Legislative Teleconference Schedule

Click on the link to retrieve the teleconference schedule through Saturday, February 7th.

Please call the LIO at 895-4236 for information on any of the listings or bills you might be interested in following.

Delta Waterfowl Gun Giveaway

Tanana Valley Chapter of Delta Waterfowl Gun Giveaway!!! Tikka T3 Lite Centerfire Rifle 30-06. Stainless Bolt Action, 22-7/16" BBL T3 Action Synthetics/Stainless Finish No Sights, 3 Rnd Detachable Magazine. $10 each or 3/$25-only 350 tickets available. Giveaway to be held March 14, 2009 at the Delta Waterfowl Banquet. Do not need to be present to win.

For Tickets Contact: Ric or Tina 895-5045, Dana 750-1004, John H. 351-5737, John L. 590-3622 We will also have a table at the Festival of Lights Galleria Arts, Crafts & Trade Show on Feb 14 where you can purchase tickets.

Delta Waterfowl's 1st Annual Waterfowl Heritage Fund Dinner

Tanana Valley Chapter of Delta Waterfowl’s 1st Annual Waterfowl Heritage Fund Dinner!!!! March 14, 2009 at the Trophy Lodge 1420 Alaska Highway. The doors will open at 6pm, Prime Rib or Chicken dinner served at 7pm.Your ticket to the Tanana Valley Chapter’s Annual Waterfowl Heritage Fund auction and dinner is: Single $50, Couple $70, Canvasback (17 and under) $30, Canvasback Sponsor $275, Canvasback Sponsor Couple $295. Your membership will help the DWF support waterfowl management on public, private and corporate lands and preserve waterfowl hunting as a traditional North American pursuit. As your local chapter we can choose to keep 25% of what we raise at the dinner for local projects such as youth education, scholarships, and hen house programs.

For Tickets Contact: Ric or Tina 895-5045, Dana 750-1004, John H. 351-5737, John L. 590-3622. We will also have a table at the Festival of Lights Galleria Arts, Crafts & Trade Show on Feb 14 where you can purchase tickets.

Super Bowl Trivia

1 - What Super Bowl is being played this year?

2 - What two teams are playing in the Super Bowl this year?

3 - Who will sing before the pregame this year?

4 - What song will be sung before the pregame this year?

5 - The pregame show and Super Bowl will be broadcast worldwide in more than how many countries and territories?

6 - Who will be performing for the halftime show this year?

7 - Where will Super Bowl 2009 be played?

8 - Which team do you predict will win this Super Bowl?

Super Bowl Trivia Answers

1. LXIII
2. Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals
3. Faith Hill
4. America the Beautiful
5. 230
6. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
7. Tampa Florida
8. Did your team win?

Photo of the day - January 30

This Sandhill Crane is one of the ten's of thousands that make their way to Alaska every spring. They begin their long journey all the way from the southern United States and northern Mexico. These birds amazingly can fly over 300 miles in one day! Photo by Steve Thomas

Asleep at the Switch

Just wonder if most read this letter to the editor in the Fairbanks News Miner.

ASLEEP AT THE SWITCH
John Swan, Ester
Published Thursday, January 29, 2009

To the editor:

A rail line will be going from Fairbanks to Delta Junction. The land for that right of way will be deeded to the railroad. To cross the land in places other than designated trails and other crossings will be a trespass violation. To date, very few crossing spots have been identified by the railroad.

The News-Miner has published articles; the railroad has held public meetings. Attendance has been dismal.

The comment deadline is Monday. If you don’t comment, then don’t complain when you cannot access your favorite cabin, hunting camp or other spot south of the Tanana because your winter, summer or water access has been closed. At best I urge you to write a comment.
At least, I urge you to go to the Department of Natural Resources office and indicate on a map where your access routes are.

Written comments can go to:
David Navecky,
STB Finance Docket No. 34658
Surface Transportation Board
395 E. St., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20423-0001

Don’t let this opportunity slide by because you were — to borrow an appropriate railroad term — asleep at the switch!

Photo of the day - January 29

This large bull moose was a very common fixture in the Shaw Creek flats area last fall. Such a regal animal. Image by Dwight Phillips

Photo of the day - January 28

This shot is showing the south end of a grouse facing north. The tail feathers of this bird are extremely colorful. Alaska's interior has many beautiful birds which we enjoy on a regular basis. Image by Dwight Phillips

Daffodils are coming

The America Cancer Society is sponsoring Daffodils days at Delta Junction and Fort Greely.

On March 25th a bundle of 10 or more of daffodils will be delivered to you at your home or work
You can help spread hope and happiness while fighting cancer by placing an order of daffodils during the annual celebration! Money raised this week will go to fund research, education, advocacy and patient services.

We are starting to think about the Relay for Life again, what better way than to purchase daffodils to brighten up your day and help others.

If you are interested in purchasing daffodils or if you would like to help deliver, please contact Patti at 907-869-3199 or 907-491-0762 carsonrd_us@yahoo.com by Friday, February 14, 2009.

Daffodils will be for sale from today until February 14th. Look for us at the Community Center 10-2.

Drop off box located in the IGA

Click here to print the order form.

Locksmith swindlers wait for stranded consumers

Anchorage, Alaska – Winter is an easy time to become locked out of a vehicle or home while going to warm up a car. Being locked out can be a huge inconvenience and many are in a rush when it happens. Unfortunately, this is the perfect situation for con-artists to thrive.

Your Better Business Bureau wants consumers to be aware of the following. Scam locksmiths often list in directories, and advertise in yellow pages. They may use a local address, but when visiting that address a different business is located there or a different, legitimate locksmith. When calling for a quote, scam locksmiths often pull a bait-and-switch scam, by quoting rates around $40-$80, but upon arrival charge hundreds of dollars.

