Photo of the day - March 31

Here's some photos I took a few days ago at our game ranch of our bison. These are "head shots" mainly and the bulls were very wary even though they got close. The bison cows and calves were not as spooked but they were still cautious. Looking into their eyes is incredible. Photo Courtesy Ruby Hollembaek. Click on the photo for an enlargement.

Photo of the day - March 30

This cache (pronounced cash), built by Larry Dorshorst is typical of structures built above the ground by early trappers to keep their provisions away from critters.
Photo Courtesy Marlin Dunklebarger

Shaolin Kempo Karate Classes - Updated

Hi ,To all and thank you very much for your interest, I appreciate it. I would also appreciate as many comments as possible.

I would like to put on classes twice a week for the community. I am checking on possible space availability. As soon as I get an idea of interest then will base my times and fees to benefit all.


I have over 12 years of study and training in the Shaolin Kempo style karate. I attained a 2nd degree black belt. I had a martial arts studio, taught 2 school programs, women self defense and assisted, developed a program for the handicap all in New Hampshire.

Participants will be able to obtain belt ranks, receive rewards for below rules and much more.

My program incorporates:

Etiquette- good manners, honor thy parents, respect all including themselves, and treat others as you would want to be treated.

Effort- Always try hard, do your best, and never give up. Einstein once said “I am no smarter than any other; I just stuck with a problem longer.”I teach quitters never win and winners never quit.

Character- total sum of qualities making up an individual, moral excellence.Train up a child in the way he should go and even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Sincerity- honesty of mind or intention. Truthfulness.

Self control- control over ones impulses, emotions or acts. Keep positive attitude and let your reach exceed your grasp.

Physical fitness- I will teach exercises that will improve balance, coordination, stamina, strength, timing and speed.

If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me at 907-590-7011 after 3:30 pm.

Weight Restriction Information Bulletin

The City of Delta Junction may impose restrictions on any aspect of vehicle operation on any city street, whenever, in the judgment of the city, damage may occur to the street.

DUAL TIRED MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE AXLE OR AXLE GROUP WEIGHT IN POUNDS

Axle Weight 1 Axle 2 Axles 3 Axles 4 Axles 5 Axles 6 Axles
Restriction%

50% 10,000 19,000 21,000 25,000 29,000 33,000

WEIGHT RESTRICTION EXCEPTIONS

The following vehicles are allowed 100% of legal axle loading or bridge weight during more restrictive percentages, no overweight loading will be allowed:

a. Bulk Milk Tankers
b. Sewage Pump Trucks
c. Local Water Delivery Trucks
d. Local Home Heating Oil/Propane Trucks
e. Garbage and/or Dumpster Trucks
f. School and Municipal Buses

Official Notice date t.b.a.

Photo of the Day - March 28

This moose made me think twice about getting my morning paper. Photo courtesy Sebastian Saarloos

Do you think this moose is waiting for the Daily News Miner to arrive to see if maybe they have started publishing Rocky and Bullwinkle in their comic strip?

Earth Hour - Saturday 8:30pm

This Saturday, March 28 at 8:30pm you can vote earth by switching off your lights for one hour. - Earth Hour.

To see how to make your vote count click here

LIO Newsletter and Conference - March 27

Friday, March 27 Legislative Information Office Newsletters and Teleconference Schedule

Photo of the day - March 27

Paco sure loves the snow...I think he might actually be a little bit sad when it's all gone!
Photo Courtesy Heather Misquez

Shaolin Kempo Karate Classes

How would you like to see the students grades improve as well as their mental focus and self discipline increased, along with honor, integrity and respect brought out, get into better physical shape and learn self defense awareness?

It is a known fact that children that participate in martial arts program are more confident, take pride in what they do, have self control and concentrate better.

This style is a kung fu, ju jitsu. It has many combinations of techniques which you will learn take downs, sweeps and throws, as well as strikes, blocks and kicks.

I am interested in bringing this program to the Delta community for youth, teens, adults and handicapped. I am taking a survey of all that is interested in the martial arts classes.

For more information please use the comment feature at the bottom of this news item and I will be happy to reply. Please use your first name, so the webeditor has your email address, and I will contact you directly. Your email address will not be shown online, only the webeditor will have that information. If you sign in anonymously, there is no record of your email address, and I won’t be able to get in touch with you. All comments will be for public viewing and I can get a good idea of interest for this program.

BBB Yellow Pages Help Consumers Find Reliable Businesses

Distributed March 29 in the Anchorage Daily News and Fairbanks Daily News Miner

Anchorage, Alaska – March 26, 2009 – Consumers are constantly searching for ways to find reliable businesses. Your Better Business Bureau is making it easier.

On Sunday, March 29, BBB Yellow Pages will be distributed in the Anchorage Daily News and Fairbanks Daily News Miner. These directories feature Alaska’s BBB Accredited Businesses.

BBB Accredited Businesses are:

• Licensed and bonded. They must fulfill all licensing and bonding requirements by applicable city, county, state, and federal agencies and authorities.
• Honest and ethical. They must adhere to established BBB standards of advertising and selling practices, and cooperate with BBB’s activities and efforts to promote voluntary self-regulation within their industry.
• Dedicated to customers. They have agreed to promptly respond to any disputes presented by BBB and make a good faith effort to resolve all such complaints in accordance with generally accepted good business practices.
• Secure. An escrow account, or security account, is available to consumers who do business with BBB accredited businesses. The BBB Escrow Account is an FDIC-insured bank account where money is placed for the duration of a project or pending the outcome of arbitration.

Consumers can also visit BBB at the Anchorage AHBA Home and Remodeling Show, March 27-29, or The Great Alaska Sportsman Show, April 2-5, to receive a free BBB Yellow Pages.

Your BBB encourages consumers to visit bbb.org or call 907-562-0704 to get the most up to date information and full BBB Reliability Reports before conducting business with any company.

FUNDING for Youth-led Summer Service Projects

The Association of Alaska School Boards, Initiative for Community Engagement (Alaska ICE) is providing $500 awards for YOUTH-LED, summer projects, designed to help others or make a positive difference in the community.

Proposed projects need to involve the assistance of at least one adult who works at a faith-based or community-based organization.

To download a copy of the application click here . Funding is available on a first-come-first-serve basis, for qualified applicants. Applications will be reviewed as they come in, but they are due no later than April 20th, 2009.

For additional information or questions contact: Bridget Smith bsmith@aasb.org or (907) 586-1083.

Photo of the day - March 26

It's always exciting pulling a salmon out of the Copper River, and when you get one this size in your net, it can get really interesting sometimes. This king salmon here weights close to 50 lbs. and will make many very tasty salmon dinners. Photo Courtesy Steve Thomas

Memorial Service for Al Lucero

A memorial service for Al Lucero will be held on Sunday, March 29th at 5pm at the Ft. Greely Chapel.

