Alaska News Nightly: July 7, 2009

Individual news stories are posted in the Alaska News category and you can subscribe to APRN’s news feeds via email, podcast and RSS.Download Audio (MP3)Palin Makes First Public Appearance Since Her Announcement The Associated Press and Suzy Erlich, KOTZ - KotzebueSarah Palin returned to work as Alaska's governor today in Kotzebue. She visited the arctic community to sign a bill aimed at strengthening the Village Public Safety Officer program. It was her first public appearance as governor since she announced her plan to resign.Stimulus Spending to Help Fish, Too Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska Fish as well as people are expected to benefit from another round of federal stimulus funding that's headed to Alaska.Wildfire in Kenai Refuge Growing Casey Kelly, KBBI - HomerThe Shanta Creek Fire burning north of Tustumena Lake in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge continues to grow. Wildfire officials are monitoring the blaze, which was started by lightning about a week ago. The fire grew by a couple thousand acres on Monday.Coast Guard Commander Wants More Presence in the Arctic Libby Casey, APRN - Washington DCThe Commandant of the US Coast Guard says the nation should beef-up its presence in the Arctic.  Admiral Thad Allen made his comments before a Senate Commerce subcommittee hearing about Coast Guard oversight. Alaska Senator Mark Begich (D) questioned him about what is needed.Cargo Containers Go Overboard Emily Schwing, KCAW - SitkaA little over a week ago, three cargo containers went overboard on their way through Milbanke Sound, off the coast of British Columbia.  Two of the containers are still missing, but the loss could make for some interesting beachcombing.New Mining Data for Chistochena District Available Ellen Lockyer, APRN - AnchorageThe state's geological and geophysical survey has released new mining data for the Chistochena District. The information from airborne surveys of 442 square miles of the district is meant to provide data about the region's bedrock, the types of rocks in the area and their electric and magnetic properties.Two Arts Groups Purchase Ketchikan's Fireside Building Deanna Garrison, KRBD - KetchikanTwo arts organizations have purchased the former Fireside Building in downtown Ketchikan. The purchase is a major to find a permanent home for First City Players and Ketchikan Theater Ballet.Public Internet Program Launched in Sitka Shaleece Haas, KCAW - SitkaSitkans can now update Facebook from the lawn at Totem Square. Last week, the city launched a public Internet program and soon, free wireless will be available in downtown Sitka.AFN Sponsors Essay Contest Suzanna Caldwell, APRN - Anchorage The Alaska Federation of Natives is partnering with the National Congress of American Indians to sponsor an essay contest open to all Native thinkers.