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[Tuesday,  January 24, 2012 8TH  EDITION 3:00 P.  M.]

'News of the North’ content copyright of Alaska Broadcast Communications Inc. and Juneau Alaska Communications LLC. Any unauthorized use will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

 

Up to a foot of new snow part of winter storm warning for Juneau
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Juneau.

Meteorologist Bob Shontz in the Juneau Forecast Office says it's in effect from 6 this evening through 9 Wednesday morning.

He says they're expecting 8 to 12 inches of snow during that time.

The forecaster says the storm is coming from the south and southwest and is following the track of the system that's currently dumping snow on the area.

Two to four inches of snow is forecast today, 4 to 8 tonight, and around 4 more in the morning.

Man jumps off moving bus
Police are investigating an incident that occurred on a Capital Transit bus Monday afternoon.

The department's Cindee Brown-Mills says they were notified at about 4:30 that a large man in an army green jacket jumped off the bus as it was traveling outbound on Egan at Aurora Harbor.

She says the man jumped out the back door damaging the door.

Police officers weren't able to find him.

An investigation is continuing.

Assembly waste management work session to reconvene
The Assembly Committee of the Whole will continue a work session tonight that started Monday evening on the subject of future waste management and the local government's potential involvement.

City Manager Rod Swope says representatives of Waste Management, the operator of the land fill, and Arrow Refuse, the community's garbage collector, indicated that they are involved in discussions to continue their relationship.  although nothing has been finalized.

Arrow originally wanted to end its agreement with the operator of the land fill at the end of this year in favor of shipping Juneau's solid waste outside.

The company's original curbside recycling program  was rejected by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, but representatives say they plan to continue to implement such a program.

Swope says the latest plan as described last night would not require that recyclables be separated. They would be put in a single container and picked up separately from garbage.

Swope says there are a number of financial challenges and questions for the local government if it decides to participate in the waste management program.

The Assembly went into executive session to talk about the financial impacts.

The meeting resumes at 7 p.m. in Room 224 at City Hall. Swope anticipates the committee will once again convene in executive session.

Juneau School Board seeks public input on proposed budget
The Juneau School District's Board of Education Budget Committee will seek public testimony on the proposed FY 2013 budget at their meeting Tuesday.

Last week Superintendent Glen Gelbrich proposed a $5.8 Million cut that would pare 66 jobs.

The school district's Kristen Bartlett says the budget committee will hold this meeting to primarily allow for public testimony on the proposed budget.

People can come and testify at the meeting or they can come and submit a testimony in writing, Bartlett says. She says if people are unable to attend they can send input to a school district e-mail address at budgetinput@jsd.k12.ak.us

Tuesday's meeting will be held at a new location.

Bartlett says typically, they hold their meetings at the JDHS Library but this week they're holding it at Dzantik'i Heeni Middle School in the commons area. She says right when people walk in the door they'll see the tables set up.

The School Board's budget meeting gets underway at 6:00 p.m.

SLAM and eagle nests on Planning Commission agenda
Two items of general interest are on the agenda of the Planning Commission this evening.

Community Development Director Dale Pernula says they include an amendment to the Land Use Code relating to the development near eagle nests.

He says there are currently restrictions on development within 330 feet of the nests. Under the proposal, the restrictions would be removed.

A conditional use permit and variance for the proposed State Library, Archives and Museum Building is also up for action.

The Planning Commission meeting gets underway at 7 p.m. in Assembly Chambers at City Hall.

Public to meet CBJ manager candidates
A public meeting and reception for the two finalists to succeed Rod Swope has manager of the City and Borough of Juneau is Wednesday evening.

Current Deputy City Manager Kim Kiefer and Captain Norman "Buddy" Custard, the chief of staff for the 17th Coast Guard District in Alaska are vying for the position.

The Assembly's goal is to make a selection by the end of the month.

Swope's last day is March 31st. The hope is provide is successor with some on the job training with Swope prior to his retirement.

The event is from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Assembly Chambers at City Hall.

Juneau homeless to be counted and offered services
The 3rd Annual Project Homeless Connect Day sponsored by the Juneau Homeless Coalition is Wednesday at Centennial Hall.

The coalition's Scott Ciambor explains the day has two objectives.

