pages 6-7 - Chilkat Valley News
Transcription
pages 6-7 - Chilkat Valley News
Leaders reject parking change - page 4 Fourth of July in photos - pages 6-7 Serving Haines and Klukwan, Alaska since 1966 Chilkat Valley News Volume XLIII Number 26 Friday, July 5, 2013 $1 Money issues sank Connelly Lake plans BAND LEADS A BIG PARADE -- A 12-member marching band organized by resident Sue Waterhouse was one of 38 entries in the Haines Fourth of July parade Thursday. The band, wearing rubber boots and marching behind a banner proclaiming “United We Band,” played “Caissons Go Rollling Along.” Musicians, from left, are Diana Pyle, Quinn Asquith-Heinz, Fred Shields, Debra Schnabel, Tia Heywood, Sue Waterhouse, and Doris Bell. Fourth of July story, page 5. Holly Jo Parnell photo. Neighbors’ dispute stumps borough By Karen Garcia Haines Borough officials this week said they have no legal recourse to remove seven large overturned stumps lining the roadway near the intersection of Lutak Road and First Avenue. The stumps, placed there by property owner Carol Waldo following a dispute with neighbors Keith and Irene Stigen, have been called “unattractive,” “unappealing,” and flat-out “ugly” by residents and borough officials. Mayor Stephanie Scott said she’d just as soon see the borough pay for the removal of the “Volkswagen Beetlesized” stumps dispersed over the 2,600-square-foot sliver of property. “If I were queen for the day, I’d say spend $500 and get them out of there.” Waldo said the Stigens for years had illegally used her private property for parking and burning garbage. The borough also stored Irene Stigen at the stump site. plowed snow on the property against Waldo’s wishes. Fed up with the unauthorized use of her land, Waldo had a third party deposit the oversized stumps last fall. “We’ve been asking them to stay off and they won’t stay off. I’m just sick of it,” Waldo said. Muniplex cost: $8.6 million By Karen Garcia An Anchorage-based architect estimates a new “muniplex” including Haines Borough offices, a fire hall, police station and assembly chambers would cost the Haines Borough about $8.5 million to build. The estimate does not include design, construction administration, furniture, fixtures, building permits, geological investigation or hazardous cleanup (if necessary). Jason Gamache, an architect with McCool Carlson Green, provided estimates for one-story and two-story, 19,500-square-foot buildings. The two-story comes in at $8.56 million, the one-story at $8.38 million. Mayor Stephanie Scott, who preferred the one-story option, said two-story buildings cost more because of the requirement of an elevator. Scott said she is “not concerned” with where funding for the building will come from at this stage. She said getting an estimate from Gamache is one of the first of many steps that need to be completed before the borough could apply for grant funding. “You have to have a project that’s been planned, engineered, spec’ed out in order to acquire the funds. You have to do that to be in the running for any funding, whatsoever. I don’t know where the money is going to come from,” Scott said. The Master Plan Steering Committee will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday to discuss the pricetag and Gamache’s preliminary renderings of the building. “I don’t know what the hell everybody is so worried about,” Waldo said of the stumps. “They’re organic. I’m not dumping garbage out there.” Irene Stigen said visitors to her home and other Haines residents have complained to her about the stumps, believing she and her husband put them there. “They say, ‘What’s all that junk out there for? Why’d you put it there?’ They think we put them there, but it wasn’t us,” Stigen said. The Stigens claim part of the property occupied by the stumps is theirs, but Waldo has had three See STUMPS page 9 By Karen Garcia Difficulty securing funding from the state-operated Alaska Energy Authority appears to have been the key factor in Alaska Power and Telephone’s decision to abandon permitting for the Connelly Lake hydro project. The scale and cost of the project – including a plan to sell excess power to cruise ships – hurt state funding opportunities, according to recent interviews with state and utility officials. For the past two years, AP&T’s application to the AEA’s Renewable Energy Fund scored too low to qualify for money the utility needed to pursue federal permits for Connelly Lake, said Glen Martin, AP&T’s project manager. Without funding, the utility couldn’t organize and hold agency and public meetings, provide a draft study plan for review to determine what additional studies are needed, conduct those studies, engineer the project and comply with paperwork, Martin said “Knowing that we cannot make the kind of progress expected in the near future, there was no reason to hang onto the permit and keep all the agencies, including (the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission), occupied with this project when nothing is really happening,” Martin said. Failure to provide information and complete tasks associated with previous grant funding – and particularly an economic feasibility report – contributed to the AEA’s low scoring of Connelly Lake the past two years, according to AEA officials. Sean Skaling, AEA’s deputy director for alternative energy and energy efficiency, said the feasibility report would have used a model to determine economic viability, including what customers would pay in the long- and short-term. The company was awarded $468,000 from AEA in 2011, money the utility used partly for environmental studies instead of a required economic feasibility study. “We’re still waiting to hear back about the funding that had been provided, where they got almost a half-million dollars for the technical and economic feasibility studies. But in the subsequent applications (for 2012 and 2013), there was still no response on the economic feasibility,” said Gene Therriault, AEA’s deputy director for statewide energy policy development. “ That component had not been completed. From AEA’s perspective, that was a critical component,” Therriault said. Skaling said the AEA is still in communications with AP&T to get a completed economic feasibility study, in case the project is pursued again. “In our minds a feasibility report is still part of the grant and is expected,” See HYDRO page 12 Partial curb repair may be norm By Tom Morphet Construction of new sidewalk along Old Haines Highway will include replacing only sections of deteriorating sidewalk on the road’s opposite side, state officials said this week. Property owners along the stretch questioned partial replacement of the existing sidewalk that is deteriorated in places, with chunks missing. “If they’re going to do construction, they should do (the whole job),” said Cheryl McRoberts of the American Bald Eagle Foundation. McRoberts cited similar plans by state Department of Transportation officials for partial replacement of Main Street curb and sidewalks last year, a project the agency expanded to replace adjoining walks after a public outcry. DOT officials this week said sidewalk plans for the Old Haines Highway aren’t likely to change for reasons including differences in how the two projects were funded. Regional preconstruction engineer Chuck Correa said federal highway money paid for last year’s Main Street job, while sidewalk construction between Front Street and Third Avenue is funded by cruise ship head tax revenues, money DOT hasn’t received for several years. To build sidewalks around the “Y”-shaped intersection it’s reshaping at Front Street and Beach Road, DOT needed additional funds it borrowed from other projects in the region, as funding was limited to pavement rehabilitation, Correa said. “We robbed a couple other projects to have what we have now. The question is, can we rob a couple more projects for that extra work? The answer is, we’ve exhausted money from that year’s appropriation,” he said. A connecting section of sidewalk on the highway’s north side from Third Avenue to East Fair Drive past the entrance to Haines School is being funded by federal Safe Routes to School funds, Correa said. Correa and Southeast DOT director Al Clough said a federal highway bill Congress passed last year will mean even less money for work on state-maintained roads like Main Street and Old Haines Highway. Besides a reduction in total funding of 15 percent, the bill limits federal spending to federal roads, Clough said. “We lost flexibility in where we could put money in the state. In the past, we could mix and match funding, depending on our needs. The new bill specifically dictates that the majority of the money go to federal highway system mileage.” “In the past, Alaska received a good deal of deference due to the good work of former Senator Stevens. The bottom line is less money is available statewide for this class of road project,” Clough said. Clough also said it’s not uncommon for the state to repair only sections of roads and sidewalks. Correa said the new highway bill isn’t all bad for Haines, as the law may bring more funding for work on the Haines Highway, which is a federal highway. Page 2 Editorial Chilkat Valley News Save the Date People often say they don’t know art, but they know what they like. People who know art call Klukwan’s Whale House artifacts “the crown jewels of Northwest Coast art,” “the Parthenon of Alaska,” and “objects of everlasting esteem.” Our top attractions – mountains, fjords, glaciers, wilderness, bears, multitudes of eagles – can be found elsewhere. The Whale House pieces can’t. They are the pinnacle of Chilkat art, the best of thousands of magnificent hand-made pieces from local villages locked away in drawers and cabinets of museums and private art collections around the world. More than any other singular item, the Whale House artifacts put us on the world’s stage. For that reason, it’s to their credit (and to our community’s great benefit) that members of the Gaanaxdeiti clan have agreed to put these pieces on display at a museum being built in the village. A jaundiced view of the clan’s recent decision is that members have “sold out” their culture. That perspective might have validity if Chilkat culture were a timepiece. It’s not. The culture is very much alive, as evidenced by “knowledge camps” that teach traditions, dance groups, and continuing art and language courses. The Whale House pieces and planned Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center will likely play a vital role in these continuing efforts. Besides serving as inspiration to future Tlingit artists, the artifacts