These scams are active in your BBB’s coverage area. Ryan Obermire, a locksmith from Wilsonville Lock Works, Inc. in Oregon, said that he has recently received 15 locksmith catalogs addressed to his business but with different business names. He speculates that these are scam locksmiths using their business address to fool customers.

Tips from your BBB and the FTC when looking for a locksmith:

• Be prepared. Look for a locksmith before needing one. Look up businesses with your Better Business Bureau at bbb.org or 907-562-0704 for a BBB Reliability Report. Also check out the business with the Attorney General’s office.
• Call road side assistance if available. If locked out of a vehicle and have roadside assistance service, call them first. These services are sometimes included with the purchase of a car or as an add-on through an insurance company.
• Call family or friends for recommendations. If not prepared with a verified, trustworthy locksmith’s contact information, this is the next step.
• Not all locksmiths in directories and phone books are reputable. Be wary if the ad for a company only lists a Web site address. When calling a locksmith ask for their local store location. If they refuse to give it or give an address that does not match the directory listing, look elsewhere.
• Be wary of generic business names. If a company answers the phone with a generic phrase like “locksmith services,” rather than a company-specific name, be wary. Ask for the legal name of the business. If they refuse to give it, call another locksmith.
• Get an estimate. Most legitimate locksmiths will give estimates on the phone for the total cost of work. Also ask about additional fees such as charges for mileage, a minimum service call fee, or responding in the middle of the night. Get a second estimate when the locksmith arrives for all work and replacement parts. If the price doesn’t jibe with the over-the-phone estimate, do not allow the work to be done. After the work is completed, get an itemized invoice that covers parts, labor, mileage and service call prices.
• Never sign a blank form authorizing work.
• Check for locksmith identification. Upon the locksmith’s arrival, ask for identification such as a business card and, where applicable, a locksmith license. Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington do not require locksmiths to be licensed. Check the invoice or bill to make sure it includes the company’s name.
• Check the vehicle for a business name. Some locksmiths will work out of a car for quick or emergency jobs, but most arrive in a service vehicle clearly marked with the company’s name. Confirm that the business card and invoice match the name on the vehicle.
• Expect the locksmith to ask for the property owner’s identification. Legitimate locksmiths should confirm the vehicle or home belongs to the consumer who is locked out.
• Replacing a lock is not normal. If locked out, be cautious if told up front that the lock has to be drilled and replaced. Experienced legitimate locksmiths have invested in tools and education to provide quality service that can unlock almost any door.
• Keep a reputable locksmith’s contact information. Once you find a reputable locksmith, keep the business’ contact information in your wallet or cell phone.

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, 907-562-0704 in Alaska, or visit our Web site at www.bbb.org.

Photo of the day - January 27

Snow Leopards in Alaska? Yes, in the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage. There is a breeding pair that have been at the zoo for a decade. They were both born in zoos and a part of the Species Survival Program to try and help with the population of this endangered big cat.
Photo by Steve Thomas

Photo of the day - January 26

A very friendly Grey Jay poses for the photographer in this image taken in Eagle AK.
Image by Dwight Phillips

LIO Newsletter and Teleconferences Schedule

The 26th Legislature convened on January 20, 2009.

Click here for the latest newsletter for information on teleconferences.

If you have a bill you are interesed in following please let us know and we will keep you up-to-date on the progess.

Legislative Information Office 8954236

Wedding Photo ~ Zach and Lana Knight

Zach and Lana Knight's wedding on December 20, 2008. Lana is the daughter of
Bob and Debbie Green and is a 2006 DHS graduate.

To view other alumni pages click here.

Photo of the day - January 24

You can tell what this male northern harrier hawk has been up to by the rabbit fur stuck in its talons. Harrier hawks are somewhat different in the respect that the female is the most colorful of the two. In most cases with birds, the males are the most colorful. Photo by Steve Thomas

Moose Management Workshop

Click on the poster for an enlargement

Where: Delta Community Center
When: Saturday - February 7, 2009
Time: 9am - 3pm

Hosted by: The Delta Fish and Game Advisory Committee and The Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Topics:

• Historical Perspective of Moose Management relating to cow hunts in Game Management Unit 20A - 9:00am (Don Young, ADF&G Area Biologist)
• Game Management Unit 20D Population, Harvest estimates and Goals - 9:30am (Steve DuBois, ADF&G Delta Area Biologist)
• Intensive Management, Habitat and Fire - 10:00am, (Tom Paragi, ADF&G Regional IM Coordinator)
• Advisory Committee Member Perspective on Moose Surveys - 10:45am - (Debbie Curnow, Fairbanks Advisory Committee Member)
• Counting Moose - 11:15am (Kalin Kellie, ADF&G Wildlife Research Biologist)
• Brown Bag Lunch - 11:45am
• Moose Distribution and Movements - 12:30pm (Kalin Kellie, ADF&G Wildlife Research Biologist)
• Moose Browse Surveys (what and how much do moose eat) - 1:00pm (Tom Seaton, ADF&G Biologist)
• Moose Nutritional Status - 1:30pm (Rod Boertje, ADF&G Wildlife Research Biologist)
• Strategies for Managing Moose in GMU's 20A,B and 20D - 2:15pm (Don Young and Steve DuBois)
• Questions, Comments, Discussions continue - 2:40pm

For more information contact Steve DuBois at (907)895-4484 or Rita St. Louis 1-866-459-7263 rita.stlouis@alaska.gov

Thinking of Retrofitting Your Home?

Cooperative Extension Service Presents the Retrofit of Existing Homes

Taught by Richard Seifert, UAF Energy and Housing Specialist

Topics to be covered: windows, retrofit materials, walls, roof, weatherization

Upgrade for the future! This course is more timely than ever!

