Aleutians East Borough “In the Loop” for June 2014

In the Loop – May 31, 2014

Aleutians East Borough: In The Loop – April 16th, 2014

In the Loop – April 16, 2014

Aleutians East Borough’s “In The Loop” for 2/2/2014

Download Aleutians East Borough‘s “In The Loop” for 2/2/2014.

Headlines:
– Medevac in King Cove Highlights Critical Need for Road to Cold Bay Airport
– “Reclaim Alaska” Effort Gains Momentum in Sand Point – Next Meeting Planned for March 10th
– Helicopter Service Replaces Hovercraft in Akutan
– Boeing Dreamliner 787-9 Practices Cross Wind Landings in Cold Bay
– Harold “Hap” Kremer Promoted to Cold Bay Airport Manager
– SWAMC’s 2014 Economic Summit and Membership Meeting – Accessing Opportunity

AEB’s In the Loop for Dec. 6, 2013

Download the latest edition of Aleutians East Borough’s In the Loop for Dec. 6, 2013 (pdf).

Previous editions can be downloaded here.

Headlines:
– Recent Storm Destroys Nelson Lagoon Breakwater

– Delta Airlines Thanks Cold Bay for Warm Welcome during Emergency Landing Visit

– Sand Point Seal & Temporary Alaska Sealife Center Resident Moves to New England Aquarium

– Borough Promotes AEB Harbors, Infrastructure at Seattle’s Pacific Marine Expo

– City of Akutan Hires Mary Tesche as New Assistant Administrator

– EAT Affordable Care Update

– UAF’s Interior-Aleutians Campus Appreciates Shawn Dickson’s Years of Service

– PSP-Tainted Sand Lance Project

AEB’s In the Loop – March 14, 2013

Download Aleutians East Borough‘s “In the Loop” for March 14, 2013 (pdf)

Contents:

City Selects Contractor for Sand Point Harbor Rehab Design

King Cove Residents Await Decision on Proposed Road after Meeting with Interior Secretary

2013 AK Board of Fisheries Area M Roundup
By Ernie Weiss, AEB Natural Resources Director
Previously Published in Fish News on March 5, 2013

Highlights from the SWAMC Conference

March Madness Sweeps over King Cove as the T-Jacks gear up for the 1A Boys Championship!

& More!

AEB: “Fish News” & “In The Loop” – Nov. 21, 2012

Download the latest editions of “Fish News” & “In The Loop” for Nov. 21, 2012 at the links below.

Fish News from the Aleutians East Borough.
http://www.aleutianseast.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={B388C2C4-EB51-4A47-A306-D19D32B2EE6F}

“In The Loop” from the Aleutians East Borough.

In the Loop 10/30/12

Special Election To Be Held in Sand Point for Small Boat Harbor Rehabilitation
The City of Sand Point will be holding a Special Election next month. In addition to the regular November 6th state and national ballots, the City will have a ballot that asks the citizens of Sand Point whether they approve applying for bond funding to help rehabilitate the Robert E. Galovin Small Boat Harbor.
The City is moving ahead with the design and expects to have the project ready to build next summer. A $5 million grant from the Department of Transportation (DOT) was awarded to the City for this project. That money must be matched dollar-for-dollar, with ‘non-state’ funding.
The Aleutians East Borough has promised $2 million to help with the match requirement. Therefore, the City is seeking the remaining funds through a General Obligation (GO) bond.
The wording on the Special Election ballot will read:
For more information about the project, please contact one of your City Council members, Mayor Gundersen, City Administrator Paul Day or call the City office at (907) 383-2696.

Agencies Solicit Comments from Public on Proposed Cold Bay Airport Improvement Project
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT) and the FAA are soliciting comments and information on a proposed project to improve the Cold Bay Airport. The project improvements are needed because the main runway is worn, uneven and lacks adequate runway lighting. In addition, there is no apron or taxiway to serve the new terminal building built by the Aleutians East Borough (AEB) in 2008. The AEB strongly supports this project, including having committed $225,000 for the design of the apron/taxiway and securing $2,000,000 from the State of Alaska FY2013 Designated Legislative Grant for Apron and Taxiway construction. FAA regulations prohibit visual obstructions within the runway visibility zone (RVZ). The AEB terminal was built outside of this zone in accordance to those regulations. The terminal currently accommodates the Cold Bay offices of the FAA and NWS, but the terminal portion of the building has remained mostly vacant, lacking an apron/taxiway.
A proposed new Cold Bay clinic would be constructed near the new apron, making this project a potential health and safety necessity. In addition, this project is expected to boost the local and regional economy. For example, there is an initiative to transport locally-caught live crab and other fresh and frozen seafood to China directly from Cold Bay. The terminal and connecting apron/taxiway would play a large part in the success of that plan.

Cold Bay and King Cove Become Tsunami-Ready and Storm-Ready
On Sept. 28, 2012, the City of Cold Bay became the ninth community in the State of Alaska to become TsunamiReady and Storm Ready. A day later, the City of King Cove became the tenth community in the state to earn these two important designations.
StormReady, a program started in 1999 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, helps arm America’s communities with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property–before and during the event. StormReady helps community leaders and emergency managers strengthen local safety programs “Alaskans must be aware of the threat of distant tsunamis and be prepared and ready in the case of a locally-generated one,” said Aimee Devaris, acting regional director of the National Weather Service Alaska Region. “It is critically important that people recognize nature’s warning signs that a tsunami may be imminent, such as intense ground shaking, the ocean roaring, or the ocean suddenly retreating. The TsunamiReady program emphasizes the planning, education and awareness necessary for communities to minimize the risks to lives and livelihoods from tsunamis and other coastal hazards.”
StormReady communities are better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather through advanced planning, education and awareness. No community is storm proof, but StormReady can help communities save lives.
Since June 20, 2001, TsunamiReady has helped community leaders and emergency managers strengthen their local operations. TsunamiReady communities are better prepared to save lives through better planning, education and awareness. Communities have fewer fatalities and property damage if they plan before a tsunami arrives. No community is tsunami proof, but TsunamiReady can help minimize loss to your community. “The leadership in King Cove and Cold Bay has been instrumental in their communities becoming TsunamiReady,” said John Madden, director of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “Motivated local emergency managers are critical to the development and implementation of the plans, warning capabilities and public education necessary to be recognized as TsunamiReady.”

