Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Hickels named honorary coaches for AWG 2006 Team Alaska
With six months to go before the 2006 Arctic Winter Games begin on the Kenai Peninsula former Governor Walter J. Hickel and his wife Erma Lee have been named honorary coaches of Team Alaska.

Harvesting a dream of a lifetime
Many young men dream of coming to Alaska on a big game hunt. There is no way of knowing how many of those who fantasize about an Alaskan hunt ever have their wishes come true.

Rohloff wins 911 memorial print
A year ago September 11th Brian Erwin invited local firefighters and members of the public to his Frames & Things shop at the Soldotna Blazy Mall to remember those lost in the 911 attack and to unveil a commemorative print by Ron DeCianni that he had framed to be raffled off.

NBHA finals finish Barrel Racing season
National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA), Soldotna district AK 01 finished its yearly barrel racing competition last month at the Soldotna Rodeo Grounds. District members had been competing weekly on Wednesdays since the first of June. Racers competed for weekly prize money and year-end point’s accumulation for awards.

Outdoors with John Perkovich
On the afternoon of Tuesday, September 13th, 2005 I was driving towards Cooper Landing. I had a permit for a full curl ram on Round Mountain and was going sheep hunting with my ten-year-old son Travis. Travis and I have gone on countless fishing trips but our hunting has been somewhat limited due to a variety of things that are often times out of our control. His involvement with sports of all kinds is one of those things that limit hunting opportunities from time to time. Also hunting in Alaska can be very difficult as well as very expensive depending on just when or where the hunt is actually taking place.

Candidate profile: John 'Ozzie' Osborne: Kenai City Council
Residence: 14360 Kenai Spur Highway Mail address: P.O. Box 3076 Kenai, AK 99611 Contacts: 283-5722, wiz ards@gci.net Age: 64 Years in Kenai: 28 Family: Wife, Marilyn, eight children, 21 grandchildren Occupation: Retired Education: High school graduate, some college Previous elected office: Kenai Planning and Zoning Commission (1982-88, 2001-02), Kenai City Council (2003) Organizations: President of Pioneers of Alaska, Kenai Elks, vice president of Peninsula Oilers Baseball

Candidate profile: Soldotna City Council Seat F, Scott M. McLane
Residence: 365 Diane Lane, Soldotna, 99669 Mail address: Same Contacts: 283-4218 Age: 51 Years in Soldotna: 25 Family: Wife, Mari, and two children Occupation: Land surveyor Education: Associate's degree in surveying Previous elected office: Soldotna City Council Organizations: N/A

Candidate profile: Soldotna Mayor, Dave Carey
Residence: 119 Shady Lane, Soldotna, Alaska 99669-0718 Mail address: Same Contacts: 260-6413, home; 262-9107, city hall; dcarey@ci.soldotna.ak.us Age: 53 Years in Soldotna: 44 Family: Sister, Vicky Leach; brother, Michael Carey Occupation: Retired educator Education: Bachelor of science degree and master of education degree from Gonzaga University Previous elected office: Borough assembly (1982 -89), Soldotna City Council (1999-2001), Soldotna mayor (2001-present) Organizations: Elks, HEA board of Directors

Candidate profile: Michael F. Boyle: Kenai City Council
Residence: 1516 Stellar Drive, Kenai, AK 99611 Mail address: Same Contacts: 283-0820, mboyle @alaska.com Age: 52 Years in Kenai: 16 Family: Four children Occupation: Vocational education teacher Education: High school graduate, bachelor of science degree in industrial arts-construction from St. Cloud State University, master's degree in education from Cambridge College Previous elected office: Kenai Peninsula Education Association, representative and negotiations team member Organizations: Kenai Moose Club, Kenai Little League coach, past director of Alaska Vocational Industrial Clubs of America and member of the Kenai School District Health Committee

