Bishop Tony Anthony Ministering at DCC ~ Dec 1

Bishop Tony Anthony will be ministering at Delta Christian Center on Monday night, December 1 at 7:00 PM.

A little background information on Bishop Anthony. Taken from their webiste. In an endeavor to reach the message of deliverance through JESUS to the most populous country of India. Which is a land of over a billion people still searching the truth.

The Assembly of Believers' Church in India has ventured to launch a Nation Wide TV broadcast "GLORY TO GOD"in Hindi which is the largest spoken language of the land combining the power of television with the passion of reaching the lost.

With millions lost groping in darkness, suffering in sin and curses, trapped in ignorance and superstition, JESUS is the only hope and light of the nation. Today's generation fashions their lives by what they watch on TV. India has the largest TV audience in the world. Gospel can be reached to the remotest part of the country most effectively through TV. A people who would otherwise never have the opportunity to go to a Gospel meeting can encounter the power of God in their homes.

Evangelist Leonard John - Ministering at DCC

Sunday, November 30, Evangelist Leonard John will be ministering at Delta Christian Center at 11AM. For more information call 895-4531.

Leonard John is a Tlingit Indian from Southeast Alaska who preaches throughout Alaska and around the world. Brother Leonard preaches under the anointing and is used by God to heal the broken heart.

The goal of LJM is to raise the leadership in the church. Many have been touched through the ministry of the Word of God.

Gas Reserves Tax Passes Initial Legal Review, Headed for Signature-Gathering

(November 28, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska) – The gas reserves tax initiative was certified as meeting the minimum standards for initiatives, allowing the initiative sponsors to attempt to gather the required number of signatures to place the measure on the ballot. The initiative, known as 08GRTI, underwent this initial review by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the Department of Law, and the Division of Elections. The initiative is similar to previous initiatives that attempted to enact a tax on natural gas reserves.

The Department of Law issued a legal opinion concluding that the bill and application are in the proper form, and that the application complies with the constitutional and statutory provisions governing the use of the initiative. Although the Attorney General noted numerous ambiguities in the bill and potential difficulties in its implementation, the bill did not clearly violate the laws regarding use of the initiative.

Lieutenant Governor Parnell agreed that the bill was not clearly unconstitutional, and noted, “The Alaska Courts have generally held that the pre-election review does not include issues regarding implementation. Indeed, according to our courts, the technicalities are to be settled if and when an initiative is enacted by the people and becomes law.”

Petition booklets will be prepared for the initiative sponsors by the Division of Elections. The sponsors will have one year to gather the required number of signatures from across the state for the initiative to be placed on the ballot.

The lieutenant governor’s letter to the initiative’s sponsors

The Department of Law’s legal opinion

The Division of Elections memorandum

Photo of the day - November 28

Boreal owl near Sawmill Creek road. (Where's Waldo) Photo Courtesy Gar Blackledge

Delta Community Holiday Dinner ~ Nov 29

Adams Ribs BBQ Restaurant has their community Thanksgiving Dinner – THANK YOU, Mark and Miki! Yours is a true community event in the spirit of THANKS and GIVING.

Alpha Omega Life Care, Inc. will continue in that spirit on Saturday, November 29th with contributions from the Delta – Clearwater Senior Citizens, Ms. Irene Mead, the Fairbanks Community Food Bank and the IGA (thanks Ed and Gayle), and presents it’s 2nd annual COMMUNITY HOLIDAY DINNER.

Come one! Come all!

Enjoy the usual holiday fare with members of your community. Please feel free to bring one of your own dishes to compliment our menu.

We’re expressing our delight to serve Delta Junction and surrounding communities, and expressing our thanks for the community support of Alpha Omega Life Care, Inc.!

Beg, borrow, steal a ride – we wanna see some faces we haven’t seen all year – Make our day!Join us between 5 – 7pm at the Community Center for the 2nd Annual Community Holiday Dinner.

Please RSVP or for questions call 895-4104

Delta Meat & Sausage Annual Open House

Saturday December 6, 2008
10a.m.-4p.m.

Come graze on exotic sausages, smoked pork, italian sausage and LOTS more!

Refreshments and sweet goodies galore! Don't forget to sign up for the free drawings!

Oh.. and don't forget your address book to send gift boxes to all your friends and family in the lower 48!

Photo of the day - November 26

A male grosbeak sits in a snow covered spruce bough. For those of us who have come from the Midwest, this is a fond reminder of a northern cardinal. Image by Dwight Phillips

Happy Thanksgiving from the Delta News Web

I would like to say thank you for your continued support and faithfulness to the Delta News Web this past year.

I will not be updating the Delta News on Thursday, November 26. It's a time to spend with family and friends.

From our home to your home
Happy Thanksgiving,
Pam


The following poem was written by Helen Steiner Rice, one of my favorite writers.

"One Nation Under God"

Thanksgiving is more
than a day in November
That students of history
are taught to remember,

More than a date
that we still celebrate
With turkey and dressing
piled high on our plate...

For while we still offer
the traditional prayer,
We pray out of habit
without being aware

That the pilgrims thanked God
just for being alive,
For the strength that He gave them
to endure and survive

Hunger and hardship
that's unknown in the present
Where progress and plenty
have made our lives pleasant...

And living today in
this rich and great nation
That depends not on God
but on mechanization,

We tend to forget
that our forefathers came
To establish a country
under God's name...

But we feel we're so strong
we no longer need faith,
And now it has become
nothing more than a wraith

Of the faith that once founded
this powerful nation
In the name of the Maker
and the Lord of creation...

Oh, teach us, dear God,
we are all pilgrims still,
Subject alone
to your guidance and will,

And show us the way
to purposeful living
So we may have reason
for daily Thanksgiving-

And make us once more
a God-fearing nation
And not just a puppet
of controlled automation.

Thanksgiving to Whom?

Thanksgiving. Many people are planning delicious meals, elaborate parties, or family reunions. Few of us however, will stop to remember why we celebrate Thanksgiving. The word simply means “giving of thanks”. But to whom is thanks due?

