Monthly Archives: April 2008

Hey, its Sing-a-Long weekend, Saturday the 12th, 7PM at the Senior Lounge

Bring your voice, your instruments, some snacks to share, and your love of homemade music

Please Please RSVP to 895-4104–No calls, No open—thanx

The Community Calendar is temporarily out of service. We are reinstalling the software.

If you need to have an event published for this weekend, please send it to Webmaster and I will run it in the community news section to get the word out. We hope to have the calendar up and running by Monday.

Again, I am sorry for the inconvenience, and thank you for being so patient with us during our upgrade.

Zapped I’m glad winter is winding down. Maybe now I can get the frizz to relax from my hair and I can grow my charred eyebrows back. If I’m lucky, the third degree burns on my fingertips might start to scar over. However, even if I’m destined to look like this the rest of my life, it will still be an immense relief to get a few months’ respite from the damage inflicted by the static electricity that lurks, quivering, in Interior Alaska’s winter air.

Static electricity costs me a lot of money each year. For example, I just replaced my alarm clock. That became necessary as a result of me zapping my previous alarm clock not too long ago. My wife had gone to bed before me, so I was trying not to wake her. Wearing my synthetic fur pink bunny slippers I shuffled across the carpet to my nightstand and slid my alarm clock button on–at least that was my intention. What actually happened was that as soon as my finger contacted the top of my alarm clock, a bolt of lightning engulfed my right arm, detonating a thermonuclear explosion somewhere in the vicinity of my right ventricle!

To read the entire story we invite you to browse our Chinook pages.

From the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service

Coral Howe, Small Business Development Specialist with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service, Tanana District will conduct an afternoon workshop on Farmer’s Markets and Bazaars, Wednesday, April 23, 2008 from 1:00 to 3:00pm at the Delta Junction CES Conference Room in the Jarvis Office Center.

Topics will include:

• What makes artisans and crafters tick?
• Do you ever feel nervous promoting your products?
• Getting customers to STOP, LOOK, & BUY
• Advertising, display techniques, & trend
• Great customer service in 5 minutes or less
• Understanding production, inventory, & profit margins

There is a $10.00 registration fee and pre-registration required – registration deadline is Friday, April 18th. Seating is limited and space is available on a first come, first served basis.

Coral would like to meet with individuals to conduct private consultations to those interested. The CES office will be making appointments for Tuesday, April 22 afternoon and evening and Wednesday, April 23 in the morning., Please call 895-4215 or e-mail fnpnk@uaf.edu.

Office hours at the CES office are Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Anchorage, AK–April 8, 2008—According to a BBB study, nearly one-third of complaints against tax preparation companies allege that the preparer made an error or mistake in their tax return, resulting in the consumer having to pay fines or added fees to rectify the problem.

“Few things are as certain as death and taxes, and it’s also true that few things are as scary—that’s why more than half of the 120 million American taxpayers enlist the help of a tax preparer every year,” said Robert Andrew, President and CEO of the BBB serving Alaska, Oregon, and Western Washington. “However, consumers end up being held responsible when their tax preparer makes mistakes or errors on their return. This can mean fees and fines adding up to thousands of dollars that they owe the government.”

Mistakes and errors are the most common complaint category against tax preparers. Approximately 20 percent of complaints allege that the tax preparer was simply unresponsive. Typically, the tax preparer did not return repeated calls or attempts by the complainant to receive assistance. Many complainants noted that they felt frantic as they faced filing deadlines or audits, and were not receiving any help from their tax preparer.

Disputes over billing accounted for 19 percent of complaints to the BBB. Typically, consumers were shocked when they received a high bill for having their taxes prepared or felt that they did not receive the level of service they paid for.

Almost 7 percent of complainants say the tax preparation company was rude, and 6 percent of complainants say they didn’t receive their refund. The most disturbing finding may be that 6.3 percent of complainants allege that the tax preparer never filed their tax return at all.

“Consumers looking for trustworthy help filing their taxes should not wait until the last minute—they need to take their time, shop around and find a preparer who is both qualified and has a strong track record of providing customer service,” added Andrew. “Some consumers who rushed through the process in 2007 are still dealing with the mess their tax preparer made as they head into the 2008 tax season.”

From 2005-2007, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) opened nearly 700 investigations against tax preparers. In April 2006, the Government Accountability Office issued findings from a limited study of commercial tax preparation chains in major metropolitan areas, noting all of the returns completed in those offices were wrong in one way or another. The report cited mistakes such as: not reporting business income, failing to take the most advantageous education tax benefit, failing to itemize deductions, and, in some cases, failing to claim available deductions.

