Thursday, November 29, 2007
Complainers, leave the beavers alone
I have been a resident of Juneau for 35 years and have seen many changes around this community, good and bad. One bad change, and this is my opinion, is that the Dredge Lake area closed to all terrain vehicles many years ago.
Public sector unions exploit workers
How amazing is it that a member of the union representing General Government Unit workers of the State of Alaska should have to publicly declare her rights to free speech and democracy in interactions with that union?
Support Kensington because of jobs
Like Joe Geldof, I too support the opening of the Kensington Mine.
Past leaders shouldn't shoulder all the blame
We Americans have pitied the German, Japanese and Italian people for suffering the leadership of Hitler, Tojo and Mussolini. These leaders are blamed for bringing on World War II.
Support Medicaid waiver for Alzheimer's
November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, and the Alzheimer's Disease Resource Agency of Alaska continues efforts to bring attention to issues relating to the care of those with Alzheimer's Disease or related disorders.
Craig works toward solid waste solution
Richard Stokes' Nov. 19 My Turn comments regarding municipal solid waste dismisses efforts at addressing solid waste on a regional basis as having "too many political obstacles for it to be our salvation," but cites no examples.
Student wants general studies academy
I am a Juneau-Douglas High School freshman.
Let's organize for beaver problem
While I agree with the letter Sherrie and Nick Jans wrote (Juneau Empire, Nov. 18) about a volunteer effort to mitigate the beaver-related flooding at Dredge Lake, I suggest a more direct route.
What does Beaver meat taste like?
Robert W. Haight gives a thoughtful and incisive possible solution to the beaver problem in the Dredge Lake area but I have to wonder - just how palatable is beaver meat? I know I love beaver fur but would like a sample of beaver meat before foisting it onto the poor and needy in Juneau.
U.S. defense system mandated by law
Having read Albert Petracia's comments on the U.S. ballistic missile defense system, in his My turn "Assembly the right place for action" on Nov. 20, I would like to remind readers that in July 1999, President Clinton signed into law the National Missile Defense Act of 1999.
State, union work toward contract
The last major state union without a contract entered binding arbitration Tuesday for some of its members, after negotiations deadlocked months ago.
University undergoes $4M face lift
The Auke Bay campus of the University of Alaska Southeast has been undergoing a $4 million renovation this year to enhance student services and prepare for future growth, officials said.
Flu shots are still available in Alaska
It's not too late to get a flu shot, state health officials reminded Alaskans this week.
Photo: Building coming down
Ron Tharldson of Coldfoot Environmental operates a CAT 320 excavator Tuesday as he demolishes the subport building in Juneau. The building dates back to the 1940s.
City cuts off snow-dumping site
Snow removal contractor Jerry Godkin was stunned last week when he got a phone call from the city saying he could no longer dump snow into Gastineau Channel near the Juneau Yacht Club.
Police & Fire
Juneau police and fire officials and state police reported
Correction
The end of a story in Tuesday's edition about family testimony in a case against a man who called himself "Papa Pilgrim" was accidentally cut off. Here is the rest of the story:
Consultants: City should start recycling
What should Juneau do with 24,000 tons of garbage produced in 13,000 homes and 550 local businesses? Build a curbside recycling program or build another disposal system?
Foundation footing poured for new Holy Trinity church
A masonry company began work on the foundation of the new Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on Tuesday.
Police & Fire
Juneau police and fire officials and state police reported
Planners say city garage blasting will be disruptive
The Juneau Planning Commission heard on Tuesday night from planners working on the design of a city parking garage on Main and Egan streets that blasting from the project will likely be disruptive to nearby businesses and residents.
Swanson and Preecs
Jessica Swanson, of Davie, Fla., and Noel Preecs, of Juneau, will marry on Sept. 27, 2008, at Arrowhead Country Club in Davie.
Tagaban and Clark
Tanya Evonne Little Tagaban, of Juneau, and Ezra Adam Clark, of Thorne Bay, will marry at 3 p.m. on Dec. 15, 2007, at the Juneau Christian Center. A reception will follow at Macaulay Salmon Hatchery (DIPAC). Friends and family are invited to attend.
Recognitions
The Juneau Public Libraries celebrated National Children's Book Week in November with the annual Bookmark Contest, sponsored by the Friends of the Juneau Public Libraries.
Swavely and Boster
Dee Swavely and Everett Boster, both of Juneau, will marry at 1 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2007, at the University of Alaska Southeast Noyes Pavilion. A reception will follow at 4 p.m. at the Moose Lodge. Friends and relatives of the couple are invited to the wedding and reception.
Hill and Hawkins
Grace C. Hill and John H. Hawkins Jr., both of Juneau, were married on Oct. 27, 2007, in a private garden wedding accompanied by friends and family held in Las Vegas.
Grief can enrich, not overwhelm, the holidays
It's that time of year. Chores and social activities proliferate, friends and family are in our thoughts, and lights, colors, and joyful music add a level of intensity to even everyday activities.
Annual Public Market
The 25th annual public market, held Nov. 23-25 at Centennial Hall, featured more than 200 vendors from New Mexico to the Arctic.
Overcoming grief during the holidays
Plan ahead. Decide which tasks you'll take on or let go this year. What traditions will you maintain or let go for now? Give yourself the freedom to change your plans as you go.
Berg and Miller
Rebecca R. Berg, of Camano Island, Wash., and Jeffrey L. Miller, of Edmonds, Wash., were married on July 28, 2007, at the University Christian Church in Seattle, Wash. A reception followed at the Seattle Golf Club.
