2nd Norton Sound Health Corp. worker tests positive for COVID-19; Nome hospital closed to public
Both cases involving Norton Sound Health Corp. employees were detected through routine employee testing, NSHC said.
Rural Alaska
‘Unserviced’: Villages adapt to the coronavirus pandemic without running water or sewage systems
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends regular handwashing during the pandemic. Many in rural Alaska without running water are left asking: How?
‘Unserviced’: Why some Western Alaska villages lack basic sanitation infrastructure
As aging water systems and climate change threaten the health of Alaska Native villagers across the Bering Strait region, residents struggle to find money for critical infrastructure - a search complicated by federal and state bureaucracies.
Southeast Alaska commuter airline makes offer to resurrect PenAir amid Ravn bankruptcy
The offer to Ravn Air Group by Alaska Seaplanes could restore long-term air service to Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands communities including Unalaska.
Unmanned barge floating down Kuskokwim River has been recovered
The barge traveled more than 100 miles in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, cargo transportation company Alaska Logistics LLC said.
Kivalina whalers bring home beluga bounty, while Utqiagvik is having a strong season
The 77 Swan Crew, captained by Replogle Swan Sr. and his wife, Dolly, braved uncertain traveling conditions to head northwest from Kivalina to Point Hope.
Richard Beneville, the exuberant and colorful mayor of Nome, dies at 75
Beneville, a resident for almost 30 years who had retired from Nome Public Schools, was first elected mayor in 2015 and was serving his third term.
Border closure leaves Southeast Alaska towns cut off from their Canadian ‘backyard’
The U.S.-Canada border once seemed like a “technicality” in Haines, Skagway and Hyder. Now it’s an enforced barrier between linked communities.
Company plans retrieval of unmanned barge floating down Kuskokwim River
The barge was headed to Red Devil in October before the river began to freeze, Long said.
US census workers to restart Alaska door-to-door canvassing
Teams delivering materials have been trained to observe social distancing and will following federal health and safety guidelines, the Census Bureau said.
Kotzebue high school graduates get a parade after pandemic postpones commencement
Due to social distancing mandates and a “hunker down” order, graduating seniors celebrated a little differently and rode on four-wheelers and in the beds of decorated trucks.
Stranded Napaimute couple rescued from flooded Kuskokwim River waters
The pair were hoisted from 140 feet above, according to Guard officials. Flooding continues to be a concern in the area.
Demise of RavnAir reduces rural Alaska’s medical transport options
There are 18 villages in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta without regular air service because RavnAir was the only passenger carrier serving them.
Breakup underway in Kuskokwim River basin; residents wary of floods
The National Weather Service predicted ice jams and flooding along the river in coming weeks.
Rabid coyote attacks dog in Quinhagak, prompting temporary lift of travel restrictions
Quinhagak had to weigh the risk of rabies with the risk of inviting a veterinarian into the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
North Slope Borough to rent Ravn facilities after borough’s seizure deemed unlawful
The borough will pay $100,000 monthly to RavnAir Group debtors for access to facilities and equipment in Utqiagvik and Deadhorse, court documents said.
9th Alaskan to die from COVID-19 is Mat-Su woman in her 30s; first case announced in Bering Strait region
Meanwhile, the state Department of Corrections says the tally of workers at Lemon Creek Correctional Center in Juneau with COVID-19 is now up to six.
Southwest Alaska village worries bootlegging could spread coronavirus
New penalties in Kwethluk include fines of $1,000 and confiscations of snowmachines or other vehicles used to transport alcohol and drugs.
From PPE to testing, officials outline strategies for rural Alaska communities to prepare for COVID-19
Dr. Robert Onders, medical director at Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, says that with proper tools, rural communities can manage the virus.
Rural Alaska villages implement travel restrictions amid pandemic
Gov. Mike Dunleavy has given communities regulation leeway through their councils and other governmental entities, so travel restrictions vary.