Credit Card Scam

My wife has been checking our bank statements everyday online and has found we have had some unauthorized charges from our debt card.

CHECK your statement and look for charges from Leanrx.net. and also check for Dreamsmile. This is also part of leanrx.net . A good source to find out about rip-offs is www.ripoffreport.com
This is where we learned about dreamsmile and sure enough they had made an unauthorized charge also. Leanrx and Dreamsmile are both one and the same. Once you find leanrx and think you are free from them thay use Dreamsmile . Beware and watch for both.

Call your C/Card Company as soon as you find out. We caught this unauthorized charge in time and are getting our money back. Some people are still fighting trying to get there’s back.

Submitted by Richard Mitchell

Photo of the day - January 30

Taken on Saturday, 27 January from Allen Army Airfield at Ft. Greely.
Photo Courtesy Tom Cocker

The Festival Celebrates Black History Month with Gospel Choir

FAIRBANKS - The Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival presents Gospel Choir as part of the 2007 “ACS Winter Edition.” New York City Gospel musicians Bobby Lewis and Eustace Johnson will be returning to Fairbanks for the tenth time in February to conduct Gospel Choir rehearsals! Rehearsals will culminate with an afternoon performance Sunday, 4:00pm, Feb. 18, at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, to celebrate Black History month.

The rehearsals will be held at the University Community Presbyterian Church beginning Monday, Feb 12 through Friday, Feb. 16, from 6:00-7:30 pm. No audition is required, and no prior experience is necessary. Registration is $60 per person for the week and is open to anyone age 15 or older. Registration forms can be printed out from the Festival's web site (click on “winter edition”) or by calling Jo Scott at 474-8869. You can also register the first night at the rehearsal.

Sunday’s performance, “A Celebration of Black History in Story and Song,” is open to the public and will feature music by the Festival Gospel Choir and short narrations by choir director Bobby Lewis and selected choir members. There is no admission charge. A free will offering will be collected.

Bobby Lewis is currently the Executive Pastor/Director of Music at the Central Baptist Church in NYC where his choir of 58 voices has been featured on the “Today Show” and “Live with Regis and Kelly.” His choir also performed with Barbra Streisand in her 2002 farewell concert. Lewis has written several musicals and has a CD entitled, “Worthy”.

Eustace Johnson, gospel choir pianist, is currently the Director of Music at New Song Community Church in Harlem. Eustace is president and founder of EAJ Productions and EAJ Music and spends most of his time producing, recording, composing, arranging and serving as pianist/keyboardist for many soloists, groups, studio projects and drama productions.
For more information, contact:

Photo of the day - January 29

With the days getting longer and “hopefully warmer”, you may want to get out and enjoy some of the winter activities that Alaska has to offer. This angler had a lot to smile about as she holds a nice 39 inch Northern Pike, 19.5 pounds, caught this week end.
Photo courtesy Marlin Dunklebarger

Forestry Requests Comments on Fire Protection

The Alaska Division of Forestry, Delta Area Office is in the process of evaluating our Fire Management Protection Levels. These levels allow the Division of Forestry to manage the initial attack of wildland fires in an effective and cost efficient manner.

There are four Protection Options:

Critical: This designation was specifically created to give the highest priority to suppression action on wildland fires that threaten human life, inhabited property, designated physical developments, and to structural resources designated as National Historic Landmarks. Fires that threaten a critical site have the priority over all other wildland fires. This option provides for immediate and aggressive suppression action where human safety or physical developments are at risk.

Full: This designation is established for the protection of cultural and historical sites, uninhabited private property, natural resources high-value areas, and other high –value areas that do not involve the protection of human life and inhabited property. A fire started in this category would receive aggressive initial attack. The difference from a critical area is that if there were two fires at the same time the one in critical protection would receive the highest priority.

Limited: This designation recognizes areas where the cost of suppression may exceed the value of the resource to be protected, the environmental impacts of fire suppression activities may have more negative impact on the resources than the effects of the fire, or the exclusion of fire may be detrimental to the fire dependent ecosystem. Fires in this area are generally not attacked. Instead they are analyzed and monitored. If it is determined that a fire in this category poses a threat to the adjacent resources, then suppression action may be taken. Each case is decided individually.

Modified: This designation is intended to be most flexible option available to land managers/owners. The intent of the Modified management option is to provide a higher level of protection when fire danger is high, probability of significant fire growth is high, and probability of containment is low. A lower level of protection is provided when fire danger decreases, potential for fire growth decreases, and the probability of containment increases. This option also provides increased flexibility in the selection of suppression strategies when risks are high. Unlike the Full management areas, the intent is not to minimize burned acres, but to balance acres burned with suppression costs and to accomplish land and resource management objectives. A fire start would receive aggressive initial attack for the first 24 hours. If it escapes control, the situation will be analyzed to determine if further action is cost effective. At a predetermined date, usually around July 10th, Modified lands are reclassified to Limited for the rest of the fire season.

These management options are implemented for the initial attack phase of a fire only. If the initial attack effort fails, the Wildland Fire Situation Analysis document outlines the suppression options and the direction for the suppression forces.

Cabin Protection Policy – State, Private and Municipal Lands

Cabins: Cabins, whether authorized or unauthorized, and other improvements including those resulting from past state land disposals shall be afforded the same level of fire protection as the surrounding land as identified in the most current fire management plan.

Cabins in limited suppression areas will not receive fire protection.