King Cove’s Recoverable Heat Project
Provides Tremendous Savings
The King Cove School has completed a full year using the City’s recoverable heat, saving over 22,000 to 24,000 gallons of fuel. That translates to an impressive $96,000 in savings for the Aleutians East Borough School District.
Part II of this project, which started in the spring of 2012 and has now been completed as of September 2012, consists of providing recoverable heat to the Clinic, professional building and Aleutian Housing Authority (AHA) housing. There are 16 families that will be benefitting from this heat savings. The annual fuel savings from these facilities should be about 20,000 gallons. With the cost of fuel at over $4.00/gallon, this resulted in a tremendous financial savings of approximately $80,000.
The recoverable heat is piped out of the King Cove powerhouse from the electric boiler.
The Alaska Energy Authority, with the assistance of King Cove’s public works and electric departments, assisted with installation of the required piping during the summer months. The boilers in these facilities were retrofitted to use this recoverable heat.
The City of King Cove’s administration is very pleased to be able to provide this recoverable heat to these facilities and help save the environment from the fuel emissions.

Nelson Lagoon Launches Integrated Solid Waste/Recycling Program
The Nelson Lagoon Environmental Department has initiated a new recycling program this fall. Stackable recycling bins have been distributed to nearly all of the homes and businesses, free of charge. The program requires residents to separate out aluminum, steel and glass. The aluminum and glass will be stored for back haul. Once people are used to separating these items, the Environmental Department plans to include all plastics.
About 20+ homes and businesses are involved with the program so far. The EPA Indian General Assistance Program (IGAP) is funding the program for the first couple of years. After that, it is expected to be fully sustainable by the community.
The IGAP program has also funded a salary for a Solid Waste Manager position, 6 days a week.

Crews Repair Nelson Lagoon’s
Safe Water Transmission Line
Workers finished repairing a sizable length of eroded water transmission line earlier this month. The washed out line was located approximately 5 miles down the beach, southwest of the village and halfway to the community water supply.
The crew (John Nelson Jr. and Emanuel Johnson) reburied the pipe (500 fathoms deep) after making the repairs. Nelson Jr. and Johnson got the job done for a remarkably low cost compared to similar but smaller jobs done within the community in the past. The residents of Nelson Lagoon would like to thank the two men for doing such a great job!

Crews Complete Weatherization Project, Structural Repairs to Home of Nelson Lagoon Elder
Thanks to funding from the Aleutian Housing Authority (AHA) and the Indian Community Development Block Grant Program (ICDBG), Richard Johnson Sr.’s home will be much better equipped to withstand the long winters in Nelson Lagoon. Not only will the home be more be less expensive to heat, it will also be more comfortable and safer.
The crew (Ernest Mobeck, Glen Nelson, Darren Johnson and Craig Rysewick of Nelson Lagoon) began the work this fall. They repaired structural damage and weatherized the home for better energy efficiency. The work included residing the lower portion of the house, replacing insulation, closing up the leakage in the walls, rebuilding the entry deck and railing to the stairway and landing, installing a new boiler, replacing the shower enclosure in the main bathroom upstairs and installing a bathroom fan. The work took approximately five weeks. The labor consisted of an all-local crew except for the boiler installation.
“The weatherization program is a great program for rural Alaska,” said AHA project manager John Santos. “AHA has done a huge amount of work in a large area of need.”
AHA is one of several agencies that work through Alaska Housing Finance, which administers the weatherization program.
“It’s making a huge difference throughout the area,” Santos added.
Santos said structural repairs needed to be completed on Johnson’s house before the weatherization work could make a difference. Construction materials were freighted from Seattle to Port Moller. From there, a tender transported the materials to Nelson Lagoon. The crew started work last month and finished up earlier this week. Santos will be making a trip out to the community next month to do a final inspection on the home.
“After the weatherization program is completed, we often hear people say that they’re using 20 to 40 percent less fuel to heat their homes,” Santos said. “That’s a substantial savings. When you can do something that cuts the heating cost nearly in half, make the house more comfortable and nicer to live in, that’s a good thing.”

Sand Point’s Police Chief Shoemaker Moves On
After serving as the Chief of Police for the City of Sand Point for the past 9+ years, Chief Van (Joe) Shoemaker caught the last ferry of the season and has headed to warmer climates. Originally from North Carolina, Van is ‘going home’, primarily to be closer to his aging mother. Although he never completely lost his southern accent, having spent over 25 years in Alaska both in the military and law enforcement has ‘helped’ him in that regard.
Hunting and fishing, especially for halibut, are things he is going to miss about Sand Point – that, and the people living in our community.
“I know it may sound corny, but I truly enjoyed helping the people that needed my help,” said Chief Shoemaker.
His future plans include continued working in the law-enforcement field and fishing.
We want to thank Chief Shoemaker for always trying to do the right thing for our community, and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.
John Lucking is serving as the Acting Chief of Police for Sand Point.

Update from the AEB Natural Resources Department
By Ernie Weiss, AEB Natural Resources Director
AFN 2012 Annual Convention Resolutions of fisheries interest
The Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Convention met at the Dena’ina Center October 18 – 20. The delegates adopted 43 resolutions out of 44 presented. The rules were not suspended to allow for resolutions from the floor.
Resolution 12 – 20 Reduction of Chinook, Chum and Salmon Species Bycatch in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska Pollock Fishery and in the Russian Economic Zone (submitted by AVCP)
ï‚· Protect salmon to ensure sustainable harvests
ï‚· Request NPFMC review Amendment 91 to the BSAI groundfish FMP in light of the 2010 genetic stock identification (GSI) (Amendment 91 set Chinook Bycatch at 60,000 in BSAI)
ï‚· Request NPFMC work with CDQ groups to reduce bycatch, and possibly reduce and/or eliminate October/November fishing.
ï‚· Request NPFMC continually review Chinook bycatch measures and continue GSI study.
ï‚· Amended to request protections for Bering Sea canyons: Zhemchug and Pribilof.
ï‚· Amended to add Halibut to list of species.
(adopted as amended)
Other Resolutions of fisheries interest
12-08 Support for the Board of Fish Generated Proposal that would add Pacific Herring to the State of Alaska’s Forage Fish Management plan. (resolution was TABLED)
12-17 Supporting Alaska Chinook Salmon Disaster Declarations (unanimously adopted)
12-19 Request funding research on declining salmon stocks through Sustainable Salmon Initiative. (unanimously adopted)
12 – 28 Support of Active Salmon Rehabilitation including Habitat Nutrient Enrichment
(adopted as amended)
12 – 37 Supporting the Ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) (adopted)
12 – 38 Request Review and Revision of the Yukon River Salmon Treaty to include provisions for Low-Chinook Salmon Productivity Years. (adopted as amended)
12 – 41 Calling for the Establishment of Inter-tribal and Alaska Native Fish Commissions.
(adopted as amended)

Chinook Salmon in the spotlight
The Alaska Chinook Salmon Symposium was presented October 22-23 at the Egan Center by ADF&G to look at Chinook salmon scientific research and to identify research needs. The event was a success and was attended by NPFMC, BoF members, and state legislators. The format included ample time for the audience to pose questions and interact with the panel experts.
According to the first presentation, based on research of 12 data sets from 1976 to 2011 of Alaska river Chinook salmon stocks including Nelson River, we have not seen Chinook salmon abundance this low in about half of those stocks. Other presentations included distribution of Chinook in the pollock fishery, where the bycatch is highest in the B season and in daylight hours. The extremely cold winters in the Bering Sea since 2006 may be a factor in the current Chinook crisis. The first winter at sea is critical to the young adult salmon. Research on these salmon demonstrates that their diet includes fish and squid. The Aleut word for Chinook was said to be Chavichax, during a discussion of the local, traditional and ecological knowledge of the salmon.
The U.S. Department of Commerce recently designated a Chinook salmon resource disaster for Cook Inlet and the Yukon & Kuskokwim rivers in response to a request from the State.
Other upcoming meetings will also highlight Chinook Salmon:
Chinook bycatch in all GOA trawl fisheries will be on the agenda for the NPFMC meeting in Anchorage December 3 – 11. Also, a Chinook Salmon Outreach Workshop will be held in Anchorage December 11 & 12, through the Arctic Yukon Kuskokwim Sustainable Salmon Initiative (AYK SSI).

