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Strong Winds Expected for Anchorage
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
One year after high winds caused extensive damage in Anchorage and across Southcentral Alaska, September is again starting off with concern about overnight gusts. Christian Cassell, forecaster for the National Weather Service in Anchorage, said winds of 45 to 60 mph will pick up along higher elevations and Turnagain Arm Monday night. He said gusts could reach 75 miles per hour during the evening.
NOAA to Review Humpback’s Status
Lisa Phu, KTOO – Juneau
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will review whether the North Pacific humpback still needs protection under the Endangered Species Act. A group of Hawaiian fishermen submitted a petition to delist the whale in April and NOAA released its first finding last week.
Labor Day: A Holiday and A Day for Gathering Signatures
Rosemarie Alexander, KTOO – Juneau
Monday was Labor Day. It was set aside in both the U.S. and Canada to recognize workers. In Alaska, it was a day to collect signatures on two initiatives to protect workers. One is statewide – to increase the state’s minimum wage. The other asks Anchorage voters to overturn a municipal law that limits the rights of city employees
Plane Crashes Near Rohn; One Killed
Steve Heimel, APRN – Anchorage
A single engine plane crashed southeast of McGrath, near Rohn in the foothills of the Alaska Range on Friday. The pilot, Scott Mueller, 58, of Big Lake, was killed. A passenger, Traeger Anderson, 30, of Wasilla, was injured. The Super Cub reportedly crashed near an airstrip.  The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. On Saturday the NTSB was able to reach the hillside site of another plane crash that happened Thursday near Sutton and took two lives. The two victims were identified as Adam Norton, 30, and Derrik Swanson, 31. They were from Palmer.
Four Indicted for Drug Conspiracy in Anchorage
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
The U.S Attorney’s office announced indictments against four Anchorage men for drug conspiracy, kidnapping involving sexual torture and using firearms during the crimes. The indictment alleges the men conspired to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine as well as heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine. The men are also charged with organizing home invasions of other drug traffickers to obtain drugs.
Dillingham Heroin Bust Has Authorities Worried
Dave Bendinger, KDLG – Dillingham
Last Thursday, Keli Dumas, 26, of Dillingham was arrested as she left the post office with a package that authorities had been led to believe contained drugs. She was cooperative and the package was searched later that day. Black tar heroin and methamphetamine were inside the package. There was enough of each to indicate the illegal drugs were probably going to be sold. Meth hasn’t been a common narcotic on Dillingham streets. Its appearance last week has the Western Alaska Alcohol and Narcotics Team concerned that the drug problem is getting worse.
Wasilla Hunting Guide Headed to Jail
Tony Gorman, KCHU – Valdez
A hunting guide from Wasilla is heading to jail after being found guilty of two counts of big game violations by a jury in Cordova District Court. The violations stemmed from an illegal wolf hunt a year ago.
Petersburg Republican to Seek House Seat
Joe Viechnicki, KFSK – Petersburg
A Petersburg Republican plans to run for House District 35 in hopes of unseating a freshman Democratic representative from Sitka. Legislative districts for next year have not cleared a legal challenge but at least two people intend to run for the new district that includes Sitka, Petersburg, Craig and other communities on the northern half of Prince of Wales Island.
Kodiak’s Men of Steel Premieres
Jay Barrett, KMXT – Kodiak
Friday the latest reality television show set in Alaska premiered. It’s about welders. That’s right – shipyard welders in Kodiak. “Alaska Men of Steel” is running on the Discovery Channel.