Inhabited Structures: If a structure is inhabited, we will take appropriate action to protect the people on the scene. Such actions may include evacuation, protecting the structure, or other responses, depending on the situation.

This Cabin Protection Policy is being revised based on public comment that was solicited during the public meeting process n the fall of 2005. We still are accepting public comment about cabin protection during this period.

A map (4.5 MB) of the current Delta Area Fire Protection Areas can be found by clicking here. If you have comments, questions, or would like to review the Fire Management Plan document in more detail please contact the Division of Forestry at 895-4225, write to PO Box 1149, Delta Junction, Alaska 99737 or email us at al_edgren@dnr.state.ak.us. The comment period will end at 4:30 p.m. on February 20, 2007.

Photo of the day - January 27

Sometimes one should act like a tourist in their own state. This is the outside of the El Dorado Gold Mine Gift Shop. Among the other items displayed in the pile is an old water cannon and a set of wagon wheels. Photo Courtesy Barbara Tharp.

Chinook by George M Hosier II - Bachelor Pad

It is with a solemn heart that I must report some troubling news. I have been abandoned! My wife left me! She took our son, walked out the door, got on an airplane and went home to Mommy.

She warned me that this was coming, but I didn’t think she’d have the gall to go through with it, because it’s been years since she was away from me longer than a day and a half. It wasn’t until she actually started packing, that it became evident that she wasn’t joking. As that realization sunk in, a surge of emotions overwhelmed me.

Dropping my veneer of machismo I plunged into the most persuasive speech of my life. I begged. I cajoled. I flirted. I blustered. I blubbered. I vowed everything from a foot massage, to a candlelit champagne dinner for two at A Belle Époque near the Champs-Elysées. I even took off my shirt and did my Arnold Schwarzenegger pose for her. Alas, cruel womanhood! She spurned me like a stale Dorito. Callously she turned away, her chin set—her eyes cold—her arms crossed.

To read the rest of the story we invite you to browse through our Chinook pages.

Polar Bear Plunge updates

Lorraine Veihl 85 votes
Virginia Mancuso 55 votes
Michael Crouch 10 votes

Photo of the day - January 26

Watching arctic ground squirrels can be interesting as well as amusing. This squirrel suns himself on a rock near Paxson Lake. Image and copyright by Dwight Phillips

Sports for Schools Have Been Canceled

Fort Greely School -- Due to extreme weather conditions in Valdez, the Fort Greely School Volleyball games for 1/26 and 1/27 have been canceled. There will be no practice for the volleyball team on 1/26.

Delta High School -- The Valdez games in Delta have been canceled for this weekend due to extreme weather and road conditions. We will try to reschedule them.

Independent and Cuddly Pets

Our cat just can't wait for his picture to come out of the printer. (photo by Richard Mitchell)

Mr. Norman T. Thumbs, Of Salem, WI. Photo courtesy of Lynn Schroeder

Man's Best Friend

Rohmeyoh, a mini Aussie and Caeva, a Golden Retriever are best of friends!! They both just turned 1 year old and belong to Amber and Merri Darland of Delta Junction. Photo Courtesy Debra Darland

Rex - Lives with Jim and Debbie Jennings in Delta Junction. Submitted by Debbie Jennings

Here is a pic of my dog Tigger, all bundled up to go out and play. Photo taken last winter. Submitted by Ashley Tipton

Deltana Community Corporation Meetings Open to Public

Deltana Community Corporation held its monthly meeting on Thursday, November 9th, 2006 at the Clearwater Fire Station. Each term current board members vote and fill positions for president, vice-president, and secretary. On November 9th Paul Knopp was voted president, Todd Zachgo as vice-president—and Julia Phillips as secretary for the new calendar year. Kathy Probert is the only employee of DCC and completes all the grant and meeting paperwork.

Deltana Community Corporation (DCC) was incorporated in 1982 and serves the area currently known as REAA 15, excluding the incorporated city of Delta Junction. DCC provides community services to all residents outside the city limits. DCC is administered by an elected board of directors consisting of nine members. Under AS 37.06.020, unincorporated communities may receive appropriated grants for specific projects and purposes. DCC is also designated to receive and expend state revenue sharing funds administered by the Division of the Community and Business Development.

Board members of the corporation are elected officials of the Deltana region. Community members who are registered voters (qualified voters in the US and registered
in the State of Alaska) and who reside in the Deltana region may vote for their DCC representatives at the same time and location they place other local, state, or federal votes. Community members who reside outside the Delta City limits are encouraged to become involved with the corporation and are welcome themselves to run for open seats during each election. Meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at 7:00pm at Clearwater Fire Station.

Elected members of DCC are asked to report on various topics discussed each month including the following: Roads and Utilities; DREDC; Borough; Policy and Bylaws; Parks and Grounds; Public Relations; Pogo Mine; City Council; Legislative; Fire Department; and the LEPC. For instance, on November 9th the board discussed the possibility of upgrading one of the rural fire stations rather than developing an emergency response center.

Current board members are Paul Knopp, Todd Zachgo, Julia Phillips, Tonia Smith, Shanen Hanson, Pat Schlichting, Nick Herman, Ronnie Lester, and Brian Schaffer. Community members are encouraged to either attend meetings or contact local board members with ideas and concerns they may have regarding all issues outside city limits in the Deltana area.

This month the board of Deltana Community Corporation would like to extend their deepest condolences to the Bowdre family. Russ Bowdre, who passed away on January 9th, served as an active DCC member for many years. He will be greatly missed.

