Alaska News April 28, 2020

KTVA The Voice of Alaska: ‘It was so dynamic’: Tripod falls Monday in Nenana Ice Classic; Alaska’s US lawmakers discuss benefits for seasonal workers impacted by COVID-19; 25 Years of BP Teachers of Excellence: Carlyn Nichols and more ->
 
 
 
 
KTUU: Land may change hands, but city says Tour of Anchorage trail will remain; Storybooks, radio connect kids isolated in far-flung Alaska and more ->
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Federal judge temporarily blocks aid to Alaska Native corporations; Scientists are struggling to understand COVID-19. As Alaska ramps up testing, what will they find out?; Ketchikan’s distance learning program was ready to scale up. So why did the state go with Florida’s?; Fred Meyer is now accepting SNAP benefits for curbside pickup and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Potential Changes To Emergency Cab Rules; Ice Begins Moving At Crooked Creek, Sleetmute and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Online application for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) now available; Community of Shaktoolik awarded Iditarod 2020 Golden Clipboard Award; AMHS Summer Schedule Updated and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Interior Alaska firefighters hold a special parade for a special person; Tanana Valley Famers Market to open this summer as an essential business; Fort Wainwright soldiers adapt during pandemic, changes to training and physical exercise and more ->
 
 
 
 
Craig Medred: Banning books
 
 
 
 
By Lisa Demer, Rasmuson Foundation: Tlingit master carver Price is 2020 Distinguished Artist
If you would like to join our virtual celebration of Price, it is scheduled for 11 a.m. this Wednesday, April 29. Just click this link a few minutes early and the virtual door will open at 11: https://zoom.us/j/99033046161

Or telephone: 669.900.6833 (West Coast); 646.558.8656 (East Coast); 877.853.5257 (Toll Free)

If prompted, here is the webinar ID: 990 3304 6161

International phone numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/ad0WhwPH6D

 
 
 
 

By Casea Peterson, Only In Your State: The Ultimate Alaska Waterfalls Road Trip Is Here – And You’ll Want To Do It

Alaska News April 27, 2020

KTVA The Voice of Alaska: Frontiers: Anchorage’s ‘hunker down’ history and more ->
 
 
 
 
KTUU: New mom shares story after daughter is born premature during COVID-19 pandemic; Some Anchorage restaurants will see limited customers starting Monday; Why some stores are waiting to reopen their doors and more ->
 
 
 
 
49 Writers Blog: Writing the Distance: Warren Libby
 
 
 
 
Suzanne Downing Must Read Alaska: State lifts restaurant entryway hand sanitizer health mandate and more ->
 
 
 
 
New Book: Button Up! Fall in Alaska by Angela Gonzalez
April 25, 2020 Angela Gonzalez

I wrote a book! Earlier this year, Best Beginnings, Alaska’s Early Childhood Investment, released Seasons of Alaska, four board books highlighting Alaska Native talent. Best Beginnings and editor Tricia Brown collaborated with Alaska Native writers and photographers contributed to four books focused on the seasons for ages 0-3 years old.

Authors include Joni Spiess of Nome/Anchorage, Yaari Toolie-Walker of Savoonga/Anchorage, Angela Y. Gonzalez of Huslia/Anchorage, and Carla Snow of Bethel. Featured photographers include Esther Pederson of Nome, Ian Merculieff of St. Paul Island/Anchorage, Carol Maillelle of Togiak/Anchorage, Taylor Booth of Nome, Greg Lincoln of Bethel, Jacqueline Cleveland of Quinhagak, and Cheryl Kriska of Fairbanks. Congratulations to the photographers and fellow authors!

More ->

 
 
 
 

Recreational Fires are the only outdoor fires allowed within the Municipality – Corrected link

We hope you are all enjoying this wonderful weather!

Burn permits are no longer issued in the Municipality of Anchorage.

Burning trash, yard debris, leaves, construction material, woody debris including Spruce Bark Beetle wood, is prohibited in the Municipality of Anchorage.

