Notice of Availability for Public Comment For Fort Greely

Notice of Availability for Public Comment: “Draft Proposed Plan for Nine Installation Restoration Program Sites at Fort Greely, Alaska”

A Draft Proposed Plan for the final actions to close out nine Installation Restoration Program sites at Fort Greely, Alaska, is available for review and comment by the public. The public comment period on the proposed alternatives for the nine sites in the Proposed Plan extends from May 1, 2008 through June 15, 2008. Its purpose is to solicit community input into the proposed plan and to determine community acceptance of the proposed alternatives.

The goal of the Installation Restoration Program (IRP) is cost-effective environmental cleanup of Army property. Fort Greely investigates and remediates IRP sites in accordance with: (1) the Comprehensive, Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986; and (2) the State of Alaska Oil and Hazardous Substances Control regulations (18 AAC 75).

With this Draft Proposed Plan, Fort Greely is proposing the final actions to be taken at the following nine IRP sites:

• Former Landfill #1 (BRAC Site 31) - approximately 2 acre landfill closed in the 1950’s located on the western side of FGA in an area isolated from the populated portions of the post.

• Former Landfill #2 (BRAC Site 32) - approximately 1 acre landfill closed in the 1950’s located northeast of Landfill #1.

• Former Landfills #4 & #5 (BRAC Site 88) – two former landfills closed in the 1960’s, located northeast of the main cantonment area. They are adjacent to each other and considered one site comprising approximately 6 acres. Currently, the northern portion of the site serves as a picnic area and a skeet shooting range.

• Former Laundry Facility at former Building 157 (BRAC Site 103), located near the airfield in the Old Post area. Building 157 was torn down some time in the late 1960s.

• SM-1A Nuclear Reactor Wastewater Pipeline (BRAC Sites 90 &132), the associated dilution well and removal action laydown yard, and a suspected fuel spill at Pipeline Station 21+25 (Station 21+25 site does not have a BRAC Site number) - the wastewater pipeline and the dilution well were removed in the late 1990’s. A laydown yard located near the intersection of Arctic Avenue and Landfill Road was used to consolidate material prior to off-site shipment.

• Waste Accumulation Area at Building 626 (BRAC Site 48) - the building houses an automobile craft shop where residents and employees of Fort Greely can work on their personal vehicles. The Waste Accumulation Area was located outside the back of the building on the east side until it was removed in the mid 1990s. It contained drums of used oil and grease as well as other used automotive fluids awaiting transfer to a waste facility.

• Refuse Burn Pit (BRAC Site 89), located east of Landfills #4 & #5, is an area with elevated lead levels in soil/ash located near the burn cages used to burn combustible garbage (to reduce its volume prior to its disposal in the post landfill).

The Draft Proposed Plan is available for review at the website or at the Delta Community Library, Delta Junction, Alaska. The library is located just off the Richardson Highway at 2291 Deborah Street, (Milepost V 266.5) across from City Hall and next to the Community Center in Delta Junction.

Both the website and the library have forms for submitting comments on the plan. Written comments should be directed to:

US Army Garrison Fort Greely
Department of Public Works
Environmental Division
P.O. Box 31310
Fort Greely, AK 99731
Attn: Dan Miller

Comment forms may also be submitted on the website, by email to derek.dan.miller@us.army.mil or by facsimile to (907) 873-1117.

To be considered, comments on the proposed alternatives for the nine sites must be received by June 15, 2008. The comments will be evaluated and any necessary changes made to the Proposed Plan prior to approval by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Photo of the day - April 29

This bumblebee is doing what bees do while attempting to pollinate this wild iris. This image was taken near Delta Junction in June of 2007. Deltoids are currently looking forward to summer coming as they prepare for the wild flowers to begin blooming and the trees to become green again with new life. Image by Dwight Phillips

Photo of the day - April 28

These four swans were having a slight disagreement; with a lot of head bobbing, neck curling, wing flapping, and verbal racket. A lot of water was thrown in the air before one pair left for more peaceful surroundings. Photo Courtesy Art Lenon

Photo of the day - April 26

The rough-legged hawk is one of the half dozen or so hawks moving through the area this time of year. Most are just passing through on their way to their breeding grounds up north in the Arctic. They tend to be very concentrated as they are feeding on rodents and small mammals in the fields since the snow has melted. Photo Courtesy Steve Thomas

Marriage Announcement

Loyd D. Pike JR. the son of L.D. and Mary Pike of Delta Jct., and Gail Probert of Delta Jct., was happily married to Tisha Dawn Victory, the daughter of Thomas and Tina Victory of Anchorage, on April, 20th, at 4:20 in the afternoon.

They had a small Alaskan potluck style gathering, with close friends and family in Delta Jct. Alaska, and are planning a ceremony in Anchorage in celebration of their marriage.

Photo of the day - April 25

Taking in the sun and fair fishing at Quartz Lake. Anglers are still able to drive out on the ice but not for long. Photo Courtesy Fronty Parker

Eielson flying community to hold Town Hall meeting in Delta Junction

MEDIA ADVISORY: Eielson flying community to hold Town Hall meeting in Delta Junction

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – Leadership of Eielson and Elmendorf will host a Town Hall meeting 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 29 at the Delta Junction Community Center.

Seasoned pilots will be present to discuss a variety of topics pertaining to the Red Flag-Alaska training exercises, including incidents of increased noise and sonic boom activity.

Media interested in covering the event, please RSVP by noon Tuesday by e-mailing john.gott@eielson.af.mil or by contacting the 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office at (907) 377-2116.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE BY PHONE AT (907) 377-2116 OR BY E-MAIL AT: 354fw.pa@eielson.af.mil.

Late firing at Donnelly Training Area

The Army will conduct late-night firing operations in the Fort Greely area Apr 30-May 8 from 10 p.m.-6 a.m.