When the Pilgrims settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, a host of difficulties faced them. They were surrounded by hostile Indians, a wild and untamed land, cold, and disease. Many people had died and the rest weren’t doing too well either. But, a friendly English-speaking Indian named Squanto came to their aid. He instructed them in how to grow maize, hunt, fish, and survive in the New World. The third year of their residence, the Pilgrims held a day of thanksgiving. They gave speeches, feasted, and hosted games. But who were they thanking? Squanto? The Indians? Each other? To find the answer, let’s look at the original Thanksgiving Proclamation by William Bradford.

“Inasmuch as the great Father has given us this year an abundant harvest of Indian corn, wheat, peas, beans, squashes, and garden vegetables, and has made the forests to abound with game and the sea with fish and clams, and inasmuch as He has protected us from the ravages of the savages, has spared us from pestilence and disease, has granted us freedom to worship God according to the dictates of our own conscience.

“…there listen to ye pastor and render thanksgiving to ye Almighty God for all His blessings.”

Thanksgiving was proclaimed a national holiday by George Washington on October 14, 1789. Some key excerpts are below.

“WHERAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor…a DAY OF PUBLIC THANKSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God…

”We can clearly see that Thanksgiving is a day set aside to thank God for His gifts to us. To reduce this day of thanks to our Creator to “Turkey Day” is a horrendous error. Don’t get me wrong, I love turkey and all its trimmings. However, changing from a day to worship the One who gave you breath and instead worshipping a fat tom is disrespectful. So, make Thanksgiving Day a time to thank God for everything He has so graciously blessed you with.

“Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 106:1

By Emily Joslin

Military Retiree Council meeting

Fort Wainright, Alaska - The Military Retiree Council will meet Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Last Frontier Community Center here.

Agenda topics include a council name change; volunteer opportunities; the upcoming Retiree Appreciation Day and legislative efforts.

All military retirees and their spouses, regardless of branch of service, are invited to attend.

For more information, call Carlos Garcia at 353-2102 or e-mail him at carlos.t.garcia@us.army.mil.

Photo of the day - November 25

Long-tailed Jaegers are oceanic species that migrate to the tundra to nest. They can be seen along the Denali Highway near Paxson. Photo was taken earlier this summer.
Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

Photo of the day - November 24

Entrance to Fort Greely with our tank back in place. A beautiful full moon is in the background. Photo Courtesy Michael Kingston/CRTC

Beware of Two Conference Pitches in Alaska

Anchorage and Fairbanks consumers beware, businesses have confused consumers in the past

DuPont, WA – Nov. 24, 2008 – Your Better Business Bureau is warning Alaska consumers to be cautious concerning two businesses, StoresOnline, Inc. and National Grants Conference, holding conferences in the state.

StoresOnline, Inc. has confused Anchorage consumers in the past:

The BBB has been informed that StoresOnline, Inc will hold a conference in Anchorage on Nov. 25 at the Hilton Hotel.

StoresOnline, Inc. had 598 complaints with their local BBB in the past 36 months. This year alone, government actions have been taken against this business in five different states.

StoresOnline, Inc., also known as Galaxy Mall Inc., Internet Marketing Conference, Imergent Inc. and Express Village, often advertises their conferences as free. Consumers normally receive a VIP invitation for the conference in the mail offering a free meal and gift. Following the 90-minute conference, attendees are often urged to sign up for a one-day workshop which requires a fee.

National Grants Conference has caused concerns outside Alaska:

National Grants Conference is planning conferences:
- In Anchorage on Nov. 29 at the Sheraton at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- In Fairbanks on Nov. 30 at the West Mark at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- In Anchorage on Dec. 1 at Coast International Inn at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

This company, also known as Proven Methods Seminars, LLC, holds Better Business Bureau’s lowest rating at their local BBB. Companies that hold this low rating do so because we strongly question the company’s reliability for reasons such as that they have failed to respond to complaints, their advertising is grossly misleading, they are not in compliance with the law’s licensing or registration requirements, their complaints contain especially serious allegations, or the company’s industry is known for its fraudulent business practices.

The BBB Reliability Report for this company reports a pattern of complaints from consumers who say they are led to believe they were entering the business’ program at an approximate cost of $1,000. After paying the fees and entering the program they are told they need to purchase additional software ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. Consumers feel the actual costs of the program were misleading.

Advice for Consumers:

Consumers who plan to attend any free seminars or workshops should be aware that in most cases the presenters will promote products and services that are for sale. Products sold at these seminars could include self improvement, investment education materials, home based businesses and marketing plans. Individuals interested in home-based or internet businesses need to consider all aspects and costs of starting and operating a business. Promoters use high-pressure sales pitches that require consumers to buy now or risk missing the opportunity. Consumers must then pay up to thousands of dollars for information that is often available elsewhere for little or no money.

Here are some red flags that may signal a questionable seminar promoter:
- The offer is advertised as being time sensitive.
- The promoters hype the program but provide little detail.
- The representatives are reluctant to answer questions and they give evasive answers.
- Local business people or experts are not endorsing the program.
- Little time is given to read a lengthy contract.
- Promoters will not provide the number of people participating in the program who have achieved the program's claims.
- Promoters are unwilling to provide earning claims in writing.
- Promoters claim that laws regulating the sales of business opportunities do not apply to them.

Taking the time to research a company prior to making a purchase cannot only help avoid frustration, but can also help to avoid being the victim of a scam. Most legitimate seminar businesses are willing to provide descriptions of their programs before a purchase is made. Ask to see data on the percent of program participants who actually achieve the promoter's claims. Read all contracts carefully before signing anything and get all promises or claims in writing. Make sure you understand any cancellation policies or guarantees before making a purchase.

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

Chamber of Commerce ~ Coloring Contest

Delta Chamber of Commerce’s popular holiday contests are back again this year and are set to take place in December.

Children’s Christmas Coloring Contest – this contest is for 1-10 year olds and is divided into age categories. A prize will be awarded to the winner of each age group. Winning coloring pages will be on display at the Delta Community Library, all others will be displayed throughout various Chamber businesses around town. Winners will also have their work featured in the Delta Wind & Delta Vanguard. Entry forms and coloring pages are due at the Chamber office by Friday, December 12th.

Contest entry forms, rules, and coloring pages for these contests are available at the Chamber office located in the Jarvis West building, Suite 1B (forms available in folder on wall outside of office) or at the Delta Community Library.

