Monthly Archives: November 2008

Bishop Tony Anthony will be ministering at Delta Christian Center on Monday night, December 1 at 7:00 PM.

Sunday, November 30, Evangelist Leonard John will be ministering at Delta Christian Center at 11AM. For more information call 895-4531.

Leonard John is a Tlingit Indian from Southeast Alaska who preaches throughout Alaska and around the world. Brother Leonard preaches under the anointing and is used by God to heal the broken heart.

The goal of LJM is to raise the leadership in the church. Many have been touched through the ministry of the Word of God.

(November 28, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska) – The gas reserves tax initiative was certified as meeting the minimum standards for initiatives, allowing the initiative sponsors to attempt to gather the required number of signatures to place the measure on the ballot. The initiative, known as 08GRTI, underwent this initial review by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the Department of Law, and the Division of Elections. The initiative is similar to previous initiatives that attempted to enact a tax on natural gas reserves.

The Department of Law issued a legal opinion concluding that the bill and application are in the proper form, and that the application complies with the constitutional and statutory provisions governing the use of the initiative. Although the Attorney General noted numerous ambiguities in the bill and potential difficulties in its implementation, the bill did not clearly violate the laws regarding use of the initiative.

Lieutenant Governor Parnell agreed that the bill was not clearly unconstitutional, and noted, “The Alaska Courts have generally held that the pre-election review does not include issues regarding implementation. Indeed, according to our courts, the technicalities are to be settled if and when an initiative is enacted by the people and becomes law.”

Petition booklets will be prepared for the initiative sponsors by the Division of Elections. The sponsors will have one year to gather the required number of signatures from across the state for the initiative to be placed on the ballot.

The lieutenant governor’s letter to the initiative’s sponsors

The Department of Law’s legal opinion

The Division of Elections memorandum

Adams Ribs BBQ Restaurant has their community Thanksgiving Dinner – THANK YOU, Mark and Miki! Yours is a true community event in the spirit of THANKS and GIVING.

Alpha Omega Life Care, Inc. will continue in that spirit on Saturday, November 29th with contributions from the Delta – Clearwater Senior Citizens, Ms. Irene Mead, the Fairbanks Community Food Bank and the IGA (thanks Ed and Gayle), and presents it’s 2nd annual COMMUNITY HOLIDAY DINNER.

Come one! Come all!

Enjoy the usual holiday fare with members of your community. Please feel free to bring one of your own dishes to compliment our menu.

We’re expressing our delight to serve Delta Junction and surrounding communities, and expressing our thanks for the community support of Alpha Omega Life Care, Inc.!

Beg, borrow, steal a ride – we wanna see some faces we haven’t seen all year – Make our day!Join us between 5 – 7pm at the Community Center for the 2nd Annual Community Holiday Dinner.

Please RSVP or for questions call 895-4104

Saturday December 6, 2008
10a.m.-4p.m.

Come graze on exotic sausages, smoked pork, italian sausage and LOTS more!

Refreshments and sweet goodies galore! Don’t forget to sign up for the free drawings!

Oh.. and don’t forget your address book to send gift boxes to all your friends and family in the lower 48!

I would like to say thank you for your continued support and faithfulness to the Delta News Web this past year.

I will not be updating the Delta News on Thursday, November 26. It’s a time to spend with family and friends.

From our home to your home
Happy Thanksgiving,
Pam

The following poem was written by Helen Steiner Rice, one of my favorite writers.

“One Nation Under God”

Thanksgiving is more
than a day in November
That students of history
are taught to remember,

More than a date
that we still celebrate
With turkey and dressing
piled high on our plate…

For while we still offer
the traditional prayer,
We pray out of habit
without being aware

That the pilgrims thanked God
just for being alive,
For the strength that He gave them
to endure and survive

Hunger and hardship
that’s unknown in the present
Where progress and plenty
have made our lives pleasant…

And living today in
this rich and great nation
That depends not on God
but on mechanization,

We tend to forget
that our forefathers came
To establish a country
under God’s name…

But we feel we’re so strong
we no longer need faith,
And now it has become
nothing more than a wraith

Of the faith that once founded
this powerful nation
In the name of the Maker
and the Lord of creation…

Oh, teach us, dear God,
we are all pilgrims still,
Subject alone
to your guidance and will,

And show us the way
to purposeful living
So we may have reason
for daily Thanksgiving-

And make us once more
a God-fearing nation
And not just a puppet
of controlled automation.