Candidate profile: Soldotna City Council Seat B, Lisa Parker
Residence: 1049 Bogie Court, Soldotna Mail address: P.O. Box 1234, Soldotna, AK 99669 Contacts: 262-6656, lparker @ci.soldotna.ak. Age: 50 Years in Soldotna: Over 11 Family: Husband, Steve Horn Occupation: Agrium government and community relations Education: High school graduate, bachelor's degree from American University in Washington, D.C. Previous elected office: Soldotna City Council (2002-present), Anchorage Charter Commission (1975) Organizations: Kenai Peninsula Community Care Center Resource Development Council, board of directors

Candidate profile: James N. Butler, III: Kenai City Council
Residence: 1711 Kaknu Mail address: P.O. Box 191, Kenai, AK 99611 Contacts: 283-7359, home; 283-7167, work; jim@bald winandbutler.com Age: 46 Years in Kenai: 29 Family: Wife, Tana, and three children Occupation: Attorney, commercial fisherman Education: Associate of arts degree, bachelor's degree in business administration, law degree Previous elected office: Kenai City Council (2004-present), state Emergency Response Commission (2003-present) Organizations: Kenai Chamber of Commerce director, past president and director of Cook Inlet Aquaculture

Candidate profile: Linda Swarner: Kenai City Council
Residence: 298 Rogers Road, Kenai, AK 99611 Mail address: Same Contacts: 283-4366, lswarner @acsalaska.net Age: 56 Years in Kenai: 30 Family: 2 kids Occupation: Executive dir-ector of the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank Education: Bachelor of arts degree from University of Alaska Southeast, associate's degree from Kenai Peninsula College, attended University of Minnesota Previous elected office: Kenai City Council (1987-present), Kenai Library Commission Organizations: Alaska Food Coalition president

Candidate views: Linda Swarner, Kenai City Council
I appreciate your support and encouragement during my tenure on the Kenai City Council not as a politician but as a public servant. As a long time Alaskan, I am committed to compassionately serve you with dignity. My passion continues to be the City of Kenai whether it's a new business or service available in town or an economic enhancement such as our fishery or oil and gas product. As a team player I have witnessed Council members accomplish more for the community as we work together. I am always ready to hear your comments on how we can improve the government to our residents as government is a process and procedures change slowly. I follow through with your suggestions and ideas especially as we all "think outside of the box." I appreciate the many hours you the residents volunteer, whether as a commission member, participating in comprehensive planning sessions or other areas to help our city be the best place to live in Alaska.

Candidate views: James Butler, Kenai City Council
I have served on the Kenai City Council for almost one year and learned what hard work it takes to be an informed and effective council member.

Candidate views: Dave Carey, Soldotna Mayor
I have believed in the American democratic republic since I was eight and heard the words of President Kennedy, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." I heard this message four years after my father and namesake, a Navy pilot, was killed overseas in Operation Deepfreeze at McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. I grew up wanting to serve America as my father had.

Candidate views: Michael Boyle, Kenai City Council
... Though I have served in many organizations and on several committees, this is my first go at a public office. It has been an interest of mine to serve in a public capacity for many years and as a seat became open for City Council, I chose to run. I have always felt that it is important to give something back to the community of which one is a part. This has been a great place to be a parent, teacher and resident.

Soldotna mayor, council members run unopposed
Editor's note: The following is the third in a series of stories focusing on the upcoming municipal elections Oct. 4. Candidate columns and answers to a Clarion questionnaire can be found on pages A-4 and A-5 in today's paper. Wednesday's coverage will focus on the race for the Soldotna school board seat.

NOW PLAYING: Lord of War
Last week I reviewed Junebug, an independent film as evidenced by it’s relatively unknown cast and dramatic interpersonal storyline. This week we’ll look at another indie film, but one of a different sort. Lord of War does not, at first glance, seem to be typical indie fare - big stars (Nicholas Cage and Ethan Hawk) and bigger explosions don’t fit with the typical quiet introspection usually found at your local art theatre. No, War is independent, I suspect, not because of a lack of mass market appeal, but because of its politics. Fervently anti-gun, the film features a bleak storyline, a major anti-hero, and no easy answers. Perhaps it was just a little too hot to handle.

People generous to neighbors, hurricane victims in need
Hurricane Katrina is a wakeup call to many Americans unaccustomed to being confronted with the poverty existing in our midst.