For questions on any of the contests, please contact the Delta Chamber @ 895-5068 or by e-mail, deltacc@alaska.net

Chamber of Commerce ~ 3rd Annual Gingerbread Contest

Delta Chamber of Commerce’s popular holiday contests are back again this year and are set to take place in December.

3rd Annual Gingerbread House Contest - this contest is for those 4 years and up and is divided by the following age groups for judging purposes: 4-11 years (Child), 12-17 (Youth), & 18+ (Adult). There are also two different house categories. Category 1: those made with kits, graham crackers, pretzels, or of similar materials. Category 2: those made with real gingerbread. A prize will be awarded to the winner of each age group and house category. A People’s Choice winner will also be selected for each age category with prizes awarded. Winning houses will also be featured in the Christmas Eve edition of the Delta Wind and in the Delta Vanguard. Entry forms along with gingerbread houses are due at the Delta Community Library by 4 PM on Friday December 12 where they will be on display from this date until Friday, December 19.

Contest entry forms, rules, and coloring pages for these contests are available at the Chamber office located in the Jarvis West building, Suite 1B (forms available in folder on wall outside of office) or at the Delta Community Library.

For questions on any of the contests, please contact the Delta Chamber @ 895-5068 or by e-mail, deltacc@alaska.net

Click here for the 2008 Holiday Gingerbread House rules.

Click here for the 2008 Holiday Gingerbread House form.

Photo of the day - November 22

If you look into the eyes of this frosty, great gray owl for very long it's almost mesmerizing. It's disk shaped face helps it to hear it's prey, usually a shrew or vole, that is hiding in brush or snow. Photo by Steve Thomas

Photo of the day - November 21

Remembering back to September when the tundra was an ever changing kaleidoscope of colors. Photo Courtesy Art Lenon

City Hall Closures Listed for the Holidays

City Hall will be closed on:

Thursday, November 27, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving

Thursday, December 25, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Merry Christmas

Thursday, January 1, 2008
Friday, January 2, 2008
Happy New Year


The Landfill will be open regular hours throughout the holidays:

Tues. 11am – 6 pm
Fri. 11am – 3 pm
Sat. 9 am – 3 pm

Do you Know Roy or Carole Hafer?

Does anyone know Roy & Carole Hafer?

Delta News Web has been contacted and would like to be in touch with Roy and Carole. Please email webeditor@deltanewsweb.com if you have a contact phone number or email address for them, and we will get the information to the party who is wanting to be in contact with them.

Thank you.

Donating Your Money Wisely this Holiday Season

Useful Tips On How To Donate To Charity

DuPont, WA – Nov. 20, 2008 –Faced with ever-rising costs, the loss of government funding, and an increasing demand for their services, charities are responding by asking for larger contributions from more donors--and they're asking more often than ever before. Donors would do well to plan their giving and demand accountability of the organizations soliciting their support.

More than 80% of the money raised by charities in this country comes from individuals. To help these generous donors make wise giving decisions, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips on charitable giving:

The Basics

• Do not give cash; always make contributions by check and make your check payable to the charity, not to the individual collecting the donation.
• Keep records of your donations (receipts, canceled checks, and bank statements) so you can document your charitable giving at tax time. Although the value of your time as a volunteer is not deductible, out-of-pocket expenses (including transportation costs) directly related to your volunteer service to a charity are deductible.
• Don't be fooled by names that look impressive or that closely resemble the name of a well-known organization.
• Check out the organization with the local charity registration office (usually a division of the state attorney general's office) and with your BBB.

Mail Appeals

• Mail appeals should clearly identify the charity and describe its programs in clear and specific language. Beware of appeals that bring tears to your eyes but tell you nothing of the charity or what it's doing about the problem it describes so well.
• Appeals should not be disguised as bills or invoices. It is illegal to mail a bill, invoice, or statement of account due that is in fact an appeal for funds, unless it bears a clear and noticeable disclaimer stating that it is an appeal and that you are under no obligation to pay unless you accept the offer.
• Deceptive invoices are most often aimed at business firms rather than individuals. Contact your BBB for detailed guidelines on how to handle appeals disguised as bills or invoices.
• It is against the law to demand payment for unordered merchandise. If unordered items such as key rings, stamps, greeting cards, or pens are enclosed with an appeal letter, remember you are under no obligation to pay for or return the merchandise. If payment is requested, inform your BBB. In our experience, unordered merchandise can mean high fundraising costs.
• Appeals that include sweepstakes promotions should disclose that you do not have to contribute to be eligible for the prizes offered. To require a contribution would make the sweepstakes a lottery through the mail, and it is illegal to operate a lottery through the mail.
• Matching check appeals are not subject to any particular legal requirements. Donors should keep in mind, however, that they do not have to return the checks if they don't contribute. The checks do not have any real value in and of themselves.

What to Do About Unwanted Mail

Many individuals have written to the CBBB complaining about the flood of direct mail they receive from charitable organizations. Most of the writers are seeking advice on how to have their names removed from the mailing lists of the charities sending the appeals.

The easiest solution to the problem of unwanted mail is to decide in advance which charities you want to support and discard appeals from other groups. Don't feel guilty about not supporting all of the groups writing to you; they do not expect a donation from every person they solicit.

Telephone, Door-to-Door, And Street Solicitations

When you are approached for a contribution of either your time or your money, ask questions, and don't give a donation until you're satisfied with the answers. Charities with nothing to hide will encourage your interest. Be wary of their reluctance or inability to answer questions.

• Ask for the charity's full name and address. Demand identification from the solicitor.
• Ask if your contribution is tax deductible. Contributions to tax exempt organizations are not always tax deductible. (See the next section of this brochure for an explanation of the terms "tax deductible" and "tax exempt".)
• Ask if the charity is licensed by state and local authorities. Registration or licensing is required by most states and many communities. However, bear in mind that registration in and of itself does not imply that the state or local government endorses the charity.
• Don't succumb to pressure to give money on the spot or allow a "runner" to pick up a contribution; the charity that needs your money today will welcome it just as much tomorrow.
• Watch out for statements such as "all proceeds will go to the charity." This can mean that the money left after expenses, such as the cost of written materials and fund raising efforts, will go to the charity. These expenses can make a big difference, so check carefully.
• When you're asked to buy candy, magazines, card, or tickets to a dinner or show to benefit a charity, be sure to ask what the charity's share will be. You cannot deduct the full amount paid for any such items, as the IRS considers only the part above the fair-market value of the item to be a charitable contribution. For example, if you pay $10 for a box of candy that normally sells for $8, only $2 can be claimed as a charitable donation.
• Call your BBB if a fund raiser uses pressure tactics such as intimidation, threats, or repeated and harassing calls or visits. Such tactics violate the Alliance's recommended Standards for Charity Accountability.

