Sorted by date Results 860 - 884 of 1096
As we journey through life there are so many different obstacles we encounter. Not only do we encounter obstacles but we have many adventures which create many memories for us which we carry for a lifetime. Some of the memories I personally can call to mind are what I call “landmarks,” they help me to make my ancestry personal and real; such as, my great-grandfather was born in 1858, two years before the start of the Civil War and the same year as old “Rough & Ready,” President Theodore Roosevelt was born. If you were born in the 1950s or befo...
To the Editor: We live in a little town that is considered remote, yet what a blessing that our lives are touched by so many caring people. Thank you, Wrangell, to those who helped medivac me out on August 20. Rosemary Ruoff...
To the Editor: The USA that I grew up in is on its last breath and some people are far too eagar to finish her off. Today I have been barred from one business here in town because, I expressed my first amendment right to object to the status quo on facebook. I pointed out that a church here in town is working in collusion with other non tax paying entities, to take your tax monies and finance the invasion of this to with Muslims. Upon objection of some locals I first took offense and resorted to just saying they are ignorant. However upon refle...
As the fisheries industry continues to expand and Wrangell’s Marine Service Center’s services demand increases, I believe Wrangell’s economy has nowhere to go but up. However, to accommodate this growth, the state must maintain their services in Wrangell. I am particularly concerned about the conservation of state jobs in Wrangell. Several years ago, Wrangell lost its social worker and its fisheries biologist. Now, the loss of the Wrangell trooper and the potential of reduced funding to the city jail weigh heavily, as Wrangell’s state jobs sl...
To the Editor: I think it’s highly unfair to allow boys to compete with girls in most physical competitions. Even in the Olympics men and women are separated in events because, for the most part, men will be stronger and faster. They are built differently. Regardless of how this boy feels, he still has male parts, and the strength and speed of a male, thus giving him an advantage. Put this same boy in the male event and I can guarantee that he would not have placed third especially if two females beat him. Rebecca Christensen To the Editor: Wra...
We celebrate our independence. We go out in the streets and proclaim what a great country we live in. All is well with us on that great day July 4th. Along comes the next day when we return to our daily work no matter what that is. We greet each other with “Did you have a good 4th?” Now we have moved to the end of July the celebration is behind us, we still remember but we have stopped talking about it until Next Year. One may ask why we set this aside so quickly is a mystery. I know as American’s we care. Maybe we forget the sacrifices that...
About 30 years ago, long before I was a priest, I was invited to dinner at a friend’s house. When I arrived I noticed that the father was not home yet and that the mother seemed rather distressed. She had three children under the age of ten and was in the middle of cooking dinner when I arrived. Seeing her anxiety I went to the living room and entertained the children while waiting for her husband to arrive and the dinner bell to ring. While in the living room I could see into the kitchen and I watched as she tried to open a one-gallon c...
To the Editor: I noticed in the news recently that a “transgender” boy was allowed to compete in Alaska’s Girls State Championship track meet. The individual got third. The girl who got fourth was upset when she found out a boy had taken her medal. Apparently the Alaska State Athletic Association is allowing boys to compete in female events. If a district allows it then the State’s athletic program allows it. I would like to know what the policy is in Wrangell. I would also like to know if this individual competed against our girls and if so, d...
In the current budget that was approved by the majority of Alaskan Legislators, 430 million dollars is allocated for direct cash payouts to oil companies in the form of credits. The state’s obligation for this year’s credits is 750 million dollars. Thus, even if the State of Alaska pays out the allocated 430 million dollars, it will continue to be responsible for 320 million dollars additionally in future obligations. That 750 million dollars is the third biggest spending item in our state’s budget. Under SB 21, the state is obligated to pay 75...
To the Editor: I think that with the state of the economy locally, the US, and around the world that it is a really bad time to raise rates in the harbor. Empty stalls do not bring in revenue if the big boats leave. Those who have to stay are our friends and neighbors. I think the economy is going into a deflationary depression. Just look at the interest rates at about 0 and the negative rates in Japan and Europe. Look at Puerto Rico, Chicago, Detroit and prices for oil, corn, gold, etc. A couple examples I think show overpricing are small boat...
Wouldn’t Alaskans experience violence if a gunman shot into their home? SB 91, a crime reform bill that ignores victims’ rights, says shooting into a home is ‘non-violent.’ Felonies will have reduced presumptive sentencing and jail time, and sometimes no jail time at all. The bill credits time during the conviction process even for child molesters and murderers. An offender can watch television, spend time with friends, go to work and live normally, then get up to a full year reduced from his/her sentence. Many felons will be released after ser...
We are totally against a Retail Store and a Grow and Manufacture business in the town limits of Wrangell. Please do not issue permits for either business. Could we at least have the citizens of Wrangell vote on their opinions of cannabis in Wrangell? If we have this kind of business in our downtown area, I feel our reputation of a friendly, historic and safe place will change to a “Pot Town.” Please don’t let this happen. Our children should not be exposed to this drug. Look at all the time and money that has been put into selling our town...
One Sunday after church, a Mom asked her very young daughter what the lesson was about. The daughter answered, “Don’t be scared, you’ll get your quilt.” Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed. Later in the day, the pastor stopped by for tea and the Mom asked him what that morning’s Sunday school lesson was about. He said “Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming.” John 14:16 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.” The world is completely filled up with fear. No matter where you direct your a...
