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Details Sparse For Spring Creek Prison Incident
Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage
The state Department of Corrections is reacting to what is described as a “disturbance” at Spring Creek Correctional Center in Seward late Monday night. Details about the incident at the state’s maximum security prison are sketchy.
Federal Judge Rules Shell’s Spill Plan Sufficient
Peter Granitz, APRN – Washington DC
A federal judge has determined that Shell’s spill response plan was sufficient during its failed 2012 Arctic drilling campaign. The ruling is a blow to a host of environmental groups that looked to hold the federal government accountable.
Scientists Use Glacier For Glimpse Into 1,000 Years Of Climate Change
Phillip Manning, KTNA – Talkeetna
Five years of planning went into a drilling project in the heart of the Alaska Range. The scientists involved weren’t drilling for oil, however. They are part of a team studying glacier ice to better understand how the climate has changed over the last thousand years.
Pilot Unharmed In Helicopter Crash At Mine
The Associated Press
A pilot escaped injury after his helicopter crashed at a mine near Delta Junction.
The crash happened Monday evening at the Pogo Mine.
National Transportation Safety Board investigator Clint Johnson says the Hughes 500D was carrying a sling load when it went down just after 6 p.m. Monday.
The aircraft is operated by Wasilla-based Soloy Helicopters.
Johnson says the helicopter had an engine failure, landed in trees and rolled over.
The wreckage is being taken to Anchorage, where NTSB investigators can get a closer look.
Teen Rescued After Sustaining Injury On Float Trip
Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage
A 17-year-old boy was rescued by Alaska Air National Guardsmen on Monday. The teen, who suffered a leg injury while on a float trip down the Gulkana River, was picked up after the 11th Air Force Rescue Center at JBER received distress signals from a personal locater beacon and a SPOT beacon before 6 p.m. Monday night.
Yup’ik Teen Takes Gold Medal In Junior Olympics
Sophie Evan, KYUK – Bethel
A Yup’ik teenager has taken a gold medal in the Junior Olympics and is a world champion in martial arts. Thirteen-year-old Michael Martinez, has roots in the Yukon River village of Kotlik.
Death Penalty Not Sought In Coast Guard Shooting
The Associated Press
Federal prosecutors say they will not seek the death penalty against a Kodiak man charged in the fatal shootings of two men at a Coast Guard station on Kodiak Island.
James Wells is awaiting a February 2014 trial for the fatal shootings of Coast Guardsmen Petty Officer 1st Class James Hopkins and retired Chief Petty Officer Richard Belisle in April 2012.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan informed the court in a filing Monday of the decision to not seek the death penalty.
The 62-year-old Wells faces six felony charges: two counts each of first-degree murder, murder of a U.S. officer and use of a firearm in a violent crime. He has pleaded innocent to all the charges.
In May, a federal judge denied bail for Wells.
Yakutat Cold Case Trial Delayed
Matt Miller, KTOO – Juneau
Yet another delay in a jury trial for a man accused of killing his girlfriend at a Yakutat lodge long ago. The proceeding has been postponed, again. The latest delay will allow the defense to review new evidence that stems from the original cold case.
Imaging Project Targets UA Museum Bones
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
Scientists from Idaho State University are at the University of Alaska Museum of the North in Fairbanks taking high-resolution images of animal bones. It’s part of a National Science Foundation funded project to create an on-line catalogue of bones of every arctic bird, fish, and mammal.
Mat-Su Teacher Enters Running For Lieutenant Governor
Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage
A Matanuska-Susitna Borough teacher has filed as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor. Bob Williams, a former teacher of the year, says he’ll support education funding.
Williams, from Palmer, has a background in petroleum engineering, as well as in education. He is on record as opposing the Parnell administration’s oil tax cuts. Williams currently teaches at Colony High School in Palmer.
USCG Celebrates 223rd Birthday
Rosemarie Alexander, KTOO – Juneau
The U.S. Coast Guard is 223-years-old. The maritime service was created on Aug. 4, 1790 as the Revenue Cutter Service under the U.S. Department of Treasury.
New Mountain Bike Trail Construction Underway
Sara Bernard, APRN – Anchorage
The new mountain bike trails at Anchorage’s Kincaid Park are now underway. Volunteers got started on Monday night, helping to carve out 6 miles of new single-track trails on the north side of the park.
