Steve Heimel, APRN Contributor
sheimel (at) alaskapublic (dot) org | 907.550.8454 | About Steve
Man Arrested In Metlakatla Homicide Case
State Troopers say they have a suspect in custody in a homicide case in Metlakatla, on Annette Island in Southeast. Twenty-nine-year-old Willam Buxton is charged with first-degree murder for the death of Leona Meely, 57. Meely died from injuries from a fight at her home, allegedly with Buxton, who also lived there. Troopers were contacted around 7:30 a.m. on Saturday of the suspicious death. The investigation is on-going.
Fukushima Tsunami Debris
More than a year and a half after the catastrophic tsunami in Japan, radiation is still leaking from destroyed nuclear power plants into the ocean. Debris from the earthquake and tidal wave is now north of Hawaii and headed our way. Wind-blown debris has already arrived. What is being done to respond?
Anchorage OKs Independent Home Plan Review
The Anchorage Assembly voted to allow builders to carry out their own inspections instead of waiting for the city on Tuesday night. The vote was 9-2. The Municipal Building Department said such a practice would be a conflict of interest, but Mayor Dan Sullivan said he would not oppose the change, which covers structural review for safety and earthquake and snow load stability, but not other aspects of the city code. The builders argued that it was taking too long to get municipal inspectors to do it and they would rather pay to hire it out and not have the delay.
Anchorage Assembly Repeals Sidewalk Sitting Ordinance
Last night the Anchorage Assembly repealed its ordinance that made it illegal to sit on city sidewalks. Mayor Dan Sullivan is saying he will veto it. The vote was 7 to 2. Eight votes would be needed to overturn a veto.
Taylor Bickford Leaving Alaska Redistricting Board
Taylor Bickford is leaving the Alaska Redistricting Board. Chairman John Torgerson says Bickford, and assistant director, Jim Ellis, will be moving on, effective Oct. 12, leaving an administrative assistant to manage day-to-day activities. The Board has to stand ready to respond if the Alaska Supreme Court does not let the temporary redistricting plan stand after the general election.
Fifty Years Since “Silent Spring”
Few books have been as influential as Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring,” published 50 years ago this month. What is the legacy of “Silent Spring” in Alaska, where we have always had plenty of eagles and clean air and water? Until recently. We’ll have a closer look at the meaning of Rachel Carson’s 50 year old message for Alaska on the next Talk of Alaska.
KSKA: Tuesday, 9/25 at 10:00am
Arctic Sea Ice Begins Freezing Again
Wednesday, the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Colorado announced that the sea ice is starting to freeze up again in the Arctic Ocean. Unless some big winds come up, it looks as if the biggest melt-back of the sea ice happened on Sunday, Sept. 16. It was a record.
All Era Flights Resume After Replacing Outdated Flight Recorders
ERA Air says all its planes are flying again. The carrier had to cancel flights and re-route passengers in order to replace flight recorder equipment. The replacement was happening at the same time that windstorms were disrupting air travel, and ERA had to do a lot of apologizing.
Anchorage Manhunt Ends
The Anchorage manhunt is over. Tuesday evening Bukurim Miftari surrendered and was charged with attempted murder and assault. The young man took off into the woods when police tried to talk to him about the attack on Kristen Reid, who was found clinging to life along a South Anchorage street Monday. The charges allege that she was his girlfriend and she wanted to end their relationship.
APD Seeks Person Of Interest In Connection With Assault
Early Monday morning a woman was found badly injured near a blood smeared vehicle stopped in the middle of a street in South Anchorage, and police are seeking a man in connection with the assault.
JBER F-22s Head To Guam For Training Exercises
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson's F-22 fighter jets have been deployed to Guam. The move was disclosed in a brief press release from the base. The jets will be involved in training exercises, the release says. 40 of the nation's 195 F-22's are based at JBER.
A Constitutional Convention
The Alaska Constitution is one of the most modern in the country, but it’s almost 60-years old. In November, Alaskans have to decide whether to re-write it. Should we? A Constitutional Convention might offer a way to end legislative gridlock and put an end to corporate campaign funding. But it might also risk the very foundation of our government.
KSKA: Tuesday, 9/18 at 10:00am
Troopers Searching For Kiana Man
There is a warrant out for Teddy Smith in the Kiana area. Friday night Smith reportedly discharged a gun toward a crowd approaching the home of Dolly Smith and then fled. Teddy Smith, 45, is said to have been drinking at the time.
Hundreds To Participate In Response To Simulated Terrorist Attack
Anchorage is about to have a simulated terrorist attack, and the army, the fire department and hundreds of specialists will be in the city to deal with it. It’s the annual national training exercise of the Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals, who are having their convention in Anchorage.
Two Dead, One Missing After Goodnews Bay Sinking
A boat sank with three aboard in Goodnews Bay Friday night. The bodies of two of those aboard were found, but the third is still missing. Dead are Richard Ross, 57, and Sam Pavala, 49. Missing is Angela Chingliak, 28, or Goodnews Bay. State Troopers say the cause of the sinking is under investigation.
Two Rescued After Boat Sinks Near Kruzof Island
A fishing boat sank off the outer coast of Kruzof Island Saturday morning. The Coast Guard helicopter had some trouble finding the two crew members of the 35-foot Kaitlin Rae, which sank at Beaver Point.
Student Professionals
Education is about theory but professionalism is about practice. The next Talk of Alaska is your chance to meet some college students who had a chance to go to work overseas as professionals, while still in school. The Distinguished Service program is way beyond internship – it’s about leadership.
KSKA: Tuesday, 9/11 at 10:00am
Storm Rips Through Anchorage
A massive storm is raking much of the state. The storm front brought high winds that broke and uprooted trees and knocked out power in a number of places in the Southcentral part of the state. In Anchorage the schools and University of Alaska Anchorage were closed and as morning arrived many intersections had no traffic signals. The roar of backup generators could be heard at hospitals and many other places. Signs and fences were ripped up.
Massive Drug Bust Spans Several States
Thursday there was a massive cocaine bust that spanned several states as well as Anchorage and Fairbanks. Five people were arrested in raids of homes in Anchorage. Eleven people were indicted, including two arrested in Rochester, New York and one arrested in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. Two suspects remain at large in the Fairbanks area.
What Would Be Our Best Investment in Education?
The answer to many of our problems may be education but what is the question? Education is the biggest item in the state budget. If you could increase spending on higher education beyond what it is now, how would you invest that money?
KSKA: Tuesday, 9/4 at 10:00am