State lawmakers voted today to subpoena Governor Palin’s husband Todd in the investigation into the firing of former public safety commissioner Walt Monegan. Plus, remembering Alaska fish skin artist and teacher Fran Reed, who died yesterday. Those stories and more tonight on Alaska News Nightly, broadcast statewide on APRN stations.
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Alaska legislative investigator subpoenas Todd Palin in Monegan/Wooten matter
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
The investigator looking into the events surrounding the firing of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan updated legislators this morning on his work so far — and he got subpoenas compelling 13 more people to talk to him. However, they might no longer be needed.
Stevens trial judge calls emergency meeting, agrees with defense on evidence format
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
Judge Emmet Sullivan held an emergency hearing today in Washington, DC in the federal case against Senator Ted Stevens. The judge wanted to settle a dispute over whether prosecutors in the case were turning over evidence to the defense in the right format.
Rural energy assistance fund seeks donations from PFD-rich Alaskans
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
About 500,000 Alaskans are receiving almost $3,300 a piece in their bank accounts today, thanks to direct deposits of their Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) checks and energy relief payments. Paper checks will be mailed out beginning September 30. The payout is a record this year. And now, a group has started a fund to allow Alaskans to contribute a portion of their checks to help rural residents deal with the staggering fuel costs in Alaska’s remote communities.
- Read the rural energy appeal letter (PDF)
- The payee and address for donations is:
Energy Assistance Program
United Way of Anchorage
701 W 8th Ave, Ste 230
Anchorage AK 99501
Southeast Alaska leaders gather to discuss energy issues
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
This year’s Southeast Conference annual meeting will focus on energy. The organization of Southeast Alaska business and government leaders will hear about electrical grid expansion, wind energy and a variety of transportation and economic development issues.
Beth Sholom Synagogue celebrates 50 years in Alaska
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
The largest Jewish congregation in Alaska is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend. Twenty people founded Beth Sholom Synagogue in Anchorage in September 1958.
Alaska Native K-6 charter school seeking more Anchorage students
Len Anderson, KSKA – Anchorage
Classes have started at the Alaska Native Cultural Charter School, but Anchorage’s newest K-6th grade alternative is still looking for more students… and a bus driver.
Alaskan artist Fran Reed remembered
Jessica Cochran, APRN – Anchorage
Alaska artist and teacher Fran Reed died yesterday morning in Anchorage of cancer. She was 65. Reed started out as a weaver, teaching at UAF, but for the last few decades, she worked mostly with fish skins and hog gut, creating baskets, lamps and vases. Her work has won numerous awards, and is included in permanent collections in museums across Alaska.
