Jennifer Canfield, KTOO - Juneau
Jennifer Canfield is a reporter at KTOO in Juneau.
Right Whale Sighting Unusual For Kodiak Island Waters
Last month, two Kodiak Island sisters were taking photos of humpback whales near their home in Uganik Bay. Beth and Amy Pingree are part of a whale observation and sighting network and they noticed something unusual.
Federal Definition Of Homelessness Finalized
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development last month finalized the federal definition of homelessness. The new definition reflects changing times.
Japanese Tsunami Flotsam Appearing In Kodiak Waters
A local beachcomber and a renowned oceanographer have found that Kodiak is already receiving some of the earliest arrivals of debris from the Japanese tsunami that resulted from a 9.0 earthquake last March. The tsunami killed nearly 16,000 people and devastated 400 miles of Japan’s coastline.
Kodiak Sees Decline in Bears Killed in Defense of Life, Property
On average Kodiak residents kill 15-20 bears each year in defense of life or property. This year only one has been killed. Alaska Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Biologist Larry Van Daele says the sharp decline in threatening bear encounters is probably a result of hunter education and a good berry season.
Ouzinkie Dam Collapse Could Wreak Havoc with City Utilities
The city of Ouzinkie, near Kodiak is working quickly to prevent their 25-year-old wooden dam from collapsing. Extensive rot was discovered on the Mahoona Dam earlier this summer and further inspections have shown that it could collapse at any time.
Coast Guard Reality Show to Debut November 9
A new reality show based in Alaska will debut next month. Commanding Officer of Kodiak Air Station Captain Bill Deal said people from the Weather Channel called him earlier this year with the idea for the aptly titled “Coast Guard Alaska.”
Murkowski, Begich Pushing Against Genetically Engineered Salmon
Alaska’s senators are making a last minute push against genetically engineered – or GE – fish. The Food and Drug Administration is expected to approve Massachusetts-based AquaBounty’s application to commercialize GE fish. If that happens GE fish could be found in grocery stores across the country.
Lt. General Atkins Prepares to Hand Off Command
Air Force Lieutenant General Dana Atkins, the senior military officer responsible for all military activities in Alaska, is retiring soon. Atkins has been in charge of the Alaska Command for three years.
State Names Jim Pickett Firefighter of the Year
The State of Alaska has named Kodiak volunteer firefighter Jim Pickett as Alaska’s Firefighter of the Year.
Japanese Sailor Wintering in Kodiak Harbor
Hundreds of boats are docked at downtown Kodiak’s St. Paul harbor. In one of them lives a 74-year-old Japanese man who left his recycling business in Osaka to travel across the Pacific Ocean.