Category Archives: AK News

Alaska News May 05, 2019

Family, friends and teammates remember Sladen Mohl Mohl was recently killed in an accident involving a suspected drunk driver in California, where he played baseball at El Camino College.
 
 
 
 
By Shayne Nuesca: Sitka jury finds man guilty of murdering girlfriend
Macasaet will be sentenced on September 9 and faces between 20 to 99 years in prison, and a $500,000 fine.
 
 
 
 
By Steve Quinn: Portraits preserve memories of missing, murdered indigenous women
 
 
 
 
By Derek Minemyer: ‘The Hmong’s story in Anchorage is part of the whole city’s story’
 
 
Hmong-Americans honored in Anchorage A Hmong-American husband and wife recall their traumatic experiences during the Vietnam War.
 
 
 
 
By Dave Leval: Dunleavy pitches his budget plan to Anchorage seniors
 
 
 
 
Museum visitors experience Arctic in new exhibit The Arctic Portals exhibit helps Anchorage Museum visitors experience the sensations of the North.
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Emmonak votes to keep alcohol and remain ‘damp’; Navy plans to be more active in the Arctic; Dunleavy administration dismisses Alaska ferries chief and more ->
 
 
 
 
By Heather Hintze: Valley Pathways leadership class helps community, peers with service projects
 
 
 
 
May 15, 2019 -> Coffee with a Cop
Stop by the Kaladi Brothers Cafe on on Tudor Rd. on Wednesday 5/15 to join your Anchorage Police officers for some free coffee, treats, and conversation. Hope to see you there!

We are happy to welcome the Deaf Community to another Coffee with a Cop event and invite others to join! Interpreters will be provided.

Athletes from Special Olympics Alaska will also be joining us to talk about the upcoming Law Enforcement Torch Run on May 18th!

Event runs from 10:30am to 12:00pm. This free community event occurs at a different location every month courtesy of Anchorage Cops for Community (AC4C), the Anchorage Police Department Employees Association (APDEA), and our community partners.
Located in: Chugach Square
Address: 6901 E Tudor Rd, Anchorage, AK 99504
Phone: (907) 644-7444

2019 Alaska Law Enforcement Torch Run and Pledge Drive
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is the largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle, raising $50 million for Special Olympics Programs around the world in 2018. More than 85,000 law enforcement officers carried the Flame of Hope across 35 nations, raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics. Special Olympics Alaska is an accredited program of Special Olympics Inc., a global non-profit organization that provides sports training and competition to people with intellectual disabilities.

On May 18 more than 1000 participants, including hundred’s of Alaska Law Enforcement personnel, will run simultaneously 5k in 16 Alaskan Communities. The purpose of the event is for Alaska Law Enforcement to raise both awareness and funds for our Special Olympics Alaska athletes. It is expected to be the largest simultaneous multi-community running event held in Alaska this year.

Click here for start locations in your community!

Alaska News May 04, 2019

By Joe Vigil: Cold case murder suspect posts $20K, bonds out of jail
Willard’s bail initially was set at $500,000. It was lowered to $150,000 earlier this year; $20,000 was paid for his release, according to online court records.
 
 
 
 
By Leroy Polk: Documents: Alleged victim of Mat-Su man charged with sex abuse was not foster child placement
At a court hearing Thursday, Felch’s bail was set at $75,000 cash performance.
 
 
 
 
By Kristen Durand: Bartlett’s Medical Academy gives students the needed tools to succeed in the medical field
It’s part of Yvette Stone and Juli Campbell’s Medical Academy, giving their students hands on experience, while getting them excited about their futures.
 
 
By Laura Holman: WATCH: NBC’s Lester Holt talks about his childhood growing up in Alaska
 
 
By Shannon Ballard: ‘Signing day’ honors King Tech students starting careers
 
 
By John Thompson: UAA commencement speaker is world-class
 
 
 
 
By Jill Burke: Healing the Helpers: Why Workplace Wellness for Child Protection Workers Matters
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Listen: Hoonah’s Heritage Celebration Ḵu.éex’ highlights the importance of traditional knowledge in education; Icy Strait Point to add megaship dock as Hoonah readies for hundreds of thousands of cruise visitors; In death, beached Turnagain Arm humpback offers research samples, clues and food; There’s an open house Sunday for the new ferry Tazlina and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Donlin Gold Looks To Schools, Workforce Development For Future Employees; Kuskokwim Campus Honors Mary Ciniuq Pete During 45th Commencement; No Flooding So Far As Break Up On The Kuskokwim River Continues and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Local students have lunch with native elders; FWW holds inaugural military working dog competition; THE DAILY DISPATCH 5-3-19 and more ->
 
