DNW Maintenance

We are moving the Delta News Web to a different server this week and some components may be affected briefly. Our plan is to make the move Tuesday evening. We expect the calendar to be down at least 12 hours. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

David Johnson
Webmaster

Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration

When: Friday, July 4 from 11:30 am – 4 pm
Where: Behind the Sullivan Roadhouse Museum

Come celebrate the birthday of our country’s independence:

11:30 am

• Event kickoff with Ft. Greely Color Guard Flag Presentation and
  patriotic song by Marion Gauntt
• Contest sign up begins
• Lumber Jack Challenge practice begins (Delta Friends of
  Agriculture)

Noon 4th of July Crazy Hat Contest

12:30 pm - 4 pm Traditional games (open to all ages & prizes awarded):

• sack race
• hula hoop contest
• egg race
• watermelon seed spitting contest (tentative)
• bubble gum blowing contest
• water balloon toss
• buffalo chip throwing contest (tentative)

1 pm Lumber Jack Challenge begins (open to those 18 & over)

All Day

Highways End Farmers Market, Sullivan Roadhouse open, music by DJ Jack Carlson, door prizes (must be present to win), Carol McNabb’s homemade funnel cakes & ice cream, Delta Soccer Association fundraising booth, & more!

For more information contact the Delta Chamber of Commerce at 895-5068 or e-mail deltacc@alaska.net

Dept of Motor Vehicles Closure

The DMV will be closed July 5th. We will reopen on Tuesday, July 8 at 1:00.

Chinook by George Hosier II - Saving Gas

For our wedding Anniversary this year I got my wife something really expensive. It was a necklace. At the end of a simple cotton cord was suspended a small glass vial in which was sealed nearly ½ cc of actual gasoline! She’s not going to wear it in public, of course. That would just be an open invitation for some lowlife to try to pilfer it. I’m not terribly concerned about it being stolen, because I had it insured with Lloyd’s of London, but I don’t want my wife to be injured in the mugging process.

I also served her an expensive meal of fried rice and Vienna sausages that I had cooked on our wood stove. We ate it by candlelight. We haven’t splurged like that for a long time. You should have seen the glow in her eye when I told her the candles were to create a romantic ambience. It was only a little white lie. Unfortunately the mood was broken when she suggested we snuggle up on the couch afterwards and watch a chick flick. It was then that I had to admit that in order to afford the gasoline necklace I hadn’t been able to pay the light bill. We played a game of tick tack toe instead.

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

Chinook by George Hosier II - Middle Age

I underwent my forty-second birthday in June. I’m still working through the grieving process. Birthdays have turned into harrowing ordeals ever since I turned forty. I remember when they used to be festive celebrations. My mother would still be scrubbing cake frosting out of the carpet and picking up piñata fragments when I begin whining, “I can’t wait ‘til my next birthday!” Nowadays, however, my birthday parties are muted, embarrassed affairs. My wife or son will sidle up to me and awkwardly press a birthday card into my palm as if it were a breath mint that I badly needed. “Happy…you know…’B-word’.” they murmur, and then wince as if expecting me to slap their mouth.

I can’t eat birthday cakes any more. The sugar in the frosting gives me a hyperglycemic reaction, the smoke from the candles exacerbates my facial eczema, the chocolate stokes my GERD and I am lactose intolerant of the ice cream. A couple years ago, my wife thought she had found the solution. She got an idea from a baby shower she attended where somebody made the “most darling” simulated cake out of disposable diapers. So for my next birthday, as everyone shouted “Surprise!” my wife walked into the room carrying a cake she had made out of Depends. I think she frosted it with Preparation H. The guests really enjoyed themselves that year.

To read the rest of the story please visit our Chinook pages.

Mystery Photo Winner for Week June 23-29

The winner of last week's mystery photo is Karen Sutherland. We had 25 correct entries last week.

Karen will receive a gift certificate from the Buffalo Center Diner, Courtesy of Ed and Ann Richards.

Thank you for each one that submitted their entry, along with mailing address.

Please remember to include your mailing address with each entry. DNW will not accept entries without mailing addresses. We do not store your address from week to week.The photo was taken at Smith Green Acres RV Park, and it was correctly identified as the motorhome on top of their RV/campground sign.

Good luck as you look for next week's photo.

Photo of the day June 28

Alaska Department of Fish and Game employee Ron Riesgaard (left) takes off in a Robinson R44 helicopter with pilot Troy Cambier (right) to dart and immobilize bison for the purpose of placing radio collars on the bison. Some of the bison that were immobilized were located at the base of Black Rapids Glacier during the capture operation. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

Crazy Hat Contest

*4th of July Crazy Hat Contest*

Friday, July 4, 2008 at noon
Behind the Sullivan Roadhouse Museum

Be as creative as you wish in designing your hat, the only rules are that it have a 4th of July theme and that it be wearable. A $25 Chamber Gift Certificate (redeemable at many local Chamber Member businesses) will be awarded to the overall best hat. A second and third place prize may be awarded depending on participation.

The Crazy Hat Contest will take place at the Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration

To sign up, contact the Delta Chamber @ 895-5068 or deltacc@alaska.

Unit to Train with Grenades

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska – Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment will conduct hand-grenade training July 8 and 9 on the small arms range adjacent to the Richardson Highway.

The unit will train with the grenades from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Area residents in the vicinity of the range and travelers on the Richardson Highway may hear the noise.

Photo of the day - June 27

This is a photo of a grizzly bear that I took near Haines Junction, shortly after departing the ferry system. Photo Courtesy Mark Zintek.

Old Fashioned Celebration Set for 4th of July

Friday, July 4th, 2008 • 11:30 am - 4 pm • Behind the Sullivan Roadhouse

Join the Delta Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the birthday of our country’s independence with a fun-filled day of: music, games (sack race, egg relay, water balloon toss, etc.), Lumber Jack Challenge (Delta Friends of Agriculture), food & drink concessions, 4th of July Crazy Hat Contest, door prizes, Highways End Farmers Market, piñatas, & more.

4th of July Crazy Hat Contest: be as creative as you wish, the only rule is that your hat have a 4th of July theme. A $25 Chamber Gift Certificate (redeemable at many local businesses) will be awarded to the overall best hat. A second and third place prize may be awarded depending on participation. Call the Chamber to sign up. Time of contest TBA.