Steller Sea Lion meetings
The 2010 Biological Opinion (BiOp) stated the endangered western population of Steller sea lions was at risk of jeopardy of adverse modification (JAM), and put in place harsh restrictions on groundfish fisheries in the central and western Aleutians (areas 541, 542 & 543). A court-ordered EIS is being prepared by NMFS, and the Steller Sea Lion Mitigation Committee is assisting the NPFMC in the preparation of alternatives to be analyzed in the EIS.
The AEB submitted 4 SSL EIS proposals for alternatives concerning WGOA fisheries to the committee.
ï‚· Eliminate the D season in the western GOA pollock fishery and reallocate the TAC from the D season to the three other seasons, equally.
ï‚· Change the opening date of the Pacific cod A season in the WGOA for all gear types.
ï‚· Change the apportionment of the Pacific cod TAC in the WGOA from 60:40 to 80:20.
ï‚· Add six Steller sea lion Critical Habitat sites within the AEB to the Navigable Transit exemptions in SSL regulations, allowing vessels transiting the area to maintain a minimum of 1 nm from each site, rather than 3 nm, for vessel safety.
The committee accepted the AEB proposals, but is focused on actions for the western and central Aleutians at this time. Recent independent reviews of the BiOp have questioned the validity of the science behind the JAM determination, and raised questions of management measures throughout the range of the western SSL population. Committee Chair Larry Cotter suggested the AEB WGOA proposals could be more fully considered at a later date. Oral arguments in the Ninth Circuit court of Appeals case State of Alaska V. Jane Lubchenko will be heard in Seattle on December 4th.
AEB Fishermen’s Meeting at Silver Cloud
The Aleutians East Borough will again hold a fishermen’s meeting this year on the first day of the Pacific Marine Expo in Seattle, November 27th. This year we will try to teleconference the meeting to all of the AEB communities. Among the attendees will be ADF&G staff, AEB Natural Resources staff, NPFMC member Sam Cotten and AEB WASSIP Advisory Panel Representative Denby Lloyd. The topics to be discussed include: Board of Fisheries upcoming meetings for Area M salmon and Pacific cod, NPFMC agenda items including the proposed rationalization of CGOA groundfish fisheries and the WASSIP and SEDM genetic studies.

SWAMC Works with Schools To Bring STEM Education Programs to Southwest Alaska
By Cameron Dean, SWAMC STEM Coordinator
As an economic development organization for Southwest Alaska, one of the goals of the Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference (SWAMC) is to find ways to help education become even more relevant to communities’ needs and students’ futures. Over the past year, SWAMC’s focus has been science technology, engineering and math, or STEM education. STEM has become a popular buzzword for politicians in the past few years, largely thanks to the economic benefits these fields bring. Nationally, students versed in STEM related fields can expect higher wages and employment rates after they graduate, regardless of their future career paths, and the picture is even brighter in Southwest Alaska. Southwest communities will need more engineers, biologists and airplane mechanics, but students require a solid foundation in STEM before these types of careers become possible. To that end, SWAMC is working with schools to bring unique, hands-on and relevant STEM education programs to Southwest Alaska.
The first is an ocean science curriculum built around student-led investigation of shellfish toxins at local beaches, giving them the rare opportunity to do real science while providing an important service to their communities. They will learn about the cultural, ecological and economic importance of the marine environment by taking part in it themselves.
Two other programs SWAMC is promoting, SeaPerch and Engineering is Elementary, extend engineering education, normally limited to at least high school students, to elementary and middle school. Engineering is Elementary is a curriculum that uses realistic problems, like an oil spill, to teach science and engineering as students work together to build a solution. SeaPerch is an underwater robotics project that lets kids build their own, fully functioning remotely operated vehicle (ROV), similar to the ones used across the state for repairs, surveying and research. STEM education programs like these encourage experimentation, investigation and creativity to engage students while giving them the skills they need to compete after graduation.

Greetings from the Cold Bay School!
By Kerry Burkhardt, Cold Bay School Principal
Much to our surprise, the students, Mrs. Lyons (the teacher’s aide), and myself have already finished the first quarter of the school year! Whew! Time certainly flies! These fine kids have been working diligently, reading up a storm, solving tricky math problems, researching Civil War subjects, and utilizing their creative minds! It’s no surprise that the students are missing the DeVault family. However, their attitudes are great, and they realize that it’s a new year.
This quarter we’ve enjoyed several guest speakers. Winnie Winikoff who was here working on her graduate research spoke to us about the importance of Salmondae and of maintaining their healthy habitat. The Tsunami Readiness Team, led by Cindi Preller thoroughly entertained and trained the students for an entire afternoon!
Recently, AEBSD Superintendent Tim Stathis worked with each student while he was here visiting. They can’t wait until he returns. Mr. Stathis also met with interested community members while he was in town. George Cromer III, also with AEBSD, spoke to our class about the importance of not using tobacco, drugs, or alcohol. Avoiding these substances is one of the hot topics at school this week as we celebrate “Red Ribbon Week”!
Paige Kremer is running the school’s Student Council this year. During September, she helped the kids run a raffle for a lovely Halloween wall hanging donated by Linda Kremer. Through the generosity of the Cold Bay and others traveling through on PenAir, the Cold Bay Student Council raised $222.00! We send much gratitude and appreciation to Mrs. Linda Kremer, to Paige Kremer and to the people who bought tickets.
Finally, the students and I sincerely thank Mrs. Donna Lyons for her excellent job of helping us all in so many ways every day!
THANK YOU!

Make your Vote Count: Vote on Nov. 6th
Election Day is Tuesday,
November 6th, 2012.
The polls will be open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Make your vote count on Election Day!

AEB Communities Celebrate Halloween
The daylight is getting shorter, and darkness is creeping in earlier and staying around longer. That means Halloween is just around the corner. But before your community is overrun with ghosts and goblins, there are a few fun and safe activities to help celebrate this fun-filled holiday.