Photo of the day - March 25

The Mites won the Bush League Tournament in a final game against Kenny Lake (score 6 - 3) in Glenallen, March 13 & 14. Photo Courtesy Nicole Quinn

Borealis Brass Concert - Postponed Until April 25

The Borealis Brass Concert was scheduled to perform this Saturday, March 28, but this performance has been postponed until April 25. Sorry for the inconvenience. Please mark your calendars for April 25.
America's Arctic Brass Ensemble

Performing on Saturday, April 25 at the Fort Greely Chapel Time: 7:00pm

Members of the general public are invited to attend. Check in will be at the main gate. Please bring a valid ID or Driver's License , Automobile Registration, and Proof of Insurance.

Homeowner's Shield from Faulty Gutters and Roofs

BBB’s Springtime Reminder on Choosing a Reliable Contractor

Anchorage, Alaska—March 24, 2009 — Is that roof missing shingles or are the gutters overflowing? As spring approaches, homeowners need home maintenance, and solicitations from prospective roofing and gutter contractors come pouring in.

Your Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington reminds consumers to be aware of the many misrepresentations associated with the untrustworthy companies in this industry:

• Deceptive companies rely on false self-promotion and lie about facts that reflect the company reputation. They overstate their number of years in business, embellish the number of consumers served, or exaggerate rates of customer satisfaction.
• Pricing scams are popular in this industry. Some companies identify a large range in pricing for a gutter maintenance service—between $50 and $150—consumers are lured in at the low price, but are charged for the highest rate within the price range. Dishonest companies also use ‘Bait and Switch’ tactics by advertising a service at a low price; but once they attract a consumer, they raise the price or change the service offering.
• Scam companies may appear legitimate, but they produce a poor quality of work. They can be inexperienced and unqualified. Be cautious of any company you hire, no matter how professional they appear.

Don’t get lured in by quick pitches or fancy advertisements. Do research first. Your BBB offers advice about how to select a fair and honest gutter installation contractor:

Get to know the company. Find out if they are a member of local trade associations: Home Builders Association, Associated Builders & Contractors, etc. Membership in a trade association, Chamber of Commerce, or BBB Accreditation usually means a business is maintaining a positive reputation in the community. Ask if the company provides ongoing training or apprenticeships to its crew.

Request work samples and check references. Talk to former clients about their experience with the company or contractor. If possible, visit past job sites.

Find out if the company is bonded, licensed and insured. The Division of Occupational Licensing can help determine if a contractor's license is required. Use these resources to confirm a current license and bond. Due to the high danger of the roofing and gutter installation trade, it is important to request an insurance certificate before committing to a contractor. Verify that they have General Liability and Workman’s Compensation included in their insurance policy.

Check each contractor's BBB Reliability Report at www.bbb.org. Remember, BBB Accredited Businesses have been pre-screened. They are properly licensed, free from a pattern of complaints, and have agreed to address any customer concerns that may arise. Your BBB’s Homesource Program offers tips and information about gutters installation contractors, please visit: http://homesource.orwwabbb.org/homesource/tips.html/10073-000/Gutters%20&%20Downspouts

Get a set price in writing. Obtain written estimates from several contractors and don't always go for the lowest bid; you may get what you pay for. Insist that each estimate include the cost of materials and labor, and get a description of exactly what the contractor will do and how long the project will take.

Never pre-pay for the entire service. While it is reasonable to make a down payment in order to cover the cost of materials, beware of companies that ask for large payments or the full amount in advance.

Be sure to communicate all project expectations in advance. Fully review and understand all contract details before work is performed. Ask for the names of the crew members prior to the service date, and verify the names when they arrive to your property.

March 25 RAB Meeting Postponed

THE FORT GREELY, ALASKA INSTALLATION RESTORATION ADVISORY BOARD (RAB)
MEETING

Originally scheduled for 25 March 2009 At Delta Junction, AK

HAS BEEN POSTPONED

A new meeting date will be announced as soon as it has been determined

For more information, call Stephen Hammond at 907-895-5441, visit www.smdcen.us/rabfga, or call Wayne Tolliver at Fort Greely, telephone 907-873-4665.

Chinook by George Hosier II ~ Freestyle Sports

When I was a tween, I used to spend a lot of time fantasizing about how cool it would be to grow up in somebody else’s family. Why did other kids get to have a fireman or a NASCAR driver for a father? Why were some Moms detectives or supermodels? It was completely unfair! All my dad ever did with me was take me on weekend camping/fishing trips, tell me stories about his boyhood, whittle wooden whistles, throw Frisbees, wrestle on the living room floor, help me catch grasshoppers, make rude noises with his armpit, let me carry his knife and boring stuff like that. My mother was no better. She did humdrum activities with me like tucking me in bed, kissing me, playing Chinese checkers, reading me poetry, showing me how to find Orion and the Big Dipper, blowing my runny nose at 3 a.m. and making pancakes with funny faces and bunny ears on them.

To read the rest of the story click here.

Chinook by George Hosier II ~ Butchering the Tuther Mung

I once had a distant relative, whose exact relationship to me is unclear. His name was Nate Malaprop-Spooner. The best I can figure, Nate was the great uncle of my third-cousin-twice-removed’s brother-in-law’s stepmother’s half sister’s godmother’stunt double. Nate is remembered around the clan for his genius at butchering the English language in brilliantly creative ways. If there were a Guiness world record category for breaking the most rules of English grammer simultaneously, Nate would definitely be in unchallenged first place.

To read the rest of the story click here.

Phot of the day - March 24

Reuben Merrymon, age 7, making a snow cave. Photo Courtesy William Merrymon

Home Show - Carlson Center

The IABA Home Show has become a major community event for people interested in every aspect of northern living. It is the only home show in Fairbanks and has become the unofficial kick off to spring and the building season in our community. From financing to new construction to remodeling to refurnishing..it's all there in one location on one floor with lots of free parking.The shows continued success not only attracts statewide but nationwide businesses. Over 156 different vendors participated in the 2008 show and 7,156 people attended the three day event.

The Northern Living Home Show is an excellent chance for you, the vendor, to market your goods to a wide cross section of our community. Early registration indicates another sold out event. Don't miss this once-a-year opportunity to be part of the excitement, profit, and fun.

Show Dates & Hours
Friday, March 27 - 2 pm to 8 pm
Saturday, March 28 - 10 am to 7 pm
Sunday, March 29 - 11am to 5pm

Location: Carlson Center, Fairbanks

Photo of the Day - March 23

Our recent white-out snow storm...our front yard/driveway looking out onto Remington Road. Photo Courtesy Deborah Snyder

Document the Need for Speed

Alaska Internet Speed Test Week is March 30-April 5, 2009.