By Julia Phillips

Passport Questions Answered

Alpha Omega Life Care, Inc. does passport pictures by appointment. Just call 895-4104 or 4143 and ask for Claudia. It is $15 for a set of pictures and you will take them away with you. We are located at 2415 Rapid Street that runs next to the Airstrip--look for a "large" airplane hanger on the right handside--look for the sign that reads "Alpha Omega Life Care, Inc."---find the sidewalk (its really out there under all the snow!) follow it up to the door and come in.
We only take the pictures---the rest you need to do at City Hall.

But I have a question---what can we do to better get this information out to the community? We have had an ad running in the Delta Wind for over 2 years now. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Photo of the day - January 25

George Creek slough in June with the Granite Mountains in the background. Photo Courtesy Art Lenon

Festival of Lights Arts and Crafts Fair

The Annual Festival of Lights arts and Crafts fair will be held February 10 at the Delta High School in the big gym. Vendor booths are still available for $10 each. The fair will run from noon until 4:30 pm.

The variety at this fair is wonderful with lots of shopping opportunities. There will be entertainment and food in addition to the vendors. Also at 4 pm the ever popular Polar Bear Plunge will take place.

For additional information or entry forms please contact the Delta Chamber of Commerce office at 895-5068.

We're Having a parade and You're Invited

The Delta Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to the Annual Festival of Lights lighted parade, scheduled for Feb.10 at 7PM.

The Parade is open to trucks, cars, horses, sleighs, floats, snow machines, 4-wheelers, individuals, business…well, just about anyone and anything that is lighted. So start stringing the Christmas lights on the trailer, bundle up and come on down for the lighted parade.

There is no entry fee, entry forms are located at the Delta Chamber of Commerce office in the Jarvis West building.

For additional information or to sign up over the phone please call Dawn at 895-5068.

Festival of Lights 2007 Photo Contest

Start snapping those winter photos because the Delta Chamber of Commerce is once again hosting the annual Festival of Lights Photo Contest. This visionary delight is held at the Delta Library with the photos being on display from Feb. 9 to Feb. 16 for all to enjoy.

The Photo contest is open to all Amateur Photographers of all ages and this year’s photo theme is “Alaska in Winter”. Photos must be in color and 8 x10 format, photos should not be framed or computer enhanced. Prizes will be awarded in each age division.

Entries should be turned into the Delta Library no later than February 8 by 5 pm. Entries forms can be picked up at the Delta Chamber of Commerce office, Delta Library or downloaded at www.deltachamber.org

New this year for either professional photographers or anyone that just wants to share their photography a display only area will be available. Any theme may be displayed in this area. If you would like to take part in the display section please turn in your to the library by February 8.

For additional information please contact the Delta Chamber of Commerce office at 895-5068.

Photo of the day - January 24

This cow moose spent some time in our yard. Photo Courtesy Carol J Watkins

Photo of the day - January 23

Bald eagle lifts off a treetop in search of his next meal. Photo Courtesy Dwight Phillips

Letter to the editor:

January 22, 2007

I would like to address the issue of the new gurney at the Delta Rescue Squad. As some of you may or may not know, the people who make up the rescue squad are strictly volunteer, we do not get paid, in fact we pay money out of our own pockets to help the community.

We put our lives, our families on the back burner to help those people in a medical emergency. We put our health and body at risk every time we respond to a call.

A couple of squad members went to Las Vegas for continuing medical education, not just to go and spend money. There are several of people on the squad that have back problems, knee problems and various other medical problems that are physically taxing.

We felt this gurney would be a good idea. It would help others on the squad from possibly getting a back injury. If we had know the price up front we would have gone through proper channels, however it was a busy weekend with a short amount of time in between classes to see all the new technology out there.

I am not sorry about purchasing the gurney, I am sorry that we went about it wrong. If it saves an injury it was well worth the cost.

Jill Longnecker

Wood Preservative & Pesticide Safety Certification Classes

Wood Preservative & Pesticide Safety Certification Classes Rescheduled for February

Classes will be held the week of February 19th, to provide information on safe handling and correct application of restricted use pesticides. An exam is included and required for those seeking certification.

Certification is required by Alaska State Regulation 18 AAC90.300 for individuals engaged in the following practices:
1. Use or supervise the use of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) restricted-use pesticides (RUP);
2. Use or supervise the use of an EPA general or RUP for commercial purpose (for hire);
3. Satisfy the requirements of a pesticide permit;
4. Act as a pesticide consultant;5. Purchase or sell EPA Restricted-Use Pesticides.

You must be 18 years old to apply for certification.

Initial certification workshop for Demonstration & Research (category 2) Private Applicator (category 3), Turf & Ornamental (category 4), Right of Way Pest Control (category 9) a 16-hour workshop will be February 19th and 20th from 9:00 – 6:00 both days with a one hour break for lunch.

The Re-certification workshops for all four categories is an 8 hour class and will join the Tuesday class (Feb 20th). Wood Preservative (category 13) training will require 8 hours of instruction as DEC requires applicators to have increased knowledge in laws and safety. The initial certification and re-certification workshop for Wood Preservation (category 13) will be Thursday, January 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Phil Kaspari, Pesticide Program Coordinator with the Cooperative Extension Service will be the instructor. Classes will be held at the Delta CES Conference Room in the Jarvis Office Center. Registration deadline is February 14th. It is suggested that participants stop by to pick up training materials in advance.

Contact the CES office at 895-4215 to register and inquire about certification/re-certification fees.

Photo of the day - January 22

Hello Delta folks, Enjoy your beautiful pictures so much. Here’s one that turned out nice near Haines as we traveled down for the legislative session. “On the road to Haines” Cheers, Dave Stancliff / Aide to Senator Therriault

Czech's & Balances- Missle Radar Site Request

The Czech Republic is considering a request from the United States to host an X-band radar facility as part of the ground based missile defense system. Kremlin officials expressed concern such a site would affect the military balance in Europe, and perhaps create a new arms race. Check out the full story here.

Blood Bank of Alaska Conducting a Blood Drive on Wednesday

The Blood Bank of Alaska will be conducting a blood drive at the Delta Junction Community Center on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m.

Eligible donors must be between the ages of 16-74 (16 @ 17 y.o. require parental consent) and must weigh at least 110 pounds.

It is important to have a good meal and to be well hydrated before donating blood. In addition, we need to know any medications taken in the past four weeks. Unfortunately, if you have traveled to a malaria risk area in the past year or have received a tattoo or body piercing you will be deferred for a twelve month period. In addition, the FDA implemented that people who have spent more than three months in the UK or five years cumulatively in Europe are no longer able to donate. The FDA is also not accepting blood donations from people who received blood in the UK since 1980, or from people who had access to military bases in particulare European countries between 1980 & 1996.

There is no substitute for human blood and the need for blood never goes away. Each donation can save up to three lives. The entire process takes approximately one hour.

Please schedule your life saving appointment with Toni Lee @ 895-4159. Walk-ins are welcome. Thank you to the Delta Lions Club for sponsoring this blood drive.

Christian Women's Night

Delta Junction Evening Aglow is holding a trans-denominational Christian Women's Night on Thursday, January 25 from 5:00 pm - 6:30pm downstairs at the Buffalo Diner.

This event is free (except for whatever dinner you order off the menu), and is open to women of all ages. It's just an informal get-together so we can know who our sisters in Christ are in Delta Junction and share what God is doing.

We will have prayer and a short devotional and lots of sharing with each other.

For more information you may call Fran @ 895-5532 or Becky @ 895-2267 or Viki @ 895-4667.

Looking for Pet Photos

Delta News Web would like to publish your favorite pictures of your family pets. We are starting to receive some photos from our readers and they would like to display their photos of their pets. If you have a picture of your favorite pet, please submit it to

Wanda Stewart Presented with Certificate of Appreciation

Friends of NRA Rep Dave Luntz presents Mrs. Wanda Stewart of Granite View Sports & Gifts a Certificate of Appreciation for her outstanding support in support of the Friends of NRA 2006 fund raising banquet. Photo Courtesy Dave Luntz

Photo of the day - January 20

Summit Lake in fall of 06. A perfect day for a great picture. Rarely do you see the water this calm. Photo Courtesy Glenn Shields

2006 Annual Report Alpha Omega Life Care, Inc.

A broad spectrum, multiple program, non-profit social service agency, Alpha Omega Life Care, Inc. operates many programs in the local community.

During the calendar year 2006:

• In partnership and collaboration with the Fairbanks Community Food Bank, Alpha Omega Life Care, Inc. brought to and distributed in the Greater Delta area 36 tons of food to qualifying families and individuals.
• Accumulated 5000 vehicle miles transporting food from Fairbanks for distribution in Delta Junction.
• As a grantee of United Way of Tanana Valley/FEMA, Alpha Omega Life Care, Inc. made cash distribution in the local community of six thousand dollars assisting families and individuals with utility payments, rent payments and grocery purchase.
• Made 13 emergency issues of food to families and individuals from our own food pantry, exclusive of any other program.
• Added commercial refrigeration and large capacity chest freezer to pantry, enhancing ability to store donations and make emergency food issues.
• Furnished items of Durable Medical Equipment to community members from the “lending locker”.
• Accumulated 15,000 corporate vehicle miles transporting Medicaid recipients to Fairbanks and Anchorage for medical appointments.
• In partnership with the Delta Kiwanis Club, presented an annual Children’s Christmas Party for 30 or more children.
• Accumulated 500 volunteer hours devoted to various community services not accounted for elsewhere in this report.
• Provided 16,000 hours of in-home care to elderly and disabled under the auspices of 2 Medicaid Programs.
• Placed 3 Lifeline™ units in homes to protect vulnerable adults.
• Accumulated approximately 300 telephone hours by volunteers, making well check and social calls, and notifying recipients of food box arrivals.
• Trained 20 PCAs in formal class setting resulting in State Certification.
• Assisted 146 individuals with application for Public Assistance---approximately 100 hours.
• In season, in conjunction with the State Of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, operated the USDA Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program, distributing coupons to qualifying seniors, using 25 pro bono hours.
• The Executive Director was selected as “Alaska Older Worker of the Year” and was feted in Washington D.C., where he and the Program Director met with Alaska legislators.
  
  Kenneth E. Farrow
  Executive Director
  POB 1009/2415 Rapids Street
  Delta Junction, Alaska 99737
  907-895-4104 (fax) 895-4143
  asca@wildak.net/aolcinc.org

Constituent Meeting with Senator Gene Therriault

Senator Gene Therriault will be holding a constituent meeting (that's you Delta!!) at the North Pole City Hall, Saturday, January 27th at 9 am through 11 am.

If there is anything you would like to discuss with the Senator please feel free to show up at the meeting or call us at 1-800-860-4797.