 
 
 
The Homer Tribune: Kachemak Crane Watch welcomes Elenor, the sandhill crane puppet; Through work and play, cultivating a sense of place and more ->
 
 
 
 
By Joe Vigil: Husband and wife veterans take Last Frontier Honor Flight trip

Alaska News May 03, 2019

Great news!
By John Thompson: One year later, Alaska man continues recovering from Puerto Rico shooting
 
 
 
 
By Associated Press: Former police chief sentenced for $112,000 village corporation theft
FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) – A former Fort Yukon police chief convicted of stealing $112,000 from the village’s Native corporation a decade ago has been sentenced to a year in prison.

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports 66-year-old Zelma Fairchild also was ordered to pay restitution.
 
 
 
 
KTUU: 2 Investigates: Office of Children’s Services Understaffing, high caseloads and high turnover are straining Alaska’s Child Protection system. Here’s why it matters.
 
 
 
 
By Grant Robinson: Seward flood prevention project complete after seven years
 
 
 
 
By Chris Klint: Grubstake to close Ingra Street site after owner’s conviction
 
 
 
 
By Daniella Rivera: Death in Detox: How the system failed Kellsie Green
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: New legislation introduced in Congress aims to strengthen Roadless Rule; Stabbing victim dies after late night fight breaks out in downtown Juneau; Dunleavy administration pick for $94,000-a-year labor relations manager comes without labor relations experience; Juneau Afternoon travels to Hoonah and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Bethel Fire Chief Bill Howell Slips Into Familiar Role and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Katie John Day Passes House; Congressman Don Young Introduces Legislation to Protect Wild Fish Populations; Warm Spring may Result in Gentle Breakup and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Man convicted of sexual assault sentenced to 45 years in prison; NASA Astronaut visits Fairbanks; Wildfire burning outside Fort Greely and more ->
 
 
 
 
The Arctic Sounder: Athletes shine at 2019 Native Youth Olympics; 2019 Native Youth Olympics Full Results; Iḷisaġvik celebrates 2019 graduates at commencement ceremony and more ->
 
 
 
 
Only In Your State Alaska: You Won’t Be Happy To Hear That Alaska Is Experiencing A Major Surge Of Ticks This Year; The World’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Is Made Daily Inside This Humble Little Alaska Bakery and more ->
 
 
 
 
Klingel & Beardsley Marathon Moment recognized by hall of fame 1982 East High School graduates Larsen Klingel and Andy Beardsley will be given the Trajan Langdon award by the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame. The duo will be recognized for their finish of the 2018 Boston Marathon. The Trajan Langdon award is given to a person or group of people who have demonstrated leadership, integrity and sportsmanship during the past year.
 
 
 
 
By Dave Leval: Quake damage keeps Eagle River Campground road closed
 
 
 
 
By Scott Gross: Alaska group recognizes after-school superheroes

Alaska News May 02, 2019

By Leroy Polk: Mat-Su foster father charged for sexually abusing minor, second such case in two weeks
 
 
 
 
By Leroy Polk & Derek Minemyer: UPDATE: Missing hiker in Eagle River found dead, authorities report
 
 
 
 
By Laura Holman: Business owner found guilty of spreading hazardous chemicals near Anchorage homeless shelter, soup kitchen
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Marie Adams Carroll became a ‘folk hero’ fighting for Iñupiat whaling rights. Now she’s in the Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame.; Public will have chance to weigh in on proposal to move Juneau City Hall; could crimp one of Alaska’s most lucrative fisheries; Senate passes budget that ignores most of Dunleavy’s cuts and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Lacking Quorum, State Board Postpones Review Of Bethel’s First Pot Shop License
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Alaska Army Guardsmen Save Two Hunters after Falling through Yukon River Ice and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Military Report: FWW soldiers and spouses walk at joint college commencement; DOT&PF opens McCarthy Road to public travel; THE DAILY DISPATCH 5-1-19 and more ->
 
 
 
 
By Michalle Ma UW News: Chemical records in teeth confirm elusive Alaska lake seals are one of a kind
 
 
 
 
By Ed Rasmuson: What kind of Alaska do we want?
 