For more info, contact the Delta Chamber of Commerce at 895-5068

Superior Court Upholds Denial of 07COGA Clean Elections Act Initiative

(June 26, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska) - Judge Mark Rindner, of the Third Judicial District in the Superior Court of Alaska, today granted Defendant Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell’s summary judgment motion and denied Plaintiff’s motion regarding the establishment of an initiative to establish the Alaska Clean Elections Act and to create an oil production tax as the funding source for the program. Today’s court order refers to the initiative filed in May 2007, also known as the Public Funding of Campaigns (07COGA) initiative.

Lt. Governor Parnell denied the (07COGA) initiative last year stipulating it violated constitutional and statutory mandate confining initiatives to one subject (the “single-subject rule”). Plaintiffs alleged their constitutional rights were violated by the denial of the initiative.

The only issue before the Superior Court today was whether the (07COGA) initiative violated the single-subject rule. The order concludes the (07COGA) Clean Elections Initiative is a substantial and plain violation of the single-subject rule, and the Lt. Governor’s decision to deny the initiative did not violate Plaintiffs right to initiative.

Plaintiffs for the case are: Eric Croft, a private individual, and ALASKANS FOR CLEAN ELECTIONS, an initiative group, and Tim June, Steve Cleary, and Joe McKinnon, initiative sponsors.

This court outcome should not be confused with another initiative, Public Funding of Campaigns II (07CASE) also known as Ballot Measure No. 3 on the 2008 Primary Ballot.

A copy of the court can be seen here.

Photo of the day June 26

Here is a shot of the Solstice sunrise over the missile site and Shaw Creek Dome.
Photo Courtesy Michael Kingston/CRTC

Photo of the day June 25

This photo was taken on June 21 (traditional solstice), at exactly the stroke of midnight, about halfway up Donnelly's Dome. It was a near perfect evening with warm temps. some sun, few skeeter's, and very light breeze. Photo by Steve Thomas

Robbery, vandalism at our school

Delta High School was robbed and vandalized last weekend, sometime between Saturday night and Sunday morning. Thieves took dozens of student laptops, new desk top computers, the school security system and a large video monitor, all worth at least $80,000. Vandalism to windows and doors is estimated to be $6,000. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the Delta Trooper post at 895-4800, or the Fairbanks Troppers at 451-5100.

More from the Fairbanks Newsminer

Post Wide Yard Sale on Fort Wainright

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska – The Fairbanks public is invited to the July post-wide yard sale here Saturday, June 28, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Post residents will sell from their homes in the housing areas, or from booths at the Lemon Lot at Neely and Meridian, across from the Post Office.

Military retirees, civilian employees at Fort Wainwright and military families who live off post may secure spaces at the Lemon Lot. Forms are provided, and spaces are $10 each (money should be placed with the form into the self-pay box at the lot. Tables are not provided.
A sign will indicate a special lane for yard-sale visitors. Visitors should tell the gate guards they are here for the yard sale, and must show proof of insurance, valid driver's license and vehicle registration. The gate guards will give each visitor a post pass for that day and a map. The pass should be kept on the dashboard in the front window of the vehicle.

There is no need to stop at the visitors' center. Military police will strictly enforce speed limits in all areas.

For more information, call 353-6612.

Photo of the day - June 24

While fishing on the Clearwater River on June 21, I took this photo of a grayling. The Clearwater River is a must see for anyone living in Delta, or for travelers passing thru. Where else can you find a river so clear? Photo Courtesy James Marsh

Photo of the day - June 23

Wilson's warblers are a fairly common nesting in interior Alaska. In April, I was in south Texas watching Wilson's warblers as they completed an approximately 36 hour nonstop migration across the Gulf of Mexico from central and South America. Now they have made it to Alaska. I may have seen this same bird in Texas in April. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

DHS Girls Softball Clinic Update

The DHS girls summer softball clinic was cancelled Monday due to rain.

We will be at the fields again Tuesday at 3:00p.m. If you haven't already picked up a registration form they will be available tomorrow.

Parents please be sure and arrive with your daughter to sign the medical waiver.

We are looking forward to fun and improving skills on the field!!

See you tomorrow - June 24.

Mystery Photo Winner for June 16 - 23

The winner of last week's mystery photo is Christina Bush. We had 30 correct entries last week.

Christina will receive a gift certificate from the Buffalo Center Drive In, Courtesy of John and Linda Sloan.

Thank you for each one that submitted their entry, along with mailing address.

Please remember to include your mailing address with each entry. DNW will not accept entries without mailing addresses. We do not store your address from week to week.

The photo was taken at Granite View Sports and Gifts, and it was correctly identified as the ampersand on their sign on the side of the building.

Good luck as you look for next week's photo.

Alumni Photos

Colton with his Uncle Russ in Maui Hawaii. Photo Courtesy Leslie (Hollembaek) Bobo.

Colton Michael (4 years) and Landon Russell (5 months) sons of Leslie (Hollembaek) and Mike Bobo visit gramma and papa Hollembaek on the farm in May 08. Photo Courtesy Leslie (Hollembaek) Bobo

We invite you to browse through our alumni photo albums.

If you would like to submit your photos of your family and have been a graduate of Delta in any year, we would like to add you to our albums as well. Please send your photos and the year you graduated from any of our schools in Delta, along with some text and we will publish them. Please send them to: webeditor@deltanewsweb.com

Photo of the day - June 21

This young porky seems to be having a bad hair day! Photo by Steve Thomas

BBB: Is the party over for 'Galasource'?

The Better Business Bureau today is warning business owners in the restaurant, retail, and hospitality industries nationwide that an internet-based company from Denver called Galasource, Inc. (www.galasource.com ) appears to have closed, leaving thousands of dollars’ worth of paid orders unfilled across the country.

The company web site appeared to be up and running, however, as of June 19 --posing a risk for further loss from unsuspecting business owners. The products include appliances, furniture, and a range of supplies for restaurants. “A company that isn’t filling orders that have been paid for, or not responding to questions--but simultaneously continuing to market to new customers--is a huge red flag,” said Jean Herman, BBB Denver/Boulder president and CEO.
BBB Denver/Boulder, where the firm is based, reports that businesses from 15 states have filed complaints about the company in 2008 – with complaints originating from 11 of those states just since June 1.

BBB believes that a principal of the company is Gary Baker and that the firm operated from 3890 Elm St. in Denver, CO 80207.