stand as irrefutable testimony to the grandeur of Chilkat civilization, a culture that was wealthy, sophisticated and in many ways advanced prior to white settlement here. In a reference to life’s inevitable trade-offs, legendary college basketball coach Al McGuire once said, “If the waitress has dirty ankles, the chili should be good.” Alaska Power and Telephone’s proposed Connelly Lake hydro project didn’t make it to the trade-offs stage, partly because securing state funding for the project hinged on a cost-benefit ratio the company never completed. But discussions of the town’s next power source should continue. In winter, we use all the electric that the Goat Lake hydro plant can provide, plus more from the utility’s diesel generators. Unless the town starts shrinking, we’ll need additional sources of power. Eventually, relying on diesel generators for our overages will become prohibitively expensive. Further, the development of even light new industry – such as a commercial boatyard or wood pellet manufacturing plant – may be difficult or impossible without an additional, economical power supply. Advancing this discussion is critical to our town’s future. -- Tom Morphet Letters to the Editor Fine fishermen for keeping kings? Speaking only of subsistence gillnet users, better known as residents of Haines: Should a white or red king salmon come into contact with our 300-foot nets, we are required by law to release the king back into the water. Yaw, sure we do. Ha ha. If a king gets hung up in our net, then that fish is as good as dinner time. “But it was dead, when we brought it in the boat, or perhaps it just drowned! Really, Fish and Wildlife trooper, I had to keep it. Look at all those seals. If I didn’t keep it, then the seals would rob my net. I had no choice.” I think if you fish with a net and you bring a king to shore, there should be a $200 fine. Of course, it is impossible to enforce anything like this, but look around and you will see a few fish that should have been returned to the water. Perhaps that is why we don’t have many kings to fish for? As for me, I never would do anything like keep a king any more than I would take an illegal moose. Or is it just that I never have had such an opportunity? Dale Cobb Skateboarding a healthy activity I’m writing this letter in support of skateboarders. As long as they stay away from the busy downtown area, I see nothing wrong with them enjoying their sport (activity). I think it’s a good, healthy way to spend their time. It’s better than sitting in the house all day playing with iPads and other electronics. It’s summer. Kids are supposed to be outside having fun! Last week in the police blotter there was a complaint about the noise from the skate park! It would seem the police have better things to do with their time than respond to petty complaints by people with nothing else better to do. I realize the police have to respond to all complaints, but it’s getting to be bordering on harassment. If the boarders aren’t endangering anyone, then let them alone! Dixie Hayes Free concert exhibits local talent We are blessed that so many talented folks share their gifts. The free concert at the Presbyterian Church Saturday night was a diverse program surrounding the visiting soloist Heather Whitney. Encore to Christy Tengs Fowler. Atta boy to each performer. Doris Ward MORE LETTERS page 3 Friday, July 5 July 5, 2013 To list an event in Save the Date, phone 7662688 or email cvn@chilkatvalleynews.com. Wednesday, July 10 Summer Canoe Project, 9 to 1 p.m. at the Silver Cloud Art Gallery. Every weekday through the summer. 766-2545. Story Time, 11 a.m. at the library. Fairy Tale Theater, 2 p.m. at the library. Spanish Fun, 3 p.m. at the library. Amateur Magicians, 4 p.m. at the library. Tot Time, ages 4 and under, 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Tlingit Park. 766-2152. Detective Time, 2 p.m. at the library. Nature Walkers, 3 p.m. at the library. Ukulele Jam, 4 p.m. at the library. Haines Borough Facilities Master Plan meeting, 7 p.m. in assembly chambers. Haines Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to noon at the fairgrounds. Every Saturday except state fair weekend. Haines Firemen’s Barbecue, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the firehall. Golf for Jema, 10 to 5 p.m. at the golf course. Borough Planning Commission meeting, 6:30 p.m. in assembly chambers. Chamber of Commerce Bingo Night, 6:30 p.m. at the ANB Hall. Saturday, July 6 Sunday, July 7 Peddle to Push Away Drugs, 1 p.m. at the AMHS ferry terminal. Participants who need a ride to the ferry terminal meet at the firehall at 12:30 p.m. Ice Cream Social for Seniors, 2 p.m. at Haines Assisted Living. Monday, July 8 Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center Totem Pole Project, 10 to 2 p.m. at the museum. With Jim Heaton and Jeffery Klanott. Also Wednesday and Thursday. Tourism Advisory Board meeting, 10 a.m. in assembly chambers. Mother Goose, 11 a.m. at the library. Senior Exercise Class, 11:15 to 11:55 a.m. at the senior center. Also Wednesday. Personnel Committee meeting, 1 p.m. in assembly chambers. Puppeteers, 2 p.m. at the library.Read to a Dog, 3 p.m. at the library. Gardeners’ Club, 4 p.m. at the library. Tuesday, July 9 Taco Tuesday, 5 p.m. at the American Legion. Haines Borough Finance Committee meeting, 5 p.m. in assembly chambers. Borough Assembly meeting, 6:30 p.m. in assembly chambers. Ultimate Frisbee, 7 p.m. in the high school field. Thursday, July 11 Friday, July 12 Electronic Waste Recycling, 10 to 2 p.m. at Haines Friends of Recycling, 2.5 Mile Small Tracts. 40 cents per pound. Also Saturday. 7662185 “Enlightenment on E Floor North” Strange Attractor Theatre Tour, 7:30 p.m. in the Chilkat Center lobby. Presented by the Haines Arts Council. Monday, July 15 Port and Harbor Advisory Committee meeting, 10:30 a.m. in assembly chambers. Wednesday, July 17 Library Board of Trustees meeting, 4 p.m. at the library. Thursday, July 18 Museum Board of Trustees meeting, 1 p.m. at the museum. Friday, July 19 Household Hazardous Waste Collection 2013, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Old Public Works Shop, on Union St. between 5th and 6th Ave. Southeast State Fair Non-Perishable Exhibit Entry, 10 to 6 p.m. at Harriett Hall. Also Saturday 9 to 1 p.m. Haines Chamber of Commerce Board meeting, 9 a.m. in the chamber conference room. Monday, July 22 Tourism Advisory Board meeting, 9:30 a.m. in assembly chambers. Duly Noted By Tom Morphet Alexis Trout and Royce Dombrock of Haines were married Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Haines. Church elder Dave Berry Jr. officiated. Bridesmaids included maid-of-honor Faith Tuohy and Alexandria Strong of Haines. Royce’s best man was Steve Girgus of Haines. Matt Poeschel of Somerset, Wis., was groomsman. Special friends of the bride in attendance included aunt Kathleen Hall of Twin Falls, Idaho, and Ella Allred Fish, husband David Fish and their two sons, from Oregon. Faith and Alexis’ brother Lee Trout hosted the reception, which featured a red velvet wedding cake with butter cream frosting made by Faith and mom Gerri Dearent. Alexis is the daughter of June Miller and David Trout Sr. of Haines. Royce’s parents are Kiym Dombrock of Haines and Dennis Dombrock of Somerset, Wis. Alexis closed her daycare business for a week after the wedding to spend time with family and friends. She said Tuohy was a great wedding planner. “It was wonderful. It really was. It couldn’t have been more perfect.” About 25 youths showed up Monday at the Chilkat Center for the first day of the Lynn Canal Community Players’ Summer Youth Theater Conservatory. Guest director Michelle Reinhardt of Chino, Calif.,will be producing “The Magical Lamp of Aladdin” with help from assistant Tia Heywood. Cathy Pashigian and Jasmine Taylor are leading the conservatory’s play-making session for younger students. They’re searching the community for props including a crystal ball, large baskets, and pillows and diamonds, rubies and emeralds. If you can help out, contact Annette Smith at 766-2708 or Reinhardt at 909-641-5782. Performances are 7 p.m. July 19-20. Don’t give career river guide Stan Boor grief for having bought a travel trailer. Stan figures he’s spent 4,000 nights in tents. That’s more than 10 years of snuggling up to terra firma. His 14-foot, pullbehind Trillium trailer features a bunk, a sink and shower. The trailer is in Utah, but Stan says he’s considering buying another for Alaska. For the record, Steve Cunningham is not growing a beard. He’s not shaving his neck. There’s a difference. Shaving irritates his neck, Steve said. It was a condition he endured for years as a seaman aboard the state ferry system. Beards are prohibited among ferry crew, who must make a snug fit with emergency breathing masks. Rick Jennings and Anne Schmidt of Cleveland, Ohio, this week finished a nearly three-week trip to Alaska, including 10 days in Haines visiting Anne’s high school friend, Eileen McIver. Their trip included seeing the Midnight Sun baseball game in Fairbanks and camping in Denali State Park. Rich proposed marriage to Anne in British Columbia during a stop on the White Pass and Yukon Route railroad. Anne accepted. In Haines, the couple kayaked, hiked and biked and helped Eileen clean the Assembly of God Church. Rayma Whitney of Vero Beach, Fla., was in town for about 10 days visiting daughter Mandy Ramsey, son-in-law Scott Ramsey and granddaughter Lily. It was Rayma’s 11th visit here and her first Haines Fourth of July. Highlights included dinner at the home of Scott and Kim Sundberg. Bill and Noemi Cohen of Hadera, Israel were in Haines this week, visiting daughter Ma’or, son-in-law Len Feldman and granddaughters Maya and Ella. Trip highlights included sailing in Lynn Canal with Ma’or and Len, local shopping and taking in See DULY page 8 Chilkat Valley News (ISSN8750-3336) USPS Publication No. 500290 is published weekly, except the last week Dec. & 1st week Jan. Publisher: Tom Morphet Staff: Karen Garcia, Cassie Miller, Kevin Ward, Helen Edwards, Eileen McIver Contributors: Sara Callaghan Chapell, Heather Lende, Rosalie Loewen Office: Main Street, Haines. Mailing: Box 630, Haines AK 99827 Tel: (907)766-2688 E-mail: cvn@chilkatvalleynews.com Subscription rates: Haines, $42 plus tax; 2nd Class, Alaska, $48; 2nd Class, Out of state, $54; 1st Class, $75 Periodical postage paid at Haines, AK 99827 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Box 630, Haines, AK 99827 Vol. XLII #26 July 5, 2013 July 5, 2013 Chilkat Valley News Page 3 LETTERS from page 2 Time to end mobster-style government I