Category Archives: AK News

Alaska News May 17, 2019

By Leroy Polk & Austin Sjong: UPDATE: Standoff ends in arrest of Anchorage man who allegedly fired at police
 
 
 
 
By Kortnie Horazdovsky: Chevak man sentenced for sexually abusing foster daughter
ANCHORAGE (KTUU) – A Chevak man was sentenced this week to 25 years in prison for sexually abusing his 7-year-old foster daughter, state prosecutors say. He had pleaded guilty to one aggravated charge of second-degree sex abuse of a minor.

The Department of Law says in 2017, Peter Gumlickpuk’s wife walked in on him fondling their foster daughter while he read to the child from the Bible. She confronted him and he confessed to the abuse, the department said.
 
 
 
 
By CNN: Alaska mother too appear on CNN special after speaking with son’s killer in prison
 
 
 
 
By Laura Holman: University of Alaska, Board of Regents, UAA professor sued over sexual misconduct claims
 
 
 
 
By Lauren Maxwell: Judicial Council nominates 2 to replace Justin Schneider’s judge
 
 
 
 
By Joe Vigil: Reality vs. perception: Anchorage’s online map shows what crime looks like across the municipality
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Anchorage musician Quinn Christopherson wins NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest; US House bill would clear path for Alaska tribes to put land in trust; Lawless: One in three Alaska villages have no local police; Red Carpet Concert: Sarah Hamilton, ‘Kauai’; Two of Alaska’s biggest exports are caught up in the US-China trade dispute and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: City Of Bethel Could Be Uncovered By Insurance In Potential Wrongful Termination Lawsuit; Alaska Lawmakers Send Bill Celebrating Alaska Native Heritage To Gov. Dunleavy; Two Charged In Long House Beating; Marijuana Control Board Approves Bethel Pot Shop With Delegation and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Representative Young Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Childhood Hunger; AST Opens Investigation into Bear Hunter’s Death on Kodiak Island; The Man who Broke through the Northwest Passage and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Fairbanks murder suspect apprehended by Alaska State Troopers; Updates from the 2019 legislative special session and more ->
 
 
 
 
The Arctic Sounder: ‘That’s what I was fighting for’; Opinion: Heroic young Kotzebue man receives medal for saving friend from drowning and more ->
 
 
 
 
The Landmark: Presentation ‘Alaska Wilderness: A Canoe Journey into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge,’ comes to Rutland library
Visit Alaska’s storied Arctic National Wildlife Refuge with two seasoned naturalists. On Saturday May 18 at 10:30 a.m. at Rutland Public Library, 280 Main Street (Route 122A), the Ware River Nature Club is hosting “Alaska Wilderness: A Canoe Journey into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge,” a presentation by Mark and Marcia Wilson of Eyes on Owls. This event includes a slide show and live owl appearance. It is free and open to all.
 
 
Alaska Highway News The Canadian Press: Tanya Tagaq, Joshua Whitehead among finalists for Indigenous Voices Awards
 
 
 
 
KTUU: King Tech High School celebrates first graduating class One-hundred and four seniors received their high school diplomas as the first graduating class from King Tech High School.
 
 
 
 
By Scott Gross: Students absorb Alaska Native traditions during Culture Week
 
 
 
 
By Dave Leval: Queen Elizabeth sails into Anchorage on maiden voyage to Alaska

Alaska News May 16, 2019

By Daniella Rivera: Accident or abuse: Man charged in child’s death receives reduced bail
Noe’s mother was present in the courtroom on Wednesday and supported Vickery’s release on bail. She told the judge her other, younger child is living with her, along with Vickery’s two biological children.

When asked by the judge where Vickery’s ex-wife is, Noe’s mother said, “she’s dealing with her own issues. She signed a delegation of powers to me so I could have the children full-time.”

Judge Catherine Easter said she would reduce the bail, but Vickery must be on GPS electronic monitoring and have no unsupervised contact with children, including his own.

He must now pay $11,000 in cash, but the new order won’t go into effect until another bail hearing is held on Thursday, once the state has had time to verify the location and custody of all the children.
 
 
 
 
By KTVA: Man sentenced for killing girlfriend during suicide attempt
Prosecutors and defense attorneys suggested a 14-year sentence with five suspended. Superior Court Judge Erin Marston agreed and ordered that Sibson receive treatment for mental illness.
 
