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Monday, April 30th, 2012
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12:28 pm - In the News
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Sunday's rain record for date in Juneau and Annex Creek
It may come to no one's surprise that Sunday's rainfall in Juneau constituted a record for the date.
Meteorologist Kimberly V. in the Juneau Forecast Office says the point 67 inches recorded at the airport broke the the previous record of point 52 inches in 1996.
Annex Creek, south of Juneau, recorded 1 point 21 inches Sunday exceeding the record for the date there if point 73 inches in 1968.
Tanana River ice jam floods Manley Hot Springs
FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) — Five homes have been flooded in the interior Alaska community of Manley Hot Springs and high water is threatening 20 more.
The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports an ice jam formed on the Tanana River downstream of the community and river water rose behind it.
The National Weather Service says the water levels are the highest in 30 years.
Water on Sunday inundated a road at the east end of the airstrip and flooded an adjacent neighborhood.
A flood warning is in effect through Monday morning.
Manley is a community of 91 at the end of the Elliott Highway about 88 air miles and 160 road miles northwest of Fairbanks.
Fairbanks man charged with murder in toddler's death
FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) — A Fairbanks man has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend's 2-year-old son.
The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports that 24-year-old Carl Delbert David had initially been charged with assault after he allegedly threw the boy and stepped on him because the child wet his bed.
The charge was upgraded Friday afternoon.
The criminal complaint says the boy suffered a fractured skull, a broken neck and other injuries.
David is being held at Fairbanks Correctional Center without bail.
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| Sunday, April 15th, 2012
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1:14 pm - okay -
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that's it - my forearms genuinely are getting worse. Used to be I could stretch my fingers back and off I could go again. Now it's deep heating rub, massages or a roller and continuous stretching for some relief. Now I will wake up with tight arms and stretch them out, only to have to do it again any time I can get a chance. Instead of every once in a while, this is getting to be regular behavior for pain relief.
Ugh
Not only that, but the sharp stabbing pains are more frequent and now I'm starting to get them in two places at once. Yesterday after Lisa left, Boo and I were getting ready to leave and I got a sharp stabby across the top of my right foot. Then while at costco with Blain, I got another on the inside of my thigh on my left leg. First time I've had one there and for whatever reason, when it's in a first time place, it is the most extreme!! So yesterday between my forearms after work and those sets of stabby pains, it was not a pleasant day for my body. I know, it can be much worse and I remind myself of that constantly. And I don't know what I did to my left shoulder.... I did something to it, too. Probably sleep on it wrong.
Enough whining. Just documenting what is going on. So glad my pain is not chronic. It's short lasting or can be relieved by massage for the time being. Just annoying.
Whatever is going on with my arms, I have to work until that mortgage is paid off, or at least the car.
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1:13 pm - In the News
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2 small eruptions recorded on Cleveland Volcano
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — The U.S. Geological Survey recorded two small eruptions of the Cleveland Volcano on Friday detected by changes in air pressure.
The agency says neither explosion produced an ash cloud that could be detected in satellite images.
Sudden explosions of blocks and ash are likely while the volcano remains active.
The agency says it's possible for associated ash clouds to exceed 20,000 feet above sea level.
Thursday's high in Juneau sets record for date
Juneau established a record high temperature for the date Thursday.
It reached 62 degrees at the airport. The previous record was 57 degrees in 2003.
Meteorologist Tim Steffen says it will be a little cooler today.
The record for this date is 59. Today's high is expected to range in the mid to upper 50s, so he says it will probably fall a little short today.
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| Thursday, April 12th, 2012
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8:49 pm - In the News and what a day
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UPDATE: Coast Guard: 2 dead in shooting at Alaska station
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Two Coast Guard members were fatally shot at a communications station on Kodiak in what officials said appeared to be a double homicide. They said they have yet to identify a suspect.
The victims were found at their work areas inside the station early Thursday by another Coast Guard member. Spokeswoman Sara Francis said that while the roughly 60 enlisted personnel and civilians working at the station had been accounted for, officials believe a third person was involved in the shooting.
The base and an adjacent school were on lockdown. Officials called on the city's 6,300 or so residents to remain calm and vigilant.
Francis said added security was in place at the base and the school.
The Coast Guard said the victims' identities would be released after family members were notified.
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So no car pooling today as I dropped Wyatt off to get the tires changed out. Sunday is the deadline, I believe. So I dropped him off at Capital Service and Jerry Burns was behind me. Haven't seen him in about 3 years. He has a good job now, not as much free time for the bar/pool scene. He didn't know Boo had a baby. We chatted a moment, then off he went. Boo pulled in and picked me up for the Heritage Coffee mocha run.
Off to work. Weird no Sara. Went up to get the water pitchers for room "C" and the sink was plugged with coffee grounds. Nice way to start. So down to floor 1. Fill them up, back up to second floor with the 5 carafes. Then mic test, supply check. No TO forms for the jail escorts. and 7 minutes to on-record time. So I waited inpatiently on the elevator, it creeped and shuddered to th ground floor where it shot away after I got off. Great. Dashed into the office, got my forms, came back out and someone was getting off the elevator. Creeped back to the second floor, threw my forms on the bench, then dashed to open the doors and begin the day!!
what a day. I love my job. Never a dull moment.
Worked through half of lunch while Boo waited for me. She dropped me off at Capital to pick up Wyatt. $80 for mounting and balancing the 4 tires. Then called State Farm as I drove to Domino's. She took $168 for the condo insurance. Dominos wanted 9 bucks for Spinach bread and a Mountain Dew. Then $6 at the parking garage for 4 hours and back to work. We had a guy where the attorneys agreed he would serve 6 months, but the more the judge heard about the victim's injuries the more upset he got. By the time the attorneys were done talking, the judge decided he needed 4 years with 2 suspended. They will come back in 3 weeks after they talk some more.
Other things happened, but none to put here. Off work, decided to stop at Wee Fishee. E was there and grinned at me. "I was just going to call you!" Took the tires home, then went back to Wee. E and the new girl loaded up the tank and home I went. Got home and realized didn't have the undergravel plates. Went back.
Jess was home when I got back and Gina was cooking. I started emptying the original fish tank, leaving just enough water for the Oscar to be covered. Jess helped me carry in the new tank. It took all 3 of us to get it over the old tank, around the chair and into the spot on the hutch. After I got the undergravel plates in, Jess poured the new bag of gravel in and then I started putting the tank together. Two hours later I started putting the golds into the tank. They weren't too impressed, so I waited until there was enough water to start the circulating pump before putting the Koi and the Oscar in there.
The Koi was the only one impressed with the larger new tank. Back and forth it scooted from end to end like a happy child. The others will get used to it in time.
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Jon just reminded me. There has been this Toyota camper for sale by the Coast Guard dock, so I went in there to look at it. 4 way intersection. Have to yield to cars coming straight when coming out. So the other side the lanes were both turning. I made my left turn across the intersection as two cars made the left across on the other side. The second one decided to make a wide turn and landed in front of me. No big deal, just enough room. But then he looked up in his rear view mirror, saw me right behind him and slammed on his brakes!!! Idiot - you were the one who pulled in front of me, I wasn't tailing you!
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| Saturday, April 7th, 2012
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8:09 am - In the News - funny!!!
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Reports From The Unalaska Police Blotter
Here are some highlights from Sgt. Jennifer Shockley's crime reports. You can keep up with Unalaska's blotter on KUCB's website.
Theft (20:42, 11/25/11) — Andrey Bachal, a Russian national and apparent fan of American television, was caught stealing a "Deadliest Catch" t-shirt from Alaska Ship Supply. Bachal, who insisted he had intended to pay for the shirt which he had stuffed inside his zipped-up jacket, was charged with one count of Concealment of Merchandise.
Public Safety (01:46 hrs, 11/9/11) — Officer watched three extremely intoxicated and giggling louts urinate on the road, on themselves, on one another, and on a taxi in front of the Harbor View Bar. The wet-legged men abashedly explained to the admonishing officer they had been kicked out of the bar before having an opportunity to use the restroom there.
Drunk Disturbance (02:25 hrs, 11/15/11) — Officers responded to a food fight on board a fishing vessel, where they found that the captain and another man had thrown mashed potatoes, corn dogs and jalapenos at the cook's stateroom door. The captain, who denied involvement until reminded by officers that his shoes were covered with food similar to that found in the hallway, was advised to apologize and treat his crew with more respect.
Animal (15:29 hrs, 11/25/11) — Caller reported a middle-aged Beagle had walked into her home and stayed there for the last hour. Officers tried unsuccessfully to capture the errant canine, which was retrieved by his owner about three hours later.
Suspicious Person/Activity (17:26, 12/7/11) — A twitchy bunkhouse resident claimed, among other things, that his housemates have been removing his fingerprints from framed photographs in order to incriminate him in nefarious crimes. An officer advised the man to better secure his personal belongings and suggested that reducing illicit drug use might also reduce his paranoia.
Theft (18:04 hrs, 12/8/11) — A grocery store patron demanded that she be given a bag of shrimp for which she claimed to have already paid. The patron stalked off with the shrimp after an employee, believing something fishy might be going on, took the matter to a supervisor. Store management elected to handle the matter without police assistance.
Missing Person (10:22 hrs, 12/24/11) — Captain reported a crewman had not returned to the vessel. The missing crewman, who had been enjoying the company of a lady friend, returned about an hour later.
Domestic Disturbance (00:26 hrs, 12/30/11) — Drunken boarding house tenant reported that his equally drunken nemesis had taken his cell phone, and he wanted it back. Officers told both sots they would go to jail if they continued behaving toward one another in such a fashion.
Assault (01:51 hrs, 12/30/11) — Yet another boarding house tenant reported being threatened by one of the drunken louts to whom officers had already spent considerable time speaking. The lout told officers he would never say such a thing.
Animal (17:22 hrs, 1/24/12) — An exasperated, exhausted immature eagle which had entrapped itself inside a crab pot was able to fly to safety after an officer climbed a stack of crab pots and cut a raptor-sized hole in the netting.
Welfare Check (19:23 hrs, 2/22/12) — Caller asked officers to check on two men who were inhaling nitrous oxide from Whippit canisters in the Safeway parking lot. An officer contacted the two men, who claimed they would not be driving after inhaling and would cause no problems this evening.
Trespass (23:06 hrs, 2/22/12) — Officers responded to a hotel room where the two Whippit boys were disturbing other guests with their raucous behavior. The two men bemoaned the deterioration in the quality of people now living in the community after they were told they were not allowed to return to the hotel premises.
Assistance Rendered (13:56 hrs, 2/24/12) — Officers responded to the airport regarding a report of a drunken man causing numerous problems in the terminal. Investigation revealed that a single besotted man had roundly cursed airline employees and attempted to pick fights with no less than five people. His last victim, who told officers he was performing a community service, smacked the drunk on the head and then stood over him and told him not to be so rude. None of the victims wished to pursue charges, as they all felt justice had already been served.