attended what I believed to be a meeting on whether or not Mark Earnest should be kept on as Haines Borough manager June 10. Turned out that his contract – which has not expired – has already been extended and the meeting was to review his contract: A classic example of the wagon moving before the horse. Once again I was “threatened” with removal because of leveling “personal issues against Mr. Earnest.” First of all, I do not know Mark Earnest personally. I know him only on a professional level in which my accusations against former chief Gary Lowe were basically filed in a garbage can until seven months later when Earnest had no choice but to throw chief Lowe under the bus. I do believe that being asked to sit down and threatened with removal is personnel committee chair Joanne Waterman’s way of “daring” me to sue this borough, something I am desperately trying to avoid. This is another blatant disregard for my Second Amendment rights and my rights under Alaska’s open meetings law. The people of this borough need to demand an end to this mobster type of goverment. Using police to scare people from speaking out to the people we elected is disgusting. Dean Lari Foundation thankful for support The volunteer Chilkat Valley Community Foundation advisory board members would like to thank everyone who made the annual celebration of our donors a success We’re grateful to Stan and Kathy Pardee-Jones who hosted the event at the beautiful Valley of the Eagles Golf Course. Thanks to Howsers, Olerud’s and Mountain Market for your contributions to food for the picnic, and to the DeWitt family for the delicious fish. Most of all, we would like to thank the many generous donors to the Community Foundation who have taken the opportunity to support nonprofits serving our valley. Your gifts are an investment in our community’s future and impact our current quality of life. We appreciate having the chance to celebrate you. Cecily Stern Advisory Board member Chilkat Valley Community Foundation Malia Hayward, Agent Len Feldman, M.D. Family Doctor OFFICE CLOSED July 1 thru 17 9110 Glacier Highway Juneau, AK 99801 (907) 789-3127 1.5 Mi. Mud Bay Rd. 766-3009 100 gallons of heating oil = 14 million BTUs 1 cord Spruce/Hemlock = 14 million BTUs o you d th a m the $275/cord Split & Delivered 766-3321 $650/5-cord load of logs delivered (green) The STUMP COMPANY Golf for Jema Jeff & Jamie (Stanford) Bentley’s 4-year-old daughter. Saturday, July 6 10 to 5 p.m. •Driving Range, All Day Golf & Kids Putt Putt Golf • Sponsored by Valley of the Eagles Golf Links Come bring the family & have some fun while supporting a great family. Phillip Griffighs, left, and Randy Harvey compete against each other. Kevin Ward photo. Harvey, Sundberg lead skate contest By Kevin Ward Randy Harvey and Keegan Sundberg took top awards at the Mike’s Bikes and Boards Skateboard Competition Saturday. Seven skaters entered and about 50 people watched the competition held at the public skate park at Haines Highway and ! Road. Sawmill EWCreek N “We had a great turnout,” said coordinator Stuart Wood. “A lot more people showed up than expected.” S k a t e r s c o m p e t e d i n intermediate and advanced brackets. Judges Stuart Wood, Teddy Hart and Gus Rasmussen rated each trick on a scale from one to five. The skateboarder with the highest score at the end of the round won. D u s t i n S w i f t a n d Z a c h South towards Lambert placed secondthe andsun, third, respectively, in the intermediate land for the garden, bracket won by Sundberg. Phillip basement for the Griffighs, Cody Hotch andkids Collin GriffighsDeck followed Harvey for winner the BBQ, Garage for the car, What more, PRICE! $249,500 Locals to speak at garden conference By Tom Morphet Residents George Campbell, Ed Buyarski and Melissa Aronson will speak at the Southeast Alaska Garden Conference, to be held in Skagway for the first time July 19-21. Speakers also will include Anchorage garden columnist Jeff Lowenfels. Campbell, Buyarski and others have undertaken a large garden project at 18 Mile Haines Highway, where they are ty, i n u ort and p p O fl d o e s s Mis us acre ontage r 4 pl lake f with experimenting with 23 varieties of certified organic potatoes with the goal of commercial distribution of seed and edible potatoes as well as organic hardneck garlic. Buyarski will present on landscaping with edible plants, including fruit trees and berries. Campbell will give a workshop on landscape planning, organization and proper drainage as well as ideas for helping maintain gardens over time. Aronson, chair of Haines ! D OL S All Proceeds will go towards medical expenses for Jema who just underwent brain surgery and is currently at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland. Got electronic waste? Dispose of it safely E-waste Recycling Days FRI. JULY 12 10 am. to 2 pm. SAT. JULY 13 10 am. to 2 pm. Recycling Ctr. (Small Tracts Rd.) Yes: • Computers/monitors • Printers/faxes/copiers • Televisions/radios • VCRs/stereos/speakers • Cell phones (no cost!) • Electronic games • Digital cameras • Toner cartridges • CDs/DVDs/floppies • Cords/wires/batteries • Marines electronics • Microwave ovens • Household batteries • & most other electronics! No: in the advanced competition. Prizes included hats, T-shirts, skateboard decks and mini cruisers, and $50 and $75 gift cards. Alaska Backcountry Outfitter sponsored gift cards. “Everyone did amazing,” said advanced bracket champion Harvey. “We didn’t have as many skaters as we wanted, but everyone that was there did spectacular.” There will be another Mike’s Bikes and Boards skateboard competition on Saturday, July 27. dave@hainesrealestate.com jeanne@hainesrealestate.com jim@hainesrealestate.com pam@hainesrealestate.com 115 SECOND AVE. SOUTH 766-3510 WWW.HAINESREALESTATE.COM Friends of Recycling, has taught classes on permaculture around Haines for two years. She said her distaste for weeding has led to the discovery of permaculture methods to nearly eliminate the need for weeding. Keynote speaker Lowenfels is author of “Teaming with Microbes, A Gardener’s Guide to the Soil Food Web.” Other topics to be discussed include gardening for Alaska’s pollinators, cooking with local edibles and the science behind the process of composting. “We are excited for the opportunity to bring gardeners from across the region together for the chance to network and create stronger bonds between garden communities,” said conference chairwoman Charlotte Jewell. Registration is $99 and includes several meals, garden tours, a glassblowing demonstration and hands-on workshops. For more information, contact Jewell at 907612-0115 or buy a weekend pass at Skagway Garden Club’s website, www.skagwaygardenclub.weebly. com. Pioneer Bar Trivia 8 p.m. & Open Mic 10 p.m. Wednesday • Electrical appliances • Smoke detectors • Audio/video tapes Bamboo Room Fee:• .30/lb. to cover costs Sunday - Thursday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday ‘til 10 p.m. Haines Friends of Recycling For more info or to volunteer: 766-3000 or 766-2185 OPEN Page 4 Chilkat Valley News July 5, 2013 Assembly retains parking rules On-street spots can’t be used to meet regs SUMMER ‘SNOW’ DOWNTOWN -- A carpet of cottonwood seeds turned a lawn near the Assembly of God Church white early this week. Clouds of the feathery seeds are commonly seen around town in early July. Tom Morphet photo. By Karen Garcia The Haines Borough Planning Commission will have to go back to the drawing board to address parking requirements, as the assembly on June 25 struck down an ordinance endorsed by the commission to relax the rules. The ordinance would have allowed commercial business developers to allow adjacent, on-street parking to count toward parking space requirements with the permission of the commission. Businesses currently are required to provide off-street parking based on the number of their employees and their building’s square footage. The assembly rejected the ordinance on a 4-2 vote, with members Debra Schnabel, Norm Smith, Jerry Lapp and Steve Vick opposed. Members Dave Berry and Joanne Waterman voted in favor. Berry said the assembly should trust the commission’s recommendation. “Since the planning commission deals with this on a regular basis and the borough assembly doesn’t, I like to fall back on their recommendation. And they recommend that this is something to make their life a little easier.” Mayor Stephanie Scott, who opposed the ordinance since its introduction, said the code change would “privatize the streets” and “create more problems than it solves.” Since the commission would decide on a case-by-case basis whether to allow businesses to use on-street parking toward their requirement, this would create “a recipe for accusations of favoritism,” Scott said. “I can very well envision this as a set-up for a problem to arise...‘Please come move your car because this is part of my business’s parking allocation.’ I think it opens up that possibility, and I don’t think there’s a need for it,” she said. Planning commissioner Rob Miller defended the ordinance and provided the assembly with a list of other decisions the commission is charged with making on a case- Survey: Seniors get enough food By Helen Edwards A recent survey in Haines found 96 percent of senior citizens felt they had enough to eat but only 57 percent were satisfied with the variety of foods in their diet, according to Martha Pearson, health promotion manager at Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium. Pearson presented findings from a survey of 67 residents over age 60 Saturday at the Haines public library. Katherine Friedle, a community dietician for SEARHC, conducted the survey and interviewed nearly all respondents in person. The survey was intended to “assess availability of foods and the importance of local foods,” said Pearson. Its 34 questions included use of proxies to harvest subsistence foods for seniors. “The data reflects a solid food system for elders,” said Pearson, adding that many comments praised the Haines Senior Center for frequently providing fresh and traditional foods. There are, however, areas needing improvement. Some seniors don’t know how the proxy system works or how to participate in it, Pearson said. The two biggest questions seniors had concerning local foods were “Where can I get it?” and “Who can bring it to me?” she said. S E A R H C p r e s e n t e d t h e information hoping it would spur residents to create ways whiterock nursery “Against all Odds” Locally Owned Locally Grown Organic • Produce • Flowers • • Daily Sprouts • Espresso • Fresh Salad Greens • This Week’s Special: $1 Daze! 