The only outdoor burning allowed is for a recreational burn. Not sure what is considered a recreational fire? See the attached Fire Matrix or view it on the web at https://www.muni.org/departments/fire/wildfire/siteassets/pages/burnpermits/2019recreationalburningguidelines.pdf

Just a quick reminder that the Alaska Division of Forestry is suspending all burn permit (both small and large scale) outside of the Municipality of Anchorage effective midnight on April 30th, 2020.

If you plan to have a recreational burn please make sure to check the website http://www.muni.org/Departments/Fire/Wildfire/Pages/IsTodayaBurnDay.aspx before lighting the fire.
Thank you for keeping your neighbors safe!

Address/Location
Anchorage Fire Department
100 E 4th Ave
Anchorage, AK 99501

Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 907-227-9473

Alaska News April 26, 2020

KTVA The Voice of Alaska: Opinion: Combating veteran suicide takes kindness, connection, intervention and more ->
 
 
 
 

KTUU: APD says changes are coming to community notification system; Aviation companies training pilots through COVID-19 pandemic; Dimond Center prepares to reopen after month-long closure and more ->
 
 
 
 

KTOO Public Media: City considers options as businesses decide whether to reopen; Alaska ferries to receive $5m in federal stimulus cash and more ->
 
 
 
 

Alaska Native News: Suspect in North Pole Heating Oil Theft Case found Hiding in Porta-John; Property in Wasilla Theft Recovered, Suspects Escape; Mask Makers on JBER are on a Mission and more ->

 
 
 
 

Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Community members staying positive while staying safe and more ->
 
 
 
 

The Arctic Sounder: Online challenge highlights the importance of names and more ->
 
 
 
 

Craig Medred: That time
 
 
 
 

Nixle is making changes – make sure you don’t miss out!!

The Anchorage Police Department does not own Nixle. Let’s be honest, if we were going to branch out, we’d buy something fun. Like an ice cream store, or a mountain-biking shop, or (let’s just say it) a doughnut factory.

Nixle is a separate company we do business with in order to communicate with all of you. Nixle has recently announced some changes to the way they push out data. To ensure you don’t miss any of our important information, please make sure you have your email address attached to your Nixle account. To either add your email, or verify you’ve already done so, log on to www.Nixle.com and click “Resident Login” at the top of their page.

Nixle will still send some alerts via text on your cell phone. However this will only be done in situations wherein the public needs to immediately be notified of an ongoing situation such as road closures, public safety issues, or endangered missing people.

While you’re in your Nixle account you may also sign up for notices from other local departments who utilize Nixle for communication purposes:

Alaska State Troopers HQ
Anchorage Fire Department
Anchorage Health Department
Anchorage Office of Emergency Management
Anchorage Street Maintenance
Anchorage Water & Wastewater Utility
Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing
Anchorage Community Development
Anchorage Public Library
Anchorage Public Transportation Department
Port of Alaska

Knowledge is power. Stay informed by those who serve you and your neighbors. Happy spring!!

Address/Location
Anchorage Police Department
716 W 4th Ave
Anchorage, AK 99501

Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 907-786-8900

Alaska News April 25, 2020

KTVA The Voice of Alaska: Trans-Alaska Pipeline to deliver 10% less oil, Alyeska Pipeline says; Here are the rules Anchorage businesses must follow to reopen Monday and more ->
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Social distancing at a logging camp? An Alaska operator wants more resources.; As Alaska lifts ‘hunker down’ orders, state’s top doctor tracks medical supplies; More Alaskans have recovered from COVID-19 than are currently sick with it, but what does that mean? And more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: YKHC To Begin Furloughing And Laying Off Workers Next Week Following ‘Devastating’ Revenue Losses and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Owner of “the Antique Gallery” Charged With Lacey Act Violations and Tax Evasion; One Building Remains Busy During Quiet Time and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: First wave of Fairbanks businesses open, residents eager to use services; Two new cases of COVID-19 announced in two Alaska communities; The Quarantine Kitchen Episode 4: Homemade Wheat Bread and more ->
 
 
 
 
The Arctic Sounder: Annual Wainwright Jamboree moves to Facebook and more ->
 
 
 
 
By Megan McDonald, Only In Your State Alaska: The Mount Alyeska Trail Is A Beautiful Hike In Alaska With A Mouthwatering Restaurant Right Along It
 
