandenberg AFB is scheduled for Thursday.

Read the Associated Press story here

For another view of Secretary Rumsfeld's visit, read The New York Times article

Deltana Fair photos

Even though Deltana Fair has come and gone, we still can look back on the events and activities that took place, and dream of next year. Thank you Carol Watkins for all your wonderful displays of the fair you put together this year. Click on any of the images for an enlargment.

The Play
Miscellaneous photos

Sunday service

Photo of the day - August 26

Delta Jct residents are frequently treated to sights of caribou along the Richardson Highway around the Donnelly Dome area. This majestic bull was photographed by Art Lenon

The deadline to regisiter to vote in the October REAA and CRSA Elections is September 3, 2006

The Division of Elections reminds you that the last day to register to vote or update or change your current voter registration for the October 3, 2006 REAA and CRSA Elections is Sunday, September 3, 2006.

You may register at regional election offices, municipal clerks' offices, Division of Motor Vehicles, and any local library that offers registration.

Information and applications for voter registration is available on the Division of Elections’ web site at: www.elections.state.ak.us.

Regional Elections offices in Juneau, Kenai, Anchorage, Wasilla, Fairbanks, and Nome are open Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Voters may also fax their voter registration form to the Division of Elections through Sunday, September 3, 2006.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact your regional election office:

· Director's office in Juneau at 465-4611.
· Region I in Juneau at (907) 465-3021; in Kenai at (907) 283-3805
· Region II in Anchorage at (907) 522-8683; in Wasilla at (907) 373-8952
· Region III in Fairbanks at (907) 451-2835
· Region IV in Nome at (907) 443-5285
· TTY: 1-888-622-3020

Photo of the day - August 25

A midnight sunset on a stand of trees. Photo Courtesy Gary Cooper

Photo of the day - August 24

I was laying out in the yard enjoying one of Delta's Beautiful sunny days. My kids splashed me with their pool water. I did not care because as I looked up to the Heavens I saw this Amazingly Beautiful view. One of those moments when you know God is looking down at you. Thought with all these gloomy days you might like to see too. Photo Courtesy Heather Williams

Photo of the day - August 23

Another sign that fall is here and winter is on the way. After being slapped with its first hard frost on Tuesday morning this pumpkin will begin to ripen into its celebrated orange color. Photo Courtesy Holly Stewart

Annual Baby Shower Fundraiser

Families are invited to the annual Baby Shower fundraiser in support of the CareNet Pregnancy Center of the Tanana Valley on Saturday, September 30 from 1 to 3 pm. There will be refreshments served following a short program in the Clearwater Baptist Church. If you aren’t familiar with the ministry of the CareNet Pregnancy Center, this is a good time to come and learn more about how the Center offers help for women and their babies. CareNet offers free counseling, pregnancy testing and will soon be offering free ultrasound testing as well. They offer support during pregnancy and beyond and also hold Post Abortion Counseling sessions for men and women. Children are welcome at the Shower but be advised that abortion will be discussed.

We always have a good time at these baby showers and it is fun to see the wonderful gifts that people in the community give. Please come join us and bring a baby gift to share with someone in need! Gift suggestions are Diapers, clothing from newborn to size 4T, new car seats, maternity clothing, diapers, baby toys, anything from pacifiers to nursing bras. Homemade items are special and very welcome. Gently used items are also welcome. Please be generous and give as you would for a loved one. Many of these women have very little and we want them to know they are not alone.

For more information please contact, Tina Congiolosi 895-4739 or Esther Holbrook at 895-1880

Photo of the day - August 22

Ruby Hollembaek took these two photos at the BBQ fundraiser on August 9. All proceeds went towards the restoration project for the Sullivan Roadhouse.

From the editor "Don't know about the rest of Delta, but Jack Warren Rd this morning, had a frost. Hope the flower beds and gardens are still surviving."

Ben Grossmann (A local Delta Homeschooler) Wins an Emmy Award

Laura Zoe Quist (from Ester, AK) and Benjamin Grossmann

“Mom, Dad, I won!” Those were the words Bruce and Dawn Grossmann heard from their son Ben on Saturday evening. Calling from backstage at the 2006 Creative Emmy Awards in LA, Ben was holding his golden prize and getting his picture taken. Ben, who grew up here in Delta and has been working in LA for the past five years, was nominated along with eight other coworkers for his work as a Supervising Compositer on the TV mini-series “The Triangle.” The Triangle was shown last December on the SciFi station for 3 nights. It is now available on DVD. He won the Emmy for “Outstanding Visual Effects in a Made for TV Movie or a Mini-Series.” There were five nominees in the category.