We are encouraging all Alaskans, especially those working in schools and libraries, to test their internet connection. You can run the test at different times during the week, no more than 3 tests. You are also encouraged to run a speed test from home during this week.

The idea is to create a better map of broadband connectivity within our state.

Be prepared to fill in connection type (DSL, cable, satellite, etc.), your provider, and your cost per month if known. But even if you don't know these things, please take the test anyway. This test can be accessed here. Type in either your city and state or zip code to get started.

Airlines cancel, reroute flights in wake of eruption

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Airline passengers experienced the first big troubles thanks to Mount Redoubt's eruption. And while northbound flights in and out of Anchorage were canceled, most southbound flights were still flying as scheduled.

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport remained open early Monday, but Alaska Airlines had to re-route five flights inbound for Anchorage -- two coming from Seattle, two from Hawaii and one from Nome.

Later Alaska canceled 19 flights "destined to Anchorage and flights out of Anchorage to Bethel, Deadhorse, Kodiak, Nome, Kotzebue, and Barrow."

Airport officials say U.S. Airways also had to reroute one plane coming into Anchorage back to Phoenix.

And a Continental fight scheduled to leave just after midnight Monday morning is delayed. Those travelers are still on the ground here in Anchorage after almost taking off.
Airline officials say they just aren't going to take any chances.

"We were actually on the plane and they made us get off," stranded traveler Jennifer Konicki said. "The pilot said, ‘I have to cancel this, I'm not comfortable flying.'"

Right now precaution is the name of the game.

"The last time Redoubt erupted we had a 747 come down through it here, and that was a near disaster," Alaska Airlines' Bill McKay said. "So we know that ash and jet engines just flat do not work together."

Airlines make individual decisions whether or not to cancel all flights.

The best bet is to check the status of the flight online before you go to the airport.

Contact Jason Lamb at jlamb@ktuu.com
Information reprinted from KTTU

Alaska Farm Bureau Offers Scholarships

The Alaska Farm Bureau offers scholarships to applicants currently enrolled in college or a high school senior pursuing an agricultural or natural resources field.

Scholarships are also available for training that improves skill levels to work in the agriculture industry.

College, trade schools, vocational training or agri-natural resources courses or classes such as A.I. or cheese making, etc. are all eligible educational endeavors.

The application form is on the Alaska Farm Bureau’s web page: http://akfb.fb.org/ or you may request on from the Alaska Farm Bureau’s Office at (907) 895-4752 or e-mail: janehamilton99737@yahoo.com

The deadline to apply is April 10th.

Farmer's Market Begins Season with Vendor Meeting for New and Returning Vendors

Delta’s Highway’s End Farmers’ Market will be holding a vendor meeting on Friday, April 3rd. The meeting will be held at the Jarvis Office Building at Mile 1420.5 Alaska Highway and will begin at 1:00 P.M. Refreshments will be served.

The meeting is for vendors who will be returning again this year as well as new vendors, or those considering becoming a vendor.

The meeting will informally review policies, distribute membership forms, and include a discussion about these special events that will be occurring at the market this season:

Second Saturday Arts & Crafts Festival will be held on the second Saturday of each month in addition to the Farmers’ Market. All crafters and artisans are invited to bring a table or tent to display and sell their wares. Table space is $10.00 for each day from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Workshop Wednesday will feature a free workshop every Wednesday. Instructions, demonstrations and information will be featured each day. The workshops will last approximately 1 hour. A schedule of workshops will be published monthly.

Children’s Day will be held on Wednesday, July 22nd. This day will feature children’s games, stories and balloons.

Senior Day will be held on Wednesday, August 5th. This day will honor our senior citizens, providing them with the opportunity to visit with each other and listen to live music.

All of the special events will be held in conjunction with the Farmers’ Market and on the market grounds.

If you have wondered what becoming a vendor entails, want to know how to become a vendor or are just interested in the Farmers’ Market and want to learn more, we encourage you to attend this meeting.

Phot of the day - March 21

This King Eider duck was seen on a recent trip to the Kenai Peninsula. The King Eider, or Qengallic in Yupik, winters along Alaska's marine coastline. Photo Courtesy Garyln Blackledge

Women's Symposium to be Held on Fort Wainright

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska – In observance of Women’s History Month, the Equal Employment Opportunity Office will sponsor a women’s symposium here March 30.

“Tomorrow’s Leaders Working Together as One – Embracing Cultural Change and Strengthening Our Environmental” is the theme of the 4-hour seminar, which features a slide show on prominent civilian women in addition to special speakers and presentations.

Doug Mills, chief of Diversity and Civil Rights for the Alaska Region of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service will discuss the dynamics of privilege.

Col. Maria Gervais, commander of the U.S. Army Environmental Command, is the keynote speaker.

The symposium will end with a panel of experts addressing various issues pertaining to leadership in the workplace. The panel includes Mills; Gervais; Seema Salter of the Installation Management Command Equal Employment Opportunity Office and Mae Marsh, Fort Wainwright Equal Employment Opportunity manager.

The symposium will be from 8 a.m. to noon at the Last Frontier Community Center. For more information, call 353-9156 or 6917.

The symposium is open to all – active duty military, civilians, women and men. Attendees who do not have a Department of Defense decal must stop at the visitors’ center at the main gate with driver’s license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration for a vehicle pass.

LIO Newsletter and Conference

Friday, March 20 Legislative Information Office Newsletter and Teleconference Schedule

Photo of the day - March 20

Ryan Dunham-Bender is one of our shooters who competed in the Rocky Mountain Championships at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. Held annually, this match is open to all men and women and separated according to whether the competitor is a Junior (21 and under) or an adult and is also separated by sex. This year the adult men's 3-Pos. match was won by Val Sauveplane from France, and the adult women's match was won by Jamie Beyerle from the US. Photo Courtesy Bill Dunham

Click on the image for a photo enlargement.Congratulations Ryan!

Made In Alaska Workshop Held In Delta Junction

Made In Alaska will be conducting two free workshops in Delta on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at the Jarvis West Building Conference Room.

The workshops will be on “Marketing to Alaska” from 1:00PM to 4:00PM and “How To: Digital Photography” from 5:00PM to 8:00PM.

“Marketing to Alaska,” will cover:

• Made In Alaska Program Highlights
• Marketing Basics
• Direct Mail
• Public Relations

“How To: Digital Photography,” will cover:

• Basics of Digital Photography
• Hands on Workshop Photographing Participants’ Products Whom Are Current Made In Alaska or Silver Hand Permit Holders
• Participants Will Gain a Photograph of a Product on CD and the Knowledge to Capture High Quality Photos. Note: Participants need to bring a product to be photographed.

The workshops are free and open to all who wish to attend, targeting the Made In Alaska and Silver Hand permit holders, retailers and other small Alaskan businesses that have a limited marketing budget.

