Alaska News Nightly: August 27, 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)House Panel Seeks Alternative Energy Ideas Anne Hillman, KUCB – UnalaskaUnalaska hosted another House Energy Committee meeting Wednesday evening. As the committee sought input on a new energy policy for the state, they heard that sometimes alternative energy isn’t the best alternative.Bristol Bay Reflects High Cost of Living Mike Mason, KDLG – DillinghamThe cost of living in Bristol Bay is about 37 percent more expensive than living in the Anchorage area according to some new data released by the state.Ag Division Wants Alaskans to Eat Local Annie Feidt, APRN – AnchorageThe State Division of Agriculture is challenging Alaskans to eat local produce this week. The biggest grocery chains in the state have offered Valley farmed vegetables for decades, but most restaurants stick to lower 48 supplies. The agriculture division hopes diners can help convince local chefs to serve Alaska grown carrots as often as Alaska wild salmon. Anchorage Mayor Seeking Energy Plans Len Anderson, KSKA – AnchorageAs summer draws to an end, Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan has ordered his top staff to work with local energy utilities to devise ways to handle a possible winter energy crisis.State Modifies Coal Deal Dan Bross, KUAC – FairbanksThe state has approved a modified deal to sell the Healy Clean Coal Plant to Golden Valley Electric.  The agreement announced by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority cuts Homer Electric out as a power customer, reflecting that utility’s decision to pursue other energy sources.Pelican Wants State Assistance Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – JuneauThe Southeast fishing village of Pelican is asking for emergency state assistance to repair parts of its water and hydroelectric power systems. Both failed recently, adding to the burden of a small community that lost its main employer a year ago.Wrangell Fish Plant Gets Unexpected Benefit Lisa Phu, KSTK – WrangellWrangell's new fish processor had a lighter than expected pink season, but that turned out to have a side benefit for the city-owned cold storage plant.