Photo of the day - March 31

This recent sunrise picture is from the Tenderfoot hill pull off. The morning fog created a lens so to speak, enhancing the sun. Photo Courtesy Fronty Parker

National Public Health Week

National Public Health Week is April 7 to 11 and the theme is “Climate Change: Our Health in Balance.” Delta Public Health will be coordinating two screenings related to the environment during this week.

Hair Mercury Bio-Monitoring is offered free to any woman of childbearing age (15-45 years). Mercury occurs naturally in the environment but is also released into the air through industrial pollution and can reach the Arctic through air and water currents. Mercury can be found in fish and passed on to people who eat fish. High levels of mercury can cause human health problems especially in unborn babies and young children.

Blood lead level screening will be offered on a sliding scale fee. Lead exposure can occur by drinking water from pipes in older homes that may contain lead solder. Older homes where lead-based paints have been used and are deteriorating can contribute to lead dust which is then inhaled. You may also be exposed to lead if you fix batteries or radiators, make ceramics or stained glass, work with scrap metal, perform welding with lead, or use an indoor shooting range. Lead dust from these activities can settle on the hair and clothing and can be carried back to cars and homes where other people can be exposed to the lead dust. High lead levels can damage the nervous system, kidneys, and immune system or cause difficulty in learning, hearing loss, and miscarriages.

If you are interested in scheduling one of these screenings, or have any questions, call Delta Public Health at 895-4292. We will be holding a prize-drawing for anybody who has one of these tests done or who picks up a Public Health Information Kit during the week of April 7-11. Hope to see you then! Rachelle Hill, PHN and Janice Templin-Weller, PHN

Photo of the day - March 29

This is a common redpoll I photographed near my house recently.
Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

DCDA Has Done It Again

If you have missed the Delta Christian Drama Association(DCDA) play that was on Friday night, you have an opportunity to see the play on Saturday or Sunday, March 29 and 30 at the Assembly of God. The play will also be at Fort Greely next Friday.

How would one sum the production up in one word? Well, you can't. It was Entertaining, Awesome, Fabulous, Fantastic, Emotional, and Spiritual. Many times a lot of laughter from the congregation. George and the cast have done another outstanding job for the community. Many hours of dedication have gone into this production, I believe George mentioned last night, that they have worked on this play for 3 months. Please come on out and enjoy the evening. You will not walk away feeling disappointed.

The message of this play is that God loves everyone, even when you think you are the worst sinner. Just ask (Barstool), who portrays a gangster in this play.

The DCDA is a nonprofit organization, and these events are free to attend. They are however this weekend, taking up a collection to help with the Alexis Flynn fund. 100% of the proceeds go directly to Alexis.

Alumni Photo Zane Knopp

Zane Fred Knopp, son of DHS alumni Ben Knopp (1995). Born 9-17-07.
Photo Courtesy Andrea Knopp


We invite you to browse thru our alumni photo albums.

Father-Daughter Ball

Fort Wainright, Alaska – Fathers and daughters can enjoy a night out at the all military Father-Daughter Ball April 18 from 7-9:30 p.m. at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge.

The Armed Services YMCA of Alaska sponsors the ball, which is open to active-duty military, National Guard and Reserves of all branches of the military.

The cost is $5 per couple.

Register at the Armed Services YMCA or call 353-5962.

Photo of the day - March 28

"A rare glimpse of an 'American Dipper', aka Cinclus Mexicanus or a 'Water Ouzel' feeding along Krebs' Creek on March 15." Photo Courtesy Sebastian Saarloos

Photo of the day - March 27

A wintry view of the Delta Junction area viewed from the Granite Mountains.
Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

Country Western Skating Exhibition Tonight

The Delta Figure Skating Club Proudly presents their spring:“Country Western Skating Exhibition”

Date: Thursday, March 27th
Time: 7:00 p.m. –sharp
Location: the Liewer/Holmstead ice arena

Delta Farm Bureau Scholarship Auction and Spaghetti Dinner

The Public Is Cordially Invited to Attend the Second Annual Delta Farm Bureau Scholarship Auction and Spaghetti Dinner Friday, April 11th, at the Community Center

Dinner at 6:30 P.M. – Auction at 7:30 P.M.

Music provided by “Halfway Home” band.
Auctioneer: Randy PetersonA

ll auction proceeds benefit Delta Junction students pursuing a career related to agriculture or natural resources.

Spaghetti, meatballs or meatless sauce, tossed salad, garlic bread, ice cream and carrot cake. Dinner is $10.00 paid at the door. Auction is free

North Richardson Highway Scenic Byway

Corridor Partnership Plan Community Workshop #2

Communities along the North Richardson Highway State Scenic Byway, between Fort Greely and Fairbanks, are developing a Corridor Partnership Plan (CPP) with assistance from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. The goal of this project is to develop a plan that represents the vision of the Communities along the byway and that tells the complete story of the byway corridor. At the workshop, there will be a presentation on the draft vision and goals and the draft CPP document. Completion of the CPP will open up grant funding opportunities for projects outlined in the plan. Please join in for the presentation on the draft CPP, and give us your thoughts and feedback! We want to gather your opinions!

Who: People interested in enhancing and maintaining the North Richardson Highway Scenic Byway
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Location: Rika’s Roadhouse at Big Delta State Historical Park, Mile 275, Delta Junction

For more information contact Aneta Synan at aneta.synan@alaska.gov or 907.465.8769 or Julianne Hanson at Julianne.hanson@hdrinc.com or 907.644.2165 or visit http://www.nrhcpp.com/

Photo of the day - March 26

With the days getting longer and the sun shining more, Alaskans take advantage of the warmer weather. They enjoy winter activities such as ice fishing at Bolio Lake.
Photo Courtesy Michael Kingston/CRTC

Arctic Winter Games Winner Photos

Gold Medal winner Annie Grossmann and her mom at the Arctic WInter Games in Yellowknife, NWT. Annie was a member of the TeamAK Women's hockey team which beat the Northwest Territories Women's team in a superb 3-1 game. Annie was the 5th highest scoring player in the tournament.

Coach Mike Tvenge, Jacob Schultz and Brett Smith are all members of the TeamAK Bronze medal winning Bantam hockey team. The Bantams beat Team Yukon in a great game on the final day of competition at the Arctic WInter Games. Brett scored one goal and Jacob had an assist and was a game MVP during the regular game play.

Photos Courtesy Dawn Grossmann

Photo of the day - March 25

These king salmon fish strips were photographed in a makeshift drying rack during a family camp upstream from Fort Yukon, Alaska. Image by Dwight Phillips.

Delta Softball League, 2008

We are gearing up again for the summer season of softball. If you are willing and able to help out with odd jobs for the season please contact Hanni Marchuk at 907-360-9731 during the day and 895-4018 in the evenings.

Umpires are badly needed, if you are willing to umpire this year please contact Hanni at the numbers above. Pay is $20/game. We will arrange to educate you on the slow-pitch softball rules if you have never umpired before, so don’t let a lack of experience stop you!
Men’s League is on Monday nights, start time to-be-announced. Coed League is on Wednesday nights, start time to-be-announced. Team Rosters with a minimum of 9 players must be turned in by May 9th or that team will not be able to play. Please be aware that in the past we have accepted late team registrations and payment, however this year we will not, there are many things that have to paid for in advance and team/player registration fee’s are what pays for them. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS this year, plan ahead and get those registrations and team fee’s in on time.

All Team Rosters and Registrations may be mailed to Hanni Marchuk, Po Box 514, Delta Junction, AK 99737. Please make check or money order out to Delta Softball League, send cash through the mail at your own risk. Team Fee’s must be post-marked or delivered to Hanni by May 7th or you will be taken off the schedule. Player Fee’s are due with registration; no registrations will be accepted without payment. If someone is not in town until after the season begins they may still register and join a team. Registration packets may be picked up beginning April 1st at Granite View Sports in Delta or call Hanni and she will arrange to get them to you. If you are new in town or don’t have a team please call Hanni and she will do her best to get you on one.

Anyone entertaining the thoughts of putting together a team need to communicate any scheduling restrictions well in advance so we schedule accordingly. Game times are as follows; 6:30, 7:45, and 9:00.

Team and Player Fee’s for those planning on playing in the first games are due by May 9th. I will not be accepting Fee’s the day of the first season’s games. This causes delay’s in the start of the games and causes headaches for those of us trying to get the season off to a great start, so get your player’s fee’s in on time.

Team Fee: $200 Player’s Fee: Men’s or Coed = $25 Both = $40

If you have any questions concerning the Delta Softball League please call Hanni Marchuk during the day at 360-9731 or in the evenings at 895-4018.

Public Landfill information ~ Cover Your Garbage Before Transporting

Effective April 18, 2008 - An Unsecured Load Service Fee of $10 will be charged to all customers who deliver uncovered loads to the landfill

On March 18, 2008 the Delta Junction City Council passed a resolution to charge an Unsecured Load Service Fee of $10 for all uncovered loads delivered to the landfill. The policy is effective April 18, 2008 and was established because of increased occurrences of garbage being scattered along roadsides, which is in violation of AS 46.06.080, and the Council does not wish to refuse service to anyone. The customer will be given a tarp and bungee cord for future transports.