The BBB wants to warn consumers that when the IRS detects a false return, the taxpayer, not the tax preparer, must pay any additional taxes as well as any other associated interest, fees and penalties. The taxpayer is responsible for all information submitted to the IRS.

Many tax preparers provide quality services to their clients, but the BBB encourages consumers to use the same caution in selecting tax preparation help as they do when they select other professional services such as doctors or lawyers.

Your BBB offers the following advice when searching for help with taxes:

Ask around. Get referrals from friends and family on who they use, and get a free reliability report on a tax preparation business from your local BBB at www.bbb.org.

Look for credentials. Ideally, tax preparers should either be a certified public accountant, a tax attorney or an enrolled agent. All three can represent taxpayers before the IRS in all matters, including an audit. Also, find out if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization that holds its members to a code of ethics.

Don’t fall for the promise of a big refund. Be wary of any tax preparation businesses that promise larger refunds than the competition, and avoid tax preparers who base their fee on a percentage of your refund.

Think about accessibility. Many tax preparation services only set up shop for the months leading up to April 15th. In case the IRS finds errors, or in case of an audit, consumers need to be able to contact their tax preparer throughout the year.

Read the contract and know what you’re paying for. Consumers should read tax preparation service contracts closely to ensure they understand issues such as how much the service costs, how more complicated preparations will affect the cost, and whether the tax preparer will represent the consumer in case of an audit.

About the BBB serving Alaska, Oregon, and Western Washington
Your BBB is a not-for-profit organization funded by BBB accredited businesses. The BBB’s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. For more information about the services and products provided by your BBB, call 907-562-0704 in Alaska, 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon, or visit our Web site at www.bbb.org.

354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – Interior Alaskan residents may see and hear increased military flying activities this spring and summer due to scheduled training exercises at Eielson Air Force Base. Three Red Flag-AK exercises will take place April 7 to April 18, June 9 to June 20, and October 6 to October 17. Northern Edge 08 will take place May 5 to 16. During these exercises there will be increased military air traffic in Alaska’s Pacific Area Range Complex and in Special Use Airspace across the state.

All civilian pilots should note that military flying activities are not limited to exercises. Military aircraft may be encountered at any time throughout the year.Operators of small civilian aircraft transiting Military Operations Areas should be aware of the increased activity and are encouraged to use the Special Use Airspace Information Service by calling (800) 758-8723. In Fairbanks, call (907) 372-6913 or contact Eielson Range Control via VHF radio on 125.3 mHz. Pilots are also urged to obtain the most current status of the MOAs from any FAA Automated Flight Service Station, Anchorage Center, or Eielson Range Control and to always file a flight plan. Special Use Airspace Information Service can be found on the Elmendorf AFB homepage at www.elmendorf.af.mil

Although military planners make every effort to reduce the effect of increased flying activities on Alaska residents, people who feel they are being adversely affected can call (907) 377-2116 or (800) JET-NOISE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE BY PHONE AT (907) 377-2116 OR BY E-MAIL AT: 354fw.pa@eielson.af.mil.

A friend in Delta recently shared with us some of his correspondence about a proposed vehicle sale. After several emails, the “buyer” made the pitch, basically “we’ll send you a certified check for $6,000, and you send us the difference between the vehicle cost and our check amount and keep some money for your trouble”. A number of classified advertisers have reported this kind of scam to us.

Our friend’s suspicions were aroused early on, but kept up the correspondence to get to the bottom line. His clues were a “purchaser” from outside of Alaska, very poor English, and finally, the strange payment offer.

Had he fallen for the scam, he would probably have lost at least his $3,000 in a check to the scammer. The usual procedure for these scammers is to send a “certified check” that looks good, but does not pay out in the end. When the certified check is deposited, it is credited to the local checking account, but when the bank tries to collect on the check, it is found to be bogus, and so the deposit is reversed.

Our advice to all of our classified advertisers is this: be careful of all online deals, and especially careful buying or selling outside of Alaska. Unusual payment proposals should be examined very carefully. And….if it sounds to good to be true, it probably isn’t…..

Here is the email from the scammer as he attempts to “set the hook.”

