Vic Kohring is found guilty on three of four counts and is the second Alaska legislator to face sentencing in the federal corruption probe of Alaskan state politics. Plus, a halloween night stick-up in Talkeetna was no trick, and Mat-Su dairy farmers consider what may be their final option to avoid a mass livestock slaughter. Those stories and more on tonight’s Alaska News Nightly, broadcast statewide on APRN stations.
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Vic Kohring: Guilty
David Shurtleff, APRN – Anchorage
A federal jury found former state legislator Vic Kohring guilty of bribery, conspiracy, and attempted extortion this afternoon in Anchorage.
Speaker Harris says Alaska House is now clean
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Anchorage
Speaker John Harris was responsible for Kohring resigning his office earlier this year, and he says he now believes no other members of the House are under any sort of investigation for any improper activities.
Musser weighs in
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Anchorage
Eric Musser was legislative assistant to Kohring, but was fired from his job after he raised ethics concerns about another legislator — Bev Masek of Willow.
House votes for mining regulation changes
Joel Southern, APRN – Anchorage
The Democratic-controlled U.S. House approved a bill today that calls for a big overhaul of the laws that govern hard rock mining on public lands.
Halloween armed robbery no trick in Talkeetna
Amanda Stossel, KTNA
Two men were arrested in downtown Talkeetna last night for armed robbery. Witnesses say the two held a group of trick-or-treaters at gunpoint and demanded the children’s candy.
Invasion of the Atlantic salmon
John Ryan, KTOO – Juneau
Many Alaskans know to watch out for Atlantic salmon, on the lam from fish farms in British Columbia.
Mat Su creamery gets one last look
Ellen Lockyer, APRN – Anchorage
Mat- Su dairy farmers are hoping a last-ditch effort to put together a small creamery will pan out in time to save their struggling industry. But the current lack of a processing facility could eventually force farmers to slaughter their herds anyway.
Cruise ship ranger program nears reality
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
State officials are close to awarding a contract to manage cruise-ship pollution monitors. The Ocean Rangers program ran on a part-time basis last summer. Officials hope to have it fully functioning next season.
Fairbanks Dumpster divers targeted
Ben Markus, KUAC – Fairbanks
Dumpster diving may soon come to an end in Fairbanks.