A restaurant owner in North Carolina paid the firm in full for $13,870 in equipment that did not arrive, while a tavern owner in Washington is waiting for a $3,387 credit for an order that originally totaled more than $10,000. Calls and emails to the company from customers and the BBB have gone unanswered.

Problems with the company’s service are relatively new. The firm had been a BBB Accredited Business in Denver/Boulder, although the BBB suspended the firm’s accreditation on May 29 pending further investigation, and the report is currently unsatisfactory.

Across the U.S. and Canada, BBB is an unbiased, non-profit entity that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses and charities that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business reliability reports and charity Wise Giving Reports, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers who need help with unfair or unethical business treatment. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 128 BBBs serve communities in North America, monitoring more than three million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information.

Past Motorcycle Rides

A couple of photos from our past rides. The solo shot is in front of Portage Glacier. The other group picture is from a one day ride last year, taken near Rainbow Mountain. We were on our way to ride the “triangle”. From Delta to Gakona – Tok cutoff – and return via the Alcan.
Photos Courtesy Brett Hulen

Photo of the day - June 20

The Choke Cherry blossom was taken in Kim Eames’ (Delta High School Graduate, formerly Kim Kingston) backyard during a BBQ last weekend. Photo Courtesy Michael Kingston/CRTC

Memorial Park Dedication at Fort Wainright

Officials will dedicate Monterey Lakes Memorial Park at a ceremony here Wednesday. The park will be dedicated to fallen soldiers from all conflicts.

Maj. Gen. Stephen Layfield, commanding general of United States Army Alaska, and Col. Michael Shields, commander of the 172nd SBCT during its deployment, will unveil the monument and lay a wreath to honor the soldiers lost during the unit's deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from August 2005 to December 2006.

The Stryker Brigade here at Fort Wainwright has been reflagged as part of the 25th Infantry Division. It was here at Fort Wainwright that the Arctic Wolves trained for, deployed to and returned from 15 months of combat operations in Iraq. It is here at Fort Wainwright where we dedicate this memorial that forever pays respect to the 30 Americans who did not return from the mission - 26 from the 172nd SBCT and four from the Alaska National Guard.

The soldiers honored at the ceremony are Cpl. Lucas Frantz, Spc. Daniel Bartels, Staff Sgt. Stephen Sutherland, Pfc. Christopher Alcozer, Chief Warrant Officer Chester Troxel, 1st Lt. Jamie Campbell, Spc. Michael Edwards, Spc. Jacob Melson, Staff Sgt. Christopher Morningstar, Sgt. Jeremiah Boehmer, Cpl. Patrick Herried, Spc. Joshua Pierce, Spc. Dustin Harris, Cpl. Shawn Creighton, Sgt. Kenneth Hess, Spc. Raymond Henry, Staff Sgt. Mark Wall, Spc. Aaron Latimer, Cpl. Jeremy Loveless, Sgt. Benjamin Mejia, 2nd Lt. John Vaughan, Sgt. Bryan Luckey, Sgt. Irving Hernandez Jr., Staff Sgt. Eugene Alex, Cpl. Alexander Jordan, Sgt. David Davis, Staff Sgt. Jonathan Rojas, Sgt. Nicholas Sowinski, Sgt. Kraig Foytek and Cpl. James Bridges.

The dedication ceremony is open to the public. Visitors will need to pick up a day pass at the visitors' center near the main gate. Driver's license, registration and proof of insurance are needed.

DHS Girls Softball Program Summer Clinic: Last Chance to Register

This is the last chance to register for the DHS girl's softball program summer clinic.

The clinic starts Monday and runs till Friday 3:00-6:00p.m. The camp costs $25 and will focus on team building and individual skills.

Registration forms are available at the Drive-In.

Cummings Softball Team Wins in Fairbanks

The Cummings Sawmill softball team was recently bumped up to the top league in Fairbanks and played the two top teams last night...7-6 for the first game and 9-7 was the score for the late game.

We will be playing in a tournament in Anchorage this weekend.

Wish us Luck!
MJKingston

Photo of the day - June 19

This image depicts the Alaskan wildflower, Calypso Orchid, otherwise known as a "Fairy Slipper". After showing this photo to our Delta Mayor, Mary Dowling, her comments were, "it looks like the two orchids are looking over their fallen comrade", I aptly named this, "Fallen Brethren". The actual flower (minus stem) is only about three-quarters of an inch long.
Image by Dwight Phillips

Photo of the day - June 18

This is a picture taken on June 7 of a large crack in the ice covering Summit Lake as breakup begins on the lake. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

Delta Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon

The June Membership Luncheon will be held at noon on June 19, 2008 at the Trophy lodge. Lunch is $15.00 Please RSVP to the Chamber office at 895-5068.

Guest speaker is Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell. Parnell was elected as Alaska’s Lieutenant Governor in November, 2006.

Prior to serving as Alaska’s Lieutenant Governor, Sean served in both the Alaska House of Representatives and the Alaska State Senate from 1992 to 2000. He served on the House Finance Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, the Energy Council, and chaired numerous budget subcommittees. Sean has been an attorney since 1987 and is admitted to practice in Alaska and Washington D.C.

Sean and his wife, Sandy, have been married for 20 years, and live in Anchorage, Alaska with their two daughters, Grace and Rachel.

Photo of the day - June 17

With the recent rain and cloudy conditions, a dramatic cloud scape formed over Mt. Moffitt. The photo was taken from our front porch. Photo copyright Richard Mitchell.

Doyon to Take Over Utilities at Ft. Greely

Doyon Utilities was awarded a 50-year contract last fall to take over management of utilities on Ft. Greely, Ft. Wainwright and Ft. Richardson in Anchorage. The transition process is underway, and should be completed in mid August, according to an article the Fairbanks Daily News Miner.

The article says that Doyon expects to employ about 20 people at Ft. Greely, and that these will be stable long-term positions.

Three Day Motorcycle Ride Planned

If anyone is interested in a great motorcycle ride, we are departing Delta Junction on the 2nd of July and riding to Homer, returning on the 5th.

We will overnight in Anchorage the 2nd, Homer the 3rd, Anchorage the 4th, and returning to Delta Junction on the 5th. Anyone is welcome to come along.

This is not an organized ride and anyone may ride all or part of the way or branch out on your own. We will make frequent rest and gas stops and speed is adjusted to the slowest rider.

Currently we have three Harley Davidson's scheduled, but all bikes are welcome.

Plan on departing the Buffalo Service station at 9:00 AM on the 2nd of July. Motorcycle maintenance, food, gas, lodging, it's everyone for themselves!