 
By Megan McDonald, Only In Your State Alaska: The Hurricane Gulch Bridge Is One Of The Tallest Bridges In Alaska
 
 
 
 
Craig Medred: Troubled seas-food
 
 
 
 
49 Writers Blog: Writing the Distance: Cindy Hardy
 
 
 
 

Alaska News April 24, 2020

KTVA The Voice of Alaska: Authority of local governments questioned as state prepares to lift COVID-19 restrictions; Inside the Gates: An Alaskan shares his US Air Force Academy graduation; 25 Years of BP Teachers of Excellence: Gretchen Striker and more ->
 
 
 
 
KTUU: Anchorage family of 5 survives and fully recovers from COVID-19; Looking to donate to or access food services in Alaska? Click here.; Meet the ‘Quarantinos’ and more ->
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: As thousands of commercial fisherman prepare to come to Alaska, Dunleavy releases health and safety guidelines; Mask-maker, make me a mask: How volunteers in Juneau are connecting to local needs; Gardentalk – Pruning blueberries, holly and junipers, and first aid for split tree branches; Please stay on the (punch)line: Callers overwhelm Juneau’s new joke hotline and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Alaska Sports Hall Of Fame Looks At Hayden Lieb; April 23 Coronavius Update: Post-Pandemic Art Exhibit; Kuskokwim River Ice Still Holding In McGrath and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Remains Recovered from Knik River Road Area Identified as December Missing Person Audrey Swartzentruber and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Fairbanks Area Citizen Corp serves as mediator for those have, and those who need resources during COVID-19 Pandemic; School Board approves controversial civil rights course; DOT announces the beginning of the 2020 construction season and more ->
 
 
 
 
The Arctic Sounder: North Slope whaling crew holds graduation ceremony on ice and more ->
 
 
 
 
By Megan McDonald, Only in Your State Alaska: A Drone Flew High Above A Mostly Uninhabited Island In Alaska And Caught The Most Incredible Footage

Alaska News April 23, 2020

KTVA The Voice of Alaska: Fish and Game: ‘Do not ever run from a bear’; Alaska Mill and Feed closing greenhouses to the public; Anchorage music teacher gets creative to teach rhythm, harmony at home and more ->
 
 
 
 

KTUU: Anchorage Anesthesiologist takes part in the #QuarantineCharacterChallenge; Some restaurants opting out of allowing dine-in during first phase of economic reopening; Seven Alaska organizations to get help from the Alaska Airlines Foundation and more ->
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: After a rabid coyote attacked a dog, Quinhagak lifted travel ban for a vet; Dunleavy says Alaska is in a better position than other states to reopen hair salons, etc and more ->
 
 
 
 

KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Kuskokwim River Breakup Has Begun and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Wasilla Troopers Respond to Bomb Report and Fight Wednesday and more ->
 
 
 
 

Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Fairbanks will host virtual suicide prevention walk on Saturday and more ->
 
 
 
 
Craig Medred: Who’s afraid?

 
 
 
 

49 Writers Blog: Writing the Distance: Cam Leonard
 
 
 
 

Dear Alaskan,

Senator Murkowski and I have held three COVID-19 virtual town halls in the past several weeks, reaching thousands of Alaskans in all corners of the state. We have another opportunity to answer the questions you and your neighbors may have, this time with a focus on the challenges facing workers displaced by the pandemic. We will be joined by two officials from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development—Commissioner Tamika Ledbetter and Division of Employment and Training Services Director Patsy Westcott, who will be available to answer worker- and unemployment insurance-focused questions.

Please join us this afternoon, April 23, from 4:00-5:00pm (AKDT) for another productive discussion. To register, please click: https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/live

You can also find answers, resources and helpful links on my website at sullivan.senate.gov/coronavirus. If you have any other questions or challenges, please reach out to my team in Anchorage at 907.271.5915 or on my website. I look forward to hearing from you today.