One is the "Point In Time Count Survey" that Juneau social service agencies need to develop local homeless strategies as well as to provide documentation for state and federal funding.Another object is provide the homeless with essential services

Over 60 services will be provided during the event.

The program counted 562 homeless Juneau residents last year and helped more than 170 of them.

Project Homeless Connect is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday at Centennial Hall.

Required hearing by Judiciary committees coming on coastal management
A joint hearing of the House and Senate Judiciary committees  will be held to take up the initiative that calls for re-establishing a coastal management program in Alaska.

The committees are required by law to conduct a hearing.

The Legislature can preempt the initiative by approving substantially similar legislation

House Majority Leader Alan Austerman was asked during a press availability Monday if a bill has been proposed.

He said the majority caucus has not taken a position on the matter. He added that the caucus won't take a position until the initiative is certified, although he says that doesn't mean a bill won't be introduced by an individual lawmaker.

The Lieutenant Governor's office has up to 60 days to complete the certification process.

The legislative hearing must be held within 30 days of the session convening. It has not yet been scheduled and will not occur this week, according to Austerman.

Analyst: State faces tough budget decisions
BECKY BOHRER,Associated Press
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The director of the Legislative Finance Division says Alaska is similar to a person approaching retirement age.

David Teal says that as income falls, such a person needs to rely on savings. He says the state faces tough budget decisions as oil production continues to decline.

Among those challenges: a huge unfunded pension liability and finding ways to limit growth in state government.

Teal says growth has been around 7.8 percent, and it will be hard for lawmakers to stay at the 3.3 percent agency growth proposed by the governor for the next fiscal year.

Teal made his comments before the Senate Finance Committee, which is seeking a more holistic look at the issues at hand to identify priorities.

In-state gas line legislation introduced
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Top members of the State House have introduced legislation  calling for construction of in-state gas pipeline.

House Speaker Mike Chenault and Rep. Mike Hawker were  joined late Tuesday morning by Dan Fauske, president of the Alaska Gasline Development Corp. Fauske's group is leading efforts to advance an in-state project. 

Chenault and Hawker have been vocal supporters of an in-state line as a way to help meet the energy needs in Alaska's most populous area.

Chenault has said he's working on legislation to address any duplication of efforts by Fauske's group and the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority. He has said he doesn't want any roadblocks that might impede progress on an in-state project.

Gara introduces oil tax legislation
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Oil companies would need to invest in Alaska before getting a tax break under legislation proposed by an Anchorage Democrat.

Rep. Les Gara says the measure seeks to increase oil production. That's also the goal of Gov. Sean Parnell's plan to cut oil production taxes. But Gara says Parnell's plan is a corporate giveaway, without any guarantee that companies will invest more in the state.

Gara wants hearings on the bill even though it's expected that the Senate will take the lead on the oil tax debate this session. Gara says he's trying to advance the issue.

The measure, HB231, would provide tax breaks for exploration in new fields, investing in processing facilities and increasing well-related expenditures.

Lawmakers look for inexpensive solutions to crime
AUSTIN BAIRD,Associated Press
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Lawmakers, prosecutors and law enforcement officers from around the state have gathered for the start of a two-day summit that aims to identify cost-effective ways to fight crime and improve public safety in the urban centers of the state and in the bush.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Hollis French and the committee's four other members started the summit Tuesday with a presentation from Annie Pennucci, a researcher for Washington State. Pennucci told lawmakers that a summary of 66 studies completed for Washington showed a direct correlation between preschool for low-income children and lower crime rates.

Keith Mallard, director of Alaska State Troopers and police chiefs Mark Mew of Anchorage and Lance Ketterling of Palmer are among the remaining speakers.

Lawmakers look at issue of school choice
BECKY BOHRER,Associated Press
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Students could attend private or religious schools with state-sponsored scholarships under a measure being considered by Alaska lawmakers.

A companion measure to the bill, sponsored by Rep. Wes Keller, would amend the state constitution to allow public funds go to religious schools.

Keller says this is about school choice. Last fall the Alaska Federation of Natives endorsed the proposed legislation, which it said would give Native parents flexibility to start new schools or choose schools that best respond to their children's needs. Keller's bill at the time also would have allowed for scholarships at public schools.