Thank You! Jessica Fellman, Staff for Senator Therriault

Photo of the day - January 19

Momma Grizzly and her twins dominate this road scene taken this past fall in Denali Park. Image and copyright by Dwight Phillips

New Clinic for Alaska Veterans

Alaska Veterans will soon have easier access to outpatient care at a new clinic being built by the Department of Veterans Affairs just outside the Elemendorf AFB gates in Anchorage. The new 170,000 square foot facility will provide easier access for patients and should be completed within two years. Click here to read more and see a photo of the new clinic.

Opening Volleyball Games Announcement

Please come and cheer on the FGS Grizzlies for our first volleyball match against Valdez at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 26th and 8:30 a.m. Saturday, January 27th. Hope to see you here!

Photo of the day - January 18

On the flight to Prudhoe Bay on October 9, 2006, much of the scenery looked like this. The weather was relatively warm, +32, and the lakes were just beginning to freeze over.
Photo courtesy of Barbara Tharp.

Global Food Alaska Conference and Trade Show

Imagine an event where businesses in food, beverage and bio products harvested or produced in Alaska are displayed under one roof. That is Global Food Alaska - 2007. It is the place for commercial buyers, sellers, investors and associated services of Alaska's food, beverage and bio products industry to meet and do business.

Join Alaska's harvesters, processors and market partners recognize outstanding achievement by their peers during the 2 day event. Now imagine additional exhibitor booths networked throughout the event that feature technologies, services and products that offer leading edge solutions in food, beverage and bio products. Global Food Alaska - 2007's tradeshow will be combined with a 2 day conference featuring speakers who directly purchase food, beverages and bio products. Learning what and how they buy in 2007 and the drivers that will influence their buying in the future. The food supply chain is interdependent, relying on expertise in health and nutrition, economic and business development, supply and cool chain, finance and sustainability, product quality and safety, all the while staying competitive in domestic and international markets. Join us in realizing the fullest possibilities.

For more information on the conference and show click here

DNW Archives are Down

We are sorry for the inconvenience on the Delta News Web. We had to upgrade our systems to the new blogger for our community news and have lost all of our links in the upgrade. We are working at getting those links all back and working again.

Please be patient with us as we continue to work through this process. Thanks for being a part of the DNW community.

Photo of the day - January 17

A new student wondering what time school starts. Photo Courtesy Cheryl Cooper

Polar Bear Plunge Votes as of Jan 16

Lorraine Veihl 71 Votes
Virginia Mancuso 55 Votes
Michael Crouch 10 Votes
Pablo Martinez 5 Votes

Pete and Jessica Fellman

Pete Fellman (Aide to Speaker John Harris) & Jessica Fellman (Staff for Senator Gene Therriault) on the first day of the 25th Legislative Session.

Alumni Photos

Gabriella Maria Mejia and Jennifer Mejia (Titterness)

For the rest of the text and photo enlargement we invite you to browse our alumni photo album.

Photo of the day - January 16

Everyone's favorite, Rainbow Mountain, lives up to it's name when the sun displays it's colors as seen in this photo. Image and copyright by Dwight Phillips

Chamber - General Membership Meeting

The next membership luncheon will be held on January 18, 2006 at noon at the TROPHY Lodge.

Guest Speaker will be Nicole McCullough, Associate Vice President of Planning for ASCG Incorporated of Alaska. Nicole will discuss the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Transportation Plan and what it means to Interior Alaska.

In October 2006, the DOT&PF kicked off the Interior Alaska Transportation Plan (IATP) and contracted with ASCG to develop the plan. IATP issues include: Gas Pipeline Impacts; Potential Mineral Development; Military Training; Railroad Expansion; Tourism Potential and Aviation System.

Please call the Chamber office at 895-5068 for reservations.

All who RSVP by January 16th at 4pm will be entered into a drawing and the winner will receive their meal free.

Photo of the day - January 15

A heavenly sunrise taken on the corner of Leng and Clearwater Roads around 10 AM on Jan 11. Photo Courtesy Sebastian Saarloos

Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

(Article was submitted by Steve Casey. He is from Stonewall, LA and is a chaplain for people with mental disabilities. He has 3 grandchildren that live in Wasilla.)

“I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” (Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. on August 28, 1963).

It was Fall of 1966. We were beginning our junior year at Pearl-McLaurin High School just east of Jackson, MS. Among the events of the new school year came the fact that our school was to be integrated.

All went well as the handful of new students became part of our student body. Only one of the new students was part of the junior class - Cheryl D.

Cheryl was quite an impressive young lady. She was intelligent, very polite and well-mannered and a person who conducted herself with poise and dignity. Cheryl and I were in several classes together. I learned to have a high respect for her because of the quality of her character.

I had always believed in equality for all races. The positive impression that Cheryl made on my life strengthened that belief. As I look back, I also admire her for her courage. It took a great amount of courage to be one of the first to challenge the years of segregation that had been a fact of our past.

The next year more new students came and most were good young people. But one new girl, whose name I don’t remember, carried a chip on her shoulder and often tried to pick fights with other students. Though there were no major “incidents” at PMHS, I do remember witnessing some ugly scenes around the lockers as students had tried not to react to this new student’s hostility. She certainly did not make a good impression.

What was the difference between the positive attitude of students toward Cheryl and the negative attitude that developed toward this student? It certainly had nothing to do with skin color, for their skin color was the same. It had everything to do with the “content of their character.”

In the past 40+ years since these events, much has changed. Full integration and racial inclusion are a reality in most of American life. I have many black friends with whom I fellowship at work, at church, at meals together and in daily activities. Like all my friends, we are welcomed in each other’s homes and we often plan activities together.

