Entries in Dermot Cole for March, 2009
Alaska energy rebate and federal taxes
With tax time at hand, there's a new wrinkle in the discussion about the tax rebates for energy efficiency that have to be reported as taxable income to the IRS.
Most favored cities
•Asked to name their three favorite cities, leaving out Anchorage— which is obviously at the top of everyone’s list — most of the mayoral candidates in Anchorage said their favorite cities are not in Alaska. •The number of home foreclosures in Fairbanks rose from 124 in 2007 to 133 in 2008, while Anchorage and Palmer recorded big increases. In 1989, there were 838 foreclosures in Fairbanks. •When the volcano allows, the Anchorage airport average 436 takeoffs and landings per day, which is roughly one every three minutes. •Speaking of the volcano, the Alaska Oil and Gas Association has canceled its Wednesday board meeting in Fairbanks, given the uncertainty of the flight schedule.
Medicare and access to care
Medicare patients in Anchorage face a major problem. The situation is a bit better in Fairbanks, where it's a "noticeable problem," according to a new study by the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Alaska and the federal stimulus money
Every day, it seems, the Legislature is discovering important details about the rules regarding the federal stimulus law and what it means for Alaska.
Political insiders find fault
•A story posted on the influential Web site politico.com claims that Gov. Sarah Palin's top advisers are a "gang that couldn't shoot straight."
The harsh assessment published Sunday begins: "A seemingly unending series of public relations gaffes has Sarah Palin loyalists frustrated and worried she is diminishing her stature. And they blame an inner circle they say is composed of not-ready-for-primetime players."
Palin needs to talk with legislators
Gov. Sarah Palin said she is not rejecting money allocated in the federal stimulus law for Alaska. Instead, she said she is accepting some and calling for additional discussion about the rest.
Musher finds lost dog
Shirley Liss has some good news about the husky that bolted from her truck Thursday on College Road. After three days of searching, he was found Saturday afternoon on the trails between Creamer's Field and Farmers Loop.
Musher searches for lost Husky
Longtime Goldstream resident Shirley Liss is looking for her lost husky, Fiddle, who ran off in Lemeta on Thursday. “Fiddle is my best lead dog. He was adopted from the shelter about four years ago,” she said.
Japanese hiker wants to keep walking
•I just received a note this morning that Toru Yamaguchi is not done walking, as he wants to spend some time in Nuiqsut, a village about 50 miles west of Deadhorse. He hopes to get to Barrow eventually.
Reports say Japanese hiker reaches end of road
•It sounds like Toru Yamaguchi has reached the end of the road. Or at least another turning point in his walking career. According to two reports from Deadhorse Friday afternoon, the Japanese adventurer has made it to the edge of the oil field, pulling his homemade cart/trailer. ."He's here," said an employee of the North Slope Borough police.
Reports say Japanese hiker reaches end of road
•It sounds like Toru Yamaguchi has reached the end of the road.
Or at least another turning point in his walking career.
According to two reports from Deadhorse Friday afternoon, the Japanese adventurer has made it to the edge of the Arctic Ocean, pulling his homemade cart/trailer . "He's here," said an employee of the North Slope Borough police.
More flights diverted, disrupted
•With the latest eruption of Mount Redoubt this morning, Alaska Airlines is reporting more delays and cancellations. Anchorage operations are limited. Some flights have been getting into and out of Fairbanks with delays, while others have been canceled.
•The shows must go on. Anyone planning to attend the Lazer Vaudeville show Saturday at Hering Auditorium or the circus at the Patty Center will be happy to know that the performers all made it into town before the volcano disrupted air traffic. Both groups are doing school shows today.
Cargo flights divert to Fairbanks
•At least five UPS cargo jets and two Southern Air 747 cargo flights diverted to Fairbanks International Airport today, bypassing the volcanic ash from Mount Redoubt.