540 FAA Road 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed Mondays 766-3887 of providing better access and better structures of elder support in terms of native foods, said Pearson. About a dozen people attended the Saturday meeting. Several ideas were suggested, including schedules about where and when to find freshly caught salmon, shrimp, and crab, and how to connect elders who qualify for proxies with potential helpers. A remaining question has to do with seasonal availability of food and how that affects elders, which was not addressed in the survey, Pearson said. Pearson said SEARHC can facilitate, but the community should look into creating new structures or modifying existing ones to ensure food distribution. She said SEARHC and the Centers for Disease Control offer community transformation grants that could be used for improving access to food sources. • Courtesy Van Service • Business Freight Delivery and Pick-up • Frequent Flyer Program Book online at www.flyalaskaseaplanes.com 766-3800 • 800-354-2479 Depart HNS May 11th to August 23rd Arrive JNU Depart JNU Arrive HNS 5:00 am 6:20 am 11:40 am 3:30 pm 5:25 pm 7:45 pm 5:35 am X6 X7 7:35 am Via SKG X7 12:15 pm 4:05 pm 6:00 pm 8:55 pm 6:05 am X7 9:05 am 11:20 am 2:35 pm 5:05 pm 7:35 pm X6 - except Saturday 5:30 am 8:30 am 10:45 am 2:00 pm 4:30 pm 7:00 pm X7- except Sunday Haines-Skagway Fast Ferry ~ SKAGWAY ~ Just $25 one way $50 round trip Punch passes also available for $250 Now Book online at hainesskagwayfastferry.com Call 766-2100 or email reservations@hainesskagwayfastferry.com or stop by our office in the red building at the end of the PC dock on Beach Road. www.hainesskagwayfastferry.com by-case basis, such as whether to grant variances. “I don’t think that it would be a big political football... From what I’ve seen in my short 10 months on the body, it’s a very fair group of people and I don’t see a lot of politics being played. If, in fact, this is a Pandora’s box, then it was opened up quite a while ago with these other provisions,” Miller said. Scott recommended that if parking requirements are too stringent or deterring business development, the planning commission should consider reducing the parking space requirements. She also suggested creating more public parking, possibly at the old school site. 33 Mile Roadhouse Cafe Best Burgers South of the Border with real French Fries Homemade Pies • Cookies • Soups • Specials Open Daily 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Cabin Rentals • Laundry • RV Parking • 767-5510 Wings is proud to continue offering you reliable local service through the year. Current Flight Schedule effective through August 16 Haines to Juneau Depart Arrive Days 4:55 am 6:35 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 11:50 am 2:20 pm 3:00 pm 5:30 pm 5:55 pm 7:45 pm 5:30 am 7:10 am 10:40 am 11:40 am 12:25 pm 2:55 pm 4:10 pm 6:40 pm 6:30 pm 8:55 pm Mon - Fri Daily Daily Sunday Daily Daily Daily Tue - Sun Monday Daily Haines to Skagway Depart Arrive Days 9:30 am 10:30 am 3:00 pm 5:30 pm 7:45 pm 9:45 am 10:45 am 3:15 pm 5:45 pm 8:00 pm Daily Sunday Daily Tue - Sun Daily Juneau to Haines Depart Arrive 5:45 am 8:45 am 9:45 am 11:00 am 1:00 pm 2:15 pm 4:45 pm 7:00 pm 6:20 am 9:20 am 10:20 am 11:35 am 2:10 pm 2:50 pm 5:20 pm 7:35 pm Days Daily Daily Sunday Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Skagway to Haines Depart Arrive 4:30 am 1:55 pm 4:45 am 2:10 pm Days Mon - Fri Daily Please check in 30 minutes prior to departure. FAA Certified to fly IFR from Haines to Juneau. Haines Office at Airport Terminal 907-766-2030 or 1-800-789-WING (9464) www.wingsofalaska.com FERRY SCHEDULE For update info, call the Terminal 766-2111 Recording 766-2113 NORTHBOUND Fri 5 Sat 6 Sun 7 Mon 8 Tue 9 Wed 10 Thur 11 Thur 11 Fri 12 Sat 13 Arrival from JNU Departure to SKG 11:30 am 11:30 am 11:30 am 2:15 pm 11:30 am 11:30 am 5:00 am 12:45 pm 11:30 am 11:30 am 12:30 am 12:30 pm 12:30 pm 4:15 pm 12:30 pm 12:30 pm 7:30 am 2:45 pm 12:30 pm 12:30 pm Arrival Departure SOUTHBOUND from SKG to JNU Fri 5 4:00 pm 5:00 pm Sat 6 4:00 pm 5:00 pm Sun 7 4:00 pm 5:00 pm Mon 8 9:15 pm 11:15 pm Tue 9 4:00 pm 5:00 pm Wed 10 4:00 pm 5:00 pm Thur 11 11:30 am 12:30 pm Thur 11 4:00 pm 5:00 pm Fri 12 4:00 pm 5:00 pm Sat 13 4:00 pm 5:00 pm July 5, 2013 Chilkat Valley News Page 5 Business Briefs Mosquito Lake cabins available The grand opening of Swan View Cabin Rentals was June 16. J o e O r d o n e z , o w n e r o f Rainbow Glacier Adventures, and his family bought Swan View RV Park along Mosquito Lake two years ago and started building a family home on the property. He removed the RV Park and instead rents the three cabins that were originally on the property. One cabin includes a queensize bed as well as a kitchen and a bathroom. It costs $115 a night. Two cabins that feature bathrooms and twin-size beds are $75 a night. There are discounts for long-term renters. Ordonez claims it’s a great place for eagle-viewing, watching bird migration and many other outdoor activities. He also has canoes that are available for guests to rent. “It’s a great place to stay with beautiful views of the mountains and lake,” said Ordonez. “There’s also activities people can partake in around the cabin and area all year round.” Swan View Cabin Rentals is located at the end of Mosquito Lake Road. Ordonez can be contacted at 766-3576. Heating company moves to Haines Pacific Rim Mechanical has moved its offices from Anchorage to Haines. “My family and I moved here Local Products! Baked Goods! because of the beauty of Haines and the small-town comfort it has to offer,” said owner Shawn O’Brien. “It’s the perfect place to open our doors as it is the maritime gateway to the Southeast.” Connections via the state ferry system, Alaska Marine Lines and local airlines also factored into his decision to relocate his statewide business to Haines. “We have work and projects in Haines, Anchorage, Juneau, Ketchikan, up north in Point Hope and Barrow, as well as in the Aleutians in the village of Akutan,” O’Brien said. Pacific Rim is a full-service plumbing and heating company that provides residential, commercial and industrial services, including installation, repair and remodeling . They provide free plumbing and heating estimates as well as free heating, ventilation and air conditioning solutions. The firm’s office is located at 872 Spruce Grove Lane and is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They can be contacted at 766-2086. For afterhours emergencies, O’Brien can be contacted at (907)-382-2068. Ricke replaces faulty windows Is there condensation between the panes of your new windows? Carpenter Dave Ricke acts as a representative for window manufacturers in Haines, often replacing or fixing ones under manufacturers’ warranties. For example, Milgard Windows guarantees free window Greens Galore! Live Music! www.HainesFarmersMarket.org Every Saturday 10 a.m. - Noon 766-2444 DAILY HOURS: 11 A.M. - 10 P.M. Harbor Bar July Hours Open Daily noon - ? World Tavern Poker Wed & Fri - 7 & 10 p.m. Karaoke Thur - 10 p.m. 8 ball tournament Sat - 9 p.m. $150 in prizes replacements for windows that fail due to manufacturer errors. “Manufacturer problems can occur often up here, because, like most windows, Milgard windows are more designed for the Lower 48 conditions,” said lumberyard owner Chip Lende. Milgard’s guarantee to replace windows lasts a lifetime for homeowners, ten years for the second homeowner and ten years for commercial buildings. “I’ll go check the window and then do the measurements,” Ricke said. “Then I’ll contact Milgard and they will send in the pieces for free to fix or replace it.” Ricke has also worked with Anderson Windows and Ply Gem Windows, companies that offer a similar guarantee. “It usually takes around three to four weeks to receive the pieces and to ultimately replace the window,” said Ricke. “But that can vary depending on what exactly is wrong with the window.” Milgard Windows will not cover replacing windows if there is an issue with the installment or breakage due to nonmanufacturing errors. Ricke can be contacted at 3140696. Correction A story in last week’s CVN about a July 6 golf benefit to help defray hospital expenses of 4-year-old Jema Bentley listed a Portland, Ore., address for sending cards and drawings to decorate Jema’s hospital room. The items should be sent to Jema at 210 Lakeview Dr., Sitka, AK 99835. A photo of soccer camp in the June 20 CVN misidentified the coach. The coach was Carly Lehnhart of Thunder Mountain Sunshine brings out crowds on 4th Another Chandler Kemp record in the the Mount Ripinsky Run and the longest parade in memory marked the 2013 Haines Independence Day celebration. Kemp, 23, lopped a whopping 26 seconds off the course record of 24:28 he set last year in the three-mile race that climbs about 1,100 feet. He topped secondplace Marcus Deuling, a 16-yearold Canadian, by more than 90 seconds. Keegan Sundberg placed third in 29:46. Deuling’s sister Hannah, also under age 18, won the women’s race in 32:38, beating J.J. Lende, who set the women’s course record last year in 32:34. Lende ran 32:57 Thursday. Mira Mason was third among women at 36:54. Organizers said Thursday’s field BOWHUNTER RESTRICTIONS If you plan to hunt in Alaska there are a few things to keep in mind. If you’re going to bowhunt in Unit 7, 14, 15 and 20b or along the Dalton Highway, you must complete the international Bowhunter Education Program first. This course is approved by the Department of Fish and Game. Bowhunting courses are offered throughout the summer so plan ahead for fall hunting season. Don’t get left out of a hunting season because you put off taking classes. Alaska Fish and Wildlife Safeguard is a group of private citizens dedicated to protecting our state’s fish and wildlife. If you think you have seen a hunting or fishing violation report it. Call 1-800-478-3377. You may be eligible for a reward. Help make Alaska a better place. “Know Before You Go.” VISITING MUSHER – Top , musher Angie Taggart of Ketchikan with some of her dogs that completed the 2013 Iditarod. Front row, from left, are Hershey, Rainy (her lead dog) and Athena. Top row, Willow and Bee. Taggart finished 48th of 66 mushers registered for the race, according to the Iditarod website. She also competed in the 2011 event and plans to compete again in the 2016 race. Taggart trains hers dogs in Willow. She was in Haines visiting resident Maria Pointer. Above, Taggart’s license plate. Tom Morphet photos. of 43 runners was likely a record. Thirty-eight entries made the Independence Day parade last nearly 40 minutes. Kristine Harder, who