Coverage by AlaskaDispatch.com

The fun doesn’t stop on the 4th of July, the Seward Racing Lions are holding their 3rd Annual Mud Bog Competition this year at the Seward Racing Lions Motorpark at mile 5 of Nash Road. If you’ve never had the chance to experience this event this is the year to do it; with trucks coming from all over the state as well as the locals digging in for some good old mudsllinging, it will be a BLAST for all who attend.   The fun starts at Noon, registration begins at 10:30 am at the SRL Motorpark. The cost to compete is $30 per entry with five classes to run in; ATV’s, Snowmachines, Trucks, Modified Trucks and Super-Modified Trucks. The cost to watch is $5/person. All the funds raised by this event go back to track improvments. There will be snacks, sweatshirts, stickers and memberships available as well.  If you’ve never been there it’s the first left just AFTER the mile 5 sign at the end of Nash Road, follow the signs.   See you all there!

Just in time for the busy Fourth of July weekend, four long-tailed ducklings, two king eiders, and one spectacled eider have emerged from their shells and started exploring their world at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward.

The spectacled eider is the newest addition to the Center’s captive research population of its species, which has been listed as threatened in Alaska. The resident flock of spectacled eiders has been at the Alaska SeaLife Center since 2003 and has enabled researchers to collect valuable data from the maturing flock of eiders. “Their wild counterparts are normally out in the Bering Sea for eight months of the year, making year-round research in the wild a logistical challenge,” said Avian Curator Heidi Cline.

The long-tailed ducks and the king eiders were hatched from eggs their mother laid inside the Center’s seabird exhibit.  The eggs were collected and incubated in a holding area behind the scenes, where the ducklings will remain until they are big enough to live in the main habitat, though the king eider mom, “Camilla,” is housed with her ducklings.

Although long-tailed ducks have not been a focus species for SeaLife Center researchers, staff members have seized the opportunity to study the birds’ growth and development under different diets.  Their findings may help other bird breeders and researchers reduce costs while maintaining quality of care.

The Alaska SeaLife Center has eleven species of birds in its exhibit habitat, including three different sea duck species, and holds two species of threatened eiders in outdoor research habitats.

The Alaska SeaLife Center is a non-profit marine science facility dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of the marine ecosystem of Alaska through research, rehabilitation, conservation and public education. The Center’s research facilities and naturalistic exhibits immerse visitors in the dynamic marine ecosystems of Alaska.  The Center is currently open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday –Thursday, 8:00 am to 6:30 pm Friday-Sunday.  Learn more at http://www.alaskasealife.org

July 3, 4:30 p.m.
High School Cafeteria
Adults – $9
Children – $5
Under 3 years free
Sponsored by the Seward Nordic Sk

The Latest from Niebrugge Images Photo Blog

A Red Salmon trying to leap up a waterfall, Alaska.

OK, here is another setup I have been attempting to fine tune this past week.  This is also captured by a remotely fired camera via a Pocket Wizard, along with a very wide angle lens set at 20mm, and some fill flash.

Since the salmon were often landing where I had my camera setup, I decided to use an old camera (5d), and an old barely functioning tripod, along with an equally old, seldom used lens – glad I held on to that stuff!   Even though I had the whole setup tied to the bank with rope, I really didn’t want to take a chance of losing my main gear into the pool of water!

So what do you think, does this “work”, is it worth pursuing?

Here are my thoughts.  The uneven lighting doesn’t help – I hope to try again on a cloudy or overcast day.  I think 20 mm might be too wide – the salmon looks a little small in the frame even through it is just a couple feet from the camera – maybe 24 would be better.    I might try a different composition, one looking back towards the waterfall – this might help keep the camera dry – I had to constantly dry the front of the lens thanks to splashing salmon!

I need to work on my reaction time – about 100 of my 120 photos contained only a waterfall because by the time I clicked, the salmon had already landed!

Organic Produce is here!!  An early surprise this week —  Organic Romaine Lettuce, Red Leaf Lettuce,  Spinach,  Radishes, and Apple Turnips — supply is limited so come early.  We have fresh Bell’s Nursery Plump Tomatoes and Sweet Cucumbers — just picked on Wednesday.

Fresh dried herbs:  Oregano, Marjoram, Tarragon, Sage, Lavender, Bay, Summer and Winter Savory, Sage buds,  Lavender, Lemon Grass, Lemon Verbena, Rosemary, Lavender Wreaths,  Herb Gussets and jars dried herbs — wonderful aroma and only $2 a bunch!

Liz Leech has organic Rhubarb and we’ll have a limited amount of fresh, organic Parsley  and Rosemary harvested on the spot — can’t get  fresher than that.    Hanging Flower Baskets this week:   Geraniums and Petunias.

Abby is back with her new Silk Screen Prints, Earth Flags, Paintings and Cards.  The Artist Co-op room has  Jenne Danzl’s Birch Baskets and  Baby Booties, Dyan Ferren’s has Found Art,  Sculptures, Vintage Linen and Clothing, Barbara and Edmee Andersen’s  Market Bags and Purses, Raylene O’Connor’s  Alaska Boot Pots, and Moose Familiars,  Tina and Allen King’s  Photographs, Cards and Gift Cards, and new this week:  Jean Schwafel’s Pastels and Oils.

We just got approved for Reindeer Sausage and Brats, so stay tuned  — Grilled Sausages coming soon.  Dan Stirling has his fresh, melt in your mouth, Mega Chocolate Chip Cookies.  Our Savory Veggie Nachos are made to order with as many organic ingredients as are available.  We now have Izzi drinks.

Have a safe and fun 4th and please spread the word that we have booths and food at the Market!

The Summer Market accepts Senior Vouchers and WIC Coupons for Alaska grown produce.  We’re located at 312 5th Ave.  and open Thursday through Sunday from 10am – 4pm.  If you have any questions, email us at:  contact@thegrazingmoose.com or call 491-1076.

Friday July 3rd
12 – 6 PM Food & Crafts booths open on Adams Street
5 – 7 PM Pasta Feed sponsored by Seward Nordic Ski Club/School ski team at Seward High School.
5 – 8 PM Bib pick-up at Seward High School
7:00 PM Auction for Men’s and Women’s Race / Drawing for Junior Race at Seward High School
7:45 PM Mt. Marathon Race® Safety Meeting at Seward High School
Midnight Spectacular Fireworks by Griz on the Waterfront
Saturday July 4th
12:01 AM Spectacular Fireworks by Griz on the Waterfront
9:00 AM Mt. Marathon Race® Headquarters at the Legends Building / 5th & Washington
9:00 AM Food & Crafts booths open on Adams Street until 6 PM
9:15 AM Opening Ceremony at Grandstand downtown 4th Ave
9:25 AM “Star Spangled Banner” by The Seward Songbirds
9:30 AM Junior Mt. Marathon Race® – downtown
11:15 AM Women’s Mt. Marathon Race® – downtown
11:30 AM Mini Mt. Marathon Race® for 2-6 yr olds at 4th & Adams
11:45 AM Patriotic Speech by the Wimer Brothers at Grand Stand
1:30 PM July 4th Parade sponsored by PetroMarine Services:
Celebrating Alaska’s 50 years of Statehood “Rockin’ 50”
3:00 PM Men’s Mt. Marathon Race® – downtown
6:00 PM Mt. Marathon Race® Awards Ceremony at AVTEC gymnasium

The Seward Community Library will be closed this Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the Fourth of July celebrations. As much as we enjoy serving the community, 10,000 out-of-town impatient internet users is 10,000 too many. We will resume normal hours on Monday, July 6th, opening at 10am.

Have a great Fourth!

Senator Gary Stevens Special Session Report for July 2009
by
Senator Gary Stevens

Hello again. The busy pace of legislative work continued into June for many of us in the Senate and House. One major issue occupying our attention was the announcement that Exxon Mobile has joined with TransCanada, which holds the state license to build a North Slope natural gas pipeline. On June 23, we met with executives of both companies to discuss the new partnership. There is still a long way to go before gas starts moving through the pipeline, but the entry of this major producer is essential as Exxon Mobile controls nearly half of the gas on the North Slope.

Read More>

Notice is hereby given that the Kenai Peninsula Borough “Flood Plain Task Force” will hold a meeting on Wednesday, July 8, 2009, to examine current flood plain issues and the development of options for the Seward-Bear Creek Flood Service Area.

The Task Force will be discussing recommendations to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly regarding the following:

Ordinance 2009-09 (Long) Substitute: Creating a Flood Hazard District, Outside the Flood Insurance Rate Map Area, Within the Seward-Bear Creek Flood Service Area to Include the 1986, 1995, and 2006 KPB GIS Mapped Flood Data Areas

[Clerk's Note: Ordinance 2009-09 is currently enacted, with an expiration date of March 24, 2010.]

The task force meeting will begin at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers, of Seward City Hall, 410 Adams Street, Seward, Alaska. The public is invited to attend.

Johni Blankenship, CMC
Borough Clerk

The Latest from Niebrugge Images Photo Blog

A young moose feeds in a pond, Chugach National Forest, Alaska.

I captured this a couple of nights ago, 15 minutes past 11 p.m.!

