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FAA approves UAS Above JBER, New Runway Installed
Daysha Eaton, KSKA – Anchorage
Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or UAS, will soon be flying more often over Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Soldiers assigned to the aircraft just tested out a new runway on the base earlier this month. Officials say it will allow more training on the remotely piloted aircraft in Anchorage.
Legislators Draft Drone Policy
Alexandra Gutierrez, APRN – Juneau
Alaska is also being considered as a non-military test site for drones, and legislators are drafting a policy for their use in the state. While the Legislative Task Force on Unmanned Aircraft Systems finds that the FAA’s regulations on privacy and safety cover most of their concerns, the draft report they released Monday lays out the potential for a few Alaska-specific rules.
4 Charged With Illegally Shooting 2 Moose In Denali National Park
Phillip Manning, KTNA – Talkeetna
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Anchorage announced last week that four men from Southcentral Alaska had been charged with illegally shooting two bull moose inside Denali National Park in 2012.
Ahtna Plans Gas Wells Near Glennallen
Anne Hillman, APRN Contributor
Ahtna Incorporated is planning to develop natural gas wells near Glennallen to supply local communities. The company recently licensed 44,000 acres of state land about 15 miles west of Glennallen.
Newtok’s Relocation Effort Slowed By An Ongoing Tribal Dispute
Ben Matheson, KYUK – Bethel
The latest round of Bering Sea storms beat up the southwest Alaska coastline, including Newtok. The community’s move to the Mertarvik site on Nelson Island may be more pressing than ever, but the long relocation process is in a holding pattern due to a tribal council dispute.
State Tells Medevac Payment Program To Drop Alaska Members
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
The state has ordered a Seattle-based medevac insurance program to end coverage in Alaska.
Airlift Northwest’s AirCare program fills the gap between air ambulance charges and what health insurance pays.
Cause Of Late-Season Interior Rain Remains A Mystery
Emily Schwing, KUAC – Fairbanks
Rain in Interior Alaska is rare, or so it might seem. But the region has seen rain fall in November in seven of the last 12 winters. An explanation remains elusive.
Juneau’s Filipino Community Raises $21,000 For Typhoon Relief
Lisa Phu, KTOO – Juneau
Juneau’s Filipino community will contribute more than $21,000 to the relief effort for victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. That’s the amount raised during Saturday’s fundraising dinner.