Where: Delta Jct
When: Friday, February 20, 2009
Time: 1 - 4pm
Cost: FREE! Includes manual.
To Register: Call 895-4215 - Registration Required!

Buying or Building a Home Soon?

Cooperative Extension Service Presents the Cold Climate Homebuilding Techniques Workshop

Taught by Richard Seirfert, UAF Energy and Housing Specialist

Topics to be covered:
Windows, ventilation, retrofit, walls, indoor air quality, roofs, permafrost foundations

This course is more timely than ever!

Where: Delta Jct
When: Saturday, February 21, 2009
Time: 9am - 5pm
Cost: Free! Includes manual and CD
To Register: Call 895-4215 or Rich Seifert at 1-800-478-8324 for information.

A must for anyone anticipating buying or building in the next year!

Festival of Lights 2009 Parade

February is fast approaching and that means the Festival of Lights is just around the corner. We are gearing up for the Polar Bear Plunge, Fireworks, Galleria, Ice Carving, Basketball Tournament, as well as, many other fun and exciting events. The Festival of Lights Parade starts in front of Granite View Sports and continues on to the City Park for the start of the fireworks display. Where else can you go see a parade at sub-zero temperatures?

We had lots of inquires about the parade and are working towards getting enough entries to proceed with it. In recent years, we have had only a few entries and most of them were at the last minute. While we completely understand this is a busy time of year, as well as a cold time of year, we would greatly appreciate any and all entries to sign up before January 31. Participants are still welcome to sign up after the 31st however, we will be making our decision whether to proceed with the parade on January 31.

If you or someone you know is interested in having an entry in the parade, please let us know. You can contact Dani Markham @ 907-895-5068 or email at deltacc@alaska.net.

Photo of the day - January 23

Interior Alaskan residents got shorted last summer due to the persistent rains as far as fireweed blooms go. In the right light, the beginning blooms of fireweed are almost as beautiful as the final blooms. Image by Dwight Phillips

Landfill Possible Closure on Saturday, Jan 24

Landfill was closed today, Friday, January 23, 2009, due to extreme wind conditions.

Call the Scale House (895-1807) after 9:00AM tomorrow regarding Saturday, January 24.

Registration Open for Nationally Recognized Sitka Fine Arts Camp

Registration for the 2009 Sitka Fine Arts Camp is now open on a first-come, first-served basis. The camp offers over 60 classes per session in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, writing, and Alaskan Native Arts. Online registration is available through the camp website . Registration is also available via the camp office at (907) 747-3085.

• Middle School Camp, for students entering grades 6 – 9: Sunday, June 14 through Saturday, June 27.
• High School Camp, for students entering grades 9 – 12: Sunday, June 28 through Sunday, July 12.

Photo of the day - January 22

This is a shot of one of the many awesome fireworks at UAF a few days ago. The fireworks display was to help commemorate Alaska being changed from a territory to a state 50yrs. ago. Photo by Steve Thomas

The 7 Habits of Highly Effectively Teens

Click on poster for an enlargement.

Teens...Fun, Food, Free Stuff...what else do you need? How about an Awesome program that will make your parents stare in disbelief....

Sean Covey's - "The 7 Habits of Highly Effectively Teens"
Sunday , February 1 - Time: 3:00pm - 8:30pm
Monday, February 2 - Time: 4:30pm - 8:30pm
Supper provided each evening!

Location: Chapel Annex, bldg 845, Fort Greely, AK

Who should attend: Teens from the Fort Greely Area, 12-18 years old (must be registered and have consent form signed.) - Space is Limited!

Plan on:

• Learning in a fun, supportive atmosphere from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, by Sean Covey.
• Having discussions, doing activities and taking in some stuff that'll look really good on a resume or job application
• Bringing a favorite game (UNO, chess, etc.) or musical instrument to use on Sunday evening
• Afterward - moving toward goals that reflect your principles!

Presented by: CPT Vicente Cepeda, Jr, Chaplain, Audrey Cepeda, Chaplain's wife, and Joan Boltz, State Youth Coordinator for the AK National Guard Child and Youth Program.

How to register: It's simple, click here.

Enter under correct category for you "TEEN" or "Family Member" create login and password then:

Click on "EVENTS"
Click on "Greely 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens"
Click on "Register" at bottom of page
Click on "Submit" when finished

Print out ALL OTHER attached forms (near bottom of event summary), sign and bring along to the event.

You will receive an email confirmation that you've registered, then a confirmation phone call in a few days.

Problems or questions? Call Joan Boltz at 907.428.6670 or Email: joan.boltz@us.army.mil

Roe vs. Wade - Opinion Editorial by Debbie Joslin

Two days after the inauguration of Barack Obama we remember the thirty-sixth anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade. On January 22, 1973 the court declared abortion to be a constitutional right that trumped the right to life.

A lot has happened in thirty-six years. America, beacon of hope and liberty to the rest of the world, has legally killed over 50 million unborn babies. We’ve wounded tens of millions of women by helping them to snuff out their own children, devaluing life for us all. Our willingness to dispose of the unborn has desensitized our society. Now we throw infants in dumpsters and sexually and physically abuse small children in ways and numbers too horrid to repeat. We encourage our young people to be sexually active and we sneer at those who would espouse abstinence. We wonder why there are so many “unintended” pregnancies and we perpetuate the problem by glorifying sex outside of marriage. Almost half the babies born in America are born to single parents and we act as though making condoms and abortions more available will fix what is wrong. We seem intent on protecting reproductive freedom more than women and babies.

