Alaska News Nightly: January 21, 2013

Individual news stories are posted on the APRN news page. You can subscribe to APRN’s newsfeeds via emailpodcast and RSS. Follow us on Facebook at alaskapublic.org and on Twitter @aprn.

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Alaskans Attend Presidential Inauguration

Peter Granitz, APRN – Washington DC

President Obama swore in for his second term today. He spoke to a crowd on the National Mall of about a million people, with millions more tuned in at home.

And while most people watched from afar, some lucky Alaskans were there to witness to it firsthand.

Top-Level Army Leader: Alaska’s Strategic Importance Will Limit Military Budget Cuts

Tim Ellis, KUAC – Fairbanks

The Army’s second-highest-ranking civilian leader visited Fort Wainwright last week to talk about Alaska and the strategic role it plays in the nation’s defense – and how that might help protect the state’s military installations from cutbacks during upcoming budget battles in Washington.

State To Auction Off Creamer Assets

Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage

When the Matanuska Creamery closed its doors on Dec. 30, it left more than 15 people without jobs, and it left a debt to the state of about $900,000. The Creamery’s closure marked the end of a dream of establishing a viable dairy industry in the Valley.

State Proposes New Language For Logging Practices

Matt Lichtenstein, KFSK – Petersburg

State rules for logging steep, unstable hillsides will see some language changes under a proposal from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. The regulatory amendments were prompted by concerns from a group of Petersburg residents who worry that a potential timber sale will trigger landslides above their homes. They say the new wording fails to address the issue of public safety.

NOAA Says ‘No Way’ To Electronic Monitoring For Two Years

Robert Woolsey, KCAW – Sitka

After refusing to implement an electronic monitoring program developed by fishermen, NOAA Fisheries is moving forward with a plan of its own to test cameras on boats this spring.

But a top official who met with Sitka fishermen last week said too many questions remain about the system, and there’s no way a functional electronic monitoring program could be ready in the next two years.

Jeff King Wins Kuskokