Trail River bridge Update
FYI–Below is a response to questions from Laura Cloward at the Chamber to Rick Feller of DOT.
Your “all back to normal” expectation is essentially valid. We’re within a week or so of opening the Trail River temp bridge. When that’s done, the traffic control lights come down, we go away, and, except as noted in the following, things are back to normal for the season.
Now here’s the “following”:
1. The approaches to the Trail River bridge will have to be paved when weather permits. We expect this to happen in mid-May, and are specifically targeting completion before the Memorial Day weekend. Traffic impact from the paving, however, is expected to be minimal, with short-term lane closures and traffic control – we anticipate no highway closures.
2. The reduced speed limits will continue through the duration of use of the temporary bridges. However, there will be no weight restrictions (beyond on-going MSCVE and other standard regulations) and we anticipate traffic will be minimally impacted by the reduced speeds.
3. We don’t expect any substantial work on the permanent bridges this season. However, some work toward the end of the season is possible at one bridge site. We anticipate little, if any, traffic impacts from these activities.
I hope this answers your question. I’ll be issuing a new email update next week to everyone when I’m more certain of the specific completion date for the temp. bridge.
Volunteer Citizen Scientists Needed!
Citizen’s Environmental Monitoring Program (CEMP)
What is CEMP and what does it do?
CEMP is a citizen science water quality monitoring program, where trained volunteers conduct professional-level water testing. There are currently CEMPs in Homer, Anchorage, Wasilla, and throughout the Lower 48. Seward area volunteers monitor anadromous (salmon spawning) stream water to obtain quantitative physical and chemical data including: water temperature, turbidity (clarity), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), water color, conductivity, and total dissolved solids (TDS).
Why Monitor Water Quality?
Collecting this baseline data is especially important in our area, as there is currently no long-term water quality data available. Obtaining a baseline means collecting and compiling data over time, in order to get an overall picture of the existing condition of a stream. This data is used by the public and agencies such as Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) to help make informed resource management decisions. The data we collect also allows us to see when abnormal conditions occur, so steps can be taken to remedy any potential problems.
Testing is conducted in accordance with our Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) approved by the ADEC and the US EPA. This QAPP assures that our volunteer data collection methods are comparable to those obtained by professional monitoring methods.
Who Can Volunteer? Just about anyone who cares about our water quality can volunteer. A scientific background is not required. Sampling teams, including couples, parent/teen teams, etc., are encouraged. (Teens ages 13 through 17 must partner with an adult.) Current Seward volunteers include educators, business owners, carpenters, and of course, a few scientists.
How do I sign on?
Volunteer scientists must complete an official 10-hour training class (Phase I-III training).
A free citizen scientist volunteer training will be held Friday, April 2 from 5 to 9 pm (pizza included) and Saturday, April 3 from 9 am to approximately 4 pm. Training will be in the RBCA office, Phoenix Building, 909 3rd Ave.; upstairs. An
instructor from UAA’s Environmental and Natural Resources Institute (ENRI) will lead the training.
After training, the time commitment requires two approximately 2-hour sampling efforts each month from May through August, and then one sampling per month for the rest of the year. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least 6 months of data collection.
If you are interested in joining the CEMP and taking the training, please contact Ami at 224-4621. If you prefer to email: info@rbca-alaska.org
Pioneers of Alaska
SCN recieved a call from Eleanor Mala who is trying to rejoin the P of A and can’t find who to contact. Could a member contact her at 3010.
Paul Tougas
Alaska SeaLife Center Mini Golf–March 27th!
Dear Golf Enthusiasts, Fun Lovers, and Wildlife Rescue Supporters:
It is time once again to hit the links in the 4th Annual Alaska SeaLife Center Indoor Miniature Golf Tournament! Our course designer is hard at work planning a new and exciting route, and the sea lions are looking forward to the entertainment.
This fundraiser for the Center’s Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Program will take place on Saturday, March 27th at 7:00pm. We hope you will consider joining us!
The Alaska SeaLife Center’s
4th Annual Indoor Miniature Golf Tournament
Saturday, March 27th, 2010
7:00 pm
Test your skills on a course that winds through a gallery of sea lions, seabirds, octopus, fish, and more. Tackle challenging behind-the-scenes holes, and go places that most visitors never get to go.
Enjoy drinks, snacks, and friendly competition while supporting the Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Rescue Program.
Registration fees include a round of golf; beer, wine, soda and snacks; and, a chance to win prizes in a variety of golf-related contests, including “Best Golfing Attire.” Participants and guests must be 21 or older and will be asked to show ID.
Registration $75 per person or $250 per foursome
Non-playing guest $25 (limited to two per team)
Hole Sponsorship $275
Hole Sponsorship with Four-person Team $500
Registration and sponsorship forms available at
the Alaska SeaLife Center or by calling (907) 224-6890.
Forms also can be downloaded at www.alaskasealife.org
For further information, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail me. Thank you for your continued support of the Alaska SeaLife Center.