Something else has happened in the last 36 years. Knowledge about the beginnings of life has grown immensely. In 1973 the highest court in the land couldn’t be sure of when life began. Today anyone who has taken a high school biology course knows life begins at conception. Ultrasound machines abound and readily prove the tiniest human beings are alive. In response to our expanded knowledge, every state in the nation has passed laws in one form or another that reflect to some degree a culture with a growing respect for those waiting to be born. Very slowly, our laws have begun to put some parameters on the “right” to abortion. Informed consent, partial-birth abortion bans, parental consent laws, unborn victims of violence laws; all these are moving us incrementally toward protection of the most vulnerable.

The last eight years have given some cause for hope as our president issued executive orders that limited embryonic stem cell research, protecting the very smallest human beings. Our courts finally ended the barbaric practice of partial birth abortion, whereby full term, healthy infants in the birthing process were stabbed in the skull and had their “cranial contents” sucked out. President Bush deserves no small amount of credit for promoting a “culture of life” during his administration. There have been solid pro-life gains in the last eight years. While in Minneapolis last fall, a young man handed me a button. It pictured two men: Samuel Alito and John Roberts. It said simply, “Thanks, W!” Ditto for me.

But all that may be changing. Mr. Obama has promised change and where life is concerned, he may deliver. His appointments so far have shown a distinct anti-life bent: Tom Daschle (former Senate Majority leader with consistent pro-abortion voting record), Secretary of Health and Human Services; Thomas Perrilli (attorney who worked pro bono to successfully kill Terri Schiavo), Assistant Attorney General; Ellen Moran (executive director, Emily’s List), Communications Director; Melody Barnes (formerly of Emily’s List and Planned Parenthood), Domestic Policy Council Director; Sanjay Gupta (neurosurgeon and pro-abortion CNN medical reporter), Surgeon General; Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State. The list could go on and I expect it will.

Mr. Obama promised the first thing he will do as President is to get the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) passed. FOCA would negate every pro-life law that has been passed since 1973 and would be a dream come true for pro-abortion activists. FOCA would remove all parameters placed on abortion in the last 36 years. FOCA would turn the clock back on the right to life and essentially put us back at square one. Congress and Mr. Obama seem poised to carry through.

What is the pro-life community to do? Throw up our hands? Throw in the towel? Not on your life! We must continue to fight the good fight in the courts and in our state legislatures and Congress. Our cause is just and worth fighting for; whether it takes thirty-six years or one hundred thirty-six years. We must change not only laws but people’s hearts. We must pray, we must educate, and we must be ready to help women in crisis. We must continue until everyone in the human race is afforded their God-given right to life. No matter what happens during the Obama presidency, we must be resolute in our in our goal to make America a place where the unborn, the elderly and infirm are protected by law.

Debbie Joslin
National Committeewoman for Alaska
Republican National Committee and
President, Eagle Forum Alaska

Photo of the day - January 21

This a familiar site for anyone who has trekked into Donna Lake. This picture was taken January 17th when the temperature was 35 degrees F. Notice how someone carefully pulled the old boat from the water and placed it on spruce poles. Photo Courtesy Gar Blackledge

Delta Eyes New Loop Trail for Bicyclists

DELTA JUNCTION — They’re thinking bike paths in Delta Junction.

The reality: Cyclists need to stick to the often-fast streets — including busy Jack Warren Road, which connects Clearwater Lodge to the Richardson Highway — when heading out for a ride.
The prospect: A 16-mile-long, 8-foot-wide, multimillion-dollar bike path, separate from the roadway, leading east from and returning west to the highway.

The prospect: A 16-mile-long, 8-foot-wide, multimillion-dollar bike path, separate from the roadway, leading east from and returning west to the highway.

Mike Tvenge, the city’s administrator, said the nonprofit Deltana Community Corp. promoted the idea of a bike path through town and, in the process, caught support from city officials.

Delta Junction Mayor Mary Leith-Dowling said the proposed project could serve tourists and residents, and would create a number of jobs in a community that has grown significantly with the relatively-recent addition of a nearby gold mine and expansion at the Army’s Fort Greely.

“You could view the area a whole different way,” she said of the proposed bike path.

The city of Delta Junction recently pitched the project as worthy of a possible federal grant. It submitted the project in advance of an expected economic stimulus plan being discussed in Washington D.C., a plan that could pay for hundreds of billions in public works projects across the country.

Tvenge said the project could take more than one summer to build. He said the city has already started to study the project and estimates it would need $9.5 million from Congress to complete.

Tvenge said the city needs to put engineers to work on formal plans and figure out how a standalone bike path project — as opposed to one incorporated into related road work — would cross numerous culverts and lowland points along the proposed route.

Such an ambitious project, Tvenge said, would certainly provide a boost to the local economy. Leith-Dowling agreed.

“It’s one of those things that came right to the surface” when talk of stimulating the local economy arose last month, she said.

The proposed route would run alongside residential neighborhoods on the north side of Jack Warren, offering them a connection by bike to schools and downtown. Tvenge said it could include rest stops for cyclists.

Contact staff writer Christopher Eshleman at 459-7582
Copyright Article printed from Fairbanks Daily News Miner.

Firing at Donnelly Training Area ~ Jan 24 - Feb 20

Public urged to remain safe during missile firings

The U.S. Army Cold Regions Test Center (CRTC) will test fire a small number of small guided missiles on the western Donnelly Training Area from January 24 through February 20, 2009. The exact time of firing will be dependent on specific weather conditions.

Two firings will test missile launch and guidance systems – these missiles will NOT contain warheads. One of these inert missiles has an extremely slight chance (less than or equal to seven in a million) of landing outside the Donnelly Training Area boundary in the vicinity of the Little Delta River (see map). The public is urged to avoid this area while these tests occur.