Tax Exempt Doesn't Always Mean Tax Deductible

"We are tax exempt" does not necessarily mean that contributions are tax deductible. "Tax exempt" simply means the organization does not have to pay taxes. "Tax deductible" means the donor can deduct contributions to the organization on his or her federal income tax return. The Internal Revenue Code defines more than 20 different categories of tax exempt organizations, but contributions to only a few of these categories are also tax deductible. Principal among "tax deductible" groups is the 501(c)(3) category, broadly termed "charitable" organizations.

To obtain tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3), an organization has to file documents with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that prove it to be organized and operated for the charitable purposes specified by the Internal Revenue Code. The IRS looks at these documents only in terms of the code; it does not "approve" specific charities or judge other aspects of the charity's efficiency. Organizations receiving 501(c)(3) status are those that the IRS has considered charitable, educational, religious, scientific or literary; those that prevent cruelty to animals, and those that foster national or international amateur sports competitions.

When the IRS rules positively on an application, contributions to the organization are tax deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes. The group receives a "Letter of Determination" formally notifying it of its status. A copy of this letter should be available from the organization as verification of its tax exempt status. (Older charities may have a 101(6) ruling, which corresponds to section 501(c)(3) of the 1954 Internal Revenue Code.)

Generally, contributions to organizations tax exempt under sections 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6), and other sections of the Internal Revenue Code are not deductible as charitable donations, but might be deductible as business expenses. If you are unsure about an organization's tax status, or would like more information about tax exemptions and deductions, contact your local IRS office.

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

Fairbanks Drama Association Presents "A Christmas Carol"

A new adaption of the Charles Dickens classic by Roulus Linney, directed by Stephanie Stowman

A fine, new version of the tale of Ebeneezer Scrooge’s redemption. Scrooge journeys from an embittered, ungenerous creature to a giving, caring human being at the hands of three spirits, who, one Christmas Eve, show him what life means. Adaptor Romulus Linney says: “I vowed to stick to the bones of the story as closely as I could to take the evolution of Scrooge seriously, and to try and find, as he goes, the child within him that slowly emerges from his ordeal to such bountiful happiness.”

November 28 – December 14

Fairbanks Drama Association
1852 2nd Avenue
Fairbanks AK 99701-4030

Visit us online at www.FairbanksDrama.org

Fairbanks - Powwow ~ November 22

Grand Entry – 12 Noon

Drums:
- Soaring Eagle (Fairbanks)- Morning Star (Fairbanks)Other performing groups:
- FNA/JOM Potlatch Dancers
- Fry Bread Shakers (Nenana)
- JR. Fiddlers
- Hawaiin Group
- Inu-Yupiaq Dance Group

Sponsored by FNSBSD-Alaska Native Education Program

Photo of the day - November 20

This photo of the northern lights was taken last spring just as dusk was turning into the night. It's been surprising that the lights have not been seen more this year, as we are on the third year of a ten year cycle. Three years ago when they were at their peak, the lights seemed to be out almost every clear night. Photo by Steve Thomas

Photo of the day - November 19

The most common gulls we have in the interior are mew gulls. This photo shows 2 mew gulls sitting on the ice at Lost Lake, taken earlier this spring. Mew gulls can be identified by their yellow bills and legs, medium size, and black wing tips with white spots.
Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

Holiday mail program for servicemembers under way

The American Red Cross is sponsoring a national "Holiday Mail for Heroes" campaign to receive and distribute holiday cards to servicemembers and veterans both in the United States and abroad.

Holiday Mail for Heroes, which began Tuesday, Veterans Day, is a follow-up to the 2007 effort that resulted in the collection and distribution of more than 600,000 cards to hospitalized servicemembers. This year's program will expand its reach to not only wounded servicemembers but also veterans and their families. The goal is to collect and distribute 1 million pieces of holiday mail.

"As we enter this holiday season-a time to celebrate with family and friends-it's important to remember the thousands of men and women who serve our nation in harm's way and those who are recovering in military and veterans hospitals," said Army Col. Norvell V. Coots, commander, Walter Reed Health Care System. "The Holiday Mail for Heroes program is a wonderful outreach effort and a great way to acknowledge the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform."

Holiday cards should be mailed to:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD. 20791-5456

All cards must be postmarked no later than Dec. 10. Cards should not be mailed or delivered to Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

For more information, visit www.wramc.amedd.army.mil or www.redcross.org/holidaymail for Holiday Mail for Heroes program guidelines.

Walter Reed is not accepting mail addressed to "A Recovering American Soldier."

This information is taken from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center website

The article is listed on this page.

Delta News Web has added the additional information below:

If you have received an email with this subject: Recovering American Soldier Christmas Cards, please read the Snopes website to save yourself time.

Click on these two links to send additional gifts: Help our troops call home and
Gift Cards /Certificates for our troops

Thank you to all our soldiers who have served our country this past year, and also in years past. We appreciate each and everyone of you.

Chinook by George Hosier II - A Thankful Curmudgeon

‘Tis the season to be thankful. I’m glad we have at least one day of the year specifically dedicated to the concept. It’s handy to have employers and in-laws and debt collectors and such like all on the same page, cooperating in the effort.

Having an official day helps to reduce any non-thankful incidents that might diminish our ability to genuinely participate in the event. After all, it’s hard enough to schedule thankfulness the way it is. Perhaps it’s different for you, but thankfulness seems to be one of those things that I always intend to do, but never manage to get around to it if it isn’t blocked off on the calendar--kind of like painting the garage or losing weight or buying flowers for my wife.

