Monthly Archives: August 2010

Alaska, August 16- Average retail gasoline prices in Alaska have risen 2.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.44/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has fallen 3.1 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.75/g, according to gasoline price website AlaskaGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Alaska during the past week, prices yesterday were 36.1 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 8.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 2.2 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 12.7 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

About AlaskaGasPrices.com

GasBuddy.com operates over 200 live gasoline price-tracking websites, including AlaskaGasPrices.com. GasBuddy.com was named one of Time magazine’s 50 best websites and to PC World’s 100 most useful websites of 2008.

Has anyone ever seen “White” Fireweed? We came across this “White” Fireweed while out driving, what a blessing. Photos Courtesy Mark and Georgia Pliska

The Delta News Web has been working on changes over the weekend.  Changes that you can see are the community news, the school news and the Deltana Community Partnership Services.  These three sources used to run on Blogger, but now are being updated with Word Press. 

Word Press will allow the military bases to view the news on the website.  With blogger, the news was blocked.  It was considered a fun site.   Upgrades along with the new and improved Delta News Web will be completed by Monday. 

Thank you for your support of the Delta News Web.

This photo was taken on June 3, 2010. We had just gone through the canyon in Valdez. I was surprised how clear the picture had come out. The picture was taken when the car was in motion. Photo Courtesy Diane Tanner

Children’s Day will be celebrated at Delta’s Highway’s End Farmers’ Market on Saturday, August 14th.
Beginning at 1:00 P.M. there will be children’s games and a coloring contest. The coloring contest winner will receive a certificate for 4 free hot dogs.

Free cupcakes will be distributed at the market along with tokens for ice cream cones at the Drive-In.

The Market is located behind the Sullivan Roadhouse Museum and across the street from the Visitor’s Center.

Shopping Homework: Understand School Needs and Ad Promotion Before Buying
Anchorage, Alaska – A­ug. 12, 2010 – It’s back to school time! Kiddos are getting their backpacks ready and young adults are making sure they are set for college. With many “back-to-school sales” and other promotions popping up, Better Business Bureau is supplying shoppers with a checklist to help make buying smoother.
Back-to-school tips from BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington:

• Plan: After attaining a list of required supplies from the school, make a shopping list to avoid impulse buying or having to make return trips. Set a realistic budget and stick to it.
• Promotions: “Back-to-school sales” may not be the bargains they appear to be. Make sure to compare “apples to apples.” Read ads and coupons; conditions, timeframes and restrictions, must be listed. If an offer is misrepresented, see the store manager.
• Returns and exchanges: Kids aren’t there to try on the clothes? Unsure if it is the right supply requested by the teacher? Before purchasing, ask the merchant how refunds and exchanges will be handled. Don’t assume the regular return policy applies to sales or clearance items. Save the receipt and keep the item in the original box.
•  Expensive items: Ask about the warranty. How long is it in effect and what does it cover? Weigh the pros and cons of an extended warranty plan.
• Computers: If it’s for college, check with the school store to see if they offer a discount on certain brands. When choosing a computer consider: What will it be used for? What hardware and software are needed? Is there computer problem help available? What is the warranty? What are other students using? What is needed to access school internet?
• Check the price. At the register, make sure items ring up correctly.

For more tips or to get a free BBB Reliability Report on a business visit, http://www.bbb.org/

The Soldiers of the 472nd Military Police Company are scheduled to return to Fort Wainwright tomorrow, Aug. 13, after an eight-month deployment to Iraq’s Al Anbar province.

The Soldiers of the 472nd Military Police Company deployed to Iraq last January with the mission of training Iraq’s police force to empower a safe, secure and self-sustaining country.

The unit is expected to arrive early Friday morning at Eielson Air Force Base. A bus will bring the Soldiers to Fort Wainwright’s Administrative Holding Area where family and friends will be waiting to greet them.

by Molly Rettig/mrettig@newsminer.com

(907) 459-7590

FAIRBANKS — The leader that brought billions of dollars and thousands of jobs and improvements to Alaska and helped define Fairbanks as a military and research stronghold was described first and foremost Tuesday as a gentleman.

“Ted Stevens was a gentleman, a scholar, and he had an innate ability to put people at ease,” said Janet Halvarson, who ran Stevens’ Fairbanks office in the 1990s. “He listened to people, and with his busy schedule I never could understand how he could get so many conversations in.”

Fairbanks owes much of its economic, social and academic well-being to Stevens, said politicians and staff who worked closely with him.

“Whether it was new houses for the Strykers or the aviation brigade or rebuilding the new chapel or new housing at (Fort) Wainwright, the man understood the importance of the military not just to our country but to our local economy here,” said Diane Hutchison, who ran Stevens’ Fairbanks office from 2004 to 2009.

