All posts by Deborah

Alaska News December 24, 2017

Official NORAD Santa Tracker

 
 
 
 
By Victoria Taylor: Lights with a twist, Anchorage couple creates Chicken Coop Christmas Village
 
 
 
 
By Anna Rose MacArthur, KYUK: Alcohol is fueling a spike in search-and-rescue operations in Bethel
“Our current membership is getting long in the tooth, so to speak. They’re getting older,” Barr said. “And we need some of the younger people in this community to step up and volunteer so we can train them, spend time with them; they can respond with us.”
 
 
 
 
By David A. James, Nancy Lord: The books our reviewers couldn’t put down in 2017
 
 
 
 
Addley Fannin, For the News-Miner: The best Alaska books of 2017

Alaska News December 23, 2017

By Mike Ross: Father Moore passes away
His sister, Linda Moore, in a written statement said “Grateful for his life, there will be a wake Thursday December 28, at 6:00 PM at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 2901 Huffman Rd, Anchorage. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30AM Friday December 29 at the Co-Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 3900 Wisconsin Street, also in Anchorage.”
 
 
 
 
By Victoria Taylor: First responders partner with children for holiday shopping spree
 
 
 
 
By KTVA Web Staff: Kodiak embraces Maddy Sickafoose, young cancer survivor, her family
The program also features an interview with two Alaska Airlines employees — Jodi Harskamp, a pilot who donated a kidney to Jenny Stansel, a flight attendant. For Stansel, the gift of a kidney immediately turned her health around. Before the transplant, Stansel was on dialysis and steadily declining.

This episode of Frontiers, The Alaska Spirit of Giving, will air on two separate Sundays – Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve – Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 at 4:30 and 10:30 p.m. Frontiers will also run in place of KTVA’s 5:00 p.m. news on Christmas Day.
 
 
 
 
By Jacob Mann Frontiersman.com: Santa flies in from chopper to chopper
The 2017 Miss Harley, Quin Burton, lives in Anchorage but she came to the Santa Fly in to spread some holiday cheer. Somewhat similar to other “Miss” titles, Miss Harley attends various events and functions throughout the year with the mission to empower women and promote women riders. As a rider, she loves the wind in her face, the freedom, and the sense of comradery- a sentiment shared with countless others at the event, including Santa.

“You get to have an alter ego: PTA Mom by day and Biker Chick by night,” Burton said.
 
 
 
 
By Lauren Maxwell: Mumps cases over 100 and growing
 
 
 
 
By Kortnie Horazdovsky: More public lands opening to snowmachines

Alaska News December 22, 2017

By Mike Ross: Teen from Africa finds new home in Alaska
 
 
 
 
By Victoria Taylor: Reporter’s Notebook: A Christmas Keepsake
 
 
 
 
By Associated Press: Tribal college to offer free tuition to Alaska Native students
 
 
 
 
By Sean Maguire: Track Palin bailed out of Mat-Su Pretrial Facility
 
 
 
 
By Kortnie Horazdovsky: 2 arrested for 1995 cold case murder
 
 
 
 
By Laurel Downing Bill: Story Time with Aunt Phil: Howard Rock
 
 
 
 
By Daybreak Staff: Mic Check in the Morning: Elvis Monroe
 
 
 
 
Moms Everyday Alaska: Slow cooker peppermint hot chocolate

Alaska News December 21, 2017

By Laura Holman: Late night officer involved shooting
 
 
 
 
By Richard Mauer: Westlake won’t be charged for sexual relationship with teen
At the time, it would have been illegal for an adult to have sex with a person under 16.

Skidmore said that even though the statute of limitations has been lifted on some sex crimes, the change can’t be applied retroactively.
 
 
 
 
By Sidney Sullivan: Anchorage man arrested for child pornography, police suspect local victims
If anyone believes they are a victim of Cogley, or has any information about this case, Thim requests that you call APD dispatch at (907) 786-8900. Or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (907) 561-7867.
 