AS 46.06.080 (b) A vehicle may not be driven or moved on a public highway or right-of-way unless it is constructed, loaded, or covered to prevent its load from dropping, sifting, leaking, or otherwise escaping from the vehicle. (c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a violation, and may be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000.

For more information on the City landfill please visit their website.

Photo of the day March 24

Photo is taken from the ruins of the coffer dam of the glory hole at Ellamar, Northeast Prince William sound. Ellamar is about 20 miles out of Valdez. Picture was taken at low tide and looks across Virgin Bay, Tatitlek narrows, and Valdez arm to Mount Freemantle in the background. Cormorants roost on the old piers mid morning. March 10, 2008.
Photo Courtesy Pat Schlichting

Easter Egg Hunt Winners

SPECIAL PRIZE WINNERS at the Delta Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday, March 23, at the Deltana Fairgrounds, are pictured here with their prizes.

• Preschooler with help: Amber Klein, daughter of Daniel & Eunsuk Klein
• Preschooler (without help): Alexander Groppel, 4-year-old son of Christy Groppel
• Kindergarten: Caleb Pugh, 6-year-old son of Angie & Gerald Pugh
• First Grade: Hunter Hill, 6-year-old son of Yvonne & Stephen Hill and grandson of Silas & Sandy Hill
• Second Grade: Gunnar Hanson, 7-year-old son of Todd and Cheryl Hanson
• Third Grade: Faith Jenkins, 9-year-old daughter of Tina and Kevin Jenkins

Congratulations to all the winners and other participants of the Easter Egg Hunt. Even with all the snow, someone said, "It's warmer than it was last year..."

Click on the image for a photo enlargement. Photo Courtesy Ann Geise

Delta Lions Club Raffle Winners

The Delta Lions Club Raffle Winners were drawn about 2 pm on the Deltana Fairgrounds after the Easter Egg Hunt.

The winner of the freezer and half of beef and half of pork was Mark Gordon of Palmer.

Joe Crandall of Delta Junction won the $500 gift certificate to Granite View Sports and Gifts.

Thank you to all who purchased raffle tickets.

The Delta Lions Club will be offering raffle tickets for sale soon with great prizes to be drawn on the last day of the 2008 Deltana Fair (July 27).

Chinook by George Hosier II - I Was There

I Was There by George Hosier II

Something awakens me, jerking me out of a sound sleep, I feel my heart pounding, and the back of my neck prickling. What time is it? I instinctively turn toward my alarm clock. The red digital numbers read 12:00 pm. PM! Doesn’t that mean noon? I shake my head to clear the grogginess from my brain. What is going on? What had awakened me? How could I have slept so long? Why is it still dark? I look toward the alarm clock again to verify that I had misread the time, but the familiar glowing display has vanished.

Now I become aware that I am standing. Where, I cannot tell. I shudder in the inky, supernatural blackness. Waving my hand in front of my face, I see nothing but this palpable darkness that presses against the back of my eyes and seems to seep into my nostrils and trickle down my throat, gagging me. Beneath my feet, the ground is convulsing and retching, like a poisoned animal struggling for its last breath. Around me I can hear things falling, rocks splitting, wind howling. Women are screaming in terror, and men cry out hoarsely. I am surprised to discover that they speak in Aramaic, Greek, and Latin. I am even more surprised to realize that I can understand their words.

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

Chinook by George Hosier II - Fandom

I’m always glued to the news during mushing season. Following the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod is like a shot of adrenaline to me. I guess it’s a vicarious thrill for a guy who will never get to be one of the great ones. Although I once rode on a dogsled, I have a secret phobia of spending a thousand miles trying to kill myself by frostbite, fatigue, hypothermia, sleep deprivation, moose mauling and dog drool drowning. As a result, I’ll always be a musher in spirit only—a fan, you might say.

However, to my dismay, I have discovered that mushing is an ostracized and persecuted sport, barely tolerated by other members of the sports enthusiast community. I don’t really understand why mushing fans are so shunned. Clearly, it is macho to be a crazed sports nut. Given the slightest nudge of encouragement, many of my male friends will talk about sports for hours, but as soon as I introduce the subject of dog sledding, their demeanor of comradeship and solidarity evaporates into sneers and jibes.

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

Photo of the day - March 23

This bald eagle was one of several that spent the summer at Donnelly flats. Bald eagles are usually only found where there are fish around, but due to the high rabbit population they decided to dine on fur instead of fin. Photo by Steve Thomas

Relay for Life Fundraiser

The Mountain House Mad Hatters Relay for Life team will once again be raising money for the American Cancer Society by becoming wait staff and providing desserts at Adams Ribs/Mountain House Lodge Restaurant. During the month of April Mad Hatter team members will be providing desserts at the restaurant. On Friday nights a few of the team members will become wait staff. Donations for desserts and all tips will go to the Relay for Life. Come out to enjoy a good meal and support the fight against cancer. Thanks to Mark and Miki Adams for their generous support of the Mountain House Mad Hatters Relay for Life Team. For more information or to make a donation to the team contact Janice Templin-Weller at 895-4292.

Photo of the day - March 21

A simple image, I've entitled this, "Hand of God". The northern lights are absolutely stunning at times here in the north country. Image by Dwight Phillips.

Skate for Alexis was Great Fun!

Thank you to the hosts of this event, the City of Delta Junction for the use of the Liewer-Olmstead arena, the Delta-Ft.Greely Youth Skating Association for the 20 hours of ice time, the Delta Elementary School for soliciting pledges and skating and our church communities (Whitestone Farms, Living Word Ministry, and New Hope) for their pledges and skating. A special thank you to Ron Liewer, Ron Riesgaard, Bill Smith, Rachael Woodcox and the many parents who accompanied the classes to the arena for your help tying skates and assisting the beginners while on the ice. This was a VERY BUSY week at the Liewer-Olmstead arena but it appeared that everyone had a wonderful time. For those two skaters with hurt lips, we hope you feel better and will come again to skate. Skating really is fun. Many thanks to all of you who pledged our skaters.

To the following teachers: Mrs. DeLange, Ms Ethridge, Mr. Gerhart, Mrs. Hanson, Mrs. Hicks, Mrs. Hite, Ms Lehner, Ms Marchini, Mrs. Mock, Mrs. Reiter, Mrs. Scifres, Mrs. Todd, Mrs Toth, Mr. Wirick, thank you for changing your daily schedules to include time on the ice. Several of your skaters said “this was SO MUCH fun.” We wish to acknowledge a few students who went over and above what was asked of them: Nathan Anderson, the Besch brothers, Andrea Dalton, Arthur Edgren, Olga Misyuk, Joseph Mock, Anuson Poolsawat, Shelby Stevens, Dee Dee Webb and High School Senior, Gary Olsen-Saville. The Delta students raised $6,885.62 for Alexis. Outstanding!

Morley Electric, the Kiwanis Club of Delta Junction, Kiwanis members, Whitestone Farms, Delta Industrial Services, Living Word Ministry, and New Hope contributed $3,178.00 and the patrons of Buffalo Service Center over $500, and Interior Building Supply over $300. The total amount raised during this event was $11,042. Thank you to all the behind the scene cookie makers and rink helpers: JoAnn Singer, Lonnie Miller, Eula Nistler, LeeAnn Turinski, Lalee Foster, and Whitestone Farms. The skaters thoroughly enjoyed the delicious cookies and the rink help was most appreciated. For those who were able to come early on Saturday, Alexis loved the music and her time on the ice. Look to the COTA website for some photos with Alexis at the rink. www.cotaforalexisf.org

The Boy Scout Troop 11 and Pack 11 >>>> of Delta Junction and Fort Greely prepared and sold a Pulled Pork lunch special with potato salad and baked beans on Wednesday, March 12, 2008. Troop Leader Dana Mock said the lunch special made over $3,000.00 and that the proceeds will be given to Alexis. Wow!! The people in our town are amazing. Thank you for your prayers, support, and generosity.

An up and coming event that you can attend will be a Bunco night on April 26th. Half the proceeds will go to the Alexis Flynn campaign and the other will go to Relay for Life. We will keep you informed and let you know more details.

Once more thank you for your support!

Photo of the day - March 20

Sunset reflects off the Delta River in this picture taken on 2-27-08.
Photo Courtesy Art Lenon

Enjoy a Delicious Brunch Buffet this Easter at Adams' Ribs Restaurant

Hop over to the Adams' Ribs Restaurant for a relaxing Easter Brunch onSunday, March 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The brunch buffet will include a carving station for smoked meats: porkloin, ham, beef brisket, and spare ribs with all of your favorite countryside dishes. Breakfast stations with scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon,sausage, and homemade biscuits. There will be a bountiful salad bar, dessert station and more. "We've created this special holiday event so families can enjoy spending the time together in a lovely atmosphere with great food" says owners Mark and Miki Adams.

The brunch costs $17.95 per adult; $7.95 for children ages 7-12; free for children 6 and under. Reservations are encouraged. Groups of 6 or more please call for reservation. 895-5160. Located at Milepost 1412.5Alaska Hwy.