Ben and his sister Sarah were both working on the project from late summer all through the fall. It was the first project for Sarah in LA. Ben has had his hand in several other major motion pictures since working in LA. The recently released Hollow Man 2 features an interview with him as the Special Effects Supervisor on the Special Features portion of the DVD. Ben has been working as a freelance compositor and recently started his own visual effects company in LA. He is presently the Creative Director for Café FX, a major visual effects house in the industry.

Ben, a home schooler from Delta, attended UAF and worked for the FOX TV, Alaska One PBS and the Fairbanks NewsMiner before heading to LA.

The Creative Emmy Awards Show will be aired on the E channel August 26th. The Prime Time Emmy Award show will be aired on Aug 27th.

Photo of the day - August 21

A beautiful summer day on George Lake with fluffy clouds and the Granite Mountains in the background. Photo Courtesy Art Lenon

September Hunter Education class in Delta

A Basic Hunter Education class is being offered on Sept. 9th and Sept. 10th from 8 am till Noon both days at the Delta Sportsmans Association Clubhouse on Nome Trail Road.

Class sign-up is at the ADF&G office in Delta at mile 266.7 Richardson Hwy. or call 895-4484. There is a $10.00 fee for the class workbook and classes are free. You must sign-up in advance and have workbook completed when you attend the class. Class size is limited to 24 students total , and persons already on a list should try to attend.

Persons on the list that haven’t paid their $10 and picked up their packet need to do so.

City of Delta Jct Municipal Elections Notice of Vacancies

The City of Delta Junction will hold a regular election on Tuesday, October 3, 2006. The following offices are available for election:

Council Seat A, three-year term ending in October 2009
Council Seat B, one-year term ending in October 2007
Council Seat E, three-year term ending in October 2009
Council Seat F, two-year term ending in October 2008

To read the entire notice please visit the city's website.

Family Photos - August 21

We invite you to browse through our family photo albums to see additional text and photo enlargements.

Steve and Kenna DuBois visiting England

Fred John Jr. graduates from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Tok Center

Linnea John graduates from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Tok Center

Photo of the day - August 19

This little fox kit got up close and personal with the photographer after being called away from his siblings. Copyright by Dwight Phillips

Photo of the day - August 18

In case you missed the ice sculptures this last winter by the visitor center here is the bear and fish sculpture taken at night. Photo copyright Richard Mitchell

Lead Poisoning Hazard Prompts Recall of Toys Given Away at Library Reading Program

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces a recall of more than 340,000 Bendable Dog and Cat Toys from Oriental Trading company that were used for prizes at library summer reading programs nationwide from January 2006 to August 2006. THIS INCLUDES THE DELTA COMMUNITY LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM. The paint on the bendable toys contains excessive levels of lead, which is banned under federal law. Lead is toxic and if ingested by young children can cause adverse health effects.

Parents and children should stop using the toys immediately and return them to the Delta Library for disposable. A replacement will be offered for each toy returned.

The recalled toy is made of bendable plastic and is in the shape of a brown dog with black ears, paws and feet, a Dalmatian dog with pink paws, a white dog with orange spots, a brown dog with pink paws, a white cat with orange stripes, a brown cat with pink paws, a black cat with pink ears and a white cat with brown spots. The toys are about 3.75 inches tall. Consumers may have also purchased these toys outside of summer reading programs during the same time period.

The library is in the process of contacting each child registered for the summer reading program and would appreciate the community's help in getting the word out. The Delta Library is open Monday through Friday 10 - 6, Saturday 10 - 5 and Sunday Noon - 5. Please call me @ 895-4102 with any questions or concerns. Thank you, and our apologies for the inconvenience, Joyce McCombs, Library Director

Landfill Policy: Acceptance of refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners

Items containing pressurized refrigerant require State certified removal of refrigerant prior to ultimate disposal. The City will accept refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and other items designed to utilize pressurized refrigerant at the landfill under the following conditions:

To read the entire policy please view the City's website.

UAF Tanana Valley Campus Fall 2006 Classes Scheduled

This fall TVC will be offering a number of classes in the Delta Junction/Fort Greely area. These classes will help you gain the skills needed to succeed in Alaska’s 21st century workplace, or be applied to a college degree.

Classes will be held either at the Delta Career Advancement Center or on base at the Fort Greely School. Both areas are open to all residents and students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Upon successful registration, access will be granted for the students taking classes on Fort Greely.