The Cold Bay Public Library plans on having a Movie/Halloween night celebration for the kids on Saturday, Oct. 27th.
o 4 p.m. at the Community Center
o Children of all ages are welcome
o For more information, call Donna Lyons at (907) 532-2604.
King Cove’s Recreation Department is planning a Halloween Party for kids on Saturday, October 27th:
 6th grade on Down at the Teen Center
o 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
o Costume Contest: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Winners
o Fun, Dancing, Treats
 7th Grade on Up
o 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM at the Teen Center
o Costume Contest: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Winners
o Fun, Dancing, treats
Sand Point is holding a Halloween carnival for the kids at the Sand Point School on Sat., Oct. 27th: The Jr. High Basketball teams and their parents are sponsoring the event. The Jr. High is raising money to pay for airfare to attend a tournament in Bristol Bay.
o Noon to 3 p.m.
o About 20 booths
o Games, prizes and food
Akutan is holding a Halloween carnival for the kids at the Akutan School on Wed., Oct. 31st
o The student council is hosting the carnival
o 4 to 6 p.m. at the school gym
o 10 different games including bobbing for apples, a donut eating contest, a cake walk and a ring toss.
Nelson Lagoon is planning two Halloween parties for the kids:
 A Halloween-themed school dance for all ages
o At 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27th
o Location: the Community Center
 Annual Halloween Party
o At 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31st at the Community Center
False Pass is holding a Halloween carnival for the kids at the False Pass School on Sat., Oct. 27th:
o At 3 p.m. in the school gym.
o Features a haunted house.
o Games include bobbing for apples, fishing for toys, tossing games and face painting.

In The Loop Election Results 10/3/12

Final Election Results – City of King Cove Oct. 2, 2012

Mayor
Henry Lee Mack 112
Dale L. Gould 17
Harlen Newman 46
Write-ins 2

City Council Seat A
David Bash 62
Tanna Y. Lewis 108
Write-ins 2
Blanks 5

City Council Seat B
Grant L. Newton 137
Write-ins 27
Blanks 13

Preliminary Election Results – City of Sand Point Oct. 2, 2012

City Council Seat A
Danny Cumberlidge 129
Write-ins 7
Blanks 7

City Council Seat E
Marita Gundersen 105
Write-ins 22
Blanks 16

City Council Seat F
Rayette McGlashan 65
Dave Adams 56
Write-ins 15
Blanks 7

Preliminary Election Results – City of Cold Bay Oct. 2, 2012

City Council Seat B
Dane Lyons 18
Hap Kremer 15

City Council Seat C
Kurt Uttecht 20
Hal Kremer 13

Preliminary Election Results – City of Akutan Oct. 2, 2012

City Council – Three Year Term – Two (2) Seats Available
Zenia Borenin 54
Darryl Pelkey 57
Antone Shelikoff 13
Demetri Tcheripanoff 56

Write-ins:
Marie L. Vincler 1

Proposition 1 – Shall the City of Akutan increase the rate of levy of its sales tax from one percent (1.0%) to one and one-half percent (1.5%)?
Yes 72 No 51

AEBSD Preliminary Results

Aleutians East Borough
October 2, 2012
Regular Election Preliminary Results
ALEUTIANS EAST BOROUGH ASSEMBLY
SEAT C
PAUL R. GRONHOLDT 265
STEPHEN FRANCIS 186
WRITE INS 1
SEAT D
BRENDA LEE WILSON 286
JUSTINE GUNDERSEN 123
WRITE INS 8
ALEUTIANS EAST BOROUGH SCHOOL BOARD
SEAT A
GLEN GARDNER, JR. 248
STEPHEN FRANCIS 201
WRITE INS 5
SEAT F
NIKKI HOBLET 246
DEMETRI TCHERIPANOFF 166
WRITE INS 4
THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 4 QUESTION BALLOTS TO BE CONSIDERED AND APPROXIMATELY 78 ABSENTEE (includes small communities by-mail) AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE BALLOTS TO BE COUNTED.
THE CANVASS COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 8 AT 10:00 A.M. AT THE BOROUGH OFFICE BUILDING IN SAND POINT.
THE PUBLIC IS WELCOME TO ATTEND