My choice of friends has nothing to do with skin color, but it has much to do with individual character.

Though Martin Luther King’s dream has not come true for everyone everywhere, it has certainly come true for millions of Americans. Yes, there are still bigots with which to contend. All the laws in the world cannot change every human heart. But, as MLK dreamed, most people today are “not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

Torch Light Promenade with Delta students

On Friday, December 22, with temperatures hovering near 20 below, Delta Elementary students celebrated the shortest day of the year with a Torch Light Promenade during their morning walking program. The students are on their newly built Husky Pup Trail which was donated and built by Delta Industrial Services and Salcha/Delta Soil and Water Conservation District. Photo Courtesy Cindy Aillaud

Photo of the day - January 13

A picture of the aurora taken in November during a period of high aurora activity.
Photo Courtesy Steve Dubois

Photo of the day - January 12

January 9, the sun penetrating the ice fog thru the trees. Photo Courtesy Fronty Parker

Photo of the day - January 11

Three sizeable bull moose stand in the foreground of this scene of the Alaska Range. Image and copyright by Dwight Phillips

UAF TVC Classes to Begin Soon

Delta Junction---The busy holiday season is over and it is time to settle down and think about taking some classes during the winter months. Whether you are working toward a degree or just want to increase your knowledge, Tanana Valley Campus has a full schedule of classes slated to begin on January 29th.

For the spring semester the Partners for Progress in Delta have decided to continue the vouchers that have been popular in recent years. The voucher is valid for $50 per credit. For example, a three credit class normally costing $381, would now be $231 – a big reduction!

Classes being offered include the areas of anthropology, business, computer applications, English, justice, math and sign language. The classes will be held in Delta and at Fort Greely. For further information or to register for a class please contact Cheryl Helkenn at the Delta Career Advancement Center 895-4605.

Comet McNaught as seen on January 10, 2007

Yesterday at around 4:30pm, a few of us got a picture of the comet McNaught outside our office across the mountain range . Photo Courtesy Lisa Labaska.

Following is an explanation of the comet with text courtesy of MSNBC

If you can get yourself someplace that has a clear view of sunset this evening, take the opportunity: You're likely to see the brightest comet in a generation as it's reaching its peak.

Yes, Comet McNaught is now brighter than Hale-Bopp, Kohoutek or Hyakutake - earlier comets that sparked high hopes but didn't quite meet their high expectations. In fact, according to the ICQ Comet Information Website, McNaught is almost as bright as Jupiter in the night sky. It's been 31 years since a comet was that bright.

McNaught is due to round the sun on Friday, and could well brighten even more as it comes around the other side. When that happens, observers in the southern hemisphere could be treated to a comet so bright it'll be visible during daylight. But for northern observers, the next day or so could be as good as it gets.

"For observers in the northern Hemisphere, tonight is probably the best time to see it: Go outside this evening and face the sunset." SpaceWeather.com advises. "A clear view of the western horizon is essential, because the comet hangs very low. As the twilight fades to black, it should become visible to the naked eye. Observers say it's a fantastic sight through binoculars."

Don't confuse the comet with Venus, the only other object in post-sunset skies that's brighter. The planet is higher in the sky at sunset, while McNaught is the one with the faint tail.

If you need a map, you can check out the sky guide from Space.com, or SpaceWeather.com, or Sky & Telescope. The comet has also been visible in eastern skies just before sunrise, but it's been much harder to spot. Here's the chart from Space.com.

Even if you're socked in with clouds, you can watch the comet reach its climax online, courtesy of the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory. You can also enjoy galleries of comet images at SpaceWeather.com and Sky & Telescope. And to get a little extra information about what you're looking at, check out our "Inside a Comet" interactive.

Photo of the day - January 10

This pair of pintail ducks found a nice pond to feed and rest in. Photo Courtesy Art Lenon

Photo of the day - January 9

Wiener Lake near Palmer Alaska is adorned in her fall colors in this image by Dwight Phillips

Memorial Service for Russ Bowdre

Date: Wednesday - January 10, 2007
Time: 1:30 PM
Place: Fort Greely Chapel

For those attending the services you will need to have your driver's license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration to get on post.

If you would like to bring a finger food or refreshment, please contact Debbie Joslin at 895-4565.

Important Announcement from the Library

The Library Board meeting that was scheduled for today, Jan 9 is postponed due to cold weather.

Solar Energy for Alaskan's Workshops and Cold Climate Home Building

Introduction to Solar Energy for Alaskan’s Workshops ANDCOLD CLIMATE Home Building Techniques Workshop

Richard Seifert, Energy and Housing Specialist with the University of Alaska Cooperative Extension Service will present An Introduction to Solar Energy for Alaskan’s on Friday, February 2, 2007 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Come and learn about local progress and experience in solar energy for Delta Junction. There is a $10.00 fee to cover the cost of the Alaska Solar Design manual – registration required. What’s possible, what’s real, what’s for me?

Rich will also conduct Cold Climate homebuilding Techniques Workshop on Saturday, February 3, 2007 from 9:am to 5:pm. Topics include windows, ventilation, cold climate options, walls, indoor air quality, roofs, foundations and more.

Participants will receive a totally revised Cold Climate Manual and CD. This class is free, however registration is required “A must for anyone anticipating buying or building in the near future, especially those who are new to the area.” The course will cover basic home buying information and new technology.

