Tag Archives: AK News

Alaska News January 31, 2019

Suzanne Downing: The passing of a legend: Mike Dalton of Fairbanks
 
 
 
 
By Megan Mazurek: Aircraft debris found in medevac-plane search near Kake
 
 
 
 
Sex offender who moved to Alaska for ‘fresh start’ convicted in sexual abuse case
 
 
 
 
By Angela Krenzien: Judge reduces bail for Palmer woman accused of sexual abuse of a minor
 
 
 
 
By Lauren Maxwell, Chris Klint: AEDC report shows businesses cautiously optimistic about Anchorage economy
 
 
 
 
By Chris Klint: Fort Wainwright to mark 30 years after deadly C-130 crash
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Murkowski reintroduces bill to prevent violence against indigenous women and girls; Photos: Preston Singletary’s indigenous funk band Khu.éex’ plays Juneau and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Parents Ask LKSD Board To Apologize And Take Back Fired School Bus Drivers; Stay Off Lower Kusko River Ice Until It Refreezes, BSAR Warns and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Murkowski Reintroduces GE Salmon Labeling Bill; Committee Advances Health and Public Safety Bills and more ->
 
 
 
 
By Sara Tewksbury: Community members grab coffee with cops, bridging gap
 
 
 
 
By Julia Laude: MILITARY REPORT: Black History Month sparks ‘Wax Museum’ at Crawford Elementary School

Alaska News January 30, 2019

By Mike Ross & Leroy Polk: UPDATE: Search continues day after Alaska ambulance aircraft goes missing
 
 
 
 
By Daniella Rivera: Woman reports being forced into parking garage stairwell, raped
APD arrested 22-year-old Raymond Genaro on sexual assault charges.

According to court documents, Genaro initially told police he had hit a woman in the stairwell, then changed his story:

“When confronted with what detectives observed in the surveillance video, GENARO admitted to using force against [the victim] and that she did not like it. GENARO wrote a letter of apology stating, ‘Im [sic] sorry.’ On another piece of paper he wrote ‘I apologize for sexually assaulting you,’ then drew a line through the statement.”

According to online court records, Genaro’s bail is set at $10,000. If he is able to post the entire amount in cash, he’ll be released on pretrial supervision with an electronic monitor.

APD originally arrested Genaro on charges of first-degree sexual assault — penetration without consent — and second-degree sexual assault — contact without consent.

However, the Anchorage District Attorney’s Office has filed charges of attempted first-degree sexual assault and second-degree sexual assault.

The prosecutor assigned to the case was not immediately available for comment.
 
 
 
 
By Elizabeth Roman: Man convicted for sexually abusing young girls in 2011
Hernandez faces a minimum required sentence of over 39 years active jail time for the combined offenses. He wasn’t present during his trial because “he was unable to conform his behavior to courtroom requirements.”
 
 
 
 
By Staff Reporter: Man who fires into crowded party near UAF pleads guilty, will serve 30 years
Lewis Tyshawn Harvin, age 20, pled guilty to second degree murder and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Harvin was involved in an incident near UAF in 2016 where he fired into a crowd of people, striking 19-year-old Janet Barragan in the neck. She was transported to Anchorage in critical condition and later died from the injuries.
 
 
 
 
By Derek Minemyer: UPDATE: Assembly approves bonds for school repairs
 
 
 
 
By Heather Hintze: Wasilla approves $10K to fund online sales tax research
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Schools push back on proposed midyear budget cut; State of Alaska sues second opioid manufacturer; Murkowski makes push to ratify Equal Rights Amendment and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Coast Guard Investigates Death of Cutter Douglas Munro Crewmember; Alaska Air Guardsmen Rescue Distressed Individual at Yentna River Roadhouse; Stalker Arrested in Big Lake Following Extended Incident Tuesday Night and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Hunters Sleep In Bethel Parking Lot To Get Muskox Permits; USFWS Workers Return To Office After Nation’s Longest Federal Government Shutdown and more ->
 
 
 
 
By Julie Swisher: HEALTH REPORT: Chamber of Commerce discusses behavior health crisis in Fairbanks
 
 
By Sara Tewksbury: UAF Museum creating new virtual reality exhibit
 
 
By Julia Laude: Science scholarship aids young women in Alaska
 
 
VIDEO: Rasmussen Memorial Sled Dog Race takes to Anchorage trails The Alaska Sled Dog Racing Association hosted its annual mushing and skijoring event in memory of Norma Rasmussen.
 