 
 
 
By Lauren Maxwell: Anchorage begins homeless camp cleanup
But there is one thing, according to Burke, which could slow the abatement process. She said courts upheld a law that says people can’t be forced from homeless camps if there isn’t a place for them to go. At the end of April, Anchorage lost 100 shelter beds after the contract for Bean’s Cafe to be used as an overflow shelter ended. Burke said the city recognizes that as a problem.

“We have added a tool that now polls the shelters every night and asks whether or not they have capacity,” said Burke. “And that’s something that will guide our abatement efforts this summer.”

Burke encouraged people to report homeless camps on the municipality’s website, adding that residents are not permitted to do clean ups themselves. She said the city hopes to include a new map available online early next week which will show residents which camps have been documented, which have been cleaned and where crews are headed next.
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Legislature’s failure to finish work leads Dunleavy to call immediate special session; In Utqiaġvik, learning about climate change includes studying your backyard; Red Carpet Concert: Radiophonic Jazz, ‘Aquamarine’ and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Sex Offender Jailed; Bethel City Council Passes Ordinance To Pay Council Members; Bethel City Council Approves Ciullkulek Subdivision And Looks For Answers After Firing Pete Williams; Coffee@KYUK: Friday, 22nd February, 2019 nd more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Birch sap to cure pollen allergies? Biology student presents findings at UAF research conference; MILITARY REPORT: Local veteran honored as ‘Commander of the Year’ for Alaska American Legion; DEC and borough introduce proposed regulations in Serious SIP; THE DAILY DISPATCH 5-15-19 and more ->
 
 
 
 
By Megan McDonald: The Largest Open Air Market In Alaska Is Perfect For Your Next Outing
 
 
 
 
ASD students prepare for crime scene investigation competition King Tech High students studying crime scene investigation prepare to compete in national SkillsUSA competition.
 
 
 
 
By Jill Burke: Air Crashes in Ketchikan 1992 – Present
 
 
 
 
By Heather Hintze: Alaska Tilth program gets fresh produce to Mat-Su families in need
Farm manager Ben Swimm has been busy plowing and seeding the fields to get the growing season started. He said Alaska Tilth is about more than just food.

“Show people how to do it themselves, how to connect with the piece of land they’re on or the environment they’re in,” Swimm said. “Do good beyond just selling food and trying to make money off of it. To actually provide for people who need it.”

Families that participate in the WIC program and seniors are also eligible for coupons for produce at Alaska farmers markets. Harman’s cooking demonstrations typically coincide with the Wasilla’s farmers market so people can shop for produce then learn how to prepare it at home.
 
 
 
 
Rasmuson Foundation Lisa Demer: Writer, researcher, soundscape artist Richard Nelson: Foundation’s 2019 Distinguished Artist

Nelson served as Alaska’s Writer Laureate from 1999 to 2002. Other honors include the Lannan Literary Award for Creative Nonfiction, the Sigurd Olson Nature Writing Award for “Heart and Blood: Living with Deer in America,” and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alaska Conservation Foundation.

Watch a short film about Nelson and learn more about his work here. Additional photos are available upon request.

Alaska News May 15, 2019

By Daniella Rivera: Sentencing begins for woman convicted of starving, abusing adopted daughters
Buck returned to the courtroom Tuesday, where he identified himself as a pastor at Terry’s church. A group of roughly a dozen people also appeared to be there in support of Terry. He spoke as a character witness for Terry, saying the boy was in his care for five and a half months before OCS returned the infant to his mother’s care.

“I believe that they plan to wrap up their other portion of their OCS investigation here soon, completely showing that, once again, she was a good mother to her son,” said Buck.

When asked after the hearing whether seeing images of the girls’ bruised, scarred and emaciated bodies changed his mind, Buck said no. Buck declined to say which church he serves as a pastor, however he is listed as the pastor of Agape Fellowship on the Palmer church’s website.
 
 
 
 
By Jill Burke: Anchorage Twitter user with extremist views detained on weapons charges
Speaking with reporters after the hearing, Sayers-Fay emphasized that Graves’ Tweets are protected speech, but that it was Graves’ acquisition of illegal weapons, and taking steps to be able to act on his statements, that crossed the line.
 
