Cleveland Volcano Heating Up, says AVO
The Cleveland volcano in the east central Aleutians is showing signs of heating up. The Alaska Volcano Observatory reports that increased surface temperatures and ash indicate the volcano has entered a period of unrest.
First Drift Opening on Lower Kuskokwim Today
The Kuskokwim River’s first 6-inch drift opening happens Monday afternoon from the Johnson River down to the refuge boundary at the mouth of the river. It runs from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22, 2015.
Businesses want more recreation at Tongass National Forest
A group of 49 business owners in Southeast Alaska wants the federal government to put more money into recreation opportunities at the Tongass National Forest.
Kenai Peninsula fires slowly coming into containment
The Card Street fire near Sterling and two fires near Cooper Landing continue to burn on the Kenai Peninsula. As of Sunday morning, the Card Street fire was estimated to be around 7,700 acres.
Fort Yukon Tribal Hall gets energy upgrades
Eight miles north of the Arctic Circle, a fixed 72-panel, 18-kilowatt array of solar panels went online last month atop the Fort Yukon tribal hall.
Silver Bay Seafoods to pay $75k environmental fine
Sitka-based fish processor Silver Bay Seafoods has agreed to pay a $75,000 penalty for environmental violations at its plant in Valdez.
Experts say temperatures in Alaska likely to stay warm
The heat wave that has already brought record-breaking temperatures to Alaska is expected to continue until the start of fall.
49 Voices: Adine Fullerton of Willow
This week, we're hearing from (A- dean) Adine Fullerton, a Willow resident who evacuated her home on Monday because of the Sockeye fire. Adine left with three kids, five dogs, two cats, a hamster. She had to leave three tarantulas behind. When we talked to her she had just discovered her home was spared, along with the spiders. Adine Fullerton evacuated from her home in Willow because of the Sockeye fire.
Progress Continues on Containment of Sockeye Fire
Update: Saturday, June 20, 1:00 pm
Cooler temperatures and higher humidity are aiding efforts to contain the Sockeye fire near Willow. The fire is now considered fifteen percent contained. All evacuation orders have been lifted. Only residents will be allowed into these areas.
Anatomy of Willow’s Wildfire Fight
Gains on Sockeye part of an around-the clock effort by front-line responders, from elite hotshot crews to logistics managers keeping them supplied with gear.
Evacuation Notices Lifted Near Card Street Fire
Update: Saturday, June 20, 1:15 pm
Governor Bill Walker issued a state disaster declaration on Friday for the damage resulting from the multiple fires burning on the Kenai Peninsula. The Card Street fire is still considered zero percent contained.
Vets, Lawmakers Irate over New VA ‘Choice’ Program
When the scandal erupted last year over long wait lists at the Phoenix VA, Alaska was found to have quite short wait times. The Alaska VA has for years been buying care for veterans outside the VA, from the private sector and the Native health care system. That’s the model Congress chose when it passed the Veterans Choice Act last year, aimed at solving the VA backlog in the Lower 48. But as the new Choice program spreads to Alaska, vets and providers say it’s undoing parts of the Alaska-grown system that have worked well.
Dead Whales Near Kodiak Island Pose Mystery
At least 10 Fin whales are dead, having fallen victim to a mysterious affliction that seems to have killed them all near Kodiak Island. Kate Wynn, marine mammal specialist with the University of Alaska in Kodiak, said all the whales seemed to have met their fate at the same time and place.
Alaska News Nightly: June 19, 2015
Progress Being Made To Contain Sockeye Fire; Anatomy of the Wildland Firefight in Willow; Evacuation Notices Lifted Near Card Street Fire; Vets, Lawmakers Irate Over New VA ‘Choice’ Program; Dead Whales Near Kodiak Island Pose Mystery; AK: Citizen Scientists Deploy ‘Bat Mobiles’ In Southeast
Sockeye Evacuees Get Chance to Return to Their Homes Friday
Update: Friday, June 19. 7:00 am.
Managers of the Sockeye Fire near Willow plan to begin letting residents back into the evacuation area Friday. At 10 this morning, the evacuation zone will be reduced to the fire perimeter line, controlled by nine security checkpoints. Homeowners who have lost homes will be let into the fire zone, starting at 11. The evacuation is set to end entirely on Saturday but security checkpoints will remain in place through the weekend. On the Parks Highway, traffic will be controlled between mileposts 71 and 78 until Monday.
Running Alaska’s Mount Marathon Race
The Mount Marathon race in Seward is the Super Bowl of Alaskan sports. Each July 4th, racers charge up Mount Marathon - a climb of more than 3,000 feet, and then descend in a matter of minutes in a burst of speed that can look like a controlled fall. A new documentary tells the story of the race through the perspective of several Mount Marathon legends.
APRN: Tuesday, 6/23 at 10:00am
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Elodea Eradication Plan Would Employ Herbicide
A herbicide is proposed to eradicate an invasive weed that’s infested some Fairbanks area waters. The chemical application would target Elodea, a prolific aquatic weed known to choke out native plants and fish, and inhibit navigation.
Breaking the link between childhood trauma and suicide
Close to 200 people in Juneau joined forces Thursday to break the link between childhood trauma and suicide. They’re taking part in a two day suicide prevention conference. Day one focused on establishing the trauma-suicide link.
Anchorage Protesters Demonstrate Against Shell’s Arctic Drilling Plans
Two protests against Shell's plans for drilling in the Arctic this summer took place Thursday in Alaska. The first was in Juneau during the early afternoon and later in the day a second protest was organized on a street corner in Anchorage.
Aleutian Sockeye Finds a Market With Full Circle Farms
Aleutian sockeye has found a new niche market through the organic food delivery company Full Circle Farms.