‘Still here, willing to learn’: Students learn endangered language, connect with Tsimshian culture in free summer class
Posted by Molly Lubbers | Jul 22, 2021
Terri Burr tells a migration route story as one of her students Sonya Klippert looks on. Burr started her summer Shmˈ
algyack language class with Tsimshian history, before students were ever asked to make a sound. (Molly Lubbers/KRBD)
The Tsimshian language is endangered, with just a handful of fluent speakers in the U.S. But people interested in adding to that number can take a class for free this summer.
Rain or shine, Terri Burr is meeting with students every Tuesday and Thursday until August 12 to spread knowledge about the Tsimshian language and culture.
Posted by Molly Lubbers | Jul 15, 2021
Paula Weisel points to a bidder at a live auction supporting Libby Oaksmith, a cafe manager who was recently diagnosed with cancer. The auction was part of a larger event to raise money for Oaksmith and her family. (Molly Lubbers/KRBD)
Community members are rallying to support beloved Ketchikan cafe manager Libby Oaksmith, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. They’ve brought meals for her family, hung signs in shop windows offering support and opened their wallets. Friends of Oaksmith held a well-attended carnival and auction to raise money and show just how much Ketchikan loves Libby.
Ketchikan LGBTQ people build community, celebrate visibility at annual pride picnic
Posted by Molly Lubbers | Jun 30, 2021
Ketchikan resident Bethany Clay draws on a poster that 2021 Pride Picnic attendees can decorate and sign. (Molly Lubbers/KRBD)
Last Saturday, the Ketchikan Pride Alliance held its annual Pride Picnic. It was a space for LGBTQ people to build community, celebrate and be visible during Pride Month.
Under the sun and out at Rotary Beach Park, community members gathered for Ketchikan’s annual Pride Picnic, chatting and laughing. On the grill were burgers and hot dogs, and on people’s faces were smiles.
It’s a much different scene than the first pride event, Ketchikan Pride Alliance President Sheen Davis said.
New food truck opens in Ketchikan, first since borough ordinance lifted restrictions
Posted by Molly Lubbers | Jun 28, 2021
On opening day, food truck owner Tammy Bellanich writes down Jeff Orr’s order. (Molly Lubbers/KRBD)
For the first time in years, there’s a new food truck in Ketchikan. It’s the first to come on the scene since the passage of a local ordinance that dialed back restrictions on mobile eateries in the First City.
Bright orange and boxy, the new sausage-and-fries truck has a one-word name. But owner Tammy Bellanich says she spent months toying around with what to call it.
Cook County Health will distribute up to 15,000 Six Flags Great America tickets to anyone who gets a COVID-19 vaccine at a CCH location on Wednesday. “With summer coming, if you have not gotten your COVID-19 vaccine, now is the time!” CCH Health said in a statement. CCH recently began offering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.