 
 
 
By Cameron Mackintosh: Track Palin approved for electronic monitoring
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Track Palin was approved for bail with electronic monitoring, rather than a third-party custodian, during a bail hearing in a Palmer courtroom Wednesday afternoon. His bail was not lowered, however, and he remained in custody.
 
 
 
 
By Tracy Sinclaire: Winter arrives, shortest “day” of the year, gaining daylight tomorrow
 
 
 
 
By Associated Press: Juneau police shortage “starting to get kind of scary”
The Juneau Empire reports that the Mayor’s Task Force on Public Safety met with police officials on Tuesday and learned that the department is 11 officers short of full capacity with two more set to retire in the spring.

Deputy Chief David Campbell says the shortage is “starting to get kind of scary.”
 
 
 
 
By Rebecca Palsha / KTUU: $150,000 worth of marijuana stolen from Anchorage cannabis cultivator
 
 
 
 
By Caslon Hatch: Santa visits his tiniest believers at Providence’s NICU
 
 
 
 
By Kalinda Kindle: Burglarized school gets help from community
 
 
 
 
By Associated Press: Lawsuit alleges negligence, trespassing against Kodiak Electric Association

Alaska News December 20, 2017

By Tracy Sinclare, Daniel Kirby: Conviction reversed for man accused of killing two at Kodiak Coast Guard station
 
 
 
 
By KTVA Web Staff: Docs: Woman knocked out, raped by 3 men in Kotzebue
 
 
 
 
By Daniella Rivera: APD looking for more victims in Anchorage Ballet sex assault investigation
In a Nixle alert Wednesday, APD wrote, “Anyone who believes they are either a victim or has knowledge of someone else who may be, is requested to call Police Dispatch and ask to speak with a Sexual Assault Detective (786-8900, press “0”).”
 
 
 
 
By Tracy Sinclaire: Governor Walker joins bi-partisan letter to urge a quick DACA resolution
 
 
 
 
Reindeer Farm Open this Holiday Weekend
 
 
 
 
By Kalinda Kindle: Property tax exemption moves to the April ballot
 
 
 
 
By Caslon Hatch: Mat-Su Borough considers police powers to address increased crime
 
 
 
 
By Heather Hintze: Meet the man behind the Glenn Highway Christmas tree
 
 
 
 
By Daniella Rivera: Kenai man tased, removed from Anchorage courtroom
 
 
 
 
By Daybreak Staff: UAA’s fall commencement speaker Alexandria McLearen

 
 
 
 
Moms Everyday Alaska: Tomato and red lentil soup

Alaska News December 19, 2017

By Kalinda Kindle: ‘It’s like the Grinch stole Christmas,’ gifts and electronics from Faith Lutheran Church were stolen
The church’s Pastor Christoper Ewings said this isn’t the first time a theft has happened.

“On four different occasions this summer we had people come into our church and steal gas from our van and from our personal vehicles,” Pastor Ewings.

Pastor Ewings said this just shows there is more work to be done.

“It gives us more motivation for us to get out there and share the good news of Jesus with our community,” Pastor Ewings said.
 
 
 
 
By Liz Raines: Westlake’s daughter seeks charges for sexual abuse of her mother
 
 
 
 
By Daniella Rivera: APD investigates Anchorage Ballet founder for accusation of sex assault
 
 
 
 
By Kortnie Horazdovsky: Police seek halfway house escapee, convcited in brutal 2013 beating
 
 
 
 
By Associated Press: Alaska woman accused of driving car into boyfriend in Hawaii
 
 
 
 
By Leroy Polk and Cameron Mackintosh: Police say Track Palin attacked father Todd Palin, called officers ‘peasants’
 
 
 
 
By Leroy Polk: 3 suspects from out-of-state arrested for Anchorage fraud, APD says
 
 
 
 
By Victoria Taylor, Sean Maguire: Candlelight vigil brings awareness to violence of sex trade
Sex Trafficking in Alaska
Contact
You can email Terra at sextraffickingalaska@gmail.com
 
 
 
 
By Amy Armstrong Frontiersman.com: An Example of Hope Valley woman’s remarkable recovery from 1989 accident inspires book, possibly a movie
The accident occurred Thanksgiving weekend 1989 and the Wasilla High graduates Chery Manning – then Chery Schultz

Author’s Note: Manning’s book, “God Has A Reason For Everything,” is available at Fireside Books in Palmer, at Barnes and Noble in Anchorage and online at Amazon.
 