Call the Delta District CES office at 895-4215 or Rich Seifert at 1-800-478-8324 for more information and to register, please register by February 1, 2007. Both classes will be held at the Delta Career Advancement Center located behind the Delta Junction High School. Seating is limited; please register early to confirm your participation.

Wood Preservative & Pesticide Safety Certification Classes

Certification is required by Alaska State Regulation 18 AAC90.300 for individuals engaged in the following practices:
1. Use or supervise the use of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) restricted-use pesticides (RUP);
2. Use or supervise the use of an EPA general or RUP for commercial purpose (for hire);
3. Satisfy the requirements of a pesticide permit;
4. Act as a pesticide consultant;
5. Purchase or sell EPA Restricted-Use Pesticides.You must be 18 years old to apply for certification.

Classes will be offered the week of January 22, 2007 to provide information on safe handling and correct application. An exam is included and required for those seeking certification.

Certification and re-certification dates and times will be determined as our office receives an indication of the number of new folks needing certification in any of the categories. An initial certification workshop for Demonstration & Research (category 2) Private Applicator (category 3), Turf & Ornamental (category 4), Right of Way Pest Control (category 9) and will be a 16-hour workshop.

Re-certification workshops for all four categories will be an 8-hour workshop.

Wood Preservative (category 13) training will require 8 hours of instruction as DEC requires applicators to have increased knowledge in laws and safety.

CES is scheduling classes for the week of January 22nd. The initial certification workshop for categories 2, 3, 4, and 9 will be Tuesday, January 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This will join the re-certification class, which is planned for Wednesday, January 24th from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (all will have a 1 hour lunch break). The initial certification and re-certification workshop for Wood Preservation (category 13) will be Thursday, January 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. These dates are tentative and will vary depending on the needs of the participants.

Phil Kaspari, Pesticide Program Coordinator with the Cooperative Extension Service will be the instructor. Classes will be held at the Delta CES Conference Room in the Jarvis Office Center.

Registration deadline is January 19th. Contact the CES office at 895-4215 to register and inquire about certification/re-certification fees.

Photo of the day - January 7

Here's a nice shot of Barrow, Alaska, taken from the air during the weekend of October 6-9, 2006. It shows the typical building style of most of Barrow, and how the city is nestled on the coast line of the Artic Ocean. I learned that the streets are not paved. Depending on the season, they are either dirt, mud, or compacted snow and ice. Photo courtesy Barbara Tharp.

Memorial Service for Fred E. Wood

Name of Deceased: Fred E Wood, age 68. Date of Death January 4, 2007.

Died as he wished, with his wife at home in Delta Junction.

Service: Memorial Service at Delta Christian Center, Delta Junction, Saturday January 13, 3 pm. No visitation, burial, graveside service etc. Officiating at Memorial Service, Pastors Howard and Yvonne Echo-Hawk.

Born September 29, 1938, Columbus Ohio

Education :Received His BA from Evergreen State College, Olympia Washington.

Military Service in US Army 1958-1961

Alaska history: Served at Fort Richardson in late 1950's, voted in the Statehood Referendum. Returned to live in Alaska at Delta Junction in March of 1998.

Employment/occupation/retired: He retired from Department of Corrections in Washington State in 1992. Taught at Walla Walla Community College for 6 years before moving to Alaska. Most recently retired as Branch Manager of Alaska Motor Coaches (Laidlaw) in Delta.

His faith, his love of Jesus was foremost in all he did. He was a member of Delta Christian Center.

Hobbies/special interest: His wife, Tana, was his best friend and constant companion. He loved his family, and friends. He enjoyed travel, road trips and camping, halibut fishing and especially his wood shop. Many of his happiest hours were spent in his shop.

Survivors: Wife of 28 1/2 years, Tana. Children: Lorelei Berndt, Seattle; Deborah Spille, Nampa, ID; Ginny Ricketts, Walla Walla, WA; Fred Jr. Caldwell, ID; Floyd Caldwell ID; Rick, Boise, ID. He is also survived by much loved sons and daughters in law, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is much missed by his brother Bill and sister in law Anne of Springfield, ID, nieces and his sister, Wilma in New England.

Memorials: Fred and Tana were involved in helping build a school in Kayunga, Uganda. Any $$ given in lieu of flowers will be sent to them.

His ashes will be scattered at a favorite site in SE Oregon.

New Year's Revolutions - George Hosier II

Another year is upon us. I’ve noticed that people have many fascinating ways of celebrating the New Year. Sauerkraut and pork is the requisite New Year’s Eve meal among certain Americans of German descent. In Cambodia, celebrants put on new clothes and wage a massive water battle. The king of Swaziland eats part of a sacred pumpkin and throws the leftovers to his warriors. Some people get sloshed until they puke their guts out and pass out in the chip dip on New Year’s Eve. Others wear ridiculous paper hats, blow noisemakers, and sing an unintelligible song in an obsolete Scottish dialect.

Then there are the diehards whose entire year is ruined if they don’t have a chance to usher in the New Year by discharging a box of shotgun shells into the air. Personally, I find that to be a childish and dangerous practice. Why can’t people understand that a slug or a shower of birdshot landing on one of their reveling companions’ head would turn a party into a tragedy? I, long ago, resorted to a safer technique. Now I only shoot high-powered hunting rifles into the air. That way, when the spent bullet surrenders to the persistent tug of gravity, it will land far away on some other crowd of merrymaking strangers and never disrupt my festivities.

To read the entire article we invite you to browse our Chinook pages.