 
 
 
By Mike Ross: UPDATE: Unlicensed teen driver struck child in Anchorage, mother knew he was driving without one, APD says
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Skagway looks into developing a local ferry authority; Unangax̂ cemetery at former WWII internment camp may be added to Funter Bay park and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Teachers In Rural Alaska: Growing Our Own and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Nome Becomes First Alaska City to Ensure Civilian Oversight and Accountability for Local Police; Newtok Suspect Arrested on Sexual Assault Charges and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Fairbanks’ new police chief takes oath of office; Healy Man pleads guilty to attempted sexual assault of a minor; 112 Miles: The journey to bring football to Healy and more->

Alaska News May 14, 2019

By KTVA Web Staff: 4 dead, 2 missing: Search continues after midair collision near Ketchikan
 
 
 
 
By Daniella Rivera: Man re-indicted in child’s 2017 malnutrition death
 
 
 
 
By Leroy Polk: VIDEO: Two dogs tussle with bear in Anchorage, caught on camera
 
 
 
 
By Derek Minemyer: ‘There’s a new sheriff in town’ – Lt. Gov. Kevin Meyer on Gov. Dunleavy’s stance on crime
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Alaska lawmakers are trying to fight crime by toughening prison sentences. Not everyone agrees that will work. More ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Bethel DMV Closed Indefinitely and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Remains Found Near Chevak Believed to be Those of Woman Missing since March; Some Alaskan Workers Eligible for Unemployment Insurance Contribution Refunds and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Senators introduce ‘Creig Sharp Funeral Honors for Veterans Act’; Sexual Assault occurs early Monday in Fairbanks Police Department entryway; laska Innocence Project receives $250k federal grant to look for wrongful convictions and more ->
 
 
 
 
Marion Owen Lagniappe (LAN-yap) = A little bit extra: 8 lovely Little Planet photos of our world
 
 
 
 
Anchorage Fire Department: Child Car Seat and Booster Seat Checkups at the AFD Open House – Sunday, May 19th
 
 
 
 
By KTVA Web Staff: Anchorage woman named NHL’s Most Valuable Hockey Mom
 
 
 
 
By John Thompson: Head of the Class: Government Hill’s Liranzo offers worldly perspective

Alaska News May 13, 2019

Must Read Alaska Suzanne Downing: FORMER REP. BILL WILLIAMS PASSES IN KETCHIKAN
 
 
 
 
By Derek Minemyer: On her first Mother’s Day without her son, a woman chooses to ‘Make the most of every moment that we have to live’
 
 
 
 
By Dave Leval: Auction featuring stolen bicycles raises money for Anchorage YMCA
 
 
 
 
By Associated Press: Dissent within Alaska agency over chemical classification
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Senate committee goes further than House in repealing controversial crime law and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: House of Representatives Passes Bill Protecting WWII Unangax Cemetery; Akiachak Man Dies while in Protective Custody in Village Jail; Troopers near Anderson Recover Stolen D3 Bulldozer after Investigation and more ->
 
 
 
 
NRA shooting Illustrated By Barbara Baird – Sunday, May 12, 2019: What Women Want in Guns & Firearm Training
 
 
 
 
Must Read Alaska Suzanne Downing: Kulis Hangar One added to National Historic Registry; Couldn’t make the Valdez air show? Watch it here; MRAK Almanac: Game of Thrones edition; ‘Shameful narrative’ about Native students disputed by think tank and more ->
 
 
 
 
2019 AFD Open House this coming Sunday, May 19th, from 11 A.M. to 3 P.M.
 
 
 
 
Only In Your State By Megan McDonald: The Best BBQ Restaurant In Alaska You Simply Can’t Stay Away From

Alaska News May 11, 2019

By Leroy Polk, Rebecca Palsha & Taylar Perez: UPDATE: Juvenile arrested and charged for Mat-Su school gun violence threat early Thursday
 
 
 
 
By Leroy Polk: Wasilla woman accused person of shooting, killing her dog; police say she knew another dog was to blame
 
 
 
 
By Daniella Rivera: Inside Spring Creek Correctional Center’s H Mod, the site of the largest riot in the facility’s history
The 62 people involved have been relocated, some to other DOC facilities, and are now serving time in segregation.

Repairs are expected to cost roughly $100,000 and should be completed in 30 days.