•Alaska Airlines canceled all flights in and out of Anchorage. Late this afternoon, the airline also canceled the nonstop evening flight from Seattle and the nonstop redeye to Seattle.
•The U.S. Department of Energy confirms in writing that a building energy code is not required for the state to accept $18 million in weatherization funds. Gov. Sarah Palin and Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell said last week the state didn't want the weatherization funds because a building energy code was required.
•Leaders of the Fairbanks school district testified today that the state should accept the education money in the federal stimulus law. "I can guarantee that we will be good stewards of these resources," said Superintendent of Schools Nancy Wagner.
Korean missile and Alaska
So if the North Koreans launch a ballistic missile in early April, as U.S. officials are predicting, will one or more of the anti-missile missiles be launched from Fort Greely to try to shoot it down? The published reports I've seen say the chances are slim that it will play out that way, but there is nothing definitive.
Alaska and the federal stimulus package
New details about the federal stimulus law and how it applies to Alaska continue to emerge.
Cool summer ahead?
It's early to be making predictions for summer, but here goes. The National Weather Service says that below average temperatures "are more likely than average" in the Pacific Northwest and "southern sections of Alaska" in April, May and June.
South Fairbanks housing work approved
A four-plex on Gillam Way will be rebuilt and a 30-unit housing complex on 21st Avenue will be re-sided with $1.4 million from the federal government, Sen. Mark Begich announced today.
Alaska and the stimulus law
•If Alaska decides not to accept some of the federal stimulus money, what happens to it?
•The National Review sides with Gov. Sarah Palin in a critique of Joe McGinniss' gas line article.
McGinniss, Palin and the gas line
Last week Gov. Sarah Palin said she wouldn't call writer Joe McGinniss an "idiot" because "I don't know who that reporter is, but that headline was idiotic." The headline in question was on a magazine article McGinniss wrote attacking her on the gas pipeline: "Forget drill baby drill, Sarah Palin says she's building a $40 billion gas pipeline. The only problem is it isn't there and it's her fault."
On Monday, McGinniss went on CNN to continue the argument. "Well, I wouldn't call the governor an idiot because I don't really know her either, but her position is certainly idiotic and is certainly not in the best interest of the people of Alaska," he said.
Mount Sanford clouds cause confusion
•The clouds around the summit of Mount Sanford last week were not evidence of an eruption. The Alaska Volcano Observatory said the clouds could be seen in the Copper River Basin extending for "tens of miles" south of Sanford, which is 45 miles east of Glennallen. Some people were alarmed. "The most likely explanation for generation of these clouds is the rise and cooling of moist air as regional air masses pass over the mountains," the observatory says. •The first flights of the day were canceled and there were delays on others, but Alaska Airlines resumed most flights today. Frontier Flying Service was operating on a normal schedule. •The city permanent fund has recovered about $7 million of its losses in the past two weeks. Meanwhile, the city continues to reduce its stock holdings. •State agencies are plan to apply for all the money in the stimulus law, in case the Legislature agrees to ask for funds the Palin administration doesn't want. •U.S. Sen. Mark Begich and a legislative researcher have concluded that the state won't need to adopt a building energy code to qualify for about half of the energy funds in the stimulus law. The governor and her staff asserted last week that all of the money was dependent upon the energy code issue. •After a spirited debate, the board of directors of the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce voted 10-9 Monday to oppose the plan to reintroduce wood bison into the wild. •GVEA gave an update Monday night on plans to restart the Healy coal plant. The Noel Wien Library auditorium was nearly filled. •The Wedgewood Resort U.S. Cross-Country Ski Championships start today at 6 p.m. at Birch Hill.
Fairbanksan Nick Hughes RIP
Friends in Alaska are mourning the death of Nicholas Hughes, who studied at Oxford and became a distinguished fish biologist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The news of his passing has prompted headlines around the world because his parents were poets Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes.
Daily News-Miner celebrates 100 years
W.F. Thompson, the first publisher of the News-Miner, cautioned those who would recite the full name of this newspaper to take a deep breath before starting.
