Information from the Chilkat Valley News July 23, 2009

Alaska Power and Telephone is proposing to raise residential and commercial electric bills 9 percent next month to offset increased operations, maintenance, and customer service costs, and may increase rates an additional 4 percent next year. The company has not adjusted its electric rates or customer charge since 2004. Combined with an energy charge next month of 8.5 cents, customers will pay about 22 cents per kilowatt-hour under the new rates.

Due to vandalism incidents over the last several weekends the Borough assembly recently discussed re-enstating the curfew. Over the last weekend there were several incidents of vandalism that total approximately $10. 10 flower boxes, two wooden stools, a garbage can , and a hand cart were smashed at the Port Chilkoot Dock, two windows were broken at the visitor center information booth on the dock and 4 fishing rods were stolen off a boat in the harbor. On Sunday vandals smashed a window of the senior citizen center transport van and broke a small window at the public library. The crimes appear to be related and evidence collected at the scenes included fingerprints, shoe prints, and alcohol bottles. (The local curfew requires youths under age 18 to be home by 10 pm on weekdays during the school year and by midnight on weekends and during the summer.) There has also been recent damage at a native cemetery at 4 Mile.

During the 3 day opening for commercial chum fishing last week a total harvest of 360,000 fish were harvested. (This includes Limestone Inlet and Gastineau Channel at Juneau and Lynn Canal at Haines.) Chum caught in Lynn Canal are averaging 7.6 pounds each compared to 10 pounds last year. Lynn Canal sockeye weigh an average 6.9 pounds. Chum are smaller this year throughout southeast. This last happened in 2003. The cause is said to be ocean conditions. "Something's having an impact on their food source and they're not getting as much to eat as they should." There are about 20 boats focused on chum at Haines. The lower numbers are because of gear restrictions and area closures to protect a depressed Chilkoot run (Bob's lake). As of Tuesday only 12,500 reds have passed Chilkoot weir this year compared to 22,317 by this week, on average for the past 10 years.

Alaska Indian Arts of Haines recently finished their largest totem pole in about 25 years. The pole took two years to finish. It is a one-ton cedar and is 35 foot tall. The totem was ordered by Texas real estate magnate and Replublican party benefactor Harlan Crow who owns one of the world's largest private collections of statues. The pole is valued at $100,000 and will go up at Camp Topridge, a summer estate in upstate New York.

Police Report for the Week of July 23:

Tuesday July 14
Police received a complaint about a truck and trailer blocking half of a road in Fort Seward.
Thursday July 16
Police helped a motorist who stalled at second ave and Old Haines Highway.
A caller reported a moose swimming near crab pots in front of a beachside RV Park.
Saturday July 18
A caller reported a vehicle stolen. Police discovered the caller's child had loaned out the car.
A caller reported hearing gunshots near the Mount Riley Trail.
A vehicle was reported in a ditch at 5 Mile with air bags deployed and only a dog inside.
Troopers made contact with the driver.
A large cottonwood tree was reported in the road at 20 Mile.
A caller reported a bear charged their vehicle at 4 Mile and were concerned for the safety of
people who had a car parked there.
Sunday July 19
An injured hawk was taken to the eagle foundation.
A caller reported a neighbor using a burn barrel. Police found no fire.
A caller reported a person smoking fish. Police said it was legal.
A caller reported a three foot deep hole in the sidewalk on Main Street across from the bank.
Police contacted Public Works.
An agency reported concern for an overdue pilot. Police checked on the pilot, who was at home.
Monday July 20
A caller reported a person lying on the ground in a pullout on Lutak Road. Police gave the intoxicated person a ride home.