Reservations are required and may be made by calling 907-272-5634 or emailing madeinalaska@anchoragemarkets.com.

For more information on the workshops or any aspect of the Made In Alaska Program, contact Made In Alaska, 741 East 13th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501. Phone: 272-5634 Fax: 272-5635
Email: madeinalaska@anchoragemarkets.com.

Photo of the day - March 19

The crew. The kids' duties included stick removal from mowed fields. There may have been some unauthorized berry picking taking place. Photo Courtesy Garlyn Blackledge

Bryan Bowers House Concert ~ March 21

NOW you see him; now you don’t!
and if you didn’t, you should have--

BRYAN BOWERS, impulsive and impetuous as ever, will favor Alaska with an unscheduled House Concert in Fairbanks on Saturday, March 21.

Bryan Bowers is a multi-instrument, folksinger/songwriter, story teller, and a rare treat to behold. He performs traditional and original material, and will enchant you.

“To call Bryan Bowers performance simply a concert would be inadequate if not inaccurate...(it) could better be described as an experience.” Deseret News

For information about time and venue, call 895 4104

Photo of the day - March 18

This image shows a beautiful field of lupine and dandelion taken near Fielding Lake.
Photo Courtesy Dwight Phillips

Missile Defense Agency - Testing Warning System

Missile Defense Agency - Operations Support Group Alaska will test warning system again

On March 19 and 20, between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m., the "Missile Defense Agency -Operations Support Group Alaska" at Fort Greely will conduct several testsof the Explosive Facility Area Warning System. These tests will beaccompanied by several "voice announcements, and sirens."

While the voice responses and sirens may be somewhat loud, there is neitherthreat nor danger to any of the local populous and/or their property.

These tests are to ensure the evacuation warning system functions properlywhich in turn ensures the safety of the personnel who work on the MissileDefense Complex.

For questions, please contact Mr. Kent Cummins, Fort Greely's Public AffairsOfficer, at 873-5023, or Mr. Ralph Scott, Missile Defense Agency - AlaskaPublic Affairs Officer, at 907-552-1687.

Insuring Buildings Under Construction

Many people choose, and possibly enjoy, building their dream homes, rental units or businesses from the ground up. And why not? In most cases it proves to be easier on the pocket book and they get from it what they put into it. The biggest mistake most people make is not considering insurance to protect what they’re about to put into the building or, in most cases, what they’ve already put into it.

The most common misconception is that insurance isn’t needed until there’s a substantial amount of materials put into a building project. Why would you insure a piece of land that has nothing on it yet? This couldn’t be more wrong. Insurance companies prefer to see that no construction has begun yet and that they’re starting with a clean slate. This means that before anyone decides to lay a finger on a shovel, they had better think about placing insurance on the property first.

Placing insurance on your soon-to-be property is easier than most people may think. All that’s really needed is an idea of how much the owner plans on putting into the project and some basic information about themselves. The sooner a person insures the property, the better the coverage, and premium, could be. In some cases, premiums are as low as $375.00 per year.

If you have already started construction on the property—that’s okay too. This phase of construction would qualify for a Course of Construction or Dwelling Fire policy. These policies require the same basic information that would be needed at the pre-construction phase. One should note that these policies run the risk of having higher premiums and usually do not include coverage for liability, medical, theft of building materials, freezing of pipes, etc. So if these coverages are of big concern, make sure to place a policy before construction.

Coverage can be purchased on residential, commercial or model homes. Some policies include coverage for building materials, trees, shrubs, lawns and even property owned by subcontractors. Most of these policies also cover theft of materials, materials in transit, fire, vandalism, and debris removal. The only coverage not available on any building under construction is liability—so please be careful!

Insuring your home during the construction phase will help you secure a homeowners insurance policy when the time comes. Some insurance companies prefer not taking on the risk of a prior uninsured building and will only offer a Dwelling Fire policy, if offering any policy at all, thus possibly resulting in inadequate coverage for the building owner. It doesn’t take much to get these policies in force so that you can soon be on your way to building your dreams. If anything, insuring a building from the get-go can be more cost efficient and less of a headache in the long run. In the end, you’ll be glad you did—because we all know how fun construction can be all on its own!

Scam Government Grant Offers and Resources Swindle Consumers

Identifying the scams and understanding government grants

Anchorage, Alaska – March 17, 2009 – Be wary of all offers for free government grant money through phone calls, mail, conferences, emails or Web sites. Your Better Business Bureau advises avoiding the following scams:

Phone calls. The caller claims to be from the “Government Grant” office and that the consumer is eligible or approved to receive thousands of dollars in government grant funding. Callers sometimes state the money is a refund. The caller eventually asks for personal information, such as bank account numbers, names on the account, and social security numbers. Remember, the government will not call you to offer grant money.

Mail. Scam grant offers in the mail sometimes say you are “pre-approved” or “guaranteed” money. The G.F. Institute, in Overland Park, Kansas, is currently mailing information to consumers in our coverage area, guaranteeing $25,000 from a government grant. G.F. Institute had 39 complaints filed against them within the last year at their local BBB. Consumers complain they purchased the book about grants, but did not receive any grant money. Some mail appears in telegram form, others are simple postcards like this:

E-mails. Be on guard for e-mails from people who just received thousands of dollars in government grant funds. If the e-mail has instructions to pay in order to collect a government grant, it is a scam.

Web sites. Companies start Web sites and offer membership and training programs on how to acquire free grant money. They seek an advance fee to pay for training materials or software to search for grants. The company asks for credit card information or instructs consumers to wire money. In scam situations, consumers will not receive the products or services.

Currently, because of the recently passed stimulus package, dozens of Web sites claim consumers can easily get government grants to pay bills or get out of debt. Contrary to such claims, the federal government does not award grants to help consumers pay general debt. Complaints to BBB show that people who sought free advice were ultimately charged up to $69.95 a month on their credit or debit card. BBB has received hundreds of complaints from consumers who went to Web sites such as http://www.federalgovernmentgrantsolutions.com/. Two Las Vegas based companies, Grant Instructor and Raven Media, have set up dozens of Web sites and received 425 and 298 complaints respectively from consumers across the county, in the last 3 years. The Grant University, a company based in Utah, has received 333 complaints in the last year. All three companies have an “F,” BBB’s lowest rating.

Watch out for the phrase "Free Grant Money." These solicitations promote the concept that millions of dollars are available to U.S. citizens. Grants do not have to be repaid; thus it is needless to advertise the word "free."

