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State and Federal Government Find Fix for Veterans
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
The Pioneer Homes administrators and nurses have found a way to let veterans who reside at the state-owned assisted living facilities receive the free medicine to which they have a right.

Fairbanks Faces Air Traffic Controller Shortage
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The Federal Aviation Administration is beefing up the air traffic control staff at Fairbanks International Airport. The number of controllers at Fairbanks has been below standard and resulted in some nighttime operations being turned over to Anchorage.

Sci-Fi Space Launcher in the Works for Adak
Anne Hillman, KUCB – Unalaska
Adak may eventually be home to a new massive gas-powered gun used for launching things into space. The new technology is being developed by physicist John Hunter and his colleagues at Quicklaunch Inc.

Bringing Attention to Global Warming Human Rights Issues
Ellen Lockyer, APRN – Anchorage
Sixth graders Megan and Illa are singing a song about salmon in their Ahtna Athabascan dialect. But some Alaska Native leaders fear that the salmon – and the Alaska Native way of life – may disappear by the time the girls grow up.

Alaska Seafood Marketing Organization Makes Due with Less Funding
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
The federal government is spending less this year to help sell Alaska seafood overseas.

Police Train for Shooting Scenario in Fairbanks
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
Police training taking place at the University of Alaska Fairbanks this week includes simulated violence. U.A.F. Police Chief Sean McGee says the on campus drills are aimed at playing out a shooting incident.

Native Leaders Work to Help Develop Federal Energy Policies
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
Sealaska hopes a new tribal energy organization will play a significant role in the development of federal energy policies. The Southeast regional Native corporation is part of the Indian Country Renewable Energy Consortium, a nationwide group.

Tlingit Elder Celebrates 101st Birthday
Rosemarie Alexander, KTOO – Juneau
The Reverend Doctor Walter Soboleff will be one-hundred and one years old tomorrow (Saturday). But no community parties are planned this year – the renowned Tlingit elder and Presbyterian minister is on a cruise to celebrate. Parties were held for his 98th, 99th and 100th birthday.

Individual news stories are posted in the Alaska News category and you can subscribe to APRN’s news feeds via email, podcast and RSS.

President Obama Visits Alaska
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
President Barack Obama greeted troops and their families at Elmendorf Air Force Base today during a brief stop as he travels for his first presidential visit to Asia. He spoke for just under 15 minutes.

Republican Leaders Steer Clear of Obama Event
Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage
Noticeably absent from the President’s address today (Thursday) were any of the top Republican office holders from Alaska.

Governor Parnell Calls Attention to Maintenance Issue
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
Governor Parnell says Alaska needs to spend more time and money – taking care of what it’s buildings and infrastructure. Recognizing that maintenance repairs are usually low-profile, not very politically popular items in the state budget, Parnell says he plans to elevate the subject this year and in the future with a separate, highlighted part of the budget spending one hundred million dollars to fix things.

Scholar Looks at Southeast Alaska Native Languages
Casey Kelly, KTOO – Juneau
None of Southeast Alaska’s three Native languages are related to each other. Jordan Lachler, a linguist with the Sealaska Heritage Institute says there may be some bonds between the Tsimshian, Tlingit and Haida people, but language isn’t one of them.

Documenting the Cupigg Civilization
Active, KYUK – Bethel
The village of Mekoryuk is furiously trying to learn all they can from their two remaining elders. The village, located on Nunivak Island in the Bering Sea is home to the only living Cupigg civilization in the world. And their elders are the only remaining Cupigg people to live before western civilization was established on the Island.

Alaska News Agencies Win Battle with Hollywood
Ellen Lockyer, APRN – Anchorage
The sci fi film The Fourth Kind is set in Nome, but some residents of Alaska’s gold rush city disputed the film’s premise of extraterrestrial abductions in Nome a decade ago. Members of the Alaska Press Club in particular were disturbed by Universal Studios use of fake news archives on websites used to promote the movie.

A Veteran Tells His Story in Sitka
Robert Woolsey, KCAW – Sitka
At a special presentation commemorating Veteran’s Day at the Sitka Chamber of Commerce yesterday (Wednesday), members were asked if they knew the difference between Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day. Veteran’s Day, as chamber director Sheila Finkenbinder noted, was originally known as Armistice Day, to commemorate the end of World War I – the “war to end all wars.” Veteran’s Day may seem like a strange mid-week holiday to many people, but to others it has a powerful meaning.

A Religious Resolution to Protect Alaska’s Environment
Adam Kane, KDLG – Dillingham
A resolution aimed at protecting Alaska’s natural environment was recently passed by a unanimous vote at the Orthodox Diocese of Alaska annual assembly.

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Anchorage Vet is Champion for Homeless
Ellen Lockyer, APRN – Anchorage
Communities across the nation are commemorating Veterans’ Day today with ceremonies honoring our military men and women.  But one man in Anchorage says veterans  – especially homeless vets — need help all the time, and he’s working for them 24/7.

Emmonak Gets Boost from FEMA Funds
Shane Iverson, KYUK – Bethel
The City of Emmonak is still repairing itself after massive flooding on the Yukon River last Spring. The village recently got a boost from FEMA, which released over $2 million to repair damaged water and sewer pipes.

Alaska Native Women Lobby DC on Environmental Issues
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DC
A group of Alaska Native and indigenous Canadian women is in Washington DC this week lobbying on behalf of environmental issues, and they’re hoping their message eventually reaches an international audience.  The Inupiat and Gwichin Athabascan women want to prevent oil or gas development offshore and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Hopkins Elected Fairbanks Mayor
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The Fairbanks North Star Borough has a new mayor.  Luke Hopkins has defeated fellow assembly member Tammie Wilson by 844 votes.  The final tally reflects over 23 hundred absentee and questioned ballots counted yesterday, which widened Hopkins initial lead of 617 in last week’s run off.

ShoreZone Program Almost Completed
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
The Juneau-based ShoreZone program is nearly done photographing Southeast Alaska’s shoreline. The images and information are going into an online database for use during oil spills, marine rescues and waterfront planning.

GOP Candidate Walker Opposes AGIA
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
Republican Bill Walker on Wednesday staked out his turf  in next year’s race for Governor- he wants to put a stop to the current state-sanctioned gas line development project, known as AGIA.

Randall Sets Her Sights on Olympic Gold
Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage
Anchorage nordic skier Kikkan Randall is in Norway right now, preparing for the first race of the season. But the biggest competition of the winter will be in Vancouver in February. She’ll be vying for an Olympic medal in the classic sprint event. And while she gets ready for what may be the biggest race of her career, her family members in Anchorage are making their own preparations.

Bald Eagle Festival Kicks Off in Haines
Tara Bicknell, KHNS – Haines
The 15th annual Alaska Bald Eagle Festival opened this morning in Haines.  The celebration marks the autumn Gathering of the Eagles, when more than 3,000 of the birds can be found in the Bald Eagle Preserve in Haines, feeding on a late run of salmon.

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Foster Chosen For Vacant House Seat
Laureli Kinneen, KNOM – Nome
Governor Sean Parnell (R) came to a blizzard-struck Nome on Tuesday to announce his choice for Western Alaska’s vacant House District-39 seat: Neal Foster, a Democrat.

The Alaska Purchase: Was it Folly?
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
When the US bought Alaska from the Russians in 1867, it may have been known as ‘Seward’s Folly’. But conventional wisdom is that Alaska has proved that initial criticism wrong.  That the state’s great natural resource wealth has paid for the Seven-point-two million dollar purchase price many times over. But professor David Barker says “folly” may not be such a bad description, at least when you consider the pure economics
of the transaction.

Grass Basket Weaving Tradition a Fine Art
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
Grass basket weaving is an ancient and fine art that many Alaska Native women continue today. The types of baskets can vary with the region and the Native people engaging in the art.  The woven grass sock artwork of Inupiaq and Aleut weaver June Pardue is a study in beauty, function and it recaptures a practical way of keeping your feet dry.

