I would like to take this opportunity to extend an apology to all residents at 18 Mile that were affected when our contracted Last Frontier Air Ventures Helicopter departed for Sutton, Alaska on Monday, April 21st. I spoke with Mr. Whitermore regarding this and have extended an apology, and this letter is to make sure all of you have been addressed. It is not Southeast Alaska Backcountry Adventures’ practice to fly outside of regular flight patterns. The pilot was following a programmed flight path to return to the LFAV base and told me that it wasn’t his intent to fly maliciously, or close to any residences, but that he was simply following the flight path he had developed.

I feel that this season was a big season for growth. At one point there we had four companies, three permitted, flying six different helicopters in the Borough of Haines, ranging in color from yellow (three birds) to red (one bird) to gray (two birds) and that we all do our best to try to keep to the least imposing airspace as we can. Often times FAA procedure and congestion at heliports lead to a change in flight patterns. Please, we hope that this apology and explanation of operations will help elevate some question and concerns. Please, if you have more, feel free to call 907-314-0445. Thank you.

Scott Sundberg

Please don’t rescind the statute that allows kids in bars until 10 p.m. In our case, at the Pioneer, we serve families all day long in the bar. The main reason we went smoke-free was because of our kids. Now they can wait tables with us in the restaurant and bar. We have employees whose kids meet them after school in the bar.

Regarding early closure, we have many customers who work all day in tourism and don’t come out until after 10 p.m. In our case we serve food until 11 p.m. in the summer and like to schedule bands after food service is through. The assembly has been approving restaurant and eating place licenses without much discussion, even adding a license not based on population growth, but simply the expansion of our city border. These inexpensive licenses cut deeply into our bottom line. If hours are cut, it would take away the one niche we have left and devalue beverage dispensary licenses.

I understand the concern; however, we have great incentive to keep our patrons safe, as we are liable for their actions.

Christy Tengs Fowler

With electric and gas prices going up, it’s time the folks of Haines stop bickering with each other and do something! Fact is that there are wind generators now far more efficient than 10 years ago. These machines can withstand hurricane force winds and produce power from just 5 mph winds.

Then we also have large tidal fluctuations that could produce power; thus tidal energy. Also sewer and other bio waste can be used to produce methane gas, to run combustion engines. There is geothermal energy as well.

A post on the hainesgardenersfarmers.blog.com suggests an energy co-op, a good read! Bottom line: We can keep watching our cash vanish in higher energy costs, or we can do something about it! Or are the conservatives and liberals just going to bicker and get zero done? Imagine paying 25 cents a kilowatt-hour or paying 9 cents a kilowatt-hour, or paying almost $100 in gas to fill your truck, compared to $30 for methane.

Bill Archer

It’s been another wonderful year with the Haines Dolphins Swim Team. First and foremost, a big thank-you to all the swimmers, from the littlest pre-C to the oldest. Squad members’ smiling faces and hard work are what this team is all about. Thank you to coach Steve Vick who focused on the success to be had throughout the season rather than dwelling on the frustration of having a late start due to pool repairs.

The challenge gave him the opportunity to shine and he set a good example to the athletes as he led them to overcome this obstacle as well.

It was a pleasure working with the entire coaching staff and gracious swim team parents, especially Becky Chapin, Dwight Downer, and Scott Bradford, who remained optimistic and supportive throughout the entire season and worked hand in hand with the staff at the Haines pool.

Kudos to Tammy Piper, who spearheaded the Haines Glacier Bear Swim Team, set to begin August of 2008.

We appreciate you all and look forward to the sound of thunder as the kids hit the water at the start of next season.

RaeAnn Galasso

Dolphin parent and pool manager

The rain subsided and the sun came out for the third annual Spring Fling held at the Klondike Saloon on Friday. Guests enjoyed barbecue, music by the Fishpickers, dancing and horseshoes. Maybe spring has found its way to Haines!

On behalf of the Southeast Alaska State Fair, I would like to thank everyone who made our membership party a huge success! I would especially like to thank Doug Olerud for bringing the grill and persevering through technical difficulties to get the chicken cooked! I would also like to thank all the volunteers who helped bring it all together. The fair raised more than $7,000, including many new memberships.

Don’t forget that it’s never too late to join the fair. Our membership numbers help show community support when the fair seeks grants and other assistance from funding agencies and organizations. Also, members are eligible for fair passes and discounts. For more information, please call 766-2476.

Kelly Hostetler