Author: Rachel Enano

A dramatic rescue unfolded off the Alaska Gulf Coast on Sunday. Three people were pulled from the water after their fishing boat, Tsiu, caught fire due to an electrical malfunction. The U.S. Coast Guard reported that the trio is recovering and in stable condition in Yakutat. This successful Alaska fishing boat rescue is a testament to the Coast Guard’s swift response. The incident began early Sunday morning when the Tsiu suffered an onboard electrical fire amidst gusty winds and 15-foot seas. The vessel lost power and drifted, putting the lives of its crew at risk. An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter was…

Honoring Veterans Day is a significant event, and Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson (JBER) recently paid tribute to America’s veterans in a heartfelt ceremony. On Monday, JBER recognized veterans’ selfless services and sacrifices in a ceremony that announced the 2024 Governor’s Veterans Advocacy Award recipient.Among those honored was a 103-year-old World War II veteran, U.S. Army Technician Third Grade Louis Gigliotti, affectionately known as “Jiggs”. Forrest Powel III, Deputy Director for the Alaska State Office of Veteran Affairs, emphasized the importance of recognizing veterans’ sacrifices, not just those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but also those who served honorably and continue…

Alaska’s Capitol Christmas Tree, a nearly 80-foot spruce from the Tongass National Forest, started its cross-country trip to Washington D.C. in late October. Wrangell, Alaska, was the tree’s first farewell stop. From there, it traveled to Ketchikan before heading to the Lower 48.The tree arrived in Pocatello, Idaho, on Saturday, coinciding with Veteran’s Day weekend. Residents celebrated with a parade featuring a local marching band and color guard. The main attraction was tree’s enormous trailer, with clear walls showcasing the spruce.Next, the tree visited Murray, Utah, where festive crowds wore holiday sweaters despite the lack of snow. James Edward Mills…

Alaska’s holiday shopping event kicked off its 22nd year at ChangePoint Church in Anchorage. This annual tradition brings local vendors, artisans, and shoppers to one place.Organizer Sarah Halborn oversees 150 booths featuring local items. “We have woodworking, paintings, glass ornaments, and Christmas decorations,” Halborn said. The diverse range of products ensures something for everyone.The Alaskan Christmas Bazaar nonprofit supports local charities. This year’s beneficiary is the Community Pregnancy Center, aiding teens, new moms, and expectant mothers. The nonprofit was established six years ago when the bazaar moved to ChangePoint Church.To ease parking congestion, the bazaar now spans two days -…

Anchorage tackles homelessness with its innovative HOPE team. A pilot program launched in late August to address the city’s growing homeless population, Officer Ruth Adolf and Social Work Navigator Tanya Vandenbos form the dynamic duo behind this initiative. On a chilly November morning, Adolf and Vandenbos embark on their daily rounds, visiting homeless camps and engaging with individuals on the streets. They aim to connect people with essential services, provide cold-weather shelter options, and understand their unique needs. As part of the Anchorage police department, the HOPE team leverages its unique position to conduct outreach efforts. Lt. Brian Fuchs, who…

The Alaska National Guard joined forces with Klatt Elementary School to spread Red Ribbon Week awareness, saying no to drugs and tobacco. During this initiative, the longest-running drug and violence prevention program in the US, students learned about a healthy, drug-free life.Master Sgt. Elijah Gutierrez, part of the program, emphasized the importance of early conversations about healthy choices. “We are planning seeds for making healthy choices and living healthy,” Gutierrez said. The assembly featured representatives from the American Lung Association, Drug Enforcement Administration, Anchorage Police Department, and Alaska Troopers.Klatt Elementary principal Kelsy Deiman-Szymanski highlighted the significance of Red Ribbon Week.…

A string of vandalism incidents rocked Fairbanks, Alaska, Sunday night leaving six buildings damaged. The targeted locations included the Fairbanks Children’s Museum, Republic Campaign Headquarters, a U.S. Post Office, and Spirit of Alaska Federal Credit Union. Authorities believe the attackers have used a small BB or pellet gun in the attacks. The vandalism resulted in mostly broken windows, with Chad Roberts, manager of one of the affected buildings, reporting 14 shots to their door alone. Roberts expressed frustration, saying, “It’s always chasing broken glass.” The repeated damage has prompted consideration of replacing glass with metal or alternative materials. The Fairbanks…

A devastating infant death in Anchorage underscores why Alaska needs baby safety. A newborn’s outdoor death has sparked renewed efforts to install lifesaving devices at local fire stations. Anchorage Fire Department dispatcher Frances Robinson and her colleague are driving this initiative. They aim to have these boxes at every fire station in Anchorage, ensuring a safe and anonymous option for those in crisis. Alaska’s Safe Haven laws allow individuals to surrender infants under 21 days old to fire stations or hospitals without questions. However, this requires face-to-face interaction, which can be daunting. The proposed baby boxes would alleviate this concern.…

Amidst the Alaska Election surge, voters in Anchorage braved long lines and wintry weather to cast their early ballots on Sunday, November 3, 2024. This scene mirrors a national trend, with more Americans and Alaskans choosing to vote early in previous elections. Over 23,900 voters in Anchorage and 61,900 statewide cast early ballots by Sunday evening, exceeding Alaska’s 2020 record. Cal Williams, donning a yellow hat, waited two hours to vote early. Sonja Kent, another voter, echoed the sentiment, “I don’t want to leave it to chance.” She usually votes on election day but decided to vote early due to…

The U.S. Department of Justice will monitor five Alaskan boroughs and census areas during Tuesday’s election to ensure compliance with federal voting laws. The DOJ monitors Alaska elections efforts including the North Slope Borough, Northwest Arctic Borough, Kusilvak Census Area, Bethel Census Area, and Dillingham Census Area. Justice Department personnel will contact state and local election officials throughout Election Day. The DOJ’s civil rights, criminal, and national security divisions will take an active role in monitoring. Protecting the right to vote is essential to maintaining confidence in America’s democratic system. The DOJ enforces federal statutes like the Voting Rights Act…

The Anchorage school district will release a list of schools that could face closure, combination, or repurposing on Friday as part of its “Rightsizing ASD” initiative. This move will address financial struggles. Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt explains that rightsizing involves consolidating or repurposing school buildings. The district has faced significant financial challenges, including a $48 million budget deficit in 2022 and a $98 million deficit last December. This led to the closure of Abbott Loop Elementary last May, and residents expressed concerns about the impact on community cohesion. ASD’s enrollment has dropped by 6,450 students over the past decade, a 13%…

A tragic incident unfolded on February 15, 2017, when Andrew John Eknaty and Carleigh Kaye West’s reckless actions sparked a devastating fire at the Royal Suite Lodge. Consequently, three lives were lost, and several others were injured. Eknaty and West pleaded guilty to three counts of manslaughter and one consolidated count of first-degree assault. Furthermore, they received 24-year prison sentences for their role in the fatal fire. On that fateful night, West crashed her vehicle while intoxicated and evading police. Subsequently, Eknaty drove the car to the Royal Suite Lodge and parked under the carport. To destroy evidence, they started…