“He fought hard when Fort Greely was put on the (Base Realignment and Closure Commission) list to bring the missile defense system up here. He fought extremely hard when Eielson (Air Force Base) was put on the BRAC list to keep it from getting closed,” she said.

Read the entire story : Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Please note change in map to Donnelly Training Area-West. A portion has opened up due to changes in the unit’s training schedule.  Click on the map for a photo enlargement, or click here to print the PDF file.

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska – A large portion of the Donnelly Training Area-West originally scheduled to close for military training beginning Sept. 8 will now remain open through Sept. 25. The opening is due to a change in plans by the unit that had reserved the area.

Soldiers of U.S. Army Alaska, from both Fort Wainwright and Fort Richardson, will train through the month of September, necessitating closing much of the Donnelly and Yukon training areas.

The Donnelly Training Area is scheduled to be open the first week of the month. Much of the DTA-West will be open through Sept. 25 as a result of the change. The DTA-East will see training and live-fire exercises beginning Sept. 7 and continuing through the month.

Additional areas in the southern portion of the DTA-East below 12-Mile Crossing are expected to be open.

Most of the Yukon Training Area is projected to be open for at least the first week of September with several exceptions. The majority of the area will begin closing down for live-fire training Sept. 8 through 30. Because of concerns for the safety of the soldiers and recreational users, roads in the training area will also be closed when the live-fire training begins.

Most of the Tanana Flats Training Area will be open to hunting and other recreational activities throughout the month.

Hunters and other recreational users are encouraged to have back-up plans for their activities. These openings can still change as units continue to define their training requirements needed for deployment.

It is extremely important for everyone to recognize the locations of permanent impact areas. Permanent impact areas are highlighted on USARTRAK maps in red, and with black dotted line in the current Department of Fish and Game hunting regulations, referred to as “military impact areas.”

As always prior to accessing military training lands, all recreational users must register for a Recreational Access Pass (RAP). RAP registration can be accomplished at the visitor’s center at each installation. Recreational users must present valid identification (driver’s license or military ID) in order to register. A RAP is required for any activity on military lands, including use of the roads in the training areas to gain access to non-military properties.

Once registered, recreational users can call into the USARTRAK system for the most current updates on training area closures by dialing 384-3181 at Fort Richardson, 353-3181 at Fort Wainwright, and 873-3181 at Fort Greely (Donnelly Training Area). Each number references recreation closures for every inch of training area.

Maps identifying open areas and date are available at http://www.wainwright.army.mil/  and http://www.usarak.army.mil/conservation/REC_FWA.htm . All recreational users should still call USARTRAK as this information could change.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(907) 350-3932 mobile, Brian K. Jones, Campaign Manager
(907) 355-7036 mobile, Teresa Blume, Operations Manager
(907) 344-2779 office

brian@harrycrawfordforcongress.com
teresa@harrycrawfordforcongress.com
http://www.harrycrawfordforcongress.com/

He Will Be Missed

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

On the news of the death of Senator Ted Stevens and at least three other people in a plane crash last night near Dillingham, Alaska, State Representative and U. S. Congressional candidate Harry T. Crawford
released the following statement.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Senator Stevens and his family and the other victims of this tragic accident. Ted Stevens was such a part of Alaskan life that he was like a force of nature. He was all encompassing, almost like the weather. He was one of the architects of present day Alaska and will go down in history as a great Alaskan and a great American. He will be missed.

Paid for by Harry Crawford for Congress, PO Box 200407, Anchorage, AK 99520

Anchorage, Alaska. August 10, 2010 — Joe and Kathleen Miller and the Miller campaign staff wish to offer their sincere condolences to the family of former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens and all those families who experienced the loss of a loved one in last night’s tragic crash near Dillingham. Stevens dedicated his life to public service, including being one of our nation’s brave veterans of World War II. He was a strong advocate for the interests of Alaska and will always be remembered for his love of, and dedication to, The Great Land. Alaska has lost an icon. “My heart goes out to the family of Senator Stevens and the other families affected by last night’s plane crash. Please know that you will be in Kathleen’s and my thoughts and prayers. We pray that you experience God’s comfort at this time of tragic loss,” said Miller.

Anchorage, Alaska. August 10, 2010 — Grammy-award winning artist Bryan White and Joe Miller for U.S. Senate have, out of respect for the passing of Senator Ted Stevens, cancelled their Fairbanks rally scheduled for 7 p.m. at Friend’s Community Church tonight.

For ticket refunds, please contact the place of purchase. Call 452-8559 with any questions.