Contact Joe Clark at 460-0629 if you have any questions or wish to come along.

The Second Night of the Softball Season is Complete

The results are as follows...
Morley Electric (14) Vs. Clearwater Lodge (4)
R. Lester's (13) Vs. Granite View (10)
Morley Electric (15) Vs. R. Lester's (6)
Granite View (19) Vs. Clearwater Lodge (4)

The current standings are...
Morley Electric: 4-4
R. Lester's: 3-4
Granite View: 1-4
Clearwater Lodge: 0-4

We invite you to come out and watch our next games on Monday, June 23, starting at 7PM.

Photo of the day - June 16

The Canadian Geese and babies were so cute that you couldn't help but taken several pictures of them all. Photo Courtesy Debra Darland

Mystery Photo Winner for Week June 9-15

The winner of last week's mystery photo is Tim Lenon.

Tim will receive a gift certificate from the Buffalo Center Diner, Courtesy of Ed and Ann Richards.

Thank you for each one that submitted their entry, along with mailing address.

Please remember to include your mailing address with each entry. DNW will not accept entries without mailing addresses. We do not store your address from week to week.

The photo was taken in front of Buffalo Fuel, on the front of their building. You will find the picture on the Cooper Tire sign.

Good luck as you look for next week's photo.

Photo of the day - June 14

This baby hawk owl, also known as an owlet, is one of three that have just fledged or in other words left the nest for the first time. They won't really be able to fly for another week or two so it's fairly easy to get a close up picture. Photo by Steve Thomas

Local Groups Pool Resources to offer Community Vacation Bible School

Children and young people ages 6 and up are invited to become "More than Conquerors" at an interactive Bible Village that will be hosted by Living Waters Assembly of God. The theme features the Armor of God, and there will be plenty of stories, games, contests, prizes and activities.

The VBS will be held daily June 23-27 from 9:30am to 1:00pm. On Friday evening, parents are invited to attend a special program where their children will be honored with awards including a special “Knighting” ceremony for those who have worked hard to earn their Knighthood.

Holbrook's popular Bibleland will be lending their expertise to manning and coordinating the interactive village with its craft and food shops.

During the week, Delta Christian Drama Association will contribute dramatic reenactment with costumes that include real Roman armor. They will also be providing décor for the half dozen or so simulated 1st Century shops that will comprise the village.

Children under 6 must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult. Register as soon as possible, as availability is limited. To register your child or for further information call 895-5289 or 895-1909.

Photo of the day - June 13

This new spruce bud is emerging from its shell as rain drops from a spring rain cling to the spruce needles. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

Funeral services for Wanda Perrigo

A funeral will be held for Wanda Perrigo
Location: Delta Cematary
Time: 1:00 PM
Date: Saturday, June 14th

Larder Beetles are Present in Delta

The CES office has received several reports of small insects invading homes over the past couple of weeks. These little critters are a pantry bug called the larder beetle (Dermestes lardarius), which is a very common and widespread household pest. The insect’s name comes from it’s presence in dried, cured meats stored at room temperature prior to refrigeration. Larder beetles are member of the carpet beetle family (Dermestidae).

Adult larder beetles are about 1/3 inch long and dark brown, with a broad, pale yellow, black-spotted band across the front portion of the wing covers. There are six black dots on this band, three on each wing cover, arranged in a triangle. The underside and legs are covered with fine, yellowish hairs. All larvae are longer than adult beetles (up to 1/2 inch); slender, densely covered with short and long hairs and reddish-brown to black, with two spines on top near the tail end. Larder beetle larvae spines curve backward.

Adult larder beetles usually overwinter outdoors in protected place. Outdoors the life cycle of this insect is regulated by the seasons: indoors it may breed continuously throughout the year. In spring adults are attracted to areas that have suitable food. During the spring and early summer, they enter buildings, with females laying eggs near a food source. Females each lay about 135 eggs, which hatch in 12 or more days. When the eggs hatch, the larvae feed, grow, and shed their skins (casings) several times before reaching full size. Larvae will feed for 40 – 50 days on high protein food before pupating. The larvae prefer foods high in protein, like spoiled ham, bacon, dried beef, other game meats, dried dog, and cat foods. But they will also feed on items such as fur, hair, hides, feathers, dried fish, and cheese that have been stored around your house.

The first step in larder beetle control is to identify and dispose of the beetle’s food source. Without a food source, larder beetles will not survive. An infested bag of dog or cat food is easily cleaned up. However, finding the sources of one or two beetles may be difficult. Adult larder beetles are attracted to night-lights or may breed on a small food source such as a dead mouse. Using rodent poison can cause larder beetle infestations because the rodent can die in walls or ceilings.

Prevention is the best control for all pantry pest including larder beetles. Keep food and pet feed in glass jars, plastic containers, or metal canisters. Make sure containers have a tight fitting lid. Many of the pantry pests are very small and can crawl under loose fitting lids. Do not store products in paper or plastic bags, cardboard boxes or cloth containers as the insects can chew through them. Try and store foods in a cool dry place.

Cupboards should be thoroughly cleaned if there has been insect infestation. A vacuum cleaner should be used to get food particles out of cracks and behind shelves. It also will pick up the eggs, which are often very small, also vacuum behind stoves, refrigerators, and other appliances. Following vacuuming, thoroughly wash all surfaces with soapy water, let dry and vacuum again. Then empty vacuum cleaner bag to prevent insect return.

There are insecticides that can be used if the infestation persists and can not be found. Residual control can be obtained by applying a household aerosol or pump insecticide. Aerosol and ready-to-use solutions labeled for carpet beetle control can be purchased at local businesses.

If you are looking for information on Larder Beetles pest control, it can be found at www.alaska.edu/uaf/ces. If you have any questions concerning insects, weeds, plants, gardening, greenhouse problems, insect and vertebrate pest problems, and any other type of pest management questions, please contact Lynn Bundy (Delta IPM Technician) UAF-Cooperative Extension Service – Delta District located in the Jarvis Office Center, 895-4215 or her e-mail: deltariver48@yahoo.com.

By Lynn Bundy - Integrated Pest Technician
UAF – CES – Delta District

Alaska Gas Line Presentations

The Delta Junction LIO will be open the following hours for during Special Session. You will be able to listen only to the presentations regarding the Natural Gas Pipeline Project. Public Testimony will be taken sometime in July when the Legislators return to Juneau. If you have any questions please leave a message at 895-4236 and I will return your call.

