newsminer.com

Everyone is in favor of clean water, but there are conflicting opinions about whether the so-called “Alaska Clean Water Initiative” is in Alaska’s best interest.

Advocates of the mining industry say the measure should be titled the “Mining Shutdown Initiative.” Advocates of the initiative want to stop the proposed Pebble Mine, but assert that the initiative, scheduled for the August ballot, will not harm existing mines.

Bruce Switzer, a Tucson resident who represents Alaskans for Clean Water, and Fairbanks miner Karl Hanneman plan to debate the topic today at the Westmark Hotel.

The Interior Democrats are sponsoring the event as part of the monthly Fahrenkamp Luncheon at noon. The cost is $13 for the buffet, but you don’t have to purchase lunch.

The speakers are to give separate presentations, followed by questions. John Davies will be the moderator.

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POWWOW: The Midnight Sun Intertribal Powwow will start today at 5:30 p.m. and continue through the weekend at the field behind the Carlson Center. The guest drum is Lakota Thunder and there will be a variety of dancers and other events. Admission is $5 per person.

“We are looking forward to a great powwow this year, with good weather and we still have room for volunteers,” said Sarah Grover. For more information, call 456-2245.

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ANWR STAND: I suspect the move by Senate Republicans to stop pushing for drilling in ANWR probably has much more to do with trying to avoid embarrassing Sen. John McCain than Democratic opposition to the idea.

McCain, who compares drilling in the refuge to drilling in the Grand Canyon, has so far taken the same position as Sen. Barack Obama.

At a campaign stop in June, according to news reports, McCain said he is still opposed to drilling, but “If people have new information or want me to review policies ... no matter what those policies are, I’d be glad to review them,” he said. “People have said to me, ‘I’m going to bring you new information about ANWR, how environmentally we can make it safe.’ I’ll be glad to accept new information, but my position has not changed.”

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HELPING NATALIE: Friends and relatives of Janice Arkell and Darren Hildebrand plan to host a fundraiser Saturday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the David Salmon Tribal Hall.

Their daughter, Natalie Hildebrand, was born 12 weeks ago with a tumor on her back that has required three surgeries so far at Children’s Hospital in Seattle. The tumor has affected her spine and the lower half of her body.

There will be baked goods, a raffle and other activities.

For more information, call Jolene Arkell at 978-4872 or Diane Hildebrand at 460-1816.

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NEW FLAG: The storm Monday night damaged the giant flag outside Auto Trim Design on South Cushman, and the company ordered a replacement. The new $1,600 flag is 20-by-38 feet and weighs about 40 pounds.

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PIED PIPER: Bob McCourt, the “Pied Piper of the Jersey Shore,” was in Tok on July 3. He phoned North Pole and was invited to play his bagpipes in the North Pole Summer Festival.

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HELPING OUT: Olaf Allison Jr., a retired teacher who has lived in Salcha for many years, is hospitalized in Mexico after suffering an aneurysm July 3. He was there with his young son and wife on vacation.

The unanticipated expenses are adding up, and friends of the family have set up an account in his name at Wells Fargo Bank. Donations can be made at any branch of the bank. For more information, call Carla Kangas at 456-4927.

The Allison family recently moved to Tok, as their place in Salcha was often getting flooded.