The training will take place at firing points near Donnelly Dome.

Residents in the area may see aerial flares, hear booming noises and feel vibrations from the explosions.

For more information call Derek Mills, 873-4714.

Friendly Frontier Days Kiss a Pig Event

Saturday, May 24, 2008

If you missed the chance to nominate the person(s) you would have liked to see jump during this year’s Festival of Lights Polar Bear Plunge or if the person you nominated was in the running but didn’t quite get enough votes, there is yet another opportunity to impose upon them something undesirable yet funny and enjoyable to those who get to watch.

The nominating and voting this time around is to select 3 people to catch and then kiss a pig at this year’s Friendly Frontier Days’ event. The pen where the pigs are kept is dirt and upon a good hosing down with water, as is the tradition, makes an already difficult task of catching a pig, just that much more difficult. To thank each pig kisser for being such a good sport, each will be given a ham as a prize.

Pink Kiss a Pig voting cans are being placed at several businesses around town along with the Post Office and dining hall at Ft. Greely. Nominating a person will cost you $5 and once nominated, votes thereafter are $1 a piece. A person must accept their nomination prior to be added to the running. Updates will be posted weekly.

For more information, please contact the Delta Chamber of Commerce at 893-5068 or deltacc@alaska.net.

Be sure to look for more Friendly Frontier Day event info in the near future…

Relay for Life

IF...you want to join the fight against cancer
BUT...you don't know how to get involved
THEN...join Relay For Life of Delta Junction!

Relay For Life is an opportunity for your community to come together in the fight against cancer!

Relay For Life of Delta Junction
May 9 & 10 2008
6PM to 6PM Delta High School Track

Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate suvivorship and raise money to help the American Cancer Society save lives, help those who have been touched by cancer, and inpower individuals to fight back against this disease. During the event, teams of people take turns walking or running laps around the field. Each team keeps at least one team member on the track at all times. But, Relay is much more than just a walk around the track...join us for a night you will never forget!

For more information contact Sharon Waldo, Event Chair at 895-4731

SURVIVORS: For more information on special activites for you, please contact Lou Ann Fett at 895-4650.

For information about luminarias contact Debra Milligan at 895-4445

Photo of the day - April 24

New Horizon High School students celebrate Earth Day by picking up trash across from the airstrip. Photo Courtesy Holly Stewart

As a reminder: Saturday, May 17 is the date set for Delta Junction's annual spring cleaning. The Cleanup will be held from 8:30am to 1:30 pm.

Pinochle at the Alaska Steakhouse on Friday, April 25

This article has been edited. There will be no BUNCO tournament on Friday night.

Mom’s and Dad’s night out for some fun in a Pinochle tournament this Friday, April 25th, 2008 at the Steakhouse Banquet Hall.

Tournament rules will be announced at 6:00 pm.

All players and non-players are welcome. Come early to socialize, meet your competition and enjoy the entertainment. There is a $10.00 charge for your seat to play and the games could go as late as 11:00 pm.

There will be gifts for the top four winners in the tournament and there will be Partylite candles for sale for all you guys who want to get a jumpstart on Mother’s Day.

Art Keaster will announce the rules in the Pinochle Tournament. All entry fees will be donated to “Relay for Life” and the surplus on the candle sales will be for the COTA for Alexis fund.

Photo of the day - April 23

Red at Night, Sailors Delight! Wednesday 4-23-08 should be a beautiful day if this old saying holds true. This photo was taken at about 9:30 pm on Tuesday 4-22-08. Photo Courtesy Art Lenon

An interesting article appeared online and Sebastian Saarloos sent it to the Delta News Web. If you have been wondering why we have a haze in the distant and a red moon, this article may help to verify some things happening around us. Click here to read the article.

Gospel Singer Performing at Fort Greely this Weekend

Don’t miss this opportunity! Gospel Singer, Yvonne Cobbs-Bey, will perform at Fort Greely this weekend, April 26th and April 27th

The first performance will be at Gabriel Auditorium on Saturday from 9:30-10:30 PM

The second performance will be during the Fort Greely Chapel worship service on Sunday at 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

For more info about Yvonne, please log onto her website.

Prescribed Burns Planned

Ft. Wainwright, AK — The US Army Alaska and the Bureau of Land Management’s Alaska Fire Service will conduct multiple prescribed burns in the Donnelly Training Area East near Delta Junction. The burn projects scheduled for spring 2008 are the Buffalo Drop Zone, Wills Range Complex, Texas Range, and Bolio Lakes.

The prescribed burns will commence with the Buffalo Drop Zone between April 21- April 28 if weather conditions are favorable. The other prescribed burns will occur as weather and military training schedules allow.

The purpose of the burns is to reduce areas of brush and cured grass to assist in preventing serious wildfires from occurring as a result of military training activities.

The size of the burns will vary. The project area covers about 6000 acres.

Firefighters from the Alaska Fire Service and Fort Wainwright will be present to monitor and hold the fire at fire lines and other boundaries.

Smoke may be visible near Delta Junction as a result of the burning operations.

For further information, contact the Fire Information Office at the Alaska Fire Service, 907-356-5511.

For more information about the prescribed fires, please refer to the BLM Alaska Fire Service website.

Photo of the day - April 22

An early morning lake reflects the sun's rising beauty on Lisa Lake, approximately 50 miles south of Delta Jct. Photo Courtesy Dwight Phillips.

BBB Releases Top 10 Inquiries and Top 10 Complaints for Alaska

Anchorage, AK–April 22, 2008– Each quarter, your local BBB releases a list of its Top 10 most inquired upon industries, as well as the Top 10 most complained about industries. BBB encourages consumers to carefully review companies when making purchasing decisions. Consumers may obtain a reliability report on any company they intend to do business with by contacting their local BBB, either by phone at (907) 562-0704 or online at www.bbb.org

The following lists are your BBB’s Top 10 inquiries and complaints for industries in the state of Alaska from the first quarter in 2008.