Photo: Taking action
Juneau-Douglas High School students and Students Take Action Now Darfur members Leon Andree, right, and Lia Domke man a booth Friday, Nov. 23, at the Alaskan and Proud market.
Juneau's complementary transit systems
Juneau's Capital Transit "fixed route" bus system is well-used and efficiently run. For those who need a more personalized form of public transit, Juneau offers two transportation options.
Sorority will raffle 'Rainbow' with heart
Do you believe in the magic of rainbows? Juneau certified nursing assistant Molly Kay does. She spent nearly two years crocheting a king-size "Rainbow" bedspread, and she's donated it to the Sigma Chi Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA), a women's community service organization in Juneau.
Merry Chris-... uh, happy holidays
When I was a student at San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, California, I regularly visited a place called "Marin Coffee Roasters," just a couple of blocks from campus.
Sharon Olsen honored for 15-year service with Director's Award
Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska announced that its Director of Employment and Training Sharon Olsen was recently honored during the National Public Law 102-477 Employment, Training and Related Services Conference held in Sparks, Nev.
Vernon Knuthson
Longtime Juneau resident Vernon Eugene Knuthson died Nov. 24, 2007, at Sitka Community Hospital after a short illness. He was 87.
Outside editorial: Venezuela's future is hanging in the balance
Venezuelans will have a choice on Sunday: Vote No to stop President Hugo Chavez from assuming absolute power - or accept the sweeping loss of political and economic rights that a new constitution will bring.
Outside editorial: Sean Taylor is archetypal American murder victim
A confidant of Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor rightly called his death Tuesday ridiculous and unnecessary. Taylor was fatally shot in his Miami home by an intruder under circumstances that are still being sorted out by police.
My turn: Alaskans deserve truth about Stevens
Alaskans deserve truth about Sen. Ted Stevens, and they surely won't find it in the sham Web site the Alaska Democratic Party put together.
My Turn: 'Truth in Recruiting' group wants students to know risks
W hether or not military service is controversial (see Michael Dobson's My Turn, "Recruiters, veterans deserve respect," on Nov. 16), the on-campus recruiting of high school students to participate in the Iraq War iscontroversial.
Outside editorial: Set some rules for Blackwater, other contractors
Can a jury of workaday people cut through the conflicting details about the role of Blackwater Worldwide in war zones?
Local basketball standings, scores
Parks and RecreationOrdway Basketball League standings
Sports in Juneau
Sports in Juneau is a service provided by the Juneau Empire to provide information on upcoming sports and outdoors events in Juneau.
Doc Water's vs. Ice Pirates
Doc Water's John Bohan, right, knocks down Ice Pirates' Tom McKenna during a Juneau Adult Hocky Association Tier A game Sunday at Treadwell Arena.
Conoco Phillips cancels refinery upgrade in Kuparuk oil field
Alaska's top oil producer canceled plans to upgrade a North Slope refinery, citing changes made under the state's new oil tax.
State awaits gas pipeline plans
For the last year, the big oil companies that hold leases on Alaska's North Slope gas have been saying Gov. Sarah Palin's plan to get the state a gas pipeline won't work.
This Day in History
In Alaska, in the Nation and the World
Alaska Digest
Ski pass scholarship deadline is Friday; Processor sentenced for letting salmon rot; Wolf pack blamed for killing, eating dogs
Some lawmakers want revisions in mining tax code
Some lawmakers are calling for a revision of Alaska's mining tax code, which they say is outdated and doesn't give the state's citizens the best return for their resources.
This Day in History
In Alaska, in the Nation and the World
Alaska Digest
Plans move forward for multi-use complex; Anchorage man charged with identity theft; Earthquake felt 25 miles away in Willow; EPA settles with utility companies; Business executive Dale Lindsey dies; Suspect arrested in machete attack; Man arrested after alleged threat
State quarter program to wrap up after release of Alaska coin
A grizzly bear clutching a salmon, the Grand Canyon at sunrise and a scissortail flycatcher in flight. Those striking images will be on the final batch of state quarters as the most successful coin program in history draws to a close.
Prudhoe Bay Oil Spill: BP to plead to Clean Water Act violation
The Alaska subsidiary of oil company BP is scheduled to plead guilty to an environmental crime today, and federal prosecutors have released new photos that further underscore the company's failure to clean out the pipelines at the nation's largest oil field.
McGuire accused of tampering in husband's bribery case
State Sen. Lesil McGuire has been accused of threatening the wife of a former lobbyist, whose testimony helped convict McGuire's husband on federal bribery charges.
Avalanche danger keeps Alyeska resort closed
Alaska's premier ski resort remained closed Wednesday because poor snow conditions and windy, wet weather have combined to create too much avalanche danger.
Ex-lobbyist gets 5 months for conspiracy
A prominent former Alaska lobbyist will spend five months in prison, followed by five months of home confinement for a federal bribery conviction in a political corruption case.
Write-ins sweep Angoon City Council election
Angoon citizens got a second chance Tuesday to vote for change in their troubled city government, and they took it.
'Papa Pilgrim' sentenced to 14 years for sexually assaulting his daughter
Robert Hale, a self-styled mountain man who took his family far away from modern civilization to raise them by his interpretation of the Bible in the tiny community of McCarthy, was sentenced Tuesday to 14 years in prison for sexually assaulting a daughter.
Photo: Images from another time: Gov. Egan, circa 1974
Gov. Bill Egan looks at Alaska newspapers with headlines concerning Congress approving the trans-Alaska oil pipeline in his Capitol office.