Gold Run and the North Pole Sleddog Championships
Photo by Dave Partee
Dori & Daryl Hollingsworth traveled north to participate in the Championship Sleddog races. The Gold Run and the North Pole Championships were held at Chena Lakes in North Pole. Although on the same trail they were vastly different races. The Gold Run had temperatures in the 40’s which softened the trail and took its toll on dogs. Dori ran a team of 4 dogs which consisted of her left over dogs and one borrowed dog and placed 2nd. Then she ran the main portion of the team in the 10-dog class and placed second there as well. Her run was not without mishap. On the first day the team swung wide and missed the trail. Running parallel to where they were supposed to be, but unable to stop on the lake Ice Dori continued on until the snow berm between her & the correct trail narrowed. Then she gave a loud “HAW” and the dogs made the turn like the seasoned veterans they are. Three times she had to give commands to get the dogs down the correct trail. Sprint dogs are not always trained on commands, but training in Trail River Campground has given these dogs much experience with directional commands and it paid off in the Gold Run. The following week for the North Pole Championship the temperatures took a nose dive and the teams ran in sub zero temps. The trail was much nicer and solid. The dogs enjoy that sort of weather, but the drivers are hard pressed to stay warm on teams that are running 20 mph in the frigid air. Hand and feet warmers were the norm and beaver mitts the choice for hand protection. Keeping ones face from getting frostbit is a real challenge. Dori again placed 2nd and passed 3 teams in the course of the weekend. The dogs were now familiar with the trail and knew where to go. After the North Pole Races the team traveled inland to Tanacross where they would compete in another 10-dog race. This is a favorite for the Hollingsworth team and they have run there for over a decade winning it only once in 2005. The race starts on the streets of Tanacross, then heads through some windy trails in the woods for a couple of miles. It then runs along the Alaska highway before turning to come home and finishing on the street at the other end of the village. There are numerous road crossings and many people along the way giving encouragement to teams and drivers. After day one Dori again found herself in the second spot, 43 seconds out of first which is a long ways in a race of 10 miles. Her concern grew greater when she had some of her dogs come down with a bug that evening. The dogs looked better the next day so all dogs were to be hooked up for the final day of racing. Dori made one change in the lineup. Putting a dog in front that had never raced in lead to replace her older dog that goes out slow. It was a gamble, but it paid off. With Ella and Yogi in lead the team flew around the trail averaging over 20mph and made up 45 seconds on the first place team giving Dori the victory by 2 seconds and making her the Tanacross champ for the year. The team is now home for a couple weeks of rest and then on to the final race of the year.
Highway Closed
Update:Seward Highway: from Milepost 38 to Girdwood Milepost 90 The road will REOPEN at 4:15 PM today. Thank you for your patience.
The Seward Highway is now closed as a result of two avalanches. An avalanche first occurred at MP 98.5 of the Seward Hwy. and a second avalanche has occurred 3 miles south of Girdwood at approx MP 87. We have directed the AST to close the Seward Hwy at MP 38 (Sterling/Seward Wye) for northbound traffic on the Seward Hwy. We have closed the Seward Hwy for southbound traffic at the MP 100 avalanche gates. 511 will be updated soon.
Kenai Peninsula DOT&PF crews are installing changeable message boards at Moose Pass on the Seward Highway and at Sterling Highway’s milepost 45 for all northbound traffic notification that the Seward Highway northbound is closed. This will provide ample turnaround for large trucks and refuge for motorists. Barricades and signs will be placed near Seward Highway milepost 39. Southbound traffic on the Seward Highway will remain open for any travelers on the road, south of the avalanches at mileposts 98.5 and near milepost 87.
We expect the highway to re-open sometime this evening, sometime between 6:00 and 9:00 pm.
KMTA NHA Meetings
Moose Pass and East Peninsula Neighbors,
I am inviting you to Moose Pass on April 7th, for the introduction of the “Kenai Mountain Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area”.
This Heritage Area is essentially the Seward Highway from Seward to Anchorage. The National Heritage program works to preserve the historical record of significant development in areas that helped shape the character of our state and nation. Volunteers from each community within the Area in partnership with the National Parks Service have formed the Corridor Coordinating Committee (CCA). This group supports the inclusion of commercial activity, area lifestyles, transportation, mining, logging, hunting & trapping in the historic record. The CCA has retained the well known author, Kaylene Johnson to develop a public relations program and begin an information exchange. Many locally beneficial activities along the corridor are a long term goal and will develop with support of the local communities.
The CCA, of which I am a board member wishes to set up a community presentation. We are scheduling for this local presentation April 7th at 5:00 PM, before the local Advisory Planning Committee meeting, to hold a brief presentation of goals and opportunities. Other meeting locations are Seward, Anchorage, Girdwood, Hope, Whittier, Soldotna and Cooper Landing.
Seward’s meeting will be March 22
I understand that this may not be a potluck due to local pressures on time but I will look into some kind of finger food. For planning reasons I would really like
to know what to expect so if you are interested or disinterested let me know.