From: Bonny Henn
To:
Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2008 3:34 PM
Subject: PAYMENT TERMS AND SHIPPING DETAILS

Hello, we have concluded, making the paymentThanks for your email and update on the bottom price($2,000),it was accepted by my clientand he has directed us to issue payment to you. I would need your assurance that the property whose payment we would start processing,is in a good condition as the only view our client had of the vehicle was on the internet and this purchase is hinged on his personal judgement of what the property’s state and output would be like,in comparison to models of its category. However,he made out a certified cashiers check of($6,000) before he travelled for a conference,for a previous vehicle and its shipment charges etc,but it wasunfortunately sold. The amount on the check he deposited for the vehicle is bigger than what should be paid to you now, so the check is now meant for the total expenses which includes the purchase of your vehicle ,its pick up from its present location and the shipping charges/other necessary shipping arrangements.However he has instructed us to bikery on with this transaction. So when payment gets to you, you’re required to deduct the cost of your vehicle ($2,000) and send the balance of($3,000) to my client shipping agent to enable him offsett shipping charges/arrangements. Once the transaction is concluded, My client shipping agent will be coming for the pick up of the vehicle from its present location, on an access to a prepaid shipper for shipment,and also conclude other necessary shipping arrangements. So you dont have to bother yourself about the pick up and shipping rrangements, while title papers and other necessary documets will be sent by you via fedex courier . Please Confirm this and provide (1) NAME (2) CONTACT ADDRESS AND CONTACT PHONE NUMBER(s) for check payment to be delivered to you via regular mail immediately , please remove the add of the vehicle from the internet to avoid complications from other buyers

Delta News Web

The Delta Library needs large sturdy baskets for the Basket of Books Silent Auction on April 19 .

Drop them by the library this weekend (open noon to five Saturday and Sunday) or during business hours next week, or call 895-4102 and we’ll come and fetch them.

Thanks to all who donate for this fundraiser every year – we couldn’t do it without you!

Even in a small and friendly town like Delta there could be those who prey on children. Whether they are passing through town or a secret danger in the midst of the community, there is a potential for predators who could pose a serious danger to young Delta people. If your child was approached by a stranger near a bus stop and told that “your mommy asked me to come and pick you up” would he or she know how to respond?

According to Scholastic, “the dilemma is this: How can we educate children to be alert to possible dangers and at the same time encourage them to feel safe and confident in exploring their world?”

Scholastic says it’s smart to teach children age-specific strategies for avoiding danger from strangers. Role playing, rules and “what if” discussions are helpful, depending on your child’s age. Even very young children can be taught to tell their whole names, addresses, and telephone numbers to safe strangers like police officers, sales clerks, and mothers with children so that should they become separated from parents or caregivers they can be reunited easily.

Delta News Web

The Raven Correspondence School would like to invite current and interested homeschooling parents and families to our Open House/Information Session. Come and learn about our program offerings and benefits including an annual allotment for instructional expenses, online courses, online resources and computer lease options. You are encouraged to bring anyone with you whom may be interested. Enrollment is open. Families who sign up now get an additional $100.00 for their allotment. There will be refreshments and door prizes!

For more information, please visit our website.

Date: April, 15, 2008

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Raven Office: 2857 Alaska Hwy., Jarvis Bldg. #219

Phone: 907-895-2280

Delta Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon – April 17, 2008. Guest speaker is Alaska Army National Guard Commander Brigadier General Thomas H. Katkus. Click on the image for an enlargement.

An Army National Guard unit will provide many benefits to the members in your community and to the community as a whole. These benefits enhance the community in three primary ways: economic growth, social development and public safety. An active partnership between the Alaska National Guard and your community will provide the best opportunity for your community to make good use of the advantages the Alaska National Guard already brings to other communities across Alaska.

The Alaska National Guard provides economic benefits through added income, additional jobs, and year-round steady employment opportunities. The National Guard is one of the largest employers in the state with more than 2000 employees. It not only provides employment in our largest cities but also in our smallest rural communities. Local employment and education opportunities minimize the migration of the younger generation from their small communities to larger cities. The Alaska National Guard provides many financial incentives and education benefits, including free college tuition, to National Guard members. Through the Alaska National Guard, community members become a well-educated, trained work force. This training benefits the community directly in areas such as utility and communication operations, heavy equipment operations, administration, law enforcement, education and health care – all vital assets to the economic growth of your community. In addition, the National Guard armory is a utility rate payer and, as such, helps reduce utility costs for everyone in the community.

The National Guard armory has served many generations as a place of assembly for social events, and local emergencies. The Alaska National Guard has more than 70 armories in communities statewide, providing a safe location for constructive social interaction between community members. The Alaska National Guard reinforces many of the social values held by Alaskan communities such as respect for others and community service. The National Guard maintains a strong anti-drug stance, promotes high school completion, and supports higher education and training for future community leaders.

