Park News October 10,2008

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

On October 4th, the park was the site of a star-spangled salute to this country’s 2008 Olympians. Maryland Olympians Michael Phelps, Katie Hoff, Jessica Long, and seven other Olympians were joined by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, Senator Barbara Mikulski, Congressman John Sarbanes, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon and Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith for a live televised broadcast welcoming home eight-time Olympic gold medal winner Michael Phelps and his fellow competitors. The event, presided over by master of ceremonies Billy Bush, included interpretive programs, local bands, a Navy helicopter flyover, the Naval Academy band, and a performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” by the Morgan State Choir. Approximately 10,000 visitors attended the program, which concluded with a fireworks display from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Rangers from nine parks, including the Northeast Region SETT and the Boston NHP special response team, were assisted by Maryland State Police and Maryland Transportation Police in providing protection for both visitors and resources during the event. Park staff worked closely with both local and state officials over the past three weeks to organize this event, which received a significant amount of media attention. This was not the first time that Fort McHenry has hosted returning Olympians. In 1914, during the centennial celebration of the Star Spangled Banner, Olympians were also invited to the site to compete in several athletic events.

 

Shenandoah National Park

The search for Earl Funk continued yesterday in the Cedar Mountain area after articles which belong to Funk were found. Items found on Tuesday included a hat, keys, a pack of cigarettes, a tent stake (used for digging), and a boot. A machete was found on Wednesday. Thursday marked the tenth day of the search. Fifty-five employees and trained volunteers are currently involved in the operation, which is concentrating outside the park on private land. Funk was last seen on Monday, September 29th. He is described as a white male with brown hair and green eyes, 5’ 8” tall, weighing approximately 145 pounds, and last seen wearing dark pants and a light shirt. Anyone with any information about Earl Funk is encouraged to call Shenandoah National Park at 1-800-732-0911. For additional information about the search and rescue operation please call 540-999-3300.

 

American Memorial Park

A federal court has sentenced Dominic Chipwelong, one of three men accused of conspiring to steal and sell portions of the park’s metal lighting units, to ten months in prison. After serving the prison term, the 24-year-old Chipwelong will be placed on three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to immediately pay $35,490 in restitution jointly with co-defendant James Ochcha and to perform 100 hours of community service. During his probationary period, Chipwelong is prohibited from using controlled drugs and consuming alcoholic beverages. Chipwelong, Ochcha, and Masaioshy Daikichi Sallem were indicted for conspiracy to sell government property and theft of government property; Ochcha was also charged with destruction of a veteran's memorial. The three were accused of engaging in a conspiracy to steal portions of the metal lighting units from the park and selling them to a recycling center in November 2007. Chipwelong and Ochcha entered a guilty plea. Ochcha's sentencing is set for October 27th. Sallem has maintained his innocence of the charges. His trial is scheduled for October 20th. [

 

Fort Smith National Historic Site

Amy Garrett, a park ranger at Fort Smith, was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident during a heavy rainstorm east of Fort Smith, Arkansas, on October 6th.  In addition to being an outstanding interpreter and education specialist, Amy enthusiastically supported the interpretive development program as a peer-review certifier. She received the Freeman Tilden national award in 2003 for her work in bringing distance learning to the forefront of education. Garrett, a ten-year veteran with the NPS, previously worked at Central High School NHS, Homestead NM, Death Valley NP, and Yellowstone NP. Her positive, cheerful attitude and a great enthusiasm for interpretation made her a shining star in the NPS. There will be a private service for the family.  A memorial website has been established to share stories and photographs: http://www.sympathytree.com/amygarrett1961/ . A memorial fund has been set up.  Donations can be sent to the Amy Garrett Memorial Fund, Regions Bank, 5400 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903.

 

Glacier National Park

Dates: 10/09/2008 - 10/30/2008

Glacier National Park is currently soliciting applications for their chief of facility management position. The position is being advertised under merit promotion under two vacancy announcements - GL212723, supervisory facility operations specialist, GS-1640-13/14, and GL212880, supervisory civil engineer, GS-810-13/14.

Click on "More Information" for a link to a USA Jobs page with both announcements.



 More Information...