Your BBB offers the following advice concerning government grants:

• If told you won a grant that you didn’t apply for, it is a scam. Obtaining a grant or other government funding is a challenging process, which requires documentation and research.
• Grants are not usually given to pay for personal debt or expenses. The Federal government grants are designed to serve a social good, such as: youth education, employment training programs, creating jobs in a new area, scientific research or preserving a historical landmark.
• Grant information is free. There’s no reason to pay for software or guides when applying for government grants. Instead, check with a regional or state economic development office to learn more about local grant programs. Find reference books from a public library that describe the criteria foundations use in awarding grants. Information is also available for free on government Web sites including: http://www.grants.gov/, http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/, http://www.govbenefits.gov/ and http://www.sba.gov/.
• Get a BBB Reliability Report. Your BBB advises consumers to check out companies, at http://www.bbb.org/, before making a payment or giving personal information. If you believe you've been the victim of a government grant scam, report it.

Photo of the day - March 17

Nathan caught the first fish at Quartz Lake out of our group. Although, now that I think about, he always seems to catch the first fish no matter what the season. On this March day the weather was great with the temperature in the low 30's. Photo Courtesy Garlyn Blackledge

Photo of the day - March 16

This is the Pogo Mine in the Goodpaster River. The mine shaft is located at the smoke plume on the right side of the picture. The processing facility is to the left. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

Blood Drive at Bassett Army Community Hospital

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - The Fort Wainwright American Red Cross is sponsoring a blood drive at Bassett Army Community Hospital Mar. 23 and 24. The drive is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the hospital’s third floor.

Contact Charles Hamby at 361-5685 to make an appointment.

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

Wood Preservative & Pesticide Safety Certification Classes

From the Cooperative Extension Service

Certification is required by Alaska State Regulation 18 AAC90.300 for individuals engaged in the following practices:
1. Use or supervise the use of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) restricted-use pesticides (RUP)
2. Use or supervise the use of an EPA general or RUP for commercial purpose (for hire)
3. Satisfy the requirements of a pesticide permit
4. Act as a pesticide consultant
5. Purchase or sell EPA Restricted-Use Pesticides. You must be 18 years old to apply for certification.

Classes will be offered the week of March 30th to provide information on safe handling and correct application. An exam is included and required for those seeking certification.

Wood Preservative (category 13) training is a one-day workshop as DEC requires applicators to have increased knowledge in laws and safety and will be held Monday, March 30 from 9:00am – 5:00pm

Initial certification workshop for Demonstration & Research (category 2) Private Applicator (category 3), Turf & Ornamental (category 4), Right of Way Pest Control (category 9) and will be two-day workshop. Re-certification workshops for all four categories will be a one-day workshop.

The initial certification workshop for categories 2, 3, 4, and 9 will be Tuesday, March 31st from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This will join the re-certification class, which is planned for Wednesday, April 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (all will have a 1 hour lunch break).

Phil Kaspari, Pesticide Program Coordinator with the Cooperative Extension Service will be the instructor.

Classes will be held at the Delta CES Conference Room in the Jarvis Office Center.

Registration deadline is Friday, March 27th. Contact the CES office at 895-4215 to register and inquire about certification/re-certification fees. Students are strongly encouraged to pick up training manuals prior to class dates.

Woman's Show Begins Friday at the Carlson Center

A Woman's Affair is a trade show organized specifically for women about women. This total women's show is a place to make contact with women owned businesses, discuss important health issues, get tips for managing finances, become aware of new career opportunities and education possibilities, see the latest fashions, enjoy a makeover or massage, pick up new home-decorating ideas and gardening information, or discover a new hobby, all under one roof.

There will be a place to present seminars, demonstrations and clinics, single parenting help, tips on how not to be intimidated while buying a car, the best exercise program for your busy schedule, the choice of subjects are limitless. There will be two presentation rooms located adjacent to the arena. If you have a topic you would like to present be sure and sign up early as space will be limited. This is a great opportunity to present your product or service, obtain leads, and to introduce something new.

FRIDAY NIGHT WINE TASTING
The show will open Friday evening, March 20 with a wine tasting from 6pm to 9pm. The evening will be sponsored by Image Optical, and we know it is going to be big fun....There will be a wine tasting with 20 stations and over 100 wines, the stations will be located in different vendor booths around the arena , on the spot hors d oeuvres and cooking demos presented by the Chef's Association, GREAT Door Prizes....like a make over with hair cut and cosmetics from Elements Salon...live music by Nelson and the Mandalas, and lots more...a real "Girls Night Out".

Show Dates & Hours:
Friday March 20 - 6pm to 9pm
Saturday, March 21 - 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday, March 22 - 11 am to 5 pm

For more information click here

Photo of the day - March 14

The 2009 World Ice Art Championships are taking place in Fairbanks until March 22nd. There are many sculptures to view and a Kids Park made entirely of ice. In this photo, taken at night, kids are having fun going down an ice slide. Photo Courtesy Gary Cooper

BBB Helps Consumers Understand Offers to Reduce Debt

Differences Between Debt Consolidation, Debt Negotiation and Debt Elimination Plans

Anchorage, Alaska - March 13, 2009 – Consumers are being battered with offers from companies to help get them out of debt. These are extremely tempting in troubling times.

“Third Party or Creditor Debt Collection” was Alaska’s top complaint category for 2008, according to the Federal Trade Commission’s report.

While the unemployment rate continues to rise – from 7.2 to 7.6 percent in January according to the U.S. Department of Labor – so do complaints filed with BBB against companies that claim to help consumers manage their debt. In fact, complaints against debt consolidation and negotiation companies rose by almost 19 percent in 2008 over the previous year.

“Families in debt may think their situation can’t get any worse, but trusting the services of some debt negotiation, consolidation or elimination firms can actually lead to increased debt and bigger headaches,” said Robert W.G. Andrew, BBB CEO.

Offers of debt negotiation, debt settlement and debt elimination are three different options available to consumers. Better Business Bureau advises consumers to ensure they understand these critical differences before enlisting the help of a company to manage their debt, or they could end up making their current financial situation worse.

Debt Negotiation/Settlement
Debt negotiation companies claim that they will negotiate with a consumer’s lenders to lower the total amount of debt owed for an upfront fee. Unfortunately, some consumers who paid for debt negotiation services found out that the company never contacted their lenders, but instead, took their money and ran. Because the debt negotiation company made it sound like they had everything under control, the consumer stopped talking directly with their lenders and ended up slipping deeper into debt. Relying on debt negotiation firms could also put a dent in a consumer’s credit report.

Debt Consolidation
Debt consolidation companies offer to roll up various debts allowing the debtor to make one lower payment to the company, rather than many payments to the different lenders. While debt consolidation can make paying monthly bills more manageable, some companies tack on high fees and charge exorbitant interest rates, which means the consumer is paying much more in the long run.

Debt Elimination
Companies that offer debt elimination rely on many different schemes, but they all hinge on the notion that credit lines are illegal. Debt elimination companies typically provide, for an upfront fee, a document for the lender that supposedly absolves the consumer of the debt. Unfortunately, the document has no bearing whatsoever on the debt owed and consumers paying for such services have found that they’ve wasted money on a debt elimination scheme that would have been better spent on actually paying back their debts.