In The Loop 9/21/12

Several officials from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the state found out first-hand how difficult it can be for King Cove residents to travel to and from their community when the weather conditions are stormy. On August 29th, USFWS Director Dan Ashe, USFWS Regional Refuge Chief for Alaska Mitch Ellis, USFWS Alaska Regional Director Geoff Haskett and Alaska Department of Natural Resources Deputy Commissioner Ed Fogels met with King Cove residents to hear their concerns about the need to build a road to the Cold Bay Airport to improve transportation access for health, safety and quality of life reasons. Currently, the proposal to build a single lane gravel road corridor connecting the two communities through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge is being reviewed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. The City of King Cove, the Agdaagux Tribe, the Belkofski Tribal Council, the Aleutians East Borough and the State of Alaska are cooperating agencies in the EIS process.
Getting from King Cove to Cold Bay turned out to be quite a challenge for the visiting group of federal, state and local community leaders last month. After landing in Cold Bay, Ashe, Ellis and Haskett started off their trip meeting with Izembek Refuge staff. They planned to travel to King Cove afterward. However, their meeting was cut short after word got out that the weather was taking a turn for the worse. Flying by small plane was out of the question, so Dean Gould of King Cove met them at the Cold Bay Dock with his 58-foot crab fishing boat to give them a ride to King Cove.
“When you see a local popping Dramamine before a boat ride,” explained Ed Fogels, “you know you’re in for a wild ride.”
The officials got a taste of what it’s like for residents to travel aboard a rocking boat during a medevac situation combined with harsh weather conditions. Winds topped off at 50 miles an hour, while the waves crested to at least eight feet and sometimes as high as ten. For those not accustomed to sea conditions, the three-hour bucking boat ride seemed like a long one.
Once they arrived in King Cove, officials were shuttled to the community center where they were treated to a buffet followed by heart-felt and often, emotional testimony. King Cove residents provided story after story about friends and family members who endured terrifying experiences, either on fishing boats or small planes, to get access to health care during medical emergencies.
Bonnie Babcock described what it’s like, as an EMT provider, to transport patients in stormy weather conditions.
“There’s a lot of stress involved when you’re trying to get a patient to Cold Bay who has a heart condition or a woman who’s in labor,” Bonnie explained. “It’s unsafe, and it’s frightening. We really need that road. At times, when the Coast Guard is the only option, it takes four hours for a helicopter to get here from Kodiak.”
Cameron Spivey, a nurse practitioner at the King Cove Clinic, described the anguish health providers experience during a medical crisis.
“One particular time that sticks with me is when a mother brought her five-month old baby into the clinic. The baby appeared to have pneumonia,” Cameron said. “The baby got sicker and sicker as time went on. We called for a medevac. The weather was horrible, and the wind was blowing hard. The Coast Guard sent a C130 into Cold Bay, and then tried to send a helicopter into King Cove. We kept the baby going with oxygen. At 4 p.m., the helicopter was finally able to get in. After loading the patient, the chopper was bucking against the wind and almost didn’t make it of the ground. Fortunately, after it was all over, the baby made it and recovered. If we had a road, we would have been able to get to Cold Bay and then to Anchorage so the baby could have had the necessary medical attention much sooner.”
In addition to medical reasons, King Cove Councilman and fisherman Grant Newton said a road linking King Cove to the Cold Bay Airport would provide peace of mind for residents.
“This is also about quality of life. Many elders want to live here in their community, but can’t because they have to be able to leave home at a moment’s notice if they need medical attention. There are many people in King Cove who are afraid to fly.”
“I’m getting old enough that my health issues are becoming more important to me,” said King Cove resident Pam Mitchell. “I’m diabetic. If I go into a coma, what will happen to me?”
“I’ve been on some extraordinary plane rides,” said Etta Kuzakin, President of the Agdaagux Tribe of King Cove resident. “Some of them made me just want to touch the ground and thank the lord that I’m still here. I pray that my kids will remain safe.”
“I’m deathly afraid of flying,” said Trisha Trumble, a resident who survived a crash-landing at the King Cove airstrip in April 2010. “You would understand how important this issue is to us if your family was going through this. How can anyone say birds are more important than human lives? We need a road.”
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service plans to issue the final Environmental Impact Statement governing the proposed Izembek Refuge Land Exchange later this fall. U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar is expected to determine whether the land swap is in the public interest. That land, 61,173 acres of new refuge (mostly wilderness) land would be exchanged for about 206 acres for a proposed road corridor through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge and about 1,600 acres of an isolated island to the State of Alaska. That decision is expected by the end of the year.
The residents of King Cove are hopeful the Secretary will decide that building a road corridor to link King Cove to the Cold Bay Airport is the best option.
“The indigenous Aleut people have been here for thousands of years, and we will be here for thousands of years more,” said Trisha Trumble. “We’re not going away, and this issue isn’t going away until it’s resolved.”
“We deserve a road. We are people just like everyone else”, said Etta Kuzakin.
Assembly Requests Fishery Disaster Declaration for Nelson Lagoon
The Aleutians East Borough Assembly passed a resolution during its last meeting (August 28, 2012) urging Governor Parnell to request that the U.S. Secretary of Commerce declare a fishery disaster in Nelson Lagoon for 2010 – 2012. The Borough Assembly resolution cites federal guidelines that state that annual fishing harvest declines between 35 and 80 percent may result in a federal disaster declaration.
The salmon fisheries in this region have declined dramatically during the last three years. Based on an Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) fishery management report, the number of sockeye harvested from Nelson Lagoon in 2010 was 93,715, which represents a 65 percent decline from the five-year average of 265,031 (for the years 2005 to 2009). In 2011, the number of sockeye harvested from Nelson Lagoon was down to 74,808. Once again, that’s a 65 percent decline from the previous five-year (2006 to 2010) average of 216,834. The number of sockeye taken in 2012 was 118,432, a slight improvement over 2011, yet far below the ten-year average for Nelson Lagoon. In addition, the overall North Peninsula harvest of all salmon for 2011 shows a decline of 51 percent from the previous five-year average, and the 2012 North Peninsula salmon harvest doesn’t look any better.
Most of the residents in the Village of Nelson Lagoon are self-employed and are not eligible for unemployment benefits. The cumulative impact of these last three poor salmon seasons has been devastating to the community. In addition to Governor Parnell, copies of the AEB resolution were sent to the offices of ADF&G Commissioner Cora Campbell, Commissioner of the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Susan Bell, Alaska Rural Affairs Advisor John Moller, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator Mark Begich and U.S. Congressman Don Young. The AEB also petitioned the Secretary of Commerce directly for a federal disaster declaration.
Akutan Airport Opens Right on Schedule
The Akutan Airport, located on Akun Island, officially opened on August 31, 2012 after two busy seasons of construction required to finish the project. Akun Island is located about six miles away from the City of Akutan. It has a 4,500-foot paved runway, a taxiway and an apron. A hovercraft serves as the marine link between the airport and Akutan.
Several air carriers have flown in and out of the new airport since it opened, such as Pen Air and charter service carriers, including Lynden, Security Aviation, ACE and Grant.
The airport’s 2012 construction season began in March with about 40 workers from Kiewit and their subcontractors busily wrapping up the project. During the peak of the season, as many as 80 workers capped off the project by paving, grooving and striping the runway. The lighting was also installed. During that time, support buildings and hovercraft ramps were completed.
The new Akutan Airport is a vital link for the residents of this remote Aleutian Islands community, providing safe, reliable and affordable access. The airport will also improve regional aviation safety as an emergency alternate runway. Weather conditions and mountainous terrain at nearby Dutch Harbor can limit accessibility. It’s expected that conditions at the Akutan Airport could have better landing conditions than at Dutch Harbor. The Akutan Airport has an unobstructed approach. Its 4,500-foot runway length allows most planes flying in the region to use it as an emergency alternate. In addition, the airport will improve state and federal response capabilities to shipping emergencies in this area. The airport is immediately west of the shipping lanes through Unimak Pass.
The location, environmental analysis and funding of this airport included extensive coordination with the public and local, regional, state and federal agencies. The initial work to develop the airport started 12 years ago with the initiation of an Airport Master Plan. Considerable work was done to explore all options for the airport. Akun Island was the least costly of all the options for the airport location.
This is a unique airport project that included a public/private partnership with many stakeholders and multiple funding. Most aviation projects in Alaska rely on federal aviation funds for more than 90 percent of total funding. Only 67 percent of the funding for the Akutan Airport came from federal aviation funds. The remainder of the funding came from state, local government and private enterprise.
Akutan Harbor Project Construction Nears Completion
Watching the progress of the Akutan Harbor project take place has been nothing short of breathtaking. After nearly three construction seasons and a tremendous amount of work, all the dredging in the basin and the entrance channel (approximately 960,000 cubic yards) has been accomplished. The nearly finished project is an impressive sight indeed.