Seward Heating System May Implications for Other Coastal Areas
Robert Woolsey, KCAW – Sitka
A clean energy consultant believes a groundbreaking heating system in Seward using seawater may have applications in Sitka and other coastal communities. Anchorage-based engineer Andy Baker has been assisting the Seward Sea Life Center to design and install the seawater system, which uses a heat exchanger in conjunction with a fairly conventional heat pump system to extract BTU’s from the chilly waters of Resurrection Bay.

Former Ferry, Kalakala, May Have New Home
Jay Barrett, KMXT – Kodiak
The former Washington State Ferry Kalakala currently tied up in Tacoma, Washington, may have a new home soon. This historic ship spent nearly half its life as a cannery in Alaska.

Yukon River Quest Already Drawing Strategies
Tara Bicknell, KHNS – Haines
Marathon paddlers are starting to think about next summer’s Yukon River Quest. Registration opened earlier this month for the 12th annual wilderness race, which runs from Whitehorse to Dawson City. Organizers say it’s the world’s longest yearly canoe and kayak marathon.

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Juneau Police To Use “Black Box” for Crashes
Rosemarie Alexander, KTOO – Juneau
The Juneau Police Department will be the first in the state to get a crash data retrieval system to read the so-called “black box” found in most current vehicles.  Prosecutors say they look forward to better evidence in serious and fatal accidents, where the system is likely to be used.

Unemployed Must Wait for January for Additional Benefits
Casey Kelly, KTOO – Juneau
Alaskans who have exhausted their unemployment benefits are eligible for 14 additional weeks thanks to legislation signed by President Obama on Friday morning. But the state’s unemployed will have to wait until January to find out if they qualify for six weeks beyond that.

Begich Defends Expansion of Health Benefits for Vets
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
Senator Mark Begich (D) of Alaska on Monday followed up on his criticism of opponents to a bill expanding health care benefits for veterans who served during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill would provide support for caregivers of wounded veterans who are treated at home instead of in VA facilities.

Former State Petroleum Economist Criticizes Plan for Gas Line
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
A former state petroleum economist is speaking out against the state’s current plan for building a gas line from the North Slope to the Lower 48. Roger Marks worked for several former state Governors, most recently Frank Murkowski, trying to get a gas pipeline project moving. He is now retired.

Anchorage Libraries Facing Financial Troubles
Ellen Lockyer, APRN – Anchorage
Anchorage libraries are in financial trouble and now a couple of library-friendly non-profits are stepping up to the challenge of helping them secure enough funding to meet 21st century needs.

Sealaska Heritage Institute Sponsoring Special Lectures
Casey Kelly, KTOO – Juneau
The Sealaska Heritage Institute is sponsoring a series of lectures honoring Native American Awareness Month. The series got underway this week with two talks featuring Southeast Natives reflecting on the land claims movement and statehood.

Petersburg Signing Up “Junior” Firefighers
Matt Lichtenstein, KFSK – Petersburg
Fire protection in Alaska’s remote communities depends on a relatively small group of local residents, who devote a lot of their free time to staying prepared for the worst. That particular public service is typically limited to people over 18-years old.  But last winter, Petersburg’s fire department began signing-up “high school students” for its new “Junior” Firefighter Program.

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Pioneer Homes and VA Near Agreement on Free Meds
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
The Pioneer Homes, the state’s assisted living facilities, and the Veterans’ Administration are close to a permanent agreement that will provide free prescribed medicine to veterans who live in the facilities.

Ft. Richardson Trooper Dies in Afghanistan
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
Army officials are reporting a paratrooper from Fort Richardson died in the Bermal District of Paktika, Afghanistan on Wednesday afternoon. Twenty five-year old Specialist Julian L. Berisford, of Benwood, W.VA., was killed by a rocket propelled grenade and small arms fire while on patrol. Berisford was an infantryman assigned to C Company, 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division that is home-based at Fort Richardson.

Friends, Family Remember Fallen Marine Corporal
Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage
Marine Corporal Gregory Fleury was remembered on Friday at a funeral service in Anchorage. The 23 year old died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan last month. He was born in Sitka, but grew up in Anchorage and joined the marines after graduating from Service High School. His grandfather, Albert, says Gregory was focused and dedicated to serving his country but also a fun-loving grandson who enjoyed the outdoors.

Anchor Point Gas Could Be Coming to Railbelt
Steve Heimel, APRN – Anchorage
The Anchor Point natural gas field on the lower part of the Kenai Peninsula may soon start feeding gas into the railbelt system. Anchor Point Energy has gained regulatory approval of a deal to sell the gas to Enstar. The company intends to drill two more wells at the site. Enstar spokesman John Sims says there is still one piece missing – a pipeline awaiting approval by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska to run between the field north of Homer, to Ninilchik.

Obama Wants Ideas for Improving Relations with Tribes
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DC
After the President spoke at the opening of yesterday’s Tribal Nations Conference, he put his cabinet members to work. They have 90 days to report on how to improve consultation with tribes. Obama delivered closing remarks on Thursday evening, but word came during the day of the mass shooting at Fort Hood Army Post in Texas, so the President devoted most of his comments to that. He did, however, repeat his earlier promise not to give Native people lip service.

President Heading to Alaska
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DC
President Obama plans to visit Alaska for the first time next week. He’ll spend time at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage on a refuel stop before heading to Asia. The president joked at the Tribal Nations Summit on Thursday that he wants to visit Alaska in the summer… but the White House said Friday morning that his first visit will be next Wednesday, when he’ll spend Veteran’s Day with Elmendorf troops. Past presidents have made brief stop-overs at Elmendorf or Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks on their way to Asia at least once during their time in office.

AFN Ready to Push for Subsistence Changes
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
The Alaska Federation of Natives has collected $100,000 to push for changes in subsistence management and enforcement.

New Affordable Housing Ready in Fairbanks
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The first units in a new affordable housing development in Fairbanks are ready. Weeks Field Estates is taking the place of the old Fairview Manor Complex on Airport Way. Weeks Field Estates Manger Kelly Coons says one of 4 planned buildings has been completed.

Fairbanks Readies Free Swine Flu Vaccine for Kids
The Associated Press
The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District is planning to provide free swine flu vaccines for any school-age children in the borough at a series of clinics scheduled to begin Nov. 19. State officials say one dose of the vaccine is enough for children ages 10 and older. But children ages 6 months to 9 years should receive a second dose about four weeks later. The school district is not requiring the vaccine but is recommending it. The district is no longer tracking swine flu cases but is keeping a daily count of the number of students with flu-like symptoms.

Kodiak Sees High Absentee Rate in Schools
Diana Gish, KMXT – Kodiak
The Kodiak Island Borough School district is reporting a large increase in its absentee rate, the school district has asked parents of children with flu symptoms to keep the kids home.

Parnell Declares a State Disaster for Kodiak Island
The Associated Press
Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell (R) has declared a state disaster for storm damage last month on Kodiak Island. The declaration means the state will fund eligible emergency-response costs. It also will pay for infrastructure repair projects, restoring them to pre-disaster conditions. The island received substantial rainfall beginning in early October. The rain caused floods, landslides and erosion that clogged culverts and washed out roads. The rains and flooding continued throughout much of October. Parnell also has directed state officials to take the first steps in a request for federal disaster assistance.

Tlingit elder Clarence Jackson Sr delivers the invocation at the opening of the Tribal Nations Conference. Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar bows his head in prayer.

Photo by Libby Casey, APRN – Washingon DC

Individual news stories are posted in the Alaska News category and you can subscribe to APRN’s news feeds via email, podcast and RSS.

