Emily Schwing, special to Alaska Public Media
Amendment Halts Proposed Eielson F-16 Move
During the final day of mark-ups to the fiscal year 2013 budget for the Department of Defense, the Senate Armed Services Committee approved an amendment sponsored by Senator Mark Begich. The amendment places a one-year moratorium on any action that reduces the civilian workforce on military bases, which would put a halt to the proposed F-16 move from Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks to the joint base in Anchorage.
Mountaineer Dies On Denali After 2,000 Foot Tumble
A skier was killed on Denali Wednesday after tumbling 2,000 feet through rocks and ice, landing in a crevasse. According to the National Park Service, the 36-year old man from Finland was with two other skiers on a slope called the Orient Express when the accident occurred. This is the second death on the mountain in less than a week. It’s the 16th fatality on the Orient Express route.
Native American Energy Act Passes Committee Vote
The House Natural Resources Committee Wednesday passed Alaskan Congressman Don Young’s Native American Energy Act. Among other actions, the bill establishes five Indian Energy Development Offices within the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Young says the legislation also hold plaintiffs, rather than defendants, liable when an energy development project on Indian or Alaska Native Corporation land is delayed by what he calls “frivolous” lawsuits.
Fairbanks Soldiers Celebrate Return From Deployment
It’s been a busy week for soldiers that make up the First Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25thInfantry Division. Wednesday, the soldiers celebrated their return from Afghanistan after a after a year-long deployment.
Chena Hot Springs Resort Hoping To Expand
The owners of Chena Hot Springs Resort last week sent an offer to the Borough to buy more than 4000 acres of land surrounding the resort, tripling the acreage the Borough had originally planned to sell. As KUAC’s Emily Schwing reports, there are concerns about how the sale might affect access to surrounding public land.
AK: Secrets Of The Forest
Birch is one of the most common trees in Alaska. And they can easily blend into Alaska’s forest landscape. But underneath the smooth, tough layer of a birch tree’s bark, something is flowing. It’s a natural treasure with many curative properties. KUAC’s Emily met up with one very enthusiastic scientist to harvest the distinctive liquid.
UAF Could Get Funds For New Engineering Building
If the Governor signs off on the capital budget, the University of Alaska Fairbanks can move forward with plans for the renovation and construction of a new engineering building on campus. The University says enrollment in the engineering program has doubled over the past five years. The new facility will keep the program competitive.
Sen. Begich Puts Air Force General’s Promotion On Hold
Alaska Senator Mark Begich put a hold on the promotion of an Air Force General last week, citing frustration with a lack of answers about the proposed move of the F-16 fighter squadron from Eielson Air Force Base to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
Flood Advisory In Effect For Salcha Area
There is a flood advisory in effect on the Tanana River until 11 p.m. this evening for the Salcha area, southeast of Fairbanks. National Weather Service Hydrologist Ed Plumb says an advisory isn’t uncommon this time of year.
Museum Of The North New Home To Seal Stone
The Museum of the North in Fairbanks is now home to a rare stone that’s made its way back to the state of Alaska decades after it was taken from Shemya Island in the Aleutian chain. The stone is covered in petroglyphs, but, lots of research hasn’t uncovered their secrets.
Nenana May Receive Additional Funds In Capital Budget
The city of Nenana could get $75,000 if the Governor signs off on the finalized capital budget bill. The money will go towards a study that would line out the benefits and pitfalls associated with creating a new Borough or incorporating the Interior community into an existing Borough.
Harbingers of Spring
Outside in most of Alaska it still looks a lot like winter. But a true harbinger of the coming warm season has announced itself in the Northern Interior community of Eagle. The snow buntings...
Congressman Young Holds Rural Energy Hearing
Alaska’s Congressman Don Young today (Thursday) hosted a hearing of the subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs in Fairbanks. Young spoke candidly with Native Alaskan representatives, who testified about how federal laws and policies effect rural energy prices.
Gov. Parnell Speaks At ‘Choose Respect’ Event
Governor Sean Parnell was in Fairbanks this afternoon as part of his ‘Choose Respect’ campaign to raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual abuse in Alaska. This is the third year for the campaign. Similar events are happening this week across the state.
Fifty Complete White Mountain 100
Fifty competitors have completed the third annual White Mountains 100 north of Fairbanks. They set out early Sunday morning for the ultra-distance, human powered race. A handful of racers are still out on the trail.
Two Rescued After Guided Dog Mushing Trip Goes Awry
Two women were rescued after a guided dog mushing trip went awry Sunday night in the White Mountains Recreation Area, north of Fairbanks. Megan Peters is the spokesperson for the Alaska State Troopers. While details remain sketchy, Peters says both women were part of a four-member group that included three dog teams and a snow machine.
Open North American Championships Underway In Fairbanks
The 67th running of the Open North American Championships gets underway in Fairbanks this weekend. Sled dog teams run a total of 70 miles over three days in what’s been called the fastest and longest running race of its kind.
UAF Team Takes First In Clean Snowmobile Challenge
A team from the University of Alaska Fairbanks won first place at the 13th Annual Clean Snowmobile Challenge last week in Houghton. Michigan. Students from the US and Canada reengineer stock snowmachines for improved fuel economy, cleaner emissions and noise reduction.
Game Board Approves Bear Control Program In Middle Kuskokwim Area
Alaska’s Board of Game voted unanimously over the weekend to establish a two-year bear control program in the middle Kuskokwim River area. The program allows department staff to shoot bears from helicopters.
BLM Releases Draft Environmental Impact Statement For Resource Management Plan
The Bureau of Land Management has released a draft Environmental Impact Statement for a Resource Management Plan for millions of acres in the eastern interior.