served on a panel of parade judges from the Haines Chamber of Commerce, said the job was especially difficult this year, owing to the variety of entries, including floats, skits and marching groups. Bridgett Daniels marched her pet “Patriotic Rats” down Main Street in stroller. Joe Parnell, in a full-body bear suit, broke out of a cage and went on the attack. “There was a lot of energy and a lot of creativity out there. In the end we had to judge on the basis of which entries come closest to the parade theme,” Harder said. Top parade awards went to: 1) Haines Christian Center, 2) Haines Emblem Club and 3) Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska. Sue Waterhouse organized the first adult marching band here in decades. She said the group drew an enthusiastic crowd response and she’s looking forward to recruiting more members and improving uniforms to perform at future events. Former state Rep. Bill Thomas was the parade’s grand marshal. Other entries included ones by Rainbow Glacier Camp, Alaska Power and Telephone, the library’s summer reading program, Klehini Valley Fire Department, Seth Waldo, Chilkoot Indian Association Native dancers, Klehini Valley Fire Department and SAGA, a brush-cutting and trail-building group from Juneau. The SAGA crew marched with traffic cones atop their heads. Event organizers said they were encouraged by the day’s sunshine, as rainy conditions were forecast. Lists of individual winners will be published in next week’s CVN. Caroline’s Closet All Candles 25% off Selected Candles 50% off Haines Sportsman’s Association Bath & Hand Towels 25% off NEW SHIPMENT of Ray Troll Hoodies & T-shirts Blake’s Corner Store Now Selling Movies! Hours Mon.- Tue. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Wed. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thurs. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sun. 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. Page 6 Chilkat Valley News Haines Borough Police Sgt. Jason Rettinger knocked into the dunk tank. July 5, 2013 Chandler Kemp leads runners up Mount Ripinsky race trail. Fourth of J Photos by Kevin Ward, Andy Hedde Youngsters cool off in the spray of the hose battle. Pie eaters Kyran Ruerup, Cade Walsh and Jeff Johnson of SAGA. Walsh won the adult event. Margaret Sebens on cymbals. Marty Fowler attacked by “bear” Joe Parnell during a parade skit. Amber Nash celebrates winning her age-division in the pie eating co Judy Durand checks out classic cars on July 5, 2013 Mayor Stephanie Scott July ’13 Chilkat Valley News Page 7 Musicians John Hunt, Bob Krebs and Julia Scott perform at the third annual music fest. en and Holly Jo Parnell ontest with Judy Heinmiller Clark. n Fort Seward Drive. HAL residents Lucy Harrell, Ray Menaker and John and Erma Schnabel. Josh Benassi at the spike-driving contest. Face plant at mud volleyball. Joyce Town as Uncle Sam. Wheelbarrell races at Tlingit Park. Regalia and drumming in the parade. Page 8 Chilkat Valley News Heli map committee Wild Things seeks 22 changes The Haines Borough’s adhoc heli-ski map committee is recommending 22 alterations to the current boundaries, including the expansion of areas in the Takhin Ridge and removal of lands in the Kicking Horse area. Of the 22 proposed changes, eight involve contraction of areas due to wildlife concerns and lack of use. Arguments for increased areas include safety, remoteness, and low use by non-motorized backcountry users. The altered areas vary in size. The dimension of the changed areas will not be available until planning and zoning technician Tr a c y C u i m e e t s w i t h t h e committee to plot the changes on the map. New boundaries will be calculated and mapped by Cui this week, said mayor Stephanie Scott. Cui, learned in geographic information systems (GIS), will bring an expertise and precision to the map previously unavailable, Scott said. “People have complained bitterly about the map being inaccurate. Now that we have a GIS person on staff, we’re going to go ahead and use her... We now have that technology available inhouse,” Scott said. The five-member committee – composed of heli-ski operator Scott Sundberg, resident Dave Long, tourism advisory board member Barbara Mulford, parks and recreation board member Daymond Hoffman and Fish and Game biologist Randy Bachman – will provide a rationale for each of the 22 changes in its report to manager Mark Earnest. The report and map are expected to come before the assembly July 23. Committee chair Hoffman said he supported breaking down the changes so the assembly can analyze each of the 22, instead of accepting or rejecting the whole map outright. Scott agreed. “They can make 22 separate motions. They can talk about each and every one, not just about the map, finally,” she said. Hoffman said explaining the expansions to the public, particularly to opponents of the heli-ski industry, will be the biggest obstacle to approval. “To them it feels like we’re taking, we’re taking, we’re taking.... There’s a public perception. That’s going to be the hardest part to deal with,” he said. Fish and Game representatives from Juneau, who occasionally appeared telephonically for Bachman during the meetings, remained adamant the map should not change until ongoing wildlife studies are completed. S u n d b e rg a c k n o w l e d g e d opening up area on the Takhin Ridge “is a totally different story” than some of the other changes, as it has never been included in the allowable area. The committee passed a motion at its June 28 meeting to direct Earnest to gather input from Klukwan on the proposed changes in the Takhin. Sundberg said he did not think the assembly would vote to include new area in the Takhin unless the Chilkat Indian Village was involved in the process. Mayor Scott said the committee was assembled not to oversee industry regulation, but to consider the map. “Yes, there have been violations. I think regulation will be addressed by the assembly in the future,” she said. During its June 27 meeting, the committee reworked a motion passed at a previous meeting that excluded from discussion information – such as scientific information or wildlife studies – not contained in the submitted proposals. Sundberg amended the motion, which passed, to allow board members, including Fish and Game representatives, to bring in outside “scientific” and “factual” information for consideration. July 5, 2013 By Pam Randles L a s t w e e k ’s s p e c t a c u l a r thunderstorm was another exciting weather event in a season that has seen fires, floods, landslides and volcanic eruptions around Alaska. In Tok, a forest fire and flood occurred at the same time. Thunderstorms begin when warm, moist air rises into colder, drier air aloft – creating an unstable air mass. This volatile cloud produces electrical charges, causing lightning. The rapid heating and expansion of air around lightning brings the sound we hear as thunder. Thunder takes five seconds to travel a mile, so if you see lightning and start counting, you can estimate distance to the lightning bolt. Hundreds of gray-crowned rosy finches were here in May, part of as many as 100,000 migrating birds stopped on their northward migration by an Interior snowstorm. This phenomenon is called “fallout.” Areas around Tok were literally covered with a variety of birds waiting out the storm, including thousands on the road that made driving sketchy. Al Gilliam and Julia Heinz say they’re noticing fewer owls than have been seen in seen in previous years. Mario Benassi has noticed fewer goshawks. On the other hand, Judy Jacobson and Stacie Evans saw a rare eastern kingbird at Chilkoot Lake. Australian visitor Maarten Hulzebosch was surprised to spot an Australian diamond dove at Fort Seward. Jedediah BlumEvitts, Sarah Jaymot and Byrne Power also reported seeing and hearing diamond doves there. The doves live in hot, dry Australia and are not known to migrate. They’re small, with a reddish ring around the eyes and a haunting call. Because they’re kept as pets, it’s likely ones here were released or escaped captivity. Judy Jacobson has been pulling invasive sweetclover at the Letnikof Dock. White and yellow sweetclover grows along Haines roads. It’s been marching south along the Haines Highway in recent years. It has a lovely scent but steals pollinating insects from lowbush cranberries and blueberries. Several similar clover species were introduced to Alaska decades ago as animal feed. Bird vetch and sweetclover escaped and have spread around Alaska. Bird vetch chokes out native plants and has not yet been identified in Haines. Haines police get frequent calls about bears during summer. Most callers report seeing bears, not damage or danger. In most cases, leaving bears alone is the safest course. Securing attractants like trash or fish also will minimize conflict. Police refer reports to wildlife troopers or the state park ranger. Although there’ve been many sightings, there have been only three minor incidents and no major conflicts, ranger Preston Kroes said June 24. Let us know what you are seeing. Go to www.takshanuk,org to enter your observations or see what others have observed, or email pam_randles@takshanuk. org or call 766-3542. from the Rasmuson Foundation. Linnus Danner is back from 23 days of cycling around the Mediterranean island of Sardinia with daughter Dr. Robyn Barlow. They pedaled 820 kilometers and enjoyed local cuisine that included flat breads, Pecarino cheeses and Ichnusa, a Sardinian beer. Borough fireman Al Badgley said he has 647 pounds of beef brisket ready for the 25th annual Fireman’s Barbecue, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the firehall. The picnic order includes 160 pounds of potato salad, eight roaster ovens of beans, and 57 loaves of garlic bread. More than 600 attended last year. The event is expected to raise up to $4,000 for scholarships for local students and firefighting equipment. As Krista Kielsmeier was hiking down from the summit of Mount Ripinsky June 20, she received a cell phone call from old friend Deb Miller of Dysart, Iowa (population 1,300), Krista’s hometown. Deb was here with husband Ron on a two-month road trip around Alaska. At their first meeting in more than 10 years, Krista caught up on news about “the friendliest town for miles around.” DULY from page 2 sights in Whitehorse, Y.T., and the Klondike Highway. The newest addition to the family is Cookie, a puppy for Maya and Ella. About 75 friends and board members of the Chilkat Valley Community Foundation enjoyed barbecue and complimentary golf at a summer celebration for the philanthropic group. Board member Ann Myren reported the foundation’s endowed fund balances are more than $324,000, and that nearly $47,000 has been distributed to local organizations in 43 grants. The foundation expects to have $11,024 available for grants to local organizations in 2013. It has set a goal of raising $60,000 this year in donations and matching grants. For the first time, the foundation will approach local businesses this year. Donations from businesses will be used to land a $10,000 matching grant “Sometimes you just need to take a nap ~ Maura Stuard and get over it.” Massage & Somatic Work forget-me-not gallery New Block Print SUMMER HOURS “Peace on Earth Goodwill to Whales” WEEKDAYS: 7 AM - 5:30 PM 303-1957 M, T & W 11 - 5 or by appt The Helpful Hardware Crew 209 Tower Road SATURDAY: 8 AM - 5 PM Water Well and Drilling Contractors Remote and Specialty Drilling Since 1983 Water Wells Contact us at 907-957-2980 or waterfinder@yahoo.com Chilkat Restaurant & Bakery SOCKEYE CYCLE Celebrating 25 years as your hometown bike shop Certified Mechanic • Quality service Breakfast and Lunch HOURS: Daily 7AM - 3:30 PM Dinner HOURS: Tue, Fri & Sat 4:30 - 8 PM Breakfast served all day. Thai or American lunch and dinners. Open 7 days a week! Large selection of bikes for the whole family! Commuter bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, bmx, redline, and chariot. ride the world’s best selling brands! 