APRN

Vic Kohring sentenced to prison

Duncan Moon — Fri, 09 May 2008 02:03:56 +0000

Convicted former lawmaker Vic Kohring was sentenced to 3-and-a-half years in federal prison this morning. He was found guilty in November of bribery, conspiracy, and attempted extortion for his role in the ongoing VECO corruption scandal.

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Legislature wants to take special session to the people

Duncan Moon — Fri, 09 May 2008 02:03:33 +0000

The Special Session of the legislature the governor has called next month will have a new twist – it’s taking some of its deliberations outside of Juneau.

Dave Donaldson, APRN - Juneau

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Tanana River flood waters begin to recede

Duncan Moon — Fri, 09 May 2008 02:03:18 +0000

Waters on the Tanana River near Salcha have dropped several feet, reducing the risk of flooding in the area. But National Weather Service Hydrologist Ed Plumb says the danger isn’t over yet. Yesterday an ice jam on the Tanana River caused the water to overflow its banks and flood about 10 houses.

Libby Casey, KUAC - Fairbanks

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Military funds sled-dog research

Duncan Moon — Fri, 09 May 2008 02:03:02 +0000

A researcher in Oklahoma State University thinks sled dogs can teach humans how to prevent exercise fatigue. Michael Davis says the dogs have the ability to switch their metabolism to a mode that makes them immune to the normal effects of exhaustion. He’s using more than a $1 million in military funding to look for clues into what allows sled dogs to make that switch.

Lori Townsend, APRN - Anchorage

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Anchorage approves curbside recycling, sort of

Duncan Moon — Fri, 09 May 2008 02:02:48 +0000

The Anchorage Assembly has approved curbside recycling, but only for a minority of Solid Waste Service customers, the city-owned garbage operation.

Len Anderson, KSKA - Anchorage

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Prince Rupert docking a success for AMHS

Duncan Moon — Fri, 09 May 2008 02:02:35 +0000

Marine highway managers say a temporary docking setup in Prince Rupert is working well. Officials in the Canadian city shut down the regular ferry dock in late March after determining it was unsafe. But they arranged for use of a nearby dock operated by the British Columbia ferry system. Marine Highway General Manager John Falvey says only one sailing had to be canceled.

Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska - Juneau

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Ferry system pushes to get schedule out early

Duncan Moon — Fri, 09 May 2008 02:02:20 +0000

Alaska’s Marine Highway System is trying to get its fall-winter-spring schedule out early. The draft operating plan shows four of Alaska’s 11 ferries will be laid up for most of the winter: 3 for repairs and one to save money. The schedule has about as many sailings as were planned for the previous off-season. It should be ready for booking by July 1st.

Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska - Juneau

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Valdez museum has new more accessible home

Duncan Moon — Fri, 09 May 2008 02:02:08 +0000

The Maxine and Jesse Whitney museum in Valdez has a new location to show off its impressive collection of native art.

Amy Bracken, KCHU - Valdez

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Alaska News Nightly: May 8, 2008

Duncan Moon — Fri, 09 May 2008 02:01:43 +0000

Former legislator Vic Kohring is sentenced to 3 and a half years in prison, Plus, the legislature plans to take the special session across the state. Also, the military funds fatigue research that looks for answers from sled dogs. And a new home for the Whitney Museum in Valdez. Those stories and more on tonight’s Alaska News Nightly, broadcast statewide on APRN stations.

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

Vic Kohring sentenced to prison
David Shurtleff, APRN - Anchorage
Convicted former lawmaker Vic Kohring was sentenced to 3-and-a-half years in federal prison this morning. He was found guilty in November of bribery, conspiracy, and attempted extortion for his role
in the ongoing VECO corruption scandal.

Legislature wants to take special session to the people
Dave Donaldson, APRN - Juneau
The Special Session of the legislature the governor has called next month will have a new twist – it’s
taking some of its deliberations outside of Juneau.

Military funds sled-dog research
Lori Townsend, APRN - Anchorage
A researcher in Oklahoma State University thinks sled dogs can teach humans how to prevent exercise
fatigue. Michael Davis says the dogs have the ability to switch their metabolism to a mode that makes
them immune to the normal effects of exhaustion. He’s using more than a $1 million in military funding
to look for clues into what allows sled dogs to make that switch.

Anchorage approves curbside recycling, sort of
Len Anderson, KSKA - Anchorage
The Anchorage Assembly has approved curbside recycling, but only for a minority of Solid Waste Service
customers, the city-owned garbage operation.

Prince Rupert docking a success for AMHS
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska - Juneau
Marine highway managers say a temporary docking setup in Prince Rupert is working well. Officials in the Canadian city shut down the regular ferry dock in late March after determining it was unsafe. But they arranged for use of a nearby dock operated by the British Columbia ferry system. Marine Highway General Manager John Falvey says only one sailing had to be canceled.

