Alaska News December 17, 2017

By Cameron Mackintosh: 1,268 wreaths laid at Fort Richardson National Cemetery
 
 
 
 
By Sean Maguire: Walker endorses big changes for the Permanent Fund
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Gov. Walker is endorsing big changes to the Permanent Fund that include drawing on earnings to pay for state services, a first in the fund’s 41-year history. The plan would also see an estimated Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) of $1,216 per person for 2018.
 
 
 
 
By Victoria Taylor: Troopers: Repeat DUI offender found next to a car in a ditch
According to the AST daily dispatch log, 28-year-old Michael Lanz was apparently driving under the influence of alcohol. Troopers said Lanz had his license revoked for a previous Felony DUI conviction, “Lanz had 3 prior convictions for DUI in the preceding 7 years,” Troopers wrote.

AST also charged Lanz with felony refusal to submit to a chemical test. He was taken to the Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility and held in lieu of a $5,000 bail.
 
 
 
 
By Chris Klint: 5 murder suspects appear linked to Anchorage man’s death
 
 
 
 
By Chris Klint: Convicted rapist held at Goose Creek dies at hospital
“Boyd has been in DOC custody since 2011,” Edge wrote. “He was serving time for third-degree weapons misconduct, three counts of first-degree sexual assault, two counts of third-degree assault and kidnapping.”
 
 
 
 
By KTVA Staff: Suspect crashes stolen SUV in Fairview
 
 
 
 
By Liz Raines: ‘Women have had enough:’ Westlake accuser calls out Alaska Dems
“I think for way too long, way too many people and especially those in power have made far too many excuses for why it’s not a good time to be outing predators,” Garrett said. “’It’s not a good time to address sexual violence,’ or you know, they’ll make excuses saying this person or that person has done a lot of good in other areas and we can’t afford to lose them – ‘You know, we need their votes for this or that’ – and I think women have had enough.”

Westlake’s daughter from the underage relationship, Joslynn Little, said Saturday that she appreciated seeing party officials being called to account for their role in his rise to power.
 
 
 
 
By Victoria Taylor / Cameron Mackintosh: Annual Polar Plunge raises around $300K for Special Olympics Alaska
 
 
 
 
By Associated Press: Sitka seafood company bolstering marketing in Midwest
The company has a 10,000-square-foot (929-square meter) processing plant in Sitka, and two “Good-Fish Hubs” in the Midwest.

Mink says the new facility will house Sitka Salmon Shares’ distribution, packaging, marketing and retail functions.