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CES breaks ground on new Soldotna station
Kenai Peninsula Borough officials broke ground yesterday on Central Emergency Services’ new station in Soldotna. Service area voters approved a bond for the project two years ago. Project leads say the new station will accommodate the agency’s growth and provide needed relief from the existing station’s cramped quarters.
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.
Unalaska, Aleutians East Borough oppose Rep. Peltola’s proposed trawling limitations
Communities in the Aleutians are pushing back against proposed legislation that would bring stricter regulations to the Bering Sea trawl fishery. The City of Unalaska and the Aleutians East Borough are among 53 organizations that signed onto a letter sent to U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, urging her to withdraw H.R. 8507, a bill she sponsored in May.
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...
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...
Aleutian Airway to resume service in Homer
Aleutian Airways is returning to Homer this fall. The airline began flying between Anchorage and Homer last year on Sept. 19. They suspended services nearly seven months later due to a repaving project at the Homer Airport making the runway too narrow during the summer. The airline is scheduled to...
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...
Mr. Skagway 2024: the magical prospector
Emcee Alanna Bagdon crowns Christian Monroe Mr. Skagway 2024. This year’s Mr. Skagway was crowned at the Red Onion Saloon. Nugget’s endearing voice and magic tricks won over the judges and the crowd. Skagway held its 2024 Mr. Skagway Pageant on July 13, and gave the honor to...
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...
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.
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...
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