Anne Hillman, Alaska Public Media
Anne Hillman is the healthy communities editor at Alaska Public Media and a host of Hometown, Alaska. Reach her at ahillman@alaskapublic.org. Read more about Anne here.
National Archives departure impacts broad community
The National Archives in Anchorage is closing its doors to researchers in less than two weeks, despite impassioned pleas by historians and researchers. But they aren't the only ones who use the stacks of historical records. Playwrights, federal and state agencies, and native organizations do as well. And the archives leaving could impact them all, to a degree.
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Over 4,250 Show For Anchorage’s Bike To Work Day
More than 4,250 bikers turned out for Bike to Work Day in Anchorage on Wednesday. That’s more than double the participants for last year’s snowy event, when low numbers were blamed on the cold, wet weather. In 2012, about 3,800 bikers took to the streets and trails.
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Anchorage Bike to Work Day participation soars
More than 4,250 bikers turned out for Bike to Work Day in Anchorage today. That's more than double the participants for last year's snowy event, when low numbers were blamed on the cold, wet weather. In 2012, about 3,800 bikers took to the streets and trails.
Anchorage ranks among nation’s top bike commuting cities
Anchorage is celebrating it's 10th annual Bike to Work Day on Wednesday -- an event aimed at promoting bike commuting in Anchorage. But Bike to Work Day isn't the only time cyclists are on the road in the city. Data from the American Community Survey says that bike commuting in Anchorage is up 151 percent since 1990. It's one of the top cities in the nation for bike commuters.
Anchorage Assembly considers labor law options
Anchorage Assembly members met Tuesday to continue the conversation about the municipality’s controversial labor law, AO-37. The labor subcommittee and community members debated Assembly Member Jennifer Johnston’s proposed revisions of the municipality’s old labor laws.
Orphaned wolf pups finding love at the Alaska Zoo
Funny River Fire Evacuees Back at Home, But Prepared to Leave Again
Hooligan's Lodging became one of Soldotna's main hubs during the evacuation. Though most evacuees have returned home, the hotel is ready in case the fire moves toward the community again.
Tyonek fire 100% contained
The Tyonek Fire is now considered 100% contained. It burned about 1,900 acres. Most of the crews and resources are now being used on the Funny River Fire instead, though some personnel and equipment will stay behind to make sure the fire stays under control.
Funny River Fire Brings Community Together
Hooligan’s Lodging became one of Soldotna’s main hubs during the evacuation. Though most evacuees have returned home, the hotel is ready in case the fire moves toward the community again. KSKA’s Anne Hillman stopped by.
DNA sample leads to arrests for sexual assault in 2003 cold case
The Anchorage Police Department arraigned two suspects on Thursday in a sexual assault case from 2003. They say they re-opened the case after a DNA sample from one of the suspects matched the sample taken from the victim nearly 11 years ago when she reported the crime soon after it happened.
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Anchorage Air Quality Impacted By Regional Wildfires
Smoke from regional wildfires is causing concerns for air quality conditions in Anchorage. The municipality's Department of Health and Human Services said the air is unhealthy for all people and advises everyone to stay indoors.
Assembly passes special zoning for Eklutna village
The village of Eklutna is now protected as a special area within the city of Anchorage. The Anchorage Assembly unanimously voted on Tuesday to create an overlay district to protect the 800 acres that are considered the to be the oldest continually inhabited Athabascan site in the region.
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ASD passes amended budget, adds back in teacher positions
The Anchorage School Board voted to increase the 2014-2015 school budget by $26.5 million on Monday night, which takes the total up to almost $770 million. With the additional money the district will only lose 57 teachers instead of 143. Other funds will go toward charter schools, early literacy programs, and updating aging science teaching kits.
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Anchorage School District releases proposed budget amendments
The Anchorage School District released their suggestions for adjusting next year’s budget on Friday. Under the superintendent’s proposal, the district would cut 57 classroom teachers instead of 143. The proposal does not add back in more than 48 support staff positions that were cut in the initial budget.
East High grads reflect on diversity
Seniors from most of Anchorage’s high schools are graduating this week and next. The district's high schools rank among the most diverse in the nation. East high tops that list with more than 2000 kids from every corner of the world. Grads spoke about how all that diversity affected their education.
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State Supreme Court Hears Same-Sex Survivor Benefits Case
The Alaska Supreme Court listened to oral arguments Tuesday in a case that challenges whether or not same-sex couples should receive survivor benefits.
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Mt. View community spruces up for spring
Things look a little different in Mountain View these days. The community in north Anchorage just finished their 25th annual community-wide clean-up. This year they were joined by other city residents to improve their green space as well.
Anchorage transportation plan to hold steady on money for bike routes
The city will not be increasing the $11.8 million they plan to use for non-motorized transport projects in the 2015 to 2018 Transportation Improvement Program. The Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions advisory committee took comments on the plan on Thursday. A dozen people spoke in favor of increasing the money used to mark bike lanes and improve the trail system.
Kids learn something new during Bike to School Day
Students from Lake Otis Elementary spoke about their first experiences biking to school and the lessons they learned on the way.
Tok Biomass Boiler Heats School, Funds Music Teacher
In late 2010 the Tok School fired up its new biomass boiler to heat the school. By 2013 it was providing electricity as well and saving the school district about $350,000 per year. Now, those same scrubby trees will help grow fresh vegetables for the district’s students.