Pipe Bomb Explosion Damages Dumpster
By Lee Revis
Editor, Valdez Star
VALDEZ - A loud boom startled police while they were out on a routine patrol a week ago Sunday, which led to the discovery that a pipe bomb had been detonated in the dumpster down by the Ferry Terminal. "It was an actual pipe bomb," said Valdez Police Chief Joe Michaud who says the cops immediately identified three suspects in the case, though no arrests have been made as of Monday evening. Two of the suspected bombers are juveniles.
Saying police are "99.9 percent sure", they know who the perpetrators are, Michaud stressed one fact, "It was not terrorist related."
The explosion ripped a hole into the side of the dumpster, damaged the bottom and sent shrapnel flying as far as 124 feet away from the point of the actual explosion. No other damage was reported to nearby buildings or vehicles in the area. "The D.A. is reviewing it at this time," says Michaud.
While the District Attorney is reviewing possible charges against the suspects, the Alaska Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is investigating the pipe and the type of explosive used in the explosion. Michaud says this type of a crime is a felony.
There were no reports called in regarding the explosion from the public.
Friday, April 22, 2005
Valdez Chamber of Commerce to Revitalize
Valdez Chamber of Commerce to Revitalize
By Pat Lynn
For The Star
TOTEM INN – After being dormant for years, efforts are now underway to revive the Valdez Chamber of Commerce.
The effort is being promoted by Stan Stephens, Joe Prax, Tom Bittner, Jody McDowell, Bill Wyatt and Pat Lynn.
Meeting at the Totem Inn Tuesday evening, the group agreed to begin modestly by establishing a phone number, an e-mail address, web page and a post office box. Anyone making contact with the Chamber of Commerce will be sent a package of local information.
The participants agreed that it sends a rather large negative message when individuals and business interests try to contact the Chamber of Commerce only to learn that one does not exist in Valdez.
There is no plan currently to require a dues-paying membership since that would require staff and the maintenance of a financial ledger, a bank account and such.
Instead, the group has opted to announce chamber meetings for anyone to attend and make suggestions on how the business community might be enhanced. Eventually, they hope a mission statement will emerge.
The first such meeting is set for Monday night, April 25 in the meeting room at Ernesto's Taqueria. Anyone with an interest in local business development is invited to attend and share their views.
The Valdez Chamber of Commerce bit the dust several years ago after a failed attempt to merge it with the Valdez Convention & Visitors Bureau.
By Pat Lynn
For The Star
TOTEM INN – After being dormant for years, efforts are now underway to revive the Valdez Chamber of Commerce.
The effort is being promoted by Stan Stephens, Joe Prax, Tom Bittner, Jody McDowell, Bill Wyatt and Pat Lynn.
Meeting at the Totem Inn Tuesday evening, the group agreed to begin modestly by establishing a phone number, an e-mail address, web page and a post office box. Anyone making contact with the Chamber of Commerce will be sent a package of local information.
The participants agreed that it sends a rather large negative message when individuals and business interests try to contact the Chamber of Commerce only to learn that one does not exist in Valdez.
There is no plan currently to require a dues-paying membership since that would require staff and the maintenance of a financial ledger, a bank account and such.
Instead, the group has opted to announce chamber meetings for anyone to attend and make suggestions on how the business community might be enhanced. Eventually, they hope a mission statement will emerge.
The first such meeting is set for Monday night, April 25 in the meeting room at Ernesto's Taqueria. Anyone with an interest in local business development is invited to attend and share their views.
The Valdez Chamber of Commerce bit the dust several years ago after a failed attempt to merge it with the Valdez Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Lance Bowie Named New Superintendent of City Schools
Lance Bowie Named New Superintendent of City Schools
By Lee Revis
Editor, Valdez Star
SCHOOL DISTRICT- Lance Bowie, former Director of Secondary Schools in Clarksville, Tennessee has been named the new Superintendent for Valdez City Schools following a detailed interview with the school board Monday night. Bowie made the rounds about town all day Monday along with the other two finalist for the position, PJ Slack-Ford, currently the principal of North Pole High School and Connie Newman, the Superintendent of the Chatham School District in Angoon. “He will be the superintendent,” said Flynn Stuparich, Administrative Assistant for the district. “His contract will start July 1.”
While Bowie comes to Valdez via Tennessee, he is no stranger to Alaska. He is the former principal of both West Anchorage High School and Wendler Junior High in Anchorage.
Mr. Bowie was offered the contract after a long day of events around town with the other two candidates. In addition to detailed interviews with the school board, the candidates met with the public during a “Meet the Candidates” night at the district office, met with staff of all three schools and had an informal question and answer session with the Valdez High School Student Council during lunch.
The students asked all three candidates questions on issues like their views on alternative education and their style of implementing change. Bowie joked that the only people who enjoy change are babies with wet diapers. In keeping with that philosophy, he says you need to review what you already have, include stakeholders effected by the change and ease into it if it is determined a change is needed. “At home I’m a dictator though,” he added.
The school board made its final decision early Tuesday morning, offered Bowie the contract and he accepted. Bowie replaces outgoing Superintendent Ernie Manzie who resigned two years into his three year contract. Look for a complete profile of the new top administrator of Valdez City Schools in upcoming editions of The Star.
By Lee Revis
Editor, Valdez Star
SCHOOL DISTRICT- Lance Bowie, former Director of Secondary Schools in Clarksville, Tennessee has been named the new Superintendent for Valdez City Schools following a detailed interview with the school board Monday night. Bowie made the rounds about town all day Monday along with the other two finalist for the position, PJ Slack-Ford, currently the principal of North Pole High School and Connie Newman, the Superintendent of the Chatham School District in Angoon. “He will be the superintendent,” said Flynn Stuparich, Administrative Assistant for the district. “His contract will start July 1.”
While Bowie comes to Valdez via Tennessee, he is no stranger to Alaska. He is the former principal of both West Anchorage High School and Wendler Junior High in Anchorage.
Mr. Bowie was offered the contract after a long day of events around town with the other two candidates. In addition to detailed interviews with the school board, the candidates met with the public during a “Meet the Candidates” night at the district office, met with staff of all three schools and had an informal question and answer session with the Valdez High School Student Council during lunch.
The students asked all three candidates questions on issues like their views on alternative education and their style of implementing change. Bowie joked that the only people who enjoy change are babies with wet diapers. In keeping with that philosophy, he says you need to review what you already have, include stakeholders effected by the change and ease into it if it is determined a change is needed. “At home I’m a dictator though,” he added.
The school board made its final decision early Tuesday morning, offered Bowie the contract and he accepted. Bowie replaces outgoing Superintendent Ernie Manzie who resigned two years into his three year contract. Look for a complete profile of the new top administrator of Valdez City Schools in upcoming editions of The Star.
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