TOP INQUIRIES
1. Tours – Operators & Promoters
2. Sportswear - Retail
3. Sightseeing Tours
4. Payroll Services
5. Fishing Parties
6. Building Materials
7. Real Estate Loans
8. Auto Body Repair & Painting
9. Real Estate
10. Contractors – General

TOP COMPLAINTS
1. Auto Dealers – New Cars
2. Billing Services
3. Auto Repair & Service
4. Auto Dealers – Used Cars
5. Hotels
6. *Movers
6. *Motels
8. *Telephone Communications
8. *Health & Medical - General
10.*Beauty Salons
10.*Contractors - General
10.*Food & Beverage Services

* Indicates multiple types of businesses had same # of inquiries or complaints

Consumers Are Encouraged to Investigate Before Doing Business

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.

DNW Calendar has a New Feature

Our calendar has been upgraded with newer software. When you see the events on the home page of the Delta News Web, you can click on the hyperlinks to each event and it will only open a page to tell you about the event you have clicked on.

Thank you for being an active part of the Delta News Web community.

We Live in an Awesome Community

On behalf of the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA), Alexis and her family and the campaign committee, I wish to appreciatively thank EVERYONE for their generosity with gift items, pledges, monetary contributions, support and prayers. We have breached $50,000.00 in just two short months. Incredible! Even though our goal is $60,000.00, I trust that the last event in Buffalo, New York will complete the funds needed.

The success of this campaign came from the support of so many and the individual groups initiating their own activity for Alexis. Thank you …the Baptist Church, Boy Scout Troop 11 and Pack 11, the City of Delta Junction, Clearwater Lodge, the Church of Delta Inc., the Church of Latter Day Saints, the Delta Christian Drama Association, the Delta Elementary staff and students, the Delta-Greely Youth Skating Association, the Delta High School students, Downtown B & B of Valdez, the Ft. Greely Chapel and members, Jessica Diviney and co-workers, the Kiwanis Club of Delta, the Legends, Molar Enterprises, Moose Lodge and members, M2C1, the New Hope Community, Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Ron Liewer, Ron Riesgaard, Stan Stevens Glacier Tours out of Valdez, Whitestone Farm Community and the endless list of people who gave gift items for the auction and event prizes.

The committee is following through with another event, however the proceeds from the Pinochle and Bunko Tournaments will go to “Relay for Life.” All pinochle and bunko players are welcome to come to the Conference Room at the Steakhouse on Friday, April 25th, starting at 6:00 pm. We would like everyone there before 6:00 pm so teams can be established and the games can begin. There will be some great prizes for the top 4 winners of each tournament. This should be a fun evening for Moms and Dads. Saturday will be for our Prom goers.

Rose Edgren

Photo of the day - April 21

Three swans touched down for a rest on Lisa Lake last fall while the photographer was fishing. The trumpeter is the world's largest member of the waterfowl family, with males averaging 28 pounds and females averaging 22 pounds. Swans begin flying south in late September or October, depending on the weather. Image by Dwight Phillips

Photo of the day - April 19

Jim Cummings is shown here doing what many Alaskans only dream of. This image shows him surveying a frozen riverbed as he pilots his Super Cub airplane while flying through the breathtaking Alaska Range. This image was taken by Steve Dubois, area wildlife biologist while Steve and Jim do aerial surveys for local wildlife. Jim regularly flies this route as his business, Golden Eagle Outfitters does flightseeing, hunting drop-offs and contractual work for many local businesses. Delta area residents are fortunate to have such beautiful scenic vistas within twenty minutes of flying time, from our city.

Community Clean Up Day - May 17, 2008

Saturday, May 17 is the date set for Delta Junction's annual spring cleaning. The Cleanup will be held from 8:30am to 1:30 pm. Participants can pick up their yellow cleanup bags in the Visitors Parking lot as early as 8:30am and from there head out to their designated cleanup route.

From 11:30pm - 1:30pm there will be a Chamber sponsored lunch for participants. Lunch will include grilled hotdogs, chips, and dessert (participanats are asked to bring a dessert to share).

Groups, businesses, or individuals may begin signing up for their cleanup area(s) beginning April 28.

Reduced rates and longer hours for the landfill for this day only. Please go to the City website for more information.

Photo of the day - April 18

"Big Foot was spotted recently at the Delta Library enjoying a quiet moment before all the excitement of the Library Open House and the Basket of Books Silent Auction this Saturday, April 19 from 10 to 4. He reminds you that the Library truly is for everyone - even the foot challenged!" Photo Courtesy Brooke Bellinger

Photo of the day - April 17

A magpie takes flight from a spruce tree. A magpie is a bird that belongs to the same family as crows, ravens, and jays. The black-billed magpie lives throughout Europe, central Asia, parts of Siberia, and western North America from Alaska to New Mexico. Image by Dwight Phillips

Louis Creviston Ridin' in the Backcountry

Louie Creviston wheelies his wife's CRF150R in the Clearwater River backcountry. Ride safe this year!! Photo by Beth Creviston

Photo of the day - April 16

One of the many welcome signs of spring, this willow ptarmigan is losing its winter white plumage so it can wear its summer brown for a few months before it starts all over again. The reason for this color change is to help protect the bird from its many predators.
Photo by Steve Thomas

Delta Softball League

Delta's Summer Softball League information and updates can be accessed online or you can send an email to deltasoftball@gmail.com or you can contact Hanni Marchuk at Day: 907-360-9731, Evening: 907-895-4018

Building Momentum 2008 - 3 Day Conference

The Alaska Native Justice Center (ANJC), with support from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), is hosting a free, three-day conference in Anchorage on April 28 – 30, 2008 at the Hilton Anchorage Hotel.