Noise Disturbance (00:24 hrs, 3/3/12) — Caller reported hearing a fight in progress at a neighboring residence. A wet woman clad only in a bath towel abashedly explained to responding officers that the "fight" they were investigating at her house was simply loud intimate relations.
Liquor Law Violation (06:32 hrs, 3/23/12) — Officers responding to an alleged assault found two inebriated underage drinkers who both denied having fought with one another, but readily admitted to consuming cheap beer all evening. Both were cited for Minor Consuming.
Animal (13:18 hrs, 3/24/11) — AST rescued a seal that had apparently become stuck on a piece of ice.
Public Safety (23:23 hrs, 3/29/11) — Road-devouring drifts and perilously slick roads prompted issuance of yet another Category1 travel advisory.
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| Thursday, April 5th, 2012
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8:36 pm - What a Wednesday...
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Started off with having to call upstairs and have the server rebooted. Then I went to fulfill a busy day with Brad in the darling little "Room F". The morning was manageable. Then lunch was a Fisherman's Memorial Board Meeting. I have to get a hold of Larry and see if he wishes to participate in the Blessing ceremony. I'm waiting for a message back from him on FB. Then back for an afternoon of hell. We were 90 minutes behind after the first hearing!! We spent the rest of the afternoon taking hearings as close to in order as we could and get back on schedule. So we ended up finishing the hearings about a half hour behind and I fled the building, leaving behind a stack of files and untouched tags to do today. We had crying moms losing babies, and adoptees who moved from the state crying because we're not sure we can grant the adoption to a non-resident. We had the wife saying her marriage can't be saved, they hadn't talked to each other since 1997 except to do this paperwork now!!! Wide variety... wide variety.
So Boo dropped me off at home and drove off to the store. That was weird, getting out of my car at home and not parking it. So took Hazel out and then she came back for me. Off to her place we went. I put ZZ asleep on my shoulder and then TJ arrived with Mason (good heavens that boy is getting big!) and Rayah. Then Sara called. Boo told her I would call her back. Then she hung up the phone and said "Sara didn't sound good, mom, you should call her back now." So I passed ZZ off to TJ. She woke up, took one look at Mason and started crying, then looked at who was holding her and started crying even more at seeing TJ. I teased Boo that all the white skin scared her.
Then went outside to call Sara back. Can I come get her, she apparently can't stay at home and can't have her car. So I went to get her, and ended up with all three of the girls: Sara, her baby Hannah, who is 4 and her oldest, Rheannon, who is 11 or 12. Took them to Boo's. TJ got me in the kitchen and talked to me about Rayah for a minute. Then he gave me a big hug and started crying. I told him he can call me at any time of the day or night. So he took the kids home and I cleaned up the kitchen, then loaded up Sara and the girls. They hung out in the kitchen while I got the futon folded down and the clothes picked up off the floor.
Got them settled in, then made myself a bed by the glass doors with the rubber mattress top and my prized sleeping bag. Sara came up at one point crying from her husband's phone call. Was a long night for her and the girls and Gina. And apparently for Paul as he kept hanging up on her and then calling her back.
What a Wednesday.
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| Monday, April 2nd, 2012
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10:19 pm - S, s, o
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Slept from just after 4pm yesterday to 6 am this morning, with a few wake-ups. Blain called about 9pm. Laila did a lot of screaming, Seankitty did a lot of walking back and forth across me.
Police in Anchorage have possibly found the body of Samantha Koenig in Matanuska Lake. They suspect she was dead within hours of being abducted. Positive identification is pending.
Boss brought my timesheet to me with a note that there were two overtime sheets not entered on it, and oh, don't forget I worked the 24th. How could I forget the 24th and locking myself out of the office. Keitha said today that if she gets flowers every time, I am welcome to do it again. They are blooming beautifully. LOL
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| Thursday, March 29th, 2012
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6:01 am - This gets my goat.... damn tobacco companies
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Lawmakers are trying to close a loophole that makes it possible for Alaska kids to purchase products containing nicotine. Rep. Paul Seaton says tobacco companies are adding nicotine to products like mints, toothpicks and water.
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| Monday, March 26th, 2012
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11:25 pm - weekend
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Thursday Nathan's 2nd birthday and last night of league play. I thought we lost from the way everyone was acting when Dawn finished. But we didn't so we took 11th place.
Friday was Nathan's bday party at blain's parents'. Lukie was saying they will be catching the ferry in May. Joanne wants to go to Celebration 2012 though.
Saturday was courthouse and I needed Keitha to rescue me.
Sunday was a pretty ordinary day at cabstand. Took Boo to lunch and then we walked the Nugget Mall. Dead place. She bought the melty beads and we came back to my place. She didn't leave til 9:30.
Today all 3 cats got bathed as did the Dog and Wyatt. Knee braces to Justin.
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| Saturday, March 24th, 2012
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9:47 am - In the News
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Exxon Valdez sold, likely destined for scrap heap
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The ship formerly known as the Exxon Valdez appears destined to become a scrap heap in a shipyard along India's Gulf of Cambay.
Just days before the 23-year anniversary of the ship's oil spill that devastated the fishing industry and environment of Prince William Sound, Alaska, Hong Kong-based Best Oasis Ltd. confirmed Friday that it bought the ship for an undisclosed amount.
Stan Jones, spokesman for Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council, says two words sum up his and most residents' feeling about the news: good riddance.
Scott Pegau was a student in Fairbanks in 1989, but he now operates research programs for the Oil Spill Recovery Institute in Cordova. He says herring, otters, sea ducks and a killer whale pod are still impacted by the spill.
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Poor ship - It wasn't her fault.