He said it was: "The Fairbanks News-Tanana Tribune-Tanana Miner-Chena Miner-Ridgetop Miner-Daily Alaska Citizen-Weekly Alaska Citizen-Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.”
Palin, Parnell should drop alarmist rhetoric over energy funds
In the last couple of days, the energy funds in the federal stimulus law have been branded by Gov. Sarah Palin, Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell and members of the governor's cabinet as everything from a "bribe" to an attempt to deny Alaskans their freedom.
Our state leaders should drop the alarmist rhetoric, do a little research and offer a few facts as a substitute.
Palin says 'thanks but no thanks'
•In rejecting hundreds of millions of dollars in temporary federal funds, Gov. Sarah Palin is trying to burnish her national reputation as a conservative who opposes federal funding.
If the Legislature does not overturn her decision, Fairbanks will be out about $6 million for programs designed to help low income and special education students. The local total could actually be much greater, depending upon how much of a $93 million statewide allocation, would go to Fairbanks.
•The governor said Thursday she would accept "about half" of the stimulus package money. The headline on her Web site says, "Governor Accepts Half of Stimulus Funds." The governor has proposed accepting $642 million out of $931 million, which is about 69 per cent.
West Valley students seek dinner audience for trial
•The West Valley High School Mock Trial Team will add a bit of drama to a spaghetti feed and dessert auction Friday at the school with a one-hour practice trial.
•The Fairbanks Alpine Ski Club is hosting the Alaska Alpine Skiing Championships for children ages 9-12 at Mt. Aurora Skiland this weekend. About 50 racers and dozens of coaches and parents from across the state are expected.
West Valley students seek dinner audience for trial
•The West Valley High School Mock Trial Team will add a bit of drama to a spaghetti feed and dessert auction Friday at the school with a one-hour practice trial.
•The Fairbanks Alpine Ski Club is hosting the Alaska Alpine Skiing Championships Friday through Sunday at Mt. Aurora Skiland. About 140 racers, coaches and parents from across the state are expected.
Seattle P-I veteran looks back
To everyone who works for a newspaper, the death of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer this week is hard to take.
My old friend Dan Raley, who was sports editor at the News-Miner before the Bob Eley era, summed up his 30-year career in a heartfelt blog entry before the paper folded.
Seattle P-I veteran looks back
To everyone who works for a newspaper, the death of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer is a painful experience.
My old friend Dan Raley, who was sports editor at the News-Miner before the Bob Eley era, summed up his 30-year career in a heartfelt blog entry before the paper folded.
Legislators should vote on pay raises
Raising the pay of legislators is almost as popular as the A.I.G. bonuses, but that's where the similarity ends. Legislators deserve a pay raise.
Prime property
Much of the land north of the Chena River in downtown Fairbanks was first developed by the Alaska Railroad, which remains a major landlord.
The Legislature is considering a bill to transfer up to five acres of prime property from the railroad to the state to help clear the way for the Illinois Street expansion project.
Bypass mail to increase, but new rule trims charge
The latest controversy over bypass mail has been resolved with rate increases on the order of 12 to 17 percent instead of 40 percent, the Alaska Congressional Delegation said today.
More about Malamute debate
•Teacher Jamie Rodriguez of Anchorage, whose students are among those pushing the plan to name the Alaskan Malamute the state's official dog, doesn't agree with me.
•The sourdough starter from Sam's was saved, so the pancake tradition should live on when the restaurant is rebuilt.
•The UAF Nanook hockey team leaves tonight for Michigan and a playoff series that begins Friday.
Masek plea demands response by Alaskans
The admission by former Rep. Beverly Masek that she withdrew a bill after collecting $2,000 from Bill Allen is the latest in a sorry series of revelations that show the need for a comprehensive examination of our state government.
Legislators have so far resisted any attempt to involve Alaskans in a statewide debate about how our legislative system works.
