2007 is election year for the Kasilof seat on the Borough Assembly. People interested in seeking that seat can pick up information packets at the Borough Administration Building through Johni Blankenship 714-2160. The filing period is August 1-15. So far Bill Holt, Mark Osterman, Fred West, and Paul Fischer are names that have surfaced as possible candidates. A petition to reenact term limits has reached the ballot for the October election and could effect incumbents like Fischer.
A federal judge in Texas has ruled that providing hyperlinks to a Webcast is illegal without the copyright owner’s permission. Webcasts give radio stations the opportunity to provide additional audio services via the internet. Until the Texas ruling, people could go on-line to Kasilof radio station KWJG and connect to audio feeds provided by hyperlinks. This ruling has taken immediate effect for these services at KWJG. Radio services are not affected, however. KWJG is a non-profit, public station offering local programming. Dog lovers should tune in there (91.5 FM) on Fridays at 2 p.m. for an hour-long show called “Just Dogs” with Faith Hays. Folk music fans might enjoy “Country Barndance” on Sundays from 4:00-5:30 with Doug Johnson. KWJG airs on the “oldies” side of life with a liberal variety.
Bill and Christine Carlson’s daughter, Chrystal Tandberg, is visiting them in Cohoe and showing off her own year-old daughter, Mariah. Chrystal grew up here and graduated from Brigham Young University, Idaho. She and her husband have been in New York at a medical internship. The Tandbergs are headed to Virginia for medical school. Carlson’s son, Jerod, is heading for Las Vegas for construction management.
Local volunteer fireman Robert Glick was one of four men hired recently by Central Emergency Services (CES). Unfortunately, Kasilof doesn’t have many volunteer firemen. That situation can be remedied. CES is offering courses and interested people should contact John Evans, the CES training officer at 262-4792.
News on setnetting in Kasilof isn’t too good. Things have been exceedingly slow for Cohoe Beach this season. A few fish finally arrived on Kalifornsky Beach. Clam Gulch has been transitional with fishing better to the south. Ninilchik notched a fair season and all beaches are hoping for a hot August. Driftwood is the menace of the day, unfortunately chasing many nets to the beach. The fish are fat and shinier than the price, which was cruising along in the $1.20-$1.30 per pound range until a couple healthy harvests by drift fishers. Coupled with news of a decent harvest in Bristol Bay, the ancient law of Supply and Demand ran the price to 95¢. A new law says fish put on ice at the point of harvest taste best on the palate at the port of entry. Self marketers, such as Cohoe based Alaska Seafood Harvesters (ASH) have been taking advantage of the quick-ice direct market concept.
Happy 88th birthday to Ruth Johnson on July 27.

Can you believe that the month of July is already gone? The Kenai Peninsula State Fair is less than three weeks away and I hope you are planing to enter your produce, quilts, baked goods, canned goods, crafts, artwork, photography, and whatever project you worked hard on since the fair last August. I always enjoy seeing all the neat displays and wonderful talent that participants are willing to share with their neighbors. If you want to see how to exhibit your handiwork or what to do to bring in an animal, be sure to pick up an exhibit guide at the fair office or at various businesses around town.

With her delightful Scottish accent, Rosie Trodden, an exchange student from Scotland told me how she came to Ninilchik through a student exchange program with the University of Sterling of Central Scotland and the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. Rosie is an environmental conservation management major and met Finely Bock at UAF who helped her find a host family–his family–Craig and Helena Bock. “I love it here,” Rosie said. “The people make this place. They are quite hardy, have a great mentality, and this has been an amazing experience for me!” she exclaimed. Rosie said that her boyfriend back in Scotland wondered why she was staying away so long, so after she told him about her wonderful experience here, he decided to come see it for himself. He ended up spending two weeks in Alaska this summer. Rosie will be leaving Ninilchik tomorrow, but promises to return. “I have to come back, I have family here now,” she said.

The Arthritis Foundation is sponsoring a free aquatic warm water exercise program taught by certified instructor, Jane Smith on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Ninilchik School Pool. Pool fees will apply. If you have any questions, call Jane at 567-4432.