Respectfully
Bruce Jaffa
P.O. Box 107 Moose Pass, Alaska 99631
Meeting Schedule.pdf
Seward Highway Closed
Seward Highway: from Milepost 98 to Scenic Vewpoint Milepost 99
avalanche, road closed ahead — for the next four hours
http://511.alaska.gov/default.asp?display=critical&area=KENAI_PENINSULA_AK&date=&textOnly=False
Murder Conviction in Seward Cold Case
Jimmy Eacker, 56, has been convicted by a Kenai jury of murdering Toni Lister, of Seward, 1982, and leaving her body in the woods near the city dump. The verdict was announced Thursday, March 4, almost 28 years to the night it happened on March 6. 1982. Lister’s body was discovered at the Seward dump April 17, but Eacker, a prime suspect, was never charged at the time. One reason was lack of evidence. He had very little blood on his clothes for a murder so gruesome. Another, was that Lister’s husband Calvin also fought with Toni that night at the bar, and had motive to kill his wife, who had been sleeping with Eacker.
The cold case was reopened about four-years ago, at the request of Seward police. It was investigated by a special cold-case unit of the Alaska State Troopers, many of whom are retired. They reviewed the case and re-examined the physical evidence, including the DNA evidence, and interviewed witnesses again.
Officials said Lister, 29 at the time, had been stabbed 26 times in the chest, head and heart with a screwdriver after a late night of drinking at a local bar. The Listers had a troubled and adulterous marriage.
The verdict was unanimous following a long drawn out trail involving some of the same Seward City police personnel and witnesses.
Ship Schedule
The Chamber has published the 2010 Cruise Ship Schedule for the Port of Seward. Available for download on our membership page, the schedule reflects 53 total calls, with 8 eight of those being Ports of Call. In terms of ship capacity, based on published passenger capacity, we appear to have lost a potential 31,718 visitors from our 2009 cruise visitorship.
Current Year Cruise Ship Schedule.pdf (36KB)
Date Day Vessel Name Company ETA/ETD PAX CREW
05/16/10 SUN RYNDAM Holland America 0600-2000 1258 588
05/21/10 FRI MILLENNIUM Celebrity 0300-2100 2034 1000
05/23/10 SUN STATENDAM Holland America 0600-2000 1258 580
05/28/10 FRI RADIANCE Royal Caribbean 0300-2100 2501 857
05/30/10 SUN RYNDAM Holland America 0600-2000 1258 588
05/31/10 MON ROYAL PRINCESS* Princess 0800-1800 688 373
06/04/10 FRI MILLENNIUM Celebrity 0300-2100 2034 1000
06/06/10 SUN STATENDAM Holland America 0600-2000 1258 580
06/10/10 THURS SILVER SHADOW Silver Sea 0800-1900 382 295
06/11/10 FRI RADIANCE Royal Caribbean 0300-2100 2501 857
06/13/10 SUN RYNDAM Holland America 0600-2000 1258 588
06/14/10 MON ROYAL PRINCESS* Princess 0800-1800 688 373
06/18/10 FRI MILLENNIUM Celebrity 0200-2130 2034 1000
06/20/10 SUN STATENDAM Holland America 0600-2000 1258 580
06/23/10 WED SEVEN SEAS NAVIGATOR Regent Seven Seas 0800-1700 490 345
06/25/10 FRI RADIANCE Royal Caribbean 0300-2100 2501 857
06/27/10 SUN RYNDAM Holland America 0600-2000 1258 588
06/28/10 MON ROYAL PRINCESS* Princess 0800-1800 688 373
07/02/10 FRI MILLENNIUM Celebrity 0200-2100 2034 1000
07/04/10 SUN STATENDAM Holland America 0600-2000 1258 580
07/07/10 WED SEVEN SEAS NAVIGATOR Regent Seven Seas 0800-1700 490 345
07/09/10 FRI RADIANCE Royal Caribbean 0300-2100 2501 857
07/11/10 SUN RYNDAM Holland America 0600-2000 1258 588
07/12/10 MON ROYAL PRINCESS* Princess 0800-1800 688 373
07/16/10 FRI MILLENNIUM Celebrity 0200-2100 2034 1000
07/18/10 SUN STATENDAM Holland America 0600-2000 1258 580
07/21/10 WED SEVEN SEAS NAVIGATOR Regent Seven Seas 0800-1700 490 345
07/23/10 FRI RADIANCE Royal Caribbean 0300-2100 2501 857
07/25/10 SUN RYNDAM Holland America 0600-2000 1258 588
07/26/10 MON ROYAL PRINCESS* Princess 0800-1800 688 373
07/30/10 FRI MILLENNIUM Celebrity 0200-2100 2034 1000
08/01/10 SUN STATENDAM Holland America 0600-2000 1258 580
08/04/10 WED SEVEN SEAS NAVIGATOR Regent Seven Seas 0800-1700 490 345
08/06/10 FRI RADIANCE Royal Caribbean 0300-2100 2501 857
08/08/10 SUN RYNDAM Holland America 0600-2000 1258 588
08/09/10 MON ROYAL PRINCESS* Princess 0800-1800 688 373
