Twenty six years…
What a wonderful experience it has been!
Now it is time to leave after raising our children, getting to know and love the people and places of the Yukon Kuskokwim region and enjoying the privilege of being physicians caring for our community. Working at YKHC, in this unique native owned and operated system and watching it expand and excel in care over the years, has been awesome.
Mushing, hunting, fishing, boating, flying, smoking fish, walking, eating, concerts, fundraisers, bonfires, friends, family, bad weather, good weather, beautiful sunsets, fall tundra, wild flowers, birds on the lake, fireweed signaling the end of summer … some of the many things we have enjoyed here.
Thank you for the special years we have spent here and the extended family and friends we have known. We are leaving Bethel, but Bethel will always be a part of who we are.
We are fully retired and finishing the move to our new home in Anchorage. We hope to see some of you there, and we will be visiting Bethel from time to time. With our work, we have touched the lives of many. Know that you have also touched ours. We wish the very best for you and all those you love. Stay safe. Stay well.
K. Jane McClure, MD
William W. Eggimann, MD
Bethel, AK
There is no guarantee yet if PCE will be statutorily or constitutionally protected
It’s been mentioned before and it was, perhaps, almost a political experiment when he was first elected to the Alaska House of Legislature from Kotzebue to divide the State of Alaska into three States but for some reason had dismissed or declined to advance his political ideology. His name was the late Albert (Al) Adams of Kotzebue, prominent Alaska Native Leader, who served on both sides of the aisle in the Alaska State Legislature. He served as the Chairman of the House Finance Committee and later elected to the Alaska Senate and represented his district for 20 years all together.
I am not writing this letter to promote dividing the State of Alaska into more than one State but to shed some political issues that have taken shape to re-ignite the urban and rural divide (from the 1980’s subsistence issue) instigated by the urban republican legislators and most recently by Governor Dunleavy when he swept the Power Cost Equalization funds into the constitutional budget reserve creating fear and anger to thousands of village people who depend on the PCE to keep their electricity on without getting disconnection notices.
There is no guarantee yet if PCE will be statutorily or constitutionally protected so as long as urban republican legislators continue to dominate the votes against our bush legislators and our democratic allies. This is an opportune time for our village tribal leaders and Yupiit Nation to address our grievances when it comes to the annual Alaska Federation Convention in December. Quyana for your attention on this important matter.
Homer Hunter, Jr.
Scammon Bay, AK
Murkowski Statement on Attacks in Kabul, Afghanistan
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) made the following statement after two bombings took place near Kabul’s international airport, which killed 13 U.S. service members and wounded as many as 18 more:
I have long supported withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan, but the manner in which the drawdown has taken place has been chaotic and irresponsible and led to the horrific scenes we have witnessed over the last 12 days. It is devastating to see that American troops were targeted, injured, and killed while protecting the airport. My deepest condolences go out to their families and loved ones. It is important to remember that their mission has not been in vain as thousands of Americans and tens of thousands of allies and vulnerable Afghans have been safely evacuated. We must continue our focus on the mission our military were sent to defend: bringing our people home and helping those who have helped us.
My office continues to respond to many, many constituents who have requested evacuation assistance for their family members, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Due to this enormous evacuation effort, the State Department has not been able to provide updates at the individual level. In just the last 12 days, over 82,000 people have been evacuated from Kabul. My staff will continue to help constituents in need and when the timing is appropriate, I will ensure full accountability for the decisions made within this administration. The time now is to honor those who have fallen and ensure their mission is carried out. President Biden committed to the American people that he will ensure any American who wishes to leave the country is able to do so and that those terrorists that attacked and killed our service members will pay the price. They will not win. I intend to hold the president to those words.
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski
Washington, D.C.
