Top Stories

Herring Bay Goes “E”                             by Tamara Blodgett    

 Seldovia’s upscale gift shop markets its wears online …

Taking a deep breath and jumping is just part of the modis operandi of Herring Bay Mercantile owners Joni and Kurt Reynertson. It takes a leap of faith to begin a business in a remote community like Seldovia. But the very isolation of Seldovia was what was attractive to the Reynertsons’. Having lived and owned their business here for five years, it was a natural extension of their business to expand to online sales. While also working as City Manager for the last two years, this was an endeavor that could not be pursued right away. When Reynertson’s contract expired last spring, this afforded him the opportunity to expand into the Internet arena, and the time in which to set it up.

Business is booming…

And it does “boom,” but only in the summer. Reynertson says that their effective season starts in mid-May and slows down considerably after Labor Day Weekend. While all the businesses on Main Street see this trend, Reynertson thought the time was ripe for the Internet market. Internet sales would allow for year round expansion, not just the seasonal spike. He currently has forty products on their website (click link below)

http://shop.herringbaymercantile.com

with one hundred plus planned for the near future. Reynertson is updating his inventory on a daily basis. With this expansion he hopes to increase sales, customer convenience while keeping prices steady through increased sales volume. Reynertson emphasized that their first priority is keeping their prices low. Herring Bay has seen a steady increase in prices from their vendors, they hope that the expansion into Internet sales will negate the need for raising prices based on increased volume. For the first three years the business saw increased sales, but the last two years has seen sales level off. Reynertson attributed this most recent progression to tourism numbers decreasing. A fluctuating cycle, with too many variables for predictability, Reynertson steadfastly maintains his course in the business plan he and Joni designed for success.

Local market very important…

Joni and Kurt have a faithful eye on the non-tourism segment. They have begun an embroidery business specializing, but not limited to, logo transfer onto shirts. This service mainstreams the businesses that take advantage of this with unified apparel that presents professionalism to the customer. One of the main motivators to keeping prices low, beside the bottom line, would be offering the people of Seldovia excellent customer service, and quality products for a low price, the cornerstone of any successful business enterprise. Along that vein, Herring Bay offers gift-wrapping and an eclectic assortment of items ranging from top-notch collectibles, to children’s toys, clothing and homespun items such as quilts and an emphasis on Alaska-made/manufactured products. Joni Reynertson is her own “cottage industry” within the store. A magnificent quilter who sells her quilts both in the shop and online.

Scrumptious Seldovia…

When asked what Reynertson liked best about Seldovia he said that was difficult to quantify. Reynertson did say living here was a “package deal,” that it wasn’t just one thing that he loved but several. He likes the people, weather, and relaxed atmosphere (the latter, abundantly present here). You won’t find the frenetic pace of ‘road-connected’ places. The peace and quiet cannot be assigned a price, but is invaluable. With a wry smile he added, “I guess the biggest concern facing us is, if we can get across the bay.” That sums up life in Seldovia, innovative souls required!

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AHAB Has Come to Town        by Tamara Blodgett

Another hi-tech preventative safety measure in
     play for Seldovia…

If anyone’s noticed a new thirty- foot addition to the southwestern side of Susan B. English School that would be AHAB. An ‘All Hazards Alert Broadcast System’ installed after the demise of the antiquated system formerly located on top of the police station roof. An onsite evaluation was executed last May to determine the most optimum location for AHAB. With variables involving superior radius, elevation, proximity to the school, access, and ready electricity with generator back up, it was the logical choice.

State of the art for Seldovia…

This is the very “Best you can get,” said Emergency Management Coordinator Scott Walden. Walden has been responsible for fourteen of these AHAB installations in Port Graham, Nanwalek, Seldovia, and like communities. Walden indicated he was pleased with the responsiveness and cooperation of the communities they serviced. These new AHAB’s have received seventy percent of their funding from FIMA and Homeland Security with the remainder from the Kenai Peninsula Borough. The AHAB is no longer mechanical but is serviced by microchip technology. This allows greater volume, radius, and clarity in addition to continued maintenance that has greater long-term cost-effectiveness. Walden said that the “tornado alley” area of the Midwest has been successfully using these AHAB’s with exceptional dependability.

How does AHAB help…?