08/13/10 FRI MILLENNIUM Celebrity 0200-2100 2034 1000
08/13/10 FRI SILVER SHADOW Silver Sea 0800-1900 382 295
08/15/10 SUN STATENDAM Holland America 0600-2000 1258 580
08/18/10 WED SEVEN SEAS NAVIGATOR Regent Seven Seas 0800-1700 490 345
08/20/10 FRI RADIANCE Royal Caribbean 0300-2100 2501 857
08/22/10 SUN RYNDAM Holland America 0600-2000 1258 588
08/23/10 MON ROYAL PRINCESS* Princess 0800-1800 688 373
08/27/10 FRI MILLENNIUM Celebrity 0200-2100 2034 1000
08/27/10 FRI SILVER SHADOW Silver Sea 0800-1900 382 295
08/29/10 SUN STATENDAM Holland America 0600-2000 1258 580
09/01/10 WED SEVEN SEAS NAVIGATOR Regent Seven Seas 0800-1700 490 345
09/03/10 FRI RADIANCE Royal Caribbean 0300-2100 2501 857
09/05/10 SUN RYNDAM Holland America 0600-2000 1258 588
09/06/10 MON ROYAL PRINCESS* Princess 0800-1800 688 373
09/10/10 FRI MILLENNIUM Celebrity 0200-2100 2034 1000
09/12/10 SUN STATENDAM Holland America 0600-2000 1258 580
09/15/10 WED SEVEN SEAS NAVIGATOR Regent Seven Seas 0800-1700 490 345
TOTAL 53 Calls incl. 8 Ports of Call 71,038 32,652
2010 Cruise Ship Schedule
Seward Silvers take SILVER in the KPBSD Middle School Volleyball Tournament.
The SWMS volleyball teams competed at the KPBSD Middle School Volleyball Tournament in Homer on Saturday.
In the team Photo: A Team in Jersey’s and B-Team in Blue Warm-ups Front left to right: Jordan Hargreaves, Cambria Robinson, Kira Ludwig, Marina Carpenter, Ashley VonBorstel, Emily Brockman Middle: Debra Hersrud, Maria Jackson, Coach Laura Beck, Wendy Hubbard, Carrie Anderson, Laura Kromrey Back Row: Coach Kristin beck, Victoria DeGroot, Jasmine Perea, Taylor Boyett, Chynna Towsley, Brooke Estes, Ruth Powell, Alicia Morris, and Coach Jeanntte Butts
Seeded in second place with a 4 win, 1 loss record, the Silvers met Kenai Middle School in an 11:00 AM match. The competitive levels of both teams were apparent and really good volleyball was witnessed by both the Silvers and the Kossacks. The match however went to Seward with a 25-16 and 25-15 two game Seward win. In the Championship game against Soldotna White the Seward Silvers came out fighting and were ahead 10-6 when a strong serve unnerved the Seward team. Losing momentum was key to our loss (12-25) in game one and the girls fought to pick up the speed for game two. The Silvers did much better on serve received, had some great saves and good hits, but the win went to Soldotna 20-25 and the Seward Silvers took home the second place trophy. The season was full of improvements and the skills were quite apparent from the B team up.
B-Team Warm up photo: Laura Kromrey, Taylor Boyette warming up before their last match. Jasmine Perea, Emily Brockman, and Ruth Powell are next in line.
The B-team played matches against Homer B and Kenai B taking home the undefeated B team title and although no trophy, a team title to be proud of.
The season was great both at the intramural level and the competitive level and we can look forward to strong volleyball in the future!
Blizzard Warning
…BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 6 PM AKST
MONDAY THROUGH PORTAGE VALLEY AND ALONG TURNAGAIN ARM…
A BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 6 PM AKST
MONDAY.
A WEATHER FRONT MOVING INTO THE GULF OF ALASKA WILL BRING SNOW AND STRONG WIND TO PORTAGE VALLEY AND TURNAGAIN ARM MONDAY. EAST WIND 30 TO 50 MPH TONIGHT WILL INCREASE TO 50 TO 65 MPH THROUGH PORTAGE VALLEY AND TURNAGAIN ARM MONDAY MORNING. THIS WIND WILL COMBINE WITH 8 TO 15 INCHES OF NEW SNOW TO PRODUCE BLIZZARD CONDITIONS IN PORTAGE VALLEY AND ALONG TURNAGAIN ARM ON MONDAY. SNOW AND WIND ARE EXPECTED TO TAPER OFF MONDAY EVENING AND CONDITIONS WILL IMPROVE.
Selawik Stories- Fire!
Sandy and I made it a point to meet down by the community center, on the island side, to watch some of the mushers participating in the Kobuk 440 dog sled race come in. We were particularly waiting to see Susan Butcher.
It was about one in the morning and we were standing there with other Selawik people, waiting. We could see musher’s head lamps in the distance coming in to town. We were excited when we did see Susan Butcher!
