Category Archives: AK News

Alaska News April 27, 2019

By Hank Davis: Man steals car in Mountain View, later rams and kills woman at Brother Francis Shelter
ANCHORAGE (KTUU) – Authorities say a black Pontiac was reported as stolen to Anchorage Police Department at 11:50 a.m. on Friday, April 26- after the car was left unoccupied, with the keys inside, in front of Cash America Pawn in Mountain View.
 
 
 
 
By Daniel Kirby: Man charged for ramming APD cars skirted reduced felony sentences for months before latest arrest
Despite Robards’ criminal history, prosecutors say his Pretrial Enforcement Division or PED score, used to determine bail amounts based on risk of re-offending or of not returning for court dates, “does not accurately reflect his danger to the community or his flight risk.”

The state requested increased bail of $5,000 cash appearance and $5,000 cash performance consecutively for each of his two new felony cases.

Prosecutors also recommended GPS monitoring and 24/7 house arrest as conditions of his bail.
 
 
 
 
By Grant Robinson: NYO team sportsmanship award carries legacy of Gloria Walker
The award is named after the late Gloria Walker, a native athlete, coach and counsel who coordinated the NYO games for years and worked at Clark Junior High School. Walker died in 2000, but her legacy continues in more ways the just the award bearing her name.
 
 
 
 
By Dave Goldman: Alaska Native veterans see rights, respect given decades after service in Vietnam War
Sullivan says veterans were treated poorly upon their return home and Alaska Native veterans experienced ever worse.

“It’s an injustice were glad we’re able to fix,” said Sullivan.

Spouses or children of veterans who have since passed away are eligible to apply for the allotment owed to their family members.
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Someone took a sack of crap through Juneau airport security; Emergency response workshop details communication shortfalls in rural Alaska and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: House Proposal Would Prevent Legislature from Overspending Permanent Fund; Birds Large and Small Sniff Their Way Through Life and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Healy man charged in sex abuse of a minor case; Anchorage man sentenced to federal prison for distribution of child pornography; Troopers identify mail thief with help of Neighborhood Watch member; Vaping crackdown: Senator Murkowski continues push to ban flavored e-cigs and more ->
 
 
 
 
The Homer Tribune: Homer teens win technology award for aspirations in computing and more->
 
 
 
 
The Arctic Sounder: North Slope whalers celebrate start of the spring season; NANA board member arrested for assaulting VPSO and more ->
 
 
 
 
By Taylar Perez: How a 5-year-old with Leukemia took on new heights with the help of Make-A-Wish
 
 
 
 
By Associated Press: The organizers of the Nenana Ice Classic have announced the jackpot for the 2019 contest.
 
 
 
 
By Dave Leval: Run for Women earns place in the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame
 
 
 
 
By Kristen Durand: Growth of Alaska’s senior population outpacing available living options
 
 
 
 
By Dave Goldman: Welcome home! 262 naturalized as new US citizens in Friday ceremony

Alaska News April 26, 2019

By Derek Minemyer: Butte residents ask Board of Equalization to act on ‘nuisance property’
 
 
 
 
By Daniella Rivera: Home surveillance systems catch crimes on camera, but video doesn’t always lead to justice
 
 
 
 
By Cassie Schirm: Bears are awake and already getting into trash
Fish and Game says the best thing to do if you see a bear hanging out in neighborhoods, in the trash or acting aggressive is to report the encounter online.
 
 
 
 
By Heather Hintze: Wasilla breaks ground on new police station
Lt. Chris Watchus said the new station will be double the size of the current one, and its more centralized location could improve response times.
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: New ghost hunting TV show to premiere featuring Alaskan Hotel; Meet the first girls of Juneau Cub Scouts; Health commissioner downplays block grant idea; Former state chief medical officer Jay Butler takes job with Centers for Disease Control and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: House Proposal Would Prevent Legislature from Overspending Permanent Fund and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Fairbanks Four member charged with assault reaches plea deal in court; Listen Connect Help: Out of the Darkness Community Walk; IDEA Curriculum Fair will be in Fairbanks tomorrow; School principal changes for 2019 – 2020 school year; Fairbanks man indicted on federal drug trafficking charges and more ->
 
 
 
 
Only in Your State Alaska: Sip Wine And Mingle With Ghosts In One Of Alaska’s Oldest, Most Haunted Bars and more ->
 
 
 
 
Make-A-Wish: Ian Robbins Ian Robbins wanted to be a pilot and his legacy continues 15 years later.
 