Despite the statistical improbability of the inert missile straying from the range, CRTC officials will take precautions to ensure the complete safety of the general public. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and public radio announcements will be made 24 hours in advance of each test firing. A helicopter overflight of all potential impact areas will be conducted just prior to launch to ensure that the area is clear. Radar monitoring of the vicinity will be in continuous use, and observers will call a cease fire in the event anyone moves into a potential impact area at any time prior to the test. The missiles are approximately six feet long and six inches in diameter.

The personnel of the Army’s Cold Regions Test Center thank the community for their continued cooperation and support.

Photo of the day - January 20

A common sight for fishermen heading to Valdez is the Worthington Glacier. The state has upgraded the parks/recreation spot with good parking and trails to view the glacier. It is always worth the stop in good weather. Photo Courtesy Joe Crandall

Where Will you be Standing on Inauguration Day?

Lael Echo-Hawk, a DHS graduate, will be standing with dignitaries behind the seated dignitaries at the Inauguration. She should have a visual, historic vantage point of the proceedings.

She is planning on going to an Indian Inaugural ball and will join the National Prayer Breakfast.

Lael is a University of Washington BA & Doctor of Law graduate. She is serving as a tribal attorney with the Tulalip Tribe in Everett, Washington.

She is a daughter of Howard and Yvonne Echo-Hawk and Sam and Chaddie Kelly's granddaughter.

Photo of the day - January 19

This floating iceberg is one of many flowing into Prince William Sound from Worthington Glacier. Look hard at this image and see if you can find the duck sitting amongst the many gulls in this image. Image by Dwight Phillips

Eskimo Weather - By Dewey Williams

Web Editor, Delta News Web. Many thanks for your excellent online newspaper. I check it daily for news of my favorite city; and I thought you would get a chuckle from a recent email to my nephew, Steve Dubois, a Delta Junction Proud Citizen. Best wishes, A. Dewey Williams, Rock Hill, SC.

Dear Steve, Recently when you tem was +28, ours (7,000+ miles, SE) was officially +7; but out here on the outskirts our highly expensive, Coca-Cola thermometer read +3. When your temp reached +52 that day, ours had climbed to only +28.

I fully expected to open the draperies and find that triple-peaked beauty of yours, Mt. Hayes, just beyond the river! It is difficult to believe your Alaskan sun is the same one which couldn't even remove frost from our lawn!

Perhaps we should be discussing global freezing, then Kenna would have time to finish that jig saw puzzle before hanging her baskets of special moose food, Lavender Petunias!

Much love to all,
Uncle Dewey

Photo of the day - January 17

The northern flicker seen here in flight is part of the woodpecker family common in Alaska. They are easy to identify in flight by the white patch on their rump. The underneath sides of their wings are a bright yellow in color, which makes them a beautiful bird in flight.
Photo by Steve Thomas

3rd Annual Dean Cummings, Sr. Basketball Tournament

3RD ANNUAL DEAN CUMMINGS, SR. BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT in partnership with the Delta Junction Chamber of Commerce Festival of Lights will be held February 12 - 14, 2009.

The tournament will include 8 boys & girls teams from around the state and also teams from Whitehorse and North Dakota. DHS students are currently raffling a snow machine donated by Morley Electric and Alaska Railroad round-trip tickets for two passengers from Fairbanks to Anchorage & Fairbanks to Denali.

Purchase your tickets from any basketball player or contact Rod Schug.

If you are interested in sponsoring this outstanding community event or donating your time to help out, please contact Rod Schug at rschug@dgsd.k12.ak.us or Bruce Reiter at 895-4460.

Tournament brackets can be picked up at Delta High School. Thank you to our current sponsors: Morley Electric, Fairbanks Youth Sports, ATS Alaska, Norcon, Kaya, ConocoPhillips, NANA Pacific, LLC, Western Mechanical, Teck Pogo, Alyeska Pipeline & Alaska Railroad.

Photo of the day - January 16

While working in Kodiak I took this photo a few days before the MDA Target Launch from Kodiak Launch Complex. Photo Courtesy Diane Vose

Photo of the day - January 15

On a return trip from Chitna I noticed a black bear walk across the road and into the woods. I figured he would most likely come out after I drove by. After waiting a few moments he did indeed come back out and walked to the center of the road. A couple of young girls were hanging out together and began to yell at the bear scaring it away. Image by Dwight Phillips

Photo of the day - January 14

This belted kingfisher is taking a dive into the water hoping to get itself a fish. Kingfishers hover like a helicopter, spots a fish, tucks its wings, dives straight down into the water, and with a little luck will catch a fish with its powerful beak . Photo By Steve Thomas

Photo of the day - January 13

A man works with his son teaching him fly-fishing skills before setting off to float the Gulkana River in their cataraft.T his image was taken at the outlet of Paxson Lake which is the beginning of the Gulkana River. Photo Courtesy Dwight Phillips

Delta Chamber of Commerce Annual Festival of Lights

Plans are well underway for the 2009 Annual Festival of Lights, a well-known and well-attended community tradition here in Delta Junction. The majority of festivities will take place on Saturday, February 14th at Delta High School although it is likely that as the date draws closer, accompanying events will be added on both the Friday prior and Sunday following.

The Galleria Arts, Crafts & Trade Show is a wonderful opportunity for you to display your products and/or promote your business or organization and will be held in the Delta High School small gym on February 14th from 10 am - 5 pm. Spaces are $20 each and will be given out on a first come, first serve basis. Please reserve your booth space ASAP as spaces are likely to fill up fast. Forms are available at the Chamber office.

Click on the image for a photo enlargement. Click here to print out your Vendor Space Reservation Form.