The Lower Peninsula 4-H Members will have their records check on Friday, August 3 from 1 to 3:30 at the Community Hall at the Kenai Peninsula State Fairgrounds. 4-H members are encouraged to write down 6 new things they learned for each project in their 4-H Record book so they can be eligible to display their projects in the 4-H Building at the fair in August. At this time 4-H members can sign up for animal pens, fill out entry cards, and purchase their fair passes.

The Ninilchik Health and Wellness Club is closing for the month of August in preparation for the state fair. Participants are encouraged to come pick up their shoes during the hours of 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. before August 1st.

Happy birthday to A.J. Berger, Bob Okonek and Liz Kruzick, tomorrow, July 31; Jimmy Cline and Samantha Kruzick on August 1st; Nathon Stonecipher on Aug. 3; and Amy Garroutte on Aug. 5th. Anniversary wishes go to Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Oskolkoff on August 2nd, Mr. & Mrs. Scott Boyd on Aug. 3rd, and Mr. & Mrs. Dale Kuntz on August 5th.

If you hear some squealing at the Kenai Peninsula State Fairgrounds, you will know that the racing pigs have arrived. Katie Schollenberg is heading up the race training along with local volunteers. In addition to racing at the Kenai Peninsula State Fair in August, the pigs will be performing at the Palmer fair as well. If you are interested in sponsoring a racing pig, call the fair office at 567-3670.

Its time to place your order for the 2008 Community Calendar. Order forms can be picked up at the Ninilchik Community Library or on the bulletin board at the Ninilchik Post Office. Orders need to be turned in by September 1st. You are encouraged to include your family’s updated information for birthdays and anniversaries. If you have any questions call Jackie Bear at 567-3333.

The Lower Peninsula Junior Market Livestock members conducted a farm tour on July 3. The group consisted of 26 participants and the tour was led by the Trail Blazer 4-H Club members and parents who visited 5 farms in the Ninilchik and Happy Valley areas. JML members said that they are working hard to raise their market animals to reach optimum weight and fitness in preparation for the livestock auction at the Kenai Peninsula State Fair.

An out of town guest of Bob and Ida Chenier lost a fishing rod and reel near Ninilchik Harbor and would appreciate having it returned. If you found it or know anything about it, please give the Cheniers a call at 567-3432.

The National Honor Society of Ninilchik School has been collecting box tops and labels for eight years and welcomes anyone to drop off their box tops and labels at the envelope provided at the Ninilchik Post Office bulletin board. Box tops help offset the National Honor Society’s membership dues and the labels are collected to go toward educational supplies for Ninilchik School. If you have any questions, call Jamie Leman at 567-3361.

Certified instructor, Jane Smith is conducting Yoga stretching classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 -10:30 a.m. at the Ninilchik Senior Housing. If you have any questions, call Jane at 567-4432.

The National High School Rodeo Finals are being held this week in Springfield, Illinois, and area participants are Shelby Loop of North Fork Road, and sisters, Lindsay and Tera Schnabl of Ninilchik. To qualify, these gals competed and won at the state level participating in 5 rodeos starting last August and also had to raise funds for travel expenses and entrance fees. The new National High School Rodeo season will start at the Kenai Peninsula State Fair in Ninilchik in August.

Happy birthday to Robert Jones today, July 23; Elmer Banta on July 25, John McCombs and Erica Ogren on July 26 and Alvin Steik and Shelby Amato on July 27. Happy Anniversary to Mr. & Mrs. Andy Boyle on Friday, July 27.

How many times have you run the new four-way stop sign at the intersection of Willow Street and Main Street Loop in the last two weeks? If you are a long-time Kenai dweller, probably several times. The new stop will take some getting used to, because we have all barreled past the Police Station on our way to the airport for years, with hardly a glance in either direction. The change will make getting through that intersection way faster, so it’s a good change. This old dog will have to learn a new trick, because I have an idea that the grace period for not getting ticketed for running that stop sign is about over.

Speaking of old dogs, Kenai Peninsula’s own official Alaskan Balladeer, Hobo Jim, will present a free concert at the Kenai Visitors Center this week. If you haven’t had an opportunity to hear one of the area’s favorite sons belt out his own special kind of musical tribute to Alaska, this would be a good chance for you to gather up your visitors and kids for some great entertainment at 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 18.

