Alaska News Nightly: May 10, 2010

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Alaska Fisherman Sympathize with Gulf Shrimpers
Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage
The failure of BP’s plan to cap a gushing underground oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico has only exacerbated concerns about the eventual magnitude of the spill. Efforts to cap the leak failed over the weekend, when ice crystals jammed a containment box designed to cover the leak, which is about a mile underwater.

Former Governor Wally Hickel, Dead at 90
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
Former Governor Wally Hickel – elected twice to the state’s highest office – died Friday night, the result of a heart attack he had earlier last week. He was ninety years old. Hickel was elected as the state’s second governor in 1966 and returned to office in 1990. He also served as the U.S. Secretary of the Interior for the Nixon Administration from 1969 to 1970.

Longtime Hickel Assistant Remembers Him as a Visionary
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
Malcolm Roberts began working for Interior Secretary Wally Hickel in 1970. He then followed Hickel to Alaska after both were fired by President Nixon. Roberts has worked as an assistant to Wally Hickel ever since. His 40 year career by the former Governor’s side gives him unique insight into his legacy.

Hickel Worked to Establish His Legacy
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
As governor, Wally Hickel introduced a pragmatic approach to his vision for Alaska. His idea that big dreams lead to big results was frequently tempered at times by a recognition of what was possible.

Unique Flood Problem in Red Devil
Shane Iverson, KYUK – Bethel
Low water may not seem like a flood danger, but that is exactly the problem for one village on the Kuskokwim River right now. The Village of Red Devil is experiencing some minor flooding because ice is jammed on an exposed sand bar.

Young Professionals Confront City Life with Bush Background
Michelle Theriault, APRN – Anchorage
Andrea Gusty and Marta Muntean both left Rural Alaska for college knowing they were not likely to return. Now in Anchorage, they grapple with the fact that sometimes building a career means leaving the rural way of life.

Play Looks at Experience of Homeless Teens in Fairbanks
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
A drama playing in Fairbanks explores the experience of homeless teens. The original work “Alice in the Underground” is a production of Fairbanks Counseling and Adoption Service’s Street Outreach and Advocacy Program. Youth Advocate Sarah Finnel says the adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland” mixes reality with fantasy.

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