Roberts not worthy of support
I demand rejection of John Roberts, by filibuster if necessary In these United States important nominees such as to the Supreme Court must reflect not only the will of the people as a whole but also the history of the country and the historic decisions upon which our society relies.

Fueling Concern: Alternative mode of travel
Editor's note: The following is the third in a series of stories about what effect high fuel prices are having on the Kenai Peninsula. Wednesday's story will focus on gas refining in Alaska.

Kenai race draws familiar faces
Editor's note: The following is the second in a series of stories focusing on the upcoming municipal elections Oct. 4. Candidate columns and answers to a Clarion questionnaire can be found on pages A-4 and A-5 in today's paper. Tuesday's coverage will focus on candidates for the Soldotna City Council and mayor.

Fueling concern: Carrying an extra cost
Editor's note: The following is the second in a series of stories about what effect high fuel prices are having on the Kenai Peninsula. Tuesday's story will focus on bike riding as a way to cut gas costs.

Cool dance
Dancers anywhere face challenges in the course of performing in costume, but this is Alaska and the way of life here can be a little tougher, as more than 30 young women and men found out at Kenai Central High School on Saturday during an audition for the upcoming Arctic Winter Games opening and closing ceremonies.

What drives prices?
Drivers today snap their heads around to read filling station price signs the way teenage boys ogle girls. A low price is almost a thing of beauty these days.

Assembly to dig gravel pit issues
A long-awaited public hearing on an ordinance that could significantly revamp borough criteria for authorizing gravel pits or other material sites is on Tuesday's agenda as the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meets in Homer.

Hospital aces state no-notice survey
Central Peninsula General Hospital received word this week that it passed a state no-notice survey with zero deficiencies, according to the hospital chief executive officer.

More Alaska Guard members called to active duty
ANCHORAGE (AP) — More members of the Alaska National Guard will ship out for Iraq this week, joining thousands of fellow ''weekend warriors'' placed on active duty to go fight in the Middle East.

Dorothy Mae Erdman
Dorothy Mae Erdman of Ninilchik died Friday, Sept. 9, 2005, at Memorial Herman Hospital in Houston, Texas. She was 73.

Governments should protect, not scare public
What should secret services do? Should they frighten or protect the country? Politicians underestimate the political result of repeated and clearly absurd alarms. Americans have already experienced what a powerful instrument fear is, after Sept. 11. ... Fear is extremely powerful. It could influence political power, redistribute resources, affect the political debate. It can modify policies ... and change our beliefs on the present and the future, on conflict and security, freedom and safety. There are too many false alarms, that have unnecessarily become public. Maybe we should ask intelligence to protect our countries, not to frighten them.

Debt numbers near Depression stats
Americans are in debt and saving at rates comparable to the Depression; the economic toll could be significant ... not only for individuals but also for the entire American economy.

Gas price caps an idea that's worth taking for a spin
Investigations into gasoline pricing have been around as long as there have been sharp spikes in the price of fuel. (Sept. 15) there will be another as the Assembly Transportation Committee looks into the past month's punishing, 80-cent-a-gallon increase in the price of regular.

Life is more important than country's debts
Armed with a typically sobering report on the dimensions of global poverty, world leaders will meet this week at the United Nations on the problem one that never seems to get much better of how to help the world's impoverished, dying millions, many of whom are children.

Community News
Lions Club makes, seeks donation Pinochle league forming

Around the Peninsula
Puppet show planned Scouting registrations offered Women's group to meet Hereford to speak at chamber Builders seek board candidates Rec center offers activities Homer health fair slated Artists, vendors sought

Senior Activities
Homer senior, Friendship centers Kenai Nikiski Seward Soldotna Sterling

Senior Menus
Homer Kenai Nikiski Seward Soldotna Sterling

Peninsula People
Kelsoe joins Army Main deploys to Korea Sausedo deploys to Iraq Todd returns stateside White joins Marines Scholarship semifinalists announced

Births
Amanda and Jeremy Cole Maureen and Christopher Hensley Heather and Nicholas Russell Jessica (Yessak) and Ben Wedin Rachael and Nathan Verba

Around the Peninsula
Youth basketball league forming CPHC board meet slated Pool available during school hours SPCA dinner, auction postponed Bible study class continues Toy donations sought

Fighter improves but still critical from brain injury
LAS VEGAS — Leavander Johnson had worked a long time for his big night, 16 years to be exact. His first title defense turned tragic, however, leaving the veteran boxer in a fight that most with his kind of injury don't win.