The classes being offered are as follows:

• Small Business Planning
• Introduction to Business
• Presentation Skills: A Practical Approach
• Alternative Approaches to Math: Elementary Algebra
• Beginning AutoCad
• Microcomputer Word Processing
• Microcomputer Presentation Software
• Microcomputer Spreadsheets
• Computer Business Applications
• Introduction to Academic Writing
• Individual, Society, and Culture
• Preparatory College English
• Functions of Calculus
• Introduction to Justice

The Partners for Progress in Delta have determined that they will be able to continue the tuition “vouchers” that have aided in the cost of classes in recent years. Students will be offered $50 off per academic credit. A typical three credit class cost would then be $231, rather than $381. The registration period is now open, and will continue until the start of each class. If you are unable to register prior to the opening session of your desired class, please be sure to attend, as registration can take place at that time. We will have a UAF Tanana Valley Campus College Night in Delta on August 24th, from 3 to 7 PM, and a special registration day on Wednesday, September 6th, 11 AM to 7 PM. For more information on “in town” or “on base” classes or to register contact Cheryl Helkenn at 895-4605, or stop by the Delta Career Advancement Center, 1696 North Clearwater Avenue, behind Delta High School.

Photo of the day - August 17

Team photo taken on Saturday, Aug 12. Husky football - 2006. Good luck Huskies. Click on photo for enlargement. Photo Courtesy Michael Kingston/CRTC.

Deltana Fair photos

Deltana Fair was a huge success this year. The fair was held July 28 - July 30. You can click on any of the photos to make an enlargement. If you missed these events, you can enjoy the wonderful photography submitted by Carol Watkins

Delta Fair

Talent Contest
Harmonicas

Photo of the day - August 16

A great time at the bbq fundraiser in town at the Sullivan Roadhouse with music by local musicians. It was 78 degrees at 5:00, on August 9. BBQ Picnic was by donation and all the proceeds went towards the Sullivan Roadhouse restoration project. Photo Courtesy Ruby Hollembaek

Palmer Slaughterhouse On the Block Again

Mt. McKinley Meat & Sausage Company could close by the end of the year if a buyer or private operator is not found who is willing to run the plant according to guidelines imposed by the State of Alaska. If the facility does close, the next closest federally certified plant is our own Delta Meat and Sausage. Here's the whole story

No Fungus Among Us - State Spud Crop Looks Good

Is it cooler weather or better chemistry that make potatoes resistant to the late blight fungus that ruined most of the state's potato crop last year? Even the Top Tater Specialist can't say, but Mat Valley farmers are grateful that seed potatoes from Delta have helped get this year's harvest nearly in the bag. Read more about it here

Missile Defense Sites Proposed in Europe

Poland, the Czech Republic and Great Britain may join Fort Greely and Vandenberg Air Force Base as interceptor missile sites in defense of weapons that could be launched from Iran and the Middle East. Air Force Lt. Gen. Henry A. Obering III said Tuesday that by the end of 2011, plans call for 10 interceptors installed in Europe and as many as 43 interceptors installed at the Alaska and California sites. Click here for the complete story.

Chinook by George M Hosier II - Firewood

I sit at my keyboard, overcome by an acute attack of bafflement. Although I am above the norm in my ability to remain nonplussed when encountering particularly bizarre or inexplicably illogical behavior by a fellow member of the human race, even I have my limits. Consequently, when I passed my buddy Grant on my way to town, what I beheld severely overloaded my credulity banks.

Grant had always struck me as a regular guy. He has a sweet wife and two cute little kids. He holds down a respectable job and volunteers at civic events. He has good credit. He doesn’t kick his dog or play loud music at night. He even keeps his car vacuumed and waxed. What I saw today, however, has created a massive paradigm shift in my opinion of Grant’s normalcy, if not his very sanity. Unbelievably, Grant was driving his battered blue clunker truck, stacked high with fresh cut firewood!

We invite you to our Chinook pages to read the entire story and others.

Delta Chamber of Commerce Membership Meeting

The Delta Chamber of Commerce membership meeting will be held August 17, 2006 at noon at the Buffalo Center Diner, downstairs.

Guest speakers will be the new Superintendent at Delta Greely School District, PJ Ford Slack, Ph.D. and, Alaska State Trooper Nasruk Nay.Be sure to come out and meet the new Superintendent and hear Trooper Nay speak about the new youth program for Delta.

Please RSVP to the Chamber office at 895-5068 if you plan to attend this meeting.

Photo of the day - August 15

Iron wheel abandoned on the Chilkoot Trail by the Klondike Gold Rush Travelers. Eli was hiking the Chilkoot Trail with the local boy scout troop last month.

A Boreal toad found along the trail. Photos Courtesy of Eli Grossmann

Fort Greely Installation Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) Meeting

Fort Greely, Alaska--The Fort Greely Installation Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) will meet at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, 30 August 2006 at the Community Center in Delta Junction, Alaska.

The goal of the RAB is to give individuals who represent the diverse interests of the community the opportunity to regularly review progress and interact with the decision makers concerning Fort Greely's environmental restoration program. The aim is to increase public understanding and the quality of the installation environmental restoration program.