Thanksgiving. Many people are planning delicious meals, elaborate parties, or family reunions. Few of us however, will stop to remember why we celebrate Thanksgiving. The word simply means “giving of thanks”. But to whom is thanks due?

When the Pilgrims settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, a host of difficulties faced them. They were surrounded by hostile Indians, a wild and untamed land, cold, and disease. Many people had died and the rest weren’t doing too well either. But, a friendly English-speaking Indian named Squanto came to their aid. He instructed them in how to grow maize, hunt, fish, and survive in the New World. The third year of their residence, the Pilgrims held a day of thanksgiving. They gave speeches, feasted, and hosted games. But who were they thanking? Squanto? The Indians? Each other? To find the answer, let’s look at the original Thanksgiving Proclamation by William Bradford.

“Inasmuch as the great Father has given us this year an abundant harvest of Indian corn, wheat, peas, beans, squashes, and garden vegetables, and has made the forests to abound with game and the sea with fish and clams, and inasmuch as He has protected us from the ravages of the savages, has spared us from pestilence and disease, has granted us freedom to worship God according to the dictates of our own conscience.

“…there listen to ye pastor and render thanksgiving to ye Almighty God for all His blessings.”

Thanksgiving was proclaimed a national holiday by George Washington on October 14, 1789. Some key excerpts are below.

“WHERAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor…a DAY OF PUBLIC THANKSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God…

”We can clearly see that Thanksgiving is a day set aside to thank God for His gifts to us. To reduce this day of thanks to our Creator to “Turkey Day” is a horrendous error. Don’t get me wrong, I love turkey and all its trimmings. However, changing from a day to worship the One who gave you breath and instead worshipping a fat tom is disrespectful. So, make Thanksgiving Day a time to thank God for everything He has so graciously blessed you with.

“Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 106:1

By Emily Joslin

Fort Wainright, Alaska – The Military Retiree Council will meet Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Last Frontier Community Center here.

Agenda topics include a council name change; volunteer opportunities; the upcoming Retiree Appreciation Day and legislative efforts.

All military retirees and their spouses, regardless of branch of service, are invited to attend.

For more information, call Carlos Garcia at 353-2102 or e-mail him at carlos.t.garcia@us.army.mil.

Anchorage and Fairbanks consumers beware, businesses have confused consumers in the past

DuPont, WA – Nov. 24, 2008 – Your Better Business Bureau is warning Alaska consumers to be cautious concerning two businesses, StoresOnline, Inc. and National Grants Conference, holding conferences in the state.

StoresOnline, Inc. has confused Anchorage consumers in the past:

The BBB has been informed that StoresOnline, Inc will hold a conference in Anchorage on Nov. 25 at the Hilton Hotel.

StoresOnline, Inc. had 598 complaints with their local BBB in the past 36 months. This year alone, government actions have been taken against this business in five different states.

StoresOnline, Inc., also known as Galaxy Mall Inc., Internet Marketing Conference, Imergent Inc. and Express Village, often advertises their conferences as free. Consumers normally receive a VIP invitation for the conference in the mail offering a free meal and gift. Following the 90-minute conference, attendees are often urged to sign up for a one-day workshop which requires a fee.

National Grants Conference has caused concerns outside Alaska:

National Grants Conference is planning conferences:
- In Anchorage on Nov. 29 at the Sheraton at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- In Fairbanks on Nov. 30 at the West Mark at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- In Anchorage on Dec. 1 at Coast International Inn at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

This company, also known as Proven Methods Seminars, LLC, holds Better Business Bureau’s lowest rating at their local BBB. Companies that hold this low rating do so because we strongly question the company’s reliability for reasons such as that they have failed to respond to complaints, their advertising is grossly misleading, they are not in compliance with the law’s licensing or registration requirements, their complaints contain especially serious allegations, or the company’s industry is known for its fraudulent business practices.