For many in Alaska, fireworks have become a way of life during the holidays – beautifully colored sparks flying through the air in concert with loud rumbling explosions. As exciting as this may seem, people often forget that they are playing with dangerous chemicals and combustibles that can destroy property and injure people. These deceptively simple objects explode, throw hot sparks through the air, and can often reach temperatures hotter than 1,200 degrees.

“The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending a public fireworks display,” warns David Tyler, Alaska State Fire Marshal.   If you plan to shoot your own fireworks make sure they are legal to use in your area and pay particular attention to safety tips to help reduce the chances of a destructive fire and/or injury:

• Only purchase fireworks from a licensed dealer that sells certified fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, as this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional shows and could pose a danger to consumers.
• Never allow young children to play with fireworks.
• Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Parents often don’t realize that sparklers have caused more injuries to children under age five than any other type of firework. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework device when lighting the fuse. Move back a safe distance immediately after lighting.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned. Douse and soak with water and throw them away.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light one item at a time, and then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• Avoid the combination of alcohol, drugs and fireworks.

Enjoy the July 4th celebration safely and remember to practice fire safety every day. Plan your escape, install and maintain smoke alarms, and install residential fire sprinklers. The life they save may be yours!

Save Over $2500 for Just $20. The Communty Coupon books are now available.

Nearly all Seward resturants, many retail stores and hotels/ B&B’s are in the book with discounts for locals as well as tourists.
Examples Include: 2 for 1 fitness/ yoga class at APEX gym, Once in a Blue Moose has $5 off any purchases of $35 or more, Christo’s Palace – 15% off menu prices, The Sea Bean- buy any 16oz specialty drink recieve a 2nd one free.  In ”Recreation”  Renown Tours has a buy one Resurection bay cruse get the 2nd free. Major Marine Tours, KFT, Scenic Mt Air all have Coupons in the “Out and About” Coupon Book. It is truly a book for Locals and Tourists alike. Don’t miss out on the savings.

Coupon books can be purchased at TYC, Sports and Recreation counter, Chamber of Commerce, City Hall, Community Parking, One Shot Photo, Seward Animal Clinic, Seward Plumbing and Heating, Bears Den B&B and Style & Stitches.

Seward, the home of Mt. Marathon is about to add another prestigious race to its calendar. Sadler’s Alaska Challenge (SAC), the longest wheelchair and handcycle race in the world is celebrating its 25th year with a new course and a record number of disabled athletes from around the globe. Traditionally racing from Fairbanks to Anchorage annually, SAC will start in Seward on Monday, July 20th marking the first two stages of this eight stage event.

Race organizer, Challenge Alaska, a non-profit that provides therapeutic recreation for people with disabilities year round has been preparing for this silver anniversary race since 2007, as a result there is an exciting new course design. The SAC will continue to follow the lead of the Tour de France and travel all over Alaska. Stages will occur in Seward, Hope, Girdwood, Cordova, Valdez, and finishing at the top of Hatcher’s Pass in Palmer.

Seward, being scenic and coastal was a natural pick for the start. Challenge Alaska has been working with the city, Kenai Fjords National Park, the Sealife Center, AVTEC, Windsong Lodge, and the Seward Fire Department to provide housing, meals, medical support, and a race course for stages one and two.

Although there has been good support from individuals such as Karin Sturdy from Seward Parks and Recreation, and several private residents, more preparation and support is needed for this world class race. The race roster includes top competitors that medaled in the Beijing Paralympic Games in China. Volunteers from the US and Europe donate their time and talent (including local Seward resident Frank Bihlman, massage therapist) to make this race a reality every year. Financially, Dave and Rachel Cavitt of Sadler’s Home Furnishings who are the name sponsors of the race contribute a large sum annually to help with logistics and the prize money for each division as well.

We look forward to working with the city of Seward, its businesses and residents for this amazing race in an amazing setting! If you would like to find out more about the race visit www.sadlersakchallenge.org for racer bios and course details. If you would like to be part of the event or offer assistance in anyway please contact Heather Plucinski 344-7213, heather@challengealaska.org.
Heather Plucinski
Ian Lawless
Race Directors

From now through the 4th of July- come by the Seward Fire Department and help us fill the boot for MDA- we have several families right here is Seward that face the challenges of muscular dystrophy.

Funds raised for MDA will stay in Alaska to help fund services such as clinic visits, medical examinations, flu shots, assistance with the purchase of wheelchairs and leg braces, a week long summer camp for children aged 6-17, and support groups for MDA clients and families.

MDA supports more research on neuromuscular diseases than any other private-sector organization in the world.

Come, help us support our community!!

Chief Squires, Deputy Athey and the Seward Volunteer Firefighters