Although far away, storm hits close to home

Sept. 4, 2005

Simply Sleight\Kari Sleight

Geographically speaking, Louisiana and Alaska are just about as far apart as you can be in the United States. However, the oil industry keeps us connected more so than to any other state in the union, except Texas.

The employees of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman have an even closer connection.

As part of the Wick Communications family, we have four sister newspapers around the New Orleans area: Bogalusa, Covington, LaPlace and Slidell. Wick Commu-nications has organized its publications into four teams, and the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman was teamed with the four Louisiana newspapers, deepening the Louisiana/Alaska connection for us.

As the first pictures emerged of the devastation hurricane Katrina left behind, I found myself riveted to the television and Internet, desperately trying to catch a glimpse of the newspaper buildings or one of the employees. Having just returned from a weeklong business trip in Louisiana and Mississippi makes the footage of the destruction more emotional.

I spoke with Elizabeth Ripley, director of marketing and public relations for Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, last Thursday. The Hattiesburg, Miss., hospital is a fellow Triad hospital. Hattiesburg was also in the midst of Katrina's destructive path. Hospital employees there were required to stay and take care of the injured and infirm, some working tirelessly without knowing if their families were safe.

I have heard many stories in the last week from others in our community who have parents, cousins, sisters, brothers or friends who live in one of the affected communities in Louisiana, Mississippi or Alabama. In this day and age of instant communication, the lack of reliable communication through telephones, cell phones and Internet has frustrated many of us who are trying to contact a friend or loved one in the Gulf area. We so often take for granted that when we dial a number we will be immediately connected with our loved ones, or at least able to leave a message.

Katrina has changed that train of thought for many people.

We have yet to learn the full impact this hurricane has delivered to our friends in the South. The death toll is sure to climb, every day, for weeks to come. The loss of homes, personal property, and the very basic needs for survival, like food, water and medication, have shaken this area to its very soul. Residents emerged from safety shelters, having safely weathered all the rage Katrina unleashed on them, only to find themselves homeless and having little more than the clothes on their backs.

Not since 9/11 has this country witnessed this much devastation and loss of life. And, just as we rebuilt and emerged victorious from that tragedy, so shall we this.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by the devastation caused by Katrina.

Kari Sleight is the Frontiersman's publisher.