Southwest

The Republican-led majority released a budget proposal this week that included $145 million more in cuts than Governor Bill Walker’s budget.

In rural Alaska, one problem thwarts a thousand good ideas: the high cost of energy. From generating electricity to heating homes to fueling boats and snow machines, energy expenses eat into budgets, are a barrier to business and add to the prohibitive cost of water and sewer systems.

The demand comes after Association of Village Council Presidents regional delegates unanimously passed a motion at last fall’s annual convention to hold a special gathering Feb. 16 on regional determination, but the event failed to occur.

The wife of Robin K. Chythlook said the attack began following an argument, adding that both had been drinking. She was hospitalized at Kanakanak but was reported to be in stable condition Wednesday morning.

Reductions include $9.8 million in cuts to education programs, as well as cutting all $2.7 million in state funding for public broadcasting.

A Manokotak teacher has been chosen as Alaska’s Special Education “Teacher of the Year” by the Council for Exceptional Children.