Keep an eye out for future Sports Illustrated magazine features. The crew from SA was here in Kenai recently for several days doing a story on the Alaska Baseball League that will feature our very own Oilers team. They weren’t the only visiting fans attending local games. All-American football great, Herschel Walker was spotted, as well as scouts from the Red Sox organization and visiting families of Oilers players.

Did you know that Kenai has personalized postage stamps? The 41-cent stamp features our Russian Orthodox Church and the 26-cent post card stamp features a scene from Wolverine Creek on the West side of Cook Inlet. You can find them at the Visitors Center.

New Kenai resident Amanda Attla Morrow will be participating in the World Eskimo Olympics this summer. We wish her well in her events. Her daughter, Chelsea will accompany her.

Kathy Romain from the Kenai Senior Citizens Center will help anyone interested in information regarding the new Senior Benefits program just introduced by the legislature. You can stop by the Center for an application or call 283-4156 for answers to questions.

It looks like dipnetting season is in full swing. Let’s hope that it is a good harvest for anyone who loves filling his freezer with salmon.

Birthday greetings go out this week to Frankie Nordmeyer on the 17^th; to Olga Juliussen, Fred Glenn, and Ida Cockroft on the 18^th, Chester Cone, Mabel Larson and Sam Henley on the 20^th, and to Louisa DeMello on the 21^st. Celebrating on July 22 are Andy Selanoff, Connie Lucas, Jean Olson, Fran Kilfoyle, and the Intrepid Ireta Musgrave, my mom, who will turn 96 years young on that day.

safe:morris

Traci Davis of South Cohoe Loop has retired from her position as Health Service Coordinator for the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. Traci started working as a nurse at Tustumena Elementary in 1985. She has also served as a nurse in schools at Ninilchik and Sterling as well as Soldotna High School. Her husband, Bill, retired a couple years ago after working on the North Slope many years. Traci has already been active in retirement. She just returned from Houston, Texas, where she helped their son, Billy, his wife, Holly, and their three girls move back to the Peninsula. Billy, who works for Marathon Oil, will be living in the Kenai – Soldotna area. Traci is the daughter of Kasilof pioneers, George and Jeanne Jackinsky.
Meanwhile, Bill and Traci’s daughter, Molly and her husband Jeff Aley recently sold their house to Kasilof’s New Life Christian Fellowship Church. The house is immediately behind the church. Jeff stepped down in June after about six years as youth pastor at Kasilof Community Church (KCC), where he also led singing in the worship service. He and Molly were very popular with the youth and all the members of that congregation. Aley’s are currently living in Soldotna and helping Jeff’s dad, who operates a greenhouse. They are also investigating possibilities in future ministry. Nate Smith and his wife, Melissa, have joined KCC, where Nate has become the new youth pastor.

More retirement congratulations go to Pollard Looper Larry Marsh, who just fetched up a retirement from the Department of Fish and Game. A party on his behalf was held July 15 at Johnson Lake. Larry joined “Fish and Feathers” as a temporary employee about 1977. Larry’s wife, Carol, works at Kasilof Post Office.

A wonderful outpouring of Kasilof care was shown at a March fund-raiser for Jamie Leamon. In spite of everything that humans could do, Jamie passed away from cancer. Our sympathy is expressed for Jamie’s mother, Nancy Leamon and their many friends. Nancy has been in Florida where Jamie was receiving treatments. Donations on Jamie’s behalf may be made to Wings Of Life, a non-profit charity. Information on that account will be available at www.JamieLynnLeamon.com. The money will go towards people in the Florida Keys and Alaska that are battling illnesses and need help with their living expenses.

Congratulations are due Ann Letzring, who attended her 50th high school class reunion in Anchorage recently. Ann has been on a role of good luck since a health scare this spring turned out to be less serious than suspected. She also won a trip to Hawaii from an Anchorage car dealership.

Kirsten Alexander of Portland, Oregon plans to be in Kasilof July 26-August 8 to catalogue items in Larry Meyer’s collection of pioneer cabins. She is the niece of Byron Alexander, who formerly owned the Clam Shell Lodge. Kirsten lived in Clam Gulch most of the time between 1977 and 1982. She and Larry Meyer are the parents of 24-year-old Margaret Staggenborg.