As we were standing there, dressed to meet the weather, hoods of our parkas in place to block the stinging wind, faces cover in scarves or face masks, in the cold, inhaling cold, cold air that went right to your lungs and exhaling breath in clouds that seemed to just hang there, we noticed across the river on the airport side, Jackie and Edith Snyder’s log cabin in flames.
There was a mad dash across Siktaagvik, the water way on the northern side of the island side of the Selawik River, to the cabin. I was about the 10th person there and when I got there the house was engulfed in flames. I can still picture the flames shooting out of the windows. The heat is etched into the skin on my face. I wasn’t sure what to do except to stand there and watch it burn down. I remember one man kicking stove oil barrels away from the house. This all happened very fast. In an instant, someone came out of the front of the house carrying a bundle of some sort. It turned out to be Timothy Snyder. He was about two years old, as I remember. He had a diaper on and I think a shirt. The man that rescued him came up to me and I immediately unzipped my parka without thinking. He placed Timothy against my chest and I quickly zipped him in and held on to him as I jumped on a snowgo and headed back to the community center to hand him over to his mom. I am sure that I just did a quick hand off and hurried back to watch the house burn down. It was such a hopeless feeling because there was really nothing anyone could do to save it.
I taught preschool for two years and in one of those years, Timothy was in my class and every day we had “Show and Tell”. Timothy had not yet brought a show and tell. He sat through many children with their show and tells. One day, he came to the table with his hand clinched into a fist. When it was his turn, he opened his hand and there was a small crumb on the palm of his hand. He began to tell about how it was a ship and continued until his story was finished. It was a ship, it truly was! I could see it in his eyes, the expression on his face and the words that told the story.
I had Timothy again in the 3rd grade and shared with him our story.
Holly Allen Eads
Long time Seward resident Holly Gayle Allen Eads, 56, passed away February 26, 2010 at Providence Medical Center in Anchorage.
Holly was born October 6, 1953 to Kenneth C and Evangeline Allen in Bakersfield, California. She moved to Seward with her family in 1958 prior to statehood and graducated from Seward High in 1971. Other than two years, Holly lived and enjoyed her entire life and friends in Seward.
According to her family, Holly was a true Alaskan who lived in Seward through earthquakes, floods and every weather condition imaginable. She loved it all.
Her friends will always remember her wonderful smile and that she gave the shirt off her back more than once to help others. She loved to cook and bake. There was always something extra for whoever walked through her door. She loved strays. It didn’t matter if they were four-legged or two-legged.
She was proud of her membership in Pioneers of Alaska Igloo #9. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary and Laborers Union.
Holly is survived by her daughter Deanne and husband, Aaron Moore of Kenai; grandchildren Brianna and Devon Moore; father Kenneth Allen and his wife Dorothy of California; sister Wyle Allen; brother Montgomery Allen; her companion of 14 years, Chris George and former husband Charlie Eads. She was preceded in death by her mother.
According to Holly’s wishes, her ashes will be spread in Grouse Creek this summer near the site of her first home in Seward. A remembrance is planned for this spring.
Condolences may be sent to her daughter Deanne at 1010 Steelhead Ct, Kenai, AK 99661.
Arrangements were by Evergreen Memorial Chapel.
Blizzard Warning
Update:4:31
…BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM AKST SATURDAY
FOR SOUTH OF NINILCHIK…
A STRONG LOW WILL MOVE UP COOK INLET TONIGHT. COLD AIR ON THE
BACKSIDE OF THIS LOW WILL PRODUCE STRONG WESTERLY WINDS ALONG
WITH MODERATE SNOW SHOWERS SOUTH OF NINILCHIK. THE RESULTANT
SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW WILL REDUCE VISIBILITIES TO ONE QUARTER
MILE OR LESS AT TIMES BEGINNING THIS EVENING. CONDITIONS WILL
SLOWLY IMPROVE SATURDAY MORNING.
Update: 10:13am
Closure – Seward Highway
Seward Highway: from Milepost 20 to Ptarmigan Creek Bridge
road closed intermittently due to avalanche control work — starting 12:38 PM, 03/05/10 for the next two hours
Comment: Motorists should expect delays of up to 45 minutes.
last updated today at 8:39 AM
Closure – Seward Highway
Seward Highway: from Milepost 35 to Milepost 38
road closed intermittently due to avalanche control work — starting 1:33 PM, 03/05/10 for the next two hours
Comment: Motorists should expect delays of up to 45 minutes.
Closure – Sterling Highway
Sterling Highway: from Milepost 38 to Seward Highway Junction
road closed intermittently due to avalanche control work — starting 1:36 PM, 03/05/10 for the next two hours
Comment: Motorists should expect delays of up to 45 minutes.
last updated today at 8:37 AM
Update: 10:00 am, A STRONG LOW NEAR KODIAK MOVES OVER NORTHERN COOK INLET THIS EVENING. COLD AIR ON THE BACKSIDE OF THIS LOW WILL PRODUCE STRONG WESTERLY WINDS ALONG WITH MODERATE SNOW SHOWERS SOUTH OF NINILCHIK. THE RESULTANT SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW WILL REDUCE VISIBILITIES TO ONE QUARTER MILE OR LESS AT TIMES BEGINNING THIS EVENING. CONDITIONS WILL SLOWLY IMPROVE SATURDAY MORNING.
