The Alaska Mental Health Trust took its first step toward logging Ketchikan’s iconic Deer Mountain, along with a parcel in Petersburg.
Economy
Longtime business manager ousted from three village corporations
The business manager for Aleknagik Natives Ltd. has been fired and an independent investigation is underway amid accusations that the employee had embezzled money from the village corporation.
Municipal sales tax could dive due to Walker’s PFD veto
Juneau Finance Director Bob Bartholomew projected Gov. Bill Walker’s veto of about half of dividend funds will cost the city.
Wings of Alaska makes push for stronger community ties
There has been a little turbulence since the October sale of Wings of Alaska to Fjord Flying Service, but the new staff is continuing to work out the kinks.
Cruise-ship evacuation exercise begins as luxury liner prepares for Arctic trek
The U.S. Northern Command and Coast Guard have launched a major field-training exercise off Alaska’s northwest coast. Arctic Chinook is intended to demonstrate how local, state and federal agencies would respond to a simulated cruise ship accident. Coincidentally, a big luxury cruise ship will sail through the area while the exercise is under way. And to further complicate things, bad weather has just set in.
Ubiquitous EpiPen becomes latest target in the drug wars
Lawmakers are demanding answers as to why the price of this aging drug, which stops a life-threatening allergic reaction, keeps going up.
Mineral exploration near Haines given green light to expand
A Canadian company conducting exploration for a potential mine about 35 miles north of Haines was recently granted permission to grow its project.
On the Serenity, keeping alert for an icy voyage ahead
The Crystal Serenity is carrying 980 passengers on a 32-day journey from Anchorage to New York City. The cruise ship is the largest ever to navigate the Northwest Passage, a voyage of many other firsts for Crystal Cruises, according to captain Birger Vorland.
Nome City Council saves Anchor from abatement, considers small-bottle liquor ban
The Nome City Council held a public hearing work session Monday night, allowing citizens to argue for their properties to be taken off the abatement list.
Assembly to hear Southeast nonprofit’s appeal on denied tax exemptions
Juneau-based nonprofit, Southeast Alaska Land Trust, was denied its property tax exemption earlier this year. Now the Assembly will take another look.