 
 
 
By Peter Zampa: Alaska World War II veterans lay wreath at memorial in Washington
 
 
By Joe Vigil: Vietnam veteran praises Honor Flight for making her feel appreciated
 
 
 
 
By Hank Davis: ‘King salmon swimming through Spenard’—Friends of Fish Creek push for revitalization of urban wildlife in Anchorage
 
 
 
 
By Associated Press: Nonprofit pursuing lease of Alaska’s oldest lighthouse
 
 
 
 
By KTVA Web Staff: Anchorage groups to host free summer meals for kids in need
 
 
 
 
By John Thompson: Anchorage-raised man meets ‘Avengers: Endgame’ stars
 
 
 
 
By Liz Raines: 100 Miles in May challenges Alaskans to be active
“Being active should bring you joy, and it should make you feel good,” said Robinson.

There’s still plenty of time to sign up for the challenge. To register, visit the 100 Miles in May website.

Alaska News May 01, 2019

By Juan Montes: Napakiak jail guard recounts moments after fatal fire broke out
 
 
 
 
By Shannon Ballard: Court docs: Man used scissors to stab former co-worker in the chest
Samel is charged with first-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault and first-degree burglary.

The victim’s wife was in court for Samel’s arraignment Tuesday. Her husband remains hospitalized but is expected to recover, according to state prosecutors.

Samel’s bail was set at $100,000 cash performance.
 
 
 
 
By Chris Klint: Hiland correctional officer hospitalized after fentanyl exposure
 
 
 
 
By Heather Hintze: Highway Patrol troopers settle into new assignment in Mat-Su
 
 
 
 
By Beth Verge: MTA officials say new high-speed internet project will expand connectivity, increase internet speeds across Alaska
The new project is set to have “an extremely large impact on Alaska,” officials said. The plan is to have the it completed by mid-2020.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy is expected to speak at a press conference late Wednesday morning.

This story is being updated. Please check back for details.
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Senate bill to change PFD formula advances; House committees take different approach on crime bills; Juneau city manager warns of property tax hikes if state ends school bond debt reimbursement and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: ‘Some People Have A Bigger Voice, Some People Have A Smaller Voice’; History Of Compensation For Bethel City Council Members and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: ANSEP’s Full-Time Acceleration Academy (Anchorage) Students Graduate High School with an Average of 40 College Credits; Congress Seizes New Opportunity to Restore Arctic Refuge Protections; Coast Guard, Contractors Respond to Pollution Threat from Derelict Barge on Kodiak Island and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: THE DAILY DISPATCH 4-30-19; Schatz, Murkowski introduce bipartisan bill to expand health care to veterans living in pacific region; Knowing the signs of teen depression; BLM Seeks Nominations to Resource Advisory Councils; Mayor Bryce Ward unveils ‘A Balancing Act’ and more ->
 
 
 
 
By Joe Vigil: Widow of WWII veteran salutes Honor Flight organizers
 
 
 
 
By Jill Burke: After 40 years on the job, Anchorage’s longest-serving cop bids farewell
 
 
 
 
By Laura Holman: Airline News: New direct flights from Anchorage to Las Vegas and Bellingham starting this month

Alaska News April 30, 2019

By Laura Holman & Hank Davis: UPDATE: First person to respond to Napakiak jail fire describes what happened
Two jail guards were transported out of Napakiak for treatment. One guard did not need further treatment, Troopers wrote. The other guard received significant injuries while attempting to free the prisoners. He was medevaced to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

According to hospital spokesperson Susan Gregg at Harborview, that guard is in serious condition in the ICU.
 
 
 
 
By Chris Klint: Ex-KeyBank employee gets 10 years for $4.3M Anchorage heist
 
 
 
 
By Lauren Maxwell: Copper thefts test the mettle of Anchorage businesses
 
 
 
 
By Joe Vigil: Veterans thank founders of Last Frontier Honor Flight
 
 
 
 
By Cassie Schirm: Rescuers freed a humpback whale stranded in Turnagain Arm. Then it got stuck again.
 