An ACLU Alaska official raised concerns. Jeffrey Mittman says it's best and safest that government not get entangled in religion. He says ACLU would argue that a school couldn't proselytize and get state funds.

Takeover of Central Park proposed to make point
BECKY BOHRER,Associated Press
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Some Alaska lawmakers, hoping to make a point about federal encroachment on state rights, are urging the federal government take over Central Park and designate it as a wilderness area.

Rep. Kyle Johansen, the lead sponsor of HJR31, says such a takeover would never happen. But he wanted an extreme example to make a point about the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and its being off limits to development.

State leaders, including a Democratic member of Alaska's congressional delegation, have pushed for opening ANWR's coastal plain to oil and gas development. Legislation is currently pending in Congress to open ANWR to drilling as a way to spur domestic energy production.

According to the resolution, the plain takes up about 8 percent of ANWR and Central Park about 6 percent of Manhattan.

Veterans caucus highlights session priorities
AUSTIN BAIRD,Associated Press
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Members of the Alaska Legislature are mulling over ideas that would honor military service and would ban protests from encroaching on funeral services.

Three bills, sponsored by Rep. Bill Thomas of Haines, are the focus of the Joint Veterans Caucus, which consists of Republicans and Democrats from the House and Senate.

One of the bills would exempt veterans from fees required to attain professional licenses and would also call on the Alaska Workforce Investment Board to figure out how to qualify military service for academic credit at University of Alaska institutions.

Another bill would establish March 30 as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.

Thomas expects his last proposal, which bans protests within 150 feet of funeral services, to draw the most criticism because of its free speech implications.

Committee seeks audit of Knik Arm project
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A legislative committee is seeking an audit on a project that would create a second route from Anchorage to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

Rep. Mike Hawker, chairman of the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee, says this wouldn't be a financial audit of the Knik Arm Bridge Rather, he says the goal is a status report, to bring lawmakers up to date on such things as funding and parameters for moving the project forward. He says it will help lawmakers as they make decisions.

Supporters of the project have said it's needed to create new opportunities for economic development. Others say the $750 million project is another so-called "Bridge to Nowhere," and funding continues to be an issue.

Backers hope to begin construction in two years on the toll bridge.

Shooting under investigation by Anchorage Police
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A 42-year-old man has been arrested in an early morning shooting in Anchorage Monday.

KTUU-TV says when police went to the man's home to investigate they say they found a marijuana grow operation.

Police do not believe that Mark Purcella was shot at a gas station where officers were first sent.

Purcella was taken to the hospital for surgery on a gunshot wound to his lower back.

Purcella told police he was letting his dog out at his house when a stranger shot him.

Man critically injured when struck by commuter van
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — An Anchorage man who was walking along the Seward Highway was seriously injured when struck by a commuter van.

The Anchorage Daily News says 40-year-old Patrick Davids was dragged about 400 feet by a Share-A-Ride van on Sunday night. He was taken to Providence Alaska Medical Center where he was in critical condition Monday night.

Alaska State Troopers say Davids was crossing the highway near the Bird Creek pullout when he was struck by the van, which was carrying six people including the driver. A man who is a volunteer EMT happened to be passing by and stopped to help until the Anchorage Fire Department could arrive.

Troopers say it does not look like the driver was at fault.
(Anchorage Daily News)

Harsh winter taking toll on moose
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — This winter's heavy snowfall is taking a toll on moose.

More moose are dying this winter on Alaska roads as they look for travel routes free of deep snow.

The Anchorage Daily News says the same is true of moose being killed on Alaska Railroad tracks. As of last Friday, 118 moose had been killed on the tracks. At the same time last year, the number was 49.

The same is holding true of roads. Moose Federation of Alaska executive director Gary Olson says winter kill is way above average. Moose kills on roadways in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough also are well above average. A biologist with the Department of Fish and Game in Palmer says numbers could double this year
(Anchorage Daily News)

Willow man sentenced in animal cruelty case
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A Willow dog breeder accused in an animal cruelty case has been sentenced to six months in jail.

Frank Rich pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. He was also sentenced Monday to 10 years of probation, during which time he cannot own or care for any animals.

Alaska State Troopers seized more than 160 dogs from Rich's property last year.

