Photo of the day - Aug 31

The Granite Range provides a nice backdrop for this unnamed pond on the 33 mile loop trail. Image courtesy of Dwight Phillips.

Possible Aurora Borealis class in North Pole

Interior Alaska Photography Club is looking to set to set a date for this Fall’s Aurora photography class? Who’s interested?

It would be two hours in class and then we can meet that night at Chena Rec Area and take star shots. (hot cocoa mandatory).

If anyone is interested, please contact Kevin

NRA Classes Being Offered

Taking sign ups now for Basic Pistol course as well as Group first step Pistol/Rifle and Shotguns course.

Offered both One on One as well as a Group course though Tactical Rifle and Pistol courses.

Have an AR15 or AK47 and not sure how to use it? Give us a call and we will will teach you all you need to know and how to get the most use out of your rifle.

Always wanted to know how to use you pistol to protect you and your family? Call us, we will walk you through everything from Bullet selection thrrough how to shoot though windshields and proper use of cover and concealment.

Young adults (with parental consent) and women are welcome. Classes can be customized specifically for a group of women or young adults.

Call (907)895-5595. NRA Certified Instructors for many years of experience that will not talk over your head.

Photo of the day - Aug 29

This adult great horned owl and its offspring seem to be posing for its family portrait. Photo by Steve Thomas

Letter to the Editor

To whom it may concern,

Every night and all night long there has been a dog barking near my home on Remington Road near Sourahda.

I do not know who you are and don't need to, so I'm asking that if you own a dog how can you let it bark all night like that? I feel bad for the dog and I'm tired of hearing it bark for hours on end.

Please control your dog for the sake of peace.
Thank you in advance,
Candy

Photo of the day - Aug 28

Along with the fall weather creeping in comes new opportunities for different scenery/weather shots. Here is a shot with fog rolling over a hay field on Remington Road, 9:04 pm August 9, 2009. Photo courtesy Barbara Tharp.

Stryker Flights Returning Starting on Saturday

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska -The redeployment of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division is in full swing and Soldiers are expected to arrive here daily beginning Saturday.

Redeployment flights from the Iraq theater of operations are expected to bring between 100 to 300 Fort Wainwright-based Soldiers back home to their families each day. All of the more than 4,000 Soldiers from the brigade are scheduled to return to post during the next several weeks.

After landing and in-processing at Eielson Air Force Base, the Soldiers will be bused to Fort Wainwright to be reunited with their families at the Alert Holding Area.

All Media interested in attending the return flight events at Fort Wainwright are asked to contact the US Army Alaska (USARAK) Public Affairs Office at Fort Wainwright, (907)347-2175.

Photo of the day - Aug 27

A Great Gray Owl cruises the fields off Barley Way looking for an unsuspecting rodent for his next meal. Shortly after this image was taken the bird proved successful in his hunt.
Image courtesy of Dwight Phillips

Ijango, Possible Pyramid Scheme

BBB Investigates iJango's Business Practices

Anchorage, AK – August 27, 2009 – BBB serving Alaska, Oregon, and Western Washington warns consumers about an Austin, Texas-based company that may be engaged in an illegal pyramid scheme and targeting locals online. Already, Alaska, Oregon, and Washington "portals" have sprung up: ijangoalaska.com, ijangooregon.com, and ijangowashington.com.

IJango, a self-described multi-level marketing company, charges consumers an upfront fee of $50 or $149.95 and a monthly maintenance fee of $19.95 to run their own iJango Web site portal. The company claims it pays its registered participants based on the amount of online purchases made through their portal and the number of shoppers they can recruit to join the program. BBB serving Central, Coastal and Southwest Texas reports that iJango has received hundreds of inquiries from consumers nationwide over the past two weeks. Pending complaints received by BBB allege concerns with the delayed availability or use of the iJango portal.

BBB's concern is that the company's primary focus is on expansion and recruiting other individuals to propagate the opportunity, rather than products or services: A clear sign of a pyramid scheme. To become a Regional, National or International Director, those enrolled must acquire site users to work under them, according to www.ijango.biz. As stated by Rayner Smith, iJango’s CEO, they offer a business opportunity where potential clients are paid for the recruitment of registered customers and the recruitment of others to do the same.

The iJango Program also asserts that it has Web traffic agreements with Yahoo!, iTunes, Rhapsody and Google. BBB has been unable to verify any affiliation; Rhapsody and Google have stated they do not have a contract with iJango.

IJango has an "F" rating with BBB: www.bbb.org/central-texas/business-reviews/multi-level-selling/ijango-in-austin-tx-90066721.

Consumers should exercise caution when evaluating any business opportunity:
Beware of plans that claim to sell miracle products or promise enormous earnings. Avoid purchasing expensive products and marketing materials upfront. Be cautious of any plan that includes commissions for recruiting additional distributors and comes with a compensation plan diagram shaped like a pyramid; it may be an illegal scheme.

Don't pay or sign any contracts in an "opportunity meeting" or other pressure-filled situation without first taking time to think over the decision. Talk it over with a family member, friend, accountant or lawyer.

Remember that no matter how good a product and how solid a multi-level marketing plan may be, substantial time and money may be needed for your investment to pay off. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

For more information on pyramid schemes and to check the reliability of any company, visit www.bbb.org.

Photo of the day - Aug 26

I love chasing sunset and sunrise photos. I took one photo on Remington Road and continued on into Delta as I knew a really good sunset photo op was waiting for me behind the Golden Valley office over looking the Delta River. This photo was taken at 9:19 pm on August 9, 2009.
Photo Courtesy Barbara Tharp.

BBB Foundation Offers BBB Military Line

BBB Military Line® Serves Military Personnel & Families

Anchorage, AK – August 25, 2009 – BBB Foundation proudly dispatched BBB Military Line® in Alaska, Oregon, and Western Washington in 2003. Since then, your BBB has been providing reliable consumer information and resources to help our military members and their families make educated financial decisions, protect themselves from potential fraud and know where to turn for reliable information.

Military personnel and their families are frequently targeted by scammers; BBB Military Line® arms them with education, tools, and other defensive strategies to protect against common scams.