Your BBB advises the following before contacting a business to help manage debt:

• Stay in contact with lenders and try to work out a plan with them first before enlisting outside help.
• Check out the company. BBB Reliability Reports on debt negotiation, consolidation, and elimination companies are available for free at http://www.bbb.org
• Start with a credit counseling service. Credit counseling services are often nonprofits that offer financial guidance for a small fee, or even for free.
• Beware of offers that sound too good to be true. There is no easy fix for reducing debt and any company that makes huge claims and guarantees, probably can’t deliver.

For more advice on dealing with debt including how to manage a budget, go to http://www.bbb.org

LIO ~ Mar 16 Newsletter and Schedule

Friday, March 16 Legislative Information Office Newsletter and Teleconference Schedule

Photo of the day - March 13

Delta Husky Squirt hockey team won the Bush League Championship game with a score of 13-2 over Tok. The game was played March 7, 2009. Photo Courtesy Ellen Mock

Justina Lipscomb a Finalist in the Poetry Out Loud Competition

JUNEAU - The regional winners of the state-wide Poetry Out Loud competition have been announced. High school students from around the state have memorized and recited poetry in regional competitions, and will now face off in Juneau at the Juneau Arts & Culture Center on Monday, March 16 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. The state champion will go to Wash., D.C. to compete for a $20,000 scholarship.

The finalists for the statewide competition include Caitlyn Woolsey of Sitka, Tyee Dunlap of Juneau, Justina Lipscomb of Delta Junction, Elias Garvey of Homer, April Hostetter of Igiugig, Emma Remhild of Cordova and Marti Marey of Anchorage.

The judges of the competition will include University of Alaska President and poet Mark Hamilton, Alaska Writer Laureate Nancy Lord, Haines author Heather Lende, University of Alaska Southeast Creative Writing Professor Emily Wall and Anchorage Representative and writer Mike Doogan. Dan Henry of Haines will act as MC for the event. The event is free and the public is invited to attend. Seating is limited, so contact Hearthside Books or the JAHC in advance to secure seats.

Capital City Weekly

Photo of the day - March 12

The Alaska Statehood Quilt is now on display at the Delta Community Library. There are 58 blocks, made by 140 quilters in 26 communities which have been assembled into 9 large panels. Each panel "express the Alaskan spirit, the people or nature that relates to Alaska's 50th Anniversary of Statehood." The display will be up until March 23 and was recently exhibited at the Anchorage Museum Rasmuson. The square pictured here is called "Where the Buffalo Roam" and was designed by Mary Stenros, Eddy Growden, Rose Edgren, and Pat White of the Forget-Me-Knot Quilters Guild of Delta Junction. Photo Courtesy Joyce McCombs

RAB Meeting on March 25

Fort Greely, Alaska--The Fort Greely Installation Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, at the City Hall in Delta Junction, Alaska.

The goal of the RAB is to give individuals who represent the diverse interests of the community the opportunity to regularly review progress and interact with the decision makers concerning Fort Greely's environmental restoration program. The aim is to increase public understanding and the quality of the installation environmental restoration program.

The RAB meetings are held quarterly, are announced in advance and are open to the public.

The RAB assisted with the restoration efforts required by the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process from 1995 until portions of Fort Greely were withdrawn from surplus in 2001 to support the U.S. missile defense program. The RAB is now assisting with the Fort Greely installation environmental restoration program.

The RAB membership currently includes: Community Co-Chair Stephen Hammond, the Fort Greely garrison commander’s designated representative, Chris Boerst; community members Dick Anderson, Steve Fields, Pete Hallgren, Tom Miller, Mike Murphy, Carol Stock, and Mary Leith-Dowling. A representative from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation participates in each meeting, as does a representative from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency when possible.

Members of the RAB have committed to a goal of attending all RAB meetings and devoting ample time to review any related Army documents within prescribed time frames.

Public participation on the RAB is strictly voluntary. The Army does not provide financial support to the public members for their services nor are members compensated for work hours lost or time invested.

For more information about the RAB and its activities, call Stephen Hammond at telephone 907-895-5441, see the RAB's website at www.smdcen.us/rabfga, or call Wayne Tolliver, Fort Greely environmental coordinator, at telephone 907-873-4664.

FDA Presents The Rainmaker

Fairbanks Drama Association presents The Rainmaker on March 20 – April 5

One of the best romantic comedies by N. Richard Nash, directed by Peggy MacDonald Ferguson
At the time of a paralyzing drought in the West at the turn of the last century, we discover a young woman whose father and brothers are worried as much about her becoming an old maid as they are about their dying cattle. The brothers try every scheme to marry her off, but without success. Nor is there any sign of relief from the dry heat. Suddenly, out of nowhere appears a picaresque character with grandiose notions claiming to be a rainmaker. He promises to bring rain for $100. Eventually, the rain comes and so does love.

Fairbanks Drama Association
1852 2nd Avenue
Fairbanks AK 99701-4030
Visit us online

Photo of the day - March 11

This is a picture of the weird alternating blizzard conditions with brief interruptions of blue sky that we had last Friday, looking at the Delta Texaco station from across the Richardson Highway during one of the blizzard phases. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

Cooperative Extensive Service Will be closed for One Week

The Delta District Cooperative Extension Service will be closed: Friday, March 13 through Thursday, March 19, 2009.

John Michael Montgomery Live in Concert

John Michael Montgomery Live in Concert at the Carlson Center!

April 10, 2009 at 7:30pm. Doors open to the public at 6:30pm.

Tickets are on sale now and available at www.ticketmaster.com, charge by phone 907-456-4800, all Fred Meyer Ticketmaster outlets and the Carlson Center Box Office.

For more information on John Michael Montgomery, visit his website.

Beatles Tribute Performing at the Carlson Center

April 4 - Dont miss this realistic Beatles tribute band performing live along with a symphony orchestra!

Live at the Carlson Center April 4, 2009 at 8:00pm.

Doors open to the public at 7:00pm.

Tickets are available now at www.ticketmaster.com, charge by phone (907) 456-4800, all Fred Meyer Ticketmaster outlets and the Carlson Center Box Office.

Borealis Brass Concert - Postponed until April 25

Click on the photo for an enlargement.

America's Arctic Brass Ensemble

Performing on Saturday, March 28 at the Fort Greely Chapel
Time: 7:00pm

Members of the general public are invited to attend. Check in will be at the main gate. Please bring a valid ID or Driver's License , Automobile Registration, and Proof of Insurance.

