October 2013 - Page 7 of 9

Sitka to test wind power

In the middle of building the most expensive hydro project in the community’s history, the assembly took a few minutes at its last meeting (10-7-13) to look at some comparatively inexpensive energy. It gave the Electric Department the go-ahead to work with the Alaska Energy Authority on a wind power test.

Ferry staff repairing LeConte generator

The ferry LeConte is on schedule to return to service Tuesday, Oct. 8. The small ship was out of service Oct. 6-7 due to a generator failure.

Scientist visits Keet Gooshi Heen 4th graders

How do you teach kids about the connection between macroinvertebrates and watershed health -- and make a lasting impression? Enlist a passionate marine ecologist to bring in real bugs, and give students the tools to study real science.

Rural determination hearing pits size vs. lifestyle

The federal subsistence board is taking another look at the criteria for deciding whether or not an Alaskan community is rural. Rural designation is a key step in granting subsistence priority to a community. Subsistence users, for instance, can harvest halibut on longlines, or dipnet sockeye, or hunt for deer after the closure of the sport season, if they live in a federally-designated rural community. Without it, residents have to follow sport rules and bag limits, which are typically much lower. At a hearing in Sitka late last month, residents testified unanimously in support of the community's "rural characteristics."

Sitka fish processor recalls two years’ worth of product

A Sitka seafood processor has recalled two-year’s worth of product, after a state inspection revealed that monitoring equipment had failed. The US Food and Drug Administration announced the recall by Big Blue Fisheries on September 30. It covers all vacuum-packed smoked fish produced by Big Blue -- for the last two years.

Salmon in the stream

Videographer Liz McKenzie recently sent us this fish-eye view of pink salmon in the Indian River, in downtown Sitka. It's easy to see how pinks come by their nickname: humpies. 2013 was a record year for pink salmon returns in Southeast Alaska, and a few are still arriving! To learn more about the role pink salmon play in the food cycle, visit the Encounters website, with host Richard Nelson.

It’s Not Too Late!

Thank you to all who donated money, time and good cheer to make Raven Radio's One Day Fall Drive such a success! Although we raised a record amount of money for the One Day Fall Drive, we are still a little short of our goal. It's not too late for you to help. If you haven't made your contribution to Raven Radio yet, now is the time!

Fri Oct 4, 2013

Gov. Parnell holds the line on Obamacare. Marine scientist brings watershed ecology into the classroom. ATIA conference to bring 400 attendees to Sitka next week.

Parnell: Still holding the line on Obamacare

Gov. Sean Parnell has not backed away from his position on the Affordable Care Act, even though the law -- commonly known as Obamacare -- entered a new stage of implementation this week. The governor scheduled an interview KCAW following his address to the Sitka Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday. On our Facebook page, we gave listeners the chance to submit questions. Most wanted to know how he felt about the Affordable Care Act.