One advantage of writing for the Neighbor’s column is having a valid excuse to meet and talk with people in our community who I would not have the privilege of meeting otherwise. I really appreciate it when you are willing to share your family news and events. You just might make someone else’s day by sharing your good news!

I overheard Nancy Jo Pennington telling Christy Drake at the Ninilchik Post Office that she had wonderful trip outside, so I asked her about it. Nancy Jo and her husband Larry celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 28 during their trip to Washington and Oregon. They visited Larry’s 89 year-old mother, Martha Pennington in Washington, then on June 23rd Nancy Jo had a mini reunion with her two brothers and sister and surprised their Aunt Mae Matthews with a party on her 90th birthday. The couple enjoyed meeting up with Mark and Lois Born, formerly of Ninilchik, and the men attended the American Woodworkers Association National Symposium while the gals toured the Oregon coast and attractions around Portland. To top off their memorable trip, they got to meet their first great grandbaby, Hailey Faith. Nancy Jo was beaming as she gave me the brief rundown on her trip.

Happy Birthday to Kody Knox, Phillip Ogren, and Gary Chrisholm today, July 16; Taylor Jule on July 17; Rocky Frank, John Matson, Merrick Jackinsky, and Michelle Chamberlain on July 18; Michael Albee, Diana Frank and Robert Jule on July 1; and Debbie Dahman on July 21.

Willard and Ruthe Bauman will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday, July 21 at the Ninilchik Senior Center. Willard and Ruth were married on April 23, 1957 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and lived most of their lives in the Southwest desert of the United States were Willard served in the United States Air Force. Ruthe said that Willard always put down Alaska as his # 1 choice to move to, but the Air Force never sent him that way. Ruthe told me that after retirement she said to her husband, “Now Willard, you always wanted to go to Alaska, so let’s go!” The couple first came to Ninilchik as tourist in 1990 and moved from Phoenix, Arizona in 1992 to be campground hosts. “When we returned each summer, the closer we got to Ninilchik, the more excited we got,” Ruthe said. “I love the people in Ninilchik and we found such dear friends here–it’s home!” she exclaimed. The Baumans now live in Anchorage in the winter and spend their summers in Ninilchik. Their children, Thomas and Donna Bauman from Florida, Catherine and Thomas Andrew from Colorado, Margaret and Pat Sullivan and Jeannette and Allen Minnihan, from Phoenix, Arizona, will be renting motor homes and enjoying a dinner cruise out of Seward before coming to Ninilchik to celebrate the anniversary. “We are planning to camp at Deep Creek Campground where we can watch the boats launch and take in the million dollar view,” Ruthe said.

From: “Joan Hansen” hansjoan@alaska.net>
To: news@peninsulaclarion.com>
Subject: Kenai Neighbors Column for July 9, 2007
Date: Thursday, July 05, 2007 3:18 AM

safe:morris
. KENAI NEIGHBORS COLUMN for JULY 9, 2007

One of the greatest things about living in a small town is being a part of that town’s traditions. Last week’s Independence Day Parade was one of those distinct pleasures. As is traditional, I packed up a bag of soft drinks and healthy snacks (this year I took bing cherries to offset the tons of candy I knew my grandkids would gather along the parade route), and headed for my favorite parking spot a whole hour early.

It never ceases to amaze me how people support community events in our little town. The streets were lined four and five rows deep with people sporting patriotic colors. Chris Holmes’ little girl even had a pair of starred and striped fairy wings! Of course as is also traditional, two tall guys positioned themselves directly in front of my vehicle just as the parade began, but I could almost see everything.

The parade was great-there were pirates, bikers without helmets roaring down the road in front of all those kids, a jammin’ good Dixieland band, Red-Hatters resplendent in red and purple, a gorgeous carved wooden salmon, Rita Eddy and cohorts marching behind a pickle, and lots of other great entries. Leading them all was the color guard. It was good to see men remove their hats and people put their hands over their hearts to show respect for our flags and our veterans. What a privilege it is to share this holiday with the rest of our nation, and what a blest nation we are. Thanks to everybody who made the day so special for all of us.

