Homeless Dillingham man lives tough life — on his own terms
Matfie McCarr has been homeless since 2002, one of just a few in town who call the streets home. It’s been his choice to live this way, he says, though he’s not always proud of how he got here.
Alaska’s Energy Desk celebrates ‘Coming into the Country’
In January 2017, Alaska’s Energy Desk celebrates the 40th anniversary of Coming into the Country, John McPhee’s book that shared Alaska with the world.
For many, fewer Obamacare choices doesn’t mean higher prices
One in five people getting health care through the Affordable Care Act no longer have a choice of insurers. But those markets don’t have significantly higher prices than areas with competition.
Nome-based non-profit hopes to revitalize Inupiaq with ‘language nest’
Coming to the region at the start of the new year is a “nest” project focused on Inupiaq language revitalization. A Nome-based non-profit organization called Inuusiq Inc., which started up this year, is spearheading the project.
Juneau police to increase enforcement of drunken driving laws on New Year’s Eve
Juneau police will be doubling down on officers on duty for New Year’s Eve.
Department of Natural Resources delays renewal of Pebble land use permit
Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources has delayed renewing a two-year land use permit for the Pebble Limited Partnership to give state regulators more time to review an “extensive” number of public comments.
How one U.S. group turns migrants into employees
Migrants often have college degrees and extensive professional experience, but may still have to settle for a low-wage job. The U.S. nonprofit Upwardly Global is working to change that.
Capital City Fire/Rescue got hit with hundreds more calls in 2016
Juneau’s fire department is battling a near 12 percent increase in emergency calls. The higher volume has stretched the department thin and the Fire Chief says additional personnel is the only real solution.
Juneau’s cruise ship head tax spending pitches due next week
Typically, the city receives dozens of pitches for things like seasonal emergency services personnel, waterfront infrastructure improvements, crossing guards and more public restroom cleaning and maintenance.
For Homer resident, Bogoslof eruptions mean more habitat for wildlife
A volcano in the eastern Aleutians has been erupting for the past week. Bogoslof volcano is an uninhabited island 60 miles northwest of Unalaska. It’s part of the Alaska Maritime Wildlife Refuge, which is based hundreds of miles away in Homer.
Weak snowpack heightens avalanche danger in Southcentral Alaska
Heavy snow over the weekend in parts of Southcentral Alaska has forecasters urging caution in the backcountry because of heightened avalanche danger.
Northwest timber industry hit hard by heavy fall rains
The rainiest fall on record in parts of eastern Oregon and Washington was good for keeping late-season wildfires at bay, but torrential rains wreaked havoc on some timber harvesters in the Northwest.
Letter from Kodiak’s past found in wall during kitchen remodel
Houses can be historic in many senses – for instance, the history that families create. Recently, the owner of one house on a hill found a little of that family history while renovating.
Tides and currents to delay MV Kennicott, Alaska Marine Highway System says
The Alaska Marine Highway announced Tuesday that the MV Kennicott’s schedule will experience some delays starting Dec. 30 because of tides and currents.The Kennicott will leave Bellingham, Wash., on schedule Dec. 30, but will be about three-and-a-half hours late arriving about 9:30 a.m. Jan. 1 in Ketchikan.
Freezing temps mean it’s time to clean up the legacy wells on the North Slope
As the cold winter months hit the North Slope, the BLM heads out to plug old wells in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, hoping the process goes more smoothly this time around.
Club Baby Seal provides new artistic outlet in Juneau
The group of four comedians, two managers, a volunteer bartender and security guard are set up at the Gold Town Nickelodeon theater. It’s Club Baby Seal’s second show of the night and it’s well attended — the first show was sold out.
Snow, Santa and skis on Christmas Eve at Eaglecrest
On Christmas Eve, skiers gathered at Eaglecrest to celebrate Christmas and the start their ski season. The healthy snow levels were a bonus.
Haines and Skagway participate in annual Christmas bird count
Bad weather meant poor visibility which meant it was hard to spot the birds, but that didn’t stop the Haines and Skagway birders from recording an average count.
Ketchikan High School club donates pie proceeds to Pioneers
The Ketchikan High School’s Rotary Interact Club raised more money than they’ve ever raised before selling pies for seniors. They raised a total over $3000.
Ketchikan’s Judge Stephens reappointed presiding judge for Southeast
Each judicial district’s appointees review court budgets and operations, and supervise assignment of cases and administrative actions.