Anchorage Edition: August 31, 2007

Fri, Aug 31, 2007

Host Michael Carey gathers journalists and commentators for a review of the week’s news, politics and public affairs in Anchorage and Alaska.

Governor Palin decides it’s time to sell (or shut down) Matanuska Maid
Governor Palin is staying in Wasilla until the next legislative session, and her kids will stay, too
Senator Lisa Murkowski expresses doubts about the natural gas pipeline project
Former Senator and current Presidential candidate Mike Gravel comes to town to campaign and reflects on his place in Alaskan history
Department of Transportation says a bridge to Gravina Island in southeast is unlikely at best
Joshua Wade, cleared of murder charges several years ago, is now sought by police and the FBI in a new case of a missing woman in Anchorage

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Anchorage Assembly approves targeted property tax relief for fire victims

Fri, Aug 31, 2007

Perhaps no physical disaster hits families harder than the destruction of their home. And in Anchorage, fire is the primary cause. At its last session, the Anchorage Assembly approved a disaster relief ordinance designed to ease some of the financial pain.

Len Anderson, KSKA – Anchorage

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Stage Talk: Anchorage Community Theater (ACT) 2007-2008 Season

Fri, Aug 31, 2007

Hosts Kristina Church and Mark Muro talk to Ron Holmstrom, Executive Director of Anchorage Community Theatre (ACT), about the upcoming ACT 2007-2008 season. Scheduled productions include “The Wizard of Oz” (October 2007), “The Perfect Wedding” (November 2007), “The Nerd” (February 2008) and “Mousetrap” (April 2008).

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KSKA off the air in non-Anchorage areas today

Fri, Aug 31, 2007

KSKA’s signal to our translated areas — Seward, Girdwood, Unalaska and Prudhoe Bay — will be off the air today from 11:00 a.m. until about 5:00 p.m. for technical and transmitter work to improve the quality and reliability of the broadcast signal. Broadcasting in the Anchorage area will not be affected. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

Commission says buying city hall seems better than renting

Thu, Aug 30, 2007

Early this summer, Mayor Mark Begich asked the municipal Public Facilities Advisory Commission to investigate whether or not the city should look into buying City Hall. The municipality currently has a long-term lease. On Wednesday, the commission said “yes,” but with reservations.

Len Anderson, KSKA – Anchorage

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ASD’s suspension/expulsion report shows decline in fighting

Thu, Aug 30, 2007

The Anchorage School District has issued its suspension and expulsion report for the fourth quarter of the 2006-2007 school year, along with a category-by-category comparison for the last three years. Though it’s a report focused on bad behaviors, there were actually some encouraging items of note.

Fourth Quarter Suspension / Expulsion Report (PDF)

Len Anderson, KSKA – Anchorage

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Mat-Su Borough approves laws regulating power plant construction

Wed, Aug 29, 2007

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough will take on the regulation of any power plants that may be built within Borough borders in the future. The Borough Assembly has given the green light to a heavily-amended ordinance that limits the size and operation of any power generation facility, and that is not good news for officials at Matanuska Electric Association.

Ellen Lockyer, APRN – Matanuska-Susitna Borough

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Anchorage Police and FBI looking for Joshua Alan Wade

Wed, Aug 29, 2007

Anchorage police today said they want to talk to Joshua Alan Wade about the disappearance of Mindy Schloss, an Anchorage nurse who has been missing nearly a month. And the FBI says he’s wanted for bank fraud. Officials say Wade is shown in a security photo using a Sand Lake ATM the weekend Schloss vanished. The FBI says he was making unauthorized withdrawals from Schloss’ bank account. Officials say Wade is believed to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached.
READ MORE →

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Governor pushing for Matanuska Maid privatization before December

Wed, Aug 29, 2007

Governor Sarah Palin has accepted a recommendation by the State Creamery Board to sell the Matanuska Maid dairy operation. Palin held a press conference in Palmer this morning to announce her support for selling the dairy to a private company or individual. The state-owned company just suffered it’s worst month ever, losing some $300,000 in July alone.

David Shurtleff, APRN – Anchorage

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Community Forum: Jack Roderick

Wed, Aug 29, 2007

Jack Roderick, former Anchorage mayor, oil investor, lease broker and author of Crude Dreams: A Personal History of Oil and Politics in Alaska is our guest this week. Participate in a spirited discussion of Alaska, the state’s politics and more.