BBB Foundation can help you enlist in any of the following opportunities:

1. "Minutes for the Military" – Phone cards for deployed soldiers.
2. Community Outreach – Free Smart Consumer Workshops for teens and adults; and presence at welcome fairs and deployment ceremonies.
3. BBB Publications for Military Personnel - Personal Finance for Military Families, the Military Resources Guide and other useful Web sites.
4. News Articles, Reports and Updates - Up-to-date information on laws and policies that protect veterans and consumers in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. Visit www.alaska.bbb.org/military to learn more.
5. Local Marketplace Information and Guidance – Consumer protection tips on many issues including:
Scams targeting military personnel
Identity theft and fraud prevention on deployment or at home
Managing credit and finances
Sense and savings for military and families
Legitimate deals for military personnel
Purchasing or remodeling your home
Buying or fixing your car
Finding reliable local businesses

BBB Foundation welcomes partnership with other agencies that benefit military personnel. For more information on this program, contact BBB Foundation at BBBFoundation@thebbb.org.

Soldiers, veterans and their families are also encouraged to use other public services provided by Better Business Bureau, including: BBB Yellow Pages, BBB Reliability Reports, complaint handling services and dispute resolution. For general inquiries, visit www.bbb.org.

Opera Fairbanks Announces Resident Artist Program Sponsorship and Ticket Giveaway

Fairbanks, Alaska. – August 24. Since its inception in 2005, Opera Fairbanks has provided educational opportunities for those interested in opera – preconcert lectures, student workshops, master classes, voice lessons, vocal coachings, and more.

Opera Fairbanks and the University of Alaska Fairbanks announced their cooperation in founding the Opera Fairbanks Resident Artist Program earlier this week. The program will provide up to four (4) UAF voice students per year with the opportunity to work with Opera Fairbanks, a professional opera company based in Interior Alaska.

Resident Artists will have the chance to work one-on-one with visiting artists (past guests include Maestro Buchalter, a conductor at the Met, and Metropolitan Opera stars Vivica Genaux, Cynthia Lawrence, Jason Stearns, Leah Wool, and Emeritus Board members Gloria Marinacci Allen and Michael Douglas Jones). Resident Artists may also be cast in comprimario (supporting) and cover (understudy) roles, participate in workshops and masterclasses free of charge, and receive a variety of hands-on experiences in arts administration and fundraising.

When they heard about the program North Star Construction Equipment, Inc. ("North Star") signed on to become the sponsor of the Resident Artist Program's inaugural year. "Francis and I have a healthy appreciation for music and are thrilled by the willingness of the professional guest artists to work with our local singers," stated Rose James, co-owner of North Star.

North Star's generous gift, in addition to covering the costs of administering the program, celebrates its inception by providing for 200 tickets to this Friday's concert, "An Evening with David Cangelosi" to local students of all ages--at no cost. “We are thrilled to provide this amazing and rare opportunity to area students” said Opera Fairbanks President Cassandra Tilly. In addition to the August 28 concert, students and the general public may observe a Master Class with Mr. Cangelosi on Saturday August 29 at 2:00 p.m. at Davis Concert Hall.

The ticket giveaway will occur on Thursday, August 27 beginning at 12 noon at College Coffeehouse in Fairbanks (3677 College Road, next to the Artworks--the corner of College Road and University Avenue).

David Cangelosi is a critically-acclaimed tenor who regularly appears at the Metropolitan Opera, Paris Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and other major opera houses around the world.

Photo of the day - Aug 25

Rainbow Mountain approximately 60 miles south of Delta Jct. Very scenic and breathtaking. This particular day, the photographer photographed the mountain with a real rainbow on it. Photo Courtesy Butch Goodno

Mystery Photo for Week August 18 - 25

The winner of last week's mystery photo is Josiah Ruse

We had 11 correct entries last week.

Josiah 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 sign on the M & J Auto Body sign, at mile 1421 Alaska Highway, in front of Bergstad's trailer court.

Photo of the day - Aug 24

This majestic eagle is about to apply the brakes just before landing.
Photo copyright Richard Mitchell

Photo of the day - Aug 22

The phrase sly as a fox seems to fit the look this red fox has on its face. There seems to be quite a few fox around this year, as there is a abundance of snowshoe hares and other small rodents for them to feed on. Photo Courtesy Steve Thomas

Fort Wainright Courtesy Patrols

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska, – Noncommissioned officers from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team will conduct courtesy patrols in the local communities as a proactive step to help keep recently redeployed Soldiers safe while they go through the reintegration process.

Beginning Monday the courtesy patrols will be conducted from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. every night as an additional safety measure to take care of Soldiers who recently return from Iraq.
More than 1,000 members of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team will return to Fort Wainwright within the next two weeks as the brigade begins to redeploy after a one year tour in Iraq.

“The courtesy patrols are meant to ensure that Soldiers reintegrate with their families and community safely” said Maj. Glenn Gambrell, the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team rear detachment commander.

“The courtesy patrols are not an auxiliary military police. The purpose of the officers and noncommissioned officers of the courtesy patrols is to identify Soldiers who may gravitate towards civil disturbance, remove them from the situation and safely return them to their unit” said Gambrell.

“Under no circumstances will courtesy patrols engage in any law enforcement activities with respect to civilian laws or individuals” said Gambrell.

“Safety of Soldiers and good relations with the local community is of the upmost importance” says Gambrell.

Fort Wainwright and local communities may have seed a similar courtesy presence when the 172nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team returned from Iraq in November 2006 and operated similar courtesy patrols

Women's Equality Day

August 26, 2009

There cannot be true democracy unless women's voices are heard. There cannot be true democracy unless women are given the opportunity to take responsibility for their own lives. There cannot be true democracy unless all citizen are able to participate fully in the the lives of their country. ~ Hillary R. Clinton

Facts:
64 number of Active Duty Women Generals

45.4% of Doctoral degrees awarded to women

49 number of Reserve women Generals - all citizens are able to participate fully

59 percentage of Undergraduate degrees awarded to women - true democracy

23% of College presidents are women

24 Fortune 1000 Companies are run by women

15 Fortune 500 Companies are run by women

Photo of the day - Aug 21

This photo is an aerial view of Delta Junction with the Delta River and Alaska Range mountains south and west of Delta. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois.
Click on the image for a photo enlargement.

DGSD Surplus Items List - Bids Are Open Til September 4

August 20, 2009 item: J1b

SURPLUS ITEMS LIST

OPEN: August 21, 2009
CLOSE: September 4, 2009 at 4:00PM

Please drop all bids off to: Char Lundy, Secretary, Maintenance Dept. in the School District Office Building at 1664 North Clearwater Ave. Bids will be opened on September 8, 2009 and people with winning bids will be notified that day by phone. Please plan to pay for and pick up items by September 11th.