The goal of the conference, titled “Building Momentum 2008,” is to explore ways to improve tribal-state collaboration in responding to violence against Alaska Native women by coordinating statewide response services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

Location: Hilton Anchorage Hotel, 500 W. 3rd Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501
Admission: Free
April 28, 2008 - April 30, 2008

Alaska Native Justice Center Website
Phone: (907) 793-3550
Contact Name: Mary Elam
Contact Email: melam@anjc.net

Photo of the day - April 15

The arctic tern is a relatively small bird. It is also one of the most determined. Even though it is small it is still able to accomplish the remarkable feat of migrating over 22,000 miles (35,000 km) each year. The distance that it migrates is the longest of any bird. This particular bird was caught with a sculpin in its mouth which moments later it deposited in its mate's mouth.
Image by Dwight Phillips

Cay Wright Memorial

Cay Wright went home April 12, 2008.

Those who knew and loved her will gather at a memorial service at 1:30 pm, Friday, April 18, at the Presbyterial Church.

The family has requested no flowers. Donations can be made to Alpha Omega or the Cancer Center.

Please join us to celebrate her life and share memories.

Prepare for the Bridegroom ~ Women's Retreat

April 25 - 27, 2008


PWOC Itinerary

Prepare for the Bridegroom PWOC weekend event by fasting from 6:00 AM on April 23rd to 6:00 PM on April 25th.

There is no cost to register, but registration forms must be turned in by April 18th. Click here to print out your registration form

All attendees are welcome to stay at the Chapel for the weekend retreat. There’s lots of room to spread out, and there are even two showers! Please call if you have any questions.

Come be Refreshed, Renewed, and Ready for the Arrival of the Bridegroom!

• April 25th... Gather in the Fort Greely Chapel Annex for a chili dinner at 6:00 PM.
• April 26th...PWOC events will continue with guest speakers on Saturday. A catered dinner will be held at 7:00 PM in the Chapel Annex to celebrate "The Feast with the Bridegroom," so come and be served!
• April 27th...The event will end with a Worship Service at 11:00 AM in the Fort Greely Chapel Sanctuary. The message: Come and Serve Your Bridegroom Jesus Christ.

Please call the Fort Greely Chapel (907) 873-2476 for registration information.

Public Scoping Meetings ~ Eastern Planning Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is developing a Resource Management Plan (RMP) for 8 million acres of public land within the Eastern Interior Planning Area. The planning area includes White Mountains National Recreation Area, the Steese National Conservation Area, the Fortymile and also the upper Black river areas.

Resource management plans provide the BLM with comprehensive, long-term direction concerning the use and management of resourses of BLM-managed public lands.

Find out how you can be part of the planning process by attending a public scoping meeting to share information, issuses and concerns.

Community, Location and Date:

• Tok - Tok School in the Multi Purpose Room - April 16
• Delta Junction - in the Community Center - April 17
• Fairbanks in the FNSB Assembly Chambers - April 22
• Eagle in the Redman Hall - May 8

Open House 3 - 6 PM Scoping Meeting 6 - 8 PM

For more information you can contact:
Jeanie Cole, 907-474-2340 or www.blm.gov/ak

BBB Warns Travelers to be Wary when Using Travel Agencies

Anchorage, AK–April 15, 2008—Your taxes are filed and you are awaiting your return. You would like to use that extra money you will receive to help pay for that much needed vacation. Well, your BBB has a warning about the many travel scams that emerge this time of the year.

Travel agency scams come in many forms—postcards, faxes, phone calls, or via the Internet. They commonly offer stories from consumers who have won vacations, found bargain-priced travel packages, or other great deals. The savings these agencies promise are extremely tempting to consumers because of the high cost of travel and the difficulty of coordinating vacations on their own.

The BBB warns of the sales tactics used at some travel agencies. Many times, travel agencies will ask consumers for a credit card number and then bill the account for a travel package without the consumer’s full approval. After paying, consumers may receive a variety of forms requesting them to make arrangements for the dates, locations, and almost every detail of the trip. Each request brings an added fee and consumers often have to pay “upgrade costs” to reserve the specific dates and locations they were originally promised.

In order to avoid these situations, your BBB offers the following advice when considering travel packages:

• Contact your BBB to receive free reliability reports on travel agencies in your area. Also, get referrals from friends and family on who they have used.
• Request all paperwork from any agency you intend to use and read the rules carefully to determine all costs involved. It will be your responsibility to pay for anything not specifically mentioned in the contract.
• Until you receive complete details of total costs, terms and conditions in writing, do not offer any payment to the company. Don’t be pressured by a “limited time offer.”
• Find out what the company will do if it can’t match your request for a specific vacation time. If they offer refunds, get information on how and when you will receive it.
• Before traveling, confirm arrangements directly with the airlines, cruise lines, hotels, timeshare resorts, restaurants and attractions that are included in your trip.
• Protect your Social Security number (SSN), credit card and debit card numbers, PINs, passwords and other personal information. Never provide this information in response to an unsolicited phone call, fax, letter or email.

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.

Photo of the day - April 14

American Dipper, aka Water Ouzel... They are fun to watch. The first picture I finally got the light right but alas the branch blurs the head shot. These guys are impervious to the cold water, as you can see the water is just slightly above freezing.

The second picture shows the head in the water examining the bottom of the creek for bugs. This bird was flipping over leaves on the bottom in its search for the tasty stone fly.
Photos Courtesy Fronty Parker

Some DNW Calendar Recent Event Postings May be Missing

The popular Delta News Web calendar was offline from last week until earlier today. It was offline because we lost the database that operates the calendar due to a webserver move.

The database has now been restored, but we lost the most recent calendar items.....perhaps as much as three weeks worth. If you have posted events in the last month, please be sure to check the calendar. If your event is not there, you will have to repost it.