 
 
 
By Jennifer Summers: Service High math teacher awarded BP Teacher of the Year
 
 
 
 
By Dave Goldman: Photos: Native Youth Olympics bring fun, sportsmanship to Anchorage
 
 
 
 
By Scott Gross: Inside the Gates: Dogs play positive role in psychological health
 
 
 
 
By Daniel Kirby & AJ Lucero: VIDEO: SUV gets stuck in large sink hole in South Anchorage
 
 
 
 
By Patrick Enslow: KTUU Sports Podcast: Alaska Sports Hall of Fame’s Harlow Robinson

Alaska News April 25, 2019

By Shayne Nuesca: Multi-vehicle collision on Glenn Highway closes inbound South Eagle River exit
 
 
 
 
By Lauren Maxwell: AFD says new 911 program will save time and money
 
 
 
 
By Steve Quinn: House Judiciary Committee begins hearings on its own crime bill
 
 
 
 
By Scott Gross: Assembly asks lawmakers to remove local tax limits on school funding
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Before, some teens in crisis had to leave their families in Juneau to get help. That’s changing; Anchorage School District to allow for tribal, cultural attire at graduation; Dunleavy not planning marijuana board repeal this session; Assembly committee recommends city invest in child care and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Two Tribes, Dunleavy At Odds Over Tribal Sovereignty; Bethel City Council Fires City Manager Pete Williams; ‘Best In The West’ Small Business Grant Awards Announced; Bethel City Council Introduces Agreement To Develop ONC Subdivision
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Murkowski Calls for Pebble Comment Period Extension; Wasilla Woman Injured in Serious Fairview Loop Rollover and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Chief Jewkes honored with Athabascan necklace; MILITARY REPORT: Two North Pole students chosen for competitive Flight Academy Scholarship; THE DAILY DISPATCH 4-24-19; Alaskan village awarded EDA grant to purchase barge and more ->
 
 
 
 
By Cassie Schirm: Ten-year-old drafted for Seawolves ski team
 
 
 
 
By Associated Press: Anchorage hires consultants to review Port of Alaska project
The Alaska Journal of Commerce reports the Anchorage Assembly’s Enterprise and Utility Oversight Committee approved a $45,000 contract last week for the project management firm Ascent PGM and the consulting firm Northern Compass Group.

The Northern Compass Group is led by former U.S. Sen. Mark Begich.
 
 
 
 
Floyd Hall: Stolen pick-up truck rams police cars
 
 
 
 
4 legged friend gives legally blind man independence Bryan Gearry was recently paired with his new guide dog Camden through the Guide Dog Foundation.
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native dance group performs at Hawaii Hula celebration

Alaska News April 24, 2019

By Daniel Kirby: Anchorage woman pleads guilty to first degree murder in 2012 burning death of her fiancé
Virgilio’s plea agreement leaves sentencing in the hands of the judge, with a range of between 30 and 70 years.

Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 4.
 
 
 
 
By Chris Klint: Man convicted of stabbing APD officer in 2012
Superior Court Judge Kevin Saxby, who oversaw the case according to Novak, is set to sentence Thompson on Aug. 30. He faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, a $450,000 fine or both.
 