Best,
Senator Dan Sullivan

 
 
 
 
Congressman Don Young
Alaskans,

As we continue working as a nation to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, prevent infection, and develop treatments, I wanted to update you on our work in Congress on this very important issue. Much has happened since last week’s newsletter, and I hope you will share these very updates with your family, friends, and others in your community. This pandemic is uncharted territory for our state, nation, and the international community. As always, should you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact me via phone or email. Stay safe, Alaska!

Read more ->


 
 
 
 
Give thanks and share your #907LibraryLove

Hello,

I normally don’t write emails like this, but the recent library closures have created an unforeseen need and I’m hoping you can help.

Our Library has a very bare bones materials budget, and right now demand for digital resources is putting a strain on that budget. Use of Hoopla eBooks alone has grown by 198% since the libraries closed on March 13. I want to make sure we are able to meet this demand and give everyone what they need.

You can help by making a gift to keep Anchorage reading. For just $20 you can give 13 people a download of an eAudiobook.

Our goal is to raise $5,000 to purchase additional digital materials like eBooks and eAudiobooks that are in high demand.

These resources are helping our community get through this unprecedented time—teachers are using them for class reading discussions, do-it yourselfers are learning new skills, and many of us are diving into books to escape our current reality.

Here’s what one school librarian shared with us: “I have steered teachers and students to you for help and they have said how quickly you helped them and they got exactly what they needed. I am showing students, teachers and parents your APL site daily. SO MANY GREAT RESOURCES!”

Unfortunately, this increased expense for digital materials is not in our budget this year.

By contributing to this campaign, you can help the Library keep our community educated, entertained and connected during this challenging time.

Thanks for your support.

Sincerely,

Mary Jo Torgeson,
Library Director

P.S. Any sized gift goes a long way. For $10, you can give a teen a month of comics downloads, for $30 you can add a new eBook to the collection, and for $50 you can provide a month of Hoopla access for a family of four.

P.P.S. If you are unable to give right now, but still want to show your library love, I’ve included some other ways you can help below.
OTHER WAYS TO HELP

If you are not able to give at this time, here are some other ways you can help:

1. Make a pledge to give later this year.

2. Contact your Assembly Member to thank them for supporting the Library and ask for their continued support in 2021. You can send one email to reach all of them at wwmas@muni.org.

3. Send a shout-out to Library staff via askalibrarian@muni.org or on social media to thank them for their hard work and offer encouragement during these difficult times.

4. If you shop at Amazon or Fred Meyers, you can sign up for their rewards programs to give a portion of your purchase to the Friends of the Library or Anchorage Library Foundation.

Anchorage Public Library

Alaska News April 22, 2020

KTVA The Voice of Alaska: Moose charges at woman and dog; Groups request federal protection for Alaska wolf population; WATCH: Berkowitz details timeline to reopen Anchorage and more ->
 
 
 
 
KTUU: Economic road map provides ‘bit of hope’ for Anchorage businesses; Girdwood Forest Fair cancelled because of coronavirus concerns; Businesses prepare to bring liquor and cannabis sales curbside, limited drink deliveries already underway and more ->
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Dunleavy says restaurants and other retail businesses can reopen Friday; So far just one Alaska firm has won a COVID-19 Disaster Loan from the federal government; Small, boutique cruise lines are still planning on a 2020 season in Southeast Alaska; Juneau Assembly approves $200,000 in renter relief; Bristol Bay health organizations increase testing capacity as they brace for fishing season and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: KYUK Wins 13 Alaska Press Club Journalism Awards; City Of Bethel Prepares For Flood Evacuations Amid COVID-19 Pandemic; April 21 Coronavirus Update: Poetry During The Pandemic and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Governor Unveils Path to Reopening Alaskan Economy and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: NASA celebrates 50th anniversary of Earth Day with online resources; Fairbanks suspect used stolen front loader to try and break into an ATM; University of Alaska Fairbanks fights COVID-19 with innovation and more ->
 
 
 
 
The Arctic Sounder: Adak cleanup contract canceled and more ->
 
 
 
 
Craig Medred: COVID on ice
A two-time Olympian from Anchorage, Alaska has revealed she is battling COVID-19.