WINDOWS
72” X 36” TIP OUT 17 EA.
39” X 24” TIP OUT 32 EA.
38 ½” X 57” GLASS 31 EA.
43 ½” X 73 GLASS 1 EA.
67 X 48 GLASS 3 EA.

ITEMS FROM BASKETBALL COURT
BASKETBALL POLES 7 EA.
BACKBOARDS 6 EA.
BASKETBALL RIMS 3 EA.
PORTABLE BASKETBALL HOOP 1 EA
MISC. CHAIN LINK FENCE

TIRES
Goodyear Wrangler Lt 245 75R/16 Hwy 1 EA.
Uniroyal Universal Lt 245 75R/16 Hwy 1 EA.
Michelin LTX New on Rim Lt 245 75R/16 Hwy 1 EA.
Goodyear Workhorse Studded Lt 225 75R/16 Hwy 3 EA.
Dynapro AS Hankcock Lt 245 75R/16 Hwy 4 EA.
Goodyear Workhorse Studded Lt 225 75R/16 Hwy 3 EA.
Dunlop Royal Studded Lt 245 75R/16 Hwy 4 EA.
General Lt 235 85R/16 Hwy 1 EA.
Large truck tires for playground use 3 EA.

LIGHTS
Recessed and surface fluorescent light fixtures (3 or 4 bulb) 100

Special Anniversary Greeting to Cheryl and Danny Green

Happy 25th Anniversary to Cheryl & Danny Green
Love, Mom & Dad

Photo of the day - Aug 20

A Goshawk surveys its domain from this perch in an aspen tree. This image was taken in the spring as the hawks were returning to the Delta area. Photo Courtesy Art Lenon

Inheritance Schemes Steal from Supposed Heirs

Beneficiary Scammers Embezzle Identities and Funds

Anchorage, Alaska – Aug. 18, 2009 – Impersonating a dying person or estate handler, scammers are luring consumers with claims of inheritance money to steal funds and identities.

Your Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington warns that businesses and consumers are receiving enticing claims in letters and faxes. Usually, a person claiming to be an estate handler, banker, auditor or lawyer informs that you're the next of kin to a deceased person that left behind a large sum of money. In other cases, communications come from a source claiming to be a sick or dying person who needs assistance carrying out last wishes with their money.

Consumers are asked to pay fees and provide personal information in advance, then never receive the funds, or receive stolen money which they have to inevitably repay to the rightful owner. Most of the time, these scams come from other countries and will ask to only correspond through e-mail; otherwise, consumers will be forced to make expensive calls overseas to communicate.

Your BBB warns:
- Protect personal information. Never give birth dates, Social Security and bank accounts numbers or other personal information to anyone contacting you through an unsolicited letter, fax, e-mail or phone call.
- Protect your finances. Do not correspond with anyone who asks for upfront fees or requests that funds be forwarded to another party before you can receive an inheritance. In legitimate cases, required fees are taken out of the inheritance before it is sent to the heir.
- Dispose of inheritance scam information. Throw away or shred scam inheritance letters and faxes. Delete e-mails and do not click on any links; as they may contain viruses, malware, or links to Web sites that request personal information.
- Be suspicious of too good to be true offers. If you think the offer may be real, speak to relatives to find out if there has been a family death in the specified location. Research the company or individual the letter comes from. Confirm that the person contacting you actually works for the alleged company. In legitimate cases, do not provide personal information until the source can provide legal documents proving you are an heir. Don't be discouraged from seeking a second opinion and researching the offer.
- Check out businesses. Get a free BBB Reliability Report at www.bbb.org.

If you become a victim or receive communications from an inheritance scam artist, report it to the Attorney General's Office at 269-5200 or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov.

Photo of the day - Aug 19

This photo of a nesting pair of golden eye ducks was taken in one of the ponds at the base of Donnelly Dome. The black and white one is the male and the other the female.
Photo by Steve Thomas

Serving Those Who Served - Community Wide Event

Stand Down is a community-wide event at which information and services are provided FREE to veterans in need.

Saturday, August 22, 2009
7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Pioneer
Park (Alaskaland) Civic Center

FREE TO VETERANS

FREE SCREENINGS
~ Dental, Medical and Optometry
Cholesterol and Glucose test (requires 12-hour fast)
~ Alternative Medical Information

INFORMATION AND HELP
~ Employment and Voc Rehab
~ Social Security
~ Legal Aid
~ Tax Information
~ Veteran Organizations

FREE SERVICES
~ Massage and Acupuncture ~
Long Distance Calls
~ Haircuts and Clothing
~ Food Bags
~ Door Prizes
~ Entertainment

Enjoy a good hot breakfast and lunch and visit with your fellow Vets.

Required for Entry
Bring Veteran's Identification:
DD214
Vet ID Card

CONTACT
Fairbanks
Veterans Center
456-4238

Beware: Business Vanity Awards are Back

Business Uses New Name to Distribute Deceptive Awards and Gain Funds

Anchorage, AK – Aug. 18, 2009 – Your Better Business Bureau warns that U.S. Local Business Association or USLBA is now using the name U.S. Commerce Association or USCA to distribute vanity awards in the state.

Vanity awards prey on a business' desire to look good. “Best of Local Business” Awards – which are believed to be mass-distributed – entice recipients to purchase plaques. The business usually receives an e-mail that begins: "I am pleased to announce that has been selected for the 2009 Best of Award in the category by the US Commerce Association."

BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington has identified that multiple businesses in a city are sometimes given the same award within the same category; the categories can also be so specific that only a few businesses would qualify for the award.

While the awards often look locally distributed, U.S. Commerce Association is based in Washington, D.C. and has BBB's lowest rating, an "F". For BBB's Reliability Report, click here.

Your BBB advises the following when checking the validity of an award:
1. Get a BBB Reliability Report at www.bbb.org on the business or organization distributing the award.
2. Look at the title and category of the award. If you don't recognize the award or it seems like an overly specific category that only a small number of businesses could receive, it might be a vanity award.
3. Check to see if there are any fees associated with winning the award. If there is a fee for winning or for receiving a certificate or plaque it could be a scam.
4. If the announcement for the award leads to a Web site, do not enter any personal information on that site unless you are positive of the award’s validity.
5. Ask questions. Businesses and organizations that offer legitimate awards will usually be willing to provide detailed information on why a specific company received the award.

See BBB's previous press release on USLBA here.

