The Daily Alaska empire., 1937-01-25
NEWS NOTES
 FROM SITKk

SITKA, Alaska, Jan. 22.--(Special Correspondence) Announcement was made at the regular meeting of the City Council last Wednesday that sale of the $14,50O in city bonds, authorized at a recent election, has been made locally. The money will be used for the construction of 9 new gymnasium to be started this spring. H. B. Foss and Co. of Ju- neau, is drawing plans for the building and bids will be let in the near future. At the same meeting city automobile licenses were re- duced from $10 to $5 and dog li- censes from $5 to $3 and $2, and other routine business cared for.
 Miss Ann Reisterer, nurse at the Alaska Pioneers Home Hospital re- turned here last week from Seattis and Vancouver, B. C., where she enjoyed a visit with relatives over the holidays.
 The Sitka Chamber of Commerce held it's regular luncheon meeting at the Alaska Grill Thursday noon. At this session the group voted to accept responsibility for payment oi transportation of the new airplane float recently purchased for the city of Sitka by the Territory, from Juneau to Sitka, and for its in- stallation after arriving here.
 Much enthusiasm greeted the week of Masquerades held here last week, sponsored by the local Moose lodge, in accordance with an old Russian tradition. On different eve nings prizes were awarded for the most original costume, best sus- tained character, best childs cos tune, most comical costume and on the final evening of the celebra- tion, MT. and Mrs. Don McGraw were voted winners of the prize waltz These events are held annu- ally at the holiday season and are extremely popular with local resi- dents.
 Mrs. H. c. Nicholson wife of Dr. H. G. Nicholson, who will leave Sit ka in February to make her home in San Diego, Cal, was honored by the Girl Scout Council of Sitka with a luncheon at the home of Mrs. Louis C. Berg Monday. Following ] the luncheon short business meet 1 ing was held, at which time Mrs. Foster Mills was appointed camp chairman of the group, position which has been held by the de- parting member for the past five years. Mrs. Berg was named secre- tary- treasurer of the council. Covers were laid for Mrs. H. J. Hodgins, Mrs. R. w. DeArmond, Mrs. Foster Mills, Miss Louise Brightman, Mrs. Harry Manca, Miss Helen Roan, Mrs. Berg and Mrs. Nicholson.
 The gasboat Lone Fisherman, owned by Fred Hallistrom, was de- stroyed Sunday afternoon when it was sunk after catching fire. The boat, tied to the Cold Storage float, filled with water and sank after being shot at the water line with shells, to prevent explosion and en- dangering other fishing boats at the float. Cause of the fire was not de- termined.
 Charles Wortman, druggist and member of the Board of Directors of the Pioneers Home and Filler Han sen, Superintendent at the Home returned here Sunday after weeks business trip to Juneau.
 Sam Pappas, proprietor of the Arcade Cafe, with his assistant James Xidas, plan to leave this week for a six weeks vacation in Se- attle.
 George Smith, age 96 and oldest member of the Alaska Pioneers Home here, died Saturday evening at the Home Hospital. Although al- most blind Smith had been ununsu- ally active until a few days ago when he was taken to the hospital in a weakened condition.