WESTERN PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF…WHITTIER…SEWARD…GIRDWOOD…MOOSE PASS
416 PM AKST THU MAR 4 2010
…BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 6 PM AKST FRIDAY ALONG TURNAGAIN ARM AND PORTAGE VALLEY AND SOUTH TO TURNAGAIN PASS…
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN ANCHORAGE HAS ISSUED A BLIZZARD WARNING…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM TO 6 PM AKST FRIDAY ALONG TURNAGAIN ARM AND PORTAGE VALLEY AND SOUTH TO TURNAGAIN PASS.
A WEATHER FRONT WILL BRING BLIZZARD CONDITIONS TO EASTERN TURNAGAIN ARM AND PORTAGE VALLEY…EXTENDING AS FAR SOUTH AS TURNAGAIN PASS…BEGINNING EARLY FRIDAY MORNING AND LASTING UNTIL LATE FRIDAY AFTERNOON. SOUTHEAST WIND WILL INCREASE IN THE MORNING TO 70 TO 85 MPH…WITH SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW REDUCING VISIBILITIES BELOW ONE QUARTER MILE AT TIMES. AS WINDS DIMINISH IN THE EVENING… CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED TO IMPROVE.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A BLIZZARD WARNING MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. FALLING AND BLOWING SNOW WITH STRONG WINDS AND POOR VISIBILITIES ARE LIKELY. THIS WILL LEAD TO WHITE-OUT CONDITIONS…MAKING TRAVEL EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. ALL TRAVEL AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITY IS STRONGLY DISCOURAGED.
Coordinated Transportation Plans Meeting- Seward, Homer, Kenai/Soldotna
The project team will be in Seward on Tuesday, March 9; in Homer on Wednesday, March 10; and Kenai/Soldotna on Thursday, March 11. Details follow.
Coordinated transportation plans will identify the transportation needs and seek ways to coordinate transportation for efficiencies that better address transportation for three groups of people sometimes identified as “transportation disadvantaged” These groups are: those senior citizens and people with disabilities who do not drive, as well as low income people without a reliable way to get to work. If you live in the area, fit in one of these groups or provide transportation services to the public, please attend a meeting to help us better meet your needs.
The plan will be developed by the organizations that provide transportation services, users of the services and people in the area. This includes the public, private, and not-for-profit transportation services, human services providers, and other entities that represent citizens who have special transportation service needs.
The meetings will be held
In SEWARD
Date:
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Time(s):
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location
AVTEC Auditorium
519 4th Avenue
Auditorium
Who should attend this meeting?
Consumers of public transportation in the Seward area.
City Calendar
Seward City Council Regular Meeting Agenda
Monday, March 8, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
1. Call To Order
2. Pledge Of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
4.Citizens’ Comments On Any Subject Except Those Items Scheduled For Public Hearing.
5.Approval Of Agenda And Consent Agenda
6. Special Orders, Presentations And Reports
A. Proclamations and Awards
B. Borough Assembly Report
C. City Manager’s Report
D. City Attorney Report
E. Mayoral Report
F. Other Reports, Announcements and Presentation
1. Jesse Lee Home Stabilization Report Given by John Conway, Project Management Engineer for the Friends of Jesse Lee Home.
7. Public Hearings – None
8. Unfinished Business – None
9. New Business
A. Resolutions
*1. Resolution 2010-021, Authorizing The City Manager To Submit A Grant Application To The State Of Alaska Historic Preservation Office To Construct An Iditarod Trail Centennial Monument At Trailhead Park Requesting $36,380, Including $21,858 Federal Share And $14,552 Applicant Share In The Form Of Cash Donations And In-Kind Volunteer Labor.
*2. Resolution 2010-022, Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Change Order With Rise Alaska, LLC (Rise) For Professional Project Management Services For CM/GC RFP Development And Solicitation Process Management For The New Co-Located Library Museum Facility, Accepting Granted Funds And Appropriating Twenty-Six Thousand One Hundred Dollars ($26,100).
3. Resolution 2010-023, Proclaiming The City Of Seward As The Wellness Capital Of Alaska And Authorizing The City Manager To Seek State And Federal Recognition As The Wellness Capital Of Alaska And Appropriate Funds For A Designated Wellness Fund Under The Seward Community Foundation And Seek Partners From National Service Programs (Americorp And Vista) To Develop, Enhance And Implement Wellness Initiatives Within The City Of Seward.
Read more
Seward Job Center/AVTEC Annual JOB FAIR – April 5, 2010
Please accept the Seward Job Center and AVTEC’s invitation to participate in our annual Spring Job Fair on Monday April 5, 2010.
