I am grateful to receive a commission for artwork for the new school. My design, a 32-inch bench, includes etched-glass images of eagles, ravens, and salmon. I was asked by Cheryl Stickler, selection committee member, to revise my design to include Tlingit-style animals, to signify the two cultures working side by side. I am undecided, as my contract does not call for this, but I would hope to please the community.

After seeing the two-story front-corner windows on paper, I had planned to propose etching a life-sized totem in the glass. I mentioned this at a design committee meeting and was told that this is a problem; white people copy Tlingit designs without the respect to ask permission. Mr. Ackerman pointedly stated the same in the CVN recently.

I am guilty. I have used Native designs in my art, which I create to make a living. I never intended disrespect. Quite the opposite. I am in awe of Native American spiritual beliefs and respect for nature. America’s founders adopted the democratic system from the Iroquois and we would benefit greatly by adopting more Native American views of life. I think schools should require reading Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, a history of the systematic annihilation of America’s Natives by Europeans.

That said, if anyone objects to the inclusion of Tlingit-style designs in this project, please call me, 766-2707. I will take the lack of response as permission to consider the possibility.

Donna Catotti

I want to thank all of the people that were there for Michael and Frank on July 12. You all did a great job. I want to thank the border guard who happened to be coming in and helped the boys. I also want to thank the Coast Guard and Guardian flight for taking good care of our kids. I understand where Connie Ward is coming from about scaring our children from drinking and driving, but as a mom of a child that was in that car – I don’t want to see that car every day. And neither does Michael. He is paying dearly for being in that car. He knows he messed up and I don’t think he needs to be reminded of it every day. Again, thank you to everyone at the clinic and ambulance and thank you to all who asked about Michael. We really appreciate it.

Robin Penwell

In last week’s Chilkat Valley News police report, a caller inquired what to do with a baby owl that had fallen out of a tree and was now in the caller’s sweater pocket. Early every summer we seem to have a few "baby wildlife" episodes. Chances are that the baby owl was only beginning to learn to fly. The best action to take would have been to set it out of harm’s way in a nearby bush or tree. Momma owl was probably nearby ready to give a more successful flying lesson. The caller was lucky he didn’t find a pair of angry momma owl talons digging into his scalp. Baby wildlife usually are not lost. Our best intentions can interfere drastically with wildlife parents’ efforts to care for their young. They know how! Let baby wildlife remain in their habitat. Diana Kelm

Thank you, one and all, for the words of comfort sent my way through e-mail, cards and phone calls regarding the death of Ron. The article detailing his life and ministry was so awesome. Thank you, Heather. His memorial service on June 21st in Caldwell was special as the Chaplain for the Special Forces Association spoke as did the Latino pastor from our church. Our sons, Kevin and Kyle, shared life’s special experiences with Ron in the Lower 48 as well as fishing in Alaska. Players from grandson Brett’s All- Star baseball team attended to honor "Baseball Grandpa." His interment at Willamette National Cemetery on July 11th was very special...flag ceremony, taps, gun salute, the presentation to me of the folded flag and casings from the gun salute, and the attendance of many men and women to whom we had ministered was a great honor to who Ron was. Ron was my best friend, my soul mate and I miss him exceedingly, but I know he is enjoying the presence of the Lord. We were blessed to have lived in Haines and have you as friends. Thanks for accepting and loving us.

All my love,

Marva Crecelius   

I find it embarrassing and improper, if not illegal, that Borough of Haines police require tow companies to tow, store, and dispose of junk car impounds at their own expense and time.

When I operated a tow truck in Haines, I was told by the police department that if I wanted to be called out on the accidents, I would have to tow impounded junks and store or dispose of them.

A current operator recently had to retrieve a vehicle from a river, costing five hours’ pay to a helper, as well as his own gas, time, storage and disposal. All this for a junk car that will never be claimed, or paid for, and a large financial loss for him. These add up when you do three in two weeks from the same person abandoning their vehicles in public areas.

Hopefully with the new chief, this policy will change. Every city I have ever lived in either has a city tow truck or a contract with a tow company so the company is paid for its time, fuel, and efforts. (Juneau puts out a contract every three years for towing impounds to its yard. A charge is tacked onto vehicle registrations to pay for it.)

Haines could develop a lot to store impounds, put a contract out for bid, pay the tow company, then recoup its expenses when drivers reclaim their cars. Junks that companies are required to "eat" cause financial difficulty for them and increased charges for you.