Photo of the day - Aug 18

Ospreys are migratory and spend their winters in Mexico and Central and South America. Ospreys return to Alaska in late April. Most ospreys will leave Alaska by October. Ospreys have been known to live for 25 years. Photo Courtesy Kevin Flatley

Mystery Photo for Week August 11 - 18

The winner of last week's mystery photo is Gary Cooper

We had 9 correct entries last week.

Gary 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 sign on the IGA food store.

"Garden Soup at the Sullivan" 2009

The Delta Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual “Garden Soup at the Sullivan” Wednesday August 26, 2009.

This event celebrates the harvest of the Sullivan Roadhouse Museum’s Mabel Olmstead Memorial Garden and honoring volunteers who have dedicated their time this summer to planting the garden and helping with the upkeep.

The event will take place inside the Sullivan Roadhouse Museum.

All are invited to attend and taste a variety of homemade soups prepared with vegetables harvested from the Roadhouse and area gardens. There will also be homemade breads, beverages, Carol McNabb’s homemade ice cream (donated), and music.

The event is free, however, donations are certainly welcome, all proceeds will go to help sustain the gardens at the Sullivan Roadhouse. To bring a soup or bread, contact Christy at 895-4215. For all other inquiries contact the Chamber at 895-5068

Click on the photo for a poster enlargement.

Photo of the day - Aug 17

Deltana Fair has come and gone for this year, but John Neininger will always remember this fair. He was the lucky winner in the quilt raffle. Photo Courtesy Michael Martinez.

Largest haul of food for one distribution

Distribution went well, after a small delay, thanks to the generous volunteer help by Art and Patty Griswold, Tim Boyd and family from Ft. Greely, Pam Dunklebarger, Art Lenon, Deborah & Joe Brokus and Donald Brisson.

Once again, we ran out of freezer space - still need another freezer to purchase, borrow, or be donated. Donations for the Hunger Abatement Programs are gladly accepted.

Our truck yields only 9 to 10 miles per gallon, and is used exclusively for the Food Bank and transportation of food.

95 families were served during this distribution, and several emergency food issues were made during the preceding week.

We thank those who volunteered their time and energy to assist us for the Saturday distribution.

Alpha Omega - 895-4104.

Women's Conference - Fort Greely

Aug 21, 22 and 23
Pastor Sylvia P. Laughlin
"Empowering Women to Serve"
Come be renewed, refreshed, restored and empowered to serve God, Your Family and Others

Click on image for poster enlargement.

The event is open to the public. Visitors should tell the gate guards they are here for the Women's Conference 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. The pass should be kept on the dash board in the front window of the vehicle. There is no need to stop at the visitors' center.

Photo of the day - Aug 15

I took this picture of an impressive thunderhead from my deck this summer. It seems that most of the big thunderheads that form are north of Delta, whereas this one was south of Delta. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

My Cat, Blue - by Barbara Tharp

When I got my new digital camera, my cat, Blue, was a willing subject. This is one of my favorites poses of her. Even her white whiskers show up against the black background.
Photo courtesy Barbara Tharp

Photo of the day - Aug 14

These flowers were in the McCullum's fields off Nistler Road this summer.
Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

Christy Roden Once Frustrated and Now a Winner

Christy was fishing with Silver Lining Charters last Saturday in Prince William Sound and lost 4 silver salmon in a row. Being frustrated, she still continued to fish and the big one didn't get away. She landed a 18.56-pound silver which made her the ond-day women's derby winner as well as the top spot in the overall Silver Salmon Derby.

Christy was $1000 richer that day. If her record holds up thru Sept 6, she can win $15,000.

Good luck Christy. Delta is behind you rooting you on.

For the complete story see the Fairbanks Daily News Miner.

Photo of the day - Aug 13

Click on the hockey photo for a photo enlargement.

Eli Grossmann recently completed his Jr A Hockey career in Grand Prairie, Alberta winning the Province Championships having previously won the British Columbia Championship the previous season. He is presently playing in an International Tournament In Sydney, Australia featuring teams from the US, Canada, Europe and Australia. Eli is a product of our local Delta Skating Association. Photos Courtesy Dawn Grossmann

Looking for Ron Parker

Hello, I am looking for Ron Parker. I have been told that he lives in Delta Junction.

He was a good friend in school and would like to find him.

Any help would be great, you can email me at hkitty1998@yahoo.com
Thank you in advance. T

BBB Advice on the Basics of Creating an Estate Plan

Anchorage, Alaska – August 12, 2009 - Estate planning isn’t only for the wealthy, nor is it a topic people enjoy thinking about. However, Better Business Bureau advises consumers that if they own something of value they would like to pass on to family or loved ones at their death, they should create an estate plan.

A 2008 Harris Interactive poll, conducted for Lawyers.com, found that more than half (55 percent) of adults surveyed didn't have a will. Some of the main reasons for why they didn’t have a will included not wanting to think about dying, not knowing where to start or who to talk to about setting up an estate plan and not believing they had enough assets to need one.

“Those who don’t have a will are leaving it up to the state to decide where their money and children should go if they should pass away,” said Robert W.G. Andrew, CEO of BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington. “While no one enjoys thinking about their death, it’s important to create an estate plan so that assets go to the people you want and your children are taken care of.”

An estate plan can be as simple as drafting a will or as complex as setting up a trust and a living will. BBB offers the following guidance on the basic components of an estate plan and advice on choosing what is necessary for different situations.
Will: At the very least, anyone who has assets that they would like to pass on to specific individuals should create a will. A will can allocate assets as well as establish guardianship of children. Most wills have to go through probate after the individual’s death. In probate, a court oversees the payment of any debts and distributes inheritances—the process can last several months.

Living Trust: While a trust might sound like something only wealthy people need, it’s actually a tool for anyone who would like to set conditions on how and when their assets are distributed. A trust can also help reduce the amount of taxes paid on the inheritance and does not have to go through probate—unlike a will. Examples for creating a trust include wanting to give a child their inheritance over time, rather than in a lump sum, and restricting how the money can be spent.

Living Will: A living will provides a way for an individual to communicate their desire for life-saving measures in case they are incapacitated. In addition to a living will, individuals can also assign medical power of attorney to someone they trust who can further ensure that their wishes are fulfilled.

For simple estates, many Web sites offer an inexpensive do-it-yourself approach to creating a will; for more involved estates, it’s best to enlist the help of a lawyer. BBB advises researching any estate planning companies or lawyers first at www.bbb.org before paying for assistance.

After creating an estate plan, BBB recommends communicating the terms of the plan with the family members and loved ones it impacts. An estate plan needs to be revised every time the individual moves, changes marital status or is affected by major financial changes, such as investments or buying or selling a business. An estate plan will also need to be reviewed if anyone the estate plan affects undergoes major life changes such as marriage or death.

For more advice you can trust from BBB on managing personal finances visit www.bbb.org.

Photo of the day - Aug 12

Only the males or “bulls” have antlers. Most male calves develop a hair-covered, bony protuberance by the end of summer that persists through their first year. Following this initial development, antlers are grown each summer and shed during winter throughout the bull’s life. The largest moose antlers in North America come from Alaska, the Yukon Territory, and the Northwest Territories of Canada. Trophy age class bulls with antlers 50 inches (127 cm) in spread or larger are found throughout Alaska. Moose occasionally produce trophy-size antlers when they are 6 or 7 years old, with the largest antlers grown at approximately 10 to 12 years of age. For more information see Alaska Dept of Fish and Game.
Photos Courtesy Heidi Capo

Delta Junction Food Bank Needs Your Help

Your local Delta Junction Food Bank, bringing to the community TONS of food each month, is publishing a cry for help.

USDA and the Fairbanks Community Food Bank is providing larger than usual quantities of frozen foods, which have strained and then exceeded the capacity of the freezer space at Alpha Omega Life Care Inc. each month.

Last month we put 5, count 'em, 5, freezers on line simultaneously in order to handle the load.

We need to purchase, have donated, or borrow a (preferrably) chest type freezer to accommodate this surfeit of frozen food.

Please call if you are able to help--Thanx 895-4104

Welcome to the Capo Family

Welcome Timothy, Heidi and Esli.
Our family just moved to Delta a couple of weeks ago. This is a picture of Heidi and their daughter Esli (7 months), in the Lamberts field just past Delta Meat and Sausage Co. -- 4th of July weekend. Photo Courtesy Heidi Capo

Photo of the day - Aug 11

There is so much life to see around us if we take time to stop and smell the roses, such as this spider on a wild rose blossom. Photo Courtesy Art Lenon

Mystery Photo for Week August 5 - 11

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

We had 6 correct entries last week.

Illeen 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 on the Delta Veterinary Clinic.

Photo of the day - Aug 10

Saturday's game was moved from Fairbanks to Delta because of the smoke.
Delta vs. Monroe Catholic Rams. The Rams beat our Huskies 42 to 0. Both of our fullbacks, junior Chad Fellman and his freshman brother Matt sustained injuries during the game. There were 17 players and 7 of those were freshmen. The Huskies had to place inexperienced players in positions they weren't familiar with. Come on out and support our Huskies on Saturday, August 15 when the Delta Huskies will be playing the Sitka Wolves at 6:00PM. Good luck, GO HUSKIES! Photo Courtesy Carol Watkins

Click on the photo for a photo enlargement.

Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon

The next membership luncheon will be held on August 20th at noon at Birch Brother’s Pizza.
Lunch is by individual order. Please RSVP by August 18th at 4pm to be eligible for the free lunch.

Denali – The Alaska Gas Pipeline will be the largest private energy project in North America, and is vitally important to Alaska and the rest of the nation.

On Thursday, August 20th, Lisa Pekich from Denali will present an overview of the project, outline progress so far, and share future plans. Lisa, Denali’s Alaska Outreach Lead, is a lifelong Alaskan and is part of the core team working to move the project forward.

Photo of the day - Aug 8

This image was taken in late spring as the sun was setting (notice the lingering snow). Delta has many beautiful sunsets, and I suppose beautiful sunrises if the photographer would get up early enough to check. Photo Courtesy Art Lenon

Thank you Deltana Fair Supers'

I can't thank you all enough for all the assistance for the exhibits at the Deltana Fair. We had over 50 volunteers in these departments.

A special thank you goes out to Mary Woodbury for putting up the Hobby Show and Creative Crafts Division.

Teri Chapman kept us smiling and happy, thanks for your hours of help along with Charlotte who offered a youthful outlook for our divisions’ entries.

Thanks to Sandi Schultz and FMKQ Guild Members who stitched their time with the Quilting and Needlework Division.

Thank you, Nancy King, who painted her way into a colorful corner, in helping with the Fine Arts Division.

Thanks out to Jennifer Brant and Jeff Lansing who assisted their expertise with the Education Division.

Thank you, Carol McNabb and crew, for overseeing the lively 2 and 4 - legged Livestock Barn and Division.

A blooming thank you goes out to Mary Leith Dowling and Eddy Dee Growden for preening the flower division.

We know your roots, they run deep in Delta, a thank you goes out for assistance in the vegetable division to Nancy Williams and Christy Roden.

Thanks for the "shot" to Catherine Steeves and Hannah Hollembaek for taking the multitude of entries in the Photography Division.

A delicious thank you out to Bethel Holbrook and Ruth Abbott for churning up a great Food Division.

Thank you to our illustrious judges who were efficient and generous in donating hours of expertise.

Thank you Lyn, Kay, Deb and Ann plus all of the Deltana Fair Board for all you did to make it a great fair.

We had wonderful Exhibit Halls and it really was a "Stitch in Time in 2009" to remember.

Happy 30th Anniversary for your fair, Delta.

From Ruby Hollembaek-Exhibit Hall Superintendent

Don't Get Scammed when Participating in the Federal Cash for Clunkers Program

Anchorage, Alaska – August 7, 2009 - In late June President Obama signed into law the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) or Cash for Clunkers program. CARS provides a rebate for consumers who trade in qualifying gas guzzlers for more energy efficient cars. Unfortunately, even before the program began, scammers were attempting to ply their trade and Better Business Bureau offers the following guidance for car shoppers on how to participate in the program and avoid getting scammed.

The CARS program has proved to be extremely popular; according to the New York Times, it generated more than $920 million in rebates and more than 220,000 in auto sales. Car shoppers burned through the $1 billion that was initially set aside for the program and the Federal government had to quickly appropriate an additional $2 billion to keep the program going.

“Not only were some consumers quick to take advantage of the new program, but scammers didn’t waste any time either,” said Robert W.G. Andrew, CEO of BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington. “Because the program is new, identity thieves know that they can cull sensitive personal information from consumers while looking like they are actually trying to offer assistance to participate in the program.”

Even before the legislation passed, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that Web sites were soliciting information like names, addresses and Social Security numbers in order to register people for the program. The BBB serving Louisville received reports from consumers who received phone calls with offers for help in filling out the paperwork to receive a voucher to participate in the program.

BBB offers the following guidance to car buyers on the basics of the CARS program:
You do not need to register or receive a voucher to participate in the program; it is the responsibility of the dealership to fill out all appropriate paperwork.
Not all dealers are participating in the program. Participating dealers must register with the Federal government.
The program applies toward new cars and trucks that are either leased or purchased.
Not all new vehicles will qualify for receiving the credit. The new vehicle must be priced less than $45,000 and passenger vehicles must have a combined fuel economy value of at least 22 miles per gallon.
The amount of the credit is $3,500 or $4,500 depending upon the difference between the combined fuel economy of the vehicle that is traded in and that of the new vehicle. The credit will be applied toward the cost of the new car.
Trade-ins that qualify must be no older that 25 years and have a combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon or less at the time it was originally purchased. Visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/ to learn the fuel economy of specific vehicles.
The trade-in vehicle must have been continuously insured, in accordance with State law, and registered in the same owner’s name for the one-year period immediately prior to the trade-in.

Additional restrictions apply and BBB recommends consulting the official Web site for the CARS program at http://www.cars.gov/ for more information. Consumers can also call the CARS Hotline at (866)-CAR-7891 or TTY at (800)-424-9153.

For more advice on purchasing and maintaining an automobile, visit http://www.bbb.org/

Photo of the day - Aug 7

Whit Aillaud on Upper Tangle Lake escaping the recent wind and smoke.
Photo Courtesy Cindy Aillaud

Photo of the day - Aug 6

Congratulations go to Cheyenne Corty for winning first prize with her pigeon in the poultry division and Grand Champion in the the small livestock in the open class division.
Photos Courtesy Candy Corty

Click on the photos for photo enlargements.

Important Air Quality Advisory - Aug 6

Based on the "Smoke Visibility & Air Quality Index" the Air Quality Index Category is currently at the "Hazardous" level for the Fort Greely area.

The visibility at Allen Army Airfield is less than 1/4 mile.

Based on this information: Everyone should avoid any outdoor "exertion." People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children shouldr emain indoors.

For more information go to the following links:
http://www.dec.state.ak.us/air/smokemain.htm
http://www.epi.alaska.gov/eh/wildfire/default.htm

Remaining Fair Photos

Photos Courtesy of Ruby Hollembaek.
Please click on images for photo enlargements.

Corey Sloan ran through the mud bog pit, she'll look younger tomorrow
because of this Delta mud!

Our grandson, Wesley Hollembaek, enjoys the Farm Bureau's train pulled by tractor driver, Bryce Wrigley.













How about this method of staying in shape? Look at this spectacular bicycle entry at the Deltana Fair Parade.

Fair Photo Displays

Photo displays are for the Music Festival, Events at the Fair and the Talent Contest

Fair Photo Displays by Carol Watkins
Please click on the images for photo enlargements.

Photo of the day - Aug 5

Series of the Cowboy Mounted Black Powder Shoot at the Fair on Saturday afternoon.
Photos Courtesy Barb Tharp.

Click on the photos for photo enlargements.

Air Quality for Interior Alaska

For Fort Greely: Currently, according to the "Smoke Visibility & Air QualityIndex" (attached) the Air Quality Index Category is currently at the "Very Unhealthy" level for the Fort Greely area. The visibility at the airfield is 1 mile.

Based on this information: People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. Soldiers should contact their chain-of-command for guidance regarding outdoor duties.

The following is sent on behalf of the ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION-Division of Air Quality ...

SITUATION REPORT
AIR QUALITY ADVISORY
Interior AK #2009-11

LOCATION(S) IMPACTED: Middle Tanana Valley, Upper Koyukuk Valley, Yukon Flats and Uplands, Central Interior, Deltana & Tanana Flats, Southeast Brooks Range, Upper Tanana and the Fortymile Country.

TIME/DATE OF UPDATE: Wednesday, August 5, 1:00 PM.
VALID TIME: Valid August 5 at 1:00 PM until August 6 at 5:00 PM.

TIME/DATE OF THE NEXT REPORT: Thursday, August 6, 5:00 PM.

ADVISORY: Air Quality in Interior Alaska continues to be affected by several large fires burning across the central portion of the state. With continued warm temperatures and no chance for precipitation in sight for the next few days, fire activity and smoke production will continue. Communities near these fires will continue to experience periods of dense smoke and poor air quality conditions over the next few days.

*The Wood River 1 and Hardluck Creek Fires are causing periods of smoky conditions for Fairbanks, and may cause visibility issues along the Parks and Richardson Highways.

*Several fires south of the Tanana River are affecting air quality inTanana, Lake Minchumina and Manley Hot Springs.

*The Crazy Mountain Complex of fires is very close to Circle, and is causing poor air quality for Fort Yukon, and Central.

*Smoke from these fires, as well as larger fires such as the Railbelt Complex, Big Creek and Crazy Mountain Complex, is reaching the North Slope, and affecting communities in the Western Interior as well.

For all of these locations, air quality will predominantly be unhealthy for sensitive groups, with many areas reporting very unhealthy air quality.Throughout the next few days, conditions will fluctuate and worsen in some areas, and air quality may become hazardous at times. The forecast for the Central Interior is for partly cloudy skies and warm temperatures. Winds will be light and variable today, and begin to turn morewesterly/southwesterly on Thursday.

Keep in mind that areas immediately downwind of any fire will experience hazardous levels of smoke. Generally, worse conditions occur overnight and during the early morning hours, as the atmosphere cools and brings smoke to the surface. During the day, surface heating will mix smoke and carry it upwards, temporarily improving air quality. Hot, dry weather will lead to extensive fire activity, dramatically increasing smoke production, and thus causing the worst visibilities to occur in the late afternoon and early evening hours.

SMOKE AND PUBLIC IMPACT: This is an area forecast, and as such is a general forecast for portions of Interior Alaska. Smoke intensity will vary depending on precise location and local wind flow patterns. Smoke concentrations will be such that they could impact public health at times. It is advised that travelers check local weather as smoke conditions may vary considerably from one locality to the next. The most recent weather observations may be found on National Weather Service's homepage.

DEC advises anyone with respiratory illness or heart disease, the elderly, and children to avoid exposure to smoke. For information on Wildfire Smoke from the Department of Health and Social Services, visit their website .

All others are cautioned to avoid outdoor activities or physical exertion when conditions reach unhealthy levels, as defined in attached chart:

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

For information on Wildfire Smoke from the Department of Health and Social Services, visit their website

For information on Wildfire Smoke from the Department of Environmental Conservation, Air Quality Division, visit the website.