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| Tuesday, March 20th, 2012
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10:45 pm - poor Blain
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So this is Gold Medal Week. Over a thousand people come to town from regional communities and they play hours upon hours of basketball. Local living rooms fill up with uncles and cousins and grandparents. Hotels fill up.
And Blain loses his office help as she is a trained referree. So he comes back from Thursday and Friday in Sitka training the temp person to find a full in basket, a machine of voice mails, a barge in at 3am and no help.
Yesterday he worked 7:30 am to 7:30PM with no lunch break, then went back to dispatch for the barge unloading at 3am and got off work at 6 tonight. He says he's going to go in by 7 tomorrow cause he's still a day behind and can't afford to be.
Poor Blain.
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| Thursday, March 8th, 2012
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5:54 pm
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What is your favorite Kool-Aid flavor?
Like to mix them: black cherry and raspberry
Do you have a wireless keyboard and mouse?
nope
Last sporting event you watched on tv or in person?
Billiards - 4 days worth last week/end
Who makes the best fudge?
Alaska Fudge Co.
Do you like it when toothpaste bubbles in your mouth?
not really
Do you believe that the world is gonna end at 2012?
no
How many songs are on your iPod or MP3 Player?
don't have an ipod and about 20 on old MP3 player, if I still have it
Have you ever made your own survey?
yes! lots of fun
Can you swear inside your house?
I can, I own it
Do you save Bed Bath and Beyond coupons?
ummm - don't get them, can't save them
Have you ever had a pet goldfish?
have two, one gold and one white
When did you last eat waffles?
when Jess made them - December?
What is the most overrated thing in your opinion?
drama
Do you have a video Skype account?
no
What color is your bed comforter?
which one?
Does being in love make you gain weight?
yes
Dumbest person you know? and why?
that I know? hmmmm.... not sure I know a dumb person
Do your parents have home videos of you as a kid?
no
How old is your oldest cousin?
legal, two months older than me. Biological, 14 years older than me
If you HAD to get a tattoo, where and what would it be?
back of my shoulder, a Fresian
Do you think Obama has tried drugs?
who really cares?
What color is your bra or boxers?
white
What is your favorite radio station?
Satellite Radio 8
What ethnicity was your last ex?
caucasion
What brand is your refrigerator?
not going to get up and look
How many people do you know that are pregnant?
two
Do you have a picture with your middle finger up?
no
When is the last time you went to a birthday party?
August?
What is the best thing to happen to you this year so far?
I am still working, breathing and functioning
How long have you lived in the house you live in?
few years now
Do you read a newspaper daily?
nope
Anything your really afraid of?
sure
Do you read tabloids?
nope
Have you ever had a really bad haircut?
nope
Do you like your peanut butter crunchy or creamy?
crunchy
What is the scariest movie you've ever seen?
I avoid them
Have you ever ridden a skateboard?
no
Do you drink enough water on a daily basis?
no
Would you burn the American flag for a million dollars?
no
The main thing you cant leave your house without?
cell phone
Do you think the economy is improving yet?
political question!
When was the last time you read a book?
last night
Where did you get that shirt you're wearing?
Sears in Seattle
Do you play pranks on April Fools Day?
no
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5:34 pm - And the mystery deepens
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Sick Alaska seal shows possible spread of disease
DAN JOLING,Associated Press
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Federal wildlife officials say a sick ringed seal that was captured in southeast Alaska last week appears to be afflicted by the same symptoms suffered last year by ringed seals and Pacific walrus along northern coastlines.
The National Marine Fisheries Service says the Yakutat (YAK-uh-tat) seal was taken to Anchorage and euthanized because it was so ill.
The seal's blubber thickness indicated it was in good body shape, but veterinary pathologist Kathy Burek-Huntington says it had almost total hair loss and nodular, scabbed skin sores consistent with the disease seen on the North Slope and along the Bering Strait.
More than 60 dead and 75 sick seals were reported in Alaska starting in July, and most were ringed seals.
{note: we don't normally get ringed seals in SE}
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12:13 pm - weekend catch up (even this is late!)
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So much to catch up and I think I never will!! So just some quick notes.
Boo changed her mind about not playing in the Classics. I think she regretted doing that. Her little one was demanding on daddy, who kept asking her when she was coming home. What sucked on Wednesday was she couldn’t go home until the tournament director finally decided there was not enough time to play her second match. She was so upset that she had to wait 5 hours to find that out.
Thursday was 9 ball. Friday was 8 ball. Saturday was Scotch Doubles and women’s all the way to finals. Richie Orem was back from Fairbanks. Colleen came back to play. And won. Charlie Skultka got a little drunk and was a bit obnoxious during the first part of the last match, but we got that straightened out. No Jim Scudero as his wife had an aneurism the week before the tournament.
Dave Estes passed away Monday the 5th. Died of a heart attack. So heartbreaking. Such a good man. I cried instantly when I was told.
I spend 2 and a half hours cleaning the kitchen last night. 3 bags of trash. Going to talk to Jess and Gina on Sunday night, I think. When Jess isn’t working a double shift. Have to sit them down and explain to them AGAIN that it is time for them to go. The fact that Gina was asking to put a DVR in their room and they would be willing to pay half of the cable bill indicates to me that she has no intention of moving out anytime soon.
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| Tuesday, February 28th, 2012
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3:55 pm - In the News - lol, really?
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Woman accused of smuggling dog charged with theft
FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) — A woman accused of smuggling a small dog out of an animal shelter to avoid paying adoption fees has been charged.