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Obama Meets with Tribes Today and Makes History
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington, DC
President Barack Obama and top members of his cabinet welcomed hundreds of leaders from Alaska Native and Native American tribes to Washington today.  The President called the Tribal Nations Conference the largest and most widely attended gathering between the federal government and tribal leaders in history.

Interior Department Drops Charges Against Marshall Protestor
Shane Iverson, KYUK – Bethel
The United States Interior Department is dropping charges against the lone Marshall protest fisherer that was cited this fall. Jason Isacc of Marshall was charged by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service after he admitted to investigators that he fished for King Salmon in the Yukon River during a closed period.

State Directs Swine Flu Vaccine to Little Diomede
The Associated Press
State health officials have redirected 130 doses of H1N1 vaccine to the remote island village of Little Diomede.  A medical team also was en route Thursday to the western Alaska island to treat additional people with suspected H1N1 flu infection and help prevent further transmission. Health officials say two residents were flown to Nome after exhibiting symptoms. One has tested positive in an initial rapid test. The town’s mayor, Andrew Miligrock, requested that a medical team and medication be sent to treat an increasing number of residents with flu-like symptoms. The 130 residents of Little Diomede have been without regular air passenger service for four months since a weekly helicopter flight stopped. The Alaska Army National Guard will respond to emergencies.

Availability of Swine Flu Vaccine Prompting Questions
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
State health officials have been fielding calls from concerned Alaskans demanding to know why H1N1 vaccine is not yet more widely available as well as questioning how decisions are made about the distribution of the vaccine. State division of health immunization program manager Laurel Wood says each day state health officials check the CDC website to see how much vaccine is available and how much Alaska will be allowed to request.

Census Bureau Hopes for Greater Participation in Alaska
Casey Kelly, KTOO – Juneau
The US Census Bureau is gearing up for the 2010 count of the nation’s population. Alaska traditionally has the lowest rate of response to the mail-in census survey. So this year there’s a renewed effort to promote the forms.

Alaska Businesses Call for Action on Climate Change
Ellen Lockyer, APRN – Anchorage
With November temperatures in the 40s, no snow and full sun in Anchorage, it seemed an appropriate day for representatives of Alaska businesses to call for action on climate change.

Fairbanks Utility Could Owe $1.2 Million in Refunds
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The state says a Fairbanks sewer and water utility owes its customers another $1.2 million dollars in refunds. The Regulatory Commission of Alaska ruled that Golden Heart and College Utilities customers are due the money because interim rates charged over the last two years were too high.

Fairbanks Holds Vigil for Homeless Youth
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
A candle light vigil for homeless youth is being held in Fairbanks tonight. The event is aimed at putting a face on national statistics that show 40 percent of homeless are under 18-years old. The sponsor organization, Fairbanks Counseling and Adoption Center’s Street Outreach and Advocacy Program, has had success helping homeless kids.

Young Fishermen Headed to Anchorage for Special Training
Sam Wright, KDLG – Dillingham
Young fishermen from across Alaska will gather next month in Anchorage for a summit intended to give them the skills, tools, and information necessary to become professional fishermen. KDLG student reporter Sam Wright has the story.

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Rural Subcabinet Wraps Up Latest Visits
Tim Bodony, APRN – Galena
The Alaska Rural Action Subcabinet completed its latest round of visits to rural villages this week, stopping into Tanana, Ruby, and Galena on the Yukon River.  The subcabinet consists of commissioners and deputies from several state agencies, and is charged with reporting to the governor on the needs and successes of rural Alaska.

White House to Host Tribal and Native Leaders Thursday
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
Hundreds of Tribal leaders from across the nation are gathering in Washington DC in anticipation of tomorrow’s meeting with President Obama and cabinet secretaries to talk about the concerns in Native communities and the federal governments role in addressing them.

Obama Administration Seeks Collaboration on Oceans Policy
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington, DC
The Obama Administration is working on crafting a new ocean policy – and the leaders involved say it will take unprecedented collaboration among agencies to make it work.  Oversight of ocean-issues now falls to different departments, divided into areas like fisheries, offshore natural resources, marine life, and Coast Guard operations.

Environmentalists Distance Themselves on Obama’s Plans for Federal Fisheries
Steve Heimel, APRN – Anchorage
An environmental group that has close ties with a number of officials in the Obama administration is seeking to distance itself from the push to manage federal fisheries with quota sharing plans.  The Pew Environment Group said it still believes catch shares can work, but not in all situations.

Mayor’s Race in Fairbanks Still Undecided
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The race for Fairbanks borough mayor is close, but it appears Luke Hopkins has enough of a lead to win.  So far, Hopkins is 617 votes ahead of Tammie Wilson in the 2 way mayoral run off.  Borough Clerk Mona Drexler announced the numbers last night, cautioning there are still a lot of votes to be tallied.

Nonprofits Tally Results of Pick, Click, Give
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
Nonprofits around the state are tallying their contributions from the new PFD check-off program. It’s the Pick-Click-Give campaign, which brought in $550,000 statewide. The Food Bank of Alaska took in the most money from the program, more than $28,000.  Alaska Public Telecommunications, which runs APRN, KSKA and KAKM will receive $19,000 dollars.

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Parnell Happy with Gas Line Progress
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
The Parnell administration says the state’s gas line project is working as well as – or better than – intended.   A report sent to legislators over the weekend and made public Tuesday morning says the working relationship between the state licensee, TransCanada, and Exxon-Mobil has had a positive effect on the development of a plan that will go out to possible shippers in May.

Author Talks About New Palin Book
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
A new book out today takes a look at the transformation of Sarah Palin last year from Governor of an isolated state to the national spotlight as John McCain’s running mate. It also speculates on her political future and predicts she will run for the presidency in 2012. The book is called “Sarah from Alaska – The sudden rise and brutal education of a new conservative superstar.”

Coast Guard Official Charged with Multiple Offenses
The Associated Press
A senior Coast Guard official is charged with multiple offenses, including sodomy, indecent acts and conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman. Captain Mark Hamilton was charged Tuesday with 31 violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

White House Preps for Meeting with Tribal Leaders
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DC
Leaders of Alaska Native tribes and corporations are gathering in Washington to meet with President Obama at what’s being billed as a historic event.  The White House is gearing up for Thursday’s Tribal Nations Conference.

Older Sealaska Shareholders Eligible for Larger Dividends
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
Older Sealaska shareholders have until November 20th to sign up for larger dividends. It’s the first time the regional Native corporation is making an extra payment to elders. But it’s not the first corporation to do so.

Church Elder Starts Letter Campaign for Rural Parishes
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
A longtime member of the Catholic Church in Emmonak, is waging a letter campaign to try to protect rural parishes from sexual abuse lawsuits.  Nick Tucker, 64, is distributing a letter to media outlets statewide, saying rural parishes are being unfairly targeted by 300 people who claim abuse by parish clergy in past decades.

Man Rescues Son but Dies in Snowmachine Accident
Shane Iverson, KYUK – Bethel
A man in the Lower Yukon village of Kotlik died when his snowmachine broke through ice on the river, but not before he saved his son’s life.

Anchorage Holds Vaccination Clinic
Len Anderson, KSKA – Anchorage
The Anchorage School District holds the first of its school site vaccination clinics.

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Prince of Wales Woman Recounts Battle with Swine Flu
Deanna Garrison, KRBD – Ketchikan
A Prince of Wales woman is recovering after an encounter with swine flu that left her on the brink of death.  Most cases in Alaska, especially in people who don’t have pre-existing conditions, haven’t been so serious.

Heroin Use on the Increase in Anchorage
Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage
Use of an insidious drug is on the rise in Anchorage, and drug enforcement officials fear its availability could seep into the Bush.  In part of an ongoing series, KSKA’s Ellen Lockyer examines the alarming increase in the use of heroin among young people in the state’s largest city.

