Alaska News Nightly: October 12, 2007

Vic Kohring’s lawyer says he has new evidence showing improper actions by the FBI, and will ask to have the case dismissed. Plus, Barrow residents take in the strange sight of walrus hauling out along the town’s shore. Those stories and more on tonight’s Alaska News Nightly, broadcast statewide on APRN stations.

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Kohring lawyer claims FBI misconduct will lead to case dismissal
David Shurtleff, APRN – Anchorage
A lawyer for Vic Kohring says he intends to ask a federal judge to dismiss the case against him, and cites new evidence of possible misconduct by the FBI.

Exxon Valdez case hits U.S. Supreme Court this month
Joel Southern, APRN – Washington, DC
The next few weeks will determine whether the long-running legal fight over punitive damages from the Exxon Valdez oil spill will come to an end — or enter another round in the nation’s highest court.

Walrus hauling out on Barrow beaches, apparently waiting for sea ice
Janelle Everett, KBRW – Barrow
Many residents in Barrow are getting an up-close look at an unusual sight in the area — walrus coming ashore to haul out and rest.

Could fruit trees bloom in the Interior?
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
Researchers in Fairbanks are trying to identify fruit trees that grow best in the Interior. University of Alaska Cooperative Extension Service forester Bob Wheeler says the project is aimed at finding apple and other fruit crops that could help sustain bush villages.

Alaska cod and flatfish fisheries seek sustainability seal of approval
Casey Kelly, KMXT – Kodiak
A pair of Alaska fisheries will be seeking Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification at the same time. The MSC label recognizes fisheries that are sustainable and responsibly managed.

Juneau office building mold dispute continues after repairs
John Ryan, KTOO – Juneau
Most workers have returned to their offices in Juneau’s Department of Labor building after months of repair work on the leaky structure. Management at the Department of Labor and Workforce Development say it’s healthy to work there now, but some workers are not convinced the building’s mold problem has been solved.

Ferry advisors push for more service, not necessarily more money
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
The state’s Marine Transportation Advisory Board voted this week to ask for ferry service increase of about 5%. But they didn’t ask for a bigger state subsidy. The state’s ferry chief doubts he can increase sailings while keeping spending flat.

Juneau hospital opens parking space for airborne ambulances
Rosemarie Alexander, KTOO – Juneau
A rooftop heliport is now in service at Juneau’s Bartlett Regional Hospital. It completes Bartlett’s new addition and is considered a major link to better healthcare in northern Southeast Alaska.

Alaska remembers Tanana elder David Salmon
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
Flags are at half-staff across Alaska today, following the death of an Athabascan elder and leader. The Reverend David Salmon died yesterday. He was the first traditional chief for the Tanana Chief’s region, and the first Athabascan ordained to the Episcopal ministry.

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