To read the rest of the story click here

Photo of the day - November 18

The Aurora Borealis is so magnificent. We are quite blessed to see this awesome display. This photo was shot in the Shaw Creek Flats and most of you will remember seeing this cabin in the background, as you drive the highway towards Fairbanks.

On the same night, I took this photo of my friend Glenn Reynolds shooting the aurora's. Photos Courtesy Michael Martinez

Adams' Ribs 2nd Annual FREE Thanksgiving Day Dinner

Away from family and friends this Thanksgiving? Love to enjoy a delicious home cooked meal with friendly people? Last year, Adams’ Ribs Restaurant offered a free Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings to the lonely, needy or those who otherwise would not celebrate the holiday. And now, this will be an annual event the community can look forward to. “It is our way of saying thanks and giving back to the community” said Mark Adams.

Owners, Mark and Miki Adams, and their staff prepare the dinner, which is served by their family and friends. Last year, they served approximately 110 on the holiday. “We believe that sharing the spirit of the holiday is one of the greatest gifts we can give,” said Miki Adams, “It is the spirit of togetherness that makes Thanksgiving special.”

The free meal is served on Thanksgiving Day at Adams’ Ribs Restaurant, MP 1412.5 Alaska Highway, in Delta. Reservations are not required but are recommended. RSVP by Saturday, November 22 by calling 895-5160 or 803-8315. In addition, individuals who are homebound due to illness or age can have dinners delivered to their homes with advance arrangements. Volunteers and contributions welcome.

2009 Winter Child Behavioral Health Conference

January 6 – 8, 2009
Hotel Captain Cook
939 W. 5th Ave.
Anchorage, AK 99501

www.captaincook.com

National and Alaska Experts will Train on:
· Childhood Trauma
· Intervening with Aggressive Behaviors
· Family Treatment
· Parenting Skills and More!

Onsite Conference Bookstore provided by Title Wave Books!
Stay Tuned for the Launch of Online Registration!

Conference Sponsored By: DHSS/Behavioral Health, Juvenile Justice, Senior & Disability Services, the Office of Children’s Services, and The Trust

For immediate questions, please contact Sherry Nisen,
Visions Meeting and Event Management, sherry.nisen@visionsus.com or call 907-334-4503
Rick Calcote, Department of Health and Social Services rick.calcote@alaska.gov or call 907-269-3617

FDA presents The Santaland Diaries

Fairbanks Drama Association is proud to present the David Sedaris comedy:

Dec 5 & 6 at 10:30pm featuring guest actor Ben Brown from Juneau.

Two performances only at the Riverfront Theatre.

All tickets are $ 18.

The Riverfront Theatre box office will open at 9pm both evenings with full beverage service in the lobby. This show is recommended for adults.

Tickets will go on sale on November 17th. Call 456-PLAY to reserve your tickets by credit card.

Photo of the day - November 17

Two young bull moose go head to head while vying for dominance in the northern woods.
Image by Dwight Phillips

Boeing missile work funding Alaska's economy

FAIRBANKS — The Boeing Company’s work on the Ground-based Midcourse Defense missile program added more than $246 million to Alaska’s economy in 2007 and supported more than 700 direct and indirect jobs, according to a University of Alaska Fairbanks study.

Boeing is a major contractor for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s GMD program, the nation’s defense against long-range ballistic missiles. Fort Greely, about 100 miles southeast of Fairbanks, houses 22 of the launch-ready interceptors in underground silos.

Copyright material of Fairbanks Daily Newsminer.

To read the entire story click here.

Photo of the day - November 15

Caribou from the Macomb Caribou Herd which inhabit the mountains south and east of Delta Junction are moving into the lowland winter range. These are 2 bulls, but the bull on the right has dropped his antlers. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

Deltana Community Human Services Partnership Project

We hope you’ve been following the progress of Deltana Community Human Services Partnership Project. On Saturday, November 8th, 22 participants worked on analyzing the initial information we had gathered from the Delta area survey, the school district office referral data, and the Fairbanks agency survey. The group received an introduction on how to do community planning and completed the first steps in setting priority to all the information. If you did not have a chance to give your input, you still can until November 21st. Go to www.acrf.org and click on the Deltana Human Services Project Survey to complete the form.

In the November 8th meeting, the group found that the community’s stated service priorities are: elder/disabled services, counseling/substance abuse programs, more medical services, a teen/recreational center, and a pharmacy. Each of these very broad needs may have several subsections. For example, elders’ needs may include nutrition, meals-on-wheels, housing, social opportunities, and medical needs. The next step is to continue the process of assigning priority to the needs that the community has identified as important.

The community is invited to take part in all aspects of designing this human services plan. This is an enormous project and it will take a long time to make sure we are accurately reflecting the community needs. We hope to have the entire initial 10-year plan completed by March, but we need help. Please join us while we continue prioritizing categories at the next meeting on Thursday, December 4th at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall.

Scam Tries to Swipe Money with Offer of Free Gas

Consumers beware of Great Gas Giveaway

DuPont, WA – Nov. 14, 2008 – Free gas sounds good, but it could be a scam.

Your Better Business Bureau has been informed of a scam concerning the Great Gas Giveaway. Some consumers have received a card telling them they won a $300 gas card. The card says to send a money order for $29.95 and they will receive a gift card for $300 worth of gas. Some consumers are also being referred to a Web site, http://www.gasgiveaway300.com/. The Web site says consumers can also get a $1,000 Shopping Spree Gift Card.

Both the card and the Web site have the old version of the BBB logo and falsely claim to be a proud member of the BBB.

The BBB is unaware if this scam is active in Alaska.

Consumers who are contacted regarding the Great Gas Giveaway can file a complaint with Better Business Bureau online at http://www.bbb.org/.

Below is a copy of the card:


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

Photo of the day - November 14

This was how the moon was showing itself a couple of months ago. It's totally amazing how big, bright, and beautiful it can be here in the frozen north, especially in the winter with its light bouncing off the snow. Photo by Steve Thomas

Delta Junction Woman Assaulted Because She Supports Palin

An Augsburg College student and Sarah Palin supporter from Alaska was beaten on election night while walking to her dorm and was called a racist by a group of four young women because she had on a McCain/Palin presidential campaign button, authorities and the victim said.