This summer, crews pulled off a major feat after wrapping up all of the dredging in the basin and completing the basin slope rock protection. To begin with, Mother Nature presented some challenges during the final season of construction. According to Tina McMaster-Goering, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Project Manager, the large amount of snowfall and late breakup forced crews to get off to a slow start. McMaster-Goering said some of the work over the summer included the disposal area side slopes that were jute matted and hydro-seeded. In addition, the disposal area side slopes where sloughing was occurring, is in the process of
All of the dredging in the basin and entrance channel in the Akutan Harbor has been completed.
Crews also finished the basin slope rock protection.
In the Loop Published by the Aleutians East Borough Sept. 21, 2012 Page 9
being regarded and rocked. McMaster-Goering said armor rock is being placed on the north and south breakwaters.
Altogether, the contractor has spent three construction seasons (usually March – September) on the harbor project. The project was awarded in February 2010. During the first season, most of the work consisted of mobilizing equipment to the site. Significant progress was made during the second season (March – September 2011), with the majority of the dredging of the basin being completed. In addition, the majority of the basin slope protection rock was placed. The late spring snowmelt this year pushed things back a bit. Nevertheless, the contractor finished all of the dredging in the basin. The entrance channel of the north and south breakwaters is near completion.
The pre-final inspection will occur during the first week of October.
Contract completion and final inspection is scheduled for October 28, 2012.
Construction at the Cold Bay Airport Progressing Well
If you’ve flown in or out of the Cold Bay Airport, you can’t help but notice all of the construction activity occurring along the runway. According to Project Engineer Ace Worley, the broad scope of the project is to bring all the runway safety areas around Runway 15/33 (formerly 14/32) in compliance with current requirements. Additionally, Alaska’s Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT) is rehabilitating the North Apron and Taxiway “C” A milestone was reached on September 8th. Workers completed all paving on the project. The North Apron and Taxiway “C” were put into use on Monday, Sept. 10th.
Work in the east safety area along Runway 15/33 was recently completed, except for final grading. Construction along the west safety area continued with installation of drainage trenches and a higher quality of borrow material than was previously in place.
The new MALSR (Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System with Runway Alignment Indicator) approach lights at the 15 end of Runway 15/33 are finished. They were put back into service with the FAA flight check on Sept. 17th. As part of DOT’s work at the 33 end of the runway, workers will be removing a portion of the 33 MALSR system. FAA is currently designing a project that will bring the 33 MALSR back into use in 2013.
Work at the south end of the runway consists of minor grading and removal of the first 230 feet of the existing runway pavement to establish the runway end safety area required by current regulations. A new system of runway threshold lights will be installed and new markings applied on Runway 15/33. All that work is currently anticipated to be completed by October 1st.
In addition to the runway construction, crews were recently conducting drilling work behind the Cold Bay Terminal Building. A DOWL crew is sampling soils in the proposed apron area. This also includes some road relocation to reroute from the future apron and taxiway areas. Funding hasn’t been identified yet for the new terminal apron construction. However, DOWL is preparing a design for the new apron and taxiway and rehabilitation of the existing main runway. According to DOT’s Morgan Merritt, runway work is expected to occur in 2014. Therefore, DOT is getting the apron design-ready in hopes that funding will allow jobs to be conducted under one construction contract in 2014.
Road to the Northeast Corner Nears Completion
The Aleutians East Borough is close to seeing another big project wrap up. By fall of next year, the road to the northeast corner will be finished.
Workers have made a lot of headway over the summer. Crews with the contractor, AIC, made it across the beach section of the road by the end of last month. Crews are currently working on the Pioneer section. DOT’s Project Engineer Jason Baxley expects them to be connected up to the Partial road by November 1st. By that time, Baxley expects to see crews driving up to the northeast corner.
“AIC has done a good job, and crews have made a lot of progress this season,” said Baxley.
But not surprisingly, the weather has presented challenges.
“The weather, the beach tides — everything’s a challenge out here,” Baxley added. “Now we’re getting on this Pioneer section of the road, and there are a lot of wetlands and swampy material. It seems like it’s just wet out here all the time.”
Getting the trucks across the road as they carry material from the material site to the construction area involves another set of logistics.
“Our (truck) loads are close to 160,000 pounds, so that’s a lot of weight to be carrying. We have to build up the road with almost four feet lift of material just to be able to get our trucks across,” Baxley explained.
Crews have built the beach section of the road up to around 12 feet. The goal is to reach 18 feet. However, Baxley expects they’ll get up to 15 feet by the end of November before winter weather puts an end to this construction season.
“At that point, we still will have three to four feet more of material that we need to put on the beach section and probably two more feet to add to the Pioneer section and to the rest of the road,” he said.
The next step would be to build about three miles of guard rail. In addition, crews plan to remove the operations trailer and generator shed from the existing site at Lenard Harbor and re-install them at the northeast corner. Baxley said he anticipates that process to take about five months.
“So if they get in here by next May,” Baxley added, “I expect crews to be finished and out of here by October of next year.”
Crews Pave a Smoother Ride into the Sand Point School Parking Lot
Sand Point students, parents, teachers and staff have a much smoother ride to and from school, thanks to the completion of the Sand Point School paving project.
The work was completed in mid-July. Crews paved about 59,400 square feet at a cost of $401,000. Fortunately, the weather cooperated and allowed crews to get the job done in a timely manner. The Borough project also included interior painting at the school.
News from Eastern Aleutian Tribes
Eastern Aleutian Tribes is pleased to announce that the IHS Division of Oral Health has recognized our Dental Program with an Honorable Mention in both the Most Improved Programs and the Best Performance Programs. We thank our Dental Staff for their efforts to improve the dental health of the people we serve!
Dental clinics will be conducted in September in Adak, Akutan, King Cove, and Sand Point (weather- permitting).
Adak – 592-8383 Sept. 21 – 27, Erik
Akutan – 698-2208 Sept. 7 – 21, Erik & Becky Sept. 9 – 21, Dr. Costa
King Cove – 497-2311 Sept. 4 – 30, Dr. Costa Sept. 4 – 21, Erik
Sand Point – 383-3151 Sept. 24 -28, Becky & Chelsea
Provider services: Michael Costa DDS-Dentist: Fillings, most extractions, root canals, full dentures, partial dentures, crowns and bridges Becky Howe RDH-Hygienist: Cleanings, sealants, fluoride application Chelsea Shoemaker DHAT-Dental Therapist: Fillings, simple extractions, above the gum line cleanings, sealants, and fluoride application Erik Linduska DHAT – Dental Therapist: Fillings, simple extractions, above the gum line cleanings, sealants, and fluoride application
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If you believe you have a need for Behavioral Health Services, please contact your Community Clinic or call Behavioral Health directly at Emergency COPE Line—800-478-2673 King Cove Clinic – 907-497-2311 After Hours –907-497-8203 Sand Point Clinic – 907-383-3151 After hours – 907-386-1227
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The following providers will be in our communities in September:
Sarah Taygan, Certified Nurse Midwife with SCF, will be in Sand Point September 10 -14. Certified Nurse Midwives provide gynecological, pregnancy, and postpartum care. Please call the Sand Point Community Health Center at 383-3151 to schedule your appointment.
Dr. Ferritha Leoncio, Family Medicine Provider with SCF, will be in False Pass September 13 – 15. Family Medicine provides a full spectrum of primary health care for adults and children. Please call the Anna Hoblet Memorial Clinic at 548-2742 to schedule your appointment.
Stephanie Silianoff, Certified Nurse Midwife with SCF will be in King Cove September 17 -21. Certified Nurse Midwives provide gynecological, pregnancy, and postpartum care. Please call the King Cove Community Health Center at 497-2311 to schedule your appointment.
Dr. Ferritha Leoncio, Family Medicine Provider with SCF, will be in Nelson Lagoon September 25 – 28. Family Medicine provides a full spectrum of primary health care for adults and children. Please call the Paul Martin Gundersen Memorial Clinic at 989-2202 to schedule your appointment.
And October 1 – 5, Nazly Mofidi, Optometrist, and Teresa Cobb, Optician, with SCF will be in False Pass. They will provide eye exams, prescriptions, and repairs. Please call the Anna Hoblet Memorial Clinic at 548-2241 to schedule your appointment.
The Joint Commission
Eastern Aleutian Tribes recently underwent a Joint Commission Survey, and came through with flying colors. The survey was conducted to certify EAT’s Ambulatory Care, Behavioral Health and Primary Care Medical Home programs. Surveyors visited King Cove, Sand Point, False Pass and Nelson Lagoon. The survey has more than 1,200 survey items, but only 13 action items were found for EAT. These items have been or will be addressed within the next 45 days. Amongst them was our need for a designated Safety Officer and a designated Infection Control Officer. Tom Taylor, our King Cove Clinic Manager, has agreed to fill the role as Safety Officer, and Leslie de Jaray CCRN, MSN, HP-C has agreed to fill the Infection Control Manager role.
The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization which accredits and certifies more than 19,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized as a symbol of quality that reflects EAT’s commitment to meeting performance standards, and continuously improving our ability to provide safe and effective care. Upon accreditation, EAT will join 26,910 certified organizations; become one of only 27 Primary Care Medical Homes (PCMH) nationwide, and the first PCMH in Alaska. Surveys will continue every 18 to 36 months to retain certification.