The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner says 35-year-old Lindsay LaLonde of North Pole is facing one count of misdemeanor theft and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
A criminal complaint says shelter staff saw LaLonde come into the shelter and pass a beagle out the window to her daughter outside the building. The incident was captured by a security camera.
According to police, the woman said she passed the dog out the window because she could not afford the $90 adoption fee. The beagle, which shelter staff named Freddie, has been adopted legally by someone else.
(Fairbanks Daily News-Miner)
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| Thursday, February 23rd, 2012
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12:01 am - Remembered!!!
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Jeremy was running a little table by the electronics in Costco and asked me to sign up for the American Express. I told him I would do it just for him, but didn't expect it to give him any credit. Well, lo and behold if the damned thing wasn't approved!! Knock me over with a feather! I have a real credit card once again. Limit is only $1200, but that was $1200 more than I was expecting....
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| Thursday, February 9th, 2012
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10:13 pm - Lost....
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We lost tonight by 10 points. If Daniel, Chris, and I each had won just one of the games we lost, we would have won. But, we didn't. That makes twice we have lost to that team. :(
But we had good company. We played against Brian and Aurora, our teammates from last year, and Ana and Leo. Deb and Jim came by and Boo put ZZ into Deb's arms right off the bat. Then Heather came by, the one who has been car pooling with us.
And then Boo took my car key home with her and had to bring it back.
Then I got home and found the cigarette bucket had been upturned and this big ugly mess was next the porch. STINKY!! So glad I don't smoke and wish my roommates didn't. Cleaned that up, got the laundry going again. Now it's time to hop into the shower and get ready for tomorrow.
P.S. Didn't clean the litter boxes in the hall this week.
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| Saturday, February 4th, 2012
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8:13 am - Hold your hat, honey!!!
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High wind warning for Juneau expires, although high winds will persist ...gust to 134 clocked at Eaglecrest, 93 atop Tram
The high wind warning issued for Juneau this morning expired at Noon, although strong winds remain in the forecast.
Meteorologist Richard Lam in the Juneau Forecast Office says peak winds generally ranged between 60 to 70 miles per hour.
The peak gust at South Douglas Island was 60 miles per hour at 5:42 a.m.
It hit 78 miles an hour atop the Federal Building at 6 a.m.
There was a gust to 93 miles atop the Mt. Roberts Tram.
The grand daddy of them was a gust to 134 miles per hour at Eaglecrest at 6 a.m.
Strong winds remain in the forecast through 9 tonight.
Gusts to 45 miles are predicted.
Listeners in the Mendenhall Valley e-mailed the studios this morning to report a tree from the neighbor's yard blew on to their house.
Galen and Donna Goutermont report the tree was along the entire length of their house after a wind gust blew it off the roof.
They planned to check out the damage after sunrise and start cutting up firewood.
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| Friday, February 3rd, 2012
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10:31 am - In the News...
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Friday, February 3, 2012 6TH EDITION 9:25 A. M.]
UPDATE: High wind warning issued for Juneau
There's a high wind warning in effect for Juneau until Noon:
Southeast winds 25 to 40 miles per hour with gusts to 70 late morning and early afternoon are forecast.
Winds will decrease to 20 miles per hour with gusts to 45 in the afternoon.
The warning went into effect at 6 a.m., but high gusts were recorded before then.
The Federal Building had gusts to 60miles per hour.
Gusts to 70 have been reported at Eaglecrest.
Listeners in the Mendenhall Valley e-mailed the studios this morning to report a tree from the neighbor's yard blew on to their house.
Galen and Donna Goutermont report the tree was along the entire length of their house after a wind gust blew it off the roof. They planned to check out the damage after sunrise and start cutting up firewood.
January comes in as 8th snowiest in Juneau, 5th snowiest winter so far
January in Juneau was the eighth snowiest on record.
That's according to Meteorologist Geri Swanson in the Juneau Forecast Office of the National Weather Service.
She says the total was 49.4 inches which was 21.7 inches above normal. The monthly record is 75 inches set in 2009.
This winter is the fifth snowiest so far in Juneau with 112.1 inches through Thursday. The record is the 197.8 in the winter of 2006 and 2007.
Precipitation in January amounted to 6.43 inches, a little more than an inch above normal.
The median temperature was 26.9 degrees which was 1.4 degrees below normal.
The high was 42 degrees on the 8th. The low was 2 above on the 17th
Two daily records were established.
There was a snowfall record of 6.3 inches on the 29th.
The 1.8 inches of rain on the 8th set a record for that date.
Thane Road reopened after avalanche
Thane Road was reopened Thursday afternoon after an avalanche closed it on Wednesday night.
Greg Patz, the Maintenance Superintendent for the Southeast Region of state DOT confirmed that facts for us, saying the road was reopened as of 3:00 p.m.
He said they can pretty much confirm that the avalanche at the road was about 250 yards in width and at the highest point probably about 16-20 feet.
When asked if they felt the mountain was stable now that cleanup was complete, Patz said after avalanche control work and getting a look at the top of the mountain when the clouds lifted, he feels that it's pretty stable right now.
He said of course that can change pretty quickly with additional snow, rain and wind but after the shooting it's about as stable as you can expect it to get.
Patz did offer words of caution. He said they encourage people to drive safely and not to stop inside of the avalanche zone.
Public urged to stay off area trails due to avalanche danger
Avalanche danger on Juneau area trails is described as extremely high in a joint release issued by the City and Borough of Juneau and Forest Service.
The agencies say avalanches are very likely to occur on trails in the downtown and Douglas areas including Perseverance, Mt. Juneau, Mt. Roberts, Dan Moller and Dupont.
