Obituary for Cindy Smith

Cindy Sue (Wilbanks) Smith went home to be with the Lord on June 28, 2009. Cindy was born on November 3, 1954. She married Tony R. Smith on October 31, 1974 in Midland, TX. She was a beautician in Delta Jct. since 1992. She worked at Tropical Creations, and was the owner of Mane Event and also worked at the barber shop on Fort Greely.

She is survived by her husband Tony R. Smith of Delta Junction, Alaska and 3 sons: Jeremy R. Smith of Soldotna, Alaska, Brant C. Smith of Anchorage, Alaska and Casey L. Smith of Fairbanks, Alaska.

Funeral and burial services will be in Mount Pleasant, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a contribution be made to Olivia's House for Assisted Living in Fairbanks. A Wells Fargo account has been set up in Cindy's name. Please contact Margaret Gearhart. All proceeds will be given to Olivia's House.

Cards and letters can be sent to: Tony Smith, PO Box 206, Delta Jct. AK 99737

Mystery Photo for Week June 23 - 30

The winner of last week's mystery photo is Denise Wilhelm

We had 31 correct entries last week.

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

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

The photo is part of the sign that is located in the diner behind the counter.

Cavalry Troopers Return

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska – Arrival time for the more than 85 soldiers from 6th Squadron, 17th Cavalry advance party has changed. Pick-up time at the gate has changed to 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Officials expect the group to arrive at Eielson Air Force Base. Wednesday. After in processing at Eielson, they will be bussed to Fort Wainwright to be reunited with their families.

The unit left Fort Wainwright last summer. The main body of the unit will return in early July.

Photo of the day - June 29

The Black Powder Rendezvous started last weekend June 20 and went through to this weekend June 28. They were set up off the Alaskan Highway near mile marker 1405. The members dressed in period dress of the Mountain Man era. They live in canvas tents, cook over a fire, and shoot their black powder rifles and pistols at targets trying to be the best marksman or woman. The members who don't have canvas tents group their tin teepees away from the main encampment. The Black Powder Rendezvous started last weekend June 20 and went through to this weekend June 28. They were set up off the Alaskan Highway near mile marker 1405. The members dressed in period dress of the Mountain Man era. They live in canvas tents, cook over a fire, and shoot their black powder rifles and pistols at targets trying to be the best marksman or woman. The members who don't have canvas tents group their tin teepees away from the main encampment. Photo Courtesy Barb Tharp

Click on the photo for a photo enlargement.

Photo of the day - June 27

Numerous wild flowers are in bloom at this time. This image shows a wild Iris with raindrops. Photo Courtesy Art Lenon

Sun sets on Exercise Northern Edge 2009

Staff Sgt. Andrew W. Miller
Northern Edge Joint Information Bureau

6/26/2009 -- EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – Exercise Northern Edge 2009, the largest biannual military training event in Alaska, came to a close June 26 after 11 successful days of multi-service interaction at numerous locations throughout the state.

This exercise, which involved almost 200 aircraft, provided nearly 9,000 service members from all branches of the military the opportunity to train together on, above and afloat in Alaska’s massive training areas. In addition to the permanent personnel already here, almost 2,000 personnel deployed to Alaska from the United States, Japan and South Korea while another 5,000 were stationed aboard an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Alaska.

“This exercise was designed to train participants in a joint environment, which is an essential element of preparation for combat,” said Air Force Brigadier Gen. Mark W. Graper, 354th Fighter Wing commander. “It allows the service members to practice tactics, techniques and procedures which need to be synchronized between the different branches of the military.”
Across the board, better command, control, communication and understanding between each service were some of the most important practices sharpened during the event in order to develop better interoperable plans for the future.

According to Air Force Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, commanding general of Alaskan Command and 11th Air Force, being able to train here each year is valuable because there are more than 65,000 square miles of available training space over land, and 120,000 when including the Gulf of Alaska. This space includes Alaska’s Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Gulf of Alaska restricted air space, and an in-transit corridor connecting military training air space and live-fire training ranges.

“Northern Edge is the premier exercise conducted within the Pacific Command’s area of responsibility,” said Atkins. “It lets our joint warfighters learn about each other.”

Learning about each other, and the way the varying services operate is very important, according to Air Force Maj. Lyle Dawley, Northern Edge exercise control team chief.

“Communication can be a big challenge,” he said. “We don’t always speak the same language whether we are on the ground or in the air.”

Realistic scenarios were employed during the exercise so each unit could get the most out of the training, particularly in the areas of defensive counter-air, close-air support, air interdiction of marine targets and personnel recovery missions.

Many of the air-borne scenarios required pilots to stay in the air for long periods of time, and the Alaska National Guard’s 168th Air Refueling Squadron was there to make that happen. The Eielson-based squadron flies KC-135 refuelers.

"It's like these guys are pulling into a full-service flying gas station," said Air Force Lt. Col. Tim Trefts, the squadron's wing plans officer. "This gets our fighter pilots deeper into enemy lines and cuts down on the time it takes to get air support to guys on the ground."

In another exercise scenario, members of a West Coast based Navy SEAL team trained with Fort Wainwright’s Army Task Force 49, conducting security missions and insertions from CH-47D Chinooks in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex. They also practiced river crossing techniques in Phelan Creek with instructors from the Northern Warfare Training Center.

“The water was pretty cold and the current was fast, but our guys weren’t afraid to get in there and go to work,” said one senior SEAL team member. “The training that we are learning here is invaluable. We are always looking for ways to improve skills; Northern Edge 09 gives us an opportunity to do that.”

The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group, which consists of the USS John C. Stennis, Carrier Air Wing 9 and USS Antietam, was stationed in the Gulf of Alaska for its portion of the exercise. The carrier was the chief asset of the naval component commander in the exercise scenario, as well as providing airpower when necessary, according to a pre-exercise statement made by Navy Capt. Joseph Kuzmick, Stennis commanding officer.

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni supported the exercise at Eielson Air Force Base with various components of personnel including Marines and sailors with Marine Aircraft Group 12 headquarters, Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12, and augments from Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron such as the Provost Marshal’s Office and Public Affairs. Additional Marines also supported from Marine Air Control Squadron 4 out of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Also from Futenma, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 operated at Elmendorf Air Force Base. In all, approximately 290 Marines and sailors from III Marine Expeditionary Force participated.

“Northern Edge is MAG-12’s best opportunity to get together with the Navy and Air Force to practice advanced tactics in missions that are similar to what we would have to do here in the Pacific area of operations,” said Lt. Col. James Walker, MAG-12 operations officer. “We work with large forces here, 50 to 60 aircraft at a time, and that’s not something we get to do on a daily basis. So, this is a good opportunity for MAG-12 to train in a tactical environment.”

Some, but not all, of the other units which supported Exercise Northern Edge out of Eielson AFB included B-52H Stratofortresses from Barksdale AFB, La., F-15 Strike Eagles from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, F-16 Fighting Falcons from Misawa Air Base, Japan, and Eielson’s F-16 Aggressors. Exercise Northern Edge is just one in a series of Pacific Command sponsored exercises that helps forces prepare to respond to potential future crises in the Asia Pacific region.

Photo of the day - June 26

Frequent visitors to Alaska's interior, a male, white winged crossbill drops in for a quick "cone to go" allowing the photographer a snapshot. Image by Dwight Phillips

Apha Omega needs help with food box distribution

6,331 pounds of food is being distributed!

We sure could use some help! Would anyone be interested in helping Alpha Omega with food box distribution?

Stop by or call 895-4143 to see how you can help!

Air Force combat controllers – only the toughest need apply

EIELSON AFB, Alaska -- An Air Force combat controller from the 320th Special Tactics Squadron, based at Kadena Air Base, Japan, uses a compass to help direct pilots to their correct targets. During this mission June 23, 2009, several combat controllers called in strikes from a pair of F-15 fighter jets which dropped Mark-82 500-pound bombs on Fort Wainwright's Range 2205. The training mission was part of Exercise Northern Edge 2009, which is an exercise designed to prepare joint forces to respond to crises in the Asian Pacific region. (United States Air Force photo/1st. Lt. John Callahan) -

EIELSON AFB, Alaska -- An Air Force combat controller uses a laser range finder, which helps him direct pilots to their correct targets. During this training mission June 23, 2009, several combat controllers called in strikes from a pair of F-15 fighter jets who dropped Mark-82 500-pound bombs on Fort Wainwright's Range 2205. The training mission was part of Exercise Northern Edge 2009, which is an exercise designed to prepare joint forces to respond to crises in the Asian Pacific region. (United States Air Force photo/1st. Lt. John Callahan.)


by 1st Lt. John Callahan
Northern Edge Joint Information Bureau

6/25/2009 – EIELSON AFB, Alaska --Air Force combat controllers are a rare breed: an elite group of specialists who accompany U.S. ground troops – usually small teams of special operations forces – to serve as a liaison between those forces and the air support they rely on.
Each combat controller is a fully qualified air traffic control expert, able to manage the complex air operations above a combat zone or remote airfield. Many also qualify as Joint Terminal Attack Control experts, coordinating air strikes, reconnaissance and other forms of air support on behalf of the ground troops they accompany.

“It definitely takes a special kind of person to do this,” said Capt. Garrett (last name withheld for security reasons), commander of a small team of combat controllers with the 320th Special Tactics Squadron. Based at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Garrett’s team is in Alaska participating in Exercise Northern Edge 2009.