The presence of a National Guard unit and armory makes a major contribution to the safety and security of your community. Trained guardsmen are ready and able to support the community during local emergencies, such as fire, flood and civil strife. The Alaska National Guard provides goods, services and facilities that many small communities cannot otherwise afford like counter drug support, youth programs, and search and rescue. A local National Guard unit has the ability to call upon a great amount of manpower, equipment and supplies in times of need. National Guard armories in Alaska have a long tradition of supporting community needs and will continue to do so in the future.

The Alaska National Guard’s primary role is to defend and serve our State, our communities, and when called upon, our country. The National Guard helps develop leaders and citizens who make valuable contributions to the community. The National Guard is founded upon constructive values, excellent training, sound leadership, and above all, community service. The Alaska National Guard provides incentives and opportunities that support economic growth that sustains our small, local communities. The question that should be asked is why there isn’t an Alaska National Guard unit or armory in your community.

Some come with effective interest rates from 50 to 500 percent.

Anchorage, AK—April 1, 2008—Tax season is here and many Americans are looking forward to their tax refunds. With the downturn in the economy, some taxpayers are growing impatient for their checks. Some are even turning to tax preparers who offer instant tax refunds, also called Refund Anticipation Loans (RAL). While RALs are a source of instant cash, the BBB warns they may come with high interest rates.

Instant tax refunds are short-term loans given to the consumer immediately after the tax preparer files their taxes. The tax preparer will then receive the filer’s refund check two to three weeks later from the IRS. The effective annualized interest rate for instant tax refunds range from 50 to nearly 500 percent, according to the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC). Some tax preparers further gouge consumers by tacking on administrative fees. According to the NCLC, consumers took out more than nine million RALs in 2006; paying more than $990 million in fees.

“Taxpayers who want to get their hands on their tax refund money right away need to keep in mind that an instant refund can cost more than it helps,” said Robert Andrew, President and CEO of the BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington. “RALs are based on anticipated tax refunds. If consumers end up getting less money back than predicted, they will owe the money loaned plus hefty fees and fines if they don’t pay off the RAL on time.”

Instant refunds came under scrutiny in January 2008. The IRS issued a request for comments regarding regulations and restrictions governing RALs—particularly given the bad effect the practice has on low-income households.

Some tax preparation companies offering RALs don’t recommend them to their customers. In a written statement to an MSNBC.com columnist in February, an H&R Block representative said, “We believe the best option for our clients is to file electronically with the IRS and to receive an IRS direct deposit rather than taking out a RAL.”

Before you accept an instant refund, your BBB offers the following advice:

Why not e-File and direct deposit?
The fastest and most secure way for consumers to get their refund is to file their taxes online and then allow a direct deposit of the refund. Taxpayers will receive the money in as little as 8 to 15 days. Some tax preparation companies will help taxpayers set up bank accounts to route the refund if accounts are not already established, although the BBB advises consumers to work directly with financial institutions to protect their account information.

Don’t fall for the “convenient” debit card.
Some tax preparers offer to provide instant refunds on “convenient” debit cards. These cards are another way for the tax preparer to make money. Some debit cards include hidden fees, as high as $20 per transaction, and can have limits on how much money consumers can access. This means users have to pay the high transaction fees repeatedly.

Finance purchases other ways.
If consumers are looking to purchase specific high-priced items with their refunds, the BBB encourages them to look into financing options other than RALs, such as store credit promotions or offers that may provide better interest rates.

If you must get a RAL, shop around.
If it is absolutely necessary that a consumer receive their refund immediately, the BBB wants people to know that it pays to shop around and look for a good deal. Fees and rates for RALs vary by tax preparer.

Consult your local BBB.
Go to www.bbb.org to get a free reliability report on any company with whom you’re considering doing business. The BBB reliability reports provide valuable information on companies.

About the BBB serving Alaska, Oregon, and Western Washington
Your BBB is a not-for-profit organization funded by BBB accredited businesses. The BBB’s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. For more information about the services and products provided by your BBB, call 907-562-0704 in Alaska, 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon, or visit our Web site at www.bbb.org.

Opera Fairbanks Emeritus Board member Gloria Marinacci Allen will be available for a limited number of voice lessons Thursday April 3 beginning from 1 – 5 p.m., and Friday April 4 from 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. through 5:00 p.m. Lessons are offered at the reduced rate of $60/hour.

Ms. Allen is a former performing artist, has directed for numerous companies (including the Met’s touring division), and is the former head of the Anchorage Opera and Opera Las Vegas.

To schedule a lesson, please email operafairbanks@ak.net or call 378 3482. First come, first served on lesson times. Please advise re: your primary goal for the lesson(s) – general technique, polishing a specific piece, etc.