Survey Run on Substance Use Among Youths
Sitka Counseling-Healing Our People and Environment Coalition, in partnership with the Sitka School District-Sitka High School, recently conducted a survey to assess youth substance use/misuse.
The survey will give the school district and the community insight into youth use patterns related to tobacco, alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs as well as some related areas of interest, such as how easy it is to get the various substances as well as when and where youths tend to use, Sitka Counseling said.
‘‘Having good data is important to helping build prevention programs and the great partnership with the Sitka School District was indispensable in getting good survey results. This year we had over a 75% return for the surveys at the high school level,’’ Sitka Counseling said.
As a result of the high return rate and the desire to help increase the student access to school activities, Sitka Counseling-HOPE Coalition donated $1,000 per class with an extra $500 for the class which had the highest percentage of returned surveys for a total of $4,500 going to the student activities fund.
The HOPE Coalition is a collaboration among several community organizations and individuals working together to address youth substance misuse in our community. It meets monthly to discuss issues related to youth substance misuse and then makes plans on the best way to address the issues. The Coalition is open to anyone interested in supporting youths and community.
For more information community members can contact Missy Mongiovi, Alec Duncan or Loyd Platson at 747-3636.
Turkey Shoot
Slated Nov. 21
Sitka Sportsman’s Association will host its annual Turkey Shoot 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at 5211 Halibut Point Road.
The longtime Sitka Sportsman’s Association annual event is for both the outdoor shotgun trap and skeet and indoor 22 pistol and rifle shoot.
Anyone hitting a particular colored clay target during a normal round of trap or skeet, or winning one of the 22 pistol events, will win their choice of a turkey or a coupon for a free round of trap or skeet. There is a limit of one turkey or coupon per shooter. The cost per round of trap or skeet is $20 and $5 per pistol event, and both fees include ammunition. Loaner shotguns and pistols also will be available for use at no charge.
A barbecued hamburger lunch will be available for $5 each.
For more information call or text April at 738-4559.
Boat Parade Set
For Dec. 13, 20
The Sitka boat Parade will be Dec. 13 and 20. Those wanting to join should meet at the Longliner Hotel at 5 p.m.
Lee Hansen will lead the parade. First prize is $1,000 and second prize is dinner for four at the Longliner Restaurant.
For more information call Beverly Caldwell at 623-7038.
Individual Market
Insurance Plans
Enrollment Opens
Open enrollment for Alaska’s individual market insurance plans is scheduled for six weeks – Nov. 1-Dec. 15.
“Alaska’s individual health insurance market started to stabilize in 2017 and we are pleased to announce Alaskans will see an average 6.4% decrease in premiums for individual plans in 2021,” said Alaska Division of Insurance Director Lori Wing-Heier. “The continued success of the market depends on active consumer participation including people who may not think they need health insurance at this point in their lives. We need everyone’s help to get the message out about the importance of signing up for health care insurance coverage.”
There are certain benefits to signing up for care on the healthcare.gov site, but consumers may also purchase plans directly from Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska or Moda Assurance. Insurance companies may also help consumers set up health savings accounts to cover certain health care costs while providing tax advantages.
For 2021, Premera will be offering coverage statewide. Moda Assurance will be issuing coverage to residents of Municipality of Anchorage, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Fairbanks North Star Borough, Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Prince of Wales-Hyder census area, and Kenai Peninsula Borough.
For information and to determine what plans are available prior to Nov. 1, consumers should visit the individual insurer websites.
“Window shopping” at www.healthcare.gov is available. Alaskans who signed up for a plan in 2020 through healthcare.gov should update their account and select the plan that works best for their coverage needs in 2021.
United Way of Anchorage will serve as Alaska’s 2020 health insurance navigator for helping Alaskans understand their health insurance options. They can be contacted by phone at 2-1-1 or 1-800-478-2221 or online at https://www.liveunitedanc.org/improving-lives/what-we-care-about/healthy-kids-and-adults/. To receive in-person assistance, visit “find local help” at the healthcare.gov website or call 1-800-318-2596 for assistance with enrollment questions.
Safety Protocols
In Place for
Fish and Game
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is urging the public to respect social distancing protocols when in contact with employees.
‘‘To minimize your risk and risk to our employees we urge you to use our online services,’’ Fish and Game said. ‘‘Nearly all public services offered by ADF&G can be found online; please read the information in the advisory announcement posted on our website and access available public services at www.adfg.alaska.gov.’’
The Department also can be reached by phone. Staff members will be on hand to answer questions or return calls.
Those who require in-person assistance are reminded that no more than two visitors at a time will be permitted into customer service areas. Visitors will be expected to practice current state-mandated social distancing requirements while conducting in-person transactions, which requires individuals to wear a face covering and to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from the assisting staff member.
Some of the smaller offices across Alaska may be closed given COVID outbreaks. Whenever an office is closed a phone number will be posted.
‘‘Thank you for your understanding and helping to keep you and our ADF&G employees safe and healthy,’’ the release said.
NSRAA Board
To Meet Virtually
Due to rising COVID-19 cases in Sitka, Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association is canceling in-person public participation at its fall board meeting on Thursday, Nov. 19.
Copies of the agenda and board book materials are available online at nsraa.org. To address the NSRAA board during the public comment portion of the board meeting email scott_wagner@nsraa.org with comments and they will be communicated to the board during the public comment period.
SCS Drive-Thru
Event on Nov. 21
Sitka Conservation Society through December plans to hold several calendar and membership drive-through events, starting with the Wild Gratitude Celebration drive-through on Nov. 21.
All are invited to the Centennial Hall parking lot 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, to pick up their 2021 calendar, renew memberships, and say hello to the SCS team.
On hand will be calendars, merchandise, materials and small tokens of wild gratitude available until supplies run out. It will be a masked event.
Those interested in volunteering or wanting to learn more about the events can call Heather at (717)-350-0351 or email heather@sitkawild.org.
First Aid, CPR
Class Canceled
Due to Sitka’s current high risk for COVID-19 transmission, AMSEA has canceled its Nov. 21 mariner’s first aid and CPR class. Those who registered for the class, can contact AMSEA for a refund or a tuition credit for a future class.
Miller Appointed
To Research Board
Mike Miller of Sitka has been nominated by Gov. Mike Dunleavy to the North Pacific Research Board for a term to be determined by the U.S. Commerce Department.
Dunleavy recently announced appointments and reappointments of 57 Alaskans to various state boards and commissions.