 
 
 
By KTVA Web Staff: Man sexually abused foster children, troopers say
Akens was initially held at the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility on a total of $100,000 bail, with monitoring by the state Pretrial Enforcement Division required if he is released.
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: ‘Ragin’ Contagion’ exercise tests Nome’s ability to respond to epidemics; Juneau authorities investigate possible arson linked to explosion and fire; As part of Dunleavy administration directive, ADF&G considered selling its hatcheries; Juneau students on exchange get a taste of life in Western Alaska and more->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Alaska Congressional Delegation Welcomes Progress on Icebreaker; Saxman Teen Taken into Custody on Multiple Charges following DV Incident; NYO Kicks Off in Anchorage as Traditional Games Test Skill, Promote Cross-cultural Respect and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Sullivan bringing ‘Choose Respect’ to D.C.; HEALTH REPORT: What to do when Pink Eye appears; AST investigation into gun brandished at West Valley High School; Alaska State Troopers Release Most Wanted List and more ->
 
 
 
 
By Marleah Makpiaq LaBelle: ‘Alaska Native values guide my work and life’
 
 
 
 
Anchorage teacher shares journey to citizenship with students Japanese language teacher Yoko Grove took her oath of U.S. Citizenship at the East High School auditorium.
 
 
 
 
By Leroy Polk: WATCH: Fuzzy 1-day-old otter pup taken in at SeaLife Center
 
 
 
 
By Shannon Ballard: Alaska Zoo polar bear gifted giant, plastic pickle
 
 
 
 

IT’S WHAT NOT TO DO WEDNESDAY! ? #WNTDW

There are many things that require a great deal of responsibility: driving a vehicle, raising children, and owning pets are just a few. Another is owning a firearm. That’s the one we’re going to discuss today.

A lady was woken up in the middle of the night by a loud noise. Assuming it was her neighbor being his usual loud self, she rolled over and went back to sleep. Imagine her surprise when her son got up the next morning and found a bullet laying on their living room floor. The bullet had traveled through their ceiling from the apartment above and into their coffee table. Thank goodness it was that piece of furniture and not an occupied bed.

According to the upstairs neighbor, he was unloading his weapon when it “accidentally” discharged. He did not go downstairs to see if everyone was okay. That is NOT okay. He was criminally charged for his plethora of bad decision making.

With very few and rare exceptions, guns discharge because someone pulled the trigger. If you do not want to be the person explaining to a family why they are planning an untimely funeral, you need to follow the four firearm safety rules. These are the same rules that are drilled into the head of every gun-carrying individual who works for our department. Even our employees who don’t carry a firearm know these rules:

1️⃣ All guns are always loaded.
2️⃣ Never point the gun at anything you are not willing to destroy.
3️⃣ Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you have made the decision to shoot.
4️⃣ Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

If you don’t want a bullet to come out of the barrel, keep your finger on the outside of the trigger guard. Always.

Use your inside voice, play well with others, and remember we’re all in this together.

Anchorage Police Department

Alaska News April 23, 2019

By Chris Klint: DHSS rethinks Wellpath contract, will open bidding for API privatization
 
 
 
 
By KTUU Staff: Muni of Anchorage appealing damages award to former APD lieutenant
 
 
 
 
By Derek Minemyer: Jewel Lake homeowners happy after FEMA provides relief for quake damage
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Gardentalk – Feed me, Seymour!; Alaska first responders train up on urban search and rescue techniques; As his crime bills languish, Dunleavy renews the idea of a special session and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Bethel City Council Considers Paying Its Council Members, Adding New Subdivision and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: House of Representatives Passes Bill to Establish Hmong-American Veterans Day; Violent Assault on ‘Household Member’ in Bethel Jail; Newtok Man Jailed after Injuring Juvenile with TV and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbnaks News Webcenter 11: Spring storm expected to hit Fairbanks tonight through Wednesday; Happy Earth Day 2019; THE DAILY DISPATCH 4-22-19 and more ->
 
 
 
 
By KTVA: Head of the Class: Begich’s Rebecca Zerby encourages students through science
 
 
 
 
By Aaron Morrison: 5 things you thought you knew about snow

Alaska News April 21, 2019

By KTVA: Ex-Alaska teacher, pastor sentenced for sex abuse of teen
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Maine governor approves extradition of accused UAF cold case killer to Alaska; Alaska pot shops look ahead to on-site consumption and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Do you have your Bob Ross cereal yet? Yes, that Bob Ross; DOT hosts open house, talks summer road projects; Alaska marine pilots concerned about Royal Princess megaship and more ->
 
 
 
 
By Derek Minemyer: All-women’s UAA Rocketry Club to compete at NASA-sponsored competition
 
 
 
 
By Hank Davis: WATCH: Annual hawk migration draws in bird watchers at the start of Spring
 
 
 
 
By KTUU: Thousands participate in 41st Annual Alaska Heart Run More than 3,500 people hit the pavement in honor of heart health for the 41st Annual Alaska Heart Run on Saturday.
 