The release urges the public to avoid all avalanche terrain for at least 48 hours.
Seward, Sterling highways reopen
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — State transportation officials have reopened the Seward and Sterling highways.
The two highways south of Anchorage were closed early Thursday at their intersection after an avalanche fell at Mile 36 on the Seward Highway.
The snow has been removed from the highway, and roads were reopened at 3 p.m.
Fairbanks had 5th coldest January known for city
FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) — Weather forecasters say this January was the fifth-coldest January in Fairbanks on record.
The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner says the average temperature for the month at Fairbanks International Airport was almost 27 degrees below zero.
The National Weather Service says that's two-tenths of a degree colder than January 1969, the sixth coldest Januarys for Fairbanks.
The coldest January in Fairbanks occurred in 1906, with an average temperature of minus 36.4 degrees.
Other Januarys in Fairbanks colder than last month were in 1966, 1934 and 1971.
No daily temperature records were broken in Fairbanks last month. The average temperature, however, was 19 degrees below normal for the month.
(Fairbanks Daily News-Miner)
Officials update ferry's trip to Yakutat
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Alaska transportation officials dealing with poor weather in the Gulf of Alaska have updated the state ferry Kennicott's scheduled trip to Yakutat.
Officials said late Thursday afternoon that the Kennicott planned to leave Valdez on Thursday night en route to Cordova, followed by Whittier and then Yakutat.
They said the Kennicott was expected to arrive in Yakutat shortly after noon on Saturday.
Missing Bethel cabbie found dead in vehicle
BETHEL, Alaska (AP) — Alaska State Troopers say a missing Bethel cabbie has been found dead in her vehicle in suspicious circumstances at a village about 15 miles from her southwest Alaska home town.
Troopers said late Thursday that 54-year-old Young Suk Chong was last seen about 3 a.m. Tuesday. She was found dead Wednesday morning near the dump in Napakiak. She drove for Taxi Cab Co.
Her body was being sent to the state medical examiner's office for an autopsy. A troopers dispatch says criminal conduct is suspected. The cab was brought back to Bethel.
Radio KYUK in Bethel reported that volunteers searched for Chong in blizzard conditions and wind chill down to 65 below zero.
Troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters says the Alaska Bureau of Investigation has sent a detective to Bethel. Bethel police referred questions to Peters, who declined further comment.
Snowmachiner found dead near Toksook Bay
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Alaska State Troopers say they have found the body of a snowmachiner reported overdue in western Alaska.
Troopers say in a release that the body of 20-year-old Jed Alexie was located about six miles east of Toksook Bay. Troopers say it appears he died of exposure, but the body is being sent to Anchorage for an autopsy.
They say alcohol appears to be a factor in the death.
Alexie and 21-year-old Merlin Felix set out on snowmachines from Nunapitchuk Tuesday afternoon to Toksook Bay.
Felix arrived early Wednesday morning alone. Search efforts for Alexie were hampered by blizzard conditions, which lifted late Thursday morning.
Toksook Bay is located on Nelson Island, about 125 miles west of Bethel, or about 515 miles west of Anchorage.
Barista missing from coffee stand (shocking story - security cameras show the man who took her was armed)
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — An 18-year-old woman who worked as a barista at a coffee stand in Anchorage is missing.
The Anchorage Daily News says Samantha Koenig apparently locked up Common Grounds Espresso in mid-town Anchorage at about 8 p.m. Wednesday at the end of her shift, but has not been heard from since. Koenig's father reported her missing at about 1 p.m. Thursday.
Court records shows that Koenig filed for a protective order against a man in November, but the order was not issued when she failed to show up in court.
(Anchorage Daily News)
Divided committee moves Alaska school choice bill
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — An expansion of school choice programs available to Alaskans is one step closer to becoming a reality, but a 4-3 vote by the House Education Committee this week and concerns raised by legislators suggest the road ahead for the bill could be rough.
GOP Rep. Wes Keller of Wasilla envisions in HB145 a program that would give state funded "scholarships" for students to attend private or religious schools. In testimony before the committee, Keller said the approach would bring several benefits, including giving parents a greater ability to send their kids to private school if they opt for that over public school.
He said another plus is that increased competition would force schools to enact positive changes or lose out on students and funding.
Critics tell a different story.
Both Democrats on the committee, Reps. Sharon Cissna and Scott Kawasaki, voted in opposition. So did Republican Paul Seaton, who raised constitutional concerns. The state constitution prohibits use of public money for the direct benefit of any religious or other private educational institution.
Committee introduces pension bill
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Another bill aimed at addressing Alaska's pension problem has been introduced, this time by the Senate Finance Committee.
SB187 would establish a special fund for an equity infusion. The balance would be used by the Alaska Retirement Management Board in calculating its assets, meaning it would count toward reducing unfunded liabilities, which currently stand at $11 billion.
The bill doesn't include a dollar amount but committee aide Tim Grussendorf says $2 billion is an option.
The Legislative Finance director recently testified Alaska could save nearly $5 billion through 2025 with an upfront, $2 billion contribution to the public employees' retirement system, rather than continuing to make increasing direct payments.
Grussendorf says the state could recover the money once the system recovers.
The governor has expressed resistance to the infusion option.
Fairbanks schools looking at loss of nearly 100 positions (ouch)
FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) — The Fairbanks School District is coping with a budget shortfall that will mean fewer teachers and bigger class sizes.
The Daily News-Miner reports methods for coping with $12 million in cuts were revealed yesterday at a Citizens Budget Review Committee meeting.
Officials say 95 positions will have to be eliminated, including 50 teachers.