Welcome to home to Brandon Goggia, who recently returned from spending his junior year in Nova Andrina, Brazil as a foreign exchange student. His family is thrilled to have him home. Parents Dave and Mary Goggia said he’s grown a lot, gotten even more handsome, and seems glad to get some of his mom’s cooking again.

Also visiting at the Goggia home is Mary Jane Perrucci, here from Oroville, California. She came back with Mary, who had attended a cousin’s reunion there. Mary Jane plans to get out on the river, along with taking in local sights.

Trish Thomson’s sister, Judi Carey, is here visiting from Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Also accompanying her is Teri Martin, from Leo, Indiana. Both gals are teachers. Judi retired this year after teaching middle school art classes for the last 30 years. The ladies visited Mt. McKinley on a perfect, clear day, visited the new museum at University of Alaska Fairbanks, spent some time in Chena Hot Springs and took in the sights all the way back to Kenai. Their adventure afforded what Trish described as “Fabulous photo opportunities” the whole trip. Next plans include a jaunt to Homer and Kodiak. You go, gals.

Happy birthday this week to Kristen Peless on the 11th, Marian Austin and Mollie Kent on the 12th. Happy Anniversary to Dick and Shirley Morgan on the 13th.

The McLane Center museum, run by Kasilof Regional Historical Association (KRHA), will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. this summer. KRHA received a $2,000 grant from the Department of Education, Alaska State Museum to fund staffing for the tourist season. KRHA also planned to bring their building up to code and with the help of Borough Assemblyman Paul Fischer and Peninsula legislators, a $50,000 grant for that purpose was approved by law-makers. Unfortunately, Governor Palin put the kibosh on that plan with a veto.

Jim Truijillo operates Ed’s Kasilof Seafoods, a small fish processing plant on the lower Kasilof River. He also operates a boat take-out. Many guides and other fishers put their boats in at the state boat launch next to the Sterling Highway bridge. No public facility exists downstream to take boats out; an impingement made more inconvenient by the high percentage of drift boats in this section of the Kasilof River. Jim’s father, Ed, bought the property in 1968 from Fred Huebsch. This property was originally Al and Alice Hardy’s fox farm. After Mr. Hardy died, Alice married Heine Berger who put in a freight dock and used the property for home-basing one of Cook Inlets main shipping businesses in the 1930s. Jim Truijillo has become tired of operating the boat take-out. He has been negotiating with the state of Alaska to sell his property and only agreed to operate the take-out in 2007 as a courtesy for them. The state planned to expand the take-out, which Jim has managed to maintain at unobtrusive levels of participation.

Meanwhile, residents of Satori Way wrote a petition asking that their neighborhood not be disturbed by the 400-per-day users they expect to descend on a state-owned river take-out. They are concerned that the landing will be jammed during the personal use gillnet fishery and trespassers will overflow unto private property. Vandalism, litter and environmental damage has occurred near other, similar-state-owned facilities. 100 people signed the petition, but only 20-25 from the neighborhood in question. According to Cindy Smith, a signer, quite a few non-signers in her neighborhood would prefer the state bought other property for this purpose. Property owned and offered by Jackie Swanson being ideal in the sense that it is undeveloped and thus has no neighborhood to disrupt. Cindy Smith believed non-signers of the Satori Way petition withheld their signature out of respect for Jim Truijillo. They may not favor a state-owned take-out in their neighborhood, but thought Jim should be able to do what he wants with his own property. The controversy was postponed when Governor Palin vetoed $3.5 million earmarked for this project.

$75,000 for a columbarium at Spruce Grove Memorial Park and $100,000 for Alaska Berry Growers also went up in ashes under the governor’s veto fire. With the funding of Matanuska Maid in Palmer and a sports center in the Valley, it seems a season of away-from-Wasilla pork chops is a salty cut for blood pressure in Kasilof.