FREE Booth Space and Free Lunch!
The job fair is opened to the public. The location is the AVTEC Student Center at 519 Fourth Avenue from 12:30 to 3:00 pm. It is a great opportunity for business exposure and an opportunity to meet with Alaska resident that are seeking employment! You are encourged to participate.
The attached registration form should be returned by March 24, 2010. In you have any questions do not hesitate to call the job center. 224-5276
Please excuse us if you receive duplicate emails concerning this opportunity.
Respectfully, <<2010 Job Fair Registration>>
Norm Casagranda
Seward Job Center Manager
PO Box 1009
Seward, AK 99664
(907) 224-5276
Police Journal
2/26
1542 Ambulance requested to Birch Street for a female who fell off a ladder and hit her head. PT was bleeding from the temple area. While en route to the hospital, the patient became belligerent and accused the SVAC responder of touching her inappropriately and she wanted to go home. SVAC requested an officer to respond. D9 arrived and the patient was turned over to him and she was returned to her residence. Response form sent.
1610 RP, came in to Seward PD advising that AIDAN RICHARDSON was harassing her. Officers responded to Bayview Apartments to speak with RICHARDSON and NICHOLAS MRUZIK,. Advised both parties not to talk with each other.
2053 RP, advised of a white SUV, northbound from the airport, driving 20 mph in a 45 mph zone, drifting over the center line. Info given to SAST.
2142 RP, reported she lost her wallet somewhere in Seward. Described as a black billfold with miscellaneous identification cards. No cash. Entered into Lost Book.
2153 RP, advised of a vehicle abandoned in the right of way by her residence at Birch. Message left on phone number listed in APSIN. Unoccupied house was secure. Officers followed footprints into the woods. Unable to locate anyone.
2159 Issued to ADRIENNE MORETTI, driving vehicle at Seward and Airport for headlight and not carrying OL on person.
2318 To RANDY LEE NELSON, driving vehicle at 3rd Avenue for failure to stop at stop sign.
2352 To KRISTEN STEINMETZER while driving vehicle at 325 3rd Ave for crossing center line.
2/27
0118 Left on vehicle while parked on 4th of July Beach for no camping in the area.
0037 1E42 arrested JAMES AVERY while driving intoxicated near the Wye on Seward Hwy. Subject was incarcerated at SCJ.
0702 EARTHQUAKE /TSUNAMI UPDATE “ADVISORY” ONLY Current status: “Advisory.” If Advisory elevates to “Watch” status contact Fire Chief for further information for possible activation of EOC.
1425 Issued to ROSE MACSWAIN at 6th and Adams while driving vehicle for Failure to Maintain Lane.
1454 RP called to request an officer respond to the Iron Mountain Range to have a non-member of the shooting club removed. Officer responded to the range and the subject was gone upon RP and officer’s arrival.
2020 RP, of Dairy Hill, reported a dark brown Chocolate Lab came home with her dog. The dog has a collar with an out of state number which did not work. Contacted ACO who will retrieve the dog.
2106 FIRE ALARM Guardian Security advised of a fire alarm at 4th Avenue (new dorms). SVAC and SVFD responded. Discovered it was burnt popcorn in room. Response form sent.
2/28
0500 Officer requested an ambulance for an intoxicated male with a head injury that was trying to break into City Hall with the cigarette butt stand against the southside door. SVFD/SVAC dispatched.
2/29
0011 VERBAL WARNING To ASHLEY DIAMOND, while driving halfway down Lowell Point Road for taillight and taglight out. Officer also advised unable to hear radio traffic on mobile radio.
0221 LIGHT OUT SCCC reported that the sewage pump house lights were out. D43 was advised.
0818 SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT RP reported that a van was laying on it’s side at Rough Drive (Scott Drive) on the Northbound Lane of the Seward Highway, no personnel in the area. SAST advised.
1037 Officer found an injured eagle on the south side of the Harbor Lights Condominiums on 4th Ave and requested Sea Life Center personnel to respond. Subject responded to the location and stated she would monitor the bird for any problems or injuries.
1143 SAST requested Dispatch contact Metco to sand in the Lost Lake Subdivision. Several roads were very slippery in the subdivision and the roads were not state road for sanding (borough roads). Dispatch notified Metco. SAST advised.
3\1
0142 CITATION ISSUED VERBAL WARNING X2 To CYNTHIA OGLE, was issued a citation while driving at Chamber for fail to carry proof of insurance. Verbal warning for fail to carry registration and tag light out.
0910 Ambulance requested to Avalanche Acres for an MVA with unknown injuries. FM18 requested SVAC to be toned. BCVFD responded with SVAC.
0951 Report of vehicle being parked over the white line on A Street by 3rd Ave. Officer responded and contacted the RO. They will move the vehicle.
