JUNEAU DAILY NEWS MINUTE

By Chris Burns - kiny@ptialaska.net


Friday, January 19, 1996 (c) Alaska Juneau Communications

*State flags have been lowered to half staff through Wednesday in honor of former legislator Bette Cato (BET-ee KAY-toh) who died about 11:00 last night in a Phoenix, Arizona, hospital from complications arising from cancer. Cato, a Valdez democrat, served 5 terms in the state House of Representatives from 1980 until she resigned in 1990 due to poor health. She came to Alaska in 1957 and worked for 20 years as a school teacher in Kenai, Anchorage and Valdez. Bette Cato was 71.
*One of the Coast Guard's 378-foot, high endurance cutters from Down South is in Juneau preparing for its assignment to the Bering Sea crab fishery. The 'Sherman' arrived yesterday. The officers and crew are meeting with officials at the 17th District Headquarters, and are getting a little shore leave before heading into the icy northern sea.
*Another public meeting with a small turnout last night -- this time to take comments on proposed fee changes for the use of Juneau School District facilities. Only 4 people showed up to comment. However, that was still better than a Parks and Recreation Department public meeting Wednesday on developing a new comprehensive plan. It drew only 1 person -- a gentleman who had just moved to town.
*Thanks to the cooperation of Sitka residents, the Alaska Marine Highway System has revised the schedule for the ferry 'Aurora' to accommodate students returning from a basketball tournament in Skagway. The ferry, originally set to depart Auke Bay Sunday afternoon, will now leave on Monday morning. The 9-hour delay will allow about 160 players and fans from the Region 5, 2-A tourney to connect with the southbound ferry. Governor Knowles thanked the people of Sitka for giving up a southbound port of call to help the basketball players.
*Girl Scout cookies went on sale in Juneau today. The Tongass Alaska Girl Scout Council says orders are being accepted for 8 varieties of the cookies which will be delivered in early March. The Thin Mint is the favorite among Southeast Alaskans. Sales from last year show the Samoa cookie a close second. There are over 1,200 members in Girl Scouts in Southeast -- expect to see one at your door soon.
*'Romeo and Juliet' opens tonight at the Juneau Douglas High School Auditorium at 7:00. The J.D.H.S. drama department production will be in the classical style according to drama teacher and director Donna Breeden. Performances are scheduled for tomorrow night, and then on February 2nd and 3rd.