 
Anchorage Museum adds audio video descriptions The Anchorage Museum added 7 audio video descriptions to artwork in an effort to increase access to patrons of all abilities and backgrounds.
 
 
Preserving Iditarod History in Knik One group is fighting to keep the historic trail preserved as development in Knik has grown in recent years.

Alaska News January 29, 2019

By Leroy Polk: ‘Suspicious’ death investigated in midtown Anchorage after body is found in apartment
 
 
 
 
By Kortnie Horazdovsky, Channel 2’s Juan Montes and Kim Daehnke contributed to this report. Brown’s Electric in South Anchorage catches fire Monday afternoon
 
 
 
 
By Leroy Polk: Alaska mayor charged with paying woman $400 via Facebook for ‘just sex’
 
 
 
 
By Ellizabeth Roman: Court documents reveal new details in fatal Wasilla shooting
Flowers’ bail was set at $100,000. He is required to be under pretrial supervision and is in custody until a monitor can be issued. Flowers will be under house arrest, can’t possess weapons, and cannot contact any of the victims. The judge’s terms also dictated that Flowers cannot possess or consume alcohol and he will be subject to PED alcohol testing.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 7.
 
 
 
 
By Lauren Maxwell: City wants voters to approve alcohol tax for homeless services
 
 
 
 
By Ariane Aramburo: 2 Your Health: Ovarian cancer survivor encourages women to be aware ‘down there’
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Noticing an extra charge on your Amazon receipt? Here’s why.; Budget cuts loom as governor, lawmakers eye full PFDs; Indie filmmakers pitch fictional Sitka-based miniseries and more->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: More Public Comment Periods Set For Donlin Gold Mine and more->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Troopers’ Highway Patrol Bureau Re-Located to Mat-Su Valley; Six Nabbed in Five Hours in Separate Salvation Army Burglary Responses and more ->

Alaska News January 28, 2019

By: Jeremy LaGoo: Dangerously slippery roads start the workweek
 
 
 
 
By Associated Press: 3 men sentenced in illegal hunting at Alaska national park
Lackner was sentenced to six months of house arrest. Richardson and Harris were sentenced to three months in a halfway house, followed by three months of house arrest.

They also were sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay restitution.
 
 
 
 
By Associated Press: Sitka police chief calls for changes to improve retention
 
 
 
 
By Kortnie Horazdovsky: State earthquake assistance deadline extended for 30 more days
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Warriors Win At Home and more->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Murkowski, Cortez Masto Reintroduce Savanna’s Act and more ->
 
 
 
 
Anchorage Search Team Practice Operations
 
 
 
 
By Associated Press: Kodiak officials debate replacement of city warning sirens

Alaska News January 27, 2019

By Kortnie Horazdovsky, Hank Davis: UPDATE: Hotel under construction burns in Anchorage, nearby motel evacuated
 
 
 
 
Doesn’t UAA’s Accreditation failure hold some teachers hostage to Alaska?
By Derek Minemyer: ASD, teacher’s union create new program to keep young teachers in state

If you’ve read this far and have been waiting for it, yes, there is a catch. Meghan Card, lifetime Alaskan and drama teacher at Gruening Middle School, says the program can’t make up for a lack of retirement incentive for new teachers.

“That’s the biggest thing, if you talk to teachers, they’re like, ‘I don’t really have a reason to stay,’” Card said. “There’s not that same security, and when they’re looking across at other states, there’s more security in that sense for retirement.”
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Alaska’s Danielle Riha is one of 4 finalists for National Teacher of the Year; Kanakanak Hospital pharmacy is Medicare and Medicaid compliant and more->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Two Fairbanks Suspects Charged in $25,000 DNR/UAF Burglary and more ->

Alaska News January 26, 2019

By Elizabeth Roman: AFD: Early morning fire causes evacuation, midtown lane closures
 
 
 
 
By Chris Klint: Man who orchestrated robbery-turned-murder gets 18 years
Tommy Hunter Higgs III, 20, received an 18-year sentence Thursday from Superior Court Judge Michael Wolverton, the state Department of Law announced Friday.
 