The RAB meetings are held quarterly, are announced in advance and are open to the public.

The RAB assisted with the restoration efforts required by the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process from 1995 until portions of Fort Greely were withdrawn from surplus in 2001 to support the U.S. missile defense program. The RAB is now assisting with the installation environmental restoration program.

The RAB membership currently includes: the Community Co-chair, Steve Fields; the Fort Greely Installation Co-Chair, Lieutenant Colonel Gregory McClinton, Fort Greely garrison commander; community members Dick Anderson, Stephen Hammond, Pete Hallgren, Tom Miller, Mike Murphy, and Carol Stock; with a representative from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency invited to participate in each meeting.

Members of the RAB have committed to a goal of attending all RAB meetings and devoting ample time to review any related Army documents within prescribed time frames.

Public participation on the RAB is strictly voluntary. The Army does not provide financial support to the public members for their services nor are members compensated for work hours lost or time invested.

For more information about the RAB and its activities, call Pete Hallgren at telephone 907-895-4656, see the RAB's website at www.smdcen.us/rabfga, or call Christine Boerst, Fort Greely director of public works and environmental coordinator, at telephone 907-873-4665.

Photo of the day - August 14

The very head of Jarvis Creek looks much different than where it crosses the Richardson Hwy just south of Delta Junction. This photo shows the head of the Jarvis Glacier, which feeds Jarvis Creek, with Mount Silvertip (9,400 feet) to the east of the glacier. Mount Silvertip can be seen from Delta. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

North Pole Speedway - races every Thursday

There are races every Thursday at the North Pole Speedway in North Pole and the community has been invited to come to the races. Its lots of fun!

Save your ticket when you get in and the announcer pulls tickets throughout the race and gives away prizes. Its a great way to spend a summer evening. We have Anchorage coming in September and are looking forward to some great competition then. It's the National Qualifiers race of the year for us. After the race everyone is welcome to come over to the Pit and talk to the drivers and get more information. We have some great kids racing too, not just adults, our youngest is 11 years old (Sean O'Hare, and he drives a Bandalero #18. And a young lady from Anchorage 16 years old drives a Bandelero too. Please visit North Pole Speedway for updates, pictures, location of our race track etc.

The gate fee is $5.00 and they have a great announcer. They have "Legends, Bandaleros, Karts and when Anchorage comes to race with them they have Baby Grands (Mini Nascars) Its great fun for the whole family.

This picture is of the "Legend Cars" lining up getting ready for the race. Photo Courtesy Karen

Red Hat float wins the Most Unusual award at the Deltana Parade

Pics of the Red Hat float which won the "Most Unusual" award. The ladies had great fun throwing candy and singing "You are My Sunshine". These photos were taken by Queen Mum Beverly, of Tennessee, who was visiting her son and daughter-in-law at Fort Greely. Click on the photos for enlargements.

Photo of the day - August 12

I took this picture of a Bluet Damselfly (Enallagma sp.) at Lake George recently. Damselflies are aquatic insects, generally found at or near fresh water. Dragonflies and damselflies are found in every region except Antarctica. Both the adults and larvae are predatory, but they are completely harmless to humans. The larvae are aquatic and will hunt and eat insects and animals up to their own size (including small vertebrates like tadpoles and fish fry). The adults are aerial hunters with acute eyesight, and are often difficult to catch. This information was gathered from Dragonflies of Alaska website and from the Tree of Life web project (Odonata) at. Photo Courtesy of Ellen Clark.

Photo of the day - August 11

The colors fit old glory. Photo Courtesy Fronty Parker

Photo of the day - August 10

Sunset at Birch Lake on 7-18-06 at 11:23pm. Photo Courtesy Ashley Tipton

The lake is popular with fishers, jet-skiers, and water skiers in the summer, and with snowmachiners and ice fishers in the winter. There is excellent fishing all year for stocked species: rainbow trout, king and silver salmon, grayling, and arctic char. Fishing during the open water months is best from a boat. Website

Dave Trainor wins Delta Lions Club Bison Raffle

Delta Lions Club winning ticket is Delta's own Dave Trainor and he will receive the following:

• A 100% successful hunt on one of the 1,000 acre Hollembaek Alaska Interior Game Ranches.
• A buffalo will be approximately 3 ½ years old ($3,500 value).
• Processed and packaged meat by Delta Meat and Sausage ($250 value).

How will this benefit the community?

• 15% of the proceeds will be donated to the American Youth Football program, specifically to the Delta Packers.
• 15% of the proceeds will be donated to the SightFirst II Campaign, which helps prevent blindness and vision diseases world- wide. Lions Clubs are the “knights of the blind”
• Remaining proceeds will help fund local scholarships, youth sports, vision testing, community outreach, Project Christmas, etc.

Summer Readers program at the Delta Library

For photo enlargements and text, we invite you to browse our family photo album. We would like to thank Joyce McCombs for sharing the photos with the community. If you are interested the Summer Readers program for next summer, contact the Delta Library for more details.

Fantastic Felines at the Summer Readers Lunch & Awards Party

Delta Library Summer Readers donned animal costumes and gathered at the Community Center

Professional Story Teller Joy Steiner came to Delta all the way from Boise, Idaho

These summer readers got into character with their costumes.

Photo of the day - August 9

For all of the dedicated Copper River'ites', this is truly the "pot of gold" at the end of a double rainbow. Photo Courtesy Chris Alfonsi

Huskies raffle off trip to Barrow, AK

The Delta Husky Football team is still 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, August 19, 2006. Not only will you get to see the Delta Huskies face the Barrow Whalers in what will be a historic 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. For more information about purchasing tickets please call 895-5495 or contact one of your local football players.

Photo of the day - August 8

The Packers played their first game last Friday, August 5. Good football action, and great cheerleaders. Good luck Packers with your upcoming games. Photo Courtesy Carol Watkins

Newsboys - Live in Concert hits the Carlson Center in Fairbanks, AK

The Newsboys will be live in concert on November 5, 2006 at 5:00 pm at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks.

The Newsboys have long been hailed one of the top performing bands in Christian music. They are most well known for their AMAZING live shows and their upcoming show, November 5, at the Carlson Center will prove to be no exception. Their long awaited upcoming album will be released on October 31, just in time for the concert!

The Newsboys’ single, “He Reigns,” was the #1 CHR “Song of the Year” for both CRW and R&R publications, #1 on CHR charts for 10 weeks, #1 on AC charts for 8 weeks, #1 for two consecutive weeks on every AC & CHR chart in Christian music industry and stayed in the top 20 on Christian AC radio for over 6 months!

Awards and Nominations include: 2005 Dove Award Nomination, Praise and Worship Album of the Year, devotion, 2004 Dove Award Nomination, Song of the Year, “He Reigns”, 2004 GRAMMY Nomination, Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album, Adoration: The Worship Album, CCM Magazine Reader’s Choice Awards: Favorite Artist of the Year, 2003 and Billboard Music Video Award, Best CCM Video, "Entertaining Angels," plus many more.

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 $20.00.

For more information on the Newsboys, please visit http://www.newsboys.com/ , Newsboys – Live in Concert is being brought to you by Christian Professional Phone Directory and KLOVE Christian Radio.

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

Community invited to a fundraising and BBQ

The Sullivan Roadhouse Staff and the Delta Chamber of Commerce invite you to a fundraising BBQ Picnic Wednesday, August 9 from 5 P.M..to 7 P.M. join us on the lawn of the Sullivan Roadhouse for Brats, Burgers and Hotdogs. There'll be ice cream, live music and a raffle. BBQ Picnic is by donation and all proceeds will go towards the Sullivan Roadhouse restoration project.

Photo of the day - August 7

This is a bee hive at North Pole. August seems to the month for all the hornets and wasps. They are seeking moisture from the grass, plants or wherever they can find it.
Photo Courtesy Ashley Tipton

Fort Greely School - cross country parent letter

Dear Fort Greely School X-C (Cross-Country) Parent,

We’re starting the school year running, literally! You may not know it by looking at me, but in a past life I ran on a high school X-C team that competed at the state level in Pennsylvania. While I was a teacher, I also coached several high school X-C teams. I am looking forward to the opportunity of sharing my knowledge and experience with your child. Any students wishing to participate at an X-C practice must first have:

1. A recent school physical,
2. Have paid the $75 Student Participation Fee,
3. A ride home when practice has ended (pickups will always be where we start practice).

A schedule for practice times for August is copied for you on the back of this letter. We are very fortunate in Delta Junction as we have miles and miles of nearby trails with assorted terrain, and I plan on varying the location of practices to keep things interesting, which may require changes to the published schedule. If a practice is to go longer than expected, I will send written notification home with your child in writing; it is their responsibility that it makes its way to you. We will be traveling to compete at meets in Fairbanks this year, and you will find the meet schedule on the September practice calendar. Again, any student who meets the above criteria is encouraged to participate, however, to travel to meets a student must be considered eligible as stated in our sports eligibility policy, listed in the student handbook. My expectations for each student athlete are as follows:

. Always think safety first,
. Attend all practices,
. Maintain a running log,
. Follow practice schedule and rest when you are told,
. Remain eligible so you can compete, and
. Have a good time!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the school (869-3105).

Sincerely,

Brian J. Schaffer
Fort Greely School Principal, X-C Coach

Deltana Fair photos

Deltana Fair was held July 28 - July 30. A great time was had by all. Many folks around town are talking about the events that took place this year, and how the fair has improved. By clicking on any of the photos will enlarge the photo you are clicking on.

Sheer me

Let the games begin!

Grand Rooster

Looking thru the bars.

Llamas eyeing ya.

We want to thank Ruby Hollembaek for her photos that she has submitted of the livestock. The DNW will have one more set of 5 photos to publish of the livestock that attended the Deltana Fair this year.

Photo of the day - August 5

"The Bald Eagle is so named for its conspicuous white head and tail. The distinctive white adult plumage is not attained until 5 or more years of age. Immature birds lack this easily identifiable characteristic and can be confused with the Golden Eagle. The immature Bald Eagle’s unfeathered tarsi (lower legs) and whitish wing linings on the forward part of the wings, can be helpful distinctions where the two species coexist. The Bald Eagle is Alaska’s largest resident bird of prey (the Steller’s Sea Eagle is larger) with a wing span up to 7 1/2 feet (2.3 m) long and weights of 8 to 14 pounds (3.6-6.4 kg). Like many raptors, females are larger than males." Text used from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Photo was taken on a camping trip last month heading towards Valdez. Photo Courtesy Marlon Wright.

Photo of the day - August 4

The Goodpasture River at flood stage just below Indian Creek. This was taken during the month of June when we had all of our rain for weeks.
This is a picture of the mountains above Indian Creek across from Pogo and what remains after the fire a few years ago. The two photos were taken at Pogo Mine. Many of us have no idea what Pogo looks like and Charlie has sent us some photos to share with the readers some of the scenery and views that the workers see each day. The Pogo gold property is located in eastern Alaska, 60 km NE of Delta Junction, and 145Km SE of Fairbanks. Photo Courtesy Charlie Atwell

Attention Alaskan Voters

The Division of Elections reminds you that the Primary Election is August 22, 2006. Regular polling places will be open from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. If you are unable to go to the polls on Election Day, vote absentee!

To vote by mail, your absentee by mail applications must be received by August 12th to be eligible to receive a by mail ballot for the Primary Election.

Absentee in person voting begins Monday, August 7, 2006 at locations throughout Alaska. You may vote absentee in person 15 days before an election and on Election Day. If you are unable to go to the polls due to age, serious illness or a disability you may apply for an absentee ballot through a personal representative selected by you to bring you a ballot.

To obtain a by mail application or locate an absentee in person voting location near you, visit our

Photo of the day - August 3

Beautiful sunset on the last day of July 2006. Photo courtesy Ann Geise

WWII Alaska-Siberia Lend Lease Memorial Dedication

WWII Alaska-Siberia Lend Lease Memorial Dedication, Fairbanks, Alaska August 27, 2006, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Nearly 300 guests from the United States, Russia, Canada, Great Britain and France will celebrate WWII Alaska-Siberia Lend Lease Memorial dedication in Fairbanks from August 25 through 28, 2006.

This monument commemorates the flights of American planes from the continental United States via Alaska to Siberia, as authorized by the Lend-Lease Act of 1941, an act to promote the defense of the United States. Between 1942 and 1945, pilots flew the Alaska-Siberia Lend Lease Airway to deliver nearly 8,000 warplanes half way around the world, traversing more than 12 time zones from Great Falls, Montana to the Russian warfronts. Much of the route lay over remote and road-less wilderness where pilots made their way in stages from the safety of one hastily built airfield to the next. Alaska was the exchange location. United States Army Air Corps pilots from the 7th Ferrying Squadron flew planes from their points of manufacture in the US states to Great Falls, then across Canada to Ladd Field near Fairbanks, Alaska, now Fort Wainwright. From there, pilots of the USSR Air Force flew the planes over western Alaska and across Siberia to the warfronts. Due to the severe weather conditions and mechanical problems, 133 airplanes crashed in North America and 44 in Siberia along the Alaska-Siberia Airway.

The heroism of American and Soviet pilots who flew these warplanes from the United States to the Soviet Union during World War II and all who participated in this endeavor will be always remembered.

Among our guests will be:

Russian Ambassador Yuri Ushakov, Russia;
Russian Consul General Vladimir Volnov, Russia;
Governor of Primorsky Territory Sergei M. Darkin, Russia;
Canadian Consul Karen Matthias;
Honorable John van Dongen, Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations, B.C. Canada;
Lt. General Eric Findley, Deputy Commander, NORAD, Canada;
British Acting Consul General Peter Broom, UK;
The Consul General of France Frederic Desagneaux, France;
United States Senator Ted Stevens, USA;
United States Senator Lisa Murkowski, USA;
Mr. Thomas Adams of the US Department of State, USA;
Former Alaskan Senator John Binkley, USA;
Governor of Alaska Frank Murkowski, USA;
Members of the Alaska State Legislature, USA;
Veterans of Foreign Wars;
and many other distinguished individuals.

