Slow Down
Dear Editor: This past Sunday, I was walking up the Benchlands, past some of the new construction sites. It was then that I noticed a full dump truck that had recently tipped over on its side on one of the newly cleared lots. The driver of the truck was able to climb out and said that he was okay. I do not know why or how the truck tipped over on its side, but this is a major safety concern for not only the driver, but other drivers on the road as well. Please, let’s all slow down this holiday season. In the haste of all this development, please make safety a priority for yourself and those that may be around you.
Mariah Leeseberg, Sitka
Holland America Tourney
Dear Editor: This Dec. 19-21, Sitka High School hosted the Holland America Holiday Shootout, an annual basketball tournament that features teams from both Alaska and the Lower 48. The competition at this year’s tournament was outstanding, and our community can be proud of the sportsmanship and competitive play that brought tournament championship trophies to both the Sitka High women’s and men’s basketball teams.
As is the case every year, this tournament would not financially be possible without the generous support of local and statewide businesses and organizations. Many thanks to Holland America Line, Schmolck Mechanical Contractors, Silver Bay Seafoods, Sitka CHARR, Wells Fargo Bank, Venneberg Insurance Inc., First Bank of Ketchikan, ALPS Federal Credit Union, Sitka Physical Therapy, ASRC McGraw Constructors, Victoria’s Restaurant, Sitka Hotel, Allen Marine Tours, the Alaska Raptor Center, the Sitka National Historical Park and the Sheldon Jackson Museum for their outstanding support of the Holland America Holiday Shootout.
The success of this year’s Shootout is also largely due to the many volunteers and staff who helped in every area of the tournament. Many thanks are due to volunteer committee members Mike Vieira, Keith Perkins, Rich Krupa, Kathy Forrester, Andy Lee, Ben Clark and Dawn Barragan; volunteer gate workers Kendal Phippen, Karen Krupa, Karen Case, Cindy Duncan, Robin Koutchak, Keri Gray, Kelly van Frankenhuzen, Dawn Barragan, Sandi Riggs, Nadia Quiroga, PJ Slack Ford and David Rupp; volunteer game announcers Beau Hedrick, Mike Vieira, Brian Hansen and Keith Perkins; volunteer medical staff Alexei Desatoff, Alicia Olsen Haseltine, Jessica Pyatt and Eric Speck; volunteer broadcast staff Frank Schlais and Dan Etulain; volunteer concessions organizers Rachael Erickson Kirby, Jenn Davis and Dawn Barragan; volunteer hospitality room organizers Dawn Barragan, Sam Martin and Karen Krupa; Student Activity Assistants Natalie Gallanin, Kendal Phippen and Crystal Widmier.
Many thanks to the parents of our players who staffed concessions and prepared meals for our hospitality room.
Finally, many thanks are due to the community for a great turnout at this event. The investment you made in attending our games not only helped support the finances of the Shootout, but also affirmed the hard work and dedication of all the kids involved. We look forward to seeing you at future student activities at Sitka High School!
Scott McAdams, Sitka High School Activities Director