Easter Egg Hunt on Deltana Fairgrounds - Sunday

1:30 pm Sunday, March 23
by Lion Ann Geise

The annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Delta Lions Club will be held on Easter Sunday, March 23, at the Deltana Fairgrounds on Nistler Road.

The big hunt for the eggs will begin at 1:30 pm on Easter Sunday. There will be lots of real eggs (about 15 dozen of them) and lots of plastic eggs with prizes inside. One special prize egg will be hidden for each of six age groups. When the prize egg with a note inside is turned in to one of the Delta Lions Club members, the finder wins a special prize. The winners of the special prizes will get their photos taken with their prizes – for publication in the Delta Wind and on the Delta News Web. We’ll be asking for names and ages of the winners and their parents’ names and perhaps grandparents’ names.

All local children from preschool age through third grade are welcome to hunt for the Easter eggs. The preschool group will be divided into two sections – one for preschoolers without helpers and another for younger preschoolers with helpers.

Hint: This is a great photo-op for parents, grandparents and other relatives and friends.

The 15 dozen real eggs will be boiled and colored at the Geise residence on Saturday, March 22, starting about 10 am. Delta Lions – call Ann Geise at 895-4466 or 347-6052 for more information. Delta Lions will hide eggs starting about 12:30 pm on Easter Sunday, March 23.

The winning tickets will be drawn for the Delta Lions Club Raffle after the conclusion of the Easter Egg Hunt. Tickets will be available for purchase until about 2 pm. Winners need not be present to win. The prizes are: a freezer with half a beef and half a pig (cut and wrapped by Delta Meat & Sausage); and a $500 gift certificate from Granite View Sports and Gifts.

Parents of egg-hunters: please do not arrive at the fairgrounds until at least 1:15 pm on Sunday to allow the Lions enough time to hide the eggs.

Fun Day at the Ice Park

A fun day at the Ice Park when it was almost 40 degrees. This was a maze with tunnels going different directions like an octopus. Photo Courtesy Kathy Swartz

Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) Foundation To Offer Numerous Scholarships

WHO: The Alaska Travel Industry Association Foundation
WHAT: Over $20,000 in scholarship money will be awarded to students interested in pursuing a career in tourism
WHEN: Applications must be received no later than April 15, 2008
WHERE: ATIA scholarship application forms are available online at www.AlaskaTIA.org

The Alaska Travel Industry Association Foundation will award more than $20,000 in scholarship money to students pursuing post-secondary degrees and who have demonstrated an interest in tourism careers in Alaska. Interested and eligible students should apply and submit the application form along with a transcript, one-page statement of tourism career plans and two letters of recommendation. The deadline for this year’s scholarship applications to be received is April 15, 2008. Scholarship winners will be announced in May and are applicable towards the upcoming academic year.

The ATIA Foundation hopes to help local students achieve their educational and career goals through its tourism oriented scholarship program. The Foundation recognizes the importance of a well-prepared Alaskan work force, especially within Alaska’s third largest private sector employer, Travel and Tourism. ATIA Foundation scholarships are made possible through generous company and personal donations along with AlaskaTIA community chapters’ fund raising efforts. Last year, 15 scholarships totaling $27,000 were awarded to qualified students from all over Alaska.

The Alaska Travel Industry Association (AlaskaTIA) is the non-profit, member-based, visitor industry trade association that conducts tourism marketing on behalf of the State of Alaska and that represents the industry in the policy arena. AlaskaTIA’s membership is comprised of more than 1000 businesses – from small bed and breakfasts to major corporations. For more information about the association, visit www.AlaskaTIA.org.

Contact:
Alaska Travel Industry Association (AlaskaTIA)
2600 Cordova Street, Suite 201 Anchorage, AK 99509
(907) 929-2842
Dave Worrell, Communications Director
dworrell@alaskatia.org

Photo of the day - March 19

"A local man checks the depth of the overflow along the Delta River Ice Bridge on March 15th that serves the Whitestone Community and is the winter access to Rainbow Lake. The water was only 2 ft deep, but was very cold in hip-waders." Photo Courtesy Sebastian Saarloos

Did you know.... Homeowner's Insurance policies do not cover Flood!

Flood Insurance policies are sold independently. Floods can occur almost anywhere at anytime, not just near water. Your home has a 26 percent chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30-year mortgage, compared to a 9 percent chance of fire. Floods are the #1 natural disaster in the United States. Floods have caused nearly $1.6 million in Alaska and $23.8 billion in U.S. in the last 10 years.

Coverage is available for residential, commercial buildings and renters’ personal items. There is coverage available up to $250,000 for single-family, multi-family and other residential buildings and up to $100,000 for contents coverage. Non-residential buildings, including small businesses can acquire coverage up to $500,000 for the building and $500,000 for contents. Only flood insurance protects your most important financial asset, your home and your personal property, from floods.

“Lender Placed” is when the lender determines the home is not adequately covered and therefore places coverage to meet the loan requirements. It could cost you 3 to 4 times more for a lender placed policy, than if acquired on your own with the help of an insurance agent. Lender placed coverage only protects the Lender’s interest, not necessarily your interests. Flood Insurance purchased in connection to a mortgage does not have a 30-day waiting period. Lenders will notify borrowers if Flood Insurance is required as a condition of the mortgage loan (National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994). Flood Insurance is mandatory if the lender is federally regulated and your home is located in a Special Hazard Area.

Is your home in a Special Hazard Area? This is an area with the highest risk of flooding. Flood Insurance Rate Maps show high risk areas as Zones A, AE or V. Nearly 25 percent of all Flood claims come from medium or low-risk flood areas, Zones B, C and X. Anyone can purchase Flood Insurance with out being in a Special Hazard Area.

If you have Flood Insurance and are selling your home, you can assign your current Flood Insurance policy to the new owners at the time of closing.

A Flood Elevation Certificate is necessary before flood premiums can be determined. The certificate is to be completed by a Licensed Land Surveyor, or Professional Engineer who is authorized by law to certify elevation information. The participating community will require an owner to obtain a floodplain permit before building.

This permit is issued by the community office and requires property owners to build above the base flood elevation. Completed Flood Elevation certificates should be kept on file with the community office as required by NFIP regulation 44 CFR 60.3b1, FEMA 480 Publication and the local flood reduction ordinance for the community.

On new construction, it’s easy to check with the Department of Community Planning to determine your flood zone. If your building site is located in a Special Hazard Area, it would be wise to have a land surveyor, engineer, or architect come out and set a temporary benchmark before construction begins. This will allow the builder to refer to the benchmark and build above the base flood elevation (BFE) and will help you determine how much fill material is needed to raise your home above the BFE, resulting in lower Flood Insurance costs. Since building your home above the BFE allows for lower Flood Insurance premiums; building below the BFE will have higher premiums.

Lower Flood Insurance premiums are available to property owners that build above the BFE and do not have a basement or crawlspace. Building a home that has a basement or crawlspace requires flood openings in the foundation. These are openings on all sides of the basement or crawlspace walls and allow the flood waters to flow freely through the space without building up hydrostatic pressure.

The NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) is the main source for Flood Insurance in the United States. Flood Insurance is available through about 90 insurance companies in more than 20,300 participating communities nationwide to renters, business owners and homeowners.

Applying for Flood Insurance is easy; your agent will require a Flood Elevation Certificate, which will have the necessary information to rate the policy. The premium charged for an accurately rated NFIP policy will be the same, regardless of whom you purchase the policy through. For more information on rates, premiums or maps contact your local Independent Insurance agent.

All information provided in this article was obtained from the following websites www.fema.gov or www.floodsmart.gov. For more information call Taunnie Boothby with Division of Community and Regional Affairs at 907-269-4583 or taunnie.boothby@alaska.gov.

Micheline Patterson
Kenneth Murray Insurance
Personal Lines Agent
300 Barnette St, FBKS, AK 99701
P O Box 71007, FBKS, AK 99707
Phone 907-456-6646
Fax 907-452-5445

Photo of the day - March 18

My favorite ice sculpture at the Ice Park single block competition in Fairbanks Feb. 26.
Photos by Brian Bonner

Easter

This holiday closely coincides with the Feast of Passover. The unique, chosen people of Jehovah were commanded to not only remember that they were taken out of the world system and liberated but were also go through a ritual to help them remember and feel the essence of the spiritual impact that was bequeathed to them.

That impact was the “Death Angel” passed over all those houses who had the blood of the lamb on the doorposts and consequently were set free from bondage to the world system to freely worship the LORD.

All the other houses that did not obey the LORD had their first born taken- from the poorest house to the house of Pharaoh.

From that night til the day that a tree lifted Jesus of Nazareth up from the earth there was a necessity of the ritual remembrance of the first Passover night.

So…this time of spring brings this special day of remembrance. The day the sky was darkened, followed by the Sunday morning that brought light to the whole world. This was during the Passover and following First Fruits portion of the Passover Feast.

Jesus sent a special greeting to Peter via the first Evangelist (a female!!!) “I will meet Peter in Galiee as I told him”.