Ferry system pushes to get schedule out early
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska - Juneau
Alaska’s Marine Highway System is trying to get its fall-winter-spring schedule out early. The draft operating plan shows four of Alaska’s 11 ferries will be laid up for most of the winter: 3 for repairs and one to save money. The schedule has about as many sailings as were planned for the previous off-season. It should be ready for booking by July 1st.

Valdez museum has new more accessible home
Amy Bracken, KCHU - Valdez
The Maxine and Jesse Whitney museum in Valdez has a new location to show off its impressive collection of native art.

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Jake Metcalfe calls it quits

Duncan Moon — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:17:48 +0000

Democrat Jake Metcalfe has withdrawn his candidacy for the US House of Representatives. He made the announcement this afternoon. It comes after weeks of controversy surrounding derogatory web sites allegedly set up by a former campaign advisor.

David Shurtleff, APRN - Anchorage

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Congress fights over high oil prices

Duncan Moon — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:17:28 +0000

The political battle over high oil and gasoline prices continued in Congress today. Democrats unveiled a plan that calls for a trust fund to spur renewable sources, energy efficiency and consumer price protection. It would be paid for by slapping a windfall profits tax on oil companies and repealing $17 billion worth of oil and gas industry tax breaks. It also calls for anti-price gouging measures and punishment for OPEC countries if they’re found guilty of price manipulation.

Joel Southern, APRN - Washington, DC

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Don Young pushes ANWR as part of parks improvement bill

Duncan Moon — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:17:00 +0000

Congressman Don Young used a bill aimed at generating money to improve national parks to push his proposal for opening the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to development. The parks bill authorizes ways to generate more public and private funding in the lead up to the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary in 2016, but lawmakers are having a hard time finding ways to pay for the sums needed. Young said ANWR drilling could provide that funding while addressing what he believes is the more pressing issue of high energy prices.

Joel Southern, APRN - Washington, DC

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Governor’s disaster cabinet calls for economic assistance for Juneau

Duncan Moon — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:16:05 +0000

Governor Palin’s Disaster Policy Cabinet is recommending the governor request an economic injury disaster declaration to help small businesses access low-interest loans during Juneau’s energy crisis. It comes none too soon for Juneau legislators, who have asked the governor to reconsider the disaster cabinet’s findings.

Rosemarie Alexander, KTOO - Juneau

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Tanana River flood waters on the rise

Duncan Moon — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:15:48 +0000

Water overflowing the banks of the Tanana River flooded about 10 homes in the Salcha area today. Fairbanks North Star Borough spokeswoman Jennifer Yuhas says the worst flooding happened this morning in Salcha’s Starkeyville neighborhood.

Libby Casey, KUAC - Fairbanks

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Rice panic hits Y-K Delta

Duncan Moon — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:15:32 +0000

As news about the international rice shortage spreads, customers in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta are stocking up on their own supplies.

Angela Denning-Barnes, KYUK - Bethel

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First Ocean Rangers swing into action

Duncan Moon — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:15:15 +0000

Alaska’s first Ocean Rangers are in action. The cruise-ship pollution monitors began their work when the first large vessel arrived in Alaska waters late last month. Program managers say they are having no trouble recruiting rangers. But so far, they haven’t hired any Alaskans.

Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska - Juneau

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25 abused dogs rescued in Mat-Su

Duncan Moon — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:14:46 +0000

Veterinarians in the Matanuska-Susita valley are caring for 25 severely emaciated and dehydrated sled dogs. The animals were removed from two properties in Lazy Mountain this week.The Borough says Doug Bartko owns all the dogs, but transferred 13 to his brother’s property after animal care officers first contacted him on Friday. Borough Animal Care chief Dave Allison says the dogs Bartko moved were the worst off. Many were very close to death.

Annie Feidt, APRN - Anchorage

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Alutiiq masks exhibited in Kodiak

Duncan Moon — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:14:30 +0000

After 136 years, part of a French collection of Alutiiq masks have returned home to Kodiak for an exhibition.

Anne Hillman, KMXT - Kodiak

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Nenana ice goes out

Duncan Moon — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:14:18 +0000

A rare late night winning time was recorded in the Nenana Ice Classic last night. The ice on the Tanana river at Nenana shifted enough to move the tripod and trip the clock at 10:53 p.m. Amanda Wubbold with the Ice Classic organization in Nenana says it’s only the second time in the event’s long history that the clock tripped between 10pm and 11 pm.

Dan Bross, KUAC - Fairbanks

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Alaska News Nightly: May 7, 2008

Duncan Moon — Thu, 08 May 2008 01:30:22 +0000

Democrat candidate for Congress, Jake Metcalfe drops out of the race. Plus, Congress does battle over high oil and gasoline prices. And the Governor’s disaster cabinet calls for economic assistance for Juneau. Those stories and more on tonight’s Alaska News Nightly, broadcast statewide on APRN stations.

