Alaska News Nightly: October 21, 2014

Download Audio3 Alaska National Guard Leaders Fired MondayAlexandra Gutierrez, APRN – AnchorageThree leaders of the Alaska National Guard have been fired from their positions.The removal of Brig. General Catherine Jorgensen, Brig. Gen. Donald Wenke, and Col. Edith Grunwald was announced Monday night, and came at the direction of Gov. Sean Parnell.Military Recruiters Banned From Anchorage, Mat-Su Schools Phillip Manning, KTNA – TalkeetnaMilitary recruiters are no longer welcome at Anchorage schools. Superintendent Ed Graff made the decision after the Anchorage Press published allegations that an Army National Guard recruiter had sex with and made sexual advances toward high school JROTC cadets.The Mat-Su Borough School District has also temporarily suspended all military recruitment in Valley schools.Federally-Managed Cook Inlet Waters Could Open Up For Oil, Gas Exploration Shady Grove Oliver, KBBI – HomerThe federally-managed waters of Cook Inlet could open up for oil and gas exploration in the next few years. Industry interest has spurred the review of sites along the Inlet by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. BOEM held the first of two meet-and-greets yesterday with Peninsula residents to reopen the conversation about the proposed sale. Today, it released its intent to draft an environmental impact statement in support of a potential sale.False Pass Forges Ahead With Tidal Power Lauren Rosenthal, KUCB – UnalaskaThe 40-odd residents of False Pass have waited years to find out if their turbulent seas could ever be used as a source of energy. And they may finally have an answer – and a path to renewable power.Wrangell Doctor Appears In Court Again After Arrest For Child Porn Matt Miller, KTOO – JuneauA Wrangell doctor arrested last week for possessing and distributing child pornography appeared in court again yesterday.After Hazing, Juneau School District Tries To Move Forward Lisa Phu, KTOO – JuneauThe Juneau School District has spent at least $20,000 investigating and dealing with last May’s hazing incident where seven incoming seniors paddled six incoming freshmen.The district took disciplinary action, which resulted in one student appeal. The school board will decide Tuesday behind closed doors what to do with the student grievance.AVCP Works to Reopen Flight SchoolBen Matheson, KYUK – BethelThe Association of Village Council Presidents is working toward reopening their flight School, Yuut Yaqungviat, in Bethel.Public Meetings Begin On Proposed Park Service Sport Hunting Ban Emily Schwing, KUAC – FairbanksThe National Park Service will host 17 public hearings across the state beginning Tuesday through November 20^th to address the agency’s proposals to prohibit some sport hunting on National Park and Preserve lands.Courts Rule Against 2 Plaintiffs Challenging Park Service AuthorityDan Bross, KUAC – FairbanksThe 9^th Circuit Court of appeals has ruled against plaintiffs in 2 cases challenging National Park Service authority. The court found against hunters John Sturgeon of Anchorage and Jim Wilde of Central, who challenged park service regulation of state waters inside Yukon Charley Rivers Park and Preserve.After Two Years, Biologist is Still Trying to Count Alaska's Migratory Shorebirds Emily Schwing, KUAC – FairbanksTwo years ago, one biologist set out to try and count the number of shorebirds that migrate to and from Alaska each summer. The data collected in conjunction with the National Park Service the will help wildlife managers track bird reproduction and survival rates. It may also be useful as off shore oil and gas development moves ahead.Ketchikan Assembly Says No To Adding Official Prayer Leila Kheiry, KRBD – KetchikanThe Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly rejected an ordinance Monday night that would have added prayer to the regular meeting agenda. The issue was controversial, with many residents voicing opinions on the issue.