My apologies for the added work to restore those items.

David Johnson
Publisher

Photo of the day - April 12

Appropriately named, the Snow Bunting is a bird of the high Arctic and snowy winter fields. Even on a warm day, the mostly white plumage of a bunting flock evokes the image of a snowstorm. Image by Dwight Phillips

Meeting Notice: North Richardson Highway Scenic Byway Corridor Partnership Plan

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

Fairbanks Meeting
Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: Pioneer Park, Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts, Exhibit Hall, 2300 Airport Road, Fairbanks

Delta Junction Meeting
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Location: Delta Junction Community Center, 2287 Deborah Street, Delta Junction

Photo of the day - April 11

Here's a brilliant sunrise captured over a field on Clearwater Road.
Photo courtesy Barbara Tharp

Walter Kopp Obituary

Longtime Paxson resident Walter W. Kopp, 83, went quietly to be with the Lord on April 2, 2008, at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital with his loving wife of 52 years, Dorris, at his side. Walter was born June 28, 1924, in New York City, to Valentine and Margaret Kopp. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942, and served 18 months in the South Pacific. After his discharge he followed his dream to Alaska.

His original plans to search for gold were soon put on the back burner so he struck out into the construction trade. Walt’s ingenuity and determination served him well in maintaining equipment and building trails and roads in remote Alaska. He served 26 years with the Alaska Road Commission and Department of Transportation.

During this time Walt met the love of his life, Dorris, and they were married on Nov. 8, 1954. After residing in Delta Junction for many years, upon his retirement in 1986, Walt and Dorris moved to their summer home in Paxson, and made it their full time residence. They had recently moved to Fairbanks for medical care.

Walt was always an avid outdoorsman engaged in hunting, fishing, and mining. He was also a talented builder, fabricator, and inventor.

Walt’s greatest love was his family. His love,knowledge, and wisdom will be greatly missed by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A devoted advocate of Boy Scouts and Pioneers of Alaska, Walt touched the hearts of everyone he met. His stories and perseverance will be missed by all who knew him.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Val; and son, Fred.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dorris; daughter, Lorraine; grandchildren, Heidi, Candy, David, Walter and Lisa; 11 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and numerous friends.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 6 p.m., Friday, April 11, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Delta Junction with a potluck to follow.

The Pioneers of Alaska and Loyal Order of Moose will hold a memorial service and celebration of life at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 13, at Moose Lodge 911 in Delta Junction.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church in Fairbanks at a later date. Arrangements were by Fairbanks Funeral Home and Crematory.

A Special Message from Governor Palin

Dear Fellow Alaskan,

With just a few days left in the 25th Alaska Legislature, the final actions taken by lawmakers will have a major impact on Alaska and Alaskans. HB 111, a critical bill which would lower the Business License Fee, is currently stalled.

The Alaska economy is blessed by people with an entrepreneurial spirit. Business leaders provide new ideas and develop innovative products and services. By investing in their businesses, small firm owners make a major contribution to our economy.

The original version of HB111 that I proposed would have returned the business license fee, which was increased to $100 under the former administration, to $25. The fee increase has caused a hardship for those who are helping grow our economy, especially people who operate home-based and part-time businesses.

The House Finance Committee amended the bill to set the fee at $50 and it sailed through the House because it makes good business sense. HB 111 is currently stalled in the Senate Finance Committee. I urge you to contact your senator TODAY and let him or her know that HB111 is good for Alaskans, who should not be penalized for stimulating economic growth.

Until next time,

Governor Sarah Palin

Photo of the day - April 10

As daylight lengthens, aurora watchers have to stay up later for dark skies to see auroral displays like this one I photographed about midnight recently. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

Delta Sing-a-Long on Saturday

Hey, its Sing-a-Long weekend, Saturday the 12th, 7PM at the Senior Lounge

Bring your voice, your instruments, some snacks to share, and your love of homemade music

Please Please RSVP to 895-4104--No calls, No open---thanx

The Community Calendar is Being Reinstalled

The Community Calendar is temporarily out of service. We are reinstalling the software.

If you need to have an event published for this weekend, please send it to Webmaster and I will run it in the community news section to get the word out. We hope to have the calendar up and running by Monday.

Again, I am sorry for the inconvenience, and thank you for being so patient with us during our upgrade.

Chinook by George Hosier II - Zapped

Zapped I’m glad winter is winding down. Maybe now I can get the frizz to relax from my hair and I can grow my charred eyebrows back. If I’m lucky, the third degree burns on my fingertips might start to scar over. However, even if I’m destined to look like this the rest of my life, it will still be an immense relief to get a few months’ respite from the damage inflicted by the static electricity that lurks, quivering, in Interior Alaska’s winter air.

Static electricity costs me a lot of money each year. For example, I just replaced my alarm clock. That became necessary as a result of me zapping my previous alarm clock not too long ago. My wife had gone to bed before me, so I was trying not to wake her. Wearing my synthetic fur pink bunny slippers I shuffled across the carpet to my nightstand and slid my alarm clock button on--at least that was my intention. What actually happened was that as soon as my finger contacted the top of my alarm clock, a bolt of lightning engulfed my right arm, detonating a thermonuclear explosion somewhere in the vicinity of my right ventricle!

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

Photo of the day - April 9

A great horned owl sits watch over his domain in the interior's boreal forest.
Image by Dwight Phillips

Farmer's Markets and Bazaars Workshop

From the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service




Coral Howe, Small Business Development Specialist with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service, Tanana District will conduct an afternoon workshop on Farmer’s Markets and Bazaars, Wednesday, April 23, 2008 from 1:00 to 3:00pm at the Delta Junction CES Conference Room in the Jarvis Office Center.