House passes Thomas' military transition bill unanimously
The Alaska House passed a bill Wednesday that aims to help military personnel leaving the service transition into civilian life more easily by allowing them to apply military training and certification toward professional licensing.
Representative Bill Thomas of Haines, who authored the bill, explained that the goal is to try and help separating service members make that transition from the military a little quicker.
According to Thomas, Alaska sees about 1,200 military soldiers retiring or being discharged and staying in the state each year. He said we need to welcome them here and help them with the transition as they get out.
Thomas said many veterans have already received quality training through the military, using the example of mechanics who have the ability to perform many required duties, but have to go through the process of getting certified at the local level within the state.
He gave another example of a Navy plumber with 20 years of experience. According to Thomas, there's no reason for them to come back and start all over again. Under HB 282, they would use their current certification, if it's approved by the licensing board, to go forward and authorize them to be licensed.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration where Senator Bill Wielechowski has its companion, SB 150.
Rural educators out of step with state regulators
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Educators from a western Alaska school district described to the House Education Committee Wednesday morning a relationship with state regulators they say is plagued by a lack of dialogue and inconsistent priorities.
The committee is considering HB256, which would remove the state's ability to intervene in struggling districts when it's perceived as being punitive.
Howard Diamond, superintendent of Yupiit School Districts, told the committee that state efforts have faltered because collaboration with rural districts when enacting improvements is lacking. He also said "one size fits all" approaches often fail in bush Alaska.
Rep. Peggy Wilson said varying ideals of the state's four governors in the past decade and five education commissioners since 2005 have complicated state efforts to help struggling districts.
Testimony will continue Friday.
Federal subsistence board goes to review process
KODIAK, Alaska (AP) — The state's federal subsistence board has discarded seven years of work to determine which rural federal lands in Alaska are eligible for subsistence hunting.
Working off data from the 2000 census, the board in 2007 made such designations. But the Kodiak Daily Mirror reports the board in January instead decided to hold a public review of how areas are designated rural or non-rural.
The review process is anticipated to take five years.
Instead of using data from the 2000 census, the board will continue to use data from the 1990 census throughout the review process.
Residents living in rural areas are only eligible for subsistence hunting rights on federal land. Those areas are to be redesignated after every census.
(Kodiak Daily Mirror)
Northern Waters recommendations released
The Alaska Northern Waters Task Force unveiled its recommendations Thursday.
Priority recommendations include providing Alaskans with opportunities to be involved in Arctic policy, creating an Alaskan Arctic Commission which will enable Alaska to be better prepared and to develop a state strategy for the Arctic, and to urge the United States Senate to ratify the Union Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Conference.
The task force was chaired by Kotzebue Representative Reggie Joule.
The Coast Guard served as the federal liaison to the task force.
Man dies days after being struck by van
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Alaska State Troopers say a 43-year-old man struck by a van while walking on the Seward Highway in late January has died.
The Anchorage Daily News reports Patrick Davids died late Wednesday.
Troopers say the he was parked along Mile 102 of the Seward Highway on Jan. 22 when he apparently walked into traffic, was struck by a van and dragged more than the length of a football field.
However, court document say a no bail arrest warrant was issued for the Anchorage financial adviser two days earlier on charges of first and second-degree sexual abuse of children.
Troopers did not fault the van driver in the accident.
(Anchorage Daily News)
Boyfriend nearly loses his ear
FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) — A Fairbanks area woman was arrested after being charged with nearly biting her boyfriend's ear off.
Alaska State Troopers say 25-year-old Elizabeth Matson is charged with second-degree felony assault and is being held on $15,000 bail.
According to the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner), Troopers were called to a home at about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday when a man called to report a fight between a man and a woman.
When troopers arrived, they found Matson's boyfriend sitting in a folding chair in the kitchen wearing only a pair of shorts. His arms and legs were covered with blood and blood was streaming from his head, troopers said.
Troopers say his ear was nearly severed from his head and he had a fresh bite mark on his upper arm.
(Fairbanks Daily News-Miner)
Portrait of "Uncle Ted" to be unveiled at Alaska State Museum Friday
Juneau Representative Cathy Munoz, who had a hand in the portrait's creation, told us how the process got started, saying about 10 months ago a constituent of hers, John Manly, contacted her and said they needed to get something in the capitol to recognize Senator Stevens.
So, she says they put their heads together and thought that an oil painting would be the most appropriate and probably the best way to recognize him. Munoz says they then began talking with the Rules Chairman about space in the capitol and also spoke with the Legislative Council, which governs the legislature during the interim and got the support of chairman Linda Menard for the project.
According to Munoz, next they began working with the family in selecting an artist and an image that they wanted conveyed in the portrait. She says they have now received the portrait, which is beautiful and they are really looking forward to the unveiling.
Dean Larson, the son of the late Representative Ron Larson of Palmer and a former intern in Stevens' office was chosen as the artist.
Senator Stevens' wife, Catherine Stevens, will speak at the event along with Governor Sean Parnell, Senate President Gary Stevens, House Speaker Mike Chenault and several others.
The unveiling is scheduled from 5-6:00 p.m. Friday at the Alaska State Museum.
Construction spending expected to increase in Alaska in 2012
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Officials anticipate an increase in construction spending this year in Alaska.
A forecast from the Institute of Social and Economic Research at the University of Alaska Anchorage says construction spending should be $7.7 billion in Alaska this year, up 3.3 percent from 2011.
The report also says there should be increased private spending in the utility, mining, health and oil and gas sectors.
Man accused of shooting dogs
FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) — A Two Rivers man is facing a weapons charge after allegedly shooting two of his dogs.