Peter, who cut the ear off the soldier in his zeal, was in despair. He was dejected, depressed and dismayed. He saw the Master replace the ear and heard the challenge of “If you live by the sword you will die by the sword”

But Peter denied he knew him when HE needed a friend to hang out with him. So, when Mary said, He waits for you, as he said he would, Peter was amazed at the grace (unmerited favor) he was given.

He was to have the prophetic word fulfilled, ”After, you fall you will be restored and lead my Church. “ This word would have failed, if He had not restored the ear. They would have arrested and tried and killed him as a criminal.

This is why the ear was restored. Peter’s destiny required that he be free and not in jail or in the grave.

This is the unmerited, unearned, extreme favor of God to man. He wants us to be free, even with all of our crimes and indifference against Him who created us.

He came and died and rose to set us free to love him with free will. That is the reason, across the globe, millions are joining the Angels declaring, “He is Risen!”

Senior Pastor Howard Echo-Hawk
Delta Christian Center

Photo of the day - March 17

I spotted this ptarmigan couple recently while out for a drive on Ft. Greely.
Photo Courtesy Eric C. Walla

Friday Night Skating

Here are a couple of images of the 11:30p.m. - 01:30a.m. skating fun night with lots of good food, too. Angie Heintz and Christine Kingston are the skaters with Webb in the background. Photos Courtesy Michael Kingston/CRTC

A Thousand Clowns - Fairbanks Drama Association

Fairbanks Drama Association
1852 2nd Ave
Fairbanks AK 99701

A Thousand Clowns
A Comedy by Herb Gardner
Directed by T.J. Rogers
Mar 21 - Apr 6

This benchmark of Broadway comedy produced one of theatre's most beloved roles: a bachelor uncle who is endeavoring to rear his precocious nephew. The uncle has tired of writing cheap comedy for a children's television program and finds himself unemployed with free time to saunter through new York and do everything he's ever wanted to do. When social services comes to insure that the nephew is receiving proper upbringing, the writer finds he must go back to work to support him properly, or lose the boy. The comedy is filled with sweetness and warmth and the inspired daffiness of a true non-conformist adult. An extraordinarily funny play with brilliantly offbeat lines.

Photo of the day - March 15

A recent coronal mass ejection from the sun has been creating some nice auroras over Delta recently. Photo Courtesy Steve Dubois

RDVFD Annual Meeting

Rural Deltana Volunteer Fire Department will hold its Annual Meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at the Clearwater Road Fire Station at 6:30 p.m.

The agenda includes: a report on the status of the fire department's finances, a review of the past year's operations and a discussion about projects planned for the future.

We will also be voting for Board of Directors’ Seats A & B.

Nominations will be accepted during the meeting.

Your attendance will also give you the opportunity to learn more about the fire department.

Call 895-5036 for more information.
The Department needs community support.
Please plan now to attend!

Arctic Winter Games: TeamAK Women win GOLD! Bantams Boys win Bronze!

For TeamAK`s hockey players it was a night of medals! Early in the afternoon The Bantam Boys coached by Mike Tvenge worked hard on the ice and played a smart game against the strong NWT team. The game went back and forth all three periods and TeamAK did a great job holding the zone and shooting on NWT`s goalie. It was a tight race and tour boys pulled it off w ith a 5-4 win that through the arena in an uproar. The crowd was definitely cheering for the home team but Alaska had a considerable following with many of our contingent attending as well as being cheered on by Team Nunavut, It was a loud and exciting game. The boys, including Delta residents Brett Smith and Jacob Schultz, along with Coach Tvenge received their medals in the medal ceremony on the ice after the Gold medal game at 5:00 PM. It was great to see the excitement in Coach Tvenge`s face as he and the boys each received their Bronze Uluu around their neck.

After the ice was cleared, the Women`s game against NWT began. The arena was completely sold out with standing room only. TeamAK was also playing the "home" team but was not without it's supporters as well. When the first goal came for TeamAK during the last minutes of the first period there was lots of noise in the barn. Annie Grossmann played a phenomenal game and had numerous shots on net that looked like they were in for sure. NWT`s goalie as well as our own made unbelievable saves. But TeamAK proved to be perfect on the penalty kill and took advantage of our power play opportunities. The girls made beautiful tape to tape passes and were masters in controlling the puck up and down the ice. We took a few foolish penalties the first period but killed them off and smartened up after that. NWT scored their only goal on a shoot high in the corner when our goalie was being screened. After that, we scored two more beautiful goals using skill and teamwork that was remarkable for a team that had only one 50 minute practice together EVER!

It was amazing to see the girls work out there on the ice. We were also playing on the Olympic size ice for the first time but you would never have known it based on the energy we saw out there. In 3, 20 minute periods Alaska ruled the puck and the NWT team just couldn't find the back of our net, thanks to a phenomenal game by our goalie, Melissa Deardorf of Anchorage and the smart play and unselfish skill of every other player on the team. It was a joy to watch the girls perform and we heard several exclamations of amazement from the crowd at the calibre of play from TeamAK. When the buzzer sounded and we had won the GOLD, it was unanimously agreed that it was a well deserved win. The NWT women played well and deserved their Silver Uluu. Team Alberta won the Bronze for the women. After hearing our national anthem played our girls broke into the Alaska Flag song as they skated off the ice. Each game, before skating onto the ice the girls sang the Alaska Flag song before their warm up, but never with as much emotion and pride as this last time. This evening after the closing ceremonies and all the trading and goodbyes are over; the Interior athletes will board the first plane back to Alaska. The five girls from the interior, Anna Johnson, Erin Winters, Vivian Bishop, Kayla Weber, Annie Grossmann and I will fly out of Yellowknife, NWT, taking some with us wonderful memories, some cool souvenirs and a very precious medal.

TeamAK made a great showing in hockey at these games. The Midget boys also went on to win 3-2 over the Yukon team and take home the Gold Medal as well. TeamAK medaled in all three hockey categories. In the medal standings for the entire team, Alaska stands at 180 medals over all, with its closest competitor being NWT with 100 medals. This was a fantastic Arctic Winter Games and I encourage you to check out the website www.awg2008.ca to learn more about it.

From Yellowknife today…
Dawn Grossmann

Alumni Photo - Brody Phillips

Here's a recent picture of Brody Phillips (son of Debbie (Heinbockel) Phillips....Brody is 5 1/2 months old now!! Photo Courtesy Debbie Phillips

We invite you to browse through our other alumni pages.

BBB Warns Against Scammers Claiming to be From the BBB

Anchorage, AK–March 14, 2008– The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers that there are scammers claiming to be representatives of the BBB contacting them for in-house visits.
Your BBB warns that some complainants are receiving emails from individuals claiming to be Special Agents of the BBB and the Social Security Administration to schedule home visits to discuss their complaints. The BBB will only contact complainants via telephone or email and will never do in home visits. These scammers may be attempting to gain access to your home to steal from you or get personal information. If you receive an email or phone call from someone claiming to represent your BBB or any other agency working with us, get their contact information and report the incident to the BBB and your local law enforcement.

Your BBB also offers the following advice:

• Never give personal information, including Social Security numbers, account numbers, or credit card numbers.
• Verify the identity of a representative of an agency by getting their name. Look up the phone number of the agency using its Web site or a phone book. Then, call the agency directly and ask to speak to the representative.
• Report any suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agencies.
• Visit www.bbb.org and www.ftc.gov for news alerts and information about current scams and tips for avoiding identity theft.

About the BBB serving Alaska, Oregon, and Western Washington
Your BBB is a not-for-profit organization funded by BBB accredited businesses. The BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. For more information about the services and products provided by your BBB, call 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon, 907-562-0704 in Alaska, or visit our Web site at www.bbb.org.

For More Information Contact:
Brenda Smith
Public Relations/Communications Manager
907-562-6135 ext. 502
brenda@thebbb.org

Photo of the day - March 14

Delta is always rich in sunsets. With winter getting over our nice sunsets will be far and few between. One can never get tired of sunsets. This sunset clouds seems to be flowing with the river. Photo copyright Richard Mitchell

Arctic Winter Games: TeamAK heads for GOLD!

Long day at the rink! Whew…. Just got back to our rooms at École Allain St-Cyr, the French language elementary school Team AK`s Women`s hockey team is staying in. We played against NWT this morning and won in a real nail biter 2-0. Annie Grossmann recorded another assist on the first goal. The second goal was an empty netter. NWT is a strong team and if we slack off at all they utilize the opportunity. With that win we were set for the gold medal round. At 7:30 we played against the Yukon women who are in 4th in the first crossover game. We won 12-1 and Annie scored another goal and had 2 assists. This bumps her up into the top dozen of the leading scorers for the tournament. She only had one penalty this game, (getting better.) NWT played Alberta tonight and won 5-1 so we will be playing that strong NWT team for the Gold medal. It will be an exciting game at 5:30 tomorrow on the Olympic size rink.