766-3653 Corner of 5th & Dalton behind Miles Furniture OPEN 9 - 5:30 Mon - Fri, 9 - 4 Sat, Closed SUNday 766-2869 24 portage st July 5, 2013 Chilkat Valley News STUMPS from page 1 surveys of the property and the borough’s assistant assessor Dean Olsen confirmed the land belongs to Waldo. Mayor Scott has been working diligently to find an avenue for the stumps’ removal, but she has been stymied repeatedly. Scott consulted interim police chief Simon Ford and trooper Ken VanSpronsen, hoping the stumps would qualify as a “nuisance” under borough code, but both law enforcement officers agreed it does not. Ford said it would be one thing if the stumps were blocking traffic visibility or causing accidents, but that isn’t the case. “I have never found that I could not see oncoming traffic because of the stumps. So, I am having a hard time articulating how it is that the borough has the authority to come onto a person’s land and move things just because we think they’re ugly,” Ford said. Removing the stumps because people find them unsightly could set a dangerous standard for Lawn Development and Erosion Control JB STRONG HYDROSEEDING SERVICE 767-5415 jbstrong@gmail.com borough jurisdiction over private property, Ford said. “Consider the precedent this may set. The same line of reasoning could be applied to anything that a group of citizens or borough officials considered ugly. Trailer parks, pizza restaurants, toys in the yard, etc. could be subject to removal by the government,” he said. While Ford said it would be reasonable for the borough to remove the stumps if Waldo consented, public facilities director Carlos Jimenez said that scenario makes him uncomfortable. “It’s using taxpayer dollars to take somebody’s garbage off somebody’s property because you don’t like the way it looks. It just doesn’t seem right to me,” Jimenez said. When Jimenez assumed the public facilities director position last fall, he sent a letter to Waldo informing her the borough would not use the property for snow storage any longer, which it hasn’t. Waldo said the stumps are not a permanent installation on the property, just a temporary cheap way to deter the Stigens from continuing to trespass. “It’s mine. I have paid taxes on it every year since 1983 when I bought the land. If the town doesn’t like the stumps, then they can pay to have it surveyed and they can pay to put up a fence (to keep the Stigens out),” Waldo said. FIREWEED RESTAURANT LUNCH: DINNER: Wed. – Sat. 11:30 – 3:00 Tues. – Sat. 4:30 – 9:00 Penwell, 51, was devoted parent Friends and family gathered at a graveside service for Robin Penwell Friday, June 28, at Jones Point Cemetery. Penwell, 51, died at home of cancer June 23 with partner Yngve Olsson and their twin daughter and son, Tailer and Trever, 12, at her side. C a r o l Wa l d o , w h o officiated, said: “Robin was a dependable friend, a caring woman and a loving mom.” Penwell bore two sets of fraternal twins and had another son from a previous marriage. “She did well with twins. It came natural to her,” Yngve said. “She was easy to get to know, and easy to live with. She was real personable.” Retired teacher Kate Saunders befriended Penwell after she moved to Haines about 17 years ago from Homestead, Fla. A son was in Saunders’ sixth-grade classroom and Penwell, who was quiet and had a good sense of humor, quickly became a trusted volunteer. “She was so dependable. I’d usually see her at school once or twice a day,” Saunders said. As their friendship grew, Saunders relied on Penwell for sound advice. “I could count on Robin to be the friend who’d tell me what she really thought and I so appreciated that.” When a previous marriage broke up, Penwell stayed in Haines, working as head housekeeper and waitress at the Hotel Halsingland. “She did everything, really. She really PLANNING TO RUN FOR OFFICE? Candidate Filing Period: July 8th thru 26th On October 1, 2013 Haines Borough registered voters will be electing the following offices: two assembly members and two school board members with 3-year terms and one school board member with a 2-year term. If you are interested in running for election, you must file during the official candidate filing period. You may get the necessary forms from the Borough Clerk in the Borough Administration Building at 103 Third Avenue South, or from the borough’s 2013 election website: http://www.hainesalaska.gov/administration/haines-borough-election-2013. Candidates must meet residency and voter registration requirements. PLANNING TO VOTE? Any person may vote in any Haines Borough election who: A. B. C. D. E. F. Has passed his/her 18th birthday; Is a resident of Alaska before the election; Is a citizen of the United States; Is registered to vote in the State of Alaska at least 30 days before the election; Is not disqualified from voting under Article V of the Alaska Constitution; and Has been a resident of the Haines Borough for at least thirty (30) days immediately preceding the election. If you are going to be out of town on Election Day, you may apply for an absentee-bymail ballot until September 20st or vote absentee-in-person between September 16th and September 30th at the Borough Administration Building between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. weekdays. BE SURE YOU ARE PROPERLY REGISTERED! If you are not currently registered, if you have moved into or out of the borough since the last election, or if you have not voted within the last two years in a regular election, you may find that you are not properly registered or that your name has been purged from the state voter list. You must be registered on or before Sunday, September 1, 2013 to be eligible to vote in the October 1, 2013 Haines Borough election. You may register at the Borough Administration Building weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or with a registrar in your area. If you suspect that your registration needs to be updated (address change, etc.), please call the Division of Elections now and check on it! (907-465-3021) M. Webb, Deputy Clerk Posted 7/1/12 Lynn Canal Counseling Services is asking for gently used toys for resale as a fundraiser at the 303-7036 Liz Marantz-Falvey - C.M.T. PUBLIC NOTICE Donations of toys sought & Craniosacral Work HAINES, ALASKA of the crew that helped care for abandoned horses two winters ago, even though Penwell was afraid of them. “Robin was terrified, but very supportive, and she watched us from the car,” Saunders said. Penwell was born Feb. 12, 1962 in Homestead, Fla., the oldest of Roger and Joann Penwell’s three children. The military family lived abroad and in several states, as well as in Fairbanks, Olsson said, though Homestead was home. After high school she married and raised a son, John Maas, and a twin son and daughter, Michael Robin Penwell and Margaret Maas. Margaret died in a car accident at age 14. liked working there,” Olsson said. Penwell is survived by Yngve After she and Yngve got together and children Trever and Tailer about 14 years ago, Penwell Olsson of Haines; sons John managed his former business, and Michael Maas of Fairbanks; the Mountain View Motel. parents Roger and Joann Penwell After the motel sold six and siblings Roger Penwell Jr. and years ago, Penwell concentrated Dawn Marie Taylor, all of Ray, full-time on their young twins, Ohio; and four nieces and nephews. including volunteering most Yngve said he’s hoping to days at their school. “She was take the children to Disneyland interested in what her kids were next winter and to visit their doing,” Saunders said. When grandparents in Ohio. “Robin Penwell’s daughter wanted didn’t fly, and it’s a long drive, so to become a volunteer raptor we’ve never been.” handler at the American Bald Donations in Penwell’s memory Eagle Foundation, Penwell took can be made to the Haines the 12-week class with her. volunteer ambulance crew, P.O. Penwell and Saunders and Box 849, Haines, AK 99827. their daughters also were part Therapeutic Massage 766-3838 Dine In or Take Out HAINES BOROUGH Page 9 Southeast Alaska State Fair. Toys for children of any age should be small enough to fit into a Ziplock bag. Donations can be left by July 18 at drop boxes at Lynn Canal Counseling offices on Willard Street and at Howsers grocery store. For questions, call LCCS at 766-2177. Dinner service 5:30-9 p.m. Closed Tuesday 766-2000 13 Fort Seward Drive Chilkat Valley Baptist Church 6th and Main Sunday School 10 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship 6 p.m. Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7 p.m. Pastor Royce L. McCoy 314-0672 “From the border to the bay...” 766-2320 LUNCH 11:30-2:30 DINNER 5-8:30 NO LUNCH ON WEEKENDS CLOSED TUESDAYS Outfitter sporting goods Happy 4th of July! Open 8 am ‘til 6 pm Sun- Mon 766-3221 Plenty of Little Chief Wood Chunks and Wood Chips in stock now! FoodSaver Bags quart & gallon sizes also in stock now! Also a wide variety of Mosquito Nets available Mike’s bikes and boards Haines Quick Shop 20% off all 2012 model Landyachtz 20% off all complete skateboards For all your snacks and drinks Buy one Sedless Tee get one 1/2 off for a great day in Haines, Alaska 10% off all Fiction BMX 7a.m. - Midnight 15% off all 2012 model Haro MTN Bikes 766-2330 25% off all Snowboard boots766-3232 Page 10 Chilkat Valley News Police report Monday, July 1 A caller requested a welfare check on a drunken person at a Young Road residence. Officers and an ambulance crew responded, but the person did not need help. A person reported an outof-control burn on Highland Drive. Officers responded and confirmed the fire was controlled. A person turned in a driver’s license left at the ferry terminal. A traffic stop resulted in a citation for speeding. Sunday, June 30 A caller repor ted a bear frequenting a private campground on Lutak Road. Dispatch forwarded the call to the park ranger and wildlife trooper. A company sought help with a stranded 29-foot sailboat near Taiyasanka Harbor. The operator was advised to use their marine radio to request assistance from other vessels in the area. A U. S. C u s t o m s a g e n t reported someone left their passport at the border. A caller reported an abandoned bike near the Chilkat Cruises dock. Saturday, June 29 A Canadian tourist came to the station and dropped off a dog they picked up near 25 Mile Haines Highway. Haines Animal Rescue Kennel was advised. Friday, June 28 A caller reported a vehicle parked in the wrong direction on Main Street, but called back later to report the vehicle had been moved. Officers helped a Deishu Drive resident who had been locked out of an apartment. A caller reported trespassers beyond the security fence at the Port Chilkoot Dock. An officer responded and contacted four juveniles after they had left the prohibited area. A caller reported a motorist without a handicap permit had parked in a handicap parking space on Main Street. S t a t e r o a d c r ew s we r e advised of a sink hole in the roadway at 17 Mile Haines Highway. A Second Avenue business repor ted a rock had been thrown at the building but had not caused damage. Police contacted the person, who said he thought a friend was working at the business and had thrown the rock “to say hello.” A person reported an open door at a Fort Seward business that appeared to be closed. Police responded and were able to close and lock the door. A caller reported a possible underage drinking par ty on Helms Loop. Police responded but found no signs of a party. A person reported an open door at the Mosquito Lake School. A responsible party responded but found all doors secured. Thursday, June 27 A person came to the station to report a mud slide near 19 Mile Haines Highway. State road crews were advised. A caller repor ted a twoinch fuel line cut near 0 Mile Haines Highway. It appeared construction equipment had damaged the line. Public works and the fuel company responded. An out-of-state caller requested a welfare check on a person in Haines. Officers discovered the person had left for Canada. Canadian law enforcement confirmed the person was fine. A downtown resident was taken into protective custody after injuring herself. Alcohol was a factor. A caller reported a gunshot near Piedad Road. An officer responded but was unable to locate the source. Wednesday, June 26 A Main Street business owner reported a $400 bracelet stolen from a shop. The business owner later located the bracelet. Officers initiated a reckless driving case for a June 16 incident in which a car driven down a Mud Bay Road driveway spun its wheels repeatedly, kicking up gravel. An officer initiated a case for failure to report child abuse for a Feb. 19 incident. The woman had not reported a complaint of child abuse, which allegedly occurred at the school. A caller reported a dump truck speeding down FAA Road. Officers responded but were unable to locate the truck. A caller reported two men fighting in the area of Helms Loop. No arrests were made as officers could not determine the Haines Christian Center A/G primary aggressor. A person reported a vehicle speeding down Sawmill Road, with the vehicle’s occupants holding beer cans. Officers responded and made contact with the occupants, who didn’t have beer and weren’t intoxicated. The driver was warned about reckless driving. O f f i c e r s i nve s t i g a t e d a domestic dispute between a man and woman on Union Street. An officer issued a citation to the man for minor consuming. A traffic stop resulted in a verbal warning for a broken taillight. Tuesday, June 25 A caller sought veterinary help for her injured cat. Haines Animal Rescue Kennel was advised. A Deishu Drive resident repor ted her daughter at Mosquito Lake was in danger because of a bear on the porch. Dispatch contacted the daughter who said she was fine and had contacted the wildlife trooper. A parent sought help controlling a child. Officers responded and were able to calm the child down while social service agencies were contacted. Police secured a gun for safekeeping while the owner is out of town. A caller reported two men harassing him and calling him names near 0 Mile Haines Highway. Dispatch referred the caller to the court to obtain a protective order. A caller reported a possible fire near 25 Mile Haines Highway. The Klehini Fire Department responded and determined everything was fine. A caller repor ted seeing smoke near Battery Point. Forest crews responded but were unable to locate any smoke. A caller repor ted seeing smoke near 3 Mile Lutak Road. Fire crews responded but found nothing amiss. A caller reported skateboarders on Main Street. Officers responded and gave the skateboarders a warning. A person reported minors soliciting customers to purchase alcohol for them near 0 Mile Haines Highway. Police searched but were unable to locate the minors. A traffic stop resulted in a warning for a broken taillight. Dispatch received 34 medical calls and four canine calls. Union & Second St. We Welcome You Sunday school-----9 am Sunday Worship---- 10 am Infinite Life Youth Group Sunday Evening ----- 7:00 pm From the Baha’i Scriptures “Blessed are such as hold fast to the cord of kindness and tender mercy and are free from animosity and hatred.” Come and Fellowship with Us and share the Love of Jesus Christ ~Baha’u’llah Haines Emblem Club Annual Pedal to Push Away Drugs Event HAINES BOROUGH PUBLIC NOTICE Haines Borough Assembly At 6:30pm, on Tuesday, July 7, 2013, in the Assembly Chambers at the Public Safety Building, a public hearing is scheduled for the following: Ordinance 13-06-332 (Second Hearing) An Ordinance of the Haines Borough amending Borough Code Chapter 10.44 to provide that parking violations are subject to a civil fine; provide for the content of a notice of violation of parking restrictions; and establish an administrative appeal process for parking violations. More information is available at the Borough Clerk’s Office or on the website: www.hainesalaska. gov. Oral comments may be made at the public hearings or you can send written comments to P.O. Box 1209, Haines, AK 99827 or jcozzi@haines.ak.us. Posted 7/2/2013 M. Webb, Deputy Clerk Notice of Public Hearing on the Environmental Assessment for Haines Highway Mileposts 3.5 to 25.3 State Project No. 68606/ Federal Project No. SHAK-0956(28) The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF), in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announce a public hearing on Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Haines Highway project (#68606/SHAK-0956(28)). The Proposed Action would improve the Haines Highway between Milepost 3.5 to 25.3 by widening shoulders to 6 feet on each side, realigning most curves, providing sight distance to allow for passing zones, and replacing the Chilkat River Bridge that would have a width that matches the proposed roadway. Enhanced drainage would be provided at MPs 19 and 23 where water and sediments frequently overtop the highway. The EA will be available for review during the week of July 8th, 2013. Comments on the EA must be submitted by August 15th, 2013. The public hearing will be held on August 5th, 2013 at the Chilkat Center on Theater Drive in Haines, AK. The hearing will begin at 6:30 pm. If you are a person with disability who may need a special modification to comment, please contact DOT&PF as soon as possible. To correspond by text telephone (TDD), call 1-800-7708973. If you have questions or comments, require additional information, or would like a copy of the EA when it is published, please contact James W. Scholl, Environmental Impact Analyst, at (907) 465-4498, or via email at jim.scholl@alaska.gov. Or contact: Alex Viteri, Southeast Region Engineer, FHWA, Alaska Division, 709 West 9th Room 851, Juneau, AK 99802, at (907) 586-7544, or by email at: Alex.Viteri@dot.gov. The project website is: http:// dot.alaska.gov/sereg/projects/ haines_hwy/documents.shtml Family Bike Ride from Ferry Terminal to Chilkoot Lake. Family barbecue at Lake to follow. Sunday, July 7th, 2013 1 p.m. AMHS Ferry Terminal Parking lot Participants who need rides to the ferry terminal should meet at the fire hall parking lot by 12:30 p.m. *Everyone Welcome* *Great Prizes* *Barbecue*Fun!* *Parents will need to sign waivers*Helmets required* For more information, call 303-6006 Sponsored, in part by Day Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon July 5, 2013 Date High Low June 25 74 53 June 26 65 55 June 27 55 52 June 28 65 50 June 29 64 49 June 30 78 42 July 1 58 49 Soil Temp. 59.9 Rain .01 .37 .33 0 0 .02 .16 Snow 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Day Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon HAINES BOROUGH PUBLIC NOTICE Haines Borough Planning Commission PUBLIC HEARINGS At 6:30pm, on Thursday, July 11, 2013, in the Assembly Chambers at the Public Safety Building, a public hearing is scheduled for the following: Applicant: Mark Sogge & Cecily Stern Location: 4-MBR-06-0500 Zoning: Rural Residential, Mud Bay Planning & Zoning District Public Hearing Item: Appeal of enforcement order requiring the payment of $250 after-the-fact fees for operating a lodging rental business without a conditional use permit. Applicant: Mark Sogge & Cecily Stern Location: 4-MBR-06-0500 Zoning: Rural Residential, Mud Bay Planning/Zoning District Public Hearing Item: Sogge & Stern have requested for the Planning Commission to approve a Conditional Use Permit to allow the operation of a lodging rental business on their property. Applicant: Neil Einsbruch Location: 4-MAD-00-0200, 6 Mile Mud Bay Road Zoning: Rural Residential, Mud Bay Planning/Zoning District Public Hearing Item: Appeal of enforcement order requiring the payment of $250 after-the-fact fee for failing to file a construction declaration within 60 days of the start of construction. Applicant: Roger Beasley Location: C-HTZ-00-0100, 872 Spruce Grove Road Zoning: Industrial Light Commercial Public Hearing Item: Beasley has applied for a variance to allow the construction of a boat storage 15-foot into the required 25-foot setback from an anadromous fish stream. Posted 06/21/13 Xi Cui “Tracy”, Haines Borough P & Z Tech III Top Hat Logging Log Home Packages Logging / Land Clearing Problem Tree Removal Equipment Hire Loader, Excavator and Small Cat 766-2514 Dark Horse Lumber General Contractor Log and Frame Homes Saw Milling Rough Cut Lumber Beams and Planed Timbers 314-0049 HAINES Presbyterian Church “The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” - Exodus 34:6 Come & Worship with us! 907-766-2377 Sundays at 10 am 1st Ave. South, by the Boat Harbor www.haineschurch.org AP&T Long distance Date June 25 June 26 June 27 June 28 June 29 June 30 July 1 High 87 85 68 57 67 67 77 1-888-GO-APTLD 46-27853 Low 49 56 53 51 44 45 45 Rain Snow .23 0 .14 0 .37 0 .13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 July 5, 2013 Chilkat Valley News Un-Classified Ads Nor ther n Constr uction, Inc. is looking for a full-time professional carpenter. Must possess the necessary skills to act as a lead on jobs. Wage DOE. (14c) UP IN SMOKE Firewood Sale: $220/cord split and delivered. 