JUNEAU

State projects population will grow by 28 percent by 2035

Alaska could feel a little more crowded by 2035. The state Department of Labor and Workforce Development projects Alaska's population to increase by 28 percent in 23 years.

The department says in a release that the increase equals more than 200,000 people, likely putting the state at about 915,000 residents in 2035.

The department notes the population could be as high as 1.1 million or as low as 760,000 people, according to different migration projections. All areas of Alaska, except Southeast, are expected to grow. Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough are expected to have the most growth.

The Alaska Native population is expected to increase from just over 122,000 to nearly 160,000 by 2035.

-- Associated Press

ALEKNAGIK

Man charged for repeatedly firing shotgun near homes

A 23-year-old Aleknagik man is accused of firing a shotgun multiple times near homes in the village.

Alaska State Troopers say Jeremiah Chuckwuk is charged with weapons misconduct and assault in connection to the incident at Aleknagik, 16 miles northwest of Dillingham in Southwest Alaska.

Troopers say they were contacted Saturday evening about an intoxicated man firing a gun and shouting threats in a residential area. According to troopers, at least two people feared they would be injured.

Troopers say officers were unable to contact Chuckwuk that night. He was arrested Sunday afternoon.

Trooper Michael Henry in Dillingham says Chuckwuk is being held on $5,000 bail at the Anchorage jail.

-- Associated Press

MAT-SU

Snowmachining areas closed

With the deterioration of snow conditions, the Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation is closing certain areas in the Mat-Su region to snowmachine use.

The portion of the Hatcher Pass Road snowmachine corridor from the Goldmint Trailhead at Mile 14 to Mile 16.5, as well as Archangel Valley, is closed to snowmachining as of Monday.

The portion of the snowmachine corridor from the Fishhook Parking Lot up to and including Summit Lake State Recreation Site remains open.

-- Anchorage Daily News / adn.com