The Bantam boys and Coach Tvenge lost to NWT in their last game, 3-7 so that put them at 4th in the crossover match ups. They played the first place team today, Albert and lost 12-3. They also suffered a few injuries which we hope are not too serious. Their back up goal has been sick for a few days and they hope to have her back for tomorrow`s bronze medal game. Today`s game was pretty exciting for Jacob Schultz. Not only was today his birthday but he also won MVP for doing a great job as a defence (Canadian spelling) man for the game.

The Team AK midget team is in the gold medal round as well against Alberta I believe. Tomorrow will be a day of watching other sports, pin trading or some shopping as we relax before the big game. We haven’t had much time to look around town this week as the coach has kept the Women`s team focused on their game and the team. It is a challenge bringing together 17 girls from all over the state, having one 50 minute sheet of ice the day before the competition begins and having them gel as a team. Most of the girls on this team have been playing with each other or against each other for all their hockey careers so they are pretty familiar with one another. The NWT and Alberta teams have been practicing together for nearly all year..This would give them an advantage. Yet Team AK has done a fantastic job of playing a sound game on the ice. They have done fantastic passing, set up great plays, been outstanding on the penalty kill and have kept most of the play out of their zone. It has been a pleasure to watch them play. The crowds are enjoying it too. Tomorrow`s game is in front of a sold out crowd and should be another nail biter. We are all looking forward to it.

Stay warm…from starry Yellowknife,
Dawn Grossmann

Photo of the day - March 13

This is a picture of a young great grey owl. It had flown down into the long grass to catch a rodent and had gotten it's talons stuck. It finally flew away about 5 min later.
Photo by Steve Thomas

Relay for Life of Delta Presents Paint the Town Purple!

Saturday, March 22, 2008
Delta Community Center 10 AM – 5 PM

Everyone is invited to participate in the “Paint the Town Purple” campaign to generate awareness of the “Relay for Life of Delta” event. Local sponsors will be displaying purple ribbons at their locations as a visual indication of their contributions to this effort. By supporting this evening, you are supporting the American Cancer Society and their dedication to research, education, advocacy and patient services in the fight against cancer.

Flea Market
Live Music
Yummy Food
Photos with the Easter Bunny – (Your camera or ours)

Local Relay for Life teams will be raising money for cancer research by selling a variety of “New to You” merchandise; not limited to jewelry, purses, bunny cakes, scented tarts, tulip bulbs, glass-ware, baskets, key chains, glow necklaces, polar fleece socks, aprons, cozy body warmers, Stan Stephens Raffle tickets, planters, croc charms, candles, shirts, hats, purple bows, and many other treasures. All proceeds go to the Relay for Life of Delta.

Special drawing for a large Easter basket.

Lions Raffle Tickets on Sale

There is still time to buy your raffle tickets for a chance to win the freezer with a half beef and a half pork (cut and wrapped by Delta Meat & Sausage) or a $500 gift certificate at Granite View Sports & Gifts. Delta Lions Club members have tickets for sale at $5 each. The tickets are also available at Granite View Sports & Gifts. The winning tickets will be drawn on Easter Sunday, March 23, after the Delta Lions Easter Egg Hunt is concluded at the Deltana Fairgrounds. Winners need not be present to win. For more information, call Lion Ann Geise at 347-6052.

Online Classified Ad Websites Become Targets for Scams

BBB urges users to educate themselves about online classified ad scams

Anchorage, AK—March 12, 2008—The Better Business Bureau warns consumers of scams targeting Internet users of free classified ad Web sites. Internet scams are far from new, but free classified ad Web sites such as Craigslist, Myspace Classifieds and Yahoo Classifieds have made it easier for scammers to trick consumers.

Free classified ad Web sites allow visitors to post classified ads in a variety of categories; anything from items for sale to properties for rent. However, many of these sites do not require users to verify their identity or the information in their ads. Users can post as many ads as they would like after simply providing a valid email address, which is convenient, because many scammers are working from foreign countries. Online classified scams targeting consumers looking to purchase or rent property are all too common. Scammers will request a down payment on a property that does not exist or is not legally theirs to sell. The scammers disappear after receiving a payment. In some cases, scammers will even provide an address so interested consumers can drive by to view the property.

Online classified scams also target individuals looking for work or who have posted an online resume. Scammers claim they need the applicant’s personal bank account number for direct deposits of future paychecks. These scams usually promise high wages for jobs that involve forwarding, transferring or wiring money using the victim’s personal bank account. The victim is then sent a large check, asked to take out a percentage as payment, and then wire the balance out of the country. These checks are counterfeit and the victim is responsible for the money used in the transaction—including any related bank fees.

Scammers even target other posters who use the online classified Web sites. A common scam targets consumers trying to sell vehicles. They offer the seller the full asking price for the vehicle, but claim they only have a check for an amount much higher than the asking price. The scammer will send the check and then request the consumer return the difference. The check is counterfeit and will bounce a few days later. Once again, the victim is responsible for the money used in the transaction—including any related bank fees. In some cases, the scammers take the vehicle, too.

Your local BBB wants to caution users, posters and job seekers about the common scams on Web sites that offer free classified ads. The BBB offers the following tips to avoid being scammed:
· Deal locally with people you can meet in person.
· Never give out financial information. Never give out any of your personal information including your bank account number, Social Security number, eBay or Paypal usernames, passwords, etc.
· Consult your local BBB. Go to www.bbb.org to get a free reliability report on any company with which you intend to do business. Better Business Bureau reliability reports provide valuable information on companies.

About the BBB serving Alaska, Oregon, and Western Washington
Your BBB is a not-for-profit organization funded by BBB accredited businesses. The BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. For more information about the services and products provided by your BBB, call 907-562-0704 in Alaska, 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon, or visit our Web site at www.bbb.org.

Snow Events on Birch Hill - Everyone Invited

FORT WAINWRIGHT – The snowboarding and skiing season ends with a blow-out at Birch Hill Ski Area Mar. 28 to 30. March Madness, featuring competitions and games for the whole family, will be held Saturday and Sunday from noon-9 p.m. Friday, Mar. 28, is dedicated to soldier activities. Lift tickets are required for all hill events.

The activities include tube races, skeet shoot-off, downhill ski races and ski and snowboard surfing.

Activities on Mar. 29 and 30 are open to the public. The events include:

March 29, 2008

1. Sled Dog Trail Rides: K9 for Kids program provides introduction to the sport of dog mushing. The event is from 11 a.m.-1: 30 p.m. Register immediately prior to event. Cost is free.

2. March Madness Coloring Contest: Adults and children may enter to color March Madness logo from noon-2 p.m. Cost is free.

3. Tubing Race: Adults and children are welcome. The event is from noon-1:30 p.m. Register immediately prior to event. Cost is free.

4. Tubing Hill Open: Event is from 1:30-5:30 p.m. Participants are required to buy a tubing-hill lift pass.

5. Snowmachine Trail Rides: Trail rides nearby Birch Hill from 2-5 p.m. Register immediately prior to the event. Cost is free.

6. Pudding Munch-out: One large ‘glop’ of pudding on a paper plate, eating contest, no hands allowed. Event begins at 3 p.m. Cost is free.

7. X-Games Rail Jam: Snowboard/ski style event includes jumps, with style points judged by local experts. Event is from 1-3 p.m. Register immediately prior to event. Cost is free.

8. Shovel Slope Slide: Individuals will run up the hill with their shovels and come down the tubing hill any style. Shovels will be provided. The event is from 16-8 p.m. Register immediately prior to event. Cost is free.

9. Open Skiing/Snowboarding: Enjoy Birch Hill for the entire day at standard rates from noon-8 p.m.

10. Snack Bar Operations: Food service will be available indoors. Cashiers will accept cash, checks or credit cards.

March 30, 2008

1. Skeet Slayer, Spouse Edition: Husband and wife teams register with skeet range. The event is from12:30-2:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per team.

2. Alpine Ski Race: Traditional slalom race, open to skiers. Event is from noon-2 p.m. Register immediately prior to event. Cost is free.

3. X-Games Slope Style: The event is conducted in the terrain park. A facilitator will pick jumps, judge on style, spins, flips, and inverts. Event is from 3-4 p.m. Register immediately prior to event. Cost is free.

4. Grande Finale/Snow Surf Challenge: Snowboard or ski across a 65 – 70’ pond filled with ice-cold water. Bring dry clothes. Event is from 4 p.m. until complete. Register immediately prior to event. Cost is free.

5. Open Skiing/Snowboarding: Enjoy Birch Hill for the entire day at standard rates from noon-8 p.m.

6. Snack bar operations: Food service will be available indoors. Cashiers will accept cash, checks or credit cards.

7. Birch Hill Ski and Snowboard Area closes for the season at the conclusion of this business day.

Civilians without Department of Defense decals must stop at the post's main gate for a visitor's pass. Drivers will need valid driver's license, proof of insurance and current vehicle registration.
For more information, call 353-9131.

Arctic Winter Games: Grossmann and Smith Continue to Score.