The BBB Reliability Report for this company reports a pattern of complaints from consumers who say they are led to believe they were entering the business’ program at an approximate cost of $1,000. After paying the fees and entering the program they are told they need to purchase additional software ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. Consumers feel the actual costs of the program were misleading.

Advice for Consumers:

Consumers who plan to attend any free seminars or workshops should be aware that in most cases the presenters will promote products and services that are for sale. Products sold at these seminars could include self improvement, investment education materials, home based businesses and marketing plans. Individuals interested in home-based or internet businesses need to consider all aspects and costs of starting and operating a business. Promoters use high-pressure sales pitches that require consumers to buy now or risk missing the opportunity. Consumers must then pay up to thousands of dollars for information that is often available elsewhere for little or no money.

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

Taking the time to research a company prior to making a purchase cannot only help avoid frustration, but can also help to avoid being the victim of a scam. Most legitimate seminar businesses are willing to provide descriptions of their programs before a purchase is made. Ask to see data on the percent of program participants who actually achieve the promoter’s claims. Read all contracts carefully before signing anything and get all promises or claims in writing. Make sure you understand any cancellation policies or guarantees before making a purchase.

About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington:
Your Better Business Bureau is a not-for-profit organization funded by Better Business Bureau 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 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon or 907-562-0704 in Alaska, or visit our Web site at www.bbb.org.

Delta Chamber of Commerce’s popular holiday contests are back again this year and are set to take place in December.

Children’s Christmas Coloring Contest – this contest is for 1-10 year olds and is divided into age categories. A prize will be awarded to the winner of each age group. Winning coloring pages will be on display at the Delta Community Library, all others will be displayed throughout various Chamber businesses around town. Winners will also have their work featured in the Delta Wind & Delta Vanguard. Entry forms and coloring pages are due at the Chamber office by Friday, December 12th.

Contest entry forms, rules, and coloring pages for these contests are available at the Chamber office located in the Jarvis West building, Suite 1B (forms available in folder on wall outside of office) or at the Delta Community Library.

For questions on any of the contests, please contact the Delta Chamber @ 895-5068 or by e-mail, deltacc@alaska.net

City Hall will be closed on:

Thursday, November 27, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving

Thursday, December 25, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Merry Christmas

Thursday, January 1, 2008
Friday, January 2, 2008
Happy New Year

The Landfill will be open regular hours throughout the holidays:

Tues. 11am – 6 pm
Fri. 11am – 3 pm
Sat. 9 am – 3 pm

Does anyone know Roy & Carole Hafer?

Delta News Web has been contacted and would like to be in touch with Roy and Carole. Please email webeditor@deltanewsweb.com if you have a contact phone number or email address for them, and we will get the information to the party who is wanting to be in contact with them.

Thank you.

Useful Tips On How To Donate To Charity

DuPont, WA – Nov. 20, 2008 –Faced with ever-rising costs, the loss of government funding, and an increasing demand for their services, charities are responding by asking for larger contributions from more donors–and they’re asking more often than ever before. Donors would do well to plan their giving and demand accountability of the organizations soliciting their support.

More than 80% of the money raised by charities in this country comes from individuals. To help these generous donors make wise giving decisions, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers the following tips on charitable giving:

The Basics

• Do not give cash; always make contributions by check and make your check payable to the charity, not to the individual collecting the donation.
• Keep records of your donations (receipts, canceled checks, and bank statements) so you can document your charitable giving at tax time. Although the value of your time as a volunteer is not deductible, out-of-pocket expenses (including transportation costs) directly related to your volunteer service to a charity are deductible.
• Don’t be fooled by names that look impressive or that closely resemble the name of a well-known organization.
• Check out the organization with the local charity registration office (usually a division of the state attorney general’s office) and with your BBB.