“We’ll rebuild,” said DOC Commissioner Nancy Dahlstrom. “We’ll be up and going. Those folks will be back here. As in life choice and consequences, they’re going to then be dealing with the choices that they made.”
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Bob Penney spent more than $300,000 to get Gov. Dunleavy elected. Then his grandson got an $8,000-a-month no-bid contract; Aboard the Tazlina, the first Alaska-built Marine Highway ferry; Permanent fund dividend amount to be a focus in session’s closing days and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Bethel Lions Club Partners Up To Hand Out ‘Comfort Cases’; Emmonak Man Charged With Murder; Early Spring: Ducks, Eggs, And Greens; Religious Gathering Raises Disease Concern and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Breath of Clams Leads to Big Picture and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Public Defenders get award for 50 years of service; Man receives misdemeanor for public indecency; defecating in Fairbanks Walmart; Two charged in Tok armed robbery; The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center was evacuated due to threats and more ->
 
 
 
 
The Arctic Sounder: Carroll inducted into hall of fame and more ->
 
 
 
 
By KTVA Web Staff: Murkowski co-sponsors bill to clarify prescription drug price increases
 
 
 
 
By Ellie Baty: ‘A good intention often ends in tragedy’ – Leave baby animals be
 
 
 
 
By Kristen Durand: $3.9 million in improvements coming to Anchorage parks

Alaska News May 10, 2019

On October 1, 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed a bill into law which designates May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day. In 1994 President Bill Clinton amended that bill to include the directive that flags be flown at half-staff. In 1982 an annual Memorial Service gathering in Washington DC’s Senate Park began and later became known as Police Week.

Those who serve in law enforcement today do so for two reasons: to protect and serve the citizens of this great country, and to keep a promise to those who did so before them that they will continue to hold the blue line. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall located in our country’s capitol features the names of more than 20,000 of our blue brothers and sisters who have been killed in the line of duty. There are Alaskans on that wall. There are APD names on that wall.

This Friday, May 10th, we will hold our local Police Memorial Day Ceremony at the State Crime Lab at 4805 Doctor Martin Luther King Drive. The service begins at 3PM and we would be honored if you would join us.

We are blessed to serve in a community that has steadfastly supported us. For that, we thank you.
 
 
 
 
By Chris Klint: ‘We won’t stand for this’: Spenard stores rally after weekend thefts
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Sitka family encounters aggressive bear while hiking; Gardentalk – Last call for spring garden vegetable planting; How a small, Arctic village found itself in the middle of Alaska’s new oil boom; Alaska seeks to boost gun background check system reporting; Juneau theft victim finds his stolen boat half a mile up his own street and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Bethel City Council Postpones Budget Meeting For Third Straight Time; Best In The West Contest Winners Awarded $33,500; Project Homeless Connect Attendees Say Event Is A Success and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Alaska Legislature Forms Working Group to Recommend Improvements to VPSO Program; Legislation Strengthening Alaska Sex Crime Laws Clears Final Legislative Hurdle; Kodiak Man Arrested on Drug Warrants after Locking Himself in Center Avenue Restroom and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: A New App that could save lives is now available in Fairbanks; Fairbanks residents gathered to commemorate 74th anniversary of Victory Day; Construction season underway in Fairbanks next week and more ->
 
 
 
 
The Arctic Sounder: Snowmachine races promote health, wellness in Selawik; Who Done It and more ->
 
 
 
 
By Scott Gross: Inside the Gates: Keeping Hangar 21 prepped to paint planes
 
 
 
 
By Dave Goldman: Crews close to fixing sewer pipe at drained Campbell Lake
 
 
 
 
By Jill Burke: LIST: Anchorage residents, authorities report multiple scams targeting them
 
 
 
 
Only In Your State by Courtney: 10 Strange Food Combinations Only People In Alaska Will Love
 
 
 
 
Julia O’Malley How Alaska eats: Mother’s Day is u-prawn us
 
 
 
 
A Taste of Alaska: Keto Margarita

Alaska News May 09, 2019

By Leroy Polk & Taylar Perez: Mat-Su schools threatened with gun violence early Thursday, officials investigating
 
 
 
 
By Chris Klint: 62-inmate Spring Creek prison riot causes $100K in damage
 
 
 