Well Day 3 was filled with snow, cold winds and lots of hockey action at the Multiplex here in Yellowknife. When I arrived at the rink today for the TeamAK Women`s 1:30 hockey game I was directed to a special seating area for athletes and coaches as they had closed the open seating to ticket purchasers only. Apparantly the hockey games have become such a big attraction that the stands get filled fast and those folks that purchased tickets were not finding seats. Alaska`s women continue to prove effective on the ice. They shut out the Yukon Women`s team today with a 10-0 victory. Coach Bounds runs a steady three lines and rotates his starting line up each game. Every player on the team has done well on the ice and there have been a variety of goal scorers. Annie Grossmann got another goal today and an assist though the score keeper failed to record the assist. She only had 2 penalty minutes, an improvement over yesterdays 6! (I miss stated that she had 4.) Her mom was glad to see that today`s minutes weren`t for roughing! Women's hockey is no checking and sometimes the girls who play boys hockey forget that. It was a good game and Yukon`s goalie stopped many, many more shots than got by here. She was great in the goal and worked very hard. TeamAK remains undefeated and in first place. Tomorrow they face the Northwest Territories team, which we here is tough. Both teams will head into the crossovers whether they win or loose tomorrow. So TeamAK will play at 10 and then in a crossover game in the evening. On Friday the medal round games will be played. The standings are:

TeamAK 3-0-0,
Team NWT 2-0-1
Team Alberta 1-1-1
Team Yukon 1-3-0
Team Nunavut 0-3-0.
The top 4 teams go into the crossovers.

Coach Tvenge`s team played a great game today against Team Yukon and Brett Smith scored the first goal. The play was back and forth all through each period and remained tied at 3-3. Team Yukon has a large group of fans cheering them on and Alaska seems to garner more each game they play. The Bantam team remains in 3rd place. Standings are:

Team Alberta 3-0-1
Team Yukon 1-0-3
Team AK 1-1-1
Team NWT 1-1-1
Nunavut 0-4-0

Team AK Midgets are also playing hard and hold 2nd place in the standings.

Today I met folks from Anchorage who had figure skaters in the games. They were there cheering on the hockey teams from Alaska along with lots of athletes from the Alaska contingent. It is nice to see the athletes cheering on each other. I was able to enjoy some of the wonderful figure skating competition today while at the rink. Alaska did really well and received several medals. There were at least 3 golds as that is how many times I heard our national anthem being played. The Uluu medals are given out just like medals in the Olympics. There is a 3 level podium and the athletes are called up 3rd, 2nd and then 1st. Medals are placed around their necks, sometimes flowers are given and then the national anthem of the gold medal winner is played. It is very impressive and will be exciting if some of our hockey teams make it to the medal podium. Medals are shaped like Uluus and are inscribed with the Arctic Winter Game name, year and logo. You see some happy faces sporting medals around the different venues. I enjoy stopping them when I see them congratulating them and asking about their sport. Even with the language difference there is no barrier between us when it comes to joy and encouragement.

From a snowy Yellowknife, good night and stay warm.
Dawn Grossmann

Photo of the day - March 12

Greetings Delta Junction,
I was stationed at Ft. Greely, AK between 1974-1977. Recently I came across some pictures of the Donnely Inn, and the Dot Lake Lodge. Were these structures destroyed in the Donnely Flats Fire, 1999? Anyway, I thought I might share them with you guys. John C. Machak (Chuck)

DCDA Presents - Charity Theatre Performance for Alexis

Click on the image for a photo enlargement.

Thank you for your faithful support of the Lord’s work.

May God bless you this Resurrection season,
George Hosier
For Delta Christian Drama Association.

Grant Scams are Increasing at an Alarming Rate

The Better Business Bureau warns against companies offering grants.

Anchorage, AK − March 11, 2008−Scammers often try to lure in victims by offering methods to get free money, and during a recession or economic downturn, the number of these types of scams increase dramatically. A new twist on “free money” scams comes disguised as government grants. CDI Resources and IC Services are grant services companies that have unsatisfactory records with the BBB due to failure to respond to two or more complaints.

CDI Resources (also doing business as CDI Solutions) is based in Tukwila, Washington. The BBB has fielded 15 complaints against the company since November, 2007: 5 contract issues, 1 billing issue, 2 service issues, 5 customer service issues and 2 refund or exchange issues. As of the writing of this release, CDI Resources has not responded to any of the BBB’s inquiries regarding these complaints.

IC Services is based in Beaverton, Oregon. The BBB has fielded 145 complaints since February, 2006 covering a variety of issues. As of the writing of this release, IC Services attempted to resolve 6 of these complaints, and is reported as being out of business.

Government grant scams appeal to consumers with a tempting offer: free government grants worth thousands of dollars that are offered to the consumer simply because the consumer is a good taxpayer. All the consumer needs to do to receive the grant is send an application fee in the form of a cashier’s check and the grant money will be sent in return.

Cashier’s checks are untraceable and nonrefundable which is why the scammers request them. The scammer will then take the money and not send the victim anything. Often, scammers operate under companies using several different names, move from city to city.

Here are some tips for recognizing and avoiding government grant scams:

• The government won’t contact you directly to offer you a grant. If someone contacts you unexpectedly and offers you a grant, it’s a scam. Don’t provide your financial account numbers, Social Security Number, or other personal information in response to such offers. Crooks “phish” for that information to steal victims’ money and impersonate them for other illegal purposes.
• Government grants never require fees of any kind. You might have to provide financial information to prove that you qualify for a government grant, but you won't have to pay to get one.
• Government grants require an application process. Grants are not simply given over the phone and are never guaranteed. Applications for government grants are reviewed to determine if they meet certain criteria and are awarded based on merit. If you didn’t apply for a government grant and someone says you’re receiving one, it’s a scam.
• Government grants are made for specific purposes. Grants aren’t given to people just for being good taxpayers. Most government grants are awarded to states, cities, schools, and nonprofit organizations to help provide services or fund research projects. Grants to individuals are typically for things such as college expenses or disaster relief.
• Don't be fooled by official or impressive-sounding names. Swindlers claiming to provide or help get government grants often invent impressive-sounding names and titles for themselves and the companies they represent. They operate under many different names and phone numbers, take your money, then leave town to start all over again.
• Government grant information is free. Beware of services offering government grant information for a fee or requesting your personal information to provide it. Information about government grants and other benefits is free at www.grants.gov, www.cfda.org, www.fafsa.ed.gov, and www.govbenefits.gov.
• Consult your local BBB. Go to www.bbb.org to get a free reliability report on any company with whom you’re considering doing business. The Better Business Bureau’s reliability reports provide valuable information on companies.

About the BBB serving Alaska, Oregon, and Western Washington
Your BBB is a not-for-profit organization funded by BBB accredited businesses. The BBB's mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. For more information about the services and products provided by your BBB, call 907-562-0704 in Alaska, 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon, or visit our Web site at www.bbb.org.

Water & Mining Initiatives Meet Signature Requirements

March 11, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska - Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell and the Division of Elections today determined that petitions 07WATR and 07WTR3 met the signature requirements of state law.

07WATR and 07WTR3 are currently subjects of litigation. Resolution of these lawsuits will determine whether the initiatives will proceed to the August 26, 2008 Primary Election Ballot.

Both 07WATR and 07WTR3 concern water quality standards for new large-scale mines in Alaska.

To view official proposed bill language for 07WATR, please click here.

To view official proposed bill language for 07WTR3, please click here

Public Funding of Elections Initiative to Appear on August Ballot

March 11, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska - Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell and the Division of Elections today determined that petition 07CASE was properly filed, meeting the signature requirements of state law. This ballot proposition will appear on the August 26 Primary Election Ballot.

07CASE establishes a program of public funding for campaigns for state-elected offices. To view official proposed bill language for 07CASE, click here.

Arctic Winter Games Hockey Report: Grossmann and Smith Score!

Greetings from Yellowknife and day 2 of the games. The Bantam Boys Hockey team coached by Mike Tvenge had a better day today than yesterday. Monday they came up against a fast moving Alberta team and though they had the scored tied up 3-3 until the last 14 seconds of the 2nd period, Alberta rallied in the third and sunk 4 more biscuits in the net to beat Alaska 7-3. Tuesday was a more positive day. Coach Tvenge and Team Alaska faced the tough looking team from Nunavut, Canada. Nunavut was a hard hitting team and there was a lot of intense checking going on, but Alaska had more skill on the blades and the stick and won the game 17-0. Brett Smith recorded a goal and Jacob Schultz had an assist. Coach Tvenge commented that the boys did pretty well but he is still working with them on some aspects of their games they need to improve before they come up against the tough NWT and Yukon teams.

Annie Grossmann and The female Hockey Team AK girls had 2 great days on the ice. Monday was a hard fought battle against a solid Alberta team with a 2-0 win. Alberta is the team that beat TeamAK last year in the Gold Medal Round by 1 goal with just 3 minutes left. Annie and her team mates were proud to come home with a silver Uluu from the 2006 AWG, but are determined to bring home gold this year. So beating Alberta in the first game was a real boost. The Women played Nunavut today and though Nunavut scored 2 goals on 4 shots in the first period, Alaska rallied in the second and third to win 10-2. Annie scored a goal, had an assist and 4 penalty minutes. Standings so far have the Team AK Women in 1st place and the Bantam Male team in 3rd place. On Thursday the top 4 teams go into crossover games and Friday will be the sold out Medal Rounds.

