State: Nothing illegal  behind high gas prices
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - The high gasoline prices paid by Alaskans are a result of unique market conditions in Alaska and not anything illegal. 

Those are the conclusions of a gas pricing investigation conducted by the state after gas prices fell in the Lower 48 at a much faster rate than in Alaska.

Acting Attorney General Rick Svobodny released the report Thursday, saying the unique market conditions include few participants, small volumes, and limited threats of competition from outside sources.

Svobodny says the investigation reviewed information from retailers, distributors and refiners. Department of Law officials found no evidence high gasoline prices were the result of anything illegal, such as price fixing or collusion.

He says available information for Anchorage and Fairbanks indicates that retailers are not the cause of higher prices.   

Commission sets public hearing on AEL&P emergency rate hike
Juneau residents will get a chance to weigh-in on an emergency rate increase requested by Alaska Electric Light & Power.

The Regulatory Commission of Alaska has scheduled a Consumer Input Hearing in Juneau on March 5th.

Wasilla Representative Wes Keller, Chair of the Administrative Regulation Review Committee says he spoke with the chairman of the RCA and stressed the importance of getting the public's input.

Keller says if the commission had not agreed to hold a public hearing, the issue would have come before the Regulation Review Committee.

The committee is a joint Senate/House committee with the responsibility of reviewing administrative regulations to assure they meet the intent of the legislation and are in the best interest of the public.

The public hearing is Thursday, March 5th at 6 p.m. at Centennial Hall.
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AEL&P requested the 14.4 cents per kilowatt hour temporary rate increase in the wake of January's avalanche that knocked down a Snettisham hydroelectric project transmission line.

For residential customers, adding the E-COPA rate to the normal winter rate of 9.6 cents will result in a total rate of 24 cents, which will be in effect for one billing month.

The utility turned to back-up diesel generators to produce electricity for about 21 days.

Scott Wilis with AEL&P says just over 1.5 million gallons of diesel fuel costing $3.8 million was used during the three weeks the Snettisham hydro-power plant was off line.

He says after the one month billing period with the fuel surcharge, rates will return to their pre-avalanche level.

For residential customers, that's just under 10 cents per kilowatt hour.

Alaska awaits details of stimulus bill
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - A nearly $800 billion federal stimulus package could funnel about $1 billion in federal spending and tax breaks to Alaskans.

Though a compromise was reached in Congress Wednesday night, few details were available today on how much will be distributed to construction projects and federal programs throughout the state.

But John Katz, director of the governor's Washington, D.C., office, says things will move quickly once President Obama has signed the bill.

White House officials estimate it will create or save 8,000 jobs in Alaska over the next two years and provide tax cuts of up to $800 for 220,000 workers and their families.

Federal spending for Alaska will be funneled through existing formulas and grant programs.

State transportation officials estimate about $230 million will be available for construction projects in the state.

The bill will also provide a greater federal match in Medicaid dollars to the tune of about $125 million over the next year and a half.

It's not clear if the state will accept all that's in the bill. State lawmakers are concerned that the state will be left holding the tab for increases in social services and other programs after federal dollars are gone.

Palin: Alaska will accept sensible stimulus funds
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - Gov. Sarah Palin says Alaska will accept federal stimulus funds, if they make sense for the state.

It's not known how much might be available for Alaska, but Palin said at a news conference Wednesday it could be about $1 billion.

She says if the projects make sense for Alaska, those federal dollars would be welcome.

Palin says those that make the most sense are construction projects.

She's worried, however, about funding for other things like social programs, which could wind up costing the state money in the long run once federal dollars run out.

Palin says Colberg made the decision to resign
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - KINY- Gov. Sarah Palin is steadfast that the decision Talis Colberg made to resign as attorney general was his and his alone.

Palin said during a news conference Wednesday that Colberg, a major figure in the Troopergate case, did not give a specific reason for his resignation.

Her office announced the resignation Tuesday morning, quoting Colberg as saying it was in the "best interest" for Alaska.

Palin declined to discuss his resignation further, saying she won't talk about personnel issues and personal conversations with her staff members, "especially cabinet members."

Colberg came under fire last month when lawmakers grilled him over his apparent advocacy role for Palin during the abuse of power investigation over her firing of the public safety commissioner.  

Palin says short-, long-term solutions sought for Western Alaska villages
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - Gov. Sarah Palin addressed assistance to western Alaska villages, where cash-squeezed residents are reportedly having to choose between food and fuel

Palin said Wednesday during a news conference in Juneau that the state was working on a number of fronts to find short and long-term solutions.