“The typical combat controller is your classic ‘Type A’ personality,” he explained, listing off some of the things the Air Force looks for in a recruit. “Absolute self-confidence, to the point where they are not afraid to make mistakes. A ‘never quit’ attitude. And, bottom line, you really need to be an athlete. This job is just so physical. You look around at this career field, and it’s all a bunch of high-school and college wrestlers and swimmers.”

“That’s right,” agreed Airman 1st Class John, the team’s junior member. “In fact, that’s how I got into this field. I grew up playing a lot of soccer and basketball. At some point, a recruiter who had seen me play, I think, came up to me and said, ‘Hey, have you ever considered Special Forces?’ Until that point, I would have said ‘Me? Special Forces?’”

Ultimately, Capt. Garrett and Airman 1st Class John agreed, it is mental and emotional toughness that sets the combat controller apart. Every combat controller is the survivor of an incredibly grueling training and selection “pipeline,” similar to that endured by the better-known Navy SEALS, Air Force pararescuers and other special operations units. The entire process, Airman 1st Class John said, is designed to try to convince participants to quit.

“The instructors will always give you an easy out,” he said. “And they never let you know exactly how much work you have ahead of you or when you’ll be done. In other words, they won’t say, ‘We’ll be training tonight until 2100 hours.’ Instead, they’ll just say, ‘All right, let’s go.’ Or they’ll tell your team something like, “Push this Humvee up the hill. When you’re done, do it again, and keep doing it.” For all you know, you’ll be working all day and night. And that does happen!”

Once a combat controller graduates training, his unique blend of skills places him in high demand.

“We travel and train so much, sometimes it seems like we’re hardly ever actually at our base,” said Airman 1st Class John.

Captain Garrett said his team members were eager to put their training to good use. In fact, the prospect of a difficult and dangerous assignment to a combat zone was one of the things that attracted him to the life of a combat controller.

“Let’s face it – we do a lot of cool stuff,” he said. “Jumps, diving, travel … we love what we do.”
A combat controller’s roots lie in the U.S. Army’s old Pathfinder Corps, a group of WWII paratroopers trained to drop into an assault zone in advance of the main force, identifying drop zones and guiding in gliders and troop transport planes.

Photo of the day - June 25

These swans were flying past the Granite Mountains as they migrated through the Delta area earlier this spring. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

Northern Edge 2009 gets Buff

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- A B-52H Stratofortress takes off from Eielson AFB during NORTHERN EDGE 2009, June 23. NE09 is one in a series of U.S. Pacific Command exercises that prepare joint forces to respond to crises in the region. The B-52 is assigned to Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)




by Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz
Northern Edge Joint Information Bureau

6/24/2009 – EIELSON AFB, Alaska – The 96th Bomb Squadron from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, deployed here for exercise Northern Edge 2009 to practice mission planning and war-time procedures.

The 96th BS brought three B-52H Stratofortress long-range bombers, or “Buffs,” to train in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex and over the Gulf of Alaska with Navy, Marine, Army and Air Force units.

The B-52 is an aircraft that can fly long distances and has the capability of holding large amounts of munitions, which is important in global deterrence.

“We can drop bombs anywhere in the world, including the Pacific,” said Capt. Bryan Walter, B-52H navigator. “The B-52’s have up-to-date systems and the aircraft is constantly improving, making the Buff still very relevant in today’s world.”

But in order for the B-52H to unleash its full potential in the sky, pilots and navigators alike must come together behind the scenes and become familiar with other aircraft and different missions that participating units bring to the table.

“Mission planning is probably one of the most crucial things during NE09,” said Capt. Chris Diaz, B-52H pilot. “We all get to learn the roles and missions of other flyers compared to us; when we’re able to communicate those things face-to-face, the mission becomes that much easier.”
Good mission planning can translate into highly effective learning experiences for involved participants, resulting in putting bombs on target, on time.

“The B-52 can use a multitude of weapons and hold 10 to 45 munitions at a time,” said Captain Diaz. “We can bring the fight to the enemy for long durations and distances, but we couldn’t do it as effectively without having the F-16’s or F-15’s working with us – they help us get the job done.”

The B-52H aircrews get to try new tactics and see how they can use them for real scenarios, according to Captain Walter.

At the end of NE09, the 96th BS will incorporate lessons learned into future planning and preparation for joint military missions. They will also have a better understanding of how different services operate, according to Captain Walter.

“At the beginning of the NE09 there were a lot of things that we didn’t know and it was really hazy,” said Captian Diaz. “But after working in a joint environment for a while, it felt like we all started to come together and the missions became seamless. It’s a great experience and enhances our skills.”

NE09 is a mass exercise which provides an opportunity for participants to gain experience in responding to crises in the Asian Pacific region.

Photo of the day - June 24

Granite Mountains at midnight, taken on June 21, the longest day of the year.
Photo Courtesy Elizabeth Boardman

Air Refueling Squadron "passes gas" during NE 09

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska - An F-22 Raptor receives fuel from a KC-135 flown by pilots from the 168th Air Refueling Squadron stationed at Eielson Air Force Base during an aerial refueling mission June 19.. The mission was part of Exercise Northern Edge 2009, which prepares joint forces to respond to crises in the Asian Pacific region. During the mission, both F-22 and F-15 fighter jets received fuel. (United States Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan A. Rholes)

Lance Cpl. Ryan A. Rholes
Northern Edge Joint Information Bureau

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska –Air National Guardsmen from the 168th Air Refueling Squadron here conducted a four-hour in-flight refueling mission Friday, June 19, as part of Exercise Northern Edge 2009.

During the mission, Airmen from the 168th honed their aerial refueling skills by topping off F-15 and F-22 fighter jets to keep them in the fight longer.
“It’s like these guys are pulling into a full-service flying gas station,” said Lt. Col. Tim Trefts, the squadron’s wing plans officer. “This gets our fighter pilots deeper into enemy lines and cuts down on the time it takes to get air support to guys on the ground.”

As demonstrated by this mission, it is not uncommon for aerial refueling flights to last several hours and for the crew to transfer more than 75 thousand pounds of fuel to almost a dozen aircraft, added Trefts.

Refueling aircraft while in the air is anything but easy. The aircraft receiving fuel moves to within 30 feet of the tanker, and the pilot holds his aircraft steady. A boom operator, laying on his or her stomach in a refueling pod underneath the back of the tanker, uses a joystick to move the tip of the boom into the waiting aircraft’s fuel slot. The process takes about seven minutes for each aircraft after the pilot begins approaching the tanker, although that time varies if the boom operator has trouble connecting the boom and if the aircraft needs a larger than average load of fuel.

Exercises like NE09 give the 168th pilots and crew the opportunity to practice performing long-range missions, due to the large amount of available air space in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex.

The 168th Air Refueling Squadron was founded in 1942 as the 437th Bombardment Squadron and is now a part of the 168th Air Refueling Wing stationed at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.
Since first developed by the Army Air Corps in the late 1920’s, aerial refueling has provided America’s air assets the critical ability to refuel in mid-flight. This allows for on-call air support and allows aircraft to take off with a greater payload. It also keeps air-mobile command posts in the air longer and allows for quicker air evacuations.

Marines, Airmen fuel up Exercise Northern Edge

EIELSON AFB, Alaska -- Lance Cpl. Justin Moore, MWSS-171 bulk fuel specialist, extends the hose from an R-11 fuel truck over to a jet for fueling on the flightline here June 19. Moore is participating as part of Exercise Northern Edge 2009.(U.S. Marine Corps photo/Staff Sgt. Andrew Miller)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Andrew W. Miller
Northern Edge Joint Information Bureau

Bulk Fuel
June 19, 2009

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, AK –Pacific Command’s Exercise Northern Edge 2009 is allowing more than 200 aircraft the opportunity to train in nearly 120,000 square miles of airspace above interior Alaska and the Gulf of Alaska, June 15-26.

With the numerous aircraft in the air and massive amounts of mileage to cover during the 11-day exercise, one of the most important support billets the pilots have covering their six is the bulk fuel specialist.

“We’ve pumped nearly a half million gallons of jet fuel per day during the first week of this exercise,” said Senior Airman Derick Bowers, a bulk fuel specialist with the 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron here at Eielson Air Force Base. “Without us, pilots are pedestrians.”
Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, currently has Marines cross training and working side-by-side with the Air Force to ensure the pilots are taken care of as expediently and safely as possible.

“There is a little bit of a communication barrier, but it is good to see how other services work,” said Lance Cpl. Justin Moore, MWSS-171 bulk fuel specialist. “It helps diversify my skill set by knowing how to fuel F-16s and F-15s and working with the different forces.”

Because of the differences in lingo, aircraft and overall work atmosphere, the Marines are well-versed before being sent out on the flightline alone.

“We’ve shown them where the fuel points are on the aircraft, as well as trained them on the paperwork, local forms and Air Force forms and fuel receipts,” said Bowers. “Without proper training, lots of expensive equipment can get broken.”

Bowers has served as Moore’s ride-along for the duration of the exercise’s first week.
During the first couple of days the Marines merely shadow the Airmen, watching how they operate on the flightline. For the next three to four days the Marines drive and operate the R-11 fuel trucks with close supervision from their instructors. Next week, which is the final week of the exercise, will be totally different.