Monday June 16th
10 am—12pm
Regulatory Agencies
Presenters: FERC; Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA)

Tuesday June 17th
10 am—2pm
Port Thomson Unit
Presenters: DNR; AOGCC; ExxonMobil; Chevron

Thursday June 19th
10 am—2pm
Presenters: TransCanada; Administration

Friday June 20th
10 am—2pm
In State Gas
Presenters: AK Natural Gas Development Authority; Enstar; SK Natural Resources to Liquids; EconOne; AK Gasline Port Authority

Photo of the day - June 12

Choke Cherry tree in bloom and a Crab Apple tree getting ready to open! Spring is taking its time this year, but encouraging to see the trees blooming! Photos Courtesy Lisa Stossmeister

UAS' Online MBA Program

The University of Alaska Southeast’s School of Management announced today that it has appointed Rick Wolk as Masters of Business Administration (MBA) Program Director. Mr. Wolk will also continue at UAS in his role as Assistant Professor, Marketing and Entrepreneurship.

The UAS MBA is 100% online program, relevant to Alaskan industries, and tailored to the needs of the practicing manager. It leads to a master’s degree in business administration, with a focus on service management.

You can find detailed information about UAS’ online MBA program at http://www.uas.alaska.edu/som/mba or via email at mba@uas.alaska.edu .

The application deadline for UAS’ fall 2008 cohort admissions is July 1st.

Army Birthday Runs

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska – Fort Wainwright soldiers will observe the Army’s 233rd birthday in two separate runs around the post’s airfield June 13 and June 18.
Task Force 49’s formation of more than 300 rear-detachment soldiers will run Friday morning. Much of the aviation unit is deployed. The run will start at 6:30 a.m. at Hangars 2-3 and proceed along the south taxiway of the airfield to Ketcham Road, adjacent to the golf course. The group will turn around on Gaffney Road near the Bureau of Land Management parking lot and reverse the course. Drivers should expect closure or delays on Ketcham Road between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m.

Officials expect more than 3,500 soldiers from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team to participate in their birthday observance run June 18.

The soldiers will fall into formation at Hangars 2-3 and the run will begin at 7:50 a.m. Motorists may experience traffic delays and road closures. Ketchum Road (at the east end of the golf course) will be closed from Montgomery Road to Gaffney, and Gaffney Road will be closed from Ketchum to Building 1562 (SJA) from approximately 7:30 a.m. to about 8:30 a.m. Motorists should plan to take alternate routes during that time frame.

Photos of the day - June 11

Delta had their Relay for Life May 10 and 11 and “Simple Folk Uprising” performed for our Relay for Life. Here the band is shown performing for the Fairbanks Relay For Life. L-R, Gwen Payne, Andy Payne, Ellie Schneider, and Mike Kingston. Photos Courtesy Michael Kingston/CRTC

Photo of the day - June 10

Herring gulls are our largest gull commonly seen in the interior. They can be identified by their large size, pink legs, large yellow beak with a red spot on the lower mandible, and black wing tips. I photographed this herring gull recently on the ice at Lost Lake.
Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

Memorial Service For Al J. Turinsky, Jr.

On Monday, June 9th, Al left this earth to go be with God.

A memorial service will be held for Al J. Turinsky, Jr. Friday, June 13, 10 AM at the Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Delta Junction.

Delta Softball Coed Season Begins!

The first games of the 2008 Coed Softball Season were last night, Monday the 9th of June.

While we got off to a bit of a late start, things moved quite smoothly. We have four Coed Teams this season, Morley Electric- managed by Shannon Morley; R. Lester's- managed by Richard Lester; Granite View Sports- managed by Jacob White; and Clearwater Lodge- managed by Amy Rodriguez and Nate Hurst.

The player's were excited to begin the season which of course almost didn't exist this year due to a seemingly lack of participation. But these team manager's have pulled together their teams and we have a 2008 season!

The Coed games will be every Monday evening from June 9th to July 28th. Game times are 7:00pm and 8:30pm so come on out and watch. The results from last night games are...

• Morley Electric (18) Vs. Clearwater Lodge (2)
• R. Lester's (13) Vs. Granite View (7)
• R. Lester's (15) Vs. Clearwater Lodge (9)
• Morley Electric (16) Vs. Granite View (11)

Game results will be posted here every week. As well as the Delta Softball Site (deltasoftball.googlepages.com) along with any league updates. Come on out next Monday and see what all the fun's about!

If you are interested in playing this season you can still sign up for one of the formed teams by contacting Hanni Marchuk at deltasoftball@gmail.com or 907-895-4018 or 907-360-9731.

Court Order Removes First Water/Mining Initiative

(June 9, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska) - Today, the Alaska Supreme Court granted a joint motion to dismiss all appeals related to 07WATR, the first water/mining initiative (a/k/a “Clean Water 1”).

This action means that the first water/mining initiative will not appear on the ballot, in accordance with a lower court ruling by Judge Blankenship in a Fairbanks case. Another water/mining initiative (“Clean Water 3”) still may appear on the August Primary ballot, but that determination will be made by the Alaska Supreme Court following oral argument on June 16, 2008.

All parties to multiple lawsuits over the initiatives (sponsors, opponents, state) agreed that 07WATR should not appear on the upcoming ballot because having two related initiatives on the same ballot would foster confusion. Additionally, the sponsors of the initiative believe that 07WTR3 accomplishes the principal goals of 07WATR, while the State of Alaska and the initiative opponents believe that 07WATR should not appear on the ballot because it is an unconstitutional appropriation of state resources.

The state has asked the Alaska Supreme Court to decide what will appear on the ballot by July 10, so that ballots can be printed on time.

A more complete fact sheet of how this came about and the parties involved is attached. The court order can be viewed here.

Court Order Removes First Water/Mining Initiative Fact Sheet

* All parties agreed to dismiss the 07WATR appeal and allow the Alaska Supreme Court to resolve whether 07WTR3 should be on the ballot. Simply put, the first water/mining initiative (07WATR) would not be on the ballot, and the AK Supreme Court would still need to decide whether 07WTR3 should be on the ballot.

* The agreement between initiative sponsors, mining interests, AFN parties, and the State of Alaska would leave in place Judge Blankenship’s (Fairbanks) order enjoining the state from putting the 07WATR initiative on the ballot. It would have the AK Supreme Court vacate Judge Torrisi’s (Dillingham) decisions and order certifying 07WATR to go to signatures.