For information on road conditions around Alaska, visit the Road Traveler Information System

For information on the Air Quality in Fairbanks, visit the Fairbanks North Star Borough

For information on this advisory, contact Cindy Dettmer-Shea with the Division of Air Quality, at 907-269-7676.

Important Air Quality Advisory

Based on the "Smoke Visibility & Air Quality Index" the AirQuality Index Category is currently at the "Hazardous" level for the Fort Greely area. The visibility at the airfield is 3/4 mile.

Based on this information: Everyone should avoid any outdoor "exertion".

People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should remain indoors.

http://co.fairbanks.ak.us/airquality/Docs/ParticulateLevels.pdf

For more information go to the following links:
http://www.dec.state.ak.us/air/smokemain.htm
http://www.epi.alaska.gov/eh/wildfire/default.htm

Health Threat From Wildfire Smoke

Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.

How to tell if smoke is affecting you

Smoke can cause:
• Coughing
• A scratchy throat
• Irritated sinuses
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Headaches
• Stinging eyes
• A runny nose

If you have heart or lung disease, smoke might make your symptoms worse.

People who have heart disease might experience:
• Chest pain
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue

Smoke may worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as respiratory allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in the following ways:
• Inability to breathe normally
• Cough with or without mucus
• Chest discomfort
• Wheezing and shortness of breath

When smoke levels are high enough, even healthy people may experience some of these symptoms.

Know whether you are at risk

If you have heart or lung disease, such as congestive heart failure, angina, COPD, emphysema, or asthma, you are at higher risk of having health problems than healthy people.

Older adults are more likely to be affected by smoke, possibly because they are more likely to have heart or lung diseases than younger people.

Children are more likely to be affected by health threats from smoke because their airways are still developing and because they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. Children also are more likely to be active outdoors.

Protect yourself Limit your exposure to smoke. Following are ways to protect your health.

Pay attention to local air quality reports. Listen and watch for news or health warnings about smoke. Find out if your community provides reports about the Environmental Protection Agency's Air Quality Index (AQI). Also pay attention to public health messages about taking additional safety measures.

Refer to visibility guides if they are available. Not every community has a monitor that measures the amount of particles that are in the air. In the western part of the United States, some communities have guidelines to help people estimate AQI based on how far they can see.

If you are advised to stay indoors, keep indoor air as clean as possible. Keep windows and doors closed unless it is extremely hot outside. Run an air conditioner if you have one, but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. If you do not have an air conditioner and if it is too warm to stay inside with the windows closed, seek shelter elsewhere.

Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to reduce breathing problems. A HEPA filter may reduce the number of irritating fine particles in indoor air.

Do not add to indoor pollution. When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces, or gas stoves. Do not vacuum, because vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home. Do not smoke, because smoking puts even more pollution into the air.

If you have asthma or another lung disease, follow your doctor's advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

Dust masks are not enough. Paper "comfort" or "dust" masks commonly found at hardware stores are designed to trap large particles, such as sawdust. These masks will not protect your lungs from smoke. For more information about effective masks, see the .Respirator Fact Sheet. (www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/npptlrespfact.html) provided by CDC.s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Safe evacuation As you evacuate and then return home, be cautious and take the same safety measures you would when there is no emergency: buckle up and do not drink and drive. See CDC.s Impaired Driving fact sheet for more information on these hazards. Also, make sure that children are properly buckled up and in the rear seat. See CDC.s . Child Passenger Safety fact sheet for more information.

Power outages Power outages can be more than an inconvenience. See .What You Need to Know When the Power Goes Out Unexpectedly. For more information about food safety, safe drinking water, power line hazards, and more. For more information, or call the CDC public response hotline at (888) 246-2675 (English), (888) 246-2857 (español), or (866) 874-2646 (TTY).

Delta Junction Friends of NRA Winners

Delta Junction Friends of NRA would like to thank the community for supporting our 2009 Deltona Fair Raffle. Your contributions will help local organizations like the Sportsman's conduct range improvement and promote shooting sports thru out the state.

This years winners include Ken Murdock - 375 Ruger Alaskan, Ron Robinson - $100.00 and Bill Ohman - $50.00.

Look for tickets for our 12 Gun Auction on Saturdays at IGA - raffle will be conducted at our banquet scheduled for October 10th.

Fair Rides from the 30th Annual Deltana Fair

Fair rides are a big part of the Deltana Fair for the young and old at heart.

Photos are courtesy of Candy Corty.

Click on the photos for photo enlargements.

Cowboy Black Powder Shoot

Series of the Cowboy Mounted Black Powder Shoot at the Fair on Saturday afternoon.
Photos Courtesy Barb Tharp.

Click on the photos for a photo enlargement.

Photo of the day - Aug 4

Deltana Fair photo displays by Carol Watkins
Click on the photo displays for a photo enlargement.

Jewel Returns to Anchorage for Benefit Concert

Jewel Kilcher performs using only her first name, will be returning to Homer for a benefit concert at the Homer High School Mariner Theatre at 7:30 on August 19. The benefit is for the Artists in the Schools programs. Tickets will be available at the Bunnell Street Arts Center in Homer starting Thursday, Aug 6. The cost is $30, $25 for Bunnell members. For more information, call 907-235-2662.

Both of Jewel's parents were raised in Homer, where she also lived before becoming a well known pop star.

There will also be a concert in Anchorage at the Atwood Concert Hall, on Aug 20 and 21. Tickets can be purchased at centertix.net or by calling 263-2787, the tickets are priced at $50.50

Deltana Fair - Exhibit Hall Entries

Exhibit Hall entries have been provided for your enjoyment by Ruby Hollembaek.
Click on the photos for photo enlargements.

Vegetables were a strong entry this year at the Deltana Fair.

Stitch in Time 2009 - 30th Annual Deltana Fair Theme

Debbie Diviney's Family Float - depicting this year's theme. "Stitch in Time 2009".

Photos Courtesy Ruby Hollembaek

Click on the photos for photo enlargements.

Fair Photos

Delta News Web has received so many parade and fair photos, and I want to thank each one for submitting photos. Each photo will be published that has been sent. Some will appear in photo of the day and others will appear in the Community news.

To start off with this set of photos was sent in by Candy Corty. Thank you Candy for covering the animals, you were the only one who sent those entries.

Mystery Photo for Week July 28 - Aug 4

The winner of last week's mystery photo is Carol Dufendach

This must have been the hardest mystery photo in three years. There was only 1 correct entry last week.