 
 
 
By Heather Hintze: Alaska couple plans ‘dome’ lodging near Talkeetna riverfront
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Keeping the Tlingit language alive with youth; Marijuana could leave black mark on immigration cases and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Suurvik Cinema At Kipusvik Likely To Close Due To Ayaprun Immersion School Delays; Fire Chief Bill Howell Serving As Bethel’s Acting City Manager; Search Resumes For Missing Kasigluk Man and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Car Thief Damages Several Patrol Cars Attempting to Escape being Blocked in and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: A legacy founded in butterflies; Alaska’s attorney general recovering from heart attack; FPD warns of circulating email scam and more ->
 
 
 
 
By Lauren French: Alaska fishermen are becoming more specialized
 
 
 
 
By Beth Verge: For Floyd Hall, a plea deal seemed like the best option – until it didn’t
“I agreed to the wording that I would not chase stolen vehicles,” Hall said. “I don’t chase them. We follow. And then they threw in the term that I wouldn’t have ‘direct or indirect contact’ with the vehicle thieves.”

“You know, they’re dropping charges on criminals left and right. I see what they’re saying, but we’ve helped recover so many stolen vehicles,” Hall said of prosecutors. “Make a plea deal. Do what’s right. That’s it.”
 
 
 
 
By KTUU: 2YH: Testicular cancer survivor shares his story Duane Johnson was diagnosed with testicular cancer and hopes sharing his story will keep the conversation going with other men.
 
 
 
 
By AJ Lucero: Dozens of snakes, spiders, and lizards being rescued throughout Alaska
 
 
 
 
By Megan McDonald: Alaska Is Home To A Bottomless Lake And You’ll Want To See It For Yourself
 
 
 
 
By KTVA Web Staff: Former municipal official takes over Anchorage Downtown Partnership
 
 
 
 
By Rhonda McBride: Frontiers 172: Children of the Midnight Sun and Beyond
 
 
 
 
By KTVA: Head of the Class: Hilmes starts students on the right path
 
 
 
 
By Shawn Wilson: ASD program teaches young adults important life skills

Alaska News April 29, 2019

The Canadian Press: Wayson Choy, celebrated author of “The Jade Peony,” has died
 
 
 
 
By Kortnie Horazdovsky: 360 VIDEO: Tour the USS Arizona Memorial as it remains closed throughout the summer
 
 
 
 
By Dave Leval: Don’t want it stolen? Leave valuables at home before hitting the trails, police say.
“People are sitting in cars, they may be watching us, so as we quickly try to conceal things on site there, they’re watching where you put things,” said Welch.

Anchorage police also say you should keep a fully charged cell phone with you, tell someone where you’re going and to be aware of wildlife, especially moose in the spring.
 
 
 
 
Suzanne Downing Must Read Alaska: Film performed entirely in Haida, a language with 14 speakers; MRAK Almanac: Miss Amazing, Talkeetna Fly-In; University warning of data breach over a year later and more ->
 
 
 
 
By Bryan Dunnagan: 24-Hour Film Royal tasks filmmakers to produce on a deadline
Winners will be announced during a screening of all the short films May 4 at the Bear Tooth Theatrepub.
 
 
 
 
By KTUU: WATCH: City drains Campbell Lake Anchorage Water and Waste Water Utilities is draining Campbell Lake to make repairs to a sewer line damaged by the Nov. 30 earthquake.
 
 
 
 
By KTUU: Anchorage Mom auditioning for Shark Tank Jasmin Smith, founder of Baby Vend, is hoping that her business will be featured on Season 11 of Shark Tank.
 
 
 
 
By KTUU: Watch: Large beluga pod spotted near Turnagain Arm NOAA officials say its not uncommon to see pods of this size this time of year. “Everyone thinks they disappear in the winter but they don’t they just disperse,” said Verena Gill, cook inlet recovery coordinator for NOAA fisheries.

Alaska News April 28, 2019

By KTVA: Troopers investigate road rage involving Alaska school bus
 
 
 
 
By Steve Quinn: House passes a bill to strengthen sex crime laws
HB 14 passed with a 36-1 vote but still needs to be cleared by the Senate.

Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, has a similar bill in the Senate that has advanced to the Senate Finance Committee.

Both bills join a stack of crime bills proposed by state lawmakers and Gov. Mike Dunleavy.

Both chambers are accelerating crime bill hearings hoping to cobble together crime legislation before the session ends May 15.
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Behind the Scenes of the Regional Native Youth Olympics for Bering Strait School District; Electricity conservation still urged to refill Southeast hydro lakes and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Hundreds join the ‘Out of the Darkness’ walk
 
 
 
 
By Rachel D’Oro: Alaska village eyes reindeer plant idea as economic boost
 
 
 
 
By Steve Quinn: First cruise ship en route to Juneau for Sunday arrival

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