Mail Appeals

• Mail appeals should clearly identify the charity and describe its programs in clear and specific language. Beware of appeals that bring tears to your eyes but tell you nothing of the charity or what it’s doing about the problem it describes so well.
• Appeals should not be disguised as bills or invoices. It is illegal to mail a bill, invoice, or statement of account due that is in fact an appeal for funds, unless it bears a clear and noticeable disclaimer stating that it is an appeal and that you are under no obligation to pay unless you accept the offer.
• Deceptive invoices are most often aimed at business firms rather than individuals. Contact your BBB for detailed guidelines on how to handle appeals disguised as bills or invoices.
• It is against the law to demand payment for unordered merchandise. If unordered items such as key rings, stamps, greeting cards, or pens are enclosed with an appeal letter, remember you are under no obligation to pay for or return the merchandise. If payment is requested, inform your BBB. In our experience, unordered merchandise can mean high fundraising costs.
• Appeals that include sweepstakes promotions should disclose that you do not have to contribute to be eligible for the prizes offered. To require a contribution would make the sweepstakes a lottery through the mail, and it is illegal to operate a lottery through the mail.
• Matching check appeals are not subject to any particular legal requirements. Donors should keep in mind, however, that they do not have to return the checks if they don’t contribute. The checks do not have any real value in and of themselves.

What to Do About Unwanted Mail

Many individuals have written to the CBBB complaining about the flood of direct mail they receive from charitable organizations. Most of the writers are seeking advice on how to have their names removed from the mailing lists of the charities sending the appeals.

The easiest solution to the problem of unwanted mail is to decide in advance which charities you want to support and discard appeals from other groups. Don’t feel guilty about not supporting all of the groups writing to you; they do not expect a donation from every person they solicit.

Telephone, Door-to-Door, And Street Solicitations

When you are approached for a contribution of either your time or your money, ask questions, and don’t give a donation until you’re satisfied with the answers. Charities with nothing to hide will encourage your interest. Be wary of their reluctance or inability to answer questions.

• Ask for the charity’s full name and address. Demand identification from the solicitor.
• Ask if your contribution is tax deductible. Contributions to tax exempt organizations are not always tax deductible. (See the next section of this brochure for an explanation of the terms “tax deductible” and “tax exempt”.)
• Ask if the charity is licensed by state and local authorities. Registration or licensing is required by most states and many communities. However, bear in mind that registration in and of itself does not imply that the state or local government endorses the charity.
• Don’t succumb to pressure to give money on the spot or allow a “runner” to pick up a contribution; the charity that needs your money today will welcome it just as much tomorrow.
• Watch out for statements such as “all proceeds will go to the charity.” This can mean that the money left after expenses, such as the cost of written materials and fund raising efforts, will go to the charity. These expenses can make a big difference, so check carefully.
• When you’re asked to buy candy, magazines, card, or tickets to a dinner or show to benefit a charity, be sure to ask what the charity’s share will be. You cannot deduct the full amount paid for any such items, as the IRS considers only the part above the fair-market value of the item to be a charitable contribution. For example, if you pay $10 for a box of candy that normally sells for $8, only $2 can be claimed as a charitable donation.
• Call your BBB if a fund raiser uses pressure tactics such as intimidation, threats, or repeated and harassing calls or visits. Such tactics violate the Alliance’s recommended Standards for Charity Accountability.

Tax Exempt Doesn’t Always Mean Tax Deductible

“We are tax exempt” does not necessarily mean that contributions are tax deductible. “Tax exempt” simply means the organization does not have to pay taxes. “Tax deductible” means the donor can deduct contributions to the organization on his or her federal income tax return. The Internal Revenue Code defines more than 20 different categories of tax exempt organizations, but contributions to only a few of these categories are also tax deductible. Principal among “tax deductible” groups is the 501(c)(3) category, broadly termed “charitable” organizations.