Three locals with the most votes will take the Polar Bear Plunge into a pool of frigid water on February 14th at 4 pm in the Delta High School parking lot. Voting cans will soon be available at local businesses around town. Five bucks will nominate an individual and one dollar will buy a vote. Nominate and vote as many times as you wish.

The traditional Fireworks display will be on Saturday night at the City Park after the Polar Bear Plunge. Exact time will be determined later.

Lots more activities are in the works and we will keep you updated in the Delta Wind and on the Delta News Web. Contact the chamber office at 895-5068 or email deltacc@alaska.net to reserve your booth space or for more information

Photo of the day - January 12

This trumpeter swan's reflection gives it a kind of surreal look. This is one of the many swans that make their home in the lakes and ponds along the Denali Hwy. in the summer time to raise their young. Photo by Steve Thomas

Photo of the day - January 10

This goshawk is resting in some willows as he contemplates where his next meal is coming from. This is a juvenile bird, as the mature birds feathers turn a silver grey with white streaks.
Image by Dwight Phillips.

Subcontractor Fair coming to Delta

North Haven Communities and Actus Lend Lease are holding a Subcontractor Fair at the Delta Community Center on January 13 from 4 – 6 p.m.

Who is North Haven Communities and Actus Lend Lease?North Haven Communities is a fifty-year partnership between the US Army and Actus Lend Lease through the Military Housing Privatization Initiative. North Haven Communities will develop, build, renovate, finance, and manage more than 1,800 homes for Fort Wainwright and Fort Greely. Actus is the design build contractor and managing member of the LLC.

At North Haven Communities on Fort Wainwright and Fort Greely, Actus Lend Lease subcontractors will be demolishing, building, and renovating a significant number of homes in both locations. There is an expansive range of both subcontractor and vendor opportunities if your company believes in a high level of service.

Why work with us?

We believe in giving back to the community by hiring local businesses who share our passion for delivering superior service to military families. North Haven Communities and Actus Lend Lease are vested in your local community for the next 50 years.

Construction opportunities with Actus include: brick and stone veneer, building trusses, concrete, door and trim supply, electrical, finish carpentry, finish hardware, floor covering furnishings, gas distribution, gutters and downspouts, landscaping, kitchen and bath cabinets, laminated countertops, painting, plumbing, retaining walls, roofing supply and install, rough carpentry material, rough carpentry labor, signs, termite protection, tub surrounds, tub surrounds, vents and shutters, vinyl soffit and siding, window treatments.

Maintenance opportunities with North Haven Communities include: appliance and parts, blinds, cabinets and countertops, cabinet and vanities chimney, carpet cleaning, carpet/vinyl floor install, cleaning, Corian countertop repair and refinishing, electrical services, electrical supplies, grading and paving services, gutter cleaning, hardware, hardware floor refinishing, hardware floor install, HVAC air to air, HVAC geothermal, HVAC supplies and parts, janitorial services, landscaping, lead paint testing, lock services, lumber, mold remediation, office supplies, paint and wall covering supplies, painting services, plumbing services, plumbing supplies, pressure washing, residential maintenance, repairs, road sweeping, storm drain inlet cleaning, tree svcs/stump removal, tub and sink re-glazing, nursery.

If you are interested in any of these opportunities please stop by the Delta Community Center on January 13, from 4 – 6 p.m. For additional information please call 907-356-3414.

Photo of the day - January 9

This young bull's impressive stance makes for a nice silhouette. This image was taken in Jimmy Cummings front yard. Photo Courtesy Dwight Phillips

$1,000 Scholarship Available Only to Alaska Students

BBB Students of Integrity Scholarship
Deadline is Jan. 15, 2009

There is a $1,000 scholarship available only to Alaska high school students. This is the first year this scholarship is offered in Alaska, so chances are higher for winning.

The Students of Integrity Scholarship is offered by your Better Business Bureau foundation, in conjunction with the Business of the Year Torch Awards. It’s designed to support students who recognize the importance of ethical and responsible marketplace practices.

Deadline:
E-mail: Must be received by Jan. 15, 2009 at 4 p.m. Send to pr@thebbb.org. Mail: Must be post marked by Jan. 15, 2009. Send to BBB Public Relations, P.O. Box 1000, DuPont, WA 98327.

Eligibility:
Students who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:
- A student of the 2009 or 2010 graduating class who will be attending college after graduation.
- Attends an accredited high school in Alaska, Oregon, or Western Washington.
- Resides in Alaska, Oregon or Western Washington.
- Has a good academic standing and a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Essay Theme: The importance of ethics and integrity in the marketplace.

Click here for rules and details.
Or visit www.bbb.org, enter zip code, search for “scholarship” and click on the first link.

Questions: Contact Niki Horace, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations, pr@thebbb.org

Learn to Square Dance

It’s FRIENDSHIP and FUN set to music, Low Impact EXERCISE, and INEXPENSIVE

Modern Square Dancing has New Music, New Dance Steps, Exciting Patterns and Unique Calls

Square Dancers Dance All Over the World

No Special Clothing Needed
Age Limit 10 years and up– If you can Listen you Can Dance

Square Dancing is 8 people Dancing as a Team
Teams can consist of Men and Women or All Men or All Women

COME AND DANCE WITH US

Buffalo Square and Round Dance Club
(Delta High School, Small Gym)

First Lesson Free, 11 January 2009

Sundays from 2:00- 4:00 PM (18 January – 5 April)
(School Students Free / All Others $20.00 per semester)

For More Information Call: David or Sheila Smith @ 895-4260

Photo of the day - January 8

Surprisingly, the red fox pictured here was up in sheep country, in Denali National Park when it was 80+ degrees . It was more concerned finding some shade than it was having a human with a camera just a few feet away. Photo by Steve Thomas

LIO Office Can Help You File Your PFD Filing On Line

The Delta Junction Legislative Information office will help you file for you PFD on-line.