Washington Touts Stimulus Effects on Education
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
The US Department of Education today reported that the $67 billion in federal stimulus money it has spent so far saved or created some 400,000 jobs – nationally.  The Education Secretary Arne Duncan said today that the stimulus money not only put people to work, but helped schools around the country stay afloat.

Alaskans Tell State Energy Story
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DC
Alaskans gave their input to top members of the Interior Department on Monday at a Clean Energy Economic Forum in Washington DC  Interior Secretary  Ken Salazar and others, including Bureau of Indian Affairs head Larry EchoHawk gathered at the White House for discussions on renewable energy and climate change.

Bogoslof Island: A Showcase for Birds
Anne Hillman, KUCB – Unalaska
One hundred years ago President Teddy Roosevelt designated Bogoslof Island as a bird reserve. Eventually the small, volcanic Aleutian Island became part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.

Crew Rescued from Capsized Vessel Off Unalaska
Anne Hillman, KUCB – Unalaska
The 59-foot fishing vessel Carley Renee capsized late Friday afternoon about 22 miles from Unalaska. All four crew members were safely rescued.

Anchorage Launches New Approach to Domestic Violence
Len Anderson, KSKA – Anchorage
Anchorage has launched a new multi-language approach to battle domestic violence and assist victims.

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White House Releases Jobs Numbers
Libby Casey, APRN- Washington DC
The White House says the economic stimulus plan has created or saved 2,315 jobs in Alaska so far.  The Obama Administration released the latest numbers on Friday on the affects of the Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Overall it either created or saved 640,000 direct jobs as of the end of September, according to self-reporting done by stimulus money recipients.

Naknek Electric Awarded Energy Grant
Adam Kane, KDLG – Dillingham
The Naknek Electric Association was recently awarded the 4th largest grant in the nation from the latest round of federal energy stimulus funds to push the development of a geothermal power plant in Bristol Bay.

Venezuelan Diplomat Promises Fuel for Alaska
Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage
Venezuela’s US Ambassador, Bernardo Alvarez, is in Alaska this week pledging to continue distributing vouchers for free fuel in villages this winter. The country’s state run oil company – CITGO – has been handing out 100-gallon fuel vouchers for rural Native Alaskans since 2007.

Senate Passes Interior Appropriations
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DC and Steve Heimel, APRN – Anchorage
The US Senate has passed the Interior Appropriations bill, which now goes to President Obama for his signature.  It totals $32.25 billion dollars, and includes $13 million for village sanitation, $2.5 million for preparing timber sales in the Tongass National Forest, about $6.5 to rebuild Brooks Camp in Katmai National Park.  It also contains nearly $2 million to reconstruct a campground at Chugach National Forest, as well as an infusion of funds for the Indian Health Service for compacting with Native tribes.  The Interior funding bill also contains money to fence the Campbell Airstrip in Anchorage.

NOAA Releases Arctic Warming Report
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association has released it’s latest report on Arctic warming. The yearly update, called “The Arctic Report Card” draws on monitoring of land, water, plants and animals in the high latitudes.

More Projects Planned for Aleutians
Anne Hillman, KUCB – Unalaska
Archaeologists are planning two new projects in the Aleutians for next summer to expand their knowledge of Aleut cultures both before and after Russian contact.

Board of Regents Meet on Budget
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The University of Alaska Board of Regents met in Fairbanks today to discuss it’s budget proposal for next year. Regents are starting with numbers put together by UA President Mark Hamilton and UA system chancellors. UA spokeswoman Kate Ripley says the preliminary operating budget runs over $865 million, including $350 million from the state.

UAF Under Consideration for Special Training
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The University of Alaska Fairbanks may be educating the next generation of federal intelligence workers. UAF is being considered for selection as a National Intelligence Center for Academic excellence. John Kelly a UAF marine science professor who organized a recent meeting with US intelligence officials, says the university has a mix of attributes that appeal to the federal intelligence agencies.

First Woman Named Postmaster in Anchorage
Ellen Lockyer, APRN – Anchorage
Lisa Ebner has been sworn in as the 14th postmaster in Anchorage and the first woman to hold the position in the city’s history. Ebner has 26 years with the Post Office.

Experts Converge on Ketchikan to Talk Noxious Plants
Deanna Garrison, KRBD – Ketchikan
Invasive species experts from around Alaska converged on Ketchikan this week for the 10th annual Alaska noxious and invasive plants management conference. Scientists say we can expect invasive plants to continue to spread throughout Alaska with coastal areas being hit the hardest.

Hey Linus: Check Kenai’s Humongous Pumpkin
The Associated Press
If Charlie Brown’s pal Linus is looking for the great pumpkin, he should try the Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center. A 319-pound donated pumpkin was turned into a giant gourd sculpture by Joy Falls, an art instructor from Kenai Peninsula College.

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TransCanada Still Bullish on Alaska Gas
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington
TransCanada Corporation says despite the discovery of massive amounts of natural gas in shale in the Lower 48, it still sees an Alaska Gas Pipeline as a priority.

Parnell Remains Optimistic on Gas Line
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
Governor Sean Parnell (R) says he’s still optimistic about the completion of a gas line from the North Slope to North American markets.  He said he’s been meeting with companies that could use the project – and he says he doesn’t see any reason for changing the statutory terms at this point.

Young Says Democrats’ Health Bill Too Expensive
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DC
Alaska’s Republican Congressman Don Young says the health care bill proposed by House Democrats on Thursday is expensive and won’t give Americans better health insurance.  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California unveiled Democrats’ 894 Billion dollar package on the steps of the US Capitol today.  It would expand Medicaid and includes a government insurance option.  The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office said in a preliminary report that the bill would trim more than 100 billion dollars from projected budget deficits over the next decade.  But Representative Young says the price tag is too steep.

Federal Housing Officials Survey Homeless Challenge in Alaska
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
A federal housing authority official was in Alaska this week advocating for a unique approach to serving homeless inebriates that’s been successful in the lower 48.  Paul Carlson with the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness held sessions with state and local representatives in Anchorage and Fairbanks.

SE Alaska Could Foot Bill for Timber Survey in Tongass
Rosemarie Alexander, KTOO – Juneau
Southeast Alaska communities are being asked to foot the bill for a survey of second-growth timber in the Tongass National Forest. The Juneau Assembly got the ball rolling recently when it promised $10,000. The tree survey is estimated to cost $80,000 dollars.  It will help Southeast’s struggling timber industry make the transition from old growth to new.

Environmentalists to Sue Over Belugas
Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage
The Center for Biological Diversity is preparing to sue the federal government to force a critical habitat designation for the Cook Inlet Beluga. The whale is listed under the Endangered Species Act. The Center’s Brendan Cummings says by law, the National Marine Fisheries Service should have proposed critical habitat a year ago.

State Troopers Stumped by Cruise Ship Death
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
Alaska State Troopers say they can’t determine how a Washington state woman fell off a cruise ship near Juneau.

Cultural Education Should be Top Priority Says Native Group
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
Cultural education should be a top priority for young Alaskans, in and out of school. That’s the message from Tlingit, Haida and other education advocates at the Alaska Native Brotherhood and Sisterhood’s recent convention in Juneau.

Photo Courtesy of Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage

Amelia Earhart’s plane, with mangled propeller, after Earhart was forced to land near Eureka, Utah.

Individual news stories are posted in the Alaska News category and you can subscribe to APRN’s news feeds via email, podcast and RSS.

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Former Veco Execs Sentenced to Prison
Steve Heimel, APRN – Anchorage
Today marked the end of a major chapter in the ongoing saga of Alaska’s legislative corruption probe.  Former Veco executives Bill Allen and Rick Smith were sentenced in Anchorage for bribing state legislators.