The winner of last week’s mystery photo is Jamie Murray

We had 10 correct entries last week.

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

The mystery photo is on the Mt. Hayes Commercial Building sign outside the building by the drive through mail boxes.

Click here the Buffalo Center Drive-In website.

Anchorage, Alaska. August 9, 2010 — Former Arkansas Governor and Republican Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee announced today his endorsement of Joe Miller, candidate for United States Senate in Alaska. Governor Huckabee’s endorsement states, “I [am] pleased to support Joe Miller for U.S. Senate from Alaska. A former State Magistrate and Federal Judge, Joe possesses a deep understanding of the law, but more importantly understands its impact on the people.” Huckabee added, “With the federal government encroaching quickly into every aspect of our lives – we need Joe in the U.S. Senate to help Congress make the correct decisions to bring Washington back to the limited role envisioned by the Founding Founders. There is no doubt that Joe will work to help restore Constitutional limits on Federal power.”

Huckabee’s endorsement comes at an important time with Alaskan voters about to decide, on August 24th, who will be their next Senator. Miller responded, “I am humbled and honored by Governor Huckabee’s endorsement. He’s taken a close look at the candidates and decided Alaska needs new leadership in Washington. We share the belief that the current direction of our country with ever-mounting national debt is not sustainable, and the encroachment of the federal government into more and more of our daily lives is far beyond the Constitutional limits established by our Founders.”

Governor Huckabee added in his endorsement, “Joe is unquestionably pro-life and believes that life must be protected from the moment of conception. A combat veteran and Bronze Star recipient – Joe is a proud supporter of the 2nd Amendment. Joe opposes the bill known as “cap and tax” and will work tirelessly to repeal the hugely unpopular Obamacare. Please join me in supporting Joe Miller – let’s make him Alaska’s next Senator.”

Workshop Wednesday August 11th at the Delta Highway’s End Farmers’ Market will be on planting trees.

The free seminar will begin on the market grounds at 1:00 P.M. with a forester Bruce Swaim and his wife, Karen discussing the best way to plant a tree.

Two groups will then be formed to plant trees around Delta. Some dead trees will be replaced and some trees will be planted in new locations.

If you can, please bring a shovel.

The DCSP is seeking nominations for three boards of director positions.  We need community members to step forward and serve on our board as we are making important decisions regarding seniors, wellness services, families and youth.

Seats up for reelection:

E. Currently held by David Flynn
F. Currently held by John Lewis
G. Currently held by Vera Gorban

Please mail your nominations to the address below before August 31, 2010.

We are also seeking families, business and individuals to be members of our partnership. Members will be voting on the DCSP Board of Directors on September 13, 2010 5:45 at City Hall. Attached is a membership form.

Your participation is welcomed and valued!

Deltana Community Services Partnership
2395 Kimball Street (downstairs)
PO Box 1071 Delta Junction, Alaska 99737
895-3234 or 1- 800-478-7307 (Deb Hayes)
Dhayes@nwresource.org or Deltana@nwresource.org

Current Projects and Announcements

The DCSP currently has three grants which are being implemented in the Delta community.

1. State of Alaska Department of Behavioral Health prevention grant. The DCSP uses these funds to provide community coordination and to identify prevention and early intervention issues in our community.

2. AHFC Senior housing predevelopment project funds. The City has set aside 14 acres of land for senior housing construction. This grant gives us funding for development activities. The DCSP is applying to AHFC for construction costs, called the GOAL grant. We are currently taking pre applications for senior housing. If you want an application visit our office or e-mail dhayes@nwresource.org.

3. Community Café project. This grant from the Alaska mental health trust will fund a series of community conversations where the community will work on programming that will build assets for family wellness and services for our youth and families. Watch for further announcements for meeting dates.

Click here to download and print the 2011 membership dues form.

Alaska, August 9- Average retail gasoline prices in Alaska have fallen 1.9 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.45/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has increased 2.8 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.78/g, according to gasoline price website AlaskaGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Alaska during the past week, prices yesterday were 43.3 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 8.0 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 6.7 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 15.9 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

About AlaskaGasPrices.com

GasBuddy.com operates over 200 live gasoline price-tracking websites, including AlaskaGasPrices.com. GasBuddy.com was named one of Time magazine’s 50 best websites and to PC World’s 100 most useful websites of 2008.

GE Intelligent Platforms announced that Doyon Utilities, LLC of Fairbanks, Alaska, has embarked on a major multi-year project involving GE’s Proficy Process Systems for a major utility privatization project.
Full story online

Women’s Retreat with Deborah & Jeneice Meyers–August 6 & 7 at Living Waters Church (across from I.G.A.)