The accreditation is consistent with the new federal health care reform efforts to improve health outcomes and the continuity, quality and efficiency of health care services. Each EAT community has formed care teams consisting of a mid-level provider, community health aide, behavioral health aide and dental team member.
Eastern Aleutian Tribes Offers Interpreter Services in All Clinics
EAT has established a partnership with Certified Language International. This service provides interpretation services for 23 different languages, ranging from Arabic to Vietnamese. Non-English speaking patients can simply point at their language of choice on a convenient poster and clinic staff will then connect to the correct translator. All interpreters are sworn to confidentiality and the Interpreter’s Code of Ethics. This is a 24/7 service. You can read more about it at www.certifiedlanguages.com.
First Annual Akutan Qi}ii}un Culture Camp held August 6-15th
The Akutan School was Camp Central for the week and a half. A total enrollment of 17 kids ranging in age from 4-18 years of age participated. The instructors were:
Lydia Vincler- Drum making
Karen Vincler- basket weaving
Tim Shangin- Bentwood visors
Sally Swetzof- Regalia and beaded headdresses (of Atka)
Tatiana Petticrew- Dance & Beaded Headdresses (of Atka)
Josephine Shangin- Language/Camp coordinator
Antone Shelikoff-Hunting/fishing
Tom Bereskin-Hunting/fishing
John “Pa” Borenin-Hunting/fishing
Kelly Fox- Little campers’ coordinator
Zenia Borenin- Camp Cook
On the last day of Culture Camp Wednesday, August 15th, a community potluck and presentation was held at the Safe Harbor Church. All the kids performed for the community! The little campers sang a song in Unangam Tunuu (The Aleut Language) before the older kids performed 5 songs and dances they learned over the duration of the 9 day Camp. Donned in their regalia, headdresses/visors and beating on the drums they made, they performed for nearly 20 minutes to a crowd of nearly 80 people. A prayer was said before everyone sat down to enjoy dinner, and then the kids pitched in to clean up and head out for photo ops!
Project numbers: 11 visors started with 7 being completed; 15 drums started with 13 being completed, 7 regalia started and all 7 nearly completed; 9 headdresses started and 5 completed; 10 baskets started and will be continued throughout the winter along with the incomplete visors and headdresses.
On the hunting and fishing excursions there were 2 seals hunted and cleaned and distributed throughout town; 122 humpies caught and cleaned for drying; 3 halibut and 2 codfish caught and fileted. All humpies were dried and given out to community members a couple days after Camp was over.
A special Qa}aasakung to all the sponsors for this First Annual Akutan Qi}ii}un Camp! It would not have been possible without the support of all involved! I will be completing a PowerPoint presentation of the Camp soon and all supporters of the Akutan Qigiigun Camp will be receiving one in the mail.
Our Sponsors:
Akutan Corporation
Akutan Traditional Council
Aleutian Housing Authority
Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, Inc.
Aleutian Pribilof Islands Restitution Trust
Aleutians East Borough
City of Akutan
Eastern Aleutian Tribes
ESBC Engineering, Inc.
Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska
Safe Harbor Church
The Aleut Corporation
Trident Seafood’s, Inc.
Sand Point Community Health Aide Mary A. Mobeck and Behavioral Health Aide Norma Mason hosted an Elder’s Luncheon Party on September 8, 2012. Eighteen community elders attended and enjoyed plenty of food, delicious desserts, polka music and Aleut bingo and prizes. Norma set up a table with information regarding substance abuse, domestic violence, depression, and suicide prevention, and was able to discuss many of these issues with those who attended.
EAT Employee News
We are excited to announce the promotion of Deborah Daisy to her new role as Director of Health Services. Deborah has been with Eastern Aleutian Tribes for 10 months during which time she has been successful in adding $516,000 of new grant funding and in renewing $1,066,760 of funding.
During this time, she has worked closely with many of our team in making sure that our Grant commitments were being kept and in improving the way we report and account for our activities. She has been instrumental in developing a more comprehensive delivery plan for our health services. Deborah’s performance in this work has been influential for improving Eastern Aleutian Tribes’ excellent record of customer relations, problem resolution, and on time delivery of our commitments. Deborah is known for her ability to be a team player, to communicate transparently and overcome problems during challenging times.
Deborah brings a wealth of experience in quality tribal health delivery and in customer and patient service to her new role. She truly understands how to ensure that all patients receive the right care, at the right time, in the right setting, every time and we are excited about her new expanded role at Eastern Aleutian Tribes. We are excited for the opportunity to combine the behavioral, medical and dental delivery under one leader and look forward to this improving integration of those services to help our patients become the healthiest people in the nation.
The quality of dedication and customer satisfaction is very important for our long-term success. Now is the most critical time in our history to become more patient centered, more innovative and more effective in delivering care. We look forward to Deborah’s ability to achieve the highest quality targets in her new role as our Director of Health Services. Please join us in welcoming Deborah to her new role as Director of Health Services and in congratulating her on her new role.Cameron Spivey has been appointed the mid-level practitioner lead in King Cove and is the supervisor of clinicians at that site. She has done an admirable job, without complaint for the extra workload and the longer work hours inherent in a lead position.
We are grateful to have her expertise and community wisdom to as well as her ability to guide clinicians in this busy site on a continuing basis.
EAT Benefits Coordinator Eula Schofield of Whittier recently attained her Medicare Counselor certification. During a recent trip to Adak, she identified six children not enrolled in Medicare, started four of them in the enrollment process, and will send enrollment applications to the remaining two. She also identified two pregnant women and will be working with them to enroll, as well as helping a Veteran to enroll for VA benefits. We are very proud of Eula for the work she is doing on behalf of our communities.
EAT’s Employee Health and Wellness Committee ran a “Step Into Walking” program for employees over the summer. Thirty employees participated, with over 618 hours of walking charted. Participants were entered into monthly lotteries for gift cards, and three final winners were selected. Megan McKiernan of King Cove won 20,000 air miles, Betty Calugan of Anchorage won 15,000 air miles, and Esther Bennett of Adak won a pair of walking shoes. Congratulations to all the participants for taking steps to good health!
EAT Implements New Employee Benefit Package
Effective October 1, 2012 EAT will change their existing 401(a) program to a 401(k) program to better meet the needs of our employees, and enable them to take a more active role in retirement planning. The new plan provides a full array of investment options and a competitive fee structure.
Behavioral Health
If you believe you have a need for Behavioral Health Services, please contact your Community Clinic or call Behavioral Health directly at
Emergency COPE Line—800-478-2673
King Cove Clinic – 907-497-2311 After Hours –907-497-8203
The following positions are currently available at Eastern Aleutian Tribes
Administration
Billing & Coding Specialist, Anchorage – Reporting to the Patient Accounts Coordinator, the Billing and Coding Specialist will provide administrative and medical billing and coding support and assist with preparing, submitting, and approving insurance claims; reviewing and adjusting accounts to ensure accurate and thorough billing of claims.
Operations
Janitor, Temporary, Cold Bay – Under limited supervision, keep EAT buildings in clean and orderly condition. Perform cleaning duties such as cleaning floors, vacuuming and shampooing rugs, washing walls, surfaces, and glass, and removing garbage.
Behavioral Health Services
Behavioral Health Aide I -Nelson Lagoon – The position of level I Behavioral Health Aide (BHA-I) provides; prevention, early intervention, case management, aftercare and follow-up for individuals and families impacted by a variety of behavioral health (addiction/substance abuse and mental health) issues. With direction and support from the Wellness Program Manager, the position is responsible for providing access to and delivering behavioral health services, within a defined scope of practice, to community residents.
Clinical Services
Primary Care Technician – King Cove – Under general supervision of the Lead Provider, provides basic patient care to all patients to include but not limited to; patient screening, assessment, care, care referral, care documentation and evaluation.
Mid-Level Practitioner – Full time/Itinerant – Adak, Akutan, Cold Bay – To provide preventative, primary and emergency care and work as a team with other health care providers, CHA/P and first response team to ensure continuity and quality community health care.
Community Health Aide – Full time/Itinerant – Akutan- Provides primary (acute, chronic, and preventive) health care and emergency care to those seeking health services in an assigned village. The Community Health Aide/Practitioner CHAP base of operation is in the village clinic.
All Providers and CHA/P providers may be asked to travel for short term coverage assignments at other clinic sites within Eastern Aleutian Tribes.
REGISTER FOR DENALI KIDCARE OR MEDICAID SERVICES TODAY THROUGH OCTOBER 15, 2012. ELIGIBLE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ENTERED TO WIN AN iPAD 3! CONTACT YOUR CLINIC FOR MORE INFORMATION!!
If you are a Veteran, a Veteran’s dependent, the surviving spouse, child or parent of a deceased Veteran, a uniformed Service Member, or a present or former reservist or National Guard member, you may be eligible for VA benefits. In order to be eligible to receive VA care through EAT; veterans need to be enrolled with the Veterans Health Administration. A link is available on the EAT webpage, at http://www.eatribes.org. Please contact your local EAT Clinic or Community Health Center if you have any questions.
Vision
“Eastern Aleutian Tribes has the healthiest people in the nation”.
Mission
“Eastern Aleutian Tribes will provide and continually improve quality services in all aspects of health care supporting the well-being of our people”.
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All comments and suggestions from our community partners and friends are welcome. Please feel free to contact the office at 907-277-1440; Michael Christensen at MichaelC@EATribes.net or Irene Douthit at IreneD@eatribes.net.