 
By Heather Hintze: Murder suspect has history of violent crimes, court records show
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Why is the US so far behind in the Arctic? Clues emerge at congressional hearing; Alaska House passes sweeping crime bill; Women in Alaska’s fishing industry hope to curb sexual harassment and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK KYUK logo Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Alcohol And Cabs Don’t Mix; Bethel Police Investigate River Death and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: A Powdery Idea to Reduce Sea-Ice Loss; House of Representatives Votes to Repeal and Replace Senate Bill 91 and more->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: MILITARY REPORT: Soldiers to be honored at Military Appreciation Banquet; Sullivan, Durbin introduce due process protection act; Communication is key; a look into speech therapy; THE DAILY DISPATCH 5-8-19 and more ->
 
 
 
 
The Homer Tribune: Local artists to open studios to visitors during pottery tour; Shorebird Festival underway in Homer and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Journal of Commerce: Movers and Shakers for May 12
 
 
 
 
By Kristen Durand: State seeks feedback on how to guide Career and Technical Education policy
 
 
 
 
By Scott Gross: Bowman Elementary wins free coffee for above-and-beyond staff
 
 
 
 
By Liz Raines: Workforce Wednesday: Alaska celebrates nurses week
 
 
 
 
By Eric Sowl: Growing a blue ribbon cabbage
 
 
 
 
By Jeremy LaGoo: Allergy season: How weather impacts your symptoms
 
 
 
 
By Rebecca Palsha: Paving the Paradise Inn to put up a parking lot in Spenard

Alaska News May 08, 2019

By Elizabeth Roman: APD investigating Midtown fatal hit-and-run
 
 
 
 
By Associated Press: Coast Guard rescue five commercial fishermen from a life raft in southeast Alaska
 
 
 
 
By Laura Holman: Juneau Airport issues warning for ‘wiley’ coyotes on popular hiking trail
You can contact Juneau Airport Wildlife Services at 957-2543 or the Airfield Maintenance office at 789-4001.
 
 
 
 
By Cassie Schirm: Anchorage Assembly passes amended trapping ordinance
“I would not advise sending the ordinance as written, just from my experience with the Board of Game, it definitely is a sleeves rolled up, kind of show us the data, examine all sides, into the weeds kind of process,” said Sarah Taylor. “And it truly values stakeholder engagement. I think if anyone is concerned about the ordinance being submitted to that level of review, I’d say that’s reason enough to reject it and get to work.”

Some of them disagreed with the 50-yard rule, saying they will lose a lot of land on which to trap.

Trapper Tom Lessard said it’s not about the distance. He’s upset about the process and thinks things can be done better — in collaboration with the Board of Game and trapping groups.

For Keri Gardner, who spoke in support of the ordinance, she’s worried about the safety of her search dogs while on rescue missions in the Municipality of Anchorage.

“At least two members of Alaska Search and Rescue Dogs have had dogs caught in traps or snares,” said Gardner. “I have also had a dog caught in a trap and being a woman with relatively weak hands, I am unable to open a trap by myself.”
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Pompeo to Arctic Council: Easy days are over; Conservation groups sue over Prince of Wales Island project and more ->
 
 
 
 
By KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Funeral Services To Be Held For Two Napakiak Residents Who Died In Jail Fire; Bethel Freestyle Wrestling Club Racks Up Awards At State Wrestling Tournament and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Governor Dunleavy Proclaims May as Aviation Appreciation Month; Anchorage Man Indicted in 2018 Death of Six-Year-Old Boy; Big Lake Man Indicted on Murder/Kidnapping Charges in Death of Dolly Hampton and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Fairbanks Memorial Hospital organizes campaign as part of Stroke Awareness Month; NPHS music program receives $5,500 award and more ->
 
 
 
 
Interesting comments.
By Suzanne Downing: Should public broadcasting be spared?
 
 
 
 
New scholarships for ROTC students Jada Glaves says she is excited to jump into an opportunity offered by the Alaska Army National Guard.
 
 
 
 
By Joe Vigil: Rare duck seen for first time on mainland Alaska, ADF&G says
 
 
 
 
By Shannon Ballard: Anchorage Assembly to hear new rules for cannabis cafes
 
 
 
 
By Derek Minemyer: Anchorage Assembly handles a bit of everything at Tuesday’s regular meeting