The weather was a little cooler today in Yellowknife, but we still enjoyed walking to the rink and the cafeteria. The cafeteria has been the hot spot for pin trading the last 2 days. Each contingent brings a set of pins to swap with the other participants. The pins are beautiful and unique and lots of fun to trade for. It is not uncommon to see circles of athletes sitting on the floor or around a table making deals to complete sets and get that special pin they having been looking for. As I was waiting in line for lunch today, a young man from Yamal in Russia, tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I wanted to trade my coveted AWG Hockey pin for something. He communicated by pointing to my pin and saying “Trade?” I wasn`t willing to part with that pin but we worked out a deal for another pin. It’s great how even though we don`t speak each other’s language we were able to come away with a nod and a smile, “Good trade,” was our parting comment.

Tomorrow both teams hit the ice again and hope for wins to make it to the crossover rounds.
For now, good night.
Dawn Grossmann

Photo of the day - March 11

This image shows steam rising off the Tanana River looking towards Whitestone bluffs.
Photo Courtesy Art Lenon

Arctic Winter Games Opening Ceremonies

Good Morning from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada! Let me tell you about last night's opening ceremonies.

Awesome! Wonderful! Grand! Those would be appropriate adjectives to get you thinking in the right direction, but certainly do not do the night justice. The Opening Ceremonies of the 20th Arctic Winter games are a tribute produced by the Host Society of Yellowknife to the games and the athletes. The sold out crowd enjoys the outcome of two years of planning by the host society. It is an extraordinary evening. While the crowd fills the seats around the Olympic size Ice rink , the athletes begin assembling in a second ice rink in the same building. Though the ceremony begins at 7 the athletes began organizing in the rink at 4:45. Getting more than 2,000 kids to be where they are supposed to is quite a feat! As a preschool teacher I struggle with 12! Each of the nine contingents has all their athletes and coaches in their uniforms and looking impressive. The Arctic Winter Games are a Northern Circumpolar event for the peoples of that area. Participants include, Alberta, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut, Northern Alberta Nunivit, Greenland, Russia (Yamal), Sami (Northern peoples of the Scandinavian Peninsula) and Alaska. During the waiting process the athletes mingle, laugh, get to know one another but most especially they trade pins. W will talk more about that on another day. Spontaneous out breaks of chants celebrating their countries ripple round the rink. A snake of athletes in different uniforms winds it's way through the crowd laughing and “high fiving” as they go past. It is loud, colorful, exciting and full of anticipation. When it is finally time to march in to the ceremony, each contingent has a sign bearer and a flag bearer whom they follow 2x2 into the arena. As the Alaska contingent enters, each of us waving Alaska's flag. The crowd is on it's feet cheering and yelling as we stride quickly to our designated assembling area. Each contingent is greeted with great enthusiasm and you can see in the crowd where they friends and family sit as their flags pop up and wave wildly as they enter. Alaska's athletes come by the VIP stage and LT. Governor Sean Parnel reaches out to shake each of our hands. Alaska has nearly 350 athletes, coaches and staff here representing our great state. He greets each of us.

It is exciting that there are 5 of us from Delta Junction, standing proudly behind our starry flag preparing our hearts and minds for the week of competition ahead. Jacob Schultz, Brett Smith and Annie Grossmann our athletes are all wided eyed and smiling. As the crowd pays tribute to the athletes and the games we all join in a celebration of friendship and healthy competition. Tomorrow the games begin and our hearts and minds will be focused on our sports and our team. But tonight…at these ceremonies, we are all united.

Stay warm…from windy sunny Yellowknife­
Dawn Grossmann

Photo of the day - March 10

This is picture of a pasque flower also known as a crocus. They are one of the first wildflowers to bloom in the early spring. They only grow on the south facing slopes, and in rocks and gravel a most of the time. Photo by Steve Thomas

Letter to the Community on Behalf of Alexis Flynn

Dear Friends of DCDA:

Greetings once again in the name of our risen Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Delta Christian Drama Association is proud to announce that it will be supporting the Alexis Fund with proceeds generated by this year’s Easter production, “Perhaps for a Good Man.” As I’m sure you know, Alexis Flynn is the two-year-old miracle child, born with 14 congenital abnormalities, who requires a kidney transplant to save her life. 100% of the funds that come in on March 28-30 and April 4th will go directly to Alexis unless clearly designated otherwise.

We ask you to help us support Alexis in two ways.

First, please bring as many people as possible to experience "Perhaps for a Good Man." You will have five opportunities to see this production. Living Waters Assembly of God will host the stage play on the weekend after Easter, March 28-30 at 7:00 nightly. The show will also appear at Fort Greely Middle School gymnasium stage on April 4th at 7:00pm and North Pole Missionary Chapel on April 6 at 6:00pm.

The show will last approximately two hours. Childcare will be provided at the Living Waters showings, and there is a nursery at North Pole Missionary Chapel. Parents should be advised that this dramatic production will depict some intense scenes, one of which includes a shooting. Remember to arrive early in order to secure a good seat.

Admission will be free as always, but we especially encourage your generosity this year for Alexis’ sake. Jesus reminds us that when we give to the least of his brothers and sisters when they are in need, we are giving to Him. Delta Christian Drama Association is honored to help Alexis and her parents Dave and Barb Flynn, because this amazing family symbolizes three principles that lie at the core of DCDA’s vision: 1) the ministry of hope to the needy, 2) the sanctity of all human life, and 3) the redemptive power of sacrificial love.

Secondly, as has been our tradition, we will be holding a silent auction at Living Waters. This time, of course, the proceeds will go to Alexis. You can help by donating items to the silent auction. We ask that donated items be clean and in good shape and that you note their estimated value, as well as the name of the donor, unless the donor wishes to remain anonymous. We will accept anything from gift certificates to crafts, and from baked goods to vehicles.

To donate, or simply for more information, call George Hosier at work at 1-907-895-5100, Gaylene Hosier at 1-907-895-5289, or Wendy Jennings at 1-907-895-4063.

Thank you for your faithful support of the Lord’s work.

May God bless you this Resurrection season,
George Hosier
For Delta Christian Drama Association.

6 Deltoids attending the Arctic Winter Games 2008

While most folks in Delta Junction were sleeping at 4;30 am on Sat morning , six local folk were embarking on a week long adventure to Yellowknife, in the Northwest Territories in Canada.

Three local athletes were selected to compete and represent the State of Alaska at the 2008 Arctic Winter Games. Brett Smith and Jacob Schultz, names you will recognize from Delta`s youth skating program are both chosen members of the Team Alaska Bantam Hockey Boys team. The team is made up of outstanding skaters from all around the state. Brett and Jacob were selected from a tryout in Fairbanks. Their asst coach, local resident and long time hockey coach Mike Tvenge is helping coach their team. Also representing Alaska on the Team Alaska Women`s Hockey Team is Annie Grossmann, another skating name you will recognize from Delta. Annie is a member of the State Champion Delta High School Hockey team. She has also been a participant in our local skating program for many years as well as in several other competitive hockey teams around the state. Most recently she returned from Regional competition in San Jose, CA with her Anchorage North Star AAA Women`s U19 team. Accompanying Annie and the Team Alaska Women`s Hockey team is her favourite hockey mom, yours truly, Dawn Grossmann. The women`s team has 2 male coaches and required a female chaperone. Also accompanying Team Alaska as a visitor is Diane Schultz, Jacob`s mom and a local business woman.

The arctic Winter Games are a fantastic Circum polar competition of athletes representing all the northern peoples of the globe. While here in Yellowknife, I will make an attempt to give you daily reports on the games and the outcomes as well as snippets of our time here so far from our Alaska homes. I encourage you to check out the website for the games, or just search for Arctic Winter Games 2008. The host society home page can be accessed there as well as Team Alaska`s site. To get to the AK site click on the Alaska flag.

So..we are off on our first shuttle adventure around the town to try to locate some dinner. We are housed in a local French school where everything, including this keyboard and the screen text of this computer is all in French. It is going to be an exciting week and I am looking forward to sharing it with you. The competition will be thrilling.

Til tomorrow and the Opening Ceremonies….Dawn

Photo of the day - March 8

This great horned owl was caught doing a little late evening preening, while waiting for nightfall to descend. Image by Dwight Phillips

Easter Drama to Support Alexis Flynn

Delta Christian Drama Association is proud to announce that it will be supporting the Alexis Fund with proceeds generated by their fourth annual Easter production. Alexis Flynn is the two-year-old miracle child, born with 14 congenital abnormalities, who requires a kidney transplant to save her life. Everybody is invited to help Alexis by attending DCDA’s presentation of “Perhaps for a Good Man” at one of three locations. Living Waters Assembly of God will host the stage play on March 28-30 at 7:00 nightly. The show will also appear at the Fort Greely Middle School gymnasium stage on April 4th at 7:00pm, and North Pole Missionary Chapel on April 6 at 6:00pm. 100% of donations and silent auction purchases that come in on March 28-30 and April 4th will go directly to Alexis unless clearly designated otherwise.