To the Editor: We would like to thank the Wrangell Cooperative Association and the US Forest Service for their cooperative project improving the lower Rainbow Falls trail. The labor provided by the WCA (Lizzy Romane and Jodie Lindley) and the gravel and equipment by the Forest Service have made walking the trail much more enjoyable. No longer do we have to watch our feet for roots and mudholes. Thank you all for this much needed and appreciated effort. Haig and Bonnie Demerjian To the Editor: Hubris: Excessive pride or self confidence,...
Alaskans are the beneficiaries of the state’s investment. Our constitution requires the State of Alaska to manage our resources to the maximum benefit of the people. Government’s fiduciary duty to its citizens is to make prudent investments and establish a sustainable budget. The State of Alaska must make responsible and wise business decisions, as we are an owner state. The current oil and gas tax credit system, with its many layered and net operating loss credits, does not do that. Alaska receives essentially no income from the dev...
To the Editor: Dear Wrangell, I don't know where to start. And I'm at a loss for words at the celebration of Dave's life. He would never in his wildest dreams foreseen the respect he had. All the care and comfort everyone gave to my family and me will always be cherished memories. I cannot name names because it is all of you. However I must mention Pastor Haggard for all the time he spent with us and the marvelous service. And Jordan - Dave is up there giving you a big thumbs up for your fly by. Remember what I told you and always fly safely....
To the Editor: I and my staff want to thank those in the community who joined us in the recent meeting to discuss the future of the recreation program on the Wrangell District. I appreciate that so many people were willing to take the time to listen and lend their voices to a topic that is important to the entire community. We heard that the community treasures its surrounding lands and the recreational opportunities they provide. We heard how important the cabin program, the local trails, and the island’s recreation sites are to Wrangell. We h...
A LOVE LETTER Dear Dad, I just want you to know how special you are to me. You took care of all of us growing up. There were 7 mouths to feed. You did it without ever complaining. No matter what, you made sure we had all we needed, clothes on our back, shoes on our feet, a roof over our heads or a new baseball glove for the next season. You taught me how to play baseball. You were my coach until your surgery that almost took your life away. At the time, I couldn’t understand why God would do that to you. I was angry at God and at you. How c...
Letter to the Editor: My other father in law is Greg Scheff and he is married to Mark Mendoza's mom, Deborah Scheff. Greg died recently in a plane crash in Alaska. It's always sad to lose someone before their time, especially when you don't get to say good bye, but even though he's going to be very deeply missed by a lot of people, I feel so thankful to have known him. He was probably the most gentle, kind, patient man I have ever met. He loved my mother in law so fiercely. The way he looked at her would just melt my heart. He was incredibly...
By Representative Dan Ortiz Is oil, or any commodity, really Alaska’s most valuable resource? I, for one, would say no. Our most valuable resource, the resource that most contributes to Alaska, is our people. If we were to make a ranking list of the most valuable populations, senior citizens would be at the top. As we in the Legislature attempt to deal with our significant fiscal challenges, it’s important for us to protect our seniors. Our seniors are a treasured asset to our communities and our economy. The Alaska Legislature shouldn’t adopt...
I have the honor of serving as your representative in the Alaska State Legislature. The major issue facing our legislature this session is Alaska’s fiscal situation. I’m committed to the practice of a government of the people, by the people and for the people. I spend a lot of time communicating with constituents across our district, from Hyder in the south, to Wrangell in the north. I seek to hear from our friends and neighbors about the issues on their minds. Our district does not always come to a consensus, but most of us agree that we nee...
The budget cuts aren’t easy this year. The easy cuts were done last year. Now, the Alaska Legislature’s job is to spread the pain and ensure everyone shoulders the burden of budget cuts equally. With the state facing an annual deficit of $3.7 billion a figure rising every day oil is below $56 per barrel there’s no other option. Even with higher taxes on Alaskans and spending earnings from the Permanent Fund, the state’s budget still must be cut to break even. We understand the difficulty of the job facing lawmakers, but we feel obliged to spea...
By Representative Dan Ortiz A daily goal of mine, as your House District 36 representative, is to create avenues for constituent communication. A belief in “government of the people, by the people, for the people,” from Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, motivates me to make constituent communication easy and inviting. One area of concern, about which I have been hearing often from folks in our district, is persistent high gas prices at the pump. Gas prices have stayed high in Southeast Alaska despite a monumental drop in the price of a barre...
Alaskans know the importance of oil to the state’s economy and state government coffers. No question. Oil is huge. But with all the talk of oil, it’s easy to overlook other parts of Alaska’s economy. Commercial fisheries, for example. Fisheries anchored many Alaska communities years before the start of oil production. And they’ve continued to do so after oil began flowing through the pipeline. The continuing economic contribution of fisheries is perhaps more apparent in coastal Alaska communities, such as Ketchikan, than in the Railbel...
Our Alaska State Constitution requires the Alaska State Legislature to ensure our natural resources are managed for the maximum benefit of Alaskans. In the interest of managing our seafood resources, our state fishing institutions should reflect our values and promote policies that ensure Alaskans benefit from our rich ocean resources. In 1968, the Alaska State Legislature made Alaskan residency a requirement for commercial fishing licenses. Shortly after, that legislation was deemed unconstitutional. Over the last 20 years, a significant numbe...