Veterinarian Katrina Zwolinski says 19 dogs were found dead.

KTUU says at least 20 other dogs were euthanized, before some of the seized animals were adopted out.

Rich declined to comment after his sentencing, but testified that he loved his dogs.

Rich said he now understands he had too many dogs and needed help. He testified he spent as much as $36,000 a year on dog food.
(KTUU-TV)

Bethel man sentenced in firearms case
BETHEL, Alaska (AP) — A 43-year-old Bethel man has been sentenced to four years in prison for being a felon illegally possessing firearms.

KYUK says John Robert Weber has felony convictions in Alaska, Oregon, and Nevada, which means he should not have been in possession of firearms.

Weber was sentenced Friday in federal court in Anchorage. He was convicted in August.

Authorities say Weber was found to have two shotguns and one rifle at his tattoo shop in Bethel in August 2010 after Alaska State Troopers found 11 ounces of marijuana in his luggage, which he had brought with him from Anchorage.
(KYUK-AM)

USGS uses airborne tool to map Alaska permafrost
DAN JOLING,Associated Press
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — U.S. Geological Survey researchers are reporting optimistic results from a project that mapped permafrost from the air in Alaska's Yukon River drainage.

Research geophysicist Burke Minsley says the project used electromagnetic survey equipment adapted from mineral exploration to fly over the Yukon Flats near Fort Yukon.

The equipment sends electromagnetic pulses into the ground and determines what's below by measuring how well the pulse is conducted through magnetic fields induced by the currents.

The electromagnetic survey tool showed the presence or absence of permanently frozen ground to 328 feet deep.

The device towed under a helicopter spent a week in the field in June 2010 and surveyed more than 116 square miles.

Minsley says drilling would have taken far more effort to collect the data.

Feds indict Anchorage condo developer
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A federal grand jury has indicted an Anchorage real estate developer on charges that he lied and cheated on federal credit union loans connected with his construction projects.

The Anchorage Daily News reports that 55-year-old Lee Baker Jr. was indicted on 14 counts.

Charging papers say that Baker mislead Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union in a number of transactions in 2005, including when he sought a loan to purchase and develop Lake View Estates in Wasilla.

Federal prosecutors allege that Baker created a series of land-sales transactions to obtain the loan under false pretenses, transferring Lake View Estates property from his company, Discovery Construction, to himself, and then back to the company.

The indictment also accuses Baker of lying to the credit union when he drew down the proceeds of a $9.2 million construction loan for the Bryn Mawr apartment project on Northern Lights Boulevard in East Anchorage.
(Anchorage Daily News)

Officials push for hospital building demolition
KETCHIKAN, Alaska (AP) — A deteriorating former hospital building in Ketchikan is one step closer to demolition.

The Ketchikan City Council last week approved a $12,800 contract with Juneau-based Carson Dorn Inc. to prepare bid specifications for asbestos abatement and demolition of the building.

The Ketchikan Daily News says the council declared a public emergency after noticeable sagging was seen on the roof.

The overall project by Carson Dorn is expected to cost less than $1 million.

According to a memo from public works director Clif Allen, the goal is to have the project done before the start of tourist season.

The former hospital building is privately owned, but the city stepped in after orders to demolish the building went unheeded.
(Ketchikan Daily News)

Marine Mammals Commission plans Anchorage meeting
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — The federal Marine Mammal Commission is gathering for four days of meetings beginning Tuesday in Anchorage.

The commission is an independent agency that provides oversight of the marine mammal conservation policies and programs administered by regulatory agencies.

Commissioners will hear reports on priorities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which oversees polar bears and walrus, and the National Marine Fisheries Service, which oversees whales and ice seals.

The commission has sessions scheduled on climate disruption in the Arctic, research activities and species of special concern.

The commission will also hear presentations on Arctic shipping and petroleum development.

All sessions will be at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel.

Barefoot Bandit' emails ridicule law enforcement
GENE JOHNSON,Associated Press
SEATTLE (AP) — New federal court documents say the "Barefoot Bandit" ridiculed police and prosecutors in emails he sent from prison, undercutting his claims that he's sorry for his two-year crime spree.