DCDA is a non-denominational volunteer group which has been providing high quality theatrical productions to the Delta Junction area since 2005. As a part of their community service philosophy, admittance to all DCDA productions is free of charge. Historically, the association has depended on contributions and fund-raisers to cover production costs. This season, however, the generosity of DCDA contributors and volunteers has made it possible to return a heart-felt “Thank You” to the community by way of the Alexis fund.

Delta Christian Drama Association is honored to help Alexis and her parents Dave and Barb Flynn, because this amazing family symbolizes three principles that lie at the core of DCDA’s vision: 1) the ministry of hope to the needy, 2) the value of all human life, and 3) the redemptive power of sacrificial love.

These principles will resonate in the theme of “Perhaps for a Good Man” as Joshua Etters risks himself to save the life of Julio “Barstool” Rabus, an extortion professional who has been threatening Josh and his family. Those who attended the original run of this show in 2005 will discover that it has been revised and updated. There are fresh plot and dialogue twists. New characters have been added, and old characters have been reinterpreted. Whether you are a veteran DCDA fan or a neophyte, this show promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.

The show will last approximately two hours. Childcare will be provided at the Living Waters showings. Parents should be advised that this dramatic production will depict some intense action scenes, one of which includes a shooting. The audience is urged to arrive early in order to secure a good seat.

In Delta Junction, Living Waters Assembly of God is located beside Interior Building Supply and across the Richardson Highway from IGA Food Cache. North Pole Missionary Chapel is located at 2485 Dawson Road, North Pole, Alaska. For further directions or any questions call George or Gaylene Hosier at 1-907-895-5289.

Photo of the day - March 7

This picture is a cow moose in the middle of winter last year. I think that the look she is giving is a complaint of how cold it is! Photo by Steve Thomas

Photos from Skating for Alexis Flynn

Students from Mrs. Hites 2nd grade class and Ms. Lehner's kindergarten class are skating at the Liewer-Olmstead Arena to help raise funds for Alexis Flynn. They were taken on March 5th. Photo Courtesy Carol Watkins


Click on the photos for photo enlargements.

Photo of the day - March 6

This raven was caught basking in the sun at Fort Greely. When their more glamorous feathered friends are gone south, they tough it out with us even in the worst that Alaskan winters can hand out. They are very vocal and quite aerobatic, often folding a wing, tumbling upside down, bumping into one another in midair. Here, here for the raven.
Photo Courtesy Marlin Dunklebarger

"Did It By Two" - Race to Vaccinate

The Iditarod sled dog race is off and running, and so is the State of Alaska’s yearly immunization campaign “I Did It By Two” Race to Vaccinate. Commemorating the original race to bring life-saving serum to Nome to stop a deadly diphtheria outbreak, this campaign promotes the importance of protecting children against some serious diseases which once killed and disabled millions in the United States.

Delta Public Health Center encourages parents to take this opportunity to check their children’s shot records to see if they are up to date on all their immunizations. Children through age 5 who are up-to-date on immunizations can be entered in a drawing to win the cute and adorable stuffed husky pup with a collar signed by four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser.

Thanks to immunizations many vaccine preventable diseases are not seen much anymore, but the viruses and bacteria that cause these diseases are still circulating. Un-immunized children are still at risk from diseases such as measles, mumps and pertussis (otherwise known as whooping cough), as well as tetanus and diphtheria.

If you are uncertain about the status of your child’s immunizations or would like to enter your child in the drawing you can stop by the Delta Public Health Center or call 895-4292. All children’s immunizations are given free of charge. Normal hours are 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

More information about vaccines is available by calling the toll-free Alaska Immunization Hotline at 1-888-430-4321 or from the Alaska Section of Epidemiology Website.

Colon Model on Display

The Super Colon is coming to Bassett Army Community Hospital Mar. 13 and 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In observance of Colon Cancer Awareness Month, Bassett and Prevent Cancer Foundation are sponsoring the Super Colon visit in their continuing effort to increase colorectal cancer screening.

The Super Colon is an inflatable, interactive colon that teaches people about the risks, symptoms, prevention, early detection and treatment options for colorectal cancer.

Visitors get a close-up look at healthy tissue, tissue with non-malignant colorectal diseases, as well as tissue with various stages of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is 90 percent preventable and 90 percent treatable if detected early, yet it remains to be the second leading cancer killer in the US.

Visitors who do not have Department of Defense decals and DOD ID cards must stop at the visitors’ center at the main gate to get a day pass. Driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance are required to get the pass.

Linda L. Douglass
Post Public Affairs Officer
353-6701

Festival of Lights Sweatshirts and t-shirts Still Available

There are still several Festival of Lights t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts left.

For hooded sweatshirts there is 1 medium left and a handful of larges available. Remaining t-shirts are in sizes large and X-large. Sweatshirts are $26 and t-shirts are $15.

Stop by the Delta Chamber of Commerce office (Jarvis West Building, Suite 1B) Monday-Friday between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm to purchase a sweatshirt or t-shirt.

For questions, contact us at 895-5068.

March Singing Workshops with the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival

WHO: Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival

WHAT: "ACS Winter Edition" Singing Workshops with Byron McGilvray

WHEN: Monday, March 17 - Friday, March 21 Two evening classes offered, 5:30 - 7:30 pm and 8:00 - 10:00 pm

WHERE: Christian Science Church, 811 First Avenue, Fairbanks

COST: Registration fee: $100 OR $25 per class. Print out Registration form at www.fsaf.org.

WHY: For singers at all levels. Open to anyone ages 15 and up. These classes are for those who love to sing and are interested in personal music growth. More experienced singers may bring several songs to class for study with Byron. There are no auditions for any of these classes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact Maurine Canarsky 456 4156, Email

Photo of the day - March 5

A bohemian waxwing sings a pretty song while resting in a fruit tree.
Image by Dwight Phillips

Musical Entertainment at the Festival of Lights Galleria Trade Show

9th Army Arctic Band

Halfway Home

Delta High School Choir

The Festival of Lights was a huge success this year. There was plenty of music entertainment at the Galleria Trades Show, in the lobby of the Delta High Shool large gym. Thank you Amanda Delperdang - Events Coordinator ~ for submitting some photos of the entertainers.

Polar Bear Plunge Jumpers and Their Trophies

Polar Bear Plunge jumpers (L to R), Gwen Leivdal, Dave Hecimovich,
Jon Laschiavo and Rich Rogers

Dave Hecimovich

Photos Courtesy Amanda Delperdang - Events Coordinator. Thanks for all you do for our community Amanda.

Photo of the day - March 4

This image was taken at 7:30 am as the full moon was setting in Feb. 08.
Photo Courtesy Art Lenon

Norm's New Home

On behalf of Norm Hilliker, we would like to express our deepest thanks to all that helped and offered to help Norm after his cabin fire. Many people gave to help buy materials and some donated labor, materials, clothing or gift certificates.

We thank the Lord that a place to live was provided for him while his cabin was being built. The Lord has been so good. Norm has settled in his new cabin and greatly appreciates everything that the Delta Community has done for him.

Thank you and may God bless you!

Ernie and Nancy Wyrick

II Corinthians 9:11

Photo of the day - March 3

This picture is of my "house" three years ago when the northern lights were at their peak. The lights go in 10yr. cycles and that particular year, they were putting on a show almost every night! Photo Courtesy Steve Thomas

Russell and Hannah Hollembaek - Wedding Photos

Russell and Hannah Hollembaek had a beautiful wedding on the island of Maui, Hawaii - February 24, 2008. Photos Courtesy Ruby Hollembaek

We invite you to browse our alumni photo albums.

Photo of the day - March 1

This image depicts a white crowned sparrow that was photographed in a tree in the neighbors back yard. Photo by Dwight Phillips.

Superior Court Upholds Lieutenant Governor's Initiative Decision

http://deltanewsweb.com/archives/images/lt_govenor_banner.jpg

February 29, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska – Fairbanks Superior Court Judge Douglas L. Blankenship ruled on Thursday that Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell took proper action regarding the 07WATR and 07WTR3 initiatives. The initiatives propose requirements to new large scale metallic mineral mining operations in Alaska.

In his ruling dated February 28, 2008, Judge Blankenship concluded that, “Lieutenant Governor Parnell was correct in refusing to certify 07WATR because it is an appropriation. The lieutenant governor’s certification of 07WTR3 as a regulatory measure was correct.”

Lieutenant Governor Parnell commented on Thursday’s ruling, stating that, “It's important to get certainty and finality on these significant water and mining issues. Though the decision will likely be appealed, it brings us one step closer to an Alaska Supreme Court decision on whether the initiative is the proper route for deciding these issues or whether that is the Legislature's exclusive domain."

If this decision is appealed as expected to the Alaska Supreme Court, it will most likely be consolidated with the lieutenant governor’s appeal of a separate Superior Court decision ruling in favor of the initiative sponsors.

Judge Blankenship’s ruling can be found here.

Further information on 07WATR and 07WTR3 can be found here.

Photo of the day - February 29

Redpoles are a common visitor to Delta residents feeders. Photo Courtesy Carol Watkins.