SBA Proposes Changes to 8A Program
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington
The Small Business Administration released proposed changes on Wednesday to the program that makes it easier for Alaska Native Corporations to win government contracts. The 8-A program gives disadvantaged and minority-owned businesses a leg-up, and allows Alaska Native Corporations special privileges, like going after no-bid contracts.  The initial reaction to the proposed changes from Alaska Native Corporations is guardedly optimistic. Sarah Lukin, executive director of the Native American Contractors Association or NACA is pleased with the way members were included in the process.

Obama Signs Bill With Funds for Territorial Guard
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington
President Obama signed into law today a bill that includes retirement pay for former Alaska Territorial Guard members.  Twenty three Alaska Native elders who served with the Guard during World War 2 had their pay revoked earlier this year by Obama’s Defense Department, which said the men provided state service and should not quality for military pensions.

Vets Health Clinic to Open in SE Alaska
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
A Southeast Alaska veterans’ health clinic is scheduled to open this spring in Juneau. The clinic will provide primary care, as well as mental health services. It will be located on the ground floor of Juneau’s Federal Building.

SE Alaska Group Wants to Revisit Cruise Tax
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
An organization of Southeast Alaska leaders wants state officials to re-examine the cruise-ship head tax. The Southeast Conference is also asking for a regular state subsidy to the Inter-Island Ferry Authority.

Diocese Has New Plans for Compensating Abuse Victims
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The Fairbanks Catholic Diocese has a new plan for paying victims of sexual abuse by clergy. The amended plan was filed in court yesterday by attorneys representing the Catholic Bishop of Northern Alaska or CBNA, who oversees parishes in western Alaska villages where most of the abuse is alleged to have occurred.

High School Musicians Gather in Petersburg
Matt Lichtenstein, KFSK – Petersburg
More than 100 of the best high school musicians from around southeast Alaska gathered in Petersburg earlier this week  to practice and perform as a band and choir. Schools take turns hosting the southeast honors music festival each year. The event gives the dedicated and talented students a chance to play and sing together under the instruction of college-level conductors.

Recounting a Family Story Featuring Amelia Earhart
Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage
A new movie documenting the life of Amelia Earhart opened in Alaska- and across the country this week. The film isn’t getting great reviews, but it is generating new interest in the pioneering aviator. And it inspired APRN’s Annie Feidt to explore her own family’s brush with the famous aviatrix.

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UAF Prof to Quit Over Contract Dispute
Steve Heimel, APRN – Anchorage
University of Alaska Fairbanks professor Rick Steiner says he intends to resign his job at the University of Alaska Fairbanks because he believes President Mark Hamilton is not standing behind his promises of academic freedom. The university has denied such claims.

Kate Shugak Mysteries to Become TV Series
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
Alaska writer Dana Stabenow’s popular Kate Shugak mystery series will be the basis for a television series being developed by Evergreen films. The announcement was made today at Evergreen’s post production facility in the hills above Anchorage. Mike Devlin is one of Evergreen Films owners. He says the company has been looking for different film projects in Alaska and the main thing they wanted was a dramatic television series.

Haines Might Try Heating Borough Buildings With Wood
Tara Bicknell, KHNS – Haines
Haines is look at heating borough buildings with wood. Experts are preparing a feasibility study examining the pros and cons of the change.

Fairbanks Testing New Street Lights
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
Fairbanks first LED street lights are up and running.  Fairbanks Metropolitan Area Transportation System says the energy saving lights were installed as part of larger upgrade projects on Cowles Street and in front of the Carlson Center.  She says light from the LED’s is noticeably different from that emitted by the older technology they replace.

Palin to Get $1.2 Million for Book
The Associated Press
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is reporting that she has received at least $1.25 million for her hugely anticipated upcoming book “Going Rogue.”  A disclosure statement released today discusses Palin’s finances from Jan. 1 to July 27, when she resigned as Alaska governor. The former Republican vice presidential nominee says she received a $1.25 million “retainer” from publisher HarperCollins for the book. The document only provides a partial picture of the book deal because it doesn’t cover the three months she has been out of office.

Scientists Develop Tool to Determine Sea Lion’s Death
Anne Hillman, KUCB – Unalaska
A group of scientists developed a new device that can tell how, when, and where a Stellar sea lion died.

“Final Voyage” Traces End of Commercial Whaling
Ellen Lockyer, APRN – Anchorage
Peter Nichols’ new book “Final Voyage” traces the end of commercial whaling in the United States, and draws chilling parallels to our own time.

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SBA Considering New Regulations for 8A Program
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
The US Small Business Administration is prepared to issue new regulations changing the federal oversight of the 8A program that allows regional and village native corporations to avoid the competitive bidding process on many federal purchases.

Presidential Advisor Hopes for More Dialogue with Tribes
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DC
The first ever senior adviser to a President on Native American issues says she hopes to see better dialogue and increased respect by the federal government to tribes.  Kim Teehee joined President Obama’s Domestic Policy Council in July as his adviser on Native American Affairs. Her job is to incorporate Native issues in the broader policy direction of the White House.

Two Capitol Construction Workers Injured, Airlifted to Seattle
Rosemarie Kelly, KTOO – Juneau
Two construction workers injured in an accident Monday morning at the State Capitol Building have been medevaced to Seattle. The men, whose names have not been released, were working for Silverbow Construction connecting a sky bridge from the capital to the Thomas B. Stewart Legislative Office Building when their forklift toppled over.

AFN Convention Ends in Anchorage
By Lori Townsend, APRN -Anchorage
2009 Alaska Federation of Natives convention wrapped up on Saturday with delegates voting on a wide range of resolutions. Of the 44 put forward, 43 passed. Resolutions ranged from seeking better protection of oceans, fish and game, more involvement of Alaska Natives in managing resources to requests for VPSO housing and creating a lead federal agency to assist communities needing to relocate because of coastal erosion.

Parnell Appoints First Director of Rural Education
Mike Mason, KDLG – Dillingham
Alaska Governor Sean Parnell (R) has appointed a long-time member of the Juneau School Board as the first ever Director of Rural Education for the State of Alaska.

Quinhagak Will Get Winter Funds
Adam Kane, KDLG – Dillingham
The Native village of Quinhagak will be receiving $450,000 in emergency funding to prepare homes before the upcoming winter.

State Seeking Millions in Alternative Energy Grants
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The state is seeking applications for $50 million in alternative energy project grants.  The request for proposals is the third round of a grant program started by the state legislature in 2008 when oil prices spiked. The program is administered by the state’s Alaska Energy Authority.  AEA alternative energy and efficiency program manager Peter Crimp says 125 million dollars in grants have already funded 107 projects across the state, including a major wind farm in Kodiak, a hydro project in Gustavus and ground source heat pumps in Juneau. Crimp says the state grants can fund projects at any stage of development.

Eagle Preparing for Winter
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
Eagle residents are settling in for winter nearly seven months after record spring flooding devastated the Yukon River community.  People from the city and nearby native village spent the spring summer and fall dealing with the aftermath of high water and ice that destroyed and damaged dozens of buildings, downed power lines, and crushed vehicles and boats.

Alaska Groups Rally During “350” Day
Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage
Alaska groups participate in the worldwide “350′ day of action on Saturday. That number is the CO2 level, in parts per million, that many scientists believe is the safe upper limit for the atmosphere. The planet is currently edging close to 390. Alaska’s participants hope the day long event will spur more engagement on the issue of global warming.

Photo by Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DC

The AFN Convention activities got underway on Tuesday when the Imamsuat Dancers performed during the Elders and Youth Conference.

Individual news stories are posted in the Alaska News category and you can subscribe to APRN’s news feeds via email, podcast and RSS.

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Food Security Hot AFN Topic
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
The issue of food security and revising the subsistence management system continued to be a major focus of the Alaska Federation of Natives convention today. Former state senator Kim Elton who is now the Interior Department’s senior advisor for Alaska Affairs wasted no time addressing the mandate from Interior Secretary Ken Salazar that subsistence management would be a better system in the coming decades than it has been in the past three.