* On Friday, the State of Alaska, the 07WATR sponsors, and 07WATR opponents jointly asked the Alaska Supreme Court to (and on Monday, June 9, 2008, the Supreme Court did):
* Vacate the Dillingham Superior Court's order to distribute signatures booklets to sponsors.
* Dismiss the 07WATR sponsors' appeal to the Supreme Court of the Fairbanks Superior Court's decision that 07WATR constituted an appropriation.

* And, dismiss the State’s appeal to the Alaska Supreme Court of the Dillingham Superior Court's decision to certify 07WATR

Who’s involved?
* 07WATR sponsors (Holman, Hobson, Akelkok);
* 07WATR opponents (Pebble Limited Partnership, Council of Alaska Producers, Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) and Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Association of CEO's (ANCSA);
* State of Alaska, Lt. Governor Parnell (who originally declined to put 07WATR on the ballot on constitutional grounds).

Why did this partial resolution of the water/mining initiatives occur?
* All parties agreed that 07WATR should not appear on the upcoming ballot.
* All parties agree that having two related initiatives on the same ballot fosters confusion. * Additionally,
* The sponsors of the initiative believe that 07WTR3 accomplishes the principal goals of 07WATR.
* The Lt. Governor and the initiative opponents believe that 07WATR should not appear on the ballot because it is an unconstitutional appropriation of state assets. Specifically, the state determined that 07WATR improperly denied the use of a state’s water resources by miners. The Lt. Governor and the Department of Law determined that 07WTR3 does not deny use of water, but merely regulates water quality.

What does this mean for voters?
* 07WATR will not appear on the ballot
* Whether 07WTR3 appears on the August Primary ballot is yet to be decided by the Alaska Supreme Court.

* Oral arguments in the case will take place on June 16. The state has requested that the Supreme Court decide what will appear on the ballot by July 10, so that ballots can be printed on time.

Photo of the day - June 9

June is construction season, and this red squirrel (also known as pine squirrel or chickaree), was busy insulating his home for the coming winter. Photo Courtesy Art Lenon

Mystery Photo Winner for Week June 2 - 8

The winner of last week's mystery photo is Eric Ruse. We had 5 correct entries.

Eric will receive a gift certificate from the Buffalo Center Drive In, courtesy of John and Linda Sloan.

Thank you for each one that submitted their entry, along with mailing address.

Please remember to include your mailing address with each entry. DNW will not accept entries without mailing addresses. We do not store your address from week to week.

The photo was taken in front of the Delta Elementary School. You will find the little husky pawprint on the sign going into the school.

Good luck as you look for next week's photo.

Photo of the day - June 7

This Wilson's warbler is hanging on tight as the typical Delta wind is blowing about 40 mph. These very colorful songbirds are just one of many types that migrate to Alaska, some all the way from South and Central America. Photo by Steve Thomas

Voles

Voles are often called meadow mice or field mice. They belong to the genus Microtus. There are 23 vole species in the United States. Voles are a compact rodent with stocky bodies, short legs, and a short tail. Their eyes are small and their ears are partially hidden. Their under-fur is generally dense and covered with thicker, longer guard hairs. Their colors are usually brown or gray, though they do have color variations.

Voles and shrews look similar at first glance. Both look like a mouse, have small rounded bodies, and a tail. Where as, the shrew is a small, mouse-sized mammal with an elongated snout, a dense fur of uniform color, small eyes, and five clawed toes on each foot.

Voles occupy a wide variety of habitats. They prefer areas that have heavy ground cover of grasses, grass-like plants, or litter. Voles move into areas with high concentrations of organic matter, such as a barn with brome hay, straw, sawdust, or wood-shavings on the floor, or next to walls. The vole adapts very well to the manmade environments.

They eat a wide variety of plants most frequently grasses and forbs. In late summer and fall, they store seeds, tubers, bulbs and rhizomes. They eat bark at times, primarily in fall and winter. Voles will eat crops, especially when their populations are high.

Voles are active day and night, year-round. They do not hibernate in the winter. They construct many tunnels and surface runways in lawns and hay fields, with numerous burrow entrances. A single burrow system may contain several adults and young. Voles breed throughout the year, in the field: they have 1 to 5 litters per year. The gestation period is about 21 days. Large population fluctuations are characteristic of voles. Population levels generally peak every 2 to 5 years. These cycles are not predictable. Voles are prey for many predators (for example, coyotes, hawks, owls, and weasels); however, predators do not normally control vole populations.

The most common control methods are: toxicants and trapping. Zinc phosphide is the most commonly used toxicant for vole control. It is a single-dose toxicant available in pelleted and grain bait formulations and as a concentrate. Zinc phosphide baits are potentially hazardous to ground-feeding birds, especially waterfowl. Placing bait into burrow openings may reduce this hazard. When placing pelleted and grain bait formulations, you must place these toxicants where children and pets cannot reach them. These are a poisonous; caution is to be used when placing them around your home or outbuildings. When purchasing pelleted and grain-bait formulations, follow the directions that are on the package. Small and large traps may be purchased at your local store or from the building supply companies.

If you are looking for information on voles or shrews pest control, it can be found at www.alaska.edu/uaf/ces. If you have any questions concerning any type of pest management, please contact Lynn Bundy (Delta IPM Technician) UAF-Cooperative Extension Service – Delta District located in the Jarvis Office Center, 895-4215 or her e-mail: deltariver48@yahoo.com.

By Lynn Bundy (IPM Technician)

Photo of the day - June 6

Man this little guy was cool. I stumbled on him while walking thru the woods recently. I was about 7' away when I took this shot, all the while watching and half expecting momma owl to come swooping out of the trees (their flight has no sound due to wing and feather design. Check out the "hooks" on this little fella. Don't let the "cuteness" fool ya. He's a "killing" machine. I watched him swallow a 7'" rodent in one fell swoop. Photo Courtesy Dwight Phillips

Photo of the day - June 5

This is a few of the Delta bison herd with part of the Alaska Range in the background. The herd, which numbers around 400 animals are on the way up the Delta River to their summer range near Black Rapids. Photo Courtesy Steve Thomas

Margaret Mendoza Horse Clinic Hosted by DJ Saddle Tramps

Margaret will be providing individual and group lessons at the Stinkin' Akers arena here in Delta Junction on June 25 - July 1 starting at 10:00 a.m. by appointment.