1447 VERBAL WARNING Issued to KENNEH CASSIDY, for stopping on the highway.
1636 POSSIBLE SUSPECT SIGHTING RP, postal officer, advised of a black male that came into the post office to purchase an envelope and he thought he resembled the picture of the homicide suspect officer showed him earlier today. Officers responded and observed a male walking on 5th and it was not the suspect.
1742 RP, reported a suspicious male that has been around the Phoenix Building the past few days knocking on windows and doors. Described as a WM, medium build, wearing a green camo colored jacket. He left his back pack on the steps. Officer contacted AMOS R OSBORNE, at 3rd and C Street, who states he has some property stored with one of the tenants in the building. Officer spoke with the RP at the Phoenix Building.
1834 PATROL REQUEST CRIMINAL TRESPASS ARREST RP, from the Alehouse, requested an officer to remove DYLAN SHANNON, from the property behind the Alehouse. He was previously given a trespass warning not to be on the Alehouse property. SHANNON was arrested for Criminal Trespass. GARY MURPHY, was also issued a Criminal Trespass not to be on Alehouse property indefinitely. Entered into APSIN.
2106 FIRE ALARM Guardian advised of a fire alarm at Madison 4-plex. Discovered it was a steak burning. SVAC was cancelled. SVFD responded. Response form sent.
3/2
1809 Officer contacted vehicle at Bayside after watching a suspicious activity in the harbor camera.
1843 Issued to SUSAN MCHONE, driving a vehicle with no plate on 4th Avenue by Oriental Gardens. Verbal warning issued for having the In Transit sticker not visible.
Borough Mayor’s Report to the Assembly
Dave Carey, KPB Mayor
The month of February included preparation for presentation of the 2011 Borough Budget, as well as the myriad of activities throughout the Borough as we prepare for the upcoming construction season and the fiscal activities necessary to provide needed and required services to the resident taxpayers and visitors.
The economic situation of the Borough continues to reflect the difficult economy for residents of the state and nation. Borough sales tax revenue continues to fall below projections when the 2010 budget was prepared. The current estimated sales tax revenue for FY2010 is $26,517,614, a difference of approximately $1,700,000 (6%) from the amount included in the FY2010 budget document. The hiring freeze in effect is to lessen this gap as well as continued strict oversight of each department’s budget will allow opportunities to reduce expenditures within each department.
The one bright spot economically is the expectation that the state will be spending hundreds of millions of dollars on projects needed throughout the state. The trip to Juneau by my office and the Assembly heard this expectation during visits to the Governor’s Office as well as the offices of legislators. The continued funding of Revenue Sharing and full funding of Education were also positive expectations that were voiced.
Our two Hospital Service Areas continue to focus on completing major building projects. The local economy has been strengthened by these expenditures approved by local voters. The South Peninsula Hospital project is nearing completion with attention being focused on the additional project of purchasing and housing of an MRI facility. The Central Peninsula Hospital project nears completion, with possible decisions regarding the expansion of the “health care campus” footprint. All residents and visitors are the beneficiaries of the first class, quality health care offered by both facilities.
Educational services continue to be the top recipient of Borough funds. The importance of education cannot be overstated and the need to provide proper maintenance and care for the borough-owned facilities will always be a top priority. Working with the School District and the Assembly, I expect to offer voters a major bond issue in October regarding roofs of educational facilities. These repairs are required to provide safe and proper facilities for students and the community activities alike. The availability of 70% reimbursement from the state on these projects makes them more acceptable during these difficult economic times. As always, it will be up to the voters.
We continue to rely on grants for many activities. Because of the sound financial reality of the Borough, along with the competent employees who provide documentation for the applications and administration of these grants, we are in a strong position to receive grants. Both general government and service areas are highly dependent on these revenue sources for the needed upgrades and delivery of services. Grants require many hours of work by staff, support personnel, service area board members, and the general public. There is truly no free lunch.
We continue to work together on contract negotiations. Both parties are working in good faith on many complicated issues. Working for the people of the Borough will continue to be a privilege and a need.
The people in the Seward area continue to need a long-term mitigation of the flood issues. Working with the state has been a challenge and an opportunity. This Friday, March 5th, will include an additional trip to Anchorage with staff and Seward City Manager Oates to discuss navigability with DNR officials. We have applied for a major grant to allow long-term planning and also specific project mitigation. Our discussions with the Governor and his staff have helped to increase understanding but solutions need to be forthcoming.
The protection of habitat along salmon-bearing streams continues to progress. Staff from the Gilman River Center and members of the public continues to work together. I am most appreciative of the Advisory Planning Commissions, the KRSMA Board, the Borough’s Planning Commission and the Assembly, as we improve on the existing work being done by staff to provide appropriate protection and oversight. A great deal of our economy and quality of life is dependent on proper protection of water.
The Nikiski Fire Station #2 is coming along quite nicely. This will be another wonderful asset to the Nikiski community and the Borough as a whole.
Recent Comments
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- Dorene Lorenz on Pioneers of Alaska
- musiclover on City Proclaims Seward Alaska’s Wellness Capital
- Marti on Sourdough rescheduled