 
 
 
By Dave Goldman: Going green: Gardeners gather for spring garden show
 
 
 
 
By Dave Goldman: Celtic community gets together to enjoy company and culture
 
 
 
 

Alaska News April 20, 2019

By Patrick Enslow: Former South High baseball player killed in suspected DUI traffic collision
 
 
 
 

By KTVA Web Staff: Charges: 911 caller told APD dispatcher he would ‘blow her head off’
Shooshanian has had a history of calling 911 and making threats to APD, according to the charging document. Efforts by police to call him back or find him Thursday failed.

Court records show that Shooshanian pleaded guilty to a 2010 felony assault in Anchorage. He also pleaded no contest to separate charges of carrying a concealed weapon and resisting an officer during an assault arrest in 1992 and 1995 respectively.

The warrant on which Shooshanian was arrested specified an initial bail of $2,500. If he is released on bail after being taken into custody, it also requires that he “not contact law enforcement dispatch unless there is a valid emergency.”
 
 
 
 
By Dave Goldman: Nome mayor, ACLU work toward solution for police mishandling of sexual assault cases
 
 
 
 
By Daniella Rivera: UAA to host #MeToo event in response to sexual misconduct investigation
 
 
 
 
By Jill Burke: U.S. Coast Guard-Kodiak disciplines 31 members for drug-related misconduct
 
 
 
 
By Beth Verge: ‘The public can always help’: APD implores community to come forward with information in open homicide cases
“Everybody is looking to find out what happened in the last moments of their loved ones’ lives,” Cross said, “and they deserve that closure. And the people who died deserve justice as well. It doesn’t matter what they were involved in.”

You can call Crime Stoppers locally at 561-STOP to remain anonymous, or call Anchorage police at 311 to submit a tip.
 
 
 
 
By KTVA Staff: Charges: 911 caller told APD dispatcher he would ‘blow her head off’
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Alaska DOT considering proposal for Berners Bay ferry terminal; Facing declining enrollment, Harborview could lose a teacher next school year and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: BRHS Students Earn Top Honors At Alaska State Science And Engineering Fair and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: University of Alaska Southeast Commencement 2019; Red Cross Asks Public to Sound the Alarm, Help Save Lives and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Local women raise over $184k; Community celebrates autism with human ribbon; Three schools placed in ‘sit tight’ due to police activity at the hospital; Lawmakers reject board nominee with ghost-hunting past and more ->
 
 
 
 
The Arctic Sounder: Kobuk 440 a lifelong dream for champ Ryan Redington and more ->
 
 
 
 
Adina Bresge / The Canadian Press: 12 writers cope with sexual violence in ‘Whatever Gets You Through’
 
 
 
 
By Kirsten Swann, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage: At Anchorage library, pilot program connects patrons to social services
 
 
 
 
By Daybreak Staff: Mic Check in the Morning: KillBill Sax
 
 
 
 
By Joe Vigil: Palmer students donate more money for veterans’ Honor Flight
 
 
 
 
KTUU: UAA Cybersecurity Club prepares defenses for national competition
 
 
 
 
By KTUU: Mike & Alexis Peep Tasting
 
 
 
 
By KTUU: The Good Friday Faith Walk

Alaska News April 19, 2019

Suzanne Downing Must Read Alaska: Myrna Maynard
Good morning … Somewhere in Alaska … Drive carefully in snow-globe Anchorage on this Good Friday. It’s an edition of Must Read Alaska’s News Flash you won’t want to miss, and it’s dedicated to Myrna Maynard, who passed from this world Thursday.