“Next week I’ll be all by myself,” Moore said eagerly, knowing this is what he’s been trained for and doing at Iwakuni for quite sometime now, but nevertheless ready to put to work his new skills he’s learned from his Air Force counterparts.

Bowers reiterated his confidence in the Marines’ abilities for next week’s changes, stating that they have adapted and caught on well to the way the Air Force does things.

Of the nearly 9,000 total service members participating in Exercise Northern Edge this year, approximately 290 are Marines and sailors from III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Although the exercise is headquartered out of Elmendorf Air Force Base, activities are taking place across the training grounds of Alaska in order to better prepare joint forces to respond to crises in the Asian Pacific region.

Exercise Northern Edge is Pacific Command’s premier joint training exercise.

Photo of the day - June 23

The way you can tell a tundra swan from a trumpeter is by the yellow spot underneath its eye. Both of these swans come to Alaska to breed and raise their young for just one short summer before heading to the Southwestern U.S. to winter. Photo by Steve Thomas

Mystery Photo for Week June 16 - 23

The winner of last week's mystery photo is Tanya Akimenko

We had 16 correct entries last week.

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

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

The photo is part of the Hair Doctor, owned by Sherry Decker on the Alaska Highway.

Photo of the day - June 22

Some of the local residents experienced a power outage, while others were getting power bumps Sunday evening. Thank you Candy Corty for sending the photo showing the tree across 3 power lines.

2009 Salcha Country Fair

28th Annual Salcha Country Fair

Celebrating Alaska’s 50th year of Statehood “A Golden Jubilee”

June 26th, 27th and 28th

Hour’s 10:00am till 8:00 and gate start charging at 12:00 noon

Admission Prices:
Adults -$6:00
Kids 6-17-$5.00
Kids 5 and under FREE
Family of 4 or more $20.00
Military and Seniors $1.00 off
(Sunday is Canned Food Day) 4 cans get in free

Info: salchafair@alaska.net Or call Lori at 488-0803 or Peggy at 488-4556

Schedule of Events:

Friday Stage
12:00 - 12:15 Opening fair with Blessing “Mel Tresslor”
12:15- Open
1:00-Open
2:00-3:00 3 Bar J Jim Hadlock
4:00-5:00 Simple Folk Uprising “Andy Payne” wife Gwen
5:00-6:00 Dedication ceremony flag raising ribbon cutting pole barn.
6:00 Danny Bates band, bring your jugs, washboards and
8:00 spoons

Friday- tentative pole barn dedication, ribbon cutting, army band 2 or 3 patriotic songs, and color guard?

Saturday Stage

12:00 -Open
1:00 -Army Band
2:00-Kid’s Talent Contest 1st Place $100.00
3:00-Adult Talent Contest 1st Place $200.00
4:00-Moose Calling Competition (Sponsored by Alyeska)
5:00-space for overlaps of time
6:00 - “Streets” James Gentry and 4 other guys
8:00 playing Rock and Roll

Sunday Stage
12:00-Kit Carson and the Scouts
1:00-Kit Carson and the Scouts
2:00-Folk Music w Mike Stackhouse
3:00-Mud Boggs begin
4:00-CD’s from the stage
5:00-Final Closing- Raffle, drawings giving thanks
6:00-Close the fair down

Vendors:
*Smoke House - North Pole Fire Safety
*Debbie Mutschler with a massage chair
*Green Dragon Imports
*Heavenly Creation-Lisa Pegar
*Scentzy Candles- Carrie Stokes
*Mary Kay?? Melanie’s
*Avon with Faith Speakman?
*Laura Booker- Thirty one gifts 372-4403
*Cookie Lee Jewelry Janis
*Fairbanks Community Cooperative Market
* Charlie Boody info booth mayoral candidate
Also Jewelz doing the Rubber Duckie Booth
*Pete Fellman doing booth and bringing baby calves For the petting zoo. Fair provides a tent *Alaska Railroad doing booth Saturday only Fair provides a tent and table and chair
*Sack Races…..Tug of War…. Kids Contests and misc. prizes
*Ed Reynolds-Put-Put Golf game
*Backyard Amusements-inflatables and Bounces
*Army Recruiters and bringing a Rock Wall

Food
*Salcha Fair Food Booth - ribs and chicken, nacho’s and cheese, funnel cakes
*Salcha Fair Beer Garden
*Mini Donuts
* Delta Dog House may come trying to work it out have plans to be at a wedding in Wasilla on Saturday.
* Salcha’s Future Entrepreneurs Booth--Lemonade Stand
Joey, Ziber and Alfoz

Raffle:

1st Place $500.00 Cash
2nd Place Stan Stephens 6hr. wildlife cruise
3rd Place Alaska Railroad 2 rail tickets Fbks-Anch
4th Place Alaska Railroad 2 rail tickets Fbks-Denali
5th Place Riverboat Discovery Cruise for 2

*500 tickets to be sold at $5.00 each

Survey Raffle when you come thru the gate fill out a survey and put your entry into the drawing bin to win!!! Gorilla Fireworks $200.00 Display

Kids Petting Zoo---Jill Schrieber and Sheep Herding Demonstrations.
Karma Brown with pony rides Saturday only.
Mud Boggs kicking off at 3:00pm on Sunday
Horseshoe Competition

Prizes needed for the Deltana Fair's Multi-Item Raffle

Each year the Deltana Fair holds a raffle with multiple items as prizes. The drawings are usually every 15 minutes are so during the thee-day fair. The timing, of course, depends on having a great number of prizes to give away. The winning tickets for the larger prizes are drawn on the large stage (sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank – thank you!) during the closing moments of the fair – 5 pm on Sunday, August 2.

Winners are posted near the Deltana Fair booth during the fair – and will be reported in the Delta Wind and on the fair’s website, http://www.deltanafair.com/ as soon as possible after the fair.

There are several critical volunteer positions that are vacant, some due to changing commitments – so the Deltana Fair needs you! Please call fair manager Judy Sowell to find out what positions are open and how you can help.

If you have an item you’d like to donate as a raffle prize, contact either raffle manager Lynn Robertson or fair manager Judy Sowell at 895-3247 – or email info@deltanafair.com to let them know.

Deltana Fair Board of Directors Meeting

Deltana Fair Association, Inc.
Board of Directors meets July 2

The board of directors of the Deltana Fair Association, Inc. will meet today, Thursday, July 2, at 5:30 pm in the main Exhibit Hall at the Deltana Fairgrounds on Nistler Road.

Visit www.deltanafair.com for a membership application and more!

All members of the Deltana Fair Association are welcome to attend board meetings.

Register For Delta Farm Tour July 14

The Delta Farm Bureau will be hosting their annual farm tour on Tuesday, July 14th.

The first stop will be at the historic Mead Farm on Clearwater Road. Local historians Irene Mead and Judy Ferguson will talk about the farm’s early years as well as the rodeos once held there. Judy’s book, Blue Hills, Alaska’s Promised Land will be available for sale during lunch.

The next stop will be at Dennis and Cleo Green’s where you will be able to see and learn about the reindeer.

Lunch will be at the Clearwater Lodge. Yak burgers will be featured menu item. Baked beans, potato salad and a sundae bar will also be served. Lunch is included in the tour price.

After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to Northern Lights dairy farm owned by Don and Lois Lintleman. You will see the milk processing plant as well a be able to visit the dairy barn to see the cows.

The tour ends with a visit to Windy Valley Hay Producers on Hanson Road. The farm was originally built in the 1970’s by Austin and Edith Walker and is now operated by their son, Robert. Robert is the Delta-Salcha Soil and Water Conservation Service’s “Outstanding Co-operator of the Year” in 2008 for his environmentally sound farming practices.

The registration fee is $40.00 which includes lunch. The bus leaves promptly at 9:00 A.M. at the Jarvis Office Building at Mile 1420.5 Alaska Highway. Please arrive about 15 – 20 minutes early. Tour participants must pre-pay before July 10th. Payment may be made using PayPal. Go to the Alaska Farm Bureau’s website at http://akfb.fb.org. On the left side is the link “FB Payments”. If you are not signed up with PayPal, it will walk you right through. Or, you may send a check with the names of those attending to the Delta Farm Bureau PO Box 760 Delta Junction, AK 99737. Please call 895-4752 if you have any questions.

Photo of the day - June 20

Floating in a canoe down the Clearwater River. It was so beautiful and peaceful. Photo Courtesy Heather Misquez

Reminder: Come celebrate summer solstice with anything that floats on the Clearwater River. June 20, Saturday 7:00 P.M. meet at Clearwater Camp Ground and float down river to the Tanana bridge. For questions contact Rick Lindberg at 907-529-9155

Navy SEALs Participate in Training - Exercise Northern Edge 2009

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska -- Operators from a west-coast based Navy SEAL team participated in infiltration and exfiltration training as part of Northern Edge 2009 June 15, 2009. Army Task Force 49, 1-52 Aviation Regiment, B company, transported the SEALS in CH-47D "Chinook" helicopters, performing two-wheel landings atop mountainous terrain in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex. Exercise Northern Edge is a training exercise designed to promote and improve interoperability. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo/Lance Cpl. Ryan Rholes)


Navy SEALS, TF-49 pilots conduct joint training during NE 09 Cpl. Ryan A. Rholes
Northern Edge Joint Information Bureau

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska – Thirteen operators from a west-coast based SEAL team performed final checks on their equipment as a one-minute warning bell rang shrilly throughout the hull of the CH-47D “Chinook.”