Topics will include:

• What makes artisans and crafters tick?
• Do you ever feel nervous promoting your products?
• Getting customers to STOP, LOOK, & BUY
• Advertising, display techniques, & trend
• Great customer service in 5 minutes or less
• Understanding production, inventory, & profit margins

There is a $10.00 registration fee and pre-registration required – registration deadline is Friday, April 18th. Seating is limited and space is available on a first come, first served basis.

Coral would like to meet with individuals to conduct private consultations to those interested. The CES office will be making appointments for Tuesday, April 22 afternoon and evening and Wednesday, April 23 in the morning., Please call 895-4215 or e-mail fnpnk@uaf.edu.

Office hours at the CES office are Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Photo of the day - April 8

Ptarmigan look just like small grouse, weighing from 10 1/2 ounces to 1 1/2 pounds except that their toes are feathered, their wings are white all year, and they have pure white body plumage in winter. This particular ptarmigan was found along the Dalton Hwy on Feb, 26 2008.
Photo Courtesy Brian Bonner.

Consumers Sound Off with Complaints on Tax Preparers

Anchorage, AK–April 8, 2008—According to a BBB study, nearly one-third of complaints against tax preparation companies allege that the preparer made an error or mistake in their tax return, resulting in the consumer having to pay fines or added fees to rectify the problem.

“Few things are as certain as death and taxes, and it’s also true that few things are as scary—that’s why more than half of the 120 million American taxpayers enlist the help of a tax preparer every year,” said Robert Andrew, President and CEO of the BBB serving Alaska, Oregon, and Western Washington. “However, consumers end up being held responsible when their tax preparer makes mistakes or errors on their return. This can mean fees and fines adding up to thousands of dollars that they owe the government.”

Mistakes and errors are the most common complaint category against tax preparers. Approximately 20 percent of complaints allege that the tax preparer was simply unresponsive. Typically, the tax preparer did not return repeated calls or attempts by the complainant to receive assistance. Many complainants noted that they felt frantic as they faced filing deadlines or audits, and were not receiving any help from their tax preparer.

Disputes over billing accounted for 19 percent of complaints to the BBB. Typically, consumers were shocked when they received a high bill for having their taxes prepared or felt that they did not receive the level of service they paid for.

Almost 7 percent of complainants say the tax preparation company was rude, and 6 percent of complainants say they didn’t receive their refund. The most disturbing finding may be that 6.3 percent of complainants allege that the tax preparer never filed their tax return at all.

“Consumers looking for trustworthy help filing their taxes should not wait until the last minute—they need to take their time, shop around and find a preparer who is both qualified and has a strong track record of providing customer service,” added Andrew. “Some consumers who rushed through the process in 2007 are still dealing with the mess their tax preparer made as they head into the 2008 tax season.”

From 2005-2007, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) opened nearly 700 investigations against tax preparers. In April 2006, the Government Accountability Office issued findings from a limited study of commercial tax preparation chains in major metropolitan areas, noting all of the returns completed in those offices were wrong in one way or another. The report cited mistakes such as: not reporting business income, failing to take the most advantageous education tax benefit, failing to itemize deductions, and, in some cases, failing to claim available deductions.

The BBB wants to warn consumers that when the IRS detects a false return, the taxpayer, not the tax preparer, must pay any additional taxes as well as any other associated interest, fees and penalties. The taxpayer is responsible for all information submitted to the IRS.

Many tax preparers provide quality services to their clients, but the BBB encourages consumers to use the same caution in selecting tax preparation help as they do when they select other professional services such as doctors or lawyers.

Your BBB offers the following advice when searching for help with taxes:

Ask around. Get referrals from friends and family on who they use, and get a free reliability report on a tax preparation business from your local BBB at www.bbb.org.

Look for credentials. Ideally, tax preparers should either be a certified public accountant, a tax attorney or an enrolled agent. All three can represent taxpayers before the IRS in all matters, including an audit. Also, find out if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization that holds its members to a code of ethics.

Don’t fall for the promise of a big refund. Be wary of any tax preparation businesses that promise larger refunds than the competition, and avoid tax preparers who base their fee on a percentage of your refund.

Think about accessibility. Many tax preparation services only set up shop for the months leading up to April 15th. In case the IRS finds errors, or in case of an audit, consumers need to be able to contact their tax preparer throughout the year.

Read the contract and know what you’re paying for. Consumers should read tax preparation service contracts closely to ensure they understand issues such as how much the service costs, how more complicated preparations will affect the cost, and whether the tax preparer will represent the consumer in case of an audit.

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.

Interior Residents Likely to see Increased Flying Activities

354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – Interior Alaskan residents may see and hear increased military flying activities this spring and summer due to scheduled training exercises at Eielson Air Force Base. Three Red Flag-AK exercises will take place April 7 to April 18, June 9 to June 20, and October 6 to October 17. Northern Edge 08 will take place May 5 to 16. During these exercises there will be increased military air traffic in Alaska’s Pacific Area Range Complex and in Special Use Airspace across the state.

All civilian pilots should note that military flying activities are not limited to exercises. Military aircraft may be encountered at any time throughout the year.Operators of small civilian aircraft transiting Military Operations Areas should be aware of the increased activity and are encouraged to use the Special Use Airspace Information Service by calling (800) 758-8723. In Fairbanks, call (907) 372-6913 or contact Eielson Range Control via VHF radio on 125.3 mHz. Pilots are also urged to obtain the most current status of the MOAs from any FAA Automated Flight Service Station, Anchorage Center, or Eielson Range Control and to always file a flight plan. Special Use Airspace Information Service can be found on the Elmendorf AFB homepage at www.elmendorf.af.mil

Although military planners make every effort to reduce the effect of increased flying activities on Alaska residents, people who feel they are being adversely affected can call (907) 377-2116 or (800) JET-NOISE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE BY PHONE AT (907) 377-2116 OR BY E-MAIL AT: 354fw.pa@eielson.af.mil.