AHAB has eight, pre-recorded messages and not just for tsunami’s. The AHAB is capable of earthquake warnings, most forms of natural disaster, child-missing alert, and more. Soldotna and Homer can utilize radio dispatch to connect to AHAB and issue timely public warnings in addition to the weather radio system by NOAA that can give early warning, through AHAB, to the community. Please visit the KPB Emergency Management website at www.borough.kenai.ak.us/emergency for more information.

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Booster Club Pizza this Saturday
                                                                                       by Tamara Blodgett

Come one and all…  

Sign-up at the Post for Saturday night Pizza that will benefit and fund travel for our basketball, volleyball and wrestling teams!

Greek Pizza will be offered for $20, which includes Garlic/Olive Oil, Feta Cheese, Artichokes and tomatoes. All cheese pizzas begin with a layer of cheese and start at $14. Additional meat toppings will be $2 per topping, and $1 for non-meat topping. Pick-up times will be from 4-6PM at the SBE School Cafeteria with delivery times the same. Thanks for your support!

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Meyer-McInnes Wedding                  by Rosanna McInnes

Rosanna McInnes, former Seldovia resident, and Alan Meyer formerly of Evan, Minnesota were married on October 20th, in the First Presbyterian Church at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, Alaska. Rosanna’s sons, Samuel and Zachary Scribner, join Alan’s daughters Julia and Kristine Meyer in their new family of six.

Rosanna is a 1989 graduate of Seldovia’s Susan B. English School. She is the daughter of Seldovia Post Master Margaret McInnes and Seldovia City Council Member Walter McInnes. Rosanna worked as a Project Manager for Seldovia Village Tribe administering an economic development grant until her move to the Fairbanks area in August. She has a degree in Tourism and plans on continuing her career in the interior.

Alan is a 1988 graduate of Sleepy Eye High School and the son of Lois Wersal of Richmond, Minnesota and Dave Meyer of Springfield, Minnesota. He joined the United States Air Force shortly after graduating from high school and has earned the rank of Master Sergeant. He has been stationed in bases around the world and achieved a long list of awards and commendations for his 18 years of service. He is currently the Fuels Operations Superintendent at Eielson Air Force Base.

Daughter’s Julia and Kristine were bridesmaids. The groom’s brother, Ryan Meyer of New Ulm, Minnesota was the best man. Son’s Samuel and Zachary were ring bearers. The bride’s parents walked her down the aisle in the small historic church. Julia’s JROTC class performed a saber archway for the wedding party to walk through at the end of the ceremony. The service was officiated by Alan’s childhood Lutheran Pastor, Ron Friemark who flew in for the ceremony from Minnesota. The reception was held at the Iceman Lodge on Eielson Air Force Base. The couple enjoyed a honeymoon getaway at a quiet Bed & Breakfast near Denali Park. They also plan to celebrate with family and friends in Seldovia in May and in Minnesota in August. The family currently resides in North Pole, Alaska.

Alan & Rosanna Meyer
2210 Outside Blvd., North Pole, AK 99705
907-490-3080

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Rep. Paul Seaton Newsletter November

Greetings from Juneau where we are in the middle of the first snowstorm of the year!  The planes are stuck in Sitka so it is good we were just having a ‘technical’ session to transfer the ACES oil and gas tax bill from the Resources Committee to the Finance Committee, and to provide public notice of the action. 

A very interesting development occurred during the consideration of the oil tax and credit bill.  An amendment was offered to require an oil or gas company that has lost a court case and been assessed a judgment in excess of $100,000 to post the judgment amount to the court where it would earn interest at the rate reported on the company’s corporate Security and Exchange Commission filing.  The purpose would be to make sure that long appeals are not extended simply to earn money by the use of money that has been declared by a court to belong to the other (winning) party.  This is the judicial theory of ‘unjust enrichment’ which has been applied by a federal court in Florida to a claim against Exxon.  Many people have the feeling that this has been the case here in Alaska when applied to the Exxon Valdez litigation.  It would also apply to potential lawsuits under the PPT or ACES oil tax bills and could help ensure timely resolution of any such cases.  We adopted the amendment, but when it later appeared that this amendment could result in the bill receiving referral to the Judiciary committee, we rescinded our action. A fourth committee would be difficult within the confines of the 30 day special session.

Click here to read the complete Newsletter

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Special Notices . . .

Boys & Girls Club Update

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Tidbits . . .

One of the more important events in Seldovia is the acquisition of a new canine buddy. Higgy's recent loss of his canine companion Daisy was cured shortly thereafter by Roxie.