The corruption convictions of a half dozen former lawmakers are not isolated incidents, but evidence of the need for a thorough review.
Too early for swim season, so Sonot ski race moved to Birch Hill
• A combination of overflow and some open water on the Chena River has prompted race director Bob Baker to move the Sonot Kkaazoot ski race to the Birch Hill trails. The race Saturday will be the fifth in the 22-year history of the event that has been moved because the river is not in a solid state.
Alaska Native no-bid federal contracts draw fire
A program championed by former Sen. Ted Stevens to help Alaska Native corporations win large federal contracts may be threatened in Congress, according to a published report.
The Alaska companies have picked up $24 billion in federal contracts in the past nine years, topping out at $5 billion last year alone, including about $3.6 billion in sole-source deals.
City moves to sell millions in stocks
• The Fairbanks City Council decided Monday to unload about $12 million to $13 million of the stocks in its permanent fund, hoping to avoid further losses in the stock market. • Nordale Road will be closed at Badger Slough Thursday at 8 a.m. for about two weeks for a culvert replacement. • The state energy rebates from AHFC are taxable, local accountants say, but is there a way of modifying the program so that Uncle Sam is not the biggest rebate beneficiary?
Japanese hiker nears Atigun Pass challenge
•The Japanese man pulling his cart north on the Dalton Highway was spotted at Mile 229 Saturday, continuing a trek in which he makes about five miles a day.
•Starting June 1, most Alaskans will be unable to travel by land to the Lower 48 or to get back into Alaska from Canada without a passport or a new "passport card."
Alaskans will need passports at the border
Starting June 1, Alaskans will be unable to travel by land to the Lower 48 or to get back into Alaska from Canada without a passport or a new "passport card."
Road crews put priority on plowing
•City and state crews in the Fairbanks area focused on snow plowing on main roads and streets near the hospital and schools, as Fairbanks began digging out from the heaviest one-day snowfall in 13 years.
•After 10 hours on the road from Palmer, the Indiana group testing a fuel made of soybeans arrived in Fairbanks Thursday night at 9:30 p.m.. The two vehicles ran great, they say. The Hoosiers plan to head to the Arctic Circle Saturday.
Hoosiers test soybean fuel in Alaska
•Indiana scientists and farmers, along with UAF researchers, are planning to drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks Thursday, testing a new diesel fuel made from soybean oil. •The Anchorage Daily News needs to change the name of its spelling bee. The Anchorage paper calls it the "Alaska State Spelling Bee," but that is inaccurate. The Interior Alaska Spelling Bee in Fairbanks features the top spellers from our region of the state. The winners of both spelling bees earn the right to compete in the national contest in May. •Companies that want to install cell phone towers would need to apply for a conditional use permit in most areas near Fairbanks under a proposal advanced by the planning commission Tuesday on a 9-0 vote. The plan goes to the borough assembly next.
Planning commission receives public comment tonight on plans to regulate cell phone towers
• A proposed ordinance establishing rules on cell phone towers is up for a public hearing tonight before the planning commission. •The Music in Our Schools Month band concert is today from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Hering Auditorium. The concert is free and open to the public. •The Japanese hiker pulling a cart to Prudhoe Bay is reported to be a few miles north of Coldfoot. •Skylar Webb of the Tok basketball team, who scored 74 points in a losing cause, won honors this week as one of the "Faces in the Crowd" for Sports Illustrated.
Legislative budget plan leaves UA $7 million short
•The House Finance subcommittee has proposed a 3.6 percent budget increase for the university, which is not enough to cover increased costs, according to Pete Kelly, UA state relations director. Budget testimony is to be taken by teleconference at 4 p.m. Tuesday in the Fairbanks Legislative Information Office.
•About 700 people are expected in town this week for the Girls and Women's Pacific District Hockey Championships. There are 24 teams scheduled to play, with games at the Big Dipper, Patty Center and Polar Ice.