Myrna was the treasurer for many campaigns in Alaska — all of them Republican. She spent countless hours working on the campaigns of Congressman Don Young, Sen. Dan Sullivan, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski.

When her passing was finally imminent, her longtime friend Don Young rushed to her side at Providence Alaska Medical Center, but alas, he arrived moments after she passed. Yet he stayed with her for a long time to say his goodbyes. It’s the side of Don Young that few see.

Read more ->

 
 
 
 
By Chris Klint: Charges: Brother Francis security contractor fractured man’s skull
 
 
 
 
By Steve Quinn: Sexual harassment allegations factor in Johnstone board vote
 
 
 
 
By Associated Press: Human rights commission plans to move ahead with apology
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: The special ingredient inside these new gluten-free noodles? Fish, from Alaska; Do you have an idea for what to do with the Lumberman? More ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Mary Ciuniq Pete, Bev Hoffman To Be Inducted Into Alaska Women’s Hall Of Fame; Donlin Gold To Begin Drilling Program and more->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Murkowski questions National Guard and Reserve Leaders on Arctic Training; Carbon Dioxide Sample From Utqiaġvik Provides Wake-up Call on Climate and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Soldiers honor ‘Month of the Military Child’ at Arctic Light Elementary; Emergency Dispatcher featured as part of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week; Fairbanks Police Department Hires New Police Chief; EPICON team begins study into suicides on Fort Wainwright and more ->
 
 
 
 
The Homer Tribune: Berry named new director at Homer Public Library; FISH FACTOR: Southeast Alaska tackles fishing net recycling; Through barbershop, man connects with community; Writers prepare for conference and more ->
 
 
 
 
By Julia O’Malley: Best egg recipes, not yolking
 
 
 
 
By Joe Vigil: How to survive if you fall through thin ice
 
 
 
 
By Scott Gross: Inside the Gates: How punches to the face prepare soldiers for war
 
 
 
 
By KTUU: Alaska Sports Hall of Fame 2019: Corey Cogdell-Unrein Corey Cogdell Unrein is being inducted into the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame class of 2019 for her prowess as a trap shooter.

Alaska News April 18, 2019

By KTUU: Mat-Su School District and residents react to shooting threat to area schools On Wednesday, the Mat-Su Borough School District dealt with a threat of gun violence directed at both Colony High School and Colony Middle School. It started when students and parents repeatedly shared the original warning of a threat on social media.
 
 
 
 
By Kristen Durand: Gov. Dunleavy fills Palmer Superior Court seat
 
 
 
 
By Rebecca Palsha: One of Anchorage’s largest illegal camps gets an abatement notice
 
 
 
 
By Cassie Schirm, Jes Stugelmayer and Gina Romero: Proposed trapping ordinance cites safety for pets, trappers say there’s a better way
The Anchorage Assembly has a work session for the proposed ordinance April 19 at noon. There will be an opportunity for public testimony at the next Assembly meeting on April 23.
 
 
 
 
By Lauren Maxwell: UAA seeks sexual assault victims for new study
 
 
 
 
By Daniella Rivera: Organization issues apology, defends its actions toward disgraced ex-UAA professor
 
 
 
 
By Scott Gross: Ravn needs more pilots and they want them from Alaska
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Through language, a Yup’ik teacher passes on a way of life; Capital City Fire/Rescue considers taking over hospital sleep-off program; Alaska Legislature confirms all of Dunleavy’s commissioners; Legislators reject six Dunleavy appointees to boards and commissions and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Man accused of first degree murder pleads not guilty; Borough residents comment on North Pole High incident; Local UAF’s Experimental Farm welcomes baby reindeer; Military Report: Eielson one year out from arrival of first F-35 and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Highway News The Canadian Press: Sony Pictures Television forms closer ties with Wattpad storyteller platform
 
 
 
 
By Daniella Rivera: ‘It’s like heaven’: Kitten Social Hour benefits both cats and seniors
 
 
 
 
Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development: Recruiting for More than 4,000 Seafood Processing Workers