After descending steeply, the helicopter’s back ramp dropped, and the SEAL team sprinted from the Chinook with their weapons up, setting up security as the helicopter lifted out of its two-wheel landing and began circling in the air before landing again to repeat the procedure.

The SEAL team worked with Army pilots from Task Force 49, 1-52 Aviation Battalion, B Company, also known as the “Sugar Bears,” in a training evolution designed to promote and develop interoperability between the two branches. The exercise was part of Exercise Northern Edge 2009, which is one of a series of U.S. Pacific Command exercises that prepare joint forces to respond to crises in the Asian Pacific region.

Because Fort Wainwright’s Striker brigade is currently in Iraq, the pilots aboard the Chinook used this evolution to practice troop transportation and dropping troops while using a two-wheel landing.

“Troops transportation is a large part of what we do, but something we have not been able to train for lately,” said Capt. Thomas Pierce, a Chinook pilot with Sugar Bears. “Having these guys in the back added an element of realism unattainable with our ground units currently deployed.”
Landing on two wheels allows pilots to drop troops in confined spaces that do not allow for conventional landings, added Pierce. Pilots use this technique often when landing in mountainous terrain and on roof tops.

Although the training evolution provided a good training opportunity for the Army pilots, they were not the only ones who gained from the experience.

“We rarely get the chance to work with the Chinooks, so this is a good chance to familiarize ourselves with the airframe, and how to get on it and off it quickly,” said Darrin, a SEAL who’s rank and last name are withheld to protect his identity. “We use this airframe to get us to the fight and to get us out.”

The pilots inserted the SEAL s at three different locations. At each location, the SEAL team practiced exiting the aircraft quickly, establishing security and properly reboarding the aircraft while maintaining a security element. This evolution is one of several the SEAL team will participate in while attending NE09.

SEALs learn from Northern Warfare Training Center

by Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz
354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

6/18/2009 – EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – A west-coast based SEAL team continued their training during NORTHERN EDGE 2009 with the help from the Northern Warfare Training Center here June 17.

The SEAL team learned and practiced several river crossing techniques to prepare them for overseas contingency operations.

“The training that we are learning here is invaluable,” said a senior SEAL member. “We are always looking ways to improve skills; NORTHERN EDGE 09 gives us an opportunity to do that.”

The training was conducted at Phelan Creek, flowing with freezing glacier water and silt that can add unnecessary weight if an individual is in the water for too long.

“The water was pretty cold and the current was fast,” said the SEAL member, “but our guys weren’t afraid to get in there and go to work.”

NWTC instructors provided demonstrations and hands-on training on how to cross waters ranging from low to high flowing, and short to long distances.

The opportunity not only gave them a chance to learn valuable training, it also gave them a chance to see what they can improve on.

“The instructors from the NWTC showed us some excellent techniques that our guys will use in the future,” he said. “We’re happy to have a new asset in our skill set.”

Exercise Northern Edge 2009

SSgt Andrew W. Miller
Exercise Northern Edge 2009

June 16, 2009
Headline 1: Iwakuni gets knee deep in Northern Edge 2009
Headline 2: Exercise Northern Edge 2009 kicks into high gear
Headline 3: Iwakuni trains with brothers in land of rising sun

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, AK –Exercise Northern Edge 2009 officially kicked off June 15 at numerous locations throughout Alaska, the land of the midnight sun.

Participants from all branches of the military are training together in order to hone their tactics, techniques and procedures associated with defensive counter-air, close-air support, air interdiction of marine targets and personnel recovery missions.

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni is supporting the evolution at Eielson Air Force Base with various components of personnel including Marines and sailors with Marine Aircraft Group 12 headquarters, Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 , Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12, and augmentees from Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron such as the Provost Marshal’s Office and Public Affairs. Additional Marines are also supporting from Marine Air Control Squadron 4 out of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. Also from Futenma, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 is operating at Elmendorf Air Force Base. In all, approximatley 290 Marines and sailors from III Marine Expeditionary Force are participating.

“Northern Edge is MAG-12’s best opportunity to get together with the Navy and Air Force to practice advanced tactics in missions that are similar to what we would have to do here in the Pacific area of operations,” said Lt. Col. James Walker, MAG-12 operations officer. “We work with large forces here, 50 to 60 aircraft at a time, and that’s not something we get to do on a daily basis. So, this is a good opportunity for MAG-12 to train in a tactical enviornment.”

Although the event is headquartered out of Elmendorf Air Force Base, activities are taking place across the massive training grounds of Alaska in order to prepare joint forces to respond to crises in the Asian Pacific region.

According to Air Force Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, commanding general of Alaskan Command and 11th Air Force, being able to train here is valuable because there are more than more than 65,000 square miles of available training space over land, and 120,000 when including the Gulf of Alaska. This space includes Alaska’s Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Gulf of Alaska restricted air space, and an in-transit corridor connecting military training air space and live-fire training ranges.

“Northern Edge is the premier exercise conducted within the Pacific Command’s area of responsibility,” said Atkins. “It lets our joint warfighters learn about each other.”

Learning about each other, and the way the varying services operate is very important according to Air Force Maj. Lyle Dawley, Northern Edge exercise control team chief.

“Communication can be a big challenge,” he said. “We don’t always speak the same language whether we are on the ground or in the air.”

That is something he said he hopes service members can learn from and take away from this exercise considering there are almost 5,000 service members participating in the exercise aboard ships in the Gulf of Alaska and approximatley 2,000 who are here from other bases and stations across the United States, Japan and Korea.

Exercise Northern Edge is an 11-day exercise and is scheduled to conclude here June 26.

Basketball Open Gym

There will be open gym for anyone in the Delta area on every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30pm-9:00pm at the elementary school.

If there are any question contact Coach Boom at 803-3356.

Beware of Conference Pitches in Alaska

BEWARE OF CONFERENCE PITCHES IN ALASKA
Consumers beware; StoresOnline, Inc. has BBB's lowest rating.

Anchorage, Alaska – June 19, 2009 – Your Better Business Bureau is warning Alaska consumers to be cautious concerning StoresOnline, Inc. who is planning conferences in the area and has troubled consumers in the past.

Orem, Utah based StoresOnline, Inc. has BBB's lowest rating, an F, for the number of complaints filed against the business and government actions against the business. Consumers filed 707 complaints with your BBB in the past 36 months.

In 2008 alone, government actions were taken against this business in five different states. The most recent government action BBB is aware of occurred on March 16, 2009, when the California Attorney General's Office announced an agreement with StoresOnline in response to allegations that the company falsely promised consumers that they could get rich by selling merchandise over the internet.

Currently, Alaska consumers are receiving "free" tickets in the mail for the following StoresOnline, Inc. conferences:
- Thursday, June 25 at Kenai Merit Inn in Kenai.
- Friday, June 26 at Hilton Anchorage in Anchorage.
- Saturday, June 27 at William A. Egan Center in Anchorage.

StoresOnline, Inc. often advertises their conferences as free. The company markets “e-services” to those intending to do business on the Internet. Consumers normally receive an invitation for the conference in the mail offering a free meal and gift. Following the conference, attendees are often urged to sign up for a one-day workshop which requires a fee. According to BBB's Reliability Report, this company has received complaints concerning information provided at workshops, the refund policy, customer service, and optional coaching services provided by a separate company.

Advice for Consumers:

Consumers who plan to attend any free seminars or workshops should be aware that promoters often use high-pressure sales pitches that require consumers to buy now or risk missing the opportunity. Consumers sometimes have to pay high costs for information that is often available elsewhere for little or no money. Individuals interested in home-based or internet businesses need to consider all aspects and costs of starting and operating a business.

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

Under the Federal Trade Commission Cooling-Off Rule, consumers who spend more than $25 and regret making a purchase can get a full refund, if they made the purchase from a location the seller was renting on a temporary or short-term basis (such as a hotel), and they make the request in writing within 3 days of the sale. For details visit www.ftc.gov.

Taking the time to research a company prior to making a purchase can help consumers avoid becoming a victim of a scam. Get a company's BBB Reliability Report at www.bbb.org. Most legitimate seminar businesses are willing to provide descriptions of their programs before a purchase is made. Read all contracts carefully before signing anything and get all promises or claims in writing. Make sure you understand any cancellation policies or guarantees before making a purchase.

Photo of the day - June 19

This image of an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail was captured on a sunny spring day near Delta. Photo Courtesy Art Lenon

4th of July Celebration and Kids Carnival

The Delta Chamber of Commerce is once again hosting the annual 4th of July Celebration.

They have mixed it up a bit this year and have added a kid’s carnival. There will be carnival games such as Jumbo Bowling, Jumbo Darts, Pin the beard on Uncle Sam, Body Boppers, Bounce House and much much more.

There will be traditional family games such as Sack Race, Egg Race, Water Balloon Toss, Egg Toss, as well as Volleyball, prizes will be awarded for carnival events as well as most family games!

The Friends of Delta Agriculture will be sponsoring the 2nd in a series of three Lumberjack Challenges starting at 12:00.

The Farmers Market is open all day long as well as vendor’s tables from around the area. There are still vendor tables available for $10.00 please contact Dani at 895-5068 to reserve your table.

