A growing consumer demand for Alaska cruises has put the state back in the million-passenger club as it rebounds after a leaner stretch. And next year is expected to be even better with larger capacity ships added to the Far North lineup.
Associated Press
Alaska Air Guard rescues injured climber from Pioneer Peak
ANCHORAGE — A climber injured in a fall on Pioneer Peak near Palmer was hoisted to safety Monday night by the Alaska Air Guard. Shawnee Whitehorse, 23, of Palmer fell and was injured when an ice ax lodged in her back, Alaska State Troopers said. Her climbing partner, Lisa Pierimarchi, 46, reported the fall shortly…
Expert recommends consolidation for southeast hospitals
Two Alaska hospitals facing financial challenges will consider consolidation. KCAW-FM reports the Sitka Community Hospital board plans to discuss possible courses of action at a Monday work session. Hospital CEO Rob Allen says the hospitals are anticipating the needs of an aging population as well as less funding from the state. ECG Management Consultants came…
2 arrested in shooting that put woman in critical condition
Two men are facing robbery and assault charges in a shooting that left a woman in critical condition. KTVA-TV reports charging documents identify the woman who was shot Thursday as 40-year-old Paula Zorawski. The two 18-year-olds were arraigned Saturday and bail was set. One of the suspects also faces a charge of misconduct involving a…
Sitka group wants plastic bag fee
A group is exploring a possible plastic and paper bag fee in Sitka. The Sitka Sentinel reports the first Bags for Change meeting brought in about a dozen people. Supporters say single-use grocery bags harm the environment. A fee could range from 10 to 25 cents on paper and plastic grocery store bags. The group…
Alaska council to vote on cat leash law
Cats will need leashes just like dogs if a proposal before the Kenai council wins approval. Kenai Mayor Pat Porter and council member Tim Navarre have proposed a cat leash law after complaints from residents about roaming felines. The Peninsula Clarion reports that current city code does not include cats on its list of animals…
The Latest: Autopsy set for man in 42-hour standoff
An autopsy will determine the cause of death for a 69-year-old man who was involved in a 42-hour standoff with Anchorage police. Police Chief Chris Tolley told reporters that the body of Robert Musser was found early Friday morning after heavy equipment was brought in to tear down parts of the Anchorage home. The standoff…
Opioid abuse a growing problem in Alaska
Abuse of opioids has been a growing problem in Alaska for the past decade. Jay Butler, Alaska’s chief medical officer, says the problem has been more visible the past couple years, and some of that could be driven by the national dialogue taking place about the issue. A joint investigation by The Associated Press and…
6 Anchorage football players kneel during national anthem
Six West Anchorage High School football players who took a knee during the national anthem have the attention of administrators. Activities director Brian Hosken told KTVA-TV that he and school administrators are going to conduct a review on Monday before deciding whether the students face any action. Principal Rick Stone declined to comment and would…
Athletics face cuts at University of Alaska
Steep cuts loom for University of Alaska athletics and regents want to avoid eliminating programs. The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports the proposed athletics cuts are the sharpest among initial plans in an effort to focus the university as budget reductions persist. An athletics working group presented three options that reduce sports offerings. Regents decided to…