Quinton Chandler, KTOO - Juneau
Quinton Chandler is a reporter at KTOO in Juneau.
Fish and Game look to round up invasive starlings
The Department of Fish and Game plans to trap a flock of birds not native to Alaska that is trying to move in. The agency says starlings could cause big problems for humans and other birds native to the area. They want to get rid of the flock before their numbers grow. Download Audio
AK: Community fights back against Seldovia land buyouts
Over the last eight years, a California man has snatched up dozens of parcels of land in the small community of Seldovia, on Kachemak Bay. His work on that property has dragged him into legal disputes with the city of Seldovia and some of his neighbors. Download audio
Air carrier accused of punishing whistleblower
Bald Mountain Air Service is accused of suspending, firing and then essentially blacklisting a pilot who blew the whistle on the company for violating federal safety standards. The U.S. Department of Labor ordered the air service to reinstate the pilot, pay him $100,000 in damages on top of a little more than three years’ back pay.
Homer cannabis club could face legal battle
A new cannabis club has opened its doors on a major street in Downtown Homer and some residents are taking full advantage of the opportunity to use marijuana in - what they call - a safe, social environment. But, the club might not be legal.
Peninsula snows to give way to rain
Areas of the Southern Kenai Peninsula reported between 12 to 30 inches of snowfall over the weekend in addition to heavy rain showers. Rebecca Duell, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Anchorage says the amount of snowfall will most likely decrease over the next few days.
Million dollar pot operation raided
Police took a Homer resident into custody for growing a large crop of marijuana with the intent to sell it. The arrest comes just one week before the state is slated to introduce its brand new commercial cannabis regulations. Download Audio
New Tustumena design ready
The State Department of Transportation has a design for the ship that will replace the Ferry Tustumena. The Tustumena has served communities in South Central and Southwest Alaska for a little more than 50 years. The ferry’s home port is in Homer and it regularly travels to 13 ports between Homer and Unalaska.
KPC graduate takes first job with BlueCrest
BlueCrest Energy pledged to hire four Kenai Peninsula College graduates to work at their drilling site near Anchor Point. The company made good on its promise. One of BlueCrest’s local hires says the job is the next step in what he hopes will be a promising career. Download Audio
BlueCrest Energy updates drilling plans
BlueCrest Energy, the company drilling for oil north of Anchor Point, gave an update on their effort at a forum in Kenai last week. Download Audio
Buccaneer asks creditors for money back
The City of Homer and local businesses were shocked last summer when the trustee of a bankrupt oil and gas exploration company’s assets demanded they give back money they were paid over a year ago. There are a lot of regrets over contracting with Buccaneer Energy. But a city official says he would do it again.
South Peninsula residents recount 7.1 shaker
A 7.1 magnitude earthquake shook the state Sunday morning. The quake originated 60 miles west of Homer. Southern peninsula residents say they saw minimal damage.
Kenai Peninsula Borough sends wish list to legislature
The Kenai Peninsula Borough released its state funding priorities Tuesday (1/19) for the current legislative session.
Seaton files bills for new legislative session
South Kenai Peninsula Representative Paul Seaton has prefiled two bills concerning healthcare issues. House Bill 227, if passed, will build on last year’s Medicaid Expansion bill.
Homer gym serves vets and homeless
An outreach program at Homer Gym offers people in need food, clothes, camaraderie and a place to work out. The goal of the Alaskan Warrior Class is to connect the larger Homer community with its veteran and homeless members.
Winter campers on the Homer Spit get the boot
The City of Homer is trying to kick out campers at an unofficial campsite on the Homer Spit. Police are telling people living in a parking lot beside the Seafarer’s Memorial to move to an official campground down the road. One camper is willing to move, but he has one request.
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Council ponders plan to switch management of Homer permanent fund
The Homer City Council is considering an ordinance that will end its contract with a company hired to invest money saved in the city’s Permanent Fund.
Homer, DOT negotiate natural gas assessments
The City of Homer and the Alaska Department of Transportation are negotiating how much DOT owes the city in natural gas assessments. Last year DOT refused to pay for eight of their properties in the city’s Natural Gas Assessment District.
High court tosses proposed commercial set-net ban
The State Supreme Court ruled Thursday that Alaska’s commercial set-net fishermen have the same right to harvest salmon as any other group. Set-net fishermen are relieved with the ruling.
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Would-be drone entrepreneur grounded by regs
A Homer business owner wants to use a drone to take pictures and shoot video of properties in Homer. But, restrictions on drone piloting hurt his chances of making the business work.
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Kenai Peninsula doctor calls for needle exchange program
One of the dangers tied to drug abuse is the risk of transmitting disease through needle sharing. Dirty needles are a common vehicle for HIV, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B and other serious infections. A proven solution is providing access to clean needles and a safe place to dispose of dirty ones. A local doctor wants to start Homer’s first syringe exchange program.