City Manager's Corner                           by Howard Davis

>> No Report this Week <<

Seldovia Police Report     by A.W. Anderson, Seldovia PD

>> Repeat Story <<

The following report covers Police related activities from October 18th through October 31st.

• Police investigated the death of Todd Jackson after he was found deceased in his home on October 18th. Our condolences to Todd’s family and friends. He will be missed by all of us.
• A verbal warning was given to a teenager after evidence of his driving his 4-wheeler erratically on Jakolof Bay Road was observed.
• A man reported his vehicle had received damage to the real tail light assembly while it was parked at the Seldovia Airport. Observations led the complainant to believe it was vandalism.
• A man reported the theft of approximately 200 gallons of furnace oil which constitutes a theft in excess of $500.00. Any theft in excess of $500.00 is charged under Felony Theft Statutes.
• A suspicious person was observed in the area of a residence on Jakolof Bay Road. Police checked the residence and found no evidence of forced entry or any damage to the property.
• Police responded to assist the EMT’s on a call and attempted to locate the Doctor. After he could not be located the patient was flown to Homer to the South Peninsula Hospital.
• A man called reporting a dog that was running at large was hanging out in their area and chasing their dog. They asked that the owner be notified and be asked to keep his dog up. The Police contacted the owner and told him of the problem.
• Police assisted in the moving of one boat from the boat haul out facility to private property and assisted in removing another boat from the water and onto blocking in the boat storage yard.
• A large bear has been terrorizing the community and has been the subject of numerous phone calls and responses by the Police. We are continuing to respond to the calls but on most occasions the bear has gone by the time Police arrive. The bear has an injured right front leg and could possibly be a threat. It has been determined the bear will be put down when it can be done safely. Please continue to call and notify the Police with any sightings.
  [ Editors Note: Andy Anderson notified us late Thursday that the bear did have to be put down late Thursday. He had a bad infection on the bottom of his right foot and the hair on his leg was falling off because of it. Seldovia PD will be sending the bear to the Fish & Game to see if they can determine anything.]
• Police were called to a roll over accident on Jakolof Bay Road when a vehicle traveling toward town had rolled over onto its top after the operator lost control following his rounding a corner. The driver was complaining of nausea and a head ache and was transported to the doctor’s office by the Police where he was treated and released. Citations for “Basic Speed” and “Failure to Wear a Seatbelt” were issued. The vehicle, with the assistance of the Department of Transportation, was turned back on its wheels and transported to a residence where it was no longer a traffic hazard. An accident report was filed with the State of Alaska. (A Basic Speed violation is defined as traveling too fast for road conditions regardless of the posted speed limit.)
• An oyster farmer in Jakolof Bay reported the theft of oysters and gear from his farm. He has repeatedly lost product but this is the first time he has found his gear missing. The theft in reportedly in excess of $500.00 which makes this a Felony Theft. The complainant asked that anyone in the area that observes suspicious activity on or around the farms report it to the Police at their earliest convenience.
• Police contacted a local resident who was sleeping in his vehicle after having had an argument with his wife. The man had driven out of town to a secluded area. He admitted to having consuming alcohol but passed the tests administered by the Police reference Driving Under the Influence. Due to his having consumed alcohol he was given a ride back into town so he would not continue to drive after he had been drinking. No further action taken by the Police.
• The Police received a Subpoena from the Alaska State Troopers and served it on a man employed locally.
• Police investigated a second roll over accident on Jakolof Bay Road after the driver of the vehicle reported it the morning following the accident. The driver and passenger were both injured in the accident. The driver injured his ankle while the passenger received trauma to her head, right hand and left forearm. Citations were given to the driver for “Basic Speed” and “Failure to Wear a Seatbelt” and to the passenger for “Failure to Wear a Seatbelt”. The vehicle rolled completely over coming back to rest on its wheels and off the roadway so no traffic hazard existed.
• Since last report the Police have Notarized 9 documents and responded to 3 calls for assistance.

Bear calls continue to come in and to date a bear has been in three buildings, one being a garage and two times inside a cabin. Please continue to report any sightings as soon as possible to the Police. Call 911 if a threat exists. If you need to contact the Seldovia Police and it is not an immediate emergency please call the Homer Police Dispatch at 235-3150. Homer Dispatch can locate the Seldovia Police in a number of different ways and most probably faster than the caller can.