Photo of the day - January 6

This photo was taken at Creamers field, a popular skijoring trail system in Fairbanks.
Photo Courtesy Gary Cooper

Photo of the day - January 5

Winter time is really hard on our feathered friends in the north. This raven was seen at my house trying to satisfy his appetite. Photo Courtesy Candy Corty

Festival of Lights Parade preparing to light up the night

The Delta Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to the Annual Festival of Lights lighted parade, scheduled for Feb.10 at 7PM. We’re having a parade and everyone is invited.

The Parade is open to trucks, cars, horses, sleighs, floats, snow machines, 4-wheelers, individuals, business…well, just about anyone and anything that is lighted.

So start stringing the Christmas lights on the trailer, bundle up and come on down for the lighted parade.

There is no entry fee, entry forms are located at the Delta Chamber of Commerce office in the Jarvis West building.

For additional information or to sign up over the phone please call Dawn at 895-5068.

2007 Polar Plunge nominations are being taken

The Delta Chamber of Commerce is getting ready for the Annual Festival of Lights Celebration scheduled for Feb. 9 and 10. This winter celebration is filled with many activities. The Polar Plunge has proven to be one of the most popular, famous for its “chilly” fun. It is always a treat to see who gets to jump into the Icy plunge tank.

This year the Polar Plunge is scheduled for Feb. 10 at 4 PM outside the Delta High School. Anyone can nominate someone for $5.00 and additional votes are $1.00.

Nominations are already coming in for the following folks: Lorraine Veihl, Virginia Mancuso, Lyle Hutto, Tim Omalia, Darryl Johnson, and Fronty Parker. The top three vote getters jump! So nominate your friends or family…they’ll love you for it.

Polar Plunge Nomination cans are located at the following locations: Alaskan Steakhouse, Buffalo Bar, Buffalo Center Diner, Clearwater Lodge, Buffalo Center Service, Frontier Pull Tabs, Granite View Sports & Gifts, GVEA, IGA Food Cache, Buffalo Center Auto Parts, Jacks Liquor, Moose Lodge, Video Unlimited, Mt. McKinley Bank, Wells Fargo, two cans at Ft. Greely and the Delta Chamber office.

If you would like any additional information please contact Dawn at the Delta Chamber of Commerce office, 895-5068.

Photo of the day - January 4

We have just barely gotten passed Christmas. I wanted to share with everyone, Sharon Seip's Christmas cactus as it appeared in June 2006. Photo courtesy Barbara Tharp.

Photo of the day - January 3

While fishing Lisa Lake south of Delta, this colorful rainbow trout provided an interesting image as well as a tasty meal. Image and copyright by Dwight Phillips

"Bob" Hendrix will be in Fairbanks to Assist Vets

Robert “Bob” Hendrix, Sr. from the American Legion Service Office will be in Fairbanks on 11 – 12 January 2007. He will be at the Vet Center, on 4th Ave., on the 11th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, then at the American Legion Post #30 in Moose Creek from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. On the 12th , he will be at the Vet Center, on 4th Ave. from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm.

The American Legion Service Officer provides information on VA benefits, helps with the filing of a claim with VA for benefits, compensation, health, pension and can answer questions on pending claims. Can also assist Veterans returning from Enduring Freedom and Iraq Freedom on benefits provide by VA for them.

Contact number is (Anchorage) 907-276-8211 or toll free at 1-888-353-7574, ext. 4802. Thank you for your assistance.

Ballet School Viewing

Miss Mary Longwell, Delta’s own Ballet School Director, offered a semester end viewing of her dance classes last week.

On Saturday, 12-30-06, parents of enrolled students were invited to view the young ballerinas demonstrate their progress during the 9 week session.
The goal of the viewing was to show to parents, not only individual progress, but also what is involved to lay the foundation for what ultimately may result in excellence and appreciation of the beauty of ballet.

Classes presenting to parents included creative dance (pre-ballet for 4 and 5 year olds), beginning ballet, introduction to ballet, teen creative ballet and ballet training. The “ballet year” consists of 3 semesters, a summer camp, and a dance recital.

Classes will begin again during the week of January 15th. Schedules may be determined at mandatory registration on Saturday; January 13th, from 2 to 6 PM at the studio located in the Jarvis West Building. Please see the Delta News Web for details.

It was a GRRRReat New Years Party--sorry that you had to miss out

The Polar Pickers and the Delta Singalong Society collaborated in an evening of mellow music on Saturday evening, camaraderie, conversation, snacks and fun.

Compliance with the "no musician left behind" act was evident--this was a supportive event, welcoming any and all skillset levels.Marci and Frank Whiteside were there, along with Lisa and Robert Miller--Holly Stewart with her new guitar, and Mary Ellen and Dan Lucas with Omniharp and guitar--Mary Saarloos and Art playing his Big Bass fiddle--TomIvey, a superlative 5 string banjo picker, Will Wiley and his son Web, each with their guitars

The snacks and refreshments were better than good, and so was the company!!If you missed out this time, that was your loss--but redemption is at hand!! The second Saturday, 1-13, we'll do it again--watch the DNW, and join us then--

Photo of the day - January 2

The American Widgeon are considered a common duck, but these are the first ones the photographer has ever seen. Photo Courtesy Art Lenon

Photo of the day - January 1

After consuming several glasses of spiked eggnog, this bear was seen swinging from the rafters at the Gunsight Lodge near Palmer Alaska. Smoky disclosed that he had appointed a designated driver earlier that evening. Photo image courtesy of Dwight Phillips.