Photo of the day - April 7

I received a beautiful bouquet of roses for my birthday and couldn't help but take some pictures of them. These roses sure help to usher in spring, and summer will be just around the corner with lots more flowers. Photo courtesy Barbara Tharp.

Online Scams: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t...

A friend in Delta recently shared with us some of his correspondence about a proposed vehicle sale. After several emails, the “buyer” made the pitch, basically “we’ll send you a certified check for $6,000, and you send us the difference between the vehicle cost and our check amount and keep some money for your trouble”. A number of classified advertisers have reported this kind of scam to us.

Our friend’s suspicions were aroused early on, but kept up the correspondence to get to the bottom line. His clues were a “purchaser” from outside of Alaska, very poor English, and finally, the strange payment offer.

Had he fallen for the scam, he would probably have lost at least his $3,000 in a check to the scammer. The usual procedure for these scammers is to send a “certified check” that looks good, but does not pay out in the end. When the certified check is deposited, it is credited to the local checking account, but when the bank tries to collect on the check, it is found to be bogus, and so the deposit is reversed.

Our advice to all of our classified advertisers is this: be careful of all online deals, and especially careful buying or selling outside of Alaska. Unusual payment proposals should be examined very carefully. And….if it sounds to good to be true, it probably isn’t…..

Here is the email from the scammer as he attempts to “set the hook.”

From: Bonny Henn
To:
Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2008 3:34 PM
Subject: PAYMENT TERMS AND SHIPPING DETAILS

Hello, we have concluded, making the paymentThanks for your email and update on the bottom price($2,000),it was accepted by my clientand he has directed us to issue payment to you. I would need your assurance that the property whose payment we would start processing,is in a good condition as the only view our client had of the vehicle was on the internet and this purchase is hinged on his personal judgement of what the property's state and output would be like,in comparison to models of its category. However,he made out a certified cashiers check of($6,000) before he travelled for a conference,for a previous vehicle and its shipment charges etc,but it wasunfortunately sold. The amount on the check he deposited for the vehicle is bigger than what should be paid to you now, so the check is now meant for the total expenses which includes the purchase of your vehicle ,its pick up from its present location and the shipping charges/other necessary shipping arrangements.However he has instructed us to bikery on with this transaction. So when payment gets to you, you're required to deduct the cost of your vehicle ($2,000) and send the balance of($3,000) to my client shipping agent to enable him offsett shipping charges/arrangements. Once the transaction is concluded, My client shipping agent will be coming for the pick up of the vehicle from its present location, on an access to a prepaid shipper for shipment,and also conclude other necessary shipping arrangements. So you dont have to bother yourself about the pick up and shipping rrangements, while title papers and other necessary documets will be sent by you via fedex courier . Please Confirm this and provide (1) NAME (2) CONTACT ADDRESS AND CONTACT PHONE NUMBER(s) for check payment to be delivered to you via regular mail immediately , please remove the add of the vehicle from the internet to avoid complications from other buyers

Delta News Web

Photo of the day - April 5

A pair of young bull moose go head to head during the rutting season in Alaska's interior.
Image by Dwight Phillips

Delta Library Needs Baskets

The Delta Library needs large sturdy baskets for the Basket of Books Silent Auction on April 19 .

Drop them by the library this weekend (open noon to five Saturday and Sunday) or during business hours next week, or call 895-4102 and we'll come and fetch them.

Thanks to all who donate for this fundraiser every year - we couldn't do it without you!

Photo of the day - April 4

This is a Stone sheep catching some early spring sunshine further south along the Alaska Highway in the Yukon Territory. Stone sheep are cousins to Alaska’s Dall sheep.
Photo by Louis Creviston

Make Your Children Kidnap Aware

Even in a small and friendly town like Delta there could be those who prey on children. Whether they are passing through town or a secret danger in the midst of the community, there is a potential for predators who could pose a serious danger to young Delta people. If your child was approached by a stranger near a bus stop and told that “your mommy asked me to come and pick you up” would he or she know how to respond?

According to Scholastic, “the dilemma is this: How can we educate children to be alert to possible dangers and at the same time encourage them to feel safe and confident in exploring their world?”

Scholastic says it’s smart to teach children age-specific strategies for avoiding danger from strangers. Role playing, rules and “what if” discussions are helpful, depending on your child’s age. Even very young children can be taught to tell their whole names, addresses, and telephone numbers to safe strangers like police officers, sales clerks, and mothers with children so that should they become separated from parents or caregivers they can be reunited easily.

Delta News Web

Homeschool Open House

The Raven Correspondence School would like to invite current and interested homeschooling parents and families to our Open House/Information Session. Come and learn about our program offerings and benefits including an annual allotment for instructional expenses, online courses, online resources and computer lease options. You are encouraged to bring anyone with you whom may be interested. Enrollment is open. Families who sign up now get an additional $100.00 for their allotment. There will be refreshments and door prizes!

For more information, please visit our website.

Date: April, 15, 2008

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Raven Office: 2857 Alaska Hwy., Jarvis Bldg. #219

Phone: 907-895-2280

Photo of the day - April 3

Eager beaver, ah eagle. This bald eagle was seen sitting next to it's snow covered nest recently, obviously anxiously awaiting the spring nesting season. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

Why do I Want the National Guard in my Community?

Delta Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon - April 17, 2008. Guest speaker is Alaska Army National Guard Commander Brigadier General Thomas H. Katkus. Click on the image for an enlargement.

An Army National Guard unit will provide many benefits to the members in your community and to the community as a whole. These benefits enhance the community in three primary ways: economic growth, social development and public safety. An active partnership between the Alaska National Guard and your community will provide the best opportunity for your community to make good use of the advantages the Alaska National Guard already brings to other communities across Alaska.