Bethel Buying Time on Alcohol Vote
Shane Iverson, KYUK – Bethel
The Bethel City Council is trying to buy time with the Alcohol Beverage Control Board before they approve liquor licenses in the City. Many on the council believe that Bethel residents did not intend to allow for local sales when they voted to revoke local option. The Council is now proposing an advisory election to see what Bethel residents want now.

Senate Passes Funds for Territorial Guards
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DC
The US Senate passed the final version of a Defense funding bill on Thursday which includes retirement pay for Alaska Territorial Guard members who served during World War Two.  It now goes to President Obama for his signature.

DNR Asks Judge to Reconsider Decision on Pebble
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
The Department of Natural Resources on Friday asked a Dillingham Superior Court to reconsider a decision 10 days ago concerning a challenge to the Pebble Mine.  Judge Fred Torrisi denied a motion to dismiss a case brought by the Nondalton Tribal Council and other plaintiffs who said Gov. Frank Murkowski’s administration’s reclassifying of land around the mine for development was improperly done.

Anchorage Releases Results of Energy Conservation Test
Len Anderson, KSKA – Anchorage
Municipality of Anchorage officials and regional utilities have released preliminary estimates of Wednesday night’s energy reduction test.

Coghill Heads to Senate
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
House Rules Chairman John Coghill, of North Pole, is on his way to the Senate.  Senate Republicans approved his appointment by Governor Sean Parnell (R) two weeks ago to replace Gene Therriault, who quit the Senate to join the Governor’s staff.

Entrepreneur Credits AFN with Jumpstarting Business
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
An interior Alaska Native businessman is debuting new clothing designs at the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention trade show.  Rico DeWilde of Fairbanks owns Hydz clothing, a maker of t-shirts, sweatshirts and pants that feature native art work.  DeWilde credits AFN with jumpstarting his business three years ago.

Wasilla Teens Call Attention to Organ Donation
Ellen Lockyer, APRN – Anchorage
Wasilla High School track stars are holding the torch high to kick – start a two year campaign  to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation.  The first leg of the Step By Step Torch Run took runners from the Matanuska Valley to Anchorage on Friday. Campaign organizers plan to continue through Canada, and the Lower 48, then on to Argentina.

Juneau Athletes Now Subject to Drug Testing
Rosemarie Alexander, KTOO – Juneau
Juneau high school athletes are now subject to mandatory, random drug testing.  A new school district policy went into effect on Monday, with the start of winter sports season. Juneau’s drug problem among teens first became big news when coaches brought the problem to the school board last spring. Juneau-Douglas High School Crimson Bears head football coach Bill Chalmers even threatened to quit if something wasn’t done. Now he’s retiring.

Photo by Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DC

Elizabeth Hensley, daughter of Alaskan community leader Willie Hensley (L), stirred AFN delegates with a call for action to meet the needs of Alaska Natives.

Individual news stories are posted in the Alaska News category and you can subscribe to APRN’s news feeds via email, podcast and RSS.

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AFN Conference Opens; Subsistence Issues Take Center Stage
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
The 2009 Alaska Federation of Natives annual convention got underway in Anchorage today. This year’s theme is Northern Dreams-Our Historic Journey Continues. AFN President Julie Kitka this morning said she was excited about the historic upcoming meeting on November 5th with President Obama and tribal leaders from across the nation.

Allen Scheduled for Sentencing, Loses Plea for Delay
The man at the center of Alaska’s political
corruption scheme will be sentenced next Wednesday. Today a federal judge denied former Veco
CEO Bill Allen’s request for a sentencing delay.

Interior Dept. Sets Aside Area for Polar Bears
Annie Feidt, APRN – Washington DC
The Interior Department set aside 200,000 square miles in Alaska and off shore today on Thursdayto protect the threatened polar bear. The critical habitat designation is a requirement under the Endangered Species Act. Environmental groups are calling the proposal an
important step for protecting polar bears. But are concerned the federal government is still allowing oil and gas drilling within the designated area.

Parnell Launches Response to Threats to Resource Development
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
The state has begun a three-pronged response to what Governor Sean Parnell (R) calls the improper use of the Endangered Species Act to shut resource development.
He says that won’t happen on his watch. In a press conference on Wednesday, he said the state has filed a motion in Federal Court against the U-S Fish and Wildlife Service’s “threatened” listing of the polar bear.

Legislators Looking for New Ways to Get Needed Drugs to Vets
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
The six Pioneer Homes around the state do not administer free prescription medicines to Disabled Veterans who reside there. Instead, the residents are required to purchase their medication from the state assisted living facilities. Legislators trying to change the practice are
finding a knot between the state and federal agencies.

Anchorage Prosecutors Win High Praise
Len Anderson, KSKA – Anchorage
The highly successful efforts of two Anchorage city prosecutors against city gangs and violent crimes have received national recognition.

New Book Chronicles Seattle-Unimak Trek
Anne Hillman, KUCB – Unalaska
A new book is out chronicling a couple’s 4,000 mile trek from Seattle to Unimak Island without using any motorized transport. They spoke with KUCB’s Anne Hillman about their journey and their lessons learned.

Photo Courtesy of Blueberry Productions

“For the Rights of All: Ending Jim Crow in Alaska” is a documentary that highlights the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention this week in Anchorage. Diane Benson and Allan Hayton portray Elizabeth and Roy Peratrovich.

Individual news stories are posted in the Alaska News category and you can subscribe to APRN’s news feeds via email, podcast and RSS.

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Justice Department Anti-Corruption Head Stepping Down
The Associated Press
The head of the Justice Department’s anti-corruption unit is stepping down after the office’s botched trial of former Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens. The public integrity unit has been under intense scrutiny since the guilty jury verdict against Stevens, an Alaska Republican, was thrown out due to key evidence being withheld from his defense.

State Loses Key Child Welfare Case
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
The state of Alaska has again lost an attempt to overturn a decision that favors Alaska tribes in child welfare proceedings. The case was brought by the village of Kaltag for adoptive parents who asked the state to re-issue their child’s birth certificate, listing them as parents.

AFN to See AK Civil Rights Documentary: For the Rights of All
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DC
This week a film about Alaska Civil Rights will make its state debut at the Alaska Federation of Natives convention in Anchorage.  “For the Rights of All:  Ending Jim Crow in Alaska” is a one-hour documentary profiling the struggle for Alaska Native Rights.  The film had its very first public screening recently in Washington, DC, at a venue the producers say was particularly meaningful.

Census of Alaska Starts in January
Ellen Lockyer, APRN – Anchorage
US census officials are in Anchorage on Wednesday in intensive training sessions with “partnership specialists”.  The specialists will be on the front lines of collecting census data in Alaska villages.

Unalaska Gets New Online Archive
Anne Hillman, KUCB – Unalaska
A new online video and audio archive highlights stories of Unalaska’s history.

Sitka Delegaton Meets with Iowans on Sheldon Jackson’s Future
Ed Ronco, KCAW – Sitka
A delegation from Sitka traveled to Dubuque, Iowa. They were meeting with University of Dubuque officials who have expressed interest in the Sheldon Jackson College campus.

State Seeking Alternative Energy Grants
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The state is seeking applications for $50 million in alternative energy project grants. The request for proposals is the third round of a grant program started by the state legislature in 2008 when oil prices spiked. The program is administered by the state’s Alaska Energy Authority.

Pike Problem for Yakutat Might Be Over
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
Yakutat could be done with its pike problem. The state poisoned the ravenous invasive species out of some small lakes near the northern Southeast Alaska town. And the salmon that once lived there have started to return.

Anchorage School to Test Volunteer Clinic
Len Anderson, KSKA – Anchorage
Anchorage’s Clark Middle School will soon have a student health clinic.  Monday night the Anchorage School Board unanimously approved a pilot plan for providing limited health services through community volunteers and non-district funding.

