John Kelsey Passes Away
A key figure in Valdez history has died. John Kelsey wore many hats, but is best known for building Valdez to what it is today. He’s most remembered for bringing economic development to the city in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Kelsey led the way in rebuilding Valdez after it was destroyed by the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake.
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Honoring Young Heroes at the State Fair
On a recent beautiful day at the fair, Alaska Communications and the Boys and Girls Club honored the winners of this year's Summer of Heroes program - which acknowledges youth that have gone above and beyond to help their communities.
Each "Hero," as they are referred to, is given a $1500 scholarship. Two of the award recipients this year are brothers.
The Art of James Gurney: Part 1
The Portrait Society of America held its annual conference in Atlanta and featured illustrator James Gurney. As a parent, I was familiar with his book Dinotopia but had never looked beyond the bedtime story scenario.
I chose a Gurney break-out session and began to learn how approachable he was.
Read more. Strong Winds Expected for Anchorage
One year after high winds caused extensive damage in Anchorage and across Southcentral Alaska, September is again starting off with concern about overnight gusts. Christian Cassell, forecaster for the National Weather Service in Anchorage, said winds of 45 to 60 mph will pick up along higher elevations and Turnagain Arm Monday night.
NOAA to Review Humpback’s Status
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will review whether the North Pacific humpback still needs protection under the Endangered Species Act. A group of Hawaiian fishermen submitted a petition to delist the whale in April and NOAA has released its first finding.
Labor Day: A Time for Gathering Signatures
Monday was Labor Day, set aside in both the U.S. and Canada to recognize workers. In Alaska, it was a day to collect signatures on two initiatives to protect workers. One is statewide – to increase the state’s minimum wage. The other asks Anchorage voters to overturn a municipal law that limits the rights of city employees.
Plane Crashes Near Rohn; One Killed
A single engine plane crashed southeast of McGrath, near Rohn in the foothills of the Alaska Range on Friday. The pilot, Scott Mueller, age 58, of Big Lake, was killed. A passenger, Traeger Anderson, age 30, of Wasilla, was injured.
Four Indicted for Drug Conspiracy in Anchorage
The U.S Attorney's office announced indictments against four Anchorage men for drug conspiracy, kidnapping involving sexual torture and using firearms during the crimes. The indictment alleges the men conspired to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine as well as heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine. The men are also charged with organizing home invasions of other drug traffickers to obtain drugs.
Dillingham Meth, Heroin Bust Has Authorities Worried
Meth hasn't been a common narcotic on Dillingham streets. Its appearance last week has the Western Alaska Alcohol and Narcotics Team concerned that the drug problem is getting worse.
Wasilla Hunting Guide Headed to Jail
A hunting guide from Wasilla is heading to jail after being found guilty of two counts of big game violations by a jury in Cordova District Court. The violations stemmed from an illegal wolf hunt a year ago.
Petersburg Republican to Seek House Seat
A Petersburg Republican plans to run for House District 35 in hopes of unseating a freshman Democratic representative from Sitka. Legislative districts for next year have not cleared a legal challenge but at least two people intend to run for the new district that includes Sitka, Petersburg, Craig and other communities on the northern half of Prince of Wales Island.
Kodiak’s Men of Steel Premieres
Friday the latest reality television show set in Alaska premiered. It's about welders. That's right - shipyard welders in Kodiak. "Alaska Men of Steel" is running on the Discovery Channel.
Iconic Barrow Restaurant Burns Down
Pepe's North of the Border is no more. The world's northernmost Mexican restaurant burned to the ground on Saturday. The fire also sent a good deal of smoke into the attached Top of the World Hotel.
I Am A Blue Ribbon Baker
Patty Miller adores baking so much, she wins awards for her concoctions at the Alaska State Fair. She talks about her passion for cooking, while demonstrating how she bakes her famous chocolate cake and banana bread.
300 Villages: Chefornak
This week, we're heading to Chefornak - a small village on the Bering Sea:- to talk Alexandra Anderson, the city clerk.
AK: Surfing Turnagain Arm
It’s one of the few sports that most Alaskans haven’t tried in the state. Our water is freezing, our beaches are rocky and there aren’t many places to catch good waves. But none of that kept Anchorage resident Robert Stormo from attempting a daring surfing adventure along Turnagain Arm.
Alaska To Form Space Partnership With Virginia
Alaska and Virginia are the only states in the country to operate their own commercial spaceports. Now, the two states have decided to team up and form a sort of space alliance.
King Salmon Fail to Reach Spawning Grounds
Kuskokwim Chinook salmon—or Kings as they are known locally--did not make it to the spawning grounds this year as managers had expected. Counting projects are showing the lowest escapements in history for nearly all of the river’s tributaries. Managers and residents are trying to make a plan for next year.
Palmer Men Killed in Sutton Plane Crash
A plane crash north of Sutton Thursday night claimed the lives of both men on board. Alaska State Troopers sid the Rescue Coordination Center received a report of an overdue aircraft Thursday night. No formal flight plan had been filed and the plane was reported overdue by family members. The 210th and 212th Rescue Squadrons were deployed and located the aircraft, a Citabria Champion, early Friday morning. Rescue personnel were unable to land, but were hoisted to the ground. The team discovered Adam Norton and Derrik Swanson, both of Palmer.
EPA Chief Praises Fairbanks for Response to Smoke
Environmental Protection Agency administrator Gina McCarthy wrapped up her Alaska trip yesterday in Fairbanks. She toured the area, which suffers from elevated wintertime fine particulate pollution that often violates federal clean air standards. McCarthy had only praise for how Fairbanks is responding to smoke from wood and coal burning.