Nelbert Niemi, a veteran river guide who trained guides here for decades, died Tuesday in a car wreck in Utah. Son Lars Niemi of Flagstaff, Ariz. said Nelbert was driving a truck pulling a trailer with boats about seven miles north of Cameron when his vehicle crossed the center-line. It rolled several times. Niemi was 83. Survivors include son Lars and daughter Elise Kampfer, of Eugene, Ore. Services are pending.
Nolan Woodard, the owner of Alpenglow Pizza, and brother Austin Woodard had three visitors this week. Their mother, Tammy Iund-Woodard, and grandparents Diana Iund and Russ Iund came for a week-long visit from Washington and got a lesson in making wood-fired pizza at the business Nolan has owned since April. Mom fondly remembers Nolan first learning to throw dough at age five, after which he told her his dream of owning a pizza shop. Now, at age 28, his dream has come true. “He first learned to cook from his dad,” said Tammy. “And, after his dad passed away, his grandfather. We all learned how to cook from Poppa.” The grandparents expressed their love of the Haines community, and how connected they feel to Haines. Diana is a part of the “Happening in Haines” Facebook page and said she now wants a subscription to the Chilkat Valley News. The family stayed at Bear Creek Camp during their visit, one of Donna Catotti’s local rentals. They said their stay was “Absolutely fantastic.” Before the family headed home, the restaurant featured “Papa’s (Russ Iund’s) Famous Potato Soup.” The soup sold out.
John and Lynn Nowak caught sight of a pod of orcas within 100 feet of the shoreline in Lutak Inlet. As they were driving near Salmon Run Campground they noticed several cars parked in a pullout with their cameras and “coffee-can lenses” out. They joined the onlookers and said that the orcas remained within easy viewing distance for at least 20 minutes. The sighting included one large male, three cows and a calf. “We figured they had a school of cohos they were busy eating,” said Lynn. “Where we live we are over the water, so we do see them, but usually in the spring…and usually not this close to the shore!”
Haines residents Lex Treinen, Nakeshia Diop and Lucy Nieboer took a trip to Juneau to attend the Aakw’ Rock concert in September. Lex bought a raffle ticket at the event, and won two round-trip tickets to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies. The raffle tickets cost $50, and he purchased one of the last tickets sold that day. Lex says he will likely use the tickets to take a trip to Mexico.
The Haines Farmers Market recently hosted the last open-air sale of the season. During the last several weeks, a newly donated apple press made its debut. The press was donated for community use by the Menaker Family. Nelle and Larry Jurgeleit helped with the apple press, as locals were encouraged to bring their apples for pressing. Vija Pelekis, owner of Camino and one of the market organizers, said it was the best season she’s seen in the past four years. There were a handful of new vendors, lots of returning vendors, and a good turn-out of consistent shoppers. Sierra Clark managed the weekly market. “She did a really great job,” said Pelekis. . She also mentioned there might be some winter markets this year — and if not, the farmers market will return in June.
Paul Carpenter won a raffle for a sizable gold nugget at the Dirty Gerties Saloon and Casino event, during last weekend’s Gold Fever Festival. He was “flabbergasted” when he received the call from Suzy Waterhouse informing him of his win. However, rather than keeping the gold for himself, the winner has decided to donate the nugget to the community. “All I did was buy a lottery ticket,” said Paul. “It was mined up at Porcupine — it’s a local resource — and it should stay in the community. It needs to do good here.” Paul said he will be donating the nugget to Friends of the Library.
Helen Alten’s Facebook account was hacked this past week and the hacker began posting items for sale on Facebook Marketplace, impersonating her through messages and sales posts. Helen said she kept getting phone calls regarding a car she had posted for sale — but there was no such car. “The hacker also keeps saying we are moving,” said Helen. “They say my husband got a promotion, or a new job – and that’s why we are moving — we are not moving!” The real Helen advises Facebook users to report the fraudulent sales posts – and to please not buy anything or respond to contact from her, as she is not currently using Facebook.