Engagement Announcement

Amy Vander Zwaag (Delta High 2004) is thrilled to announce her engagement to Justin Slocum of Trenton, Michigan. The couple met while interviewing for a leadership position on the Barnabas Team at Calvin College in 2006. Both received a position and the rest is history! Amy is currently in her first year teaching second grade at Manhattan Christian near Bozeman, Montana. Justin is working as a software engineer for IBM in Endicott, New York. The couple is planning a July wedding in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Amy Vander Zwaag is the daughter of Jerry and Kathleen Vander Zwaag. Photo Courtesy Megan Ghysels

To view more of our alumni photos please click here.

Photo of the day - March 10

Gold panning on Ruby Creek in Delta. Panning for gold, breathing in the fresh air, and taking in the beautiful scenery. What more could you ask for? Heather Misquez

Explosive Facility Area Warning Systems Operations

On March 12, starting on or about 6 p.m., the Missile Defense Agency -Operations Support Group Alaska at Fort Greely will conduct several tests of the Explosive Facility Area Warning System. These tests, scheduled to conclude by 10 p.m., will be accompanied by several "voice announcements, and sirens."

While the voice responses and sirens may be some what loud, there is neither threat nor danger to any of the local populous and/or their property.

These tests are to ensure the evacuation warning system functions properly which in turn ensures the safety of the personnel who work on the Missile Defense Complex.

For questions, please contact Mr. Kent Cummins, Fort Greely's Public AffairsOfficer, at 873-5023, or Mr. Ralph Scott, Missile Defense Agency - AlaskaPublic Affairs Officer, at 907-552-1687.

LIO ~ Mar 6 Newsletter and Schedule

Friday March 6 Legislative Information Office Newsletter and Teleconference Schedule

Photo of the day - March 9

This pair of trumpeter swans seem to be having quite the discussion. I think it is probably marital in nature, as the trumpeter swan mates for life. Photo by Steve Thomas

Time to Get Those Cameras Out

Hi folks,
It's time to get those cameras out, because The Delta News Web is running low on photos. Please remember to send captions with your photos or they will not be published.

It is being requested by so many that they would like to see some people photos showing action and lifestyle in Alaska. We are enjoying all the wildlife and nature photos, so please keep those coming as well, but our community and our viewers from the lower 48 are also requesting some photos of what people do in Alaska for fun. What kind of events do you do in the different seasons?

Please remember that not all people photos will make the photo of the day, but will be added to the community news and our alumni pages. Only those people photos that are showing action and the way we live in Alaska will be used for photo of the day.

How do we want to show the rest of the world how we live in Alaska? What is our entertainment? What are our hobbies? Send those interesting photos, let's show the world what Delta people do throughout the year.

Thank you everyone for your support of the Delta News Web. Our community is so awesome. Please send photos to webeditor@deltanewsweb.com

Photo of the day - March 7

I can only imagine that this frosty cow and calf moose are hoping the worst of the extreme cold weather is behind us for this winter. Photo by Steve Thomas

Clocks Spring Ahead at 2AM on March 8

At 2 a.m. on March 8, 2009, groggy Americans will turn their clocks forward one hour, marking the beginning of Daylight Saving Time (DST).

The federal law that established "daylight time" in the United States does not require any area to observe daylight saving time. But if a state chooses to observe DST, it must follow the starting and ending dates set by the law. From 1986 to 2006 this was the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October, but starting in 2007, it is observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, adding about a month to daylight saving time.

Telemarketers Tire Consumers with Relentless Calls

Your Better Business Bureau is receiving a surplus of complaints regarding telemarketers.

Alaska, Oregon and Washington consumers’ most recent telemarketing complaints have been concerning debt consolidation services. Non-reputable businesses are contacting consumers offering to reduce interest rates – something consumers can do on their own by contacting their bank or credit card provider/company.

Consumers often feel misled and that services they paid for are not what they thought they would receive. Consumers also complain that many of the telemarketers are ignoring the National Do Not Call Registry, and not removing their phone number from lists after requesting the business to do so. Some consumers receive multiple phone calls a day for up to 6 months and complain that solicitors are very aggressive; even cursing and harassing the consumer.

“Third Party or Creditor Debt Collection” is also the state’s top complaint category for 2008, according to the Federal Trade Commission’s report.

Your BBB offers the following tips to reduce problems with telemarketers:

• Register phones on the National Do Not Call Registry. To choose not to receive most telemarketing calls, call 1-888-382-1222 with the phone number you would like to register or visit www.donotcall.gov. After being registered for a month, you may contact the Do Not Call Registry to report violations. You can register home and cell phones, but not business phones.
• Do not sign up phone numbers on other “Do-Not-Call” Web pages. Only register telephone numbers online at www.donotcall.gov. Some telemarketers have Web pages where consumers can get on the business’ personal “Do-Not-Call Registry.” Often phone numbers added to these lists are sold to other telemarketers.
• Avoid placing phone numbers online. Telemarketers are beginning to swipe phone numbers from social networking and classified listing Web sites.

If considering doing business with a telemarketer:

• Get a BBB Reliability Report. Visit bbb.org or call 562-0704 to check out a business before buying or a charity before giving.
• Confirm telemarketers are registered. Most telemarketing businesses and solicitors are required to become registered. Call the Attorney General’s office at 269-5200 to confirm a telemarketer is registered or to file a complaint.
• Be cautious. Do not give any personal information over the phone unless you have verified the business and solicitor are reputable. Get all agreements in writing before giving any personal or payment information. Read and understand the privacy policy. Do not fall for high-pressure sales tactics. A reputable business will allow time for a consumer to make a responsible decision.

Photo of the day - March 6

This beautiful sunset from last summer overlooking the Delta River, is a reminder that summer will soon be coming. Photo Courtesy Flower C. Cole

Photo of the day - March 5

This is quite the nursery of Dall sheep, seen here on a steep mountain side in the Alaska Range. It looks as if there is one lamb for every ewe. Photo by Steve Thomas

Thank You From the Whipple Family

We just wanted to thank the whole community for their support during Dave's recent illness. The outpouring of love and prayers was humbling.

Thanks especially to Brian Gay, Holly Stewart, and Shannon & Heather Magee who helped maintain our home while we were Outside for two months. Also, thanks to the Delta MOPS group and everyone from First Baptist Church who supported us in many ways.

The Lord blessed us richly during this time and continues to bless us. We are truly thankful we live in a community that cares for its own!

Thanks for everything and God Bless,
The Whipple Family

Delta Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon

The next membership luncheon will be held on March 19th at noon at Trophy Lodge. Lunch is $15.00. Please RSVP by March 17th at 4pm to be eligible for the free lunch.

The Partners for Progress in Delta, Inc. is the featured program. Established as an educational consortium in 2003 to help train area residents to become competitive for skilled worker positions emerging because of major developments in the area, including the Ground-based Missile Defense project at Ft. Greely, the Partners have gone on to organize as a 501 ( c ) (3) nonprofit. Their combined efforts and the support of the Denali Commission, Rasmuson Foundation and area businesses and individuals resulted in 2005 in the opening of the Delta Career Advancement Center located on North Clearwater Road.