Local DJ Chris Brady from Brady Karaoke and Live Sound will be spinnin’ disks all day long. He will also be hosting Karaoke sessions throughout the day! Keep your eyes peeled on the Delta Wind, the Delta News Web and Local Bulliten Boards for a schedule of events!

The day will kick off at 11:30 A.M with the Ft. Greely Color Guard presenting the colors and Heather Stossmeister singing the National Anthem.

So head out to the Farmers Market area located behind the Sullivan Roadhouse and the Buffalo Center Drive-In, for a day of fun for the whole family. For more information about this event please contact Dani Markham at 895-5068 or 322-8367

Photo of the day - June 18

This photo of a large concentration of Sandhill Cranes was taken in one of the grain fields along Sawmill Creek Road when they started migrating through on their way up north.
Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

Delta News Web Calendar

Hi folks,

I am sorry about the calendar issues we are temporarily experiencing. We had to do a major upgrade to the calendar and since doing that on Wednesday, June 17, we are finding the little glitches in the system.

I hope to have to back up and running by this evening. If each one who has events on the calendar would check your entries this evening sometime, and make sure they are listed with the corrected times, that would be an awesome help to our community, so they don't show up at an event that had the wrong time on it.

Sorry for the inconvenience, we are workly on resolving the issues ASAP.
Sincere apologies,
Pam

Flower Basket Contest at Deltana Fair

Cinde Stamm-Wear, Tina Kezer, and Michele Trainor have come up with a flower basket contest.

To help add posies to the fair they are asking people to bring in their hanging baskets the Thursday before the fair.

If it's a sunny basket, it hangs in the sun, shade, part shade, etc..

They are soliciting prizes and ALL WILL BE PEOPLE'S CHOICE. First, second, third and most original. Folks attending the fair get to vote.

So, get the word out and lets flood the fair with flowers!

Looking for Rhea Hansen

I need to make contact with Rhea Hansen.

Anyone having contact information please call Deborah Snyder, 803-3115, or let her know I need to speak with her.

Thank you,
Deborah Snyder

Margaret Mandoza Riding Clinic hosted by the D.J. Saddle Tramps

The D.J. Saddle Tramps annual riding clinic with Margaret Mendoza July 7 - July 21.

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

Please Call Now and Reserve Your Lesson Time!

Margaret is also willing to do evening classes for those who have to work late.
Individual lessons ~ $30 per hour
Group Lessons $25 per person per hour

EIA must be provided before unloading your horse.

Please email or call 895-2284 for your spot today!

Alumni Photo - Paul and Sparrow Chavez

Paul and Sparrow (Chavez) Ferreira welcome their first babies into the world twin boys, Liam and Julian on April 21st 2009 at Providence Hopsital where they stayed for the first month of their life. Julian weighted 4lbs 1 oz and Liam weighted 3lbs 13oz. They came two months early and had a little rough start but are now doing well at home in Wasilla with Mom and Dad.

Please click here to view more Delta alumni photos and their families.

Second Post Wide Yard Sale - Fort Wainright

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska – The Fairbanks public is invited to the second of two June post-wide yard sales June 27 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

Military retirees, civilian employees at Fort Wainwright and military families who live off post may secure spaces at the Lemon Lot. Tables are not provided.

A sign will indicate a special lane for yard-sale visitors. Visitors should tell the gate guards they are here for the yard sale, and must show proof of insurance, valid driver's license and vehicle registration. The gate guards will give each visitor a post pass for that day and a map. The pass should be kept on the dashboard in the front window of the vehicle.

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

For more information, call 353-6612.

Online Ads Don't Always Add Up

BBB Unfolds Common Scams on Classified Advertising Web Sites

Anchorage, Alaska – June 17, 2009 – Many consumers rely on classified advertising Web sites to find jobs, places to live, and other products or services. These sites foster mainly friendly and trusting online transactions. Most users adhere to and respect the terms and policies; unfortunately, these sites are also subject to great abuse by scam artists.

Sites like Craigslist allow independent parties to anonymously post online advertisements; meanwhile, most sites hold no liability if a transaction goes awry.

With billions of transactions facilitated, satisfied consumers are the majority; far outweighing the number of scam victims and disgruntled customers. To reduce incidences of fraud, consumers should recognize the most common scams found on these sites:

Bogus Opportunities: The crook pretends to be a legitimate employer, landlord or property manager as an elaborate lure to steal the applicant’s money or identity. It typically starts with a misleading advertisement, which does not match the job description or the available property. Con artists use forged ads and falsified application forms to try to coerce applicants into divulging personal information, such as bank account or Social Security numbers. In rental fraud situations, they even collect the victim’s deposit or first month’s rent.

Overpayment Scams: The “prospective buyer” responds to the ad and sends a check or money order in the mail. The amount on the check over-pays for the cost of the item. Then there are instructions to wire the difference back to him/her, or to a third party. The check or money order is probably fraudulent or counterfeit, costing the victim the amount wired and the insufficient fund fees from the bank.

False Certifications: Looking for payment protection? The fraudster sends an official looking e-mail that appears to come from the staff of Craigslist, Angie’s List or BBB, offering a guarantee, certifying a seller, or providing payment services. In actuality, none of these sources will ever send e-mails soliciting a role in the transaction.

Your Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon, and Western Washington provides advice for online shoppers:

Be careful with anonymous online transactions. When doing business on a site you trust, don’t necessarily trust the ads you see from third parties. On many sites, advertisers do not have to pay a fee or fill out an application to browse, post an ad, or initiate an online transaction.

Verify legitimacy. Visit www.bbb.org to check out a BBB Reliability Report.

It is best to deal locally. Be on guard for bids or inquiries from potential buyers from far away, perhaps even in another country.

Be sure to thoroughly review all disclaimers and policies prior to doing business. Do not provide sensitive, personal information until the legitimacy of the opportunity has been verified. If you do not want the company to sell or redistribute your information, double-check their Web site's privacy policy.

Exercise extreme caution when applying for any online opportunity. Research the company and ask for references prior to submitting an application. On a resume, it is normal to provide your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. Never provide your Social Security number, Driver's License number, or credit card and bank account numbers on a resume. Use discretion: Only fill out home rental applications in person after you have physically toured the interior and exterior of the property.

Steer clear of overly enticing deals. It is a warning sign when prices are too low or far below market value. Look out for those who claim that they can “guarantee your transaction.”

Avoid wiring payments through Western Union, Money Gram or another wire service. Be extremely skeptical of sellers who demand that funds be wired or transferred to an account or a third party business source outside of the sale. Beware if you receive a payment that is higher than the cost of the item; evade any request where the remaining funds need to be wired or transferred back to the “buyer” or to a third party business associate, shipping agent, or online escrow service.

Keep in mind that payment options may be limited since most sellers can not process credit card payments. Never give out your bank account number or other confidential financial information to an unknown source.

Take precautions to protect yourself. Since many online transactions are completed in person—such as a direct cash/merchandise exchange—always meet in a public place and don't go alone. If a local buyer or seller is unwilling to complete the transaction in person, it may be a warning sign.

Photo of the day - June 17

After taking this photo I learned something about mallard ducks. I thought it was quite the coincidence that this female mother duck could have had all female babies. Come to find out the males don't get their green heads until their 2nd year. Photo Courtesy Steve Thomas

Anything That Floats - Saturday, June 20

Come celebrate summer solstice with anything that floats on the Clearwater River. June 20, Saturday 7:00 P.M. meet at Clearwater Camp Ground and float down river to the Tanana bridge.

For questions contact Rick Lindberg at 907-529-9155

Photo of the day - June 16

Delta-Greely Summer Blast Off Triathlon The first Annual Delta-Greely Summer Blast-Off Triathlon took place on Saturday, June 13. The race started with a 500 meter (10 laps) swim at Ft Greely Swimming Pool, and proceeded with an 8 mile bike ride to town and ended with a 3.1 mile run/walk. An Award Ceremony took place at the Delta Ice Rink later in the afternoon. All participants received a t-shirt, water bottle and swim cap.

Please click on images for photo enlargements. Photos Courtesy Carol Watkins

Mystery Photo for Week June 9 - 16

The winner of last week's mystery photo is Daniel Congiolosi Jr.

We had 20 correct entries last week.

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

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

The photo is part of the Delta Petro-Wash.

2009 Deltana Fair Music Festival

Performers for the 2009 Deltana Fair Music Festival Now Added to the Agenda:

Hurricane Dave from the Anchorage area

Laura Vines from Fairbanks

ALREADY ON BOARD:

• Galilee
• Colin Bernard
• Tucson Don
• Julie Engfer
• Randy & Ellen
• Mt Echo
• Wetland Willy Band
• Roger Hoselton
• No Compromise
• Uncle Bob Fairchild
• Simple Folk Uprising

Deltana Fair Music Festival
"The Festival of Choice"907/895-FAIR
www.deltanafair.com
www.lastfrontiermusic.blogspot.com

2009 Education Entry Reminder

Mom and Dads, Grandmas and Grandpas and children, it's time to start taking a tally of what you can enter into the education division of the Deltana Fair. Have fun and remember, when you win a ribbon you may cash in your premium and have spending money for the fair. Its a good thing. Here's the information for Division 3 - Education.