767-5455. (50cb) FOR RENT: Two units: 2 bedroom apartments with garage. $850 and $950/month. 767-5564 or (503) 501-8804. (44b) GET IT EARLY, GET IT CHEAP: Summer special on truck loads of dry Canadian firewood logs @ $175/cord. Dimok Timber 867-634-2311. NOTICE OF POSITION VACANCY: The Haines Borough School District is looking for a Drama/ Debate/Forensics Coach for the upcoming year. Please contact Ashley at 766-6725 or ashley@hbsd.net for more information.(24, 26 b) FOR SALE: 1994 Winnebago Vectra motorhome, diesel pusher $14,700. 766-3281. (25, 26, 27, 28b) FOR SALE: Perception Kayak with paddle and lifejacket. Larger whitewater kayak suitable for multiday trips. Call Joe (406) 253-5380. Will return calls after July 5. (25,26p) Bring home the bacon in your own bacon wallet! Buckshot and Bobby Pins. 766-2450 (26b) NOTICE OF POSITION VAC A N C Y: T h e H a i n e s Borough School District is looking for a Music Teacher. Position closes July 22nd. Please contact Ashley at 7666725 for more information. (26,27b) FOR RENT: Very nice, quiet 3-bedroom house, 8 Mile Mud Bay. $1,150/ month. 766-3020. (503)919-1900. (26p) FOR SALE: Oil tank, 275 gallon with wooden stand, used in good condition. $300/OBO. 766-2724. (26,27,28b) POSITION AVAILABLE: Delta Western Tesoro. Apply at 900 Main St. office. 766-3190. (26,27b) GARAGE SALE: Schreckhise house Saturday, July 6th, 8 to 2 p.m. 227 Gruening Drive (first house on the right) Cross street Third Avenue and Major Road. Variety of houswares, tools, clothes, Christmas, something fo r eve r y o n e ! E ve r y o n e welcome! (26b) F O R S A L E : 2 8 5 0 B ay l i n e r Contessa twin screws, 1 new engine with Arco, 3-axel trailer. $28,000. 766-3281. (25, 26, 27, 28 b) New sizes!! You’ll flip for our Native Soul flip flops! Buckshot & Bobby Pins. (26b) Experienced waiter or waitress needed at Chilkat Restaurant, apply in person. (26b) INTERTIDAL COUNSELING Confidential, Friendly, Professional Liana Shull LCSW CDCI 314-0594 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS MON, WED , FRI and SAT 6 - 7 PM Public Health Conference Room Main Street, Upstairs Gateway Bldg Phone Mike: 314-0165 Page 11 BUSINESS DIRECTORY HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! Have a safe & happy holiday celebration from your friends at Alaska Backcountry Outfitter. Community Waste Solutions • One-Bag Recycling • Composting • Curbside Collection • Self-Haul • Const. /Demo. Disposal • Septic Pump Out OPEN 10-3 M-S End of FAA Road 766-2736 www.communitywastesolutions.com FLOORING INSTALLATION L & B Projects Carpet, vinyl, linoleum, laminate Residential and Commercial Serving Haines & Skagway since 1987 Call Len 314-0150 Free Estimates 907-314-0434 Surf Fisheries Supply •Mustang Survival Inflatable Work Vests •Whale Pingers •51/4” and 6” MoMoi Web All available now! Stormin Norman 723-4848 Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative Jackie Mazeikas, DV Educator 766-6382 CALL COLDWELL BANKER In Haines: Call Glenda Gilbert 766-3511 or 321-3512 Visit our Website at www.racerealty.com Making Real Estate Real Easy. Call (907)789-0555 Fax (907)789-8460 2103 N. Jordan Ave Juneau, AK 99801 Inside Passage Quilting All Alaskan Fabric Long Arm Quilting Notions Gifts Fabric Patterns Across from the Cruise Ship Dock 766-2220 or 766-2276 Page 12 Chilkat Valley News July 5, 2013 HYDRO from page 1 Skaling said. AP&T recently surrendered its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) permit for the Connelly Lake project, citing a lack of existing demand, waning public support and inadequate funding. Therriault said the company requested several changes in the grant’s scope after receiving the 2011 funding, some of which were approved. Others were denied, including a request to have money devoted to exploring the economics of the project diverted to environmental studies. AP&T president Bob Grimm said AEA has refused to reimburse the company for about $90,000 worth of environmental studies it conducted for Connelly Lake. The project also ranked low compared to other statewide projects because of AP&T’s intention to use energy generated by the Connelly project to power cruise ships, Therriault said. “We have all of these needs across the state and saying you’re going to provide this out-of-state industrial group doesn’t get you a lot of points in terms of meeting basic energy needs for Alaska residents,” Therriault said. The cost of the project, which AP&T estimated at $50 million, also was prohibitive of additional funding, as the expensive up-front costs are passed on to ratepayers, Therriault said. Because existing demand for hydropower is not substantially exceeding supply, building a hydro project at Connelly Lake and flooding the region with excess energy would only drive rates up, Therriault said. “You might have to turn on the diesel generators from time to time, but if you bring on a new dam, there’s going to be cost associated with that, even if it gets some state grants and state loans... If you’re meeting all your demands with hydro and you make more hydro, you don’t have the customer demand. You have to be careful that you don’t build infrastructure that actually drives peoples’ rates up,” he said. The project also ranked low – about 9 points out of a possible 35 – in the “cost of energy” category, which awards more points to projects located in areas already paying exorbitant rates. As the cost of power in Haines is relatively low – about 18 cents per kilowatt/hour after power cost equalization (PCE) is factored in – other projects receive priority, Skaling said. Although AP&T cited a lack of public support as a reason for the project’s temporary abandonment, the company received all five points on the AEA’s scoring chart for “local support.” Even if the project had ranked poorly in the support category, such a rating wouldn’t have precluded AEA funding, Therriault said. “It doesn’t necessarily make or break a project in terms of how it ranks on the list,” he said. Skaling also referred to the category as “bonus points,” which don’t amount to much in terms of funding consideration. AP&T’s Martin said the AEA’s process is flawed because it uses a report, called the Southeast Alaska Integrated Research Study (SEIRP), to evaluate projects. Using the report to evaluate hydro projects “does not provide a fair and balanced evaluation tool, because it is poorly written and should not be utilized in the evaluation process,” Martin said. Both Therriault and Skaling said Martin is likely overestimating the impact of the research study, which generally pointed to biomass as a more promising avenue for the region than hydropower. Skaling, who evaluated all the projects during this round of AEA funding, said the report “didn’t even enter the picture.” “That, in my mind, wasn’t anything that was used. Each project was looked at individually (on its own merits),” Skaling said. Martin said last week the company may seek an investment partner in lieu of grant funding from AEA. Martin said the company had hoped the Haines Borough would be interested in this solution – as municipalities can sell bonds and access no-interest loans – but the borough has been unenthusiastic. F ERC requires applicants to show adequate progress on projects by filing reports every six months, to ensure the applicant will be ready to file for licensing at the end of the three-year permit period. The company had complied with the agency’s schedule, said Jennifer Hill, chief of hydropower licensing for FERC’s Northwest division. In August 2012, the agency told AP&T it needed to obtain permission to conduct grounddisturbing studies in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve before FERC would consider moving forward, which it did, Hill said. “ They did get permission to do studies in the preserve. I don’t remember any hindrances from our end,” Hill said of the company’s recent decision to drop the project. However, Martin said due to the Alaska Energy Authority’s decision not to fund the project this year, AP&T anticipated it would not be able to keep up in the future. M artin maintains that his company is not abandoning the project altogether, but waiting for increased demand or public support before regrouping and reapplying for a FERC permit. Southeast Road Builders, Inc. will continue the old Haines Highway Sidewalk Construction/ Beach Road Widening & Front Street Improvement project. Work for the week beginning June 10, 2013 involves: • Shoulder construction on Beach Rd. and Front St. from Blacksmith St. to the boat harbor. • Shoulder reconstruction on Old Haines Hwy. from Mud Bay Rd. to 3rd Ave. • All roads will remain open. • Please note all Signs and Traffic Control Devices. • We apologize in advance for any inconvenience. • Call for further details - 766-2833 • Please be careful, especially in areas of shoulder construction. 25% OFF ALL NEW LONGBOARDS, SKATEBOARDS, DECKS, WHEELS, TRUCKS, BEARINGS & GEAR Black Label Blending Art, Technology and Sustainable materials for better performing more durable decks. • Downhill • Cruiser • Freestyle ALASKA BACKCOUNTRY OUTFITTER 766-2876 111 2nd Ave. OPEN 10 to 5 Mon-Sat 25 Black Label FOR SALE IN HAINES 2007 26’ Fleetwood FIESTA Class A Motorhome NADA Average Retail $32,023 ASKING $30,000 OBO Contact Mike Case 314-0165 Email thecases@aptalaska.net July 15 Advertise for two weeks and receive 20% off your 2nd week!
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