To obtain tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3), an organization has to file documents with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that prove it to be organized and operated for the charitable purposes specified by the Internal Revenue Code. The IRS looks at these documents only in terms of the code; it does not “approve” specific charities or judge other aspects of the charity’s efficiency. Organizations receiving 501(c)(3) status are those that the IRS has considered charitable, educational, religious, scientific or literary; those that prevent cruelty to animals, and those that foster national or international amateur sports competitions.

When the IRS rules positively on an application, contributions to the organization are tax deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes. The group receives a “Letter of Determination” formally notifying it of its status. A copy of this letter should be available from the organization as verification of its tax exempt status. (Older charities may have a 101(6) ruling, which corresponds to section 501(c)(3) of the 1954 Internal Revenue Code.)

Generally, contributions to organizations tax exempt under sections 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6), and other sections of the Internal Revenue Code are not deductible as charitable donations, but might be deductible as business expenses. If you are unsure about an organization’s tax status, or wo
uld like more information about tax exemptions and deductions, contact your local IRS office.

About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington:
Your Better Business Bureau is a not-for-profit organization funded by Better Business Bureau 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 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon or 907-562-0704 in Alaska, or visit our Web site at www.bbb.org.

A new adaption of the Charles Dickens classic by Roulus Linney, directed by Stephanie Stowman

A fine, new version of the tale of Ebeneezer Scrooge’s redemption. Scrooge journeys from an embittered, ungenerous creature to a giving, caring human being at the hands of three spirits, who, one Christmas Eve, show him what life means. Adaptor Romulus Linney says: “I vowed to stick to the bones of the story as closely as I could to take the evolution of Scrooge seriously, and to try and find, as he goes, the child within him that slowly emerges from his ordeal to such bountiful happiness.”

November 28 – December 14

Fairbanks Drama Association
1852 2nd Avenue
Fairbanks AK 99701-4030

Visit us online at www.FairbanksDrama.org

Grand Entry – 12 Noon

Drums:
- Soaring Eagle (Fairbanks)- Morning Star (Fairbanks)Other performing groups:
- FNA/JOM Potlatch Dancers
- Fry Bread Shakers (Nenana)
- JR. Fiddlers
- Hawaiin Group
- Inu-Yupiaq Dance Group

Sponsored by FNSBSD-Alaska Native Education Program

The American Red Cross is sponsoring a national “Holiday Mail for Heroes” campaign to receive and distribute holiday cards to servicemembers and veterans both in the United States and abroad.

Holiday Mail for Heroes, which began Tuesday, Veterans Day, is a follow-up to the 2007 effort that resulted in the collection and distribution of more than 600,000 cards to hospitalized servicemembers. This year’s program will expand its reach to not only wounded servicemembers but also veterans and their families. The goal is to collect and distribute 1 million pieces of holiday mail.

“As we enter this holiday season-a time to celebrate with family and friends-it’s important to remember the thousands of men and women who serve our nation in harm’s way and those who are recovering in military and veterans hospitals,” said Army Col. Norvell V. Coots, commander, Walter Reed Health Care System. “The Holiday Mail for Heroes program is a wonderful outreach effort and a great way to acknowledge the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform.”

Holiday cards should be mailed to:
Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD. 20791-5456

All cards must be postmarked no later than Dec. 10. Cards should not be mailed or delivered to Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

For more information, visit www.wramc.amedd.army.mil or www.redcross.org/holidaymail for Holiday Mail for Heroes program guidelines.

Walter Reed is not accepting mail addressed to “A Recovering American Soldier.”

This information is taken from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center website

The article is listed on this page.

Delta News Web has added the additional information below:

If you have received an email with this subject: Recovering American Soldier Christmas Cards, please read the Snopes website to save yourself time.

Click on these two links to send additional gifts: Help our troops call home and
Gift Cards /Certificates for our troops

Thank you to all our soldiers who have served our country this past year, and also in years past. We appreciate each and everyone of you.

‘Tis the season to be thankful. I’m glad we have at least one day of the year specifically dedicated to the concept. It’s handy to have employers and in-laws and debt collectors and such like all on the same page, cooperating in the effort.