The Alaska National Guard provides economic benefits through added income, additional jobs, and year-round steady employment opportunities. The National Guard is one of the largest employers in the state with more than 2000 employees. It not only provides employment in our largest cities but also in our smallest rural communities. Local employment and education opportunities minimize the migration of the younger generation from their small communities to larger cities. The Alaska National Guard provides many financial incentives and education benefits, including free college tuition, to National Guard members. Through the Alaska National Guard, community members become a well-educated, trained work force. This training benefits the community directly in areas such as utility and communication operations, heavy equipment operations, administration, law enforcement, education and health care – all vital assets to the economic growth of your community. In addition, the National Guard armory is a utility rate payer and, as such, helps reduce utility costs for everyone in the community.

The National Guard armory has served many generations as a place of assembly for social events, and local emergencies. The Alaska National Guard has more than 70 armories in communities statewide, providing a safe location for constructive social interaction between community members. The Alaska National Guard reinforces many of the social values held by Alaskan communities such as respect for others and community service. The National Guard maintains a strong anti-drug stance, promotes high school completion, and supports higher education and training for future community leaders.

The presence of a National Guard unit and armory makes a major contribution to the safety and security of your community. Trained guardsmen are ready and able to support the community during local emergencies, such as fire, flood and civil strife. The Alaska National Guard provides goods, services and facilities that many small communities cannot otherwise afford like counter drug support, youth programs, and search and rescue. A local National Guard unit has the ability to call upon a great amount of manpower, equipment and supplies in times of need. National Guard armories in Alaska have a long tradition of supporting community needs and will continue to do so in the future.

The Alaska National Guard’s primary role is to defend and serve our State, our communities, and when called upon, our country. The National Guard helps develop leaders and citizens who make valuable contributions to the community. The National Guard is founded upon constructive values, excellent training, sound leadership, and above all, community service. The Alaska National Guard provides incentives and opportunities that support economic growth that sustains our small, local communities. The question that should be asked is why there isn’t an Alaska National Guard unit or armory in your community.

Photo of the day - April 2

Hawk owls, as you can see, are very tolerant of people. These birds of prey have been quite numerous lately due to a rodent population explosion a couple of years ago.
Photo by Steve Thomas

BBB Warns Consumers Against Getting Instant Tax Refunds

Some come with effective interest rates from 50 to 500 percent.

Anchorage, AK—April 1, 2008—Tax season is here and many Americans are looking forward to their tax refunds. With the downturn in the economy, some taxpayers are growing impatient for their checks. Some are even turning to tax preparers who offer instant tax refunds, also called Refund Anticipation Loans (RAL). While RALs are a source of instant cash, the BBB warns they may come with high interest rates.

Instant tax refunds are short-term loans given to the consumer immediately after the tax preparer files their taxes. The tax preparer will then receive the filer’s refund check two to three weeks later from the IRS. The effective annualized interest rate for instant tax refunds range from 50 to nearly 500 percent, according to the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC). Some tax preparers further gouge consumers by tacking on administrative fees. According to the NCLC, consumers took out more than nine million RALs in 2006; paying more than $990 million in fees.

“Taxpayers who want to get their hands on their tax refund money right away need to keep in mind that an instant refund can cost more than it helps,” said Robert Andrew, President and CEO of the BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington. “RALs are based on anticipated tax refunds. If consumers end up getting less money back than predicted, they will owe the money loaned plus hefty fees and fines if they don’t pay off the RAL on time.”

Instant refunds came under scrutiny in January 2008. The IRS issued a request for comments regarding regulations and restrictions governing RALs—particularly given the bad effect the practice has on low-income households.

Some tax preparation companies offering RALs don’t recommend them to their customers. In a written statement to an MSNBC.com columnist in February, an H&R Block representative said, “We believe the best option for our clients is to file electronically with the IRS and to receive an IRS direct deposit rather than taking out a RAL.”

Before you accept an instant refund, your BBB offers the following advice:

Why not e-File and direct deposit?
The fastest and most secure way for consumers to get their refund is to file their taxes online and then allow a direct deposit of the refund. Taxpayers will receive the money in as little as 8 to 15 days. Some tax preparation companies will help taxpayers set up bank accounts to route the refund if accounts are not already established, although the BBB advises consumers to work directly with financial institutions to protect their account information.

Don’t fall for the “convenient” debit card.
Some tax preparers offer to provide instant refunds on “convenient” debit cards. These cards are another way for the tax preparer to make money. Some debit cards include hidden fees, as high as $20 per transaction, and can have limits on how much money consumers can access. This means users have to pay the high transaction fees repeatedly.

Finance purchases other ways.
If consumers are looking to purchase specific high-priced items with their refunds, the BBB encourages them to look into financing options other than RALs, such as store credit promotions or offers that may provide better interest rates.

If you must get a RAL, shop around.
If it is absolutely necessary that a consumer receive their refund immediately, the BBB wants people to know that it pays to shop around and look for a good deal. Fees and rates for RALs vary by tax preparer.

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 BBB 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.

Opera Fairbanks Emeritus Board Member to Teach in Fairbanks

Opera Fairbanks Emeritus Board member Gloria Marinacci Allen will be available for a limited number of voice lessons Thursday April 3 beginning from 1 – 5 p.m., and Friday April 4 from 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. through 5:00 p.m. Lessons are offered at the reduced rate of $60/hour.

Ms. Allen is a former performing artist, has directed for numerous companies (including the Met’s touring division), and is the former head of the Anchorage Opera and Opera Las Vegas.

To schedule a lesson, please email operafairbanks@ak.net or call 378 3482. First come, first served on lesson times. Please advise re: your primary goal for the lesson(s) – general technique, polishing a specific piece, etc.

Photo of the day - April 1

Redpoles taken at our feeder. They seem to be having words.
Photo Courtesy Carol Watkins.