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Anchorage Mayor LaFrance says city faces challenges but bolstered by dedicated employees
The Municipality of Anchorage faces some big challenges but also has many opportunities and dedicated city workers. That’s the message from Mayor Suzanne LaFrance, now in her third week leading Alaska’s largest city, reacting in part to a transition report from the administration of her predecessor, Dave Bronson.
U.S. Coast Guard renames Anchorage-based sector to reflect wider Alaska mission
The U.S. Coast Guard Alaska sector previously named for the state’s largest city now has a new name: Sector Western Alaska and U.S. Arctic. While the sector remains located in Anchorage, with a headquarters at the Alaska National Guard Armory on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, the new name reflects the increasing responsibilities in Arctic and near-Arctic waters that are becoming more trafficked as sea ice diminishes, the Coast Guard said. Additionally, the sector serves Interior Alaska.
Third executive joins Anchorage Mayor LaFrance’s team from Berkowitz era
Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance announced Tuesday that she’s hired Ona Brause as her new budget director. It’s the new mayor’s third high-level executive who worked in the administration of former Mayor Ethan Berkowitz. As director of the Office of Management and Budget, Brause is chiefly responsible for...
First Steps in Creating a Harmful Algal Bloom Forecast for the Kodiak Archipelago
The Kodiak Archipelago in Alaska has historically had high levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), reporting 25% of all PSP cases in the state in 2022. The outbreaks of this potentially fatal illness are caused by neurotoxins produced by the dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella, accumulating in consumable shellfish when harmful algal blooms (HABs) occur in the spring and summer months. Subsistence harvesting of clams and other shellfish is a culturally significant food resource in the Kodiak Archipelago, particularly for Native communities who call the area home. The increased severity and intensity of Alaskan HABs in recent years has impacted this subsistence food security in the Archipelago, as well as stunted the development of the Kodiak mariculture industry.
3 years after deadly small plane crash near Eagle River, pilot’s mother seeks safety policy changes
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) -Three years to the day her son was killed when the small plane he was piloting crashed near Eagle River, a mother is pushing for safety policy changes. According to a final National Transportation Safety Board investigative report, on July 26, 2021, 23-year-old Angel Aviation flight instructor...
Dunk a Trooper at the Fair
FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - Step right on up and try your luck at the Alaska State Troopers’ dunk tank at the Tanana Valley State Fair! AST is partnering with the Fairbanks Community Food Bank to raise funds and make a real splash. When the fair opened on Friday AST...
Breaking: Fairbanks assemblyman resigns after Assembly majority censures another member’s free speech
Brett Rotermund, serving on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly, has resigned his seat in protest of the Assembly censuring Assemblywoman Barbara Haney, a fellow conservative, over having expressed her opinion. Haney wrote an opinion column in the Fairbanks New Miner, and the editors added to the end of it...
Petersburg resident wins lawsuit against the borough over unfilled records request
The Petersburg Borough is being sued by a resident over a request for documents related to a harassment claim the local police chief filed against the borough two years ago. A superior court judge has decided mostly in favor of the resident. Petersburg resident Don Koenigs is suing the borough...
Kodiak celebrates first-ever Kelp Festival
The Kodiak Island Brewing Company’s tasting room was packed as live music blasted and artists showed off kelp-inspired pieces. There was even a mariculture-inspired short film playing on loop in the back by the beer stills. It’s Kodiak’s first ever kelp festival, which kicked off July 24. The idea...
Econ 919: Soldotna kills residential property tax exeption
Soldotna City Council members defeated a proposed property tax exemption for city residents on Wednesday. If approved, the ordinance being considered would have exempted $50,000 of residential property value from the city’s property tax, starting in 2025. The city estimated the exemption would have saved the average resident $25 per year and cost the city about $15,000 in lost tax revenue.
Former candidate Austin Cranford files to run for assembly seat
Earlier this week (7-22-24), former assembly candidate Austin Cranford filed to run again for a seat on the Sitka Assembly. KCAW spoke with Cranford to learn more about his decision to run, and some of his priorities if he’s elected. Cranford is one of three candidates to file for...
Anchorage Fairview Rec Center Indoor Playground to Close for Maintenance
A note for families in Anchorage: The indoor playground at the Fairview Rec Center will be temporarily closed starting next week. The closure will be in effect from July 29 to August 5 so that Anchorage Parks and Rec crews can do some maintenance work. specifically on the floor. It's...
Enstar Petitions Members For Safer Dog Practices
A mailer attached to the most recent batch of Enstar Natural Gas bills sent to utility company members came with an interesting request: please mind your dog. Most Enstar customers on the peninsula will notice one of the utility company’s many field employees in their yard from time to time checking the gas meter. In most cases, those meters are on the backside of homes, oftentimes behind a fence. Conveniently for dog owners, fenced backyards are a great way to let our furry friends enjoy the outdoors when we’re not at home. However, for the Enstar employee, those dogs represent a potential hazard.
As Suicide Basin fills up, this scientist is keeping an eye on it
Suicide Basin, a glacial lake tucked behind the Mendenhall Glacier, is a looming flood threat for Juneau residents this time of year. Glacial outburst floods or jökulhlaups have happened in the Mendenhall River every year for the last decade. The basin fills up with rain and meltwater throughout the summer until it drains downstream.
Fishing Report: Sports guys search for sockeye salmon on Kenai River
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Sports reporter Tyler Lane has watched others catch fish in his first summer in Alaska, but the time has come to slay his own salmon. Plus, sports director Jordan Rodenberger connected with Erin Schoen of Kenai Upstream to see if she can’t help him catch his first Alaska salmon species.
Water and wastewater upgrades could be on Petersburg’s ballot this fall
Voters in Petersburg will likely get to decide whether to fund upgrades to the town’s wastewater and water infrastructure. Last week, the Petersburg Borough Assembly voted in favor of a proposition to borrow more than $19 million dollars for the projects. It needs to pass a third vote to be on the ballot this fall.
United Airlines Flights Make Emergency Landings In Ketchikan
A United Airlines flight bound for Fairbanks made an emergency landing in Ketchikan on Saturday — and was soon followed by another United plane. Flight 1850 left Denver at about 7:30 p.m. Saturday evening. United Airlines said that while in the air, a passenger experienced a medical issue. That’s when the plane was diverted to the Ketchikan International Airport.
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