Carol 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 sign on the Alaska Steakhouse.

Photo of the day - Aug 3

Runners taking off at the Pipeline Run in the Late Night Sun. Despite the terrible smoke conditions, there were roughly 75 participants in the 2009 5K.

The Deltana Fair Parade featured these lovely horses "painted" with patches to coordinate with the theme, "Stitch in Time 2009".

Smokey the Bear had his work cut out for him this year. It's been a big fire year for Alaska. Today's photos are courtesy of Ruby Hollembaek.

Click on the photos for photo enlargements.

Talkeetna Bluegrass and Music Festival 2009

2009 Will Be Your Best Bluegrass Yet . . .
Friday, Saturday, Sunday - August 7 - 9, 2009

• Check out the Band List in progress for This Year's Party!
• Check out the new Volleyball Courts and Horseshoe Pits!!!!!!
• Our on-site shower facilities are FREE, Just bring a towel (and some soap please), and you're all set.
• Get thirsty in the summer sun? No worries... there's fresh drinking water available on site, so you don't have to trek to town.
• The parking lots have been fixed up to better accomodate families, handicapped folks, band members, and for the overall safety of all festival-goers.
• We now have a Free RV dump site. Hours will be posted onsite.
• One of the many new improvements to the TB&MF is a Designated Family Camping Area, a separate "family friendly" camping environment, enabling families with children and the more conservative festival goer the chance to have a positive and enjoyable festival experience. We hope this will give everyone the opportunity to experience and enjoy the TB&MF.

The Talkeetna Bluegrass & Music Festivalis happy to welcome back some old friends, and announce the addition of some new faces.With more bluegrass bands than we've seen in years, it's gonna be a great show!

Bands play 20 out of 24 hours a day, Friday through Sunday Night!

Friday Aug. 7th
2pm…Open Mic Hour **Amateurs only**(*10-minute slots only per player)(sign-in by 1:30pm at stage area)
3p…The Long And Short of It
4p…Rachel Renae *with EverReady
5p…Oldenweiser *with Doc Schultz
6p…Dale Gillespie band
7p…Lost Riders Bluegrass
8p…Rebuttals
9p…Mabrey Bros.
10:45p…3-Legged Mule
12:30am…COHO

Saturday Aug. 8th
12n… Tom Wirtanen
1pm…Grover Neely
2pm…Suzy Crosby
3pm…LoveLifeMusic
4pm…Ginger Boatwright
5pm…Lisa Good & Friends
6pm…Winterland
7pm…Rockit Rangers
8pm…LuLu& The Small Band
9:pm…3-Legged Mule
10:45p...Mabrey Bros.
12Midnight…FIREWORKS!!!
12:30…Steelhead

Sunday August 9th
12n…Tara Chrisman
1p… Steve Sutherlin
2p…Reuben Cash
3p…Just Folks *with John Alexandroff
4p… Deb Wessler Experience
5p… Frank Iarossi & The Good Life
6p... Full Tilt Boogie Band

Widespread Harassment from Phony Debt Collectors

Scammers have social security and bank account numbers, home addresses and employer information.

Anchorage, Alaska – August 3, 2009 – Better Business Bureau is issuing a national alert today about phony debt collectors that are calling consumers nationwide and claiming that they have defaulted on a payday loan and will be arrested if they don’t pay immediately. Claiming to be lawyers, the scammers say they are with the “Financial Accountability Association” or the “Federal Legislation of Unsecured Loans” and are equipped with a disconcerting amount of personal information about their potential victims.

“Because the scammers have so much information about potential victims, BBB is concerned that this may be the result of a data breach,” said Robert W.G. Andrew, CEO of BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington. “Thousands of people may have had their personal information compromised, and given the scammers’ tactics, it appears that those who have previously used payday loan services could be particularly at risk.”

According to reports received by BBB and posted online, the scammers accuse the victim of defaulting on a payday loan and claim they are being sued. The phony debt collector threatens that, if the victim doesn’t pay as much as $1,000 immediately via wire or by providing bank account or credit card numbers, he or she will be arrested and extradited to California within the hour to stand trial. The scammers often have the victim’s Social Security, old bank account numbers or driver’s license numbers as well as home addresses, employer information and even the names of personal friends and professional references.

BBB offers the following advice to consumers if they receive a suspicious telephone call about an outstanding debt:

• Ask the debt collector to provide official documentation which substantiates the debt.
• Do not provide or confirm any bank account, credit card or other personal information over the phone until you have confirmed the legitimacy of the call.
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission online if the caller is abusive, uses threats or otherwise violates federal telemarketing laws.
• File a complaint with BBB online if you believe a debt collector is trying to scam you.

Photo of the day - Aug 1

I taught a bird identification class in Delta recently through the University of Alaska. One of the birds we tried to find during our field trips was a Bohemian Waxwing. We never found one during the class, but I took this photo of a Bohemian Waxwing in a tamarack tree in Shaw Creek Flats about one week after the class was over. So for those who took the class, Bohemian Waxwing's are present in Shaw Creek Flats. Photo Courtesy Steve DuBois

Non-Denominational Church Meeting at the Fairgrounds on Sunday

A non-denominational Church meeting will be held in the blue and white tent in the Eastern part of the Fairgrounds.

Service starts at 11AM

Living Waters and Delta Christian Center will be working together for this service.

Skating Association Needs Volunteers

The Delta Skating Association is requesting volunteers to assist in putting up the boards on a new outdoor hockey rink (located between the indoor rinkand the H.S.).

There will be a representative from the boards manufacturer on-site to provide the know-how.

The dates we request assistance are August 10th-14th from 9 am to 5 pm.

This is a volunteer effort and even those who can donate some of their time for part of a day would be greatly appreciated. If you can come out, please contact the skating association at 895-5535 or rjwarren@attalascom.net so that we can have an idea of how many people will be assisting.

Fairbanks Traffic Diversion

Alaska - Officials here expect to open the newly completed intersection at Gaffney and River roads Monday morning. The stop light will be operating on a normal cycle instead of the flashing amber and red.

Meridian Road, formerly meeting Gaffney at a “Y” intersection, has been rerouted and is now aligned with River Road.

The old Meridian Road at the “Y” will be closed for painting new lines and reopen to one-lane traffic turning right onto Gaffney.

Officials ask that drivers exercise extra caution in the area.

Photo of the day - July 31

The golden eagle pictured here has just caught itself a snowshoe hare. The magpie along with a partner were trying to get a part of the fresh meal themselves. Photo by Steve Thomas