A private plane crashed in November 2015 near Eldred Rock in the Lynn Canal, injuring four Haines residents, who swam to shore to save themselves. An investigation into the incident is now complete, but it’s still unclear why the plane went down.
Transportation
Necropsy planned for humpback hit by cruise ship
A Princess Cruise Lines ship traveling through Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage hit a humpback whale that became lodged on the front bulbous bow. The whale was removed after the Grand Princess docked in downtown Ketchikan Wednesday morning, and the dead animal was towed to a nearby beach.
Petersburg Assembly discusses additional airport parking
Petersburg’s borough Assembly continued a discussion Monday about adding some parking space at the state-owned Petersburg James A. Johnson Airport. Short almost half its members, the Assembly made no decision on that ongoing topic. They also decided to wait on another discussion.
PenAir files for bankruptcy protection
In a statement released Monday, PenAir officials said the Chapter 11 reorganization won’t affect scheduled flights in Alaska, where the company serves eight communities: Unalaska, Cold Bay, King Salmon, Sand Point, Dillingham, St. Paul, St. George, and McGrath.
Skagway leaders move toward 15-year waterfront lease, but some hurdles remain
Skagway leaders are moving ahead with a new 15-year tidelands lease proposal and they’re hoping to get it to voters this October. The Assembly put some tough questions to the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad president at a public meeting Thursday.
State capital budget funds some Southeast projects
Among the funded projects are replacement floats for a harbor in Wrangell, cruise ship dock improvements in Ketchikan and Hoonah and renovation of the headquarters for the Alaska Permanent Fund in Juneau.
Dillingham police arrest man allegedly dealing heroin from boat
Dillingham police arrested a man Saturday night who was allegedly dealing heroin from a boat in the harbor. Andrew “Weebee” Olsen, 29, was charged with one count of felony drug possession and one count of felony drug trafficking.
Family friend of slain Alaska cruise ship passenger fundraises for victim’s daughters
A family friend and neighbor of the Utah woman who was killed aboard a cruise ship off Alaska’s coast last week is raising money for her three daughters. He said the family appeared happy, and that he’s trying to help the children with a GoFundMe campaign.
Cruise-ship tourism will expand next summer
Alaska’s cruise ship passenger numbers are expected to top 1 million this year. Next year, another 60,000 will show up.
Alaska capital budget re-appropriates half of Juneau Access money
Late last year, Alaska Gov. Bill Walker said he would not pursue construction of the controversial Juneau Access Project. The project’s goal was to improve transportation between Juneau and the road-system-connected Haines and Skagway.