Fish and Game Commissioner Denby Lloyd outlined efforts to extend moose hunting opportunities in the region.

Labor Commissioner Click Bishop said he planned to look into opening up more seafood processing jobs for village young people. And Deputy Chief of Staff Randy Ruaro said the state is working to expand heating fuel assistance and bulk food deliveries.

Palin has been criticized for not doing enough to ensure state planes were available to take donated food and other supplies to the villages. Her administration has said it is hampered by laws that require an emergency declaration when the need does not fit the legal definition of an emergency.

Her legislative director, Jerry Gallagher, said proposed legislation in the state House that would allow state assets to be used for compassionate aid would be helpful in providing another tool to help communities in crisis.

Energy, living within means top Palin's priorities
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - Energy needs and fiscal constraint top Gov. Sarah Palin's priorities for this legislative session.

Her No. 1 priority is getting the process moving along for an in-state gas line, she said Wednesday as a news conference.

Other priorities include getting the process for a joint utility corporation for the Railbelt also moving, and making sure the state lives financially within its means in a troubled economy. 

Palin addresses Planned Parenthood donations in her name
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - At a news conference Wednesday in Juneau, Gov. Sarah Palin was asked about an e-mail campaign that reportedly netted almost a million dollars for Planned Parenthood.

The anonymous campaign asks people to make donations in Palin's name.

The governor called it "interesting theater."

Planned Parenthood runs clinics that offer reproductive services, including abortions. Palin is opposed to abortion rights.

She says both she and Planned Parenthood agree on a mission that they would like to see fewer abortions.

But, Palin admits, they perhaps have different approaches.

Deja vu for proposed constitutional amendment on for profit gambling
A proposed amendment to the state constitution on gambling was before the House State Affairs Committee this morning. (Thursday).

It requires a vote of Alaskans before any form of gambling for profit can be authorized. It would also require a local election in the area in which the activity would occur.

Anchorage Representative Harry Crawford has introduced similar measures in past sessions. He borrowed a Yogi Berra phrase to describe it: "Deja vu all over again."

He says last year's message died in the Senate Finance Committee when time ran out on the session.

When asked by Homer Representative Paul Seaton how his measure would impact taxes the state currently receives on cruise ship gaming, Crawford said that wasn't clear and called it a separate question. He added he wasn't sure how that would play out.

Seaton requested that Crawford request a legal opinion on that question which Committee Chair Bob Lynn endorsed.

The committee held House Joint Resolution 3 for additional work and debate. 

Bill would provide help to foster children
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - A bill has been introduced in the Alaska Legislature to provide scholarships, job training and other assistance for children in foster care.

The bill was introduced by Rep. Les Gara and Sen. Bettye Davis, both Anchorage Democrats.

Gara says the bill is designed to provide transitional help to foster children when they leave their homes. He says about 40 percent of them wind up homeless.

The bill also would require social workers to visit foster children at least once a month.

The bill will be first heard in House committees.
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Information from: KTUU-TV

Bill making changes to domestic violence panel clears House committee
A measure that includes proposed recommendations by a legislative task force for changes to the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault was reported out of the House State Affairs Committee today. (Thursday)

House Bill 63 expands the council's representation to include rural communities and the Department of Corrections.

The sponsor, Eagle River Representative Anna Fairclough, says Corrections representation is needed since the department plays a large role in dealing with the perpetrators of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Importance of Dalton Highway  outlined in D. C. meeting on transportation stimulus projects
Alaska transportation stimulus projects were presented during a meeting in Washington, D. C. Wednesday.

Representing Alaska was Frank Richards, the deputy commissioner for the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.

U. S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood invited officials from all 50 states to participate in the meeting.

During this morning's meeting of the Finance Committee in the State Senate, Jeff Ottesen, who is the department's Director of Program Development, summarized an e-mail received from Richards following that meeting.

Richards explained in the e-mail that Secretary LaHood stressed that the number one goal of the bill was to create jobs in a rapid fashion, although there would be no short cutting of the rule book and the full weight of federal laws would apply to the process.

All state were invited to submit one project to be recognized during the meeting. Richards explained that Alaska's project on the Dalton Highway and it's importance to the nation's oil production was presented.