The range of courses offered annually continues to grow, and successful intensive summer academics have made a difference for many of our area youth—who now have real jobs and good wages. Everything from computing basics to business, math and English classes to welding, AutoCAD, anthropology and nurse’s aide courses are meeting community needs. The partners include Alaska Works Partnership (AWP), Delta Mine Training Center (DMTC), Delta-Greely School District (DGSD), University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service (CES) and Tanana Valley Campus (TVC).

Last legislative session Delta’s Career Advancement Center was named a Regional Training Center in HB 2 and received state funding for its operation and programs. Presenters will be PPD President Richard Caulfield who is also the director of TVC, and board members Jon Dufendach, president of Delta Industrial, Mary Leith-Dowling, city mayor, and Randy Cheap, AWP Fairbanks office representative. The four will share the history of the PPD, showcase its successes, highlight priorities of the organization’s long-term plan and showcase the range of offerings and success stories that have made a difference for area residents.

Photo of the day - March 4

The White-Winged Crossbills are winter residents of Delta. Their habitat consists of spruce, pine, and larch trees. The food in the winter is plentiful, because they only eat seeds. They are gentle, friendly birds from the Finch family. The ends of its beak cross over each other at the ends so that they can lift up the branches of the trees to get the seeds that are in the cones. Photo courtesy of Dwight Phillips.

Consumers Plan for Home Improvement Projects

BBB’s Guide to Finding Reliable Remodelers

With spring and summer approaching, consumers plan major home remodeling projects and need, now more than ever, to build relationships with trustworthy contractors.

In 2008, general contractors, roofing contractors, plumbing contractors, and construction and remodeling services were industries among the top 10 inquiries for Alaska. The general contractors industry was also among the top 10 complaints for Alaska.

Your Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon, and Western Washington recommends following these tips before deciding on a contractor:

Do the research. Contact your Better Business Bureau to find out background information on a potential contractor and visit www.bbb.org to look for a BBB Reliability Report.

Check out Homesource. Look for contractors and request bids on BBB’s Homesource program.

Compare local contractors and get bids on projects. Discuss bids in detail with each contractor. Solicit at least two or three bids. Bids should include itemized details on materials, labor and time needed to complete the project. Contractor’s bids can vary substantially due to the quality of materials, amount of labor, etc.

Verify contractors’ licensing. Check with state, county, or city authorities to confirm that the contractor or remodeler meets the proper licensing/bonding requirements. Look for a contractor that is insured to cover claims regarding personal liability, worker’s compensation and property damage.

Ask the prospective contractor to provide local references. Find out how long they have been in business and if they have a portfolio of work samples. Inquire about whether they are a member of any professional remodelers associations.

Plan your project. Be specific and explain, in writing, exactly what you want the finished remodeling project to look like. All agreements and oral promises should be in writing to protect both the customer and the contractor.

Know the contract details. The written contract should include: A full description of the project; starting and completion dates; cancellation rights (if applicable) and/or any warranties and guarantees of workmanship; the total cost with itemized labor and material charges; a payment schedule; and the contractor's full name, address, phone number, and professional license number. Read every clause carefully. Never sign a blank or partially filled in agreement. Retain a copy of the signed contract.

Get a building permit. Approve any architectural plans and acquire necessary building permits before the contract work begins. A building permit is generally required when performing structural work or when a home’s basic living area is altered. In some cases, separate permits for electrical, heating, or plumbing work are required.

Remember that building codes may vary from one area to another. It is the contractor’s responsibility to arrange inspections and ensure various codes and regulations are adhered to. If the project requires a building permit, the contractor should apply for it in his or her name. If the contractor's work does not pass inspection, you will not be held financially responsible for making corrections.

Understand your financial obligations. Request a written estimate in advance and fully review costs before making a financial commitment. Keep in mind that final costs do not always match estimates; sometimes hidden problems are uncovered after the work has begun, which can be expensive.

Never pay a contractor for the entire job before the work is performed. Avoid paying in cash. Try to arrange a payment schedule, in weekly or monthly intervals or after completion of each phase of the project, to avoid making payments for incomplete work. Most importantly, complete your payment plan as agreed.

To learn more about home improvement issues, please contact: Your local Construction Contractors Board; the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI); the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers’ Council; the National Association of Realtors; the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); and your Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.

Photo of the day - March 3

If you can't feed the birds, then feed your neighborhood moose. The peanut butter must be a little more appetizing to this little fella than the willows he is standing beside.
Photo Courtesy Nancy Johnson

Fort Greely - Explosive Facility Area Warning System Tests

On March 4, starting on or about 6 p.m., the "Missile Defense Agency -Operations Support Group Alaska" at Fort Greely will conduct several tests of the Explosive Facility Area Warning System. These tests, scheduled to conclude by 9 p.m., will be accompanied by several "voice announcements, and sirens."

While the voice responses and sirens may be somewhat loud, there is neither threat nor danger to any of the local populous and/or their property.

These tests are to ensure the evacuation warning system functions properly which in turn ensures the safety of the personnel who work on the Missile Defense Complex.

For questions, please contact Mr. Kent Cummins, Fort Greely's Public Affairs Officer, at 873-5023, or Mr. Ralph Scott, Missile Defense Agency - Alaska Public Affairs Officer, at 907-552-1687.

Memorial Ceremony to be Held on Fort Wainright

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska – The Fort Wainwright community will gather March 10 for a service of prayer and remembrance in honor of Cpl. Michael L. Mayne, Spc. Micheal B. Alleman and Pfc. Zachary R. Nordmeyer.

The three soldiers, who died when their dismounted patrol came under attack by small arms fire in Balad, Iraq, Feb. 23, were all assigned to 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

Mayne, 21, of Burlington Flats, N. Y., was a cavalry scout who joined the Army in July 2006 and was assigned to Fort Wainwright in December 2006.

Alleman, 31, of Logan, Utah, was an infantryman who joined the Army in January 2008 and was assigned to Fort Wainwright in May 2008.

Nordmeyer, 21, of Indianapolis, Ind., was an infantryman who joined the Army in July 2007 and was assigned to Fort Wainwright in December 2007.

The service will be held March 10 at 1:30 p.m. at the Northern Lights Chapel.

Photo of the day - March 2

This small bumble bee just exiting a wild iris, looks to have found the mother lode of pollen by all that it has on its back. Photo by Steve Thomas

Photo of the day - February 28

About 10” long, these small, nocturnal owls have good eyesight, but rely more on keen hearing. This particular bird was hanging around a feeder watching voles dart in and out of the snow. These owls appear very friendly and will allow you to get very close to get a good look at them. Image courtesy of Dwight Phillips.