Kasilof Community Church held their 9th annual missionary garage sale June 26-30. Over $4,000 was raised, making it the most successful of these sales. Mary Hutchison spearheaded this year’s event, as she has for many years. The money will go to former Kasilof resident and Tustumena School teacher, Peggy Dancy, who is a missionary in Africa; and funds will also go to missionaries in India who, among other services, provide shelters for elderly people.

Clam digging at Clam Gulch is taking a radical sabbatical. After offering a hundred years or more of clamming without a burp, the beaches have suddenly fetched up a famine. The mollusks are minuscule. The personal use gillnet fishery at the mouth of Kasilof River was a bust this year, with harvests about half of the 2006 level. This fishery and a coho job in Kachemak Bay are the only personal use gillnet fisheries in the state, though subsistence and “educational” gillnet fisheries are abundant. The Kasilof commercial setnet season is off to a slow start but the fish are stocky this season, averaging about three-quarters of a pound heavier than last year.

Pollard Looper, Ann Letzring, attended her 50th high school class reunion in Anchorage last week. Barbara Jewell of Soldotna was among her classmates in attendance. Ann’s husband, Dave, had a chance chat with Governor Palin the same day. Being the main mover of the Kasilof Historical Association he politely pointed out that KRHA is not funded by a city, making loss of the $50,000 grant difficult to replace.

Cohoe pioneer, Dorothy Hermansen, was surprised by her daughters with a recent birthday party. Timing of the event was perhaps the biggest surprise. Dorothy’s birthday is December 4.

The third rodeo in the Cowboy Roundup series that was held at the rodeo grounds in Ninilchik was a success. Rodeo organizer, Shirley Schollenberg reported that the great weather and interest in participating lead to the success of the rodeo. The next rodeo will be held in Soldotna during Progress Days and the final rodeo in the series will be held in Ninilchik during the Kenai Peninsula State Fair.

Participants in the Rodeo Queen and Little Miss Rodeo contests were Sarah Cobb, Aurora Lambert, Heather Schade, Mattie Cobb and Theresa Bitterich. The reigning queen, Tera Schnabl crowned Aurora Lambert as the 2007-08 queen, and the reigning Little Miss, Jenna Mahoney, crowned Mattie Cobb as the 2007-08 Little Miss Rodeo. Mattie Cobb said that she would like to thank her sponsors American Legion Post 18, Anchor Point Seafood and Boat Launch, and National Property Inspections for helping her make her dream come true. Mattie also won a saddle for selling the most rodeo tickets and appreciates the community for their support.

The Trail Blazers’ 4-H Club members were busy at their concession stand during the rodeo and want to thank all who frequented their stand. A big thank you to Buz Buzunis for manning the grill on Saturday. He grilled over 180 hotdogs and hamburgers! The club would especially like to thank Regal Foods and Penny Dunich for supporting 4-H and for donating the buns for the hot dogs and hamburgers.

There is a pre-school swim sponsored by Ninilchik Traditional Council Child Care Program every Friday from 11:00 a.m. until noon at the Ninilchik School pool. Children ages 0 to 5 are welcome and must be accompanied by a parent.

The Ninilchik Health and Wellness Club is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and membership is free. Stretch ‘N Tone toning classes are held on Mon-Wed-Fri from 3:30- 4:30 p.m.

The next Kenai Peninsula State fair board meeting will be held on Thursday, July 12 at 7 p.m. at the community hall at the fairgrounds. There is a vacancy on the fair board and anyone who is interested in serving on the board is encouraged to attend the meeting. For more information concerning this opportunity contact the fair manager, Lara McGinnis at at 567-3670.

The Ninilchik Community Library has a story time and crafts every Tuesday from 2 to 3 p.m. Readers who are signed up in the “Get a Clue” reading contest are encouraged to keep up with their summer reading goals.

The community is invited to attend Ninilchik Traditional Council’s Community Potlatch in memory of David Cooper, Sr. on Saturday, July 14 at 1 p.m. at the educational fishery net number 1 on Ninilchik beach north of Ninilchik River. For questions call 567-3313.

The Pizza To Go fundraiser for the Ninilchik Lady Wolverines basketball team has moved from Ninilchik School to the fairgrounds for the month of July. You may now order pizza to go on Tuesdays as well as Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m. You are encouraged to call ahead to place your order at 398-9095.

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