Air emergency declared for Mendenhall Valley
The City and Borough of Juneau declared an air emergency for the Mendenhall Valley this morning. (Thursday)

The order issued at 9:14 a.m. prohibits the burning of wood stoves, except for pellet stoves.

Air particulate levels have or are predicted to reach unhealthy level.

The impacted area covered extends from the Airport north to the Mendenhall Glacier, west to Montana Creek, south along the east shore of Auke Lake and includes the east half of the Mendenhall Peninsula.

For an update on the status of the Air Emergency, call 586-5333.

Transmission line on Thane Road repaired
A transmission line damaged by last Saturday's avalanche on Thane Road has been repaired.

Scott Willis with Alaska Electric Light and Power says their crew finished repairs Wednesday.

He says both transmission lines are now back in service.

Jackson: Southeast herring stocks in trouble
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - Kake elder Clarence Jackson and others told lawmakers that herring stocks in Southeast are in trouble from past overfishing and predation.

Jackson sent lawmakers at a House special committee meeting on Tuesday the following message: The state is not doing enough to help herring recover.

25 Sitka residents sickened, probably from oysters
SITKA, Alaska (AP) - Alaska health officials say four people in Sitka have tested positive for norovirus infections, and at least 21 more are ill with gastrointestinal illnesses.

The health department says the illnesses have been likely linked to locally grown oysters.

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation says Whiting Harbor Aquafarms, LLC, of Sitka has voluntarily stopped selling oysters until the state again approves sales.

The two states departments began a joint investigation early this month after the first food borne illness outbreak was reported.

The health departments says if anyone has any of these oysters purchased between Jan. 26-Feb. 1 to discard them.

Health officials say norovirus infection causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping. Most recover in two to three days without medical treatment.  

Croft looking to be mayor of Alaska's largest city
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Former state legislator Eric Croft is moving ahead with a plan to run for mayor of Anchorage.

Croft this afternoon is expected to be at City Hall where he will file a declaration of candidacy, clearing a way for a run.

Croft, a lawyer, also is a former city prosecutor.

Anchorage facing second round of cost-cutting
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Anchorage's acting mayor is again trimming the city budget given an estimated $17 million shortfall.

Matt Claman announced Thursday that a second round of spending reductions totaling $3.3 million would be taken. The reductions will result in the loss of 23 positions, including five to nine layoffs. Claman also is taking back approximately a 3 percent pay raise for senior executives.

This time, the Anchorage Fire Department is taking the biggest hit amounting to more than $1 million. Transit and the office of Economic and Community Development also are taking sizable hits. Various other commissions and agencies will be impacted.

Claman says with the second round of belt tightening, the city is more than half way to its goal of closing the gap.

Names now being accepted for addition to fishermen's memorial in Juneau
Names are now being collected for placement on the Alaska Commercial Fishermen's Memorial  in Juneau in time for the Blessing of the Fleet which is May 2nd this year

Bruce Weyhrauch is among the organizers.

He says there are 137 names on the memorial now. He says they usually get anywhere from 4 to 6 names each year, although there were only two last year.

He says applications are due April 15th. The cost for engraving a name is $600.

Applications may be picked up at the Harbormasters Office next to Aurora Harbor or on the web at  www.juneau.org/harbors 

They're also available by calling 789-4725.

Study: Dust from Red Dog Mine causes little harm
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - A study finds dust from the huge Red Dog zinc mine in northwest Alaska causes little harm.

Researchers tested voles and small birds captured near the mine for toxic metals.

The U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the National Park Service published the study this week, and says it agrees with its findings.

Barrow mayor resigns
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Barrow Mayor Michael Stotts has resigned at the request of his community's city council.

Stotts is accused of running up thousands of dollars in personal charges on city credit cards.

One credit card charge was the posting of $1,000 bail after his arrest in June for driving under the influence. He later pleaded guilty to the charge.

The 44-year-old Stotts tells the Anchorage Daily News that the city council began investigating his credit car use in December.

He resigned Wednesday and says he has paid some of the money back but still owes $17,000.

Stotts says it's his opinion that his actions were within his authority but council members disagreed. He says he plans to pay all the money back.

Stotts became mayor in June 2007.
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Information from: Anchorage Daily News

Police in Anchorage looking for suspected sex offender
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Anchorage police are seeking a man suspected of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl.

Police say they have had difficulty locating 23-year-old Farren Johns, who is charged with first-degree sexual assault.

Police say the attack occurred in November but a search for Johns has been unsuccessful.