 
 
 
By Daniella Rivera: Serial rapist Clifford Lee loses appeal
KTVA previously reported that Lee will be eligible for parole after he serves about 50 years of his 70-year sentence. At that time, he will be 85 years old.
 
 
 
 
By Rebecca Palsha: ‘The evidence from their sexual assault is not languishing in a room somewhere’ — a rape kit update from the state
 
 
 
 
By Heather Hintze: Mat-Su Regional expands services, adds local jobs
 
 
 
 
By Grant Robinson: Board advises pharmacists: ‘Patients first’ over ‘refusals to fill’ opioid prescriptions
“The prescribing practitioner has full authority to make a diagnosis and determine the appropriate course of treatment, including dosage and quantity of a controlled substance,” Sara Chambers, director of the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, said in the release. “The patient’s best interest must come first, and pharmacists are valued partners in the healthcare team; however, they are not prescribers and should not refuse to fill a valid prescription without first consulting with the prescribing practitioner.”
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Dip Nets Any Time On Kuskokwim and more ->
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Defendant in double homicide case wants to fire his attorney; Cannabis advocates wary of Dunleavy’s Marijuana Control Board appointments; After struggling for years to clean up its air, Fairbanks still faces contentious wood smoke problem and more ->
 
 
 
 
By Cathy Habora: Speaking Volumes: As Alaska turns 60, learn more about America’s last frontier

Alaska News January 25, 2019

By KTVA Web Staff: ASD, UAA, APU cancel classes Friday due to icy roads
 
 
 
 
By KTVA Web Staff: Multiple road closures in Eagle River, Glenn Highway delays due to ‘extreme’ icy conditions
 
 
 
 
By KTVA Web Staff: Seward Highway re-opened after rock slides, near fatal crash
 
 
 
 
By KTVA Web Staff: Police ID remains found near Campbell Airstrip Road as owner of burned-down restaurant
Kang’s cause of death has yet to be determined and APD says the investigation is ongoing.

If you have any information or surveillance video regarding Kang and his whereabouts in March or April 2018, or know the circumstance of his death, please contact APD dispatch by calling 311.
 
 
 
 
By Grant Robinson: Wasilla Boy Scout troop target of break in for third time
 
 
 
 
By Lauren Maxwell: Check carefully before hiring for earthquake repair work
 
 
 
 
By Jill Burke: Dunleavy administration invites toxic masculinity in, then out
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Fred Meyer Shoplifting Report Expands to Vehicle Theft; Unmanned Aircraft will Test Medical Supply Deliveries and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Bethel City Council Code Of Conduct Fails; Rasmuson Gives BSAR Surprise $5K Grant In Wake Of Federal Government Shutdown; City Applies for Federal Grant to Upgrade Bethel Firefighter Gear and more->
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Sitka police chief: low pay, ‘toxic’ work environment affecting officers; Alaska notifies 87,000 people after computer security breach; Dunleavy appointee resigns after being accused of lying about his credentials and more->
 
 
 
 
By Julia O’Malley: You wanna piece of me?

Alaska News January 24, 2019

By Derek Minemyer: Alaska State Wildlife Troopers help community move forward after the death of a young boy
 
 
 
 
By Kristen Durand, Daniel Kirby, Leroy Polk: UPDATE: Police arrest man who allegedly opened fire on Anchorage officers
 
 
 
 
By Leroy Polk: Anchorage guitar teacher arrested for sex abuse of a minor, more victims possible, police say
“If you believe you were victimized by Strunk, or have any information pertaining to this case, please contact Anchorage Police Detective Kleinsmith at 907-786-8579 or Wasilla Police Investigator Bennett at 907-352-5412,” APD wrote.
 