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

Jake Metcalfe calls it quits
David Shurtleff, APRN - Anchorage
Democrat Jake Metcalfe has withdrawn his candidacy for the US House of Representatives. He made the announcement this afternoon. It comes after weeks of controversy surrounding derogatory web sites allegedly set up by a former campaign advisor.

Congress fights over high oil prices
Joel Southern, APRN - Washington, DC
The political battle over high oil and gasoline prices continued in Congress today. Democrats unveiled a plan that calls for a trust fund to spur renewable sources, energy efficiency and consumer price protection. It would be paid for by slapping a windfall profits tax on oil companies and repealing $17 billion worth of oil and gas industry tax breaks. It also calls for anti-price gouging measures and punishment for OPEC countries if they’re found guilty of price manipulation.

Don Young pushes ANWR as part of parks improvement bill
Joel Southern, APRN - Washington, DC
Congressman Don Young used a bill aimed at generating money to improve national parks to push his proposal for opening the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to development. The parks bill authorizes ways to generate more public and private funding in the lead up to the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary in 2016, but lawmakers are having a hard time finding ways to pay for the sums needed. Young said ANWR drilling could provide that funding while addressing what he believes is the more pressing issue of high energy prices.

Governor’s disaster cabinet calls for economic assistance for Juneau
Rosemarie Alexander, KTOO - Juneau
Governor Palin’s Disaster Policy Cabinet is recommending the governor request an economic injury disaster declaration to help small businesses access low-interest loans during Juneau’s energy crisis. It comes none too soon for Juneau legislators, who have asked the governor to reconsider the disaster cabinet’s findings.

Tanana River flood waters on the rise
Libby Casey, KUAC - Fairbanks
Water overflowing the banks of the Tanana River flooded about 10 homes in the Salcha area today. Fairbanks North Star Borough spokeswoman Jennifer Yuhas says the worst flooding happened this morning in Salcha’s Starkeyville neighborhood.

Rice panic hits Y-K Delta
Angela Denning-Barnes, KYUK - Bethel
As news about the international rice shortage spreads, customers in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta are stocking up on their own supplies.

First Ocean Rangers spring into action
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska - Juneau
Alaska’s first Ocean Rangers are in action. The cruise-ship pollution monitors began their work when the first large vessel arrived in Alaska waters late last month. Program managers say they are having no trouble recruiting rangers. But so far, they haven’t hired any Alaskans.

25 abused dogs rescued in the Mat Su
Annie Feidt, APRN - Anchorage
Veterinarians in the Mat Su Valley are caring for 25 severely emaciated and dehydrated sled dogs. The animals were removed from two properties in Lazy Mountain this week. According to the Borough, Doug Bartko owns all the dogs, but transferred 13 to them to his brother’s property after animal care officers first contacted him on Friday. Borough Animal Care chief Dave Allison says the dogs Bartko moved were the worst off. Many were very close to death.

Alutiiq masks exhibited in Kodiak
Anne Hillman, KMXT - Kodiak
After 136 years, part of a French collection of Alutiiq masks have returned home to Kodiak for an exhibition.

Nenana ice goes out
Dan Bross, KUAC - Fairbanks
A rare late night winning time was recorded in the Nenana Ice Classic last night. The ice on the Tanana river at Nenana shifted enough to move the tripod and trip the clock at 10:53 p.m. Amanda Wubbold with the Ice Classic organization in Nenana says it’s only the second time in the event’s long history that the clock tripped between 10pm and 11 pm.

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Stevens continues push for federal crack down on illegal fishing

John Proffitt — Wed, 07 May 2008 02:19:29 +0000

At a U.S. Senate hearing today, Ted Stevens prodded the head of NOAA to put more effort into curbing illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing on the high seas.

Joel Southern, APRN - Washington, DC

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Bethel under fire for possible Voting Rights Act violations

John Proffitt — Wed, 07 May 2008 02:19:16 +0000

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Alaska is asking the U.S District Court to order the City of Bethel to provide effective oral language assistance for Yup’ik speakers. The request is part of a suit filed last year by the ACLU of Alaska, along with the Native American Rights Fund, claiming that election officials have been violating the Voting Rights Act by not effectively translating for Yup’ik speakers.

Shane Iverson, KYUK - Bethel

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Salcha area flood threat prompts Fairbanks to act

John Proffitt — Wed, 07 May 2008 02:19:02 +0000

The Fairbanks North Star Borough has opened an Emergency Operations Center in response to flood danger in Salcha.

Libby Casey, KUAC - Fairbanks

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Seward considering nuclear as alternative energy source

John Proffitt — Wed, 07 May 2008 02:18:51 +0000

As Alaskans struggle with rapid increases in fuel costs, small communities are researching alternative energy concepts to lower their electricity expenses. Wind, solar and geothermal are possibilities for many Alaskan communities and in at least two, small nuclear reactor power sources are also being researched.

Lori Townsend, APRN - Anchorage

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