Regristration 5:30 p.m Friday —– Saturday 8:30 a,m. Food Provided — Donation accepted–

RSVP 907-895-4455

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska – Soldiers of U.S. Army Alaska, from both Fort Wainwright and Fort Richardson, will be training through the month of September, necessitating closing much of the Yukon Training Area and the Donnelly Training Area.

Most of the Tanana Flats Training Area will be open to hunting and other recreational activities throughout the month.

Most of the Yukon Training Area is projected to be open for at least the first week of September with several exceptions. The majority of the area will begin closing down for live-fire training Sept. 8 through 30. Because of concerns for the safety of the soldiers and recreational users, roads will also be closed when the live-fire training begins.

The Donnelly Training Area is also scheduled to be open the first week of the month. However, while much of the DTA-West will be open through Sept. 25, several southern portions will closed Sept. 7 for training. The DTA-East will see training and live-fire exercises beginning Sept. 7 and continuing through the month.

Additional areas in the southern portion of the DTA-East below 12-Mile Crossing are also expected to be open.

Hunters and other recreational users are encouraged to have back-up plans for their activities. These openings can still change as units continue to define their training requirements needed for deployment.

It is extremely important for everyone to recognize the locations of permanent impact areas. Permanent impact areas are highlighted on USARTRAK maps in red, and with black dotted line in the current Department of Fish and Game hunting regulations, referred to as “military impact areas.”

As always prior to accessing military training lands, all recreational users must register for a Recreational Access Pass (RAP). RAP registration can be accomplished at the visitor’s center at each installation. Recreational users must present valid identification (driver’s license or military ID) and Hunter Safety Education card in order to register.

Once registered, recreational users can call into the USARTRAK system for the most current updates on training area closures by dialing 384-3181 at Fort Richardson, 353-3181 at Fort Wainwright, and 873-3181 at Fort Greely (Donnelly Training Area). Each number references recreation closures for every inch of training area.

Maps identifying open areas and date are available at www.wainwright.army.mil and http://www.usarak.army.mil/conservation/REC_FWA.htm. All recreational users should still call USARTRAK as this information could change.

Are you interested in perennials, hydroponics, mist benches, air grafting check out the classes below? Cooperative Extension Service is presenting free classes to the public on greenhouse management, landscaping and gardening.
· Landscaping with perennials – this class discusses landscaping with perennial trees, shrubs, and bulbs. What plants grows well in Delta soils, fertilizer and watering practices. Saturday, August 14th, from 5 to 7 pm.
· Using hydroponics, mist bench’s and air grafting—this class discusses hydroponics, using mist the bench and how to air graft trees and shrubs. Saturday, August 21st, from 5 to 7 pm.

· Putting your garden and greenhouse to bed–this class discusses closing down gardens and greenhouse for the winter. Saturday, August 28th, from 5 to 7 pm.

If you have problems with your greenhouse, garden, insect, or fungus, please contact Lynn Bundy the IPM Technician. To attend the classes please call and sign up. The 5 o’clock classes will be held in the CES conference room in the Jarvis Office Center. Call 895-4215.

The “Set Me Free” skit performed by Delta Christian Drama Association at Deltana Fair is now viewable on YouTube at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVPqWUKd3m4

Anchorage, Alaska — Grammy Award winning country music artist Bryan White is traveling to Alaska to perform two concerts for Joe Miller, candidate for US Senate, Alaska. The concert dates are Tuesday, August 10th at Friends Community Church (1485 30th Avenue) in Fairbanks and Wednesday, August 11th at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts Discovery Theater (621 West 6th Avenue) in downtown Anchorage. The theme of the night is “Conservative Country” billed as “Country music meets political rally!” Four of Bryan’s songs have hit #1 on the country music charts including “So Much for Pretending,” and his duet with Shania Twain, “From this Moment On” reached #4 on the Billboard Charts. White said, “When I heard about Joe’s race in Alaska and what he stands for, I immediately wanted to get involved and help get him elected.”

Joe Miller will also speak at the “Conservative Country” events. He will be sharing his vision for Alaska’s future and what he feels must be done to get this country back on the right track. “I’m honored that Bryan’s willing to travel to our state and hold these rallies for us. I’m greatly looking forward to the evenings. I know they’ll be fun and inspiring,” said Miller.

Alaskan performer Adele Morgan will open in Anchorage.
Doors open for “Conservative Country” at 6pm, concert begins at 7pm. Fairbanks tickets are available through TicketsWest, 1-800-325-SEAT or visit Ticketswest.com; and Anchorage tickets through Centertix, 263-2787 or visit Alaskapac.centertix.net