In emails that Colton Harris-Moore wrote recently, he referred to Island County Sheriff Marc Brown as the "king swine," called prosecutors who handled his case fools, and referred to news reporters as vermin. He bragged about his two-year crime spree, saying that his flying accomplishments were "amazing" and unmatched by anyone except the Wright brothers.

Harris-Moore was sentenced last month in state court to seven years. He'll be sentenced on Friday for his federal crimes. The U.S. attorney's office is seeking six-and-a-half years, the longest sentence possible under Harris-Moore's plea deal. Harris-Moore's attorneys have asked for a sentence of just under six years.

Kodiak braces for fewer tourists
KODIAK, Alaska (AP) — Kodiak is bracing for a downturn in tourists this year.

The Kodiak Daily Mirror reports tourism officials are expecting one less cruise ship to visit Kodiak in 2012, or about 1,200 fewer visitors. Fifteen cruise ships made Kodiak a port-of-call last year.

The 14 cruise ships this year will be the city's fewest since eight made stops in 2008. Kodiak's decrease comes as the state cruise industry expects about 947,000 cruise ships visitors statewide this year, the most since 2008 or 2009.

Kodiak officials are trying to buffer the lower cruise ship passengers by ramping up the tourism website to entice more people.
(Kodiak Daily Mirror)

New weekly to serve Bristol Bay, Dutch Harbor
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A new newspaper is planned for rural Alaska.

Co-publishers Jason Evans and Kiana Peacock say the combined publication, The Bristol Bay Times/Dutch Harbor Fisherman, will being production on Feb. 2. Each was formerly a separate paper under its former owners, Alaska Newspapers Inc., a division of Calista Corp.

Along with these two papers, Alaska Media LLC also purchased The Arctic Sounder.

The purchases were completed in August, and the Sounder resumed publication a month later.

Carey Restino will edit The Bristol Bay Times/Dutch Harbor Fisherman.

Kodiak-based village corporation declares dividend
KODIAK, Alaska (AP) — The new board of directors for Kodiak-based Leisnoi (LEZ'-noy) Inc. has announced a sizable dividend for shareholders.

Shareholders of the Native village corporation for Woody Island will receive $100 per share. The money will be distributed on Feb. 16.

KMXT says a shareholder with 100 shares will receive $10,000.

The dividend was announced in a letter to shareholders last week. The dividend also is announced in the corporation's January newsletter.

Leisnoi president Debbie Lukin has not immediately responded to requests for comment.

The new board of directors was elected last year in a shareholder revolt against the old board.
(KMXT-FM)

UAF Geophysical Institute predicts extreme aurora
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Aurora borealis monitors at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are expecting a strong northern lights display.

Aurora forecaster Charles Deehr (DEER) at the UAF Geophysical Institute says that highly active displays will be visible overhead, weather permitting, from Bethel to Barrow, Ketchikan and Dillingham.

He says the lights are expected to be visible low on the horizon from King Salmon.

KTUU says forecasters expect the display to be a five on a scale of zero to nine. Five is considered "extreme."
(KTUU-TV)

Whale rescuer gets Hollywood treatment
WASHINGTON (AP) — Bonnie Carroll's role in the 1980s rescue of three stranded whales is getting the Hollywood treatment.

Carroll and her late husband Tom are prominent characters in the movie "Big Miracle," which chronicles the Reagan administration's 1988 partnership with the Soviet Union, environmentalists and oil companies to free the whales trapped under an ice sheet off Alaska.

The film opens Feb. 3.

Sea-Tac to showcase Northwest music
SEATAC, Wash. (AP) — Baby got bags? Then you're ready for a dose of Sir Mix-A-Lot and other Northwest artists at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

The airport announced Tuesday a new initiative to promote the region's musicians, including Quincy Jones, Pearl Jam, Ben Gibbard, Macklemore and Sir Mix-A-Lot. A number of those artists have recorded informational and safety announcements about Northwest music, the airport's environmental practices and that there's no smoking.

Their music will play on overhead speakers, and some of the video screens at Sea-Tac will feature segments on the artists.

Port of Seattle Commissioner John Creighton says it's a great opportunity to introduce the 32 million travelers who pass through Sea-Tac every year to a big part of the region's culture.

 


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‘News of the North’ content copyright of Alaska Broadcast Communications Inc. and Juneau Alaska Communications LLC. Any unauthorized use will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.