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Myers announces retirement, third Walker cabinet change in three weeks
Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO – Juneau
Alaska Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Mark Myers announced Tuesday that he’s retiring. Myers wrote in an email to department staff members that he’s retiring for personal reasons. His resignation is effective March 1.
Hovercraft case among those Scalia’s death leaves in limbo
Liz Ruskin, APRN – Washington D.C.
The death of Justice Scalia has shaken up the presidential election and brought uncertainty to cases of great national importance. It also leaves one Alaska-specific case in limbo. It’s called Sturgeon v. Frost. It’s about whether the National Park Service can enforce its nationwide ban on hovercraft on navigable waters as they flow through Alaska’s federal parks.
Murkowski field hearing highlights rural Alaska’s unique energy issues, solutions
Rachel Waldholz, APRN – Anchorage
When Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski chose Bethel for a field hearing of the Senate Energy Committee – which she chairs – she had a very specific point to make.
No easy solution for Anchorage detox bed shortage
Anne Hillman, KSKA – Anchorage
More than 400 people gathered in Anchorage Monday night to discuss the area’s lack of detox facilities. At least 60 people per day try to access the area’s 14 detox beds. The municipal government and the state’s Board of Nursing are considering some solutions, but the problem is complicated.
Damaged cable leaves Sitka and Angoon with shoddy service
Emily Kwong, KCAW – Sitka
Missed connections were hard to avoid this Valentine’s Day in Sitka and Angoon. The fiber optic cable serving both island communities is damaged, leaving customers with spotty to no service. Installed in 2008, the cable runs 1,400 feet below the ocean’s surface. Picture a bundle of glass strands, thinner than a human hair, encased in plastic. And surrounding that is an armor of steel, made of 12-gauge strands.
Unalaska residents flock to Museum of the Aleutians open house
Greta Mart, KUCB – Unalaska
Unalaska residents once again filled the galleries of the Museum of the Aleutians Thursday during an open house hosted by the museum’s seven board of directors. The museum remains closed to the public, but behind the scenes, a seasoned interim director has been taking stock and setting a new course for the 17-year-old institution.
Cyclist surprises as Yukon Quest winds down and racers reach the finish
Molly Rettig, KUAC – Fairbanks
Yukon Quest teams continue to make their way to the race’s finish in Whitehorse, but mushers and their dogs aren’t the only athletes on the trail.