The 2009 Deltana Fair
July 31 - August 1 - August 2

Division 3 - Education

Entry day: Tuesday prior to Fair weekend, 10am-6pm.
Judging system: Danish
Special Requirements:
* Only one entry per lot for each exhibitor.
* NO workbooks or tests, please. Creative assignments only, except for preschool (ages 0-5 years).
* All works must be done by the student during the immediate past school year. Projects not assigned or given credit in school are to be entered in open divisions such as fine arts, creative crafts, photography and needlework.
* Group exhibits [2 or more people] are welcome. Exhibit tag should state that it is a group project and list names of all participants.
* Prepare each exhibit with a cover, mat, backing, or frame -- whatever is appropriate. Show that some thought went into the preparation.
*If exhibit does not comply with the above requirements, it will have points deducted during judging.

Deltana Fair Crops Exhibit Entry Information

Producers, it's time to plan for your crop entries for the Deltana Fair. People attending the Deltana Fair love to see what the local producers grow in the long summer hours of interior Alaska. Some producers have wrapped their grain sheaves with beautiful pieces of fabric, others with rustic looking twine. Seeds, forage crops and bulk items are encouraged. Thanks for representing Alaska's agriculture for the 50th anniversary of our statehood.

Photo of Leslie Hollembaek-Bobo in the grain field...1980's Alaska Interior Game Ranch, Inc.

The following is the requirements for all Division 7 Crops:

Division 7 - Crops
Superintendent Ruby Hollembaek

Entry day: 6:30-8:30am and 10am-2pm, Thursday prior to Fair weekend
Judging system: American -- Exhibit pickup: Sunday of Fair weekend, 5 - 6pm
Special Requirements: Only one entry per lot for each exhibitor
* Each variety must be indicated on the exhibit tag. Individual lots must contain three entries. Entries will be
judged according to their quality as a commercial product.
* In addition to the General Rules and Regulations, any variety of Alaska grown cereals, grasses, legumes, and oilseeds may be exhibited. Crop exhibits are encouraged even though they may not be fully matured at Fair time. Bulk exhibits of cereal grains, oilseeds and grass seed are encouraged. They should be clean and free of foreign matter, cracked, unsound, and discolored kernels. Exhibits should contain samples of the current or last year’s crop.
* Leaves should remain on all forages and grass entries.
* All sheaves should be 3“ or more in diameter.

Go to http://www.deltanafair.com/ for more entry information or call 895-FAIR to make plans to pick up your entry forms early.

DMV Closure

Department of Motor Vehicles will be closed for employee leave on Thursday June 25th.

Customers in the area requiring DMV services may contact the Fairbanks Office at 1979 Peger Road Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm 451-5180

or the Tok DMV Office operated by Alaska Public Lands Information Center Monday-Friday 8am-4pm atMile 1314 Alaska Hwy (907) 883-4481.

Photo of the day - June 15

This Osprey was circling its nest. I'm sure it was keeping its eyes on the photographer, making sure that I did not get too close. Ospreys are called fish hawks, as fish make up their entire diet. Photo Courtesy Art Lenon

Deltana Fair Association, Inc. looking for volunteers

The three-day Deltana Fair takes a lot of volunteers to make it happen. If you like having a fair and want to help, let the fair manager know about it. Send an email to info@deltanafair.com or call 895-3247. Judy Sowell is the manager of the 2009 Deltana Fair.

And it takes money to put on the fair – so any donations will be gladly accepted. The multi-item raffle offers an opportunity to donate something besides cash – raffle manager Lynn Robertson would like to hear from you.

The exhibit hall needs volunteers – superintendents for a couple divisions and lots of volunteers to help accept the exhibits on entry days. Exhibit Hall manager Rae Ann Filla is looking for you.

There are other opportunities available – your skills are needed to make the 30th annual Deltana Fair a truly community fair. Visit the website www.deltanafair.com for ideas of how you can participate in your fair.

Help Needed From Deltans

A peachish-orange cloth double-zippered heavy canvas, outdoor style carrying case, about 5" high, by 3" wide by 2" deep with a belt loop, with a Canon A460 digital camera, and a Motorola V171(?) cellphone (#347-8165), and a red computer thumb drive, with a small pack of four AA batteries in it was lost Wednesday, 10 June, last week in Delta, most likely at Mt. McKinley Bank building or at the Post Office.

It is desperately needed, as the photos of the Purple Heart Rail and others in them are historical, and I can't feature in depth, with photos of Deltans, in the Vanguard without the camera.

The phone is one I carry for emergency use only, when traveling to Fairbanks or Anchorage on borough appeal business.

Please phone 895-3222 if you have found it, or know who might have. I am praying for its safe return and thank you for whatever information or help you can give in locating it. Margie.

PS -- I have also lost a silver Olympus digital camera, and a white, thin, double-stick-gum-size Olympus digital recorder. (I kept thinking I'd find them at home, or would find them in the car. But, no.) If you have found either of these, call the same number above. PROFOUND thanks!

Deltana Fair Association, Inc. Board of Directors Meets June 18

The board of directors of the Deltana Fair Association, Inc. will meet today, Thursday, June 18, at 5:30 pm at the Deltana Fairgrounds on Nistler Road.

Visit www.deltanafair.com for a membership application and more! All members of the Deltana Fair Association are welcome to attend board meetings.

Delta Lions welcomed visitors to picnic in the park

The Delta Lions finally beat that procrastination bug and actually got together for the party that has been postponed several times since last December. Several people joined us for the outdoor meal in the cool and damp of the park.

Thanks to all who showed up. A special thanks goes to Lion Dana for grilling the main course. Zone Chair Lion George Pursey and MD49B Governor-elect Lion “Bill” Baker spoke about being a Lion.

More information about Lions International is available at www.lionsclubs.org and your local Delta Lions Club at http://deltalionsclub.com/default.html -- check it out!

Photo of the day - June 13

Flag Day, is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, its designers and makers. Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation.....one nation, under God, indivisible. Our flag has a proud and glorious history. It was at the lead of every battle fought by Americans. Many people have died protecting it. It even stands proudly on the surface of the moon.

As Americans, we have every right to be proud of our culture, our nation, and our flag. So raise the flag today and every day with pride!

In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened that day by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day.

The flag stands for the UNITED STATES of AMERICA and the struggles that it has endured and the people that have fought to protect its freedoms!

Please click on the images for photo enlargements.

Photo of the day - June 12

This aquatic moose was feeding in the ponds at Shaw Creek flats last summer. The moose not only like the tender shoots of grass at the bottom of the ponds, they also get a break from the mosquitoes. Photo by Steve Thomas

Fort Greely Post Yard Sale June 13 - Public Invited

The Delta Junction public is invited to the Fort Greely post-wide yard sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 13.

Post residents will sell from their homes in the housing areas and tables will be set up at the Fort Greely Chapel parking lot.

Visitors should tell the gate guards they are here for the yard sale, and must show proof of insurance, valid driver's license and vehicle registration. All occupants over the age 18 must have a valid form of ID.

The gate guards will give each visitor a post pass. The pass should be kept on the dashboard in the front window of the vehicle.

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

For more information, call 873-5023 or 873-3542.

BBB Reveals Local Charity Seal Program

Charities Have a New Way to Show Their Commitment to Ethics

Anchorage, Alaska — June 11, 2009 — Consumers receive and see many opportunities to give to charities, but sometimes those offers can be misleading. Through BBB Foundation, your Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington introduces a new way for legitimate charities to show their commitment to ethics.

For over 10 years, your BBB has provided a free BBB Charity Review Service to the public. By calling BBB or visiting www.bbb.org, consumers can review which charities meet BBB’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Now, local charities that meet all of BBB’s 20 Standards for Charity Accountability can apply for the BBB Charity Seal Program. A BBB Charity Seal can be displayed on the agency’s Web sites, solicitation materials and other communications to provide the public with a clear, concise and easily recognized symbol of trust.

“This is an exciting first for local charities,” said Robert W.G. Andrew, CEO of BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington.

Charity Seal and Review Benefits Donors:
- Find reliability. The charity seal will allow potential donors to quickly recognize charities that meet BBB’s standards.
- Look beyond “the numbers.” While many other charity watchdogs confine their reports and conclusions solely to the charity’s finances, BBB Charity Review Service requests various support documents to evaluate the participating charity’s governance, fundraising practices, solicitations and informational material, as well as how it spends its money.
- Charities held accountable. BBB charity evaluations are in effect for 2 years. However, BBB can amend them at any time based on new information or changes in the charity’s practice. If a BBB Charity Seal holder no longer meets all standards, the charity would be required to remove the seal from Web sites and cease distribution of materials displaying the seal. BBB will alert the public of any known seal abuses.
- Continued free charity review. BBB will continue to provide the public with free reviews of all charities in BBB’s database.

BBB’s Charity Seal Program Will Allow Charities To:
- Stand apart from others. Display of the seal will instantly convey to the donor that the charity adheres to strong and comprehensive BBB standards.
- Show visible reliability. BBB Charity Seal holders can use the seal in many outlets, including direct mail appeals, annual reports, posters, newspaper and magazine advertisements, billboards, Web sites and television public service announcements.

Photo of the day - June 11

On Saturday, June 6, was the dedication of The Alaska Purple Heart Trail at the Delta Junction Visitor Center. The colors were brought in by the Viet Nam Vets Motorcycle Club from Anchorage and they preformed the Fallen Warrior Ceremony. There were guest speakers along with the unveiling of the Purple Heart Kiosk.

Click on photo for an enlargement!

