The Chilkat Valley News, Haines Alaska

	Serving Haines and Klukwan since 1966

	Volume XL Number 9 March 4, 2010

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Letters to the Editor

Laphams grateful for town’s concern

Pete and I are humbled by the outpouring of prayers and thoughts and kind words from all of you. Your prayers and kind thoughts were our saving grace during some very unsure days. We never thought we would be on the receiving end of such a wonderful town. We are back home and will be able to take chemotherapy in Juneau every two weeks. Pete does have cancer although at this time the doctors are unsure of its source. That is not an unusual diagnosis. We have wonderful doctors and family and friends, and along with our faith in God, we know we will persevere through this test in our lives. Thank you for caring. Thank you for taking us into your thoughts and prayers.

Pete and Diana Lapham

Withhold judgment on Connelly Lake

After a former CVN reporter moved Outside, he wrote that Haines was "hell" due to the impossibility of reason – because of a culture that celebrates dissent in defiance of the law, historical fact and coherent value outside of self-interest. Such commentary disappoints me. I believe Haines has many people dedicated to helping each other and working for the common good.

We are faced with an issue that could add credence to the above commentary.

At issue is how to develop alternative energy that will enable us to get off oil without harm to the environment and provide sufficient energy to fill present and future needs.

A study on heating municipal buildings with wood hasn’t provided sufficient information to make a decision. AP&T is studying hydro from Schubee and Connelly lakes to determine their effects on our environment and economy. Studies may take another year. We should wait on this report before taking a position, and not allow ourselves to become polarized.

Our combined hydro plants have a peak load ability of five megawatts. AP&T estimates to heat all homes in Haines and Skagway will double this load. If electric cars are factored in, the load triples. The only alternative may be to wait on the extension of the Southeast Intertie. We have a lot to learn before we speak.

They say a dog is a man’s best friend. They always wag their tails instead of their tongues before they decide to stay, run or growl. We should follow their example.

John J. Schnabel

Preschool says thanks for dough sales

The Chilkat Valley Preschool would like to thank all the businesses and individuals who generously donated prizes to make our raffle possible this year. We would also like to thank the many supporters who purchased cookie dough and raffle tickets from us. The preschool greatly depends on fundraising each year and this community helps make it possible. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Melissa Ganey
Chilkat Valley Preschool

Brouillette family grateful for dinner

On behalf of my family, I would like extend many thanks for the dinner, the auctions and the donations for my uncle Charlie Brouillette. It was very generous and delicious. I’d like to thank everyone who participated.

Della Brouillette