Bruce Hale

The times are changing. The "signs" as they say, are all around us. Just recently, witnesses have observed herds of sea lions attacking and mortally wounding a lone killer whale. Then, just further up the Chilkat River, a bear hauls a net up on the bank of the river, pulling his salmon catch out of the net as he goes along. Then, this same bear digs a hole and buries his catch. And finally, a young Tlingit man speaks out.

As Tlingit, we need to return to the encouragement and unity described in our history and legend. Indeed, according to both our history and legend, it is important to first recognize, then acknowledge, any harm we may feel subject to. And stand beside those amongst us who would speak the right words protecting our well-being.

Where more recent immigrants are concerned, it is not enough to merely offer an apology for past unjust and illegal practices. Our rights, as Native people of this country, are continuously disregarded, and our morale is low. We must take action to protect ourselves and our way of life.

Please do stop plagiarizing our ideas, our history, and our legends. Alaska Native Brotherhood, Central Council, and Chilkoot Indian Association encourage and support those programs that reassure the preservation of our traditions.

Yes, times are changing. The sea lion’s boldness and the bear’s preparation of things to come are noted. We ,too, should prepare and work together, heedful of those things to come as well. Tommy Jimmie, Daaxkoowdein

I would like to thank John Floreske and Northern Construction for the donation of infield material for the softball fields.

Tomi Scovill

A big heartfelt thank you to all who participated in the Canal Marine/Oceanside RV fourth annual barbecue. It was a record-breaking turnout. Whether you volunteered your help or just ate and enjoyed the music, we thank you all. Special thanks to Alaska Meat and Grocery for use of their smoker, and Simon and the rest of the crew for helping get our order together; Fishpickers for fabulous music and entertainment; the Pioneer Bar for the beer garden and Christal and Carrie for serving with a smile; Ed Lapeyri for the salmon; Terry Pardee for the crab; KHNS, CVN and Radio Shack Haines TV for their very important part; new residents Cheryl and Bill McRoberts for their helping hands; Howsers for all the extras; my nieces and nephews from Juneau for sharing their only day to visit shucking, chopping, slicing and dicing; our own crew, Ben and Ruth Fairall, Timmy Banks, Kerry and I. Hope I didn’t leave anyone out. It takes all of us to help one another to make a great success. We will be presenting a check to Rainbow Glacier Camp, Emblem Club presidents’ travel fund and 2009 Fireworks. We enjoyed having dinner with you. Thank you again for making our barbecue such a big success. See you next year.

Kerry and Joyce Town

This year’s record-breaking KHNS marathon Fund Drive was a huge success due to the efforts of so many people and businesses, too many to list. Special thanks goes to the LCB board of directors, marathon Captain Dan Henry, the KHNS staff and the countless volunteers and community members that came together to solicit the financial support needed to maintain the station for its 29th year. The positive energy and the overwhelming support from both Skagway and Haines reinforce the vital role public radio plays in communities all across the U.S., especially rural Alaska. On behalf of the Lynn Canal Broadcasting board of directors and the KHNS staff, we sincerely thank all 620 members and look forward to serving, entertaining and informing you, the very special residents of the Upper Lynn Canal, for years to come.

Judy Erekson

General Manager-KHNS

In the past four years, fuel prices in Haines have risen from $2.02 to $5.00 a gallon for diesel. Included is an increase in sales tax from 11 cents to 27 cents. Sales tax on a 200-gallon fill-up of fuel oil is now about $55. Requests that the Haines Borough Assembly address this issue have fallen on deaf ears. The revenue collected from fuel sales tax last year was reported to be $420,000. Factoring in another 40 percent increase in fuel cost this year would amount to $588,000. This is an increase of $168,000. We are told that the borough also has increased fuel costs ($60,000 partially reimbursed by the state), leaving a $108,000 windfall to the borough.

 Tax collection in Haines has become akin to plucking a goose, where the objective is to get the most amount of feathers before the goose squawks. Well, the nearly naked goose is now about to squawk. Please join the fuel tax relief initiative and help us reduce fuel costs starting in October.

The problem is not lack of revenue, but rather wasteful spending, as exemplified in Mayor Shields’ borough manager termination fiasco, costs for which are now approaching $40,000. Yet we are again back at square one and re-advertising.

Al Kelly

Congratulations, thanks and kudos to director Alanna Malone, her staff, the stage crew and the wonderful cast for the marvelous production of Alice in Wonderland! The costumes were amazing – that caterpillar! – and the actors from the tiniest to the tallest played their roles well to an appreciative audience. I’m glad I was part of it.