Alaska State Troopers say 48-year-old Harry Douglas was charged with misconduct involving weapons for possessing a firearm while intoxicated.
According to troopers, the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner says the man was intoxicated when he decided he no longer needed two of his dogs. He then allegedly walked from his home off Chena Hot Springs Road to a neighbor's home and borrowed a pistol and then returned home and shot the dogs.
Douglas then reportedly called his wife and told her what he had done. Charging documents say the wife called 911.
(Fairbanks Daily News-Miner)
Red Bull bandit focus of Crime Line (hee hee, used his "wings" to escape?)
A theft from a grocery store is the focus of the most recent Juneau Crime Line.
On December 30, 2011 at about 5:47 p.m., Juneau Police officers responded to A & P Market on Willoughby Ave for a reported theft.
A store employee reported a man took a case of Red Bull energy drink, put it over his shoulder and walked out of the store without paying for it.
The employee chased the subject to the area of Whittier St. but was unable to stop him.
The suspect is described as a white male, about 6’2”-6’3”, 180 pounds, 18-21 years of age, short black hair with a black hoody.
Any one with information is encouraged to go on-line and report their tip.
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www.juneaucrimeline.com
2 top level appointments announced by SEARHC
The Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium announces two appointments.
One is Barbara Seals as the chief financial officer.
She has been serving as interim CFO since last month and previously served as vice president of finance and administration from 2002 to 2006.
Matthew Ione was promoted to be the chief administrative officer for SEARHC.
He has been serving as Human Resources Director since 2010.
Juneau's rabbi among graduates of initial nonprofit management program
Juneau's rabbi was among the graduates from the first class of the Rabbinic Management Institutes' Certificate Program in Nonprofit Management at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles.
Rabbi Dov Gartenberg was one of 14 graduates of the year long program.
It is described as an unprecedented program geared towards providing rabbis with business skills and management training necessary to run their synagogue more efficiently in the 21st Century.
Sheldon Jackson archives given to state (OMG - the volume of these records are HUGE!!)
SITKA, Alaska (AP) — The archives of a now-closed college have been turned over to the state of Alaska.
The trustees of Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka entered into the agreement earlier this week.
The Daily Sitka Sentinel reports the school's archives will go to the state Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums. These include student records going back to 1917, plaques and even a desk once used by the Rev. Sheldon Jackson.
Trustees would like the items to stay in Sitka, and say by presenting them to the state was the best possible outcome.
The college closed amid financial difficulties in 2007.
(Daily Sitka Sentinel)
Crimson Bears continue road trip
The Juneau Douglas Crimson Bears Men's Basketball team continues their string of road games up north this evening.
They dropped a contest to Wasilla Thursday night 64 to 44.
The Bears do battle with the Warriors again tonight.
Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. tonight from Wasilla High School and you can listen to that game live on 800 KINY.
The Crimson Bears continue their road play on Saturday night before returning to the Capital City.
Juneau Douglas has a date with the Palmer Moose. Saturday's match up will be the 4th game in as many nights for the Juneau Douglas boys as they will attempt to wrap up their long road trip with a victory.
Tip off between the Crimson Bears and the Moose is set for 6:00 p.m. and you can also catch a live broadcast of that game on 800 KINY.
The Lady Crimson Bears defeated Colony 60 to 54 during the Lady Lynx Prep Shootout at Dimond High in Anchorage Thursday.
Juneau plays host Dimond tonight.
Iditarod trail altered
Teams in this year's Iditarod may skip one of the most notorious stretches of trail: the Happy River Steps, a series of downhill switchbacks that tend to bust up mushers, dogs, and sleds.
Iditarod teams usually encounter the steps, between Finger Lake and Rainy Pass, on the second day of the race.
Iditarod officials say they're shifting that section of the trail to a nearby mining road that was bulldozed last year along the Skwentna River.
Race veteran Dee Dee Jonrowe tells the Anchorage Daily News the dangerous part of the trail needed fixing. But others, like last year's second-place finisher Ramey Smyth, say it could make the race too easy.
The Iditarod begins with a ceremonial start in Anchorage March 3rd.
Whale movie shot in Alaska opens nationally including Juneau
A movie shot in Alaska based on actual events, about 3 whales, opens Friday.
Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski play an ex-couple who, along with others, try to save the gray whales are trapped in ice in the Arctic Ocean near Barrow.
Ted Danson also stars as an oil-drilling businessman.
In Juneau, the movie will be shown at Glacier Cinema in the Valley at 7 and 9:20 Friday evening.
Ice Classic tickets go on sale (woot, woot - another sign that spring is on the way!!)
FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) — Tickets for the annual Nenana Ice Classic are on sale.
The guessing game is going into its 96th year with the ice on the Tanana River the thinnest it's been in years. But, what that means for breakup is anyone's guess.
The object of the game is to guess the exact day and time the Tanana River ice will go out in Nenana.
The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner says last year, 22 different ticket holders shared a record $338,062 jackpot when the ice went out on May 4 at 4:24 p.m. AST.
Each winning ticket was worth $15,366.45 before taxes.
Tickets for this year's Ice Classic went on sale Wednesday and are available at almost 200 different locations across the state.
(Fairbanks Daily News-Miner)
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6:24 am - Okay people, you can stop dying now, please?
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For a week or two?
Blain's nephew hung himself Friday the 27th.
My former neice's boyfriend died on Friday the 13th. Just found out today.
Windy, the former mayor of Hoonah, died on Saturday the 28th.
Romer's services are tomorrow - during the day, so I can't go. 2pm.
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