Photo of the day - June 10

This picture was taken Friday June 5th at the end of the DHS Girl's Summer Softball Clinic. We had great weather and a really fun time. The girl's did a great job and worked on skills and learned a lot about teamwork.


Pictured from top left are: Coach Lindsay Pinkelman, DHS softball player Stacey Krepel, Valerie Krepel, Jess Reiter, DHS Softball Alum Whitney McLaren Bottom Row: Abbi Olsen, Ashley Bevard, Trinity Brant, Amanda Stewart, Bryn Hjelm.



A big shout out goes to Coach Dan Beck for his expertise about girl's softball! Also a big thank you to Don Bunselmeir for stepping in and helping with the fields when Lindsay was sick! Photo Courtesy Lindsay Pinkelman.

Please click on the image for a photo enlargement.

VISTA Volunteers needed now before funding is lost!

The Deltana Community Services Partnership has been working with the VISTA office in securing 2 volunteer positions for our DCSP project. These positions would assist our DCSP project 40 hours per week.

We were recently notified that VISTA is losing some funding and if we are able to secure a VISTA volunteer, we need to identify that person within approximately 10 days.

VISTA provides a monthly stipend of approximately $1,000.00, support, training and HEALTH INSURANCE. DCSP would provide office space, computer access, supervision and a great learning experience. The living stipend is $505.00 every two weeks, plus the additional benefits that are listed on this site. Vista Benefits

If you know anyone who is interested in being our VISTA volunteer, please have the person contact me right away at the numbers below.

Thanks!

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

School Grads From the Early 1970 Era Meeting

Delta High School Graduates from the early 1970-era will meet at the City Park at 7:00pm on Friday, June 12th.

Everyone is welcome. Bring a potluck dish and a good attitude.

Brace yourself to see your friends from the past.

Contact Mary Leith-Dowling (895-4434) or Tim Ellis (520-909-8879) for more information.

You are invited to visit Lions

The Delta Lions will be glad to introduce you to Lionism at the pig roast party in the city park on Saturday, June 13. The projected time is 2 pm.



Lions members are to bring a barbecue-ish side dish to share. Call Totsie at 905-4256 to coordinate your contributions.


More information about Lions International is available here and your local Delta Lions Club - check it out!

Annual Placemats to appear on a table near you

The Deltana Fair will provide placemats to local restaurants and also to those along the highways surrounding Delta Junction.

These placemats feature a short listing of what’s happening at the Deltana Fair and the advertisements from local businesses.

Businesses wishing to advertise on the placemats may email Ann Geise at or call 803-3449 or 895-4466.

The plan is to have two sets of 5,000 placemats. Each placemat will have 8 advertising spaces (approximately 3 inches square) at a cost of $95 each. You can choose to have your ad on both sets of placemats for $190. Deadline has been extended to June 12.

2009 Deltana Fair Premium Book offers advertising opportunities

The booklet that lets exhibitors know when and how to enter their items will be published again this year and advertisers are needed to sponsor the cost of making the booklet happen.

Businesses or individuals are welcome to contribute to this endeavor. Although the information is available online, exhibitors have insisted on a printed listing of the rules and regulations and other exhibit information.

Ann Geise will be compiling the premium book again this year. Please call her with your questions at 803-3449 or 895-4466 or email or visit the Deltana Fair website

Deadline for advertising has been extended to June 12.

Photo of the day - June 9

Our beautiful camping spot in Kennicott, AK. The views were breathtaking!

The amazing views from our flight-seeing tour in Kennicott, AK.
Photos Courtesy Heather Misquez

Mystery Photo for Week June 2 - 9

The winner of last week's mystery photo is Mark Jurgens

We had 21 correct entries last week.

Mark will receive a gift certificate from the Buffalo Center Drive-In courtesy of John and Linda Sloan

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

The photo is part of the Northern Light's Dairy sign located at the Buffalo Drive-In.

Photo of the day - June 8

The pictures where taken on the M/V Columbia. We where going back to Sitka, after the Department of Alaska American Legion Conference held in Haines. This first pictures is of Humpback Whales spouting and the second picture is of my ADA Service Dogs, enjoying the sun. The little Dog is a Terrier Mix and her name is Precious and Mozart is the Chinese Shar-Pei. Photos Courtesy - Former Delta Jct. Resident Cornelia Huebscher

Northern Edge 2009 Begins Monday 15 June

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – U.S. military units stationed in the continental United States and the Pacific theater will participate in Exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2009, a joint training exercise hosted by Alaskan Command scheduled for June 15-26, on/above central Alaska ranges and the Gulf of Alaska.

NE09 is one in a series of U.S. Pacific Command exercises in 2009 that prepare joint forces to respond to crises in the Asia-Pacific region. The exercise is designed to sharpen skills, practice operations, techniques and procedures, improve command, control and communication relationships, and develop interoperable plans and programs. Approximately 9,000 U.S. active duty, Guard and reserve component Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines will participate with more than 200 aircraft from all the services. Participants will serve as part of a joint task force practicing tasks associated with joint operations.

Major participating units include U.S. Pacific Command, Alaskan Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pacific Air Forces, Marine Forces Pacific, U.S. Army Pacific, Special Operations Command Pacific, Air Combat Command, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and U.S. Naval Reserve. NE09 is the largest military training exercise scheduled in Alaska this year with participants covering nine time zones.

Alaska residents may see and hear increased flying activity during the exercise to include sonic booms. Operators of small civilian aircraft transiting Military Operations Areas (MOA) are encouraged to call the Special Use Airspace Information Service at (800) 758-8723 prior to entering the MOA. In Fairbanks, aviators can call 372-6913 or contact Eielson Range Control via VHF radio on 125.3 MHz.

Pilots are also urged to always file a flight plan, and to obtain the current status of the MOAs from any Federal Aviation Administration Automated Flight Service Station, Anchorage Center, or Eielson Range Control.

Seniors Farmer's Market Coupons Available Now

Alpha Omega Life Care, Inc. has received the Senior Farmers Market Coupons. The state director has sent us 80 coupon books and they are given on a first come, first serve basis. The booklets are worth $25.00. We have been informed that there will be NO second issues this year. We will distribute them by appointment only at the office and will attend the local Highways End Farmers Market on Saturday, June 13th from 1130 until 1:30pm to sign up seniors for the coupons.

Eligibility for the coupons:
Seniors age 60 and older.
Participates in one of the following programs:
Commodities Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program
OR lives in the household with someone who participates in:
WIC
CSFP
Reduced or free school meals
OR meets the following income eligibility critera:
2009 185% Federal Poverty Guidelines

1 Person in Family
Annual - $25,031 Monthly - $2,086

2 Persons in Family
Annual - $33,689 Monthly - $2,808

3 Persons in Family
Annual - $42,347 Monthly - $3,529

4 Persons in Family
Annual - $51,005 Monthly - $4,251

5 Persons in Family
Annual - $59,663 Monthly - $4,972

6 Persons in Family
Annual - $68,321 Monthly - $5,694

7 Persons in Family
Annual - $76,979 Monthly - $6,415

Persons in Family- Annual Income - Monthly Income
8 $85,637 $7,137

For each additional person, add Annual - +$8,658 Monthly - + $772

Each person has to fill out an affidavit for eiligibility and sign the coupon register. You will need to bring a state or federal photo ID.

A proxy can be assigned to pick up the coupons after the recipient has filled out and signed the required forms.

Please call Alpha Omega @ 895-4104 or 895-4143 for more info or to schedule an office appointment.

An annual event for our community. Thank you to these wonderful folks who help to make the Sullivan Roadhouse beautiful: Carol Dufendach, Luann Fett, Julia Phelan, Christopher Phelan - the youngest gardener, Christy Roden and Kathy Trim. Any gardener knows the amount of time and labor you one can spend in the garden.

This garden is in the beginning stages and these fine folks will be taking care of the garden throughout the summer. When you see one of them, please take the the time and thank those who spend endless volunteer hours for our community.

When the fall harvest comes in August, the community will be invited to attend "The Garden Soup" at the Sullivan Roadhouse sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

Photos Courtesy Carol Dufendach.

Please click on the image for a photo enlargement.

Lee Greenwood Performing Live at the Carlson Center

Lee Greenwood live at the Carlson Center June 26, 2009 at 7:30pm.

Tickets on sale now at http://www.ticketmaster.com/, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000, all Fred Meyer Ticketmaster outlets and the Carlson Center Box Office. For more information call (907) 451-7800.

Excerpt from Lee's Official Site: Few artists have ever written a song that has become more a part of America’s cultural landscape than Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.” If he’d never written or recorded another hit, Greenwood would have secured his place in music history with that powerful inspiring ballad.

“God Bless the USA” has been voted the most recognizable patriotic song in America, taking the top honor over “God Bless America” and the “National Anthem,” but it is only one of the many hits that have propelled Greenwood’s successful career. With his distinctive voice, insightful songwriting and unparalleled showmanship, Greenwood has been captivating audiences for decades.

Along the way, he has won numerous accolades including two Male Vocalist of the Year awards from the Country Music Association and the CMA Song of the Year honor in 1985 for “God Bless the USA.” He has won the Top Male Vocal Performance in 1983 for “I.O.U.” His lengthy string of hits includes such classics as “Ring on Her Finger, Time on Her Hands,” “It Turns Me Inside Out,” “Somebody’s Gonna Love You,” “I Don’t Mind the Thorns (If You’re the Rose)” and “Dixie Road.”