Annie Grossmann, a freshman on the Minneapolis college's hockey team, suffered blurred vision and is thought to have had a concussion from a punch in the eye, but declined medical attention, she said.

To read the rest of the story, please click here

Photo of the day - November 13

Sun rising over Delta Junction area. I was driving into town one morning and stopped to take a few pictures. My wife Carlene and I are new to Delta Junction and have enjoyed the town and people. Photo Courtesy Evan Griffiths

Fort Greely Vigilant Shield Exercise

Fort Greely will conduct its annual installation wide antiterrorism/force protection exercise, Vigilant Shield 09, Nov. 12-18.

During this time expect an increase in movement of personnel and vehicles, delays at the installation access control point (front gate), heightened security procedures and use of pyrotechnics.

Area residents may hear exercise messages on Fort Greely's Giant Voice system. The majority of activity will take place Nov. 14-17.

For more information contact Public Affairs at 873-5023.

Want to Buy Tickets to the Obama Inauguration?

Let the Buyer Beware

DuPont, WA – Nov. 12, 2008 - A record number of Americans want to be a part of history and attend the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama but, unfortunately, only 250,000 tickets are up for grabs. While many websites are claiming to sell tickets online, your Better Business Bureau is advising the public that purchasing scalped tickets could leave you out in the cold with empty pockets on Inauguration Day.

So how does someone get a ticket to the most popular event of 2009? The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies is responsible for divvying out tickets to Congressional representatives. It is then up to the Congressmen and woman to hand out the tickets—which are free—to constituents the day before the inauguration. According to the Times Wires Services, some members of Congress—who usually have several hundred tickets to pass out at their discretion—have received thousands of requests. Senator Cardin (D-Md.) told the Washington Post that his office had received 40,000 requests for tickets.

The fact that tickets haven’t even been distributed to the members of Congress yet hasn’t stopped online scalpers from trying to rake in cash from patriotic Americans. A CNN.com report found that some online ticket brokers were selling VIP seats for upwards of $20,000 each. While many online brokers offer a money-back guarantee if they can’t secure the tickets, the purchaser will likely already be en route to Washington, DC, before they receive the bad news that the broker couldn’t provide the promised tickets.

“Considering these online brokers won’t even know for certain they have tickets until just before the Inauguration, an American looking to be a part of history might travel all the way to Washington DC and spend January 20 watching the swearing in from their hotel room,” said Robert W. G. Andrew, CEO for the Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington.

Not only are scalpers trying to sell tickets they don’t have, Senator Feinstein (D-Calif.), the chair of the Inaugural Committee, plans to introduce legislation this month that would make scalping inaugural tickets a misdemeanor crime. The inaugural committee is also alerting lawmakers that it is a violation of Congress’ code of ethics for members or staff to sell their tickets.

While there are a number of issues associated with purchasing inaugural tickets online, for those that are willing to assume the risk, the following steps should be taken to reduce the chances of being ripped off:

When buying from a ticket reselling company online, buyers should always look for the BBBOnLine seal. The BBBOnLine logo is a sign that the company has a good reputation for satisfying customers and a secure Web site for processing payments.
Paying with a credit card or through PayPal will provide protection and the opportunity for potential reimbursement if the company is fraudulent. Consumers should never pay with a cashier’s check or wire money to a seller, as they will have no way to get their money back if the tickets do not arrive.

Consumers who have been ripped off buying tickets online can file a complaint with Better Business Bureau online at www.bbb.org. They can also file complaints with their state Attorney General’s office.

Because of the overwhelming requests for tickets, some members of Congress are planning to distribute tickets via a lottery system. Constituents can contact their local Member of Congress or U.S. Senators to request tickets and get their name in the hopper.

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

Military Family Appreciation Month

WHEREAS, the State of Alaska values the commitment made by military families throughout our history, to provide steadfast support with great courage and resolve during the special challenges of long deployments, family separations, and frequent relocations. In doing so, their selfless dedication has directly contributed to the mission readiness of our service members and has always been a source of inspiration to our state and nation.

WHEREAS, President Bush and other U.S. and military leaders frequently recognize the family members who serve the country alongside their loved ones in uniform.

WHEREAS, our Alaska military units-whether members of the active forces, Alaska Army and Air National Guard, or the Reserves-continue to play an important role in the Global War on Terrorism and Disaster Relief missions. Selflessly serving both far from home and within our borders separated from the love and support of their families.

WHEREAS, military families across the state stand in the background while our troops go to war, to training, and receive awards. Those same families provide the love and support that makes all the difference in the world to the success of every mission.

WHEREAS, it is the goal of Military Family Appreciation Month to involve families, schools, businesses, and other organizations in activities that will establish an atmosphere of support to the families of our Alaska military personnel.

WHEREAS, Alaska military families across the state stay strong in their support through long periods of separation, interrupted plans, and the strain of holding a family together alone.

WHEREAS, the people of Alaska would like to give a heartfelt thanks to the families who sacrifice so much and vow to never forget the contributions and sacrifices military family members make every day and remain grateful for their dedication. Military families give so much to our communities and ourstate. Alaskans have the obligation to help them in every way possible.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sarah Palin, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim November 2007 as:

Military Family Appreciation Month in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to join me in honoring our military families and expressing our appreciation for their sacrifice and continued support of our Alaska service members. LINK

Photo of the day - November 12

Delta High School Seniors, Breena Weller (left) and Shelby O’Flanagan (right) after receiving awards during the 2008 Regional Volleyball Tournament. Breena and Shelby received the All-Conference Team award, as did Anna Byam. Shelby also received the Good Sportsmanship Team award. Photo Courtesy Maria Lester

Delta-Greely Skating Association to hold Dinner Gala

Delta-Greely Skating Association to hold Dinner Gala, games, prizes, and auction to raise funds

On Saturday, November 22nd at the Trophy Lodge off the Alcan Highway, the Delta-Greely Skating Association will hold their 5th annual fund-raising Dinner Gala and auction. Social hour and viewing of auction items begins at 5 pm with dinner following at 6 pm. We promise a fun-filled evening with games of chance, wonderful prizes and a variety of fantastic auction items.Tickets for the prime rib and chicken dinner are available at Granite View Sports for $25 per person. Advance dinner ticket purchase is requested because only 100 are available. The Auction begins promptly at 7:30 and is open to everyone.

Thank you to all who have already contributed to the Association by their sponsorship and donations. Your support has funded the cost of operating the Liewer-Olmstead Arena, a scholarship, improvements to the concession stand and most importantly provided an arena for our skaters and community FUN.Please contact Kina Michie at 895-5369, Andrea Lemons at 895-5058 or Rose Edgren at 895-4043 if you would like to consider sponsorship, donate an auction item or purchase dinner tickets for the dinner gala or if you have questions.

Many thanks to Bob Kimball, Bill and Justin Smith and Mike Tvenge and family for making ice and Coach Shannon Nichols and the high school team for cleaning.

For all of you still interested in skating, contact Dawn Grossmann at 590-7305 and/or if your skater needs equipment through the Kit-A-Kid program contact Rose Edgren at 895-4043

FLOT Presents ~ The Most Happy Fella

Book, Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser
Directed by Theresa Reed and James Bicigo

Performance dates:
November 14-16, 21-23, 2008
West Valley Performing Arts Center
Fairbanks, AK

Amy, a waitress in 1940 San Francisco, is wooed through letters by lonely middle-aged bachelor, Tony Esposito, from his vineyard in California's Napa Valley. He proposes to Amy (who he calls "Rosabella"), enclosing a photograph of his handsome ranch hand, Joe, rather than one of himself. Despite this deception, Tony and Rosabella find love and, eventually, forgiveness and acceptance. Against this serious story is played the funny tale of Herman (Tony's gentle-natured employee) and Cleo (Rosabella's smart, tart-tongued friend), who play out a romance as playful as Tony and Rosabella's is passionate and painful. All of this is set to one of the richest musical scores ever composed for the American theatre: a melodic and lyric triumph that is both worldly and wise to the ways of the heart.

BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE NOW!
Buying your tickets online will save you time and money. NOTE: Tickets are no longer available at ticket outlets—they are sold exclusively online and at the box office one hour before the show. Click on the "BUY TICKETS NOW" button to make a purchase. For more detailed instructions, click here.

• Reserved (Regardless of age) $25
• Adult $20
• Military (With ID) $15
• Senior (62+) $15
• Youth (ages 13-18) $15
• Child (12 & under) $10

The Holiday Marketplace - One Stop Shopping

The Holiday Marketplace is a one stop Christmas shopping extravaganza for Fairbanks and outlying areas. From hand made soap, to beaded earrings, to imported wool sweaters... Its all together in one location on one floor with lots of free parking.

The shows continued success attracts not only local but statewide businesses and artists. Over 180 different vendors participated in the 2007 event and it had a 3 day public attendance of 6800+

Show Dates & Hours:
Friday, November 14- 12 noon to 8 pm
Saturday, November 15 - 10 am to 7 pm
Sunday, November 16- 11 am to 5 pm

Admission $4.00

Location:
THE CARLSON CENTER
2010 2nd Avenue
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701

Phone: 907.451.7800 Fax: 907.451.1195

Chinook by George Hosier II - Terrible Tips

I don’t know why I’m such a sucker for the “handy tips” routine. I should know better by now. These insidious tips always appear to come from innocent appearing sources: a cute e-mail from an old friend, a slightly damaged book on the discount rack at Barnes and Noble, an offhand comment by a trusted co-worker, a suggestion key-scratched into the paint job of my double-parked vehicle. Whatever it’s origin, the handy tip invariably sneaks up on me in such an earthy, homespun disguise, that I never realize what has happened until I have ended up as its tragic victim—again!

For example, I was told that Super Glue works for closing wounds. My source even related how that when they had gone to the Emergency Room, the doctor on call used Super Glue instead of sutures. I thought that was the neatest idea I’d ever heard, and couldn’t wait to try it. Wouldn’t you know, the very next week I was lucky enough to be able to do just that. While cutting up some firewood with my chainsaw, I accidentally cut the toe off my boot. When I removed my boot, I discovered that my big toe had decided to stay behind and keep the boot company. Eager to try out my handy tip, I hopped into the house on one leg to break out the Super Glue.

To read the rest of the story click here.

Chinook by George Hosier II - The Continued Tale of Little America

There they were, the eight of them, stranded on a remote Alaskan island which they had named Little America. Freddy MacLehman had become the most revered and powerful man on the island shortly after returning from a gold panning excursion with a large lumpy sack over his shoulder. He had written up a batch of Gold Promissary Notes on birch bark scraps and lent them out to the other residents of Little America to facilitate the seamless exchange of goods and services. He explained that each of these Birch Scraps represented a percentage of his gold, which he had securely buried in an undisclosed location. All he requested was that when they repaid his Birch Scraps, they add an additional 10% interest in order to cover his handling and processing expenses.

When the residents began to realize that they couldn’t collectively repay a quantity of Birch Scraps higher than the total number of Birch Scraps that had been produced, Freddy demonstrated his spirit of community service and philanthropy by requiring the interest only to be repaid on a monthly basis. They could continue to use the original loan for whatever they pleased! He would not actually foreclose on their huts and other stuff, which they had pledged as collateral.

To read the rest of the story click here.

Photo of the day - November 11

Wind blown sea ice can be seen along the shore of Norton Sound with a late afternoon storm on the horizon. Photo Courtesy Gary Cooper

All Ages Christian Concert - November 21

BIG RED CRAYON

Friday, November 21, 2008

6:00 PM
Fort Greely Chapel

Snacks Provided

Free Admission!!!

Photo of the day - November 10

Here is a picture I took of my husband John Lyons on the evening of Oct. 12 while he, his brother Jason up from GA and myself were on a Roosevelt Elk hunt at Pillar Lake on Afognak Island, Alaska (Afognak is down by Kodiak.) We had a great time and Johnny did get elk! He worked his tail off making a 400 yard shot and then having to pack out the massive bull that was as big as a moose down the mountain and back the 1.5 miles to camp fighting devils club all the way. All while he and his brother had to take care of me after a 12+ ft fall off a cliff of the mountain down to the waters edge of the lake, resulting in a severely broken nose, torn rotator cuff, and possible tendon damage in both my ankle and knee. But It was worth it for us to have such a rare chance at such an impressive animal and to have seen all the wonderful sites we did.

Close up view of the nasty Devils Club. This stuff even has massive thorns on its leaves! Photos Courtesy Adrienne (Leaskey class of 00) Lyons

Photo of the day - November 8

This young ground squirrel, also know as a parka squirrel, has learned at a young age how to sound the alarm. These squirrels are the main food source for many types of animals all the way from fox to grizzly bears. Photo by Steve Thomas

Annual Observance Alaska Native Heritage Month

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska – The Inu-Yupiaq Dancers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Soaring Eagle Drum Tribe will help Fort Wainwright honor Alaska Natives and Native Americans at the annual observance of National Native American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month.

US Army Medical Activity-Alaska will host the annual observance at the post’s physical fitness center Nov. 14 from 2-3:30 p.m.

Light snacks will be provided

Photo of the day - November 7

A very alert coyote blends into some fall grasses as he looks intently for a small mammal to provide a quick snack. Image by Dwight Phillips

Drama Association introducing Hillbilly Scrooge this Christmas

Iffen you’ns reckon life is a humbug, or yore just plumb hankerin’ to see a mighty fine show, ya best git yoreself over to Livin’ Waters Assembly of God at 6:30pm on December 13, 14, 20 and 21.

Delta Christian Drama Association will be presenting Let Nary You’ns Dismay an Appalachian Mountain version of Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol. Pile the young’uns and kinfolk in yore jalopy and come round to watch the cantankerous, greedy, miserable old sinner, Ebenezer Scrooge have a run-in with a rattlesnake. The haints that come a-callin’ in his delerium convince the old geezer to mend his ways. Scrooge’s “Humbugs” change to “Hallelujahs” directly when he done repents and jines the frolic in his first Merry Christmas since he war knee high to a hoppy-toad.

Expect plenty of laughs and tears as you witness this journey of redemption. The message of healing and forgiveness will resonate with audiences of all ages. As usual, admission is free, childcare will be available, and a silent auction will be held on site to support DCDA’s ministry.

Inquiries may be directed to George or Gaylene Hosier at 907-895-5289.

Photo of the day - November 6

Mallards, like this drake landing in the snow, overwinter in interior Alaska if they can find water that stays unfrozen all winter. Landing in the snow is about like landing in the water for these guys. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

Photo of the day - November 5

Caught off guard, this osprey appears startled while resting near the Johnson River.
Image by Dwight Phillips

Photo of the day - November 4

Local Delta Cyber School Student brings in a “cell cake” for a Biology project. It is a plant cell with a huge red vacuole. An edible project is always preferred among our classmates. Barbara Parker (Delta Cyber School Science Teacher)

Alumni Photo - Jhanson Hutch Atwell

Thomas and Brandi Atwell announce the arrival of son Jhanson Hutch Atwell born Oct. 28th. He weighed 9lbs and 11oz., and was born at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. He has a big brother named Devlin Thomas and their family now lives in North Pole. Thomas is employed as a tankerman working for Sea Coast. This is Charlie and Amy Atwell's 10th grandchild!
Photo Courtesy Amy Atwell

We invite you to browse through all of our alumni photo albums.

Photo of the day - November 3

This common female goldeneye duck is one of the many species of waterfowl that makes the long journey from the lower 48 to Alaska just to breed and raise their young. Most don't realize that this duck actually makes its nest in a large tree. Photo by Steve Thomas

Photo of the day - November 2

This is a different perspective of a very common bird found throughout Alaska and many other parts of the western United States. Ravens to a lot of people are like Alaska, either you love it or hate it. This bird is very smart and is one of the only birds that you see flying upside down just for the fun of it. Photo by Steve Thomas

Fort Greely Chapel Events ~ Nov 2 - 7

Sunday, Nov. 2nd at 2:00 PM
Children’s Christmas Pageant Rehearsals

Wednesday, Nov. 5th at 3:00 PM
Leader Cold Weather Training for the 49th Soldiers (MAJ Armitage is the POC 873-4977)

Friday, Nov. 7th at 2:00 PM
Veteran’s Day Service

Alaska Air Carriers Association Responds to Proposed Increases in Rural Airport Lease Rates

The Alaska Air Carriers Association (AACA) today responded to the State of Alaska,
Department of Transportation, Statewide Aviation regarding proposed changes in the rural airport regulations (17 AAC 45), which include increased lease rates. In March 2008 rental rates would have been increased from 150% to even 855%.

In April AACA filed a petition for repeal and amendment, which resulted in an emergency
halt to the rate increases that would have been effective in March, and public hearing
throughout the State during October. AACA cautioned that economic conditions must be
carefully evaluated before any increases are considered.

For many Alaskan communities, basic survival and existence relies upon air transportation for essentials such as food, supplies, medical services, education and other basic necessities of life.

AACA stressed that the State of Alaska must protect the aviation community and nurture its financial health and success. AACA stated that while they understand that it is necessary and appropriate to generate airport revenue in order to support the state airport system, there must be a balance between increasing revenue and providing an incentive for businesses and individuals to invest at airports.

Testimony can be submitted to Statewide Aviation until 4:30 on Monday, November 3rd.

The public notice and related comment forms can be found on the Rural Aviation home
page. AACA’s recent response is posted on their website .

AACA is a statewide organization representing 75 air carriers and 64 associate members. Their
mission is to promote aviation safety in Alaska and promote the uniform treatment of aviation businesses by association, cooperation and education.

Contact: C. Joy Journeay, Exec. Director
joy@alaskaaircarriers.org (907) 277-0071

Memorial Service for Pvt. 1st Class Cody Joel Eggleston

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - The Fort Wainwright community will gather Monday for a service of prayer and remembrance in honor of Pvt. 1st Class Cody Joel Eggleston, who died from injuries sustained in Iraq Oct. 16.

The memorial ceremony honoring Eggleston will be held Monday at 1:30 p.m. November 3, at the Northern Lights Chapel.

Photo of the day - October 31

Interesting snowman. HM! Who says it is has to be a snowman? The builder of this snow structure made a turtle. Photo Courtesy Michael Kingston/CRTC