We also expect a visit of the Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov, and the US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

Enclosed with this press release is the final program for all events that will be held in Fairbanks in August 2006 (http://www.aksrc.org/) We would be honored by your participation in the activities and unveiling of the WWII Lend-Lease Memorial on August 27th, 2006 in Fairbanks, Alaska. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

The wonderful sound of bluegrass music

Many folks in Delta enjoy the wonderful sound of bluegrass. This is a great opportunity to get out and kick up your heels. This weekend in Talkeetna the Talkeetna Bluegrass Festival will be taking place - Mile 102 Parks Highway. You can have a family campout and listen to bands from all over the state and the Lower 48. Bands play 20 out of 24 hours a day, Friday through Sunday night.

It's Alaska's biggest campout! On-site shower facilities are free, just bring a towel (and some soap please). Get thirsty in the summer sun? No worries... there's fresh drinking water available on site, so you don't have to trek to town. The parking lots have been fixed up to better accomodate families, handicapped folks, band members, and for the overall safety of all festival-goers.

Website Admission: $35 for the weekend; $10 for Sunday only; free for seniors and children 12 and under.

Produce truck back in Delta for a couple of days

You can't miss the big orange semi-truck parked by the Buffalo Gas Station. It will be there today, and part of Friday. They have a truck load of fresh in season produce. Included in this trip are: Cherries, Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, Apples, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Beets, Corn on the Cob, Green Beans, W.W. Sweet Onions, Baking Potatoes, Garlic, Jalepeno Peppers, Mild chile peppers, real vine ripe Tomatoes, Pickling cukes and Slicing cukes, Fresh Dill and more.

Stop by and visit with Leah and Wayne Harmon. They are very friendly people. I stopped in yesterday to chat with them, and had some tasty fruit to eat while enjoying their fine company and picking out my produce. We had corn on the cob on the grill last night, and it was very tasty. The canteloupes are very ripe and sweet tasting. The Rainier cherries are delicious. Yes, one could say that the editor loves fresh produce.

They will be back in late Aug. or early Sept. with a new load of fresh produce. You can contact them at their e-mail adress farmscv@yahoo.com or by cell # 406-291-0903 or home #406-295-9155. Come by the Fruit Stand and get a free sample.

Photo of the day - August 2

Sunday Morning - investigating the dogs.. Mom moose and two babies ..In my yard off Rika's Road Too Cute! Photo Courtesy Jeanie Gallagher

Vacation Bible School (VBS)

M-F; August 7-11; 9am - 12noon

The Adventure of the Treasure Seekers

Dr. Zig at the Big Dig and his sidekick owl (Professor Whoo) will lead the assembly times during VBS at Delta Presbyterian/Faith Lutheran - churches in partnership located next the the Delta Community Center in beautiful downtown Delta Junction, Alaska.

VBS will start at 9 am on Monday, August 7 with registration -- we will need information about each child attending -- including any allergies and how to contact a parent or guardian in case of an emergency. The color for the first day is red -- each child should wear something red on Monday.

There will be Bible stories, crafts, songs, recreation, snacks and more! This year the theme is archaeology, so there will be a treasure to find each day and lots of fun -- can you dig it?

Call 895-4159 or 895-4466 for more information.

Time to start thinking about school

It's that time of year again. Our days are getting shorter, the fair is past, and now we are getting ready to step into another school year soon. Principal Brian Schaffer from the Fort Greely School has sent us a few things to post to get you thinking about the next school year and also as reminders to students and parents.

Fort Greely School
Student Registration begins Monday, August 7
Parents who need access to Fort Greely should call the school first
869-3105

Start the school year running!
Fort Greely School Cross Country team sign-up
To sign up, call Mrs. Jensen (869-3105) on Monday, August 7th
Practice to begin Wednesday, August 9th
To practice, students must have current physical and have paid activity fee

Fort Greely School
Student Orientation (Students new to the school district only, please)
Monday, August 21st @ 1:30 p.m.
For more information, or to reserve a spot, please contact Mrs. Jensen @ 869-3105

Fort Greely School
Parent Academy/Open House
Wednesday, September 6th @ 6:00 p.m.

Back to School “Suggested” Supplies List:
1) 1 pkg. colored pencils,
2) 1 pkg. of #2 pencils or mechanical pencils w/graphite,
3) 1 pkg. of pens,
4) 1 pkg. highlighters,
5) 1 pkg. glue sticks,
6) 1 Trapper Keeper binder w/dividers or pocketed folders for each class,
7) 1 composition book,
8) 2 pkgs. loose leaf or notebook paper,
9) 2 boxes of tissues, and
10) A great attitude!