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Ramras Announces for Lieutenant Governor
The Associated Press
State Rep. Jay Ramras (R-Fairbanks) announced today that he’s running for lieutenant governor.

Crawford Raises $18,700 to Unseat Young
Libby Casey, APRN – Anchorage
State Representative Harry Crawford (D-Anchorage) has raised $18,700 for his bid to unseat Congressman Don Young.

Elders and Youth Conference Gets Underway in Anchorage
Teeka Ballas, APRN – Anchorage
Yesterday the 2009 Elders and Youth Conference got underway at the Dena’ina convention center in Anchorage.  A keynote address by a young man living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum disorder revealed the lifelong struggle this devastating disorder inflicts.

Wellness Warriors Encourages Sharing Stories to Stop Abuse
Libby Casey, APRN – Anchorage
The Family Wellness Warriors Initiative encourages survivors to share their stories and stop the cycle of abuse.

Yupik Language Books Promote Preschooler Learning Skills
Len Anderson, KSKA – Anchorage
Best Beginnings Alaska has just released three new early childhood development guides in Yupik.

Federal Support Helps Fairbanks Homeless Teens Program
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
A Fairbanks program that helps homeless teens is back on its feet after receiving federal support.

Alaska Aviation Hit Hard by Economic Downturn
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
Alaska’s aviation industry took a major hit from the recession. Anchorage is the United States number one cargo airport, with Fairbanks playing a key back up role.

Little Diomede Without Air Service
Paul Korchin, KNOM – Nome
The Bering Sea community of Little Diomede has been without passenger air service for more than three months, stranding people and taxing patience on both the island and the mainland.

Air North to Offer Juneau-Whitehorse Service
Rosemarie Alexander, KTOO – Juneau
Air North will offer three round-trip flights between Juneau and Whitehorse next year, if the two cities guarantee a passenger load.

Bill Allen Seeks Delay in Sentencing
The Associated Press
The key witness in the federal government’s corruption cases against several Alaska politicians is seeking a delay in his sentencing. Bill Allen, the former chief executive of oil field services company VECO Corp., today sought the delay to Feb. 28. He was originally scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 28.

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Shell Gets White House Approval to Drill in Beaufort
Libby Casy, APRN – Anchorage
The Obama Administration has approved a drilling plan by Shell Oil in the Beaufort Sea – with conditions.  The federal Minerals Management Service announced on Monday it will let Shell drill two sites in Camden Bay, west of the village of Kaktovik.  The company bought lease sales to the area in 2005 and 2007. Minerals Management Service Regional Director for Alaska, John Goll says Shell has the green light to explore for oil and gas – if it meets certain conditions.

Public Gets Access to Developing State Energy Plan
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Anchorage
The leaders of the state Senate Resources Committee on Monday opened a way for the public to participate in developing a statewide energy plan.

Anchorage Wants Consumers to Lower Thermostats
Len Anderson, KSKA – Anchorage
This week the municipality of Anchorage wants residents to lower their thermostats and take other energy saving measures…well, at least for two hours.

ENSTAR Lowers Gas Bill
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
ENSTAR Natural Gas Company on Monday announced a 16 percent decrease in gas costs for 2010. The average Southcentral Alaska residential customer will see a decrease of $24 per month on their ENSTAR bill, beginning in January 2010.

NOAA Says Disaster Analysis Will Wake Another Month
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – NOAA – says its analysis of the state’s request for disaster assistance could be done in about another month.

Medical Marijuana Gets New Guidelines
Ellen Lockyer, APRN – Anchorage
Medical marijuana users will not be targets of arrest under new policy guidelines made public on Monday by the Obama administration.

Frank Murkowski Warns of Low Oil Supplies
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
Former Governor Frank Murkowski has begun a brief tour of the state to talk about what he sees as a pending crisis in the state’s reliance on oil revenue – and its relationship with gas development.    He says oil production – and the use of the TransAlaska Pipeline — is dropping to dangerously low quantities.

A First: Alaska Native Female Promoted to Sergeant Major
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
A young Alaska Native woman from the Nome area has achieved a military rank within the Alaska Army National Guard that has never before been held by an Alaska Native female.

It’s a Bull Moose…No a Cow…
Joe Viechnicki, KFSK – Petersburg
On a recent hunting trip near Kake, a man shot a moose with a spike antler. On closer examination, he discovered the animal was a female. The hunter brought the moose’s head to Petersburg and met with fish and game wildlife biologist Rich Lowell.

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Federal Relief for Western Alaska Yet to Arrive
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
Federal relief for Western Alaska residents is not on the way anytime soon.

Missing Denali Plane Located
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
Yesterday’s search for a small Cesna missing in the northern part of Denali National Park ended when the crash site was located.

Bioneers Conference Gets Underway in Anchorage
Ellen Lockyer, APRN – Anchorage
Anchorage joins with seventeen communities across the nation this weekend in a network of teleconferences presented by the California based Bioneers.

Alaska Unemployment Edges Up
The Associated Press
Alaska’s unemployment rate rose three-tenths of a percentage point in September to 8.4 percent.

Senate Trying to Reauthorize Indian Health Care Act
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington, DC
Members of the US Senate are trying once again to reauthorize the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

Three Anchorage School Employees Recognized
Len Anderson, KSKA – Anchorage
Three Anchorage School District employees received special recognition on Thursday from Mayor Dan Sullivan.

Interior Youths Getting Swine Flu Vaccination
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
Young people are being vaccinated for H1N1 flu in the interior.

New Youth Club Opens in Juneau
Rosemarie Alexander, KTOO – Juneau
In Juneau, the Valley Youth Club opened on Thursday in the same location as the Boys and Girls Club of Alaska, which suddenly closed three weeks ago.

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Search for Plane Underway in Denali
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
A search is underway in Denali National Park for a missing small plane. Two Denali Park residents are known to be on board the blue and white Cessna 185: the aircraft’s owner and pilot Daniel McGregor, and independent wildlife scientist Gordon Haber. National Park Service spokeswoman Kris Fister says McGregor flew Haber out to observe wolves on Wednesday.

Homeless Team Meets in Anchorage
Len Anderson, KSKA – Anchorage
Representatives from over 30  agencies, organizations and government departments gathered at Anchorage City Hall for the initial meeting of the “Homeless Team.” They came at the request of Mayor Dan Sullivan, who from the start of his administration has made dealing with the city homeless, chronic inebriate population a major goal of his administration.

Parnell to Run for Governor in 2010
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
The Alaska Public Offices Commission confirms an e-mailed press release saying that Governor Sean Parnell has filed for election to the state’s highest office. The filing is not yet posted on APOC’s website. A letter of intent on record with the Commission allows a candidate to organize a campaign committee and to begin accepting contributions for the 2010 election cycle.

Young Paying Off Old Debts With Campaign Funds
Libby Casey, Washington DC
Alaska Congressman Don Young (R) spent more campaign money than he brought in during the last quarter. The 19-term Republican filed disclosure forms this week with the Federal Election Commission. They show Young’s campaign brought in about $87,000 n the past three months. It spent over $93,000 and more than half of that was on legal fees. Young’s campaign manager Pamela Day says most of the legal bill money, $46,000, paid off old debt.

New Study Says Arctic Could Become Emitter of Carbon Dioxide
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
A study that looks at the Arctic’s role in absorbing carbon dioxide finds that the job of storing CO2 could be over in coming decades and the Arctic may become an emitter of carbon dioxide and methane. David McGuire is a USGS and University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist who reviewed past studies and compiled the latest findings. He says since the end of the last ice age, the Arctic has absorbed about 800 million metric tons of global carbon.