Having an official day helps to reduce any non-thankful incidents that might diminish our ability to genuinely participate in the event. After all, it’s hard enough to schedule thankfulness the way it is. Perhaps it’s different for you, but thankfulness seems to be one of those things that I always intend to do, but never manage to get around to it if it isn’t blocked off on the calendar–kind of like painting the garage or losing weight or buying flowers for my wife.

To read the rest of the story click here

January 6 – 8, 2009
Hotel Captain Cook
939 W. 5th Ave.
Anchorage, AK 99501

www.captaincook.com

National and Alaska Experts will Train on:
· Childhood Trauma
· Intervening with Aggressive Behaviors
· Family Treatment
· Parenting Skills and More!

Onsite Conference Bookstore provided by Title Wave Books!
Stay Tuned for the Launch of Online Registration!

Conference Sponsored By: DHSS/Behavioral Health, Juvenile Justice, Senior & Disability Services, the Office of Children’s Services, and The Trust

For immediate questions, please contact Sherry Nisen,
Visions Meeting and Event Management, sherry.nisen@visionsus.com or call 907-334-4503
Rick Calcote, Department of Health and Social Services rick.calcote@alaska.gov or call 907-269-3617

Fairbanks Drama Association is proud to present the David Sedaris comedy:

Dec 5 & 6 at 10:30pm featuring guest actor Ben Brown from Juneau.

Two performances only at the Riverfront Theatre.

All tickets are $ 18.

The Riverfront Theatre box office will open at 9pm both evenings with full beverage service in the lobby. This show is recommended for adults.

Tickets will go on sale on November 17th. Call 456-PLAY to reserve your tickets by credit card.

FAIRBANKS — The Boeing Company’s work on the Ground-based Midcourse Defense missile program added more than $246 million to Alaska’s economy in 2007 and supported more than 700 direct and indirect jobs, according to a University of Alaska Fairbanks study.

Boeing is a major contractor for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s GMD program, the nation’s defense against long-range ballistic missiles. Fort Greely, about 100 miles southeast of Fairbanks, houses 22 of the launch-ready interceptors in underground silos.

Copyright material of Fairbanks Daily Newsminer.

To read the entire story click here.

We hope you’ve been following the progress of Deltana Community Human Services Partnership Project. On Saturday, November 8th, 22 participants worked on analyzing the initial information we had gathered from the Delta area survey, the school district office referral data, and the Fairbanks agency survey. The group received an introduction on how to do community planning and completed the first steps in setting priority to all the information. If you did not have a chance to give your input, you still can until November 21st. Go to www.acrf.org and click on the Deltana Human Services Project Survey to complete the form.

In the November 8th meeting, the group found that the community’s stated service priorities are: elder/disabled services, counseling/substance abuse programs, more medical services, a teen/recreational center, and a pharmacy. Each of these very broad needs may have several subsections. For example, elders’ needs may include nutrition, meals-on-wheels, housing, social opportunities, and medical needs. The next step is to continue the process of assigning priority to the needs that the community has identified as important.

The community is invited to take part in all aspects of designing this human services plan. This is an enormous project and it will take a long time to make sure we are accurately reflecting the community needs. We hope to have the entire initial 10-year plan completed by March, but we need help. Please join us while we continue prioritizing categories at the next meeting on Thursday, December 4th at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall.

Consumers beware of Great Gas Giveaway

DuPont, WA – Nov. 14, 2008 – Free gas sounds good, but it could be a scam.

Your Better Business Bureau has been informed of a scam concerning the Great Gas Giveaway. Some consumers have received a card telling them they won a $300 gas card. The card says to send a money order for $29.95 and they will receive a gift card for $300 worth of gas. Some consumers are also being referred to a Web site, http://www.gasgiveaway300.com/. The Web site says consumers can also get a $1,000 Shopping Spree Gift Card.

Both the card and the Web site have the old version of the BBB logo and falsely claim to be a proud member of the BBB.

The BBB is unaware if this scam is active in Alaska.

Consumers who are contacted regarding the Great Gas Giveaway can file a complaint with Better Business Bureau online at http://www.bbb.org/.