Come by during regular business hours 8 AM - 12 and 1 PM - 4:30 PM.

Located in the Jarvis Office Center, Suite 218 & 221. Call 895-4236 if you have questions.

Photo of the day - January 7

A group of dall sheep ewes and lambs line up for a family image. Image by Dwight Phillips

Birthday for Relay for Life Kick-Off ~ Postponed

Happy Birthday Relay for Life Kick-Off Party scheduled for Saturday, January 10th, is postponed, due to extreme cold temperatures, until a later date.

Photo of the day - January 6

Even with the temperatures being so cold, Dan Clark was havin' fun Alaskan Style Sunday afternoon near his house on Triple H. Photo Courtesy Hope Clark

Delta Junction City Council Meeting Postponed

Delta Junction City Council Meeting that was taking place at 5pm tonight, January 6, has been postponed due to cold weather.

The meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, January 13. 5:00pm

Looking for Anna Katherine Behrens

Geri Behrens, lived in Delta Jct for several years, attended Delta Greeley, and graduated from the Alternative school program. Does anybody know the whereabouts of Anna Katherine Behrens, she goes by Katie? If so, please email Geri so she contact her relative.

cherryfarrel@yahoo.com, or gerinovelle@yahoo.com

Photo of the day - January 5

This photo was taken on a recent drive to Fairbanks, when the temperature was
around -30 degrees. The sun is reflected in the ice fog over the Tanana River.
Photo Courtesy Cathy Good Mahnke

Live ~ Third Day Concert

Third Day will appear in concert this coming Friday night, January 9, 2009 at 8 p.m. at the Carlson Center.

Tickets may be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, Charged by phone at 456-4800, obtained in person at Fred Meyer Ticketmaster outlets and at the Carlson Center Box Office.

25th Birthday Party Kick-Off

10:00am – 2:00pm, Saturday, January 10, 2009, at the Delta Junction Community Center.

Please join us at the Relay for Life of Delta Junction Kick-Off 25th Birthday Party as we join together to raise money for the fight against cancer.

Enjoy fun, music, and guest speakers! EVERYONE WELCOME! Bring your friends, family and neighbors for this Relay for Life Kick-off Party.

Relay for Life is a community event that represents the HOPE that those lost to cancer will not be forgotten, those fighting the disease will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated! It’s about being a community that takes up the fight!

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO VOLUNTEER: CALL JOYCE AT 803-3994

Photo of the day - January 3

This Tennessee Walker probably wishes he was in Tennessee during a bitterly cold week like this. At least he has a good pair of long johns. Photo Courtesy Garyln Blackledge

Cold Weather DGSD School Information

PARENTS: It is very important that your child wear the appropriate winter gear for riding the school bus to school. They will not be allowed on the bus by the driver if they are not wearing the appropriate winter gear.

Your child MUST be wearing: hat, coat, gloves, boots. The school district wants your child to be protected during times of severe cold weather.

NOTE: Tune into KDHS 95.5 radio to check on school closure information in the morning.

2009 Permanent Fund Dividend Filing Period Online

Happy Holidays from the Permanent Fund Dividend Division! The 2009 PFD Application Period opens January 1, 2009 and closes March 31, 2009. Apply for your PFD online at .

* A successfully submitted PFD application assigns a unique confirmation number to each application. The confirmation number is your proof of filing. If you do not get a confirmation number, PFD has not received your application!

* If you have already applied for your 2009 PFD, you can check the status of your application online.

* If you did not electronically sign (eSign) your application last year, sign up for a myAlaska account at online and you can eSign your application. Setting up a myAlaska account is easy. You choose your username and password. For the majority of applicants who eSign, additional paper documentation is not required.

* Applicants who qualify for direct deposit will receive their dividend on October 9, 2009. Checks will be mailed beginning November 5, 2009.

If you have comments about the PFD online application or the electronic signature process, email dor.pfd.info@alaska.gov. We will try to respond to your email within 7-10 business days.

The PFD Division

Deltana Community Human Services Coalition Documents

Deltana Community Human Services Coalition members:

Please see the attached documents for our January 5, 2009, (5:00 pm Delta Junction City Council conference room) Deltana Community Human Services Partnership Meeting. We will have copies of these documents at the meeting for those of you who are unable to print these prior.

The documents include a summary of data and analysis, documents for forming a non-profit and the agenda.

This is a very important meeting that is open to the community. We will be voting on temporary officers and continuing our discussion on forming a non-profit corporation.

If you are unable to attend in person, please attend telephonically (toll free) dial 1 866-348-8715 then enter the code 3721355#.

You may either vote in person at the meeting, or vote by e-mail.

The documents will open in Adobe Acrobat:

Articles of Incorporation
Plan Analysis
Bylaws
Mission and Strategic Intent

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Happy New Year to all of you!

Deborah A. Hayes, M.Ed., Director
Alaska Center for Resource Families
815 Second Avenue, Suite 101
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701

Phone: 907 479-7307
FAX: 907 479-9666
Cell 907 590-2549
Web Page: http://www.acrf.org/
A project of Northwest Resource Associates

Delta Junction Community Coalition Meeting

January 5, 2009 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall
Facilitated by Ted Sponsel, Project Consultant (tsponsel@nwresource.org or 457-8343)

Mission: To develop and implement a 10-year plan that will address a broad scope of behavioral health needs in order to insure individual, family and community health for all ages in the Deltana region.