Margaret's love for horses began at an early age with her show career starting in 1954, that took her from the west to the east coast attending many shows over the years. With at adventurous spirit in 1963 Margaret began giving private lessons in Alaska, California, Ohio and Oregon. She has also judged in the previous states for 4-H, American Miniature Association, mule and donkey shows, open shows, OHSET (Oregon High School Equestrian Team) zone meets and state finals. Margaret has worked with large multiple of breeds including Appaloosas, Arabians, Donkeys, Mules, Paints, Quarter Horses and Warmbloods just to name a few, in many disciplines including Equitation, Dressage, Jumping, Pleasure and Three-day Eventing. Margaret holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education with an endorsement in Special Education from preprimary through grade 12, was mentored by an Olympic medalist, holds a Pacific Northwest Judges Card along with many others. Margaret is wonderful teaching the newest beginners to the incredibly advanced equestrians so please dont hesitate to join us for the fun!

Please Call Now & Reserve Your Lesson Time!

Margaret is also willing to do evening classes for those who have to work late.

Individual lessons ~ $25 per hour Group Lessons $20 per person per hour

Please call Louis Stockwell at 895-4094 Or Adrienne at 895-2284

Alumni Photos

Christie DuBois (DHS 2000) and fiancée, Ryan Goeden, dressed up for a night out in Seattle.

Christie DuBois (DHS 2000) and fiancée, Ryan Goeden, at the arboretum on Lake Washington. Photos Courtesy Christie DuBois

We invite you to browse through our alumni photo albums for more information.

Photo of the day - June 4

A couple of weeks ago, this little piggy showed up in the front yard of the Snyders. They put him in the classified ads looking for his owner.

The little guy takes a needed nap just a few days after appearing in our yard. We are glad to announce: "And this little piggy went 'wee, wee, wee' all the way home!"

The little guy has been caught and returned to his owner. We are happy that he did not become food for the many predators around our property.

Here he is in a dog carrier waiting to go home. Photos Courtesy Deb Snyder

DHS Girls Softball Team Hosts Girl's Softball Clinic

The Delta High School Girl’s Softball program will be conducting a Softball Clinic June 23rd – 27th, from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Delta Softball field.

The clinic, which is open to all girls 5th grade and older, will cover basic softball skills in a fun-filled, energetic atmosphere.

If you are interested in learning more about this great sport come out and join us.

The cost of the clinic is $25.00 with all proceeds benefitting the DHS Girl’s Softball program. Registration forms can be picked up at the Buffalo Drive-In.

For more information please call Becky Wilburn at 895-5495.

Reunion set for Navy and Marine Corps Shipmates

We are looking for the Navy and Marine Corps shipmates who served on the USS COLUMBUS CA-74/CG-12 from 1944 through 1976 and the USS COLUMBUS SSN-762 past and present. If you would like to share memories and camaraderie with old friends and make new ones, please contact me.

USS COLUMBUS CA-74/CG-12/SSN-762
Reunion October 1-4, 2008 at Holiday Inn North, Dayton, OH.

Please contact Allen R. Hope:

Allen R. Hope, President
3828 Hobson Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46815-4505
Home: (260) 486-2221 - 8AM - 5PM Eastern Time
Fax: (260) 492-9771
email: hope4391@comcast.net

Photo of the day - June 3

"A lone eagle looks for it's breakfast early Saturday morning during Memorial Day weekend at Quartz Lake." Courtesy Sebastian Saarloos"

Chinook by George Hosier II - National Security

Did everyone read the May 12 story about the terrorist they discovered down in Texas? It makes my blood run cold to think that while we are fighting the War on Terror half way around the world, the enemy has been hard at work here in the Homeland.

The best I can interpret the story; this apparent member of the Texan branch of Al-Queda had been operating for quite some time as a deep sleeper agent. We tend to think of terrorists as swarthy guys in woodland camo BDU jackets, white turbans, and long beards. We think of them with a crazed look in their eyes brandishing an AK-47 in one hand and a copy of the Qur’an in the other. Not so, this fiendishly clever operator. He goes by the innocuous American sounding name of “Jeff” and attends a large Bible college in east Texas. He is also serving as the interim pastor of a small Christian church in Mount Vernon, Texas. A brilliant cover, I must admit.

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

Photo of the day - June 2

A group of bicyclists traverse the Glenn Highway with King Mountain in the distance. As summer approaches many people begin to find ways to get out and enjoy the nice weather. Image by Dwight Phillips

Mystery Photo Winner for Week May 26 - June 1

The winner of last week's mystery photo is Judy Sowell. We had 10 correct entries.

Judy will receive a gift certificate from the Buffalo Center Diner courtesy of Ed and Ann Richards.

Thank you for each one that submitted their entry, along with mailing address. Please remember to include your mailing address with each entry. DNW will not accept entries without mailing addresses. We do not store your address from week to week.

The photo was taken in front of the Acacia Floral Building. You will find the sunglasses on Lisa's Tanning Bed sign.

You can see how challenging the mystery photos have become this year. This week should be a little easier to find.

Good luck as you look for next week's photo.

USDA Rural Development Plans Regular Delta Junction Hours

USDA Rural Development is scheduling regular office hours in Delta Junction through the summer to assist area residents, including farmers, in applying for home loans, community facilities and business funds.

“Delta Junction is a growing area and USDA Rural Development has programs that are intended to assist homeowners achieve the dream of homeownership. We also have a business guarantee program and programs to assist Alaskans wanting to develop a renewable energy project or promote energy efficiency,” said Acting State Director Chad Padgett. USDA also funds community facilities projects and water and sewer infrastructure. “From fire houses to meeting halls, libraries to emergency response equipment, USDA Rural Development is the only agency that could literally build a community from the ground up,” said Padgett.

Padgett also noted that Delta Junction is one of the state’s primary agricultural areas, and Delta Junction’s producers can avail themselves of USDA’s Farm Labor Housing program. “Loans may be used for construction, repair, or purchase of seasonal or year round housing for farm workers and their families,” said Padgett. Funds can be used to purchase land and pay for architectural or engineering fees, legal fees and interest during construction. Loans are available to farmers, family farm partnerships, family farm corporations, associations of farmers or state and local governments and eligible non-profit corporations.