 
 
 
Photos by Alejandro Peña: 3-509 Geronimos hit JBER’s Kraft Range
 
 
 
 
By Associated Press: German museum returning objects robbed from Alaskan graves
 
 
 
 
Congratulations Jenna Ellinwood!
By Scott Gross: Goldenview art teacher receives ASD’s highest honor
 
 
 
 

Congratulations Michelle Vaaia!

By Megan Mazurek: Teacher of the Week: Michelle Vaaia
 
 
 
 
Moms Everyday Alaska: Peppermint truffle cookies

Alaska News December 18, 2017

By Leroy Polk: Seward highway blocked by landslide, isolating commuters from Anchorage
 
 
 
 
By Sean Maguire & Victoria Taylor: Track Palin facing assault and burglary charges
 
 
 
 
By Leroy Polk: Man and woman shot in midtown Anchorage, no suspected shooter identified
 
 
 
 
By Victoria Taylor: Alaska SPCA opens doors to new veterinary clinic
Meadors said the clinic performs up to two dozen spays and neuters on cats, dogs and rabbits each day.

The organization is largely funded through donations and sales from the Alaska SPCA thrift shop.
 
 
 
 
By Kalinda Kindle: Who’s picking up the tab? City to consider proposed alcohol tax
Opponents say the tax could hurt consumers. Peanut Farm’s general manager, Travis Block said responsible drinkers are the ones that would be picking up the tab.

“Five percent is just craziness and they think our business should just absorb a five percent extra tax.” Block said.
Block said, the consumer would most likely end up paying a little more and he said that’s not fair to those who drink responsibly.
 
 
 
 
By Daniella Rivera:Downtown restaurant owner: Vandals ‘were just being mean’
Anderson says it will cost $1,400 to replace the windows. She now worries whoever damaged the store this time, might come back again.
 
 
 
 
Moms Everyday Alaska: Red velvet crinkle cookies

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.

Alaska News December 16, 2017

Alaska lawmaker resigns as investigation reveals he fathered child with teen girl

Alaska lawmaker resigns as investigation reveals he fathered child with teen girl
Facing accusations of sexual harassment, Rep. Dean Westlake, D-Kiana, announced today that he plans to resign from office. The announcement comes as Channel 2 prepared a report on a child Westlake fathered with a teenage girl in 1988 when Westlake was 28. The girl was 16 when she gave birth to the daughter, who was established as Westlake’s child in a 1990 paternity claim filed by the state division of child support enforcement. SHOW MORE
 
 
 
 
By Sean Maguire: Female assault victim dies at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
The victim, identified as 29-year-old Holly Morgan Rae Charlie of Fairbanks, died a short while later. Fairbanks Police Department detectives detained a person of interest around 10:00 a.m. FPD says “further investigation is ongoing at this time.”
 
 
 
 
By Samantha Angaiak: Governor Walker releases budget proposal for fiscal year 2019
 
 
 
 
By Beth Verge: Alaskan leaders respond to budget proposal with mixed reactions
 
 
 
 
By Chris Klint: 1 hurt after mobile drill hits Palmer gas line, burns
 
 
 
 
By Rhonda McBride: Kodiak Harbor Lights Festival brightens the holidays
 
 
 
 
By Jack Carney: Bus riders can now use mobile app to pay their way around town
The Muni’s public transportation department says it provides an average 11,000 rides per day around the city.

http://www.muni.org/departments/transit/peoplemover/Pages/default.aspx
 
 
 
 

By Daybreak Staff: Mic Check in the Morning: UAA’s Opera Ensemble