In The Loop 9-11-12

ALEUTIANS EAST BOROUGH – DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY – FINAL AS OF AUGUST 31, 2012:

ASSEMBLY SEAT C:

PAUL R. GRONHOLDT

STEPHEN FRANCIS

ASSEMBLY SEAT D:

JUSTINE GUNDERSEN

BRENDA LEE WILSON

SCHOOL BOARD SEAT A:

GLEN GARDNER, JR.

STEPHEN FRANCIS

SCHOOL BOARD SEAT F:

NIKKI HOBLET

DEMETRI TCHERIPANOFF

Aleutians East Borough and PenAir July 23, 2012

After hearing rumors that PenAir’s 135 certification could lapse, resulting in a loss of service to some of the communities within the Aleutians East Borough, the Borough placed a call to PenAir. The airline provided the following statement:

According to PenAir President Danny Seybert, PenAir intends to maintain its 135 certification, but is considering readjusting its schedule with reduced travel to communities such as False Pass, Nelson Lagoon and King Cove because of a decline in passenger service.

Special In the Loop Newsletter – April 10th 2012

Click Here to View the PDF File:   Special – In the Loop – April 10, 2012

In the Loop – newsletter – Feb. 10, 2012

“In the Loop” archives are located here.

Download “In the Loop” – newsletter – Feb. 10, 2012 as a PDF.

Headlines from this issue:
– Unusual Winter Weather Descends Upon the Aleutians
– Japanese Tsunami Debris Arrives in Alaska Coastal Communities
– Dreamlifter Diverted to Cold Bay
– Two Borough Students to Attend Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit
– Help Protect Your Fisheries
– News from Eastern Aleutian Tribes
– Job Opening: Bering Pacific Seafoods, L.L. C.
– Job Announcement for Plant Engineer
– Students: Get Cash for College Alaska State Fair to Award $6,500 in Scholarships

Download & read AEB’s “In the Loop” for Nov. 2, 2011

Download & read AEB’s “In the Loop” for Nov. 2, 2011 (PDF)
In this issue of “In the Loop”:
Preliminary Special Election Results – Assembly Seat F
Akutan Harbor Floats Public Workshop – Nov. 3rd at 2 pm
Southwest Alaska Transportation Plan Update