“One of our more popular programs is intended for use by very low income homeowners to make home improvements and necessary repairs,” said Fairbanks Area Director Jim Pohlman. “That program allows Alaskan homeowners who meet income eligibility and other requirements to borrow up to $20,000 at 1 percent interest to make necessary improvements to their homes.” Residents have used the funds to drill wells, improve energy efficiency, buy generators or furnaces and construct handicap accessible ramps. A limited amount of grant funds for home repairs is also available for income-eligible seniors over the age of 62. Grants are for a maximum of $7,500.

Pohlman said that he and Fairbanks Loan Specialist Kim Wood will hold regular office hours in Delta Junction through the summer and will decide later in the year whether to continue, depending on demand. Rural Development representatives will be available at the Delta Junction Cooperative Extension office on Wednesday, June 4th and Wednesday June 18th from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. “While we encourage anyone who wants to meet with us to come in, we’re asking that, if possible you schedule an appointment,” Pohlman said. To schedule an appointment call 907-479-6767. You can also email jane.gibson@ak.usda.gov.

Further information on USDA Rural Development programs is available at any Rural Development office or by visiting our web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ak

Photo of the day - June 1

I was on my way to at Ft. Greely, when I spotted this red fox. It seems like he wanted to test the Defenses of the Missile Complex. Photo Courtesy Tim Popp

Booming Idea - From the Fairbanks Daily News Miner

Fairbanks News Miner Editorial - Officials from Eielson Air Force Base have arranged to have jets perform some planned sonic booms between Monday to help community leaders understand what is upsetting people who have been complaining of late.

Now, that’s more like it. That’s what we need, communication and understanding — and perhaps some advanced warning when these things might happen.

The plan is to have the group inside a building to experience the booms and then to step outside to hear and feel the phenomenon as well. The group includes the mayors of North Pole and Delta Junction, representatives of congressional offices, the governor’s office, the chamber of commerce and some veteran and civic groups.

To read the complete story in the Daily News Miner click here

Letter from the Delta News Web

Hello Delta Community

My apologies for not maintaining the Delta News Web up to par the last 4 days. My husband and I took a quick trip to the lower 48 to drive back a vehicle.

Wednesday things were quite hectic, so that is why there was no publication.
Thursday and Friday things went really well for the updates on the Delta News Web.
Saturday - well that was a different story. My laptop seemed to have a mind of it's own and it appears that my hard drive may be crashing. So I couldn't update the news web for you.

My apologies go out to those who submitted a classified ad for a yard sale that you had on Saturday and Sunday. It is to late to publish that this afternoon, since this Sunday. Also I made an error on the Frontier Photos on Friday, you can now click on those for the photo enlargements.

We are back home safe and sound now, and the Delta News Web will be maintained to the usual way you like to see things done.

Please continue sending in your photos and community news.

Thank you for your support to the Delta News Web and to this great community we live in.

Pam Dunklebarger

Former Delta Resident Returns Home to Perform

June 21 8 PM End of the Road Rally

June 19 – 25
$25 Admission for 4 day events or $14 for daily attendance

Ryan Wingfield will be returning to Delta Junction to perform at the End of Road Rally, Saturday, June 21st at 8 PM. Wingfield has been doing stand-up comedy and now resides in Idaho. Ryan grew up in Delta Junction, playing hockey, along with his 2 brothers, Nick and Cale. His parents, Hugh and Claire Wingfield, operate Alaska 7 Motel. Wingfield is a 1999 Delta High School graduate and has been following his dream as a stand-up comic.“After spending three years writing news for a television station in Boise Idaho”, Ryan says, “I quit my job to follow a childhood dream of performing stand up comedy. So far my career as a comic has taken me from the lights of Reno and Las Vegas to the rolling cornfields of Kansas. At least it's nice to know the two college degrees I got are being put to good use. I have no idea what the future holds for me, but I'm looking forward to it.”

The End of Road Rally is a 4 day event beginning at noon, June 19th and ending June 22 at 5 PM. The admission for the 4 day event is $25 which includes entrance to all the events held at the Sawmill Creek Lodge and camping. A daily admission will be $15 for those participants who’d like to attend a selective day only.

Other entertainment slated for the End of Road Rally is music by “The Gangley Moose”, National Recording Comtemporary Country and Gospel Artist Jeff Pyatt, along with our local folk band, “Simple Folk Uprising”. Other musicians and local performers will also be performing at the rally. Anyone interested in karaoke and jamming are welcome to join along during those sessions.

A classic collectible auto ride will take place during the rally. If you’d like to participate, drive out to the Sawmill Creek Lodge Friday, June 20th, at mile 1404 and line up for departure at 2 PM. Cruisers will take off at 2 PM, ride to Delta Junction via Clearwater Road traveling and returning to the Sawmill Creek Lodge on the Alaska Highway.

A major component of the rally will be a Toy Run which will be held Saturday, June 21st. Participants are asked to gather at the lodge at noon with their new unwrapped toy and travel as a unit to the Delta Volunteer Fire Department to drop their toys off for the Delta 2008 Project Christmas toy collection.You can view more details of the events on the End of Road Rally’s website at http://www.endofroadrally.blogspot.com or contact The Sawmill Creek Lodge at 895-4924.

Friendly Frontier Days Photos

Buffalo Wallow held at Delta Junction High school gym. from May 23-25. These photos were taken at the Round Dance workshop. You can click on each of the photos for a photo enlargement. The last of our Friendly Frontier Days photos. Courtesy of Carol Watkins

Stryker Soldiers set to Deploy for Military Exercise in California

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska – U.S. Army Alaska Soldiers with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based at Ft. Wainwright, are preparing to deploy to the National Training Center to conduct a training exercise, currently scheduled to begin in early July and run through the early part of August.

The brigade’s 3,900 Soldiers are participating in this three-week exercise as a final preparation before their upcoming deployment. Training conducted will include live-fire and situational exercises, and full-spectrum operations such as military operations in an urban environment, defense against (simulated) IEDs and explosives, and cultural awareness and preparation. This will be the brigade’s last training exercise before they deploy to Iraq this fall.

The National Training Center is located deep in the Mojave Desert in southern California, and uses state-of-the-art technology and equipment to train Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines from around the nation and world to prepare them for combat operations in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska Soldiers from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division will load Stryker vehicles onto rail cars Tuesday.

The vehicles will be shipped to Fort Irwin, Calif., where the brigade of nearly 4,000 soldiers will participate in exercises at the National Training Center. At the end of the month-long training exercise, the soldiers will return to Fort Wainwright and the vehicles will be packaged and shipped to Iraq for the upcoming deployment.