Bristol Bay Tribal Suit Moving Ahead
Adam Kane, KDLG – Dillingham
A court challenge against the Murkowski administration’s takeover of coastal zone management will go ahead. A judge has denied the state’s motion to throw the case out. The suit was filed last May by 6 Bristol Bay Native tribal organizations against the state Department of Natural Resources’ 2005 Bristol Bay Area plan. Tuesday, Judge Fred Torrisi made the decision to deny parts of the State of Alaska’s Motion to Dismiss the case.

Begich Tries to Debunk Rationing Argument
Libby Casey,  APRN – Washington DC
Senator Mark Begich railed on the Senate floor today about what he called a myth: that Democratic-led health care legislation will lead to rationing.

First Nation Education Might Want to Start From Scratch
Leonard Linklater – Canadian Broadcasting Corp.
A First Nation education forum has heard if you want to change the education system, then you’ve got to start from scratch. The executive director of Classroom Connections told delegates its time to look at a new model other than the classroom. That’s something some Yukon teachers are trying.

New Authority to Deal with Southeast Trash
Joe Viechnicki, KFSK – Petersburg
A new authority set up to deal with trash in southeast Alaska will be forming a board of directors and adopting bylaws over the next year.

Pelican Gets Disaster Relief Funds
Ed Ronco, KCAW – Sitka
In Southeast Alaska, the village of Pelican has received $100,000 in state disaster relief money to help rebuild a flume that collapsed in August. The collapse caused an immediate shortage of water and power to Pelican. A temporary solution is in place, but now officials are looking at another serious issue: the potential release of ammonia from the Pelican Seafoods plant.

Vessel Sinks off Admiralty Island
The Associated Press
A fishing vessel caught fire and sank off Admiralty Island in southeast Alaska.

Two Species of Spotted Seals Not Endangered
The Associated Press
A federal agency says it will not list two populations of spotted seals off Alaska’s coast as threatened or endangered.

Photo by Ellen Lockyer, APRN – Anchorage

The Mariano Gonzalez exhibit at Alaska Pacific University is being removed from campus on Thursday.

Individual news stories are posted in the Alaska News category and you can subscribe to APRN’s news feeds via email, podcast and RSS.

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Parnell Wants to Revitalize VPSO Program
Shane Iverson, KYUK – Bethel
Governor Sean Parnell announced that he plans on revitalizing the Village Public Safety Officer Program.

Governor Offers Update on Rural Energy Plans
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
During his brief address, the governor also gave an update on the administration’s plans for helping rural Alaska with their energy needs.

Renewable Energy Fund Seeking More Applications
Steve Heimel, APRN – Anchorage
The state’s Renewable Energy Fund is taking applications for more money. Utilities, municipalities, tribes and other entities are eligible to investigate, design or build projects to use renewable energy.

APU President Wants Art Exhibit Removed From Campus
Ellen Lockyer, APRN – Anchorage
An art exhibit at Anchorage’s Alaska Pacific University has stirred up strong feelings on campus.  APU’s president, Doug North, says the exhibit must come down, but others say removing it is censorship.

Finance Committee Hears Testimony on University Budget
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The State Senate Finance Committee is holding a rare meeting in Fairbanks today. Committee member, Fairbanks Senator Joe Thomas says the session is focused on the University of Alaska budget.

Nome Leader Passes Away
Paul Korchin, KNOM – Nome
Life long Nome resident and long time Democrat lawmaker Richard Foster has died.

Celebrated Aniak Fire Chief Dies
Shane Iverson, KYUK – Bethel
Longtime Aniak fire chief Pete Brown, died of cancer on Tuesday. Brown was 64. His death came just three days after residents in the middle and upper Kuskokwim region held a Celebration  in his honor at the Aniak high school. Brown is credited with saving countless lives, not only from medical emergencies, but also from suicide and depression.

Oil Spill Money Delayed
Jay Barrett, KXMT – Kodiak
The distribution of $466 million in Exxon Valdez Oil Spill interest payments has been delayed. Fishermen and other plaintiffs have been waiting six weeks for Judge H. Russel Holland to sign the order authorizing the payments.

Fishing Vessel Sinks off Sand Point
Kells Hetherington, KDSP – Sand Point
A fishing vessel sank near Sand Point early Wednesday morning. Willow resident Efery Reutov was piloting the vessel when it ran into trouble.

Republicans Criticizing Health Bill
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DC
Republicans in the US Senate are decrying the health care bill passed by the Finance Committee on Tuesday. Only one Republican, Maine’s Olympia Snowe, crossed party lines to vote for it.  Now leading Democrats in the Senate will meld the Finance Committee version with one passed over the summer by the Health Committee. Alaska’s Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski sits on the health panel and voted against that bill.  She not much happier with the latest committee version.

Hoonah Lumber Company Battling Tough Economy
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
Icy Straits Lumber is one of the few Alaska mills with no shortage of wood. The Hoonah company has plenty of logs on hand and the rights to cut more when it’s needed. But that doesn’t means life is easy for its owners or workers. The nationwide economic downturn has slowed sales of lumber as well as the company’s prepackaged cabin kits.

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NOAA Head Says Offshore Oil Plans Should be Reined In
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DC
The head of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration says proposed offshore drilling plans for Alaska’s coasts should be reined in because of concerns over oil spills, fisheries, marine mammals, and local residents. In a 26-page report recently made public, NOAA says development should NOT be done in the North Aleutian Basin, because of its environmental sensitivity and the high value of commercial fisheries, particularly in Bristol Bay.  It also calls for a ban on Arctic drilling until oil spill clean up and prevention technology is improved.  The report says a “precautionary approach” should be used in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas because of warming temperatures and opening sea ice which may lead to unanticipated changes.

Bethel Votes to Reverses Damp Status
Shane Iverson, KYUK – Bethel
Alcohol will become unrestricted in Bethel.  Bethel has been damp for 32 year but that’s sure to change now. Proposition One  has passed with even more votes after the Bethel Canvass board met last night (Monday) to complete the vote count. The Ballot question asked Bethel voters if the City should revoke local option.  Bethel voters have approved the measure by 54 percent.

Brotherhood and Sisterhood Call for State to Stop Citations
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
Southeast’s oldest Native organization says it’s time to confront the state on subsistence. Delegates to the Alaska Native Brotherhood and Sisterhood’s annual meeting called for the state to stop citing indigenous people who are harvesting traditional foods. They also called for other changes in the government’s role in subsistence. One leader facing a state citation says the best approach might be a class-action lawsuit.

Natural Resources Meeting Heats Up
Shane Iverson, KYUK – Bethel
Testimony got heated during a House Natural Resources Committee Hearing in Bethel. Much of the hearing centered on the management of Salmon in the Arctic, Yukon and Kuskokwim Region.

Fisheries a Major Concern in Rural Alaska
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
The frustration and anger at the legislative meeting only touched one area of concern in rural Alaska. The success — and management — of fisheries affects the entire economic structure of Western Alaska.  Last year’s harvests led to the winter stories from people who had to choose between paying for food or fuel in the coldest part of the year.

High Pressure Means Warm October
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
A high pressure system over Alaska is making for an unseasonably warm October.

Fox Islands Rocked by Multiple Earthquakes
Anne Hillman, KUCB – Unalaska
The Fox Islands group, home to Unalaska and Nikolski, has been rocked by about 80 earthquakes since last night.

Kodiak Battling Mudslides
The Associated Press
Kodiak is dealing with mudslides because of heavy rainfall. On Friday the town recorded its second rainiest day ever – 6.40 inches of rain.

Famed Climber, Skier Returning to Alaska
Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage
Andrew McLean has climbed and skied some of the toughest mountains on every continent. But three of his favorites are in Alaska.

Elmendorf and Richardson to Begin Merger in ‘10
The Associated Press
Army officials say the process of combining Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson into one joint operation will begin early next year.  The joint installation in Anchorage is a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure process. Across the country 26 facilities are being combined into 12 bases. The Anchorage transition to one base will begin Jan. 31, and is slated for completion by October 2010.