Thirty-two-year-old Jessica Schultz, the skip on U.S. Olympic women’s curling teams in 2006 and again in 2014, did not respond to queries at the start of the month asking about rumors she had the disease, but she has now begun a blog to talk about her long run in dealing with the coronavirus.

Alaska News April 20 & 21, 2020

Suzanne Downing Must Read Alaska: WSJ: Paul O’Neill, who went from Alaska to become Treasury secretary, dies at 84 and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Peter Moore: A Traditional Chief Remembered; Bethel Library Raising Money To Bring Dolly Parton Book Program To Town and more ->
 
 
 
 
KTUU: Anchorage mayor’s plan for phased re-opening from COVID-19; Wendy’s to offer free chicken nuggets Friday and more ->
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Neiman Marcus is getting sued for selling a ‘Ravenstail Knitted Coat’ for $2,500; Oil prices fell to a historic low Monday. Here’s what that means for Alaska. and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: The Taylor Highway is Open to Eagle; Life of Riley Reaches its End and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: F-35’s in the air, set to arrive at Eielson AFB Tuesday afternoon, landing to be live streamed; Alaska Governor to announce phase one opening of economy, businesses and more ->
 
 
 
 
The Arctic Sounder: Utqiagvik holds drive-in broadcast of Easter service; Website connects fishermen with info, federal relief; Alaska’s Howard Pass is an extreme, inviting place and more ->
 
 
 
 
49 Writers Blog: Writing the Distance: Katherine Haghighi
 
 
 
 
By Megan McDonald, Only In Your State Alaska: Take A Virtual Tour Through A Sea Of Mosses and Lichens In Denali National Park In Alaska
 
 
 
 
Craig Medred: Halibut hopes
 
 
Craig Medred: Forgotten history

Alaska News April 19, 2020

KTVA The Voice of Alaska: ‘A complete and very rapid retool’: How some bars and breweries are adapting amid COVID-19; COVID-19 moves Alaska Heart Run race from the streets to online and more ->
 
 
 
 
KTUU: Five new COVID-19 cases reported in three Alaska communities; Alaska Boy Scouts making PPE, protecting healthcare providers against COVID-19 and more ->
 
 
 
 
Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Emergency regulations allow curbside pickup at cannabis retailers; Viewer submitted positive pictures and messages while social distancing; Denali National Park Fire Staff conducting debri burn April 24th-30th; Alaska fishing towns object to virus restrictions mandate and more ->
 
 
 
 
By Megan McDonald, Only In Your State Alaska: Alaska’s Don Sheldon Ampitheatre Was Just Voted Among The 7 Wonders Of The World For 2020
 
 
 
 
49 Writers Blog: Writing the Distance: Rich Chiappone

Alaska News April 18, 2020

KTVA The Voice of Alaska: 1st Alaskan donates convalescent plasma for new treatment of COVID-19; UAA offers early graduation to nursing program seniors amid health care demands; Talkeetna pizzeria stocks local food pantry with fresh bread; A Pie Stop thanks customers for stepping up support; Beer and wine delivery is a go; curbside pot pickup passes 1st hurdle and more ->
 
 
 
 
KTUU: Residents take to 3rd Ave. for socially-distanced protests against growing homeless camp; OneWeb Satellites files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, ending Microcom deal; Alaska tribes join lawsuit to block Alaska Native corporations from receiving COVID-19 aid and more ->
 
 
 
 

KTOO Public Media: Corrections commissioner says early release for Alaska prisoners ‘is not on the table’; Families of children with special needs worry their kids will be left behind as education moves online; A Juneau forest therapy guide says resiliency is all around us, even in a pandemic and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Search Suspended For Man Missing Between Akiak And Togiak; Bethel Kids Stuck At Home Are Connecting With Each Other Through Video and more ->

 
 
 
 

Fairbanks News Webcenter 11: Fundraiser for Alaska’s oldest lighthouse goes virtual; U.S. Army Garrison outlines Ft. Wainwright’s top priorities; Fairbanks woman allegedly beat, sexually assaulted and then pushed out of moving vehicle; Recycled computers fixed for Fairbanks students studying from home and more ->
 
 
 
 

Craig Medred: No Truce

Information about how Alaska Women Rock