Newman gets Chase victory
LOUDON, N.H. — Ryan Newman stole a race Tony Stewart thought was his. Newman, who barely squeezed into the 10-man Chase for the championship, got off to a fast start in NASCAR's 10-race playoff Sunday by outdueling points leader Stewart down the stretch to win the Sylvania 300.

Red-hot Indians blow past Royals
CLEVELAND — Jhonny Peralta, Travis Hafner and Ben Broussard homered, and C.C. Sabathia allowed five singles over eight innings as the Cleveland Indians routed the Kansas City Royals 11-0 Sunday to complete a three-game sweep.

The Next Level
Kenai's Hall plays for 49ers Skyview's Carpenter plays for UAA

Monarchs take 2-1 lead over Sun in WNBA Finals
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — When the Sacramento Monarchs seemed ready to lose their lead and their heads in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals, Yolanda Griffith slid into her coach's chair during a timeout.

USC's stay is now longest at No. 1
Southern California's run at No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 reached a record-breaking level and Oklahoma, the team USC replaced in the top spot almost two years ago, was unranked for the first time since 1999.

Bonds belts homer, Giants beat Dodgers
SAN FRANCISCO — Barry Bonds splashed a home run into McCovey Cove for the first time this season, a leadoff drive in the eighth inning that helped the San Francisco Giants beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-3 Sunday.

Indians, Yankees narrow gap
CHICAGO — Aaron Boone's two-run, two-out single in the eighth inning sent Cleveland to a 7-5 victory over Chicago on Monday night and moved the Indians one game closer to the sliding White Sox in the AL Central.

Davis runs Panthers past Patriots
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers know a Week 2 victory over New England doesn't come close to rectifying their Super Bowl loss to the Patriots two years ago.

Redskins shock Cowboys
IRVING, Texas — Joe Gibbs has won three Super Bowls and two NASCAR championships. Yet of all the thrills he has experienced, he puts what happened Monday night near the top of the list.

Pfaffe leads SoHi football
Faith and singing have always come before football for Soldotna senior Aleks Pfaffe. Pfaffe's father, Greg, said Aleks was timid when he was a little kid. "He's always been a singer, so he was asked to sing in church when he was young," Greg said. "He overcame that fear and timidity really early.

Gore continues magical season
FARMINGTON, Pa. — Jason Gore stood up to an excellent late-season field, and to the very pressure that wilted him three months ago at the U.S. Open. Most of all, he stood up to Sunday.

Sports views: Boxing's darker side
The news conference afterward was filled with the usual congratulations for the winners and talk about bigger things to come. Oscar De La Hoya was the promoter and he answered questions in two languages, thanked all for coming and declared the night a success.

Has steroid testing brought home runs down?
NEW YORK — Baseball had a brownout this year, with home runs dropping to their lowest level in eight years.

Saints look to keep rolling against Giants
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — With an unprecedented nationwide disaster relief effort as a backdrop, the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints meet Monday night in a game that could provide a huge boost to the winner.

Redskins need win for a rivalry
IRVING, Texas — Joe Gibbs understands what ''Redskins vs. Cowboys'' used to mean as well as anyone. He also realizes that Dallas winning 14 of the last 15 games has taken away much of the meaning.

Traditional SEC doormat Vanderbilt sits 3-0
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — For decades, the Vanderbilt Commodores have been one of the worst teams in the country.

Texans fire offensive coordinator
HOUSTON — The Houston Texans fired offensive coordinator Chris Palmer on Monday following the team's second straight embarrassing loss.

NASCAR punishes offenders
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Robby Gordon and Kasey Kahne avoided suspensions Monday when NASCAR penalized them for road-rage incidents in New Hampshire.