A look at the 2006 Deltana Fair

"Speaking of the Fair.. it was beyond brilliant.. it's the best one for years and years. The exhibits were still down a bit, but they have been for a long time.. but the enthusiasm and participation in events was really good. The parade took almost an hour! So many floats and fun ideas.. and lots of kids and goofy fun... there was a tractor pull and the mud bogs and yes, the blueberry pie contest" Quote was submitted from one of our local residents.

Today we are featuring some of the photos from Carol Watkins. All three photos are taken from the parade on Saturday. Everybody loves a parade. Click on the photos for an enlargment.

Alumni Photos

For additional text and photo enlargments we invite you to browse our alumni photo album.

Wes and Lindsay Pinkelman - married July 1

Wes and his groomsmen.

Justin Smith and his cousins

Photo of the day - August 1

At the base of Mt. Moffitt/McGinnis Peak on the Trident Glacier, one of our local photographers, (Michael Kingston) is photographed doing what he loves doing, (Photography). Photo taken by Dean Cummings and submitted by Michael Kingston.

Goobye Loretta - Written by Ruby Hollembaek

Goodbye Loretta

A woman of steel.
An honesty seldom found.
Hard work, dedication
And ready to go a’round.

She dreamed big
For our little town.
She made it her home.
Through its ups and downs.

With her ideas churning
A newspaper and staff
She developed and honed
Her literary craft.

She didn’t give up
On this sleepy little place.
She knew so many people
And never forgot a face.

If you stopped just a moment
You’d see a lady with a big heart
She was larger than life
And in Delta left her mark.

I hope that this town remembers
Loretta forever
She deserves our nod of approval
She distilled so much energy and
Forget her I will never.

Thank you for your minutes, hours, days and years
We can never repay you but I hope that you know.
We realize now Loretta that
It’s time to rest– you must go.

Thank you for all your years of hard work & love for our little Alaskan town.
May the good Lord bless you for all the time, energy & love you invested.

Goodbye Loretta from Ruby and so many others

2006 Pipeline Run in the late night sun winners

2006 Pipeline Run Winners 5K

Age Group 15-20
Women
1st Melissa Jackson 21:49
2nd Lindy Smith 21:52
3rd Cari Dighton 25:52

Age Group 21-30
Women
1st Sam Sloan 27:30
2nd Sarah McCrea 31:58

Age Group 31-40
Women
1st Ellen Clark 27:32

Men
1st Ted Rossen 21:55

Age Group 41-50
Women
1st Lonnie Miller 31:58
2nd Elizabeth Garramore 34:42

Men
1st Mike Pelto 20:45
2nd Lauren Kostoff 21:28
3rd Wayne Santos 22:58

Age Group 51-60
Women
1st Mary Saarloos 45:47
2nd Leslie Ozawa 30:14

Men
1st John Sloan 25:56

Age Group 61 and over
Men
1st Art Saarloos 35:473

3K run

Age Group 11-14
Men
1st Charlie Herman 19:57

Age Group 41-50
Women
1st Regina Pelto 22:08

The participants and I would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for their support and help with the 2006 Pipeline Run in the Late Night Sun:

Fred Meyer, NorthUniversity Safeway Food and Drug, Robbie's Rods, Alaskan Steakhouse and Motel, AK Espresso, Delta Industrial Services, Delta Building Supply, Wells Fargo, Video Unlimited, The Hair Doctor, Arctic Fox Safety, Buffalo Center Napa, Adam's Rib and Mountain House Lodge, Mary Kay- Martha Kimball, Morley Electric, Noise Goose Farms, Alyeska, Buffalo Center Drive-In, Shannon Cummings, Craig Cummings, Donnie Bunselmeier, Josh Hoffman, Dave Hoffman

Good morning from the editor

I have returned from my little trip. My family and I enjoyed a mini vacation to Valdez this last weekend. I am sorry that the DNW was not updated. I tried to take care of it, but had no phone connection in Valdez, while staying at Captain Jim's campground.

Hope everyone had a lot of fun at the fair. Before leaving on Saturday morning, my family and I took in the fair on Friday evening. It was reported to me on Sunday that the fair was receiving rain. Hope that didn't put a damper on things for all you fairgoers. I want to thank everyone for sending in their photos of the parade and the activities that took place at the fair. I will use them randomly.

I am working on the updates for August on the DNW right now, and it will probably take me a little while. When one leaves her computer desk, 458 emails later and sorting thru all of them, I have found all the ones I need for the DNW updates today.

Thank you for making the DNW a success and for coming back each day to visit with us.

Photo of the day - July 29

While visiting the Glory Hole on the south end of Summit Lake we spotted a wood frog. Photo Courtesy Sheryl Mills