To read the rest of his bio, please click here

Chamber Membership Luncheon ~ June 18

The next membership luncheon will be held on June 18 at noon at the Trophy Lodge. Lunch is $15.00 Please RSVP by June 16 at 4pm to be eligible for the free lunch.

Guest Speakers are from Delta/Greely School District; Dr. PJ Ford Slack, Superintendent and Kent Scifres, Head of Maintenance and Operations.

Dr. Ford Slack and Mr. Scifres program will focus on the Delta/Greely School District's Biomass Project. This project includes a boiler, a biomass boiler building, storage for chips and/or pellets, auger delivery system, trailers to store chips and utilidor to connect into new high school heating system. The boiler could be retrofitter for natural gas in the event it becomes readily available. According to DGSD, this project is part of the biomass corridor envisioned by Alaska Energy Authority. DGSD is the hub of the project that includes Alaska Gateway School District in Tok and Kenny Lake School as part of the Copper River School District.

The following individuals and organizations have helped to make this project possible:

• A $2 million grant from Alaska Energy Authority
• Al Edgren, Delta Dept. of Natural Resources
• Partners for Progress in Delta, Inc.
• Logging & Milling Associates, Dry Creek
• Tom Miles, TR Miles Consulting
• Alaska Gateway School District, Tok, AK
• USKH

DGSD will recoup the cost for this project in 2-7 years.

Biomass Information courtesy DGSD

The Foraker Group: Board of Directors Workshop

The Foraker Group will conduct a board training workshop on Wednesday, June 17 from 5:30 - 8:30pm in the Jarvis West Conference room in the basement.

The workshop is free, thanks to the following sponsors: Delta Wind, Delta Chamber of Commerce, Deltana Community Corporation and J-L Ventures.The workshop is designed to educate board members, volunteers and staff so they can better serve the organizations with which they are involved.

These two-hour training sessions are open to anyone who is part of a nonprofit organization and is interested in learning more about the skills required to build strong, effective organizations. Participants will learn key concepts and definitions that will help them understand their role in performing these functions.

Seats are limited so please register as soon as possible by calling the Chamber at 895-5068.

Longer Library Hours

The Delta Library will now be open until 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday evenings starting Friday, June 5.

Thanks to the the Fort Greely MSW office who provided funds for these extended hours!

Jeff Dunham Live at the Carlson Center

Jeff Dunham - Spark of Insanity Jeff Dunham live at the Carlson Center June 25, 2009 at 8:00pm.

Tickets on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at (907) 456-4800, all Fred Meyer Ticketmaster outlets and the Carlson Center Box Office. For more information call (907) 451-7800 or visit www.jeffdunham.com

School District to Receive Stimulus Money

DGSD will receive over 1.5 million dollars in federal stimulus funding that must be used over the next two years. The money can go a long way toward taking care of needs the District has right now, but will not be available after the two years so it would not be wise to use this money for things that must be sustained such as added positions or salaries.

DGSD is seeking input from staff and community as to the priority of the needs that should be addressed. Much of the money provided by the stimulus program comes with programmatic requirements so it cannot just be used for anything; however, if it will improve the achievement of students, then it will be a valid expenditure.

We encourage you to complete the survey on the District webpage to help identify the priority needs for the District. This needs to be completed by June 10. Thank you very much.

If you have questions, please call Laural Jackson at 895-4657 ex 24

Photo of the day - June 5

A decaying bone pile reminds us of hunts gone by. Alaska is a special place offering beauty, adventure and solitude. Image by Dwight Phillips

Alaska Highway closure and evacuation near the Liard River

Subject: Evacuation Notice
Fireside, Coal River, Muddy River Indian Reserve #1

Date: June 4, 2009

Due to Wildfires burning in the Liard River Area, please be advised that Evacuation Orders are now in effect for Fireside, Coal River and Muddy River Indian Reserve #1.

The Alaska Highway is closed between Fort Nelson and Watson Lake until further notice.

For more information, please contact the Fort Nelson Emergency Operations Centre, 250-774-3955

Message for Margie Mullins

Hi Margie,

I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for all your help while you were in Eagle. We have established a post at eaglefloodinfo.wikispaces.com.

You may want to keep up with what is going on. I try to update it each week .

Once again thank you,
Cassy

Photo of the day - June 4

This is a familiar scene of the Alaska Range to anyone traveling on Clearwater Road at Hanson Road. Photo Courtesy Art Lenon

Triathlon Race Day Volunteers Needed

Delta's 1st Annual Summer Blast-Off Triathlon needs race day volunteers. Over 50 competitors will take to the pool, pedals and pavement on Saturday, June 13th and we need your help.

A volunteer meeting is scheduled for June 9th at 7:30 PM at the ice rink.

For more info call Courtney at 895-5478.

Photo of the day - June 3

Mike Shetler, Class of 02, was promoted to Staff Sgt. on June 1. This was done right before he deployed to Afghanistan for a year.

Mike and his cousin Silvia Peckham. Silvia is Donna and Dick Peckham's granddaughter. Her father, Scott Peckham, is also a DHS graduate. Photos Courtesy Gail Shetler

Dedication Ceremony of the Alaska Purple Heart Trail

The public is cordially invited to attend the Dedication Ceremony of the Alaska Purple Heart Trail.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities will hold a public ceremony to honor our nations Purple Heart Recipients.

The Dedication Ceremony will be held at the Visitors Center in Delta Junction, Alaska, on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 11AM.

Court Approves GM's Continued Participation In BBB Auto Line Program

GM customers can still receive free help from BBB to resolve disputes over their auto warranty

Anchorage, Alaska – June 2, 2009 - The U.S. Court overseeing General Motor’s bankruptcy has approved GM’s request to continue honoring vehicle warranties, including GM’s participation in the BBB AUTO LINE program for consumers that need help with any warranty-related dispute with the manufacturer.

BBB AUTO LINE is the world’s largest out-of-court warranty dispute resolution program and has been administered for the past 30 years by the U.S. Better Business Bureau system for GM and most other major brands. BBB offers its BBB AUTO LINE service to consumers as an informal way to resolve any warranty disputes they might have regarding reoccurring problems with a vehicle that they believe may be a “lemon.”

“Both GM and the Court understand that it is absolutely necessary to honor warranties and this decision benefits consumers by ensuring they will continue to have a free and easy way to resolve warranty disputes with the assistance of BBB AUTO LINE,” said Robert. W.G. Andrew, CEO of BBB serving Alaska, Oregon, and Western Washington. “Since 2001 alone, BBB has helped consumers with more than a quarter million cases involving the 35 manufacturer brands participating in the BBB AUTO LINE program.”

BBB AUTO LINE follows Federal Trade Commission rules and applicable state lemon law procedures. Most eligible cases are resolved by a mediated settlement. For cases that go to arbitration, decisions are made by BBB’s professional, volunteer arbitrators. Essentially, consumers may accept or reject the arbitrator’s decision, but the decision is binding on the manufacturer if accepted by the consumer. If the consumer does not accept the decision, the consumer is free to pursue any other remedies available under law.

The program’s activities are transparent, with audit reports filed annually with the Federal Trade Commission. And according to the most recent audit of the program, 79 percent of participants would recommend the BBB AUTO LINE program to their friends and family who were experiencing automotive problems.

Twenty-seven of the world’s largest auto brands—including GM makes—participate in BBB AUTO LINE for disputes arising throughout the country. An additional eight manufacturer brands participate in some, but not all states. A complete list of participating BBB AUTO LINE manufacturers is available at the BBB Web site (www.bbb.org). Full information about BBB AUTO LINE is also available online, including program rules (in English and Spanish) and an easy to use online complaint form.

BBB AUTO LINE is administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc. in Arlington, Virginia. Mediation centers are located in Arlington, California and Florida and arbitration case hearings are available through more than 116 BBB offices and branches in every major market in the U.S. and its territories.

Photo of the day - June 2

Hoary marmots are coming out of hibernation. There are a few living along the rocky bluffs along the Richardson Highway between Delta and Fairbanks. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

Mystery Photo for Week May 26 - June 2

The winner of last week's mystery photo is Denise Wilhelm

We had 12 correct entries last week.

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

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

The photo is part of the Birch Brother's Pizza on Nistler Road.

Thank you Ed and Ann Richards from the Buffalo Center Diner and John and Linda Sloan from the Buffalo Center Drive In for their sponsorship of the 3rd annual Mystery Photo Contest.

Photo of the day - June 1

A day to pay tribute for all of our veterans. The Memorial Day service was held at the Rest Haven Cemetery last Monday, May 25. This year was the largest turn out that Delta has had. Photos Courtesy Judith Farrow

Please click on photo for a photo enlargement.

Community Job Fair - Friday, June 5

Date: June 5th, 8am-3pm
Location: Delta Elementary School Multi-use Room.
For more info please call Dave Mintun at 873-2479.

Some of the Employers:
Well Fargo
Delta/Greely School District
AAFES
Fort Greely Human Resource

Please bring resumes.

VBS Starts Today at the First Baptist Church

Vacation Bible School for kids who have completed grades Kindergarten - 6th.

When: Starting at 9:00 am and ending at Noon, everyday June 1-5.

Where: At the First Baptist Church on the Richardson Highway next to the Delta Vet Clinic.

For more information contact the Church at 895-4490