Below is a copy of the card:

About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington: Your Better Business Bureau is a not-for-profit organization funded by Better Business Bureau 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 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon or 907-562-0704 in Alaska, or visit our Web site at http://www.bbb.org./

An Augsburg College student and Sarah Palin supporter from Alaska was beaten on election night while walking to her dorm and was called a racist by a group of four young women because she had on a McCain/Palin presidential campaign button, authorities and the victim said.

Annie Grossmann, a freshman on the Minneapolis college’s hockey team, suffered blurred vision and is thought to have had a concussion from a punch in the eye, but declined medical attention, she said.

To read the rest of the story, please click here

Fort Greely will conduct its annual installation wide antiterrorism/force protection exercise, Vigilant Shield 09, Nov. 12-18.

During this time expect an increase in movement of personnel and vehicles, delays at the installation access control point (front gate), heightened security procedures and use of pyrotechnics.

Area residents may hear exercise messages on Fort Greely’s Giant Voice system. The majority of activity will take place Nov. 14-17.

For more information contact Public Affairs at 873-5023.

Let the Buyer Beware

DuPont, WA – Nov. 12, 2008 – A record number of Americans want to be a part of history and attend the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama but, unfortunately, only 250,000 tickets are up for grabs. While many websites are claiming to sell tickets online, your Better Business Bureau is advising the public that purchasing scalped tickets could leave you out in the cold with empty pockets on Inauguration Day.

So how does someone get a ticket to the most popular event of 2009? The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies is responsible for divvying out tickets to Congressional representatives. It is then up to the Congressmen and woman to hand out the tickets—which are free—to constituents the day before the inauguration. According to the Times Wires Services, some members of Congress—who usually have several hundred tickets to pass out at their discretion—have received thousands of requests. Senator Cardin (D-Md.) told the Washington Post that his office had received 40,000 requests for tickets.

The fact that tickets haven’t even been distributed to the members of Congress yet hasn’t stopped online scalpers from trying to rake in cash from patriotic Americans. A CNN.com report found that some online ticket brokers were selling VIP seats for upwards of $20,000 each. While many online brokers offer a money-back guarantee if they can’t secure the tickets, the purchaser will likely already be en route to Washington, DC, before they receive the bad news that the broker couldn’t provide the promised tickets.

“Considering these online brokers won’t even know for certain they have tickets until just before the Inauguration, an American looking to be a part of history might travel all the way to Washington DC and spend January 20 watching the swearing in from their hotel room,” said Robert W. G. Andrew, CEO for the Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington.

Not only are scalpers trying to sell tickets they don’t have, Senator Feinstein (D-Calif.), the chair of the Inaugural Committee, plans to introduce legislation this month that would make scalping inaugural tickets a misdemeanor crime. The inaugural committee is also alerting lawmakers that it is a violation of Congress’ code of ethics for members or staff to sell their tickets.

While there are a number of issues associated with purchasing inaugural tickets online, for those that are willing to assume the risk, the following steps should be taken to reduce the chances of being ripped off:

When buying from a ticket reselling company online, buyers should always look for the BBBOnLine seal. The BBBOnLine logo is a sign that the company has a good reputation for satisfying customers and a secure Web site for processing payments.
Paying with a credit card or through PayPal will provide protection and the opportunity for potential reimbursement if the company is fraudulent. Consumers should never pay with a cashier’s check or wire money to a seller, as they will have no way to get their money back if the tickets do not arrive.

Consumers who have been ripped off buying tickets online can file a complaint with Better Business Bureau online at www.bbb.org. They can also file complaints with their state Attorney General’s office.

Because of the overwhelming requests for tickets, some members of Congress are planning to distribute tickets via a lottery system. Constituents can contact their local Member of Congress or U.S. Senators to request tickets and get their name in the hopper.

About your BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington:
Your Better Business Bureau is a not-for-profit organization funded by Better Business Bureau 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 206-431-2222 or 253-830-2924 in Washington, 503-212-3022 in Oregon or 907-562-0704 in Alaska, or visit our Web site at www.bbb.org.