 
 
 
By Chris Klint: Trooper serving in Guard charged with illegal computer use
 
 
 
 
ByLeroy Polk: Alaska hunter and son sentenced for killing bear, ‘shrieking’ newborn cubs on camera
In a release issued by the Department of Law, Andrew Renner was sentenced to five months in jail with two months suspended, pay a fine of $20,000 with $11,000 suspended, forfeit his 22’ Sea Sport ocean boat and trailer, 2012 GMC Sierra pickup truck, two rifles, two handguns, two iPhones, and two sets of backcountry skis which were used in the offenses. His hunting license was revoked for 10 years.

Owen Renner was sentenced to suspended jail time, community works service and required to take a hunters safety course. His hunting license was suspended for two years.

Both defendants were ordered to pay $1,800 restitution, the amount set by statute for killing black bears.
 
 
 
 
By Jennifer Summers: Lodge workers sentenced for baiting sheep in illegal Alaska hunts
During the investigation, officials found that the lodge operated several bait sites using the artificial sweetener xylitol to poison wolves and bears. The owner of the lodge, Urban Rahoi, surrendered his State of Alaska guide/outfitter license.

Richardson’s and Harris’ sentences include three months in a halfway house and another three months of home confinement. Lackner’s sentence includes six months of home confinement. All three were ordered to pay restitution and perform community service as well as sponsor a public service announcement about following hunting laws.

All three men will also be on probation for five years, during which they will not be allowed to hunt.
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: Alaska Air Guardsmen Rescue Pilot at Chickaloon Flats and more ->
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Shutdown puts strain on some Alaska Native tribes and tribal organizations; The state’s new budget director is a well-known fiscal hawk; Dunleavy rolls out package in first step of ‘war on criminals’ and more ->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: David Fitka Takes Home $4,272 For K300 Red Lantern Finish and more->
 
 
 
 
BBy Bryan Dunagan: 2019 Knik 100, 200 sled dog races cancelled due to trail conditions

Alaska News January 23, 2019

By KTUU Digital Staff: UPDATE: Magnitude 4.5 aftershock felt around Southcentral
 
 
 
 
By Chris Klint: Fort Wainwright soldier found dead on base
 
 
 
 
By Ariane Aramburo & Kortnie Horazdovsky: UPDATE: Woman won’t be charged in Tuesday morning homicide
 
 
 
 
By Chris Klint: State sends at least 500,000 letters over security breach
 
 
 
 
By Derek Minemyer: Anchorage Assembly discusses issuing bonds to rely less on state government support
 
 
 
 
KTOO Public Media: Dunleavy targets crime in first State of the State address; Alaska’s population is down for the second year in a row. Why? And more->
 
 
 
 
KYUK Public Media for Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: David Fitka Receives 2019 K300 Red Lantern; Russian Orthodox Christians Celebrate Theophany On Icy Kuskokwim and more ->
 
 
 
 
Alaska Native News: ANSEP Welcomes NASA Astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris Jr for 24th Annual Celebration and more ->

Alaska News January 22, 2019

By Chris Klint: 5.2 quake strikes east of King Salmon
 
 
 
 
By Ariane Aramburo: Woman arrested and charged in early morning homicide
 
 
 
 
By Devin Kelly: Handgun fired accidentally in Soldotna coffee shop injures woman
 
 
 
 
By Joe Vigil: APD: Man sought after beating woman as she drove
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOURCES: If you are facing threatened or actual domestic violence, please discreetly call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis in Anchorage at 1-907-272-0100.
 
 
 
 
By Daniella Rivera: New head of APD homicide unit renews call for public’s help with unsolved cases
 
 
 
 
By K. Daniel Glover: Quake Takes: Damage Assessment by Drone
 
 
 
 
By Beth Verge: Eagle River teen selected for 2019 USA World Cup Ice Climbing Team
 
 
 
 
By John Thompson: Head of the Class: Jade Leon
 
 
 
 
By Bill Sherwonit: City Wilds: Celebrating Winter Bugs, Light Pillars, and Other Forms of Wild Nature