AGENDA

1. Introductions
2. Review of the last meeting
3. Report from the Nomination Committee and Election of Pro Tem Officers – expectations of temporary officers and voting. – Deborah Hayes-Brokus.
4. Energy Response Program – David Flynn
5. Incorporation Progress and consider pressing issues (e.g. the name of the organization, official contact person, etc.) – Ted Sponsel and Deborah Hayes-Brokus
6. Review Plan Analysis document and discuss next steps for executing the plan (e.g. priorities, schedule of events, formation of workgroups) – Ted Sponsel
7. Schedule and plan next meeting: What do we need to accomplish at the next meeting?
8. Adjournment at 6:30 or before.

Help Needed - Looking for a Photo

I am looking for an old picture of the original White Alice Station at Delta Junction, Alaska, to put in out Yahoo Group.

So far we have pictures of over 30 of the old sites as they were when operational, but have nothing at all on (DEJ) the Delta Junction site.

Do you have anything you would be willing to share?

Also, we would welcome any old White Alice Veterans to come join us, if you happen to know any.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WAorderwire/

Many Thanks,
Chuck Roberts
croberts@tampabay.rr.com

Photo of the day - Jan 2

I took this picture of the Buffalo Diner in the snow on Christmas Eve. The light from the post office is reflecting off the snow flakes to give them an orange tint and also to cause a column of reflected light behind the diner. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

Click on the image for a photo enlargement.

P.A.C.E. TREK 2009 - A Solo Run Across Alaska Ending In Delta Junction

THIS TREK ENDS IN DELTA JUNCTION ON MAY 12, 2009!

Kids And Adults Worldwide To Virtually Run And Walk With Man Through Alaska

A 44-year-old husband, father of four and ultra-endurance athlete pushing a jogging stroller of gear will virtually trek with thousands of children and adults worldwide over a 500-mile course through the rugged terrain of Alaska between April 20 and May 12, 2009. Paul Staso accomplished a 3,260-mile solo run across the United States in 2006 and a 620-mile solo run across Montana in 2008, virtually trekking with teams of children using his unique approach to promoting youth health and fitness. Now he's heading as far north as the Arctic Circle and for the first time will virtually bring adults along on his journey.

"The Alaska journey, called P.A.C.E. Trek 2009, is my way of trying to make an impact in the childhood obesity issue and the continuing decline of youth health and fitness," Staso says. "The journey through Alaska will require me to average 30 miles per day as I encounter some rugged and breathtaking terrain. I'll be virtually traveling with teams of children and adults from around the world as they access my web sites, www.pacetrek.com and www.stepthere.com, and learn about the locations we're trekking through via my writings, pictures and media files.

"In May 2008 Staso accomplished the inaugural P.A.C.E. Trek by virtually bringing children with him across the state of Montana. Through rain, wind, heat and snow Staso persevered across Montana, averaging 31 miles per day for 20 days during the east-to-west run. There were 108 teams of children (8,000+ runners and walkers) globally following along with him and cumulatively those teams logged over 42,000 miles during the trek. P.A.C.E. is an acronym for Promoting Active Children Everywhere and that is what Staso aims to achieve through his endeavors.

"Since I completed my 108 days of running coast-to-coast across America, I've had opportunities to speak to many audiences about the purpose of P.A.C.E. and what I believe needs to be done to turn the tide on the growing epidemic of childhood obesity," Staso says. "Kids need to see that if you take care of your body it can take you on some wonderful adventures far more satisfying than staring at a television or computer for hours on end. By the reactions I receive from children, I know that my message and endurance journeys intrigue many."

Staso, a former 5th grade teacher, has developed an extensive web site at www.pacetrek.com so teachers and students from kindergarten through 12th grade can be involved in the trek. There is no cost to register a P.A.C.E. Trek team and teachers can sign up a team at pacetrek.com. For the 2009 endeavor Staso decided that it was time for adults to get involved in the virtual journeys. Therefore, adults can register teams for free via stepthere.com.

The entire press release can be read at www.pacetrek.com/pressrelease.htm

Submitted by Paul Staso

Beware of Phony Interest Rate Reduction Offers

BBB receives surplus of calls concerning lowering credit card interest rates.

Anchorage, Alaska – Dec. 31, 2008 – Your Better Business Bureau has recently received a surplus of phone calls concerning businesses offering to lower credit card interest rates.

In some cases, debt consolidation or counseling services offer bogus fixes. They often appear to be legitimate and promise substantially lower interest rates on credit card debt.

Scam interest reduction offers ask for a substantial fee to help consumers reduce debt. In exchange, they promise to contact the consumer’s credit card companies to lower interest rates. In reality, the company sends the consumer information on how to lower interest rates by contacting their credit card companies directly and negotiating. In some situations, the consumer is not even eligible.

Your BBB advises the following when wanting to reduce credit card interest:

• Contact your credit card company. In some cases, credit card companies are willing to negotiate lower interest rates or a new payment schedule with consumers. It doesn’t hurt to ask. Third parties are not required. Be honest about challenges you are facing while trying to reduce your debts and assure that you’d like to remain a loyal customer.
• Using debt counseling services. Consumers can often find legitimate debt counseling and other related services locally. If considering using these services, understand what services the debt consolidation company is providing and get these terms and conditions in writing. Ensure that the business is properly licensed, especially if they will be collecting funds from you and making payments on your behalf.
• Check out businesses. Get a BBB Reliability Report on credit card companies and debt counseling services, before you purchase services or sign agreements, by visiting www.bbb.org. Consumers can also contact the Attorney General’s office.
• Don’t overspend. The best fix is to not have to pay interest at all. Never spend more money than you have and make your payments on time.

Photo of the day - January 1

This must be where the expression bear hug came from. This pair of 2 year old adolescent grizzly bears were having a good old time. They wrestled around for a good 15 minutes before they went on their way. Photo by Steve Thomas