Laureli Kineen

A runway closure in Nome has passengers stuck for days, waiting to fly in or out of the Seward Peninsula community.

Scientists say a type of bird flu – H3N8 – is responsible for the death of the more than 160 harbor seals on the East Coast. Reports of sick seals began in September, which coincided with the reports of diseased seals in Alaska’s northern coasts. KNOM’s Laureli Kinneen reports there is no relation between the avian flu on the East Coast and the disease affecting iced seals and walrus in Alaska.

Six American jet skiers are back on American soil after spending five days in detention in Lavrentiya, Russia. The group crossed the Bering Strait without proper documentation while filming for the reality show Dangerous Waters.

A forty-year land dispute between an Alaska Native Corporation and the State of Alaska should be cleared soon with the signature of President Barack Obama.

As the leaders in the 2012 Iditarod race travel along the coast, three teams are on their own journey. Dave Monson and his two daughters – 16-year-old Tekla and 11-year-old Chisana – the family of the late Susan Butcher, are traveling along the last portion of the trail.

The flag drops for the 2012 Iron Dog Snowmachine Race on Sunday. This year’s field may very well be the most competitive. KNOM’s Laureli Kinneen in Nome – which is the halfway point for the Iron Dog has the story.

And while the price of fuel will most likely not reach $9 dollars a gallon in Nome this winter, some residents in the coldest parts of the state pay the highest prices.

This week APRN and our affiliates across the state have been taking a look back at favorite and significant stories of 2011. Tonight we start in Nome.

For rural Alaska mushers, the race season is starting to wind up. In January, there’s the Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race. In April, the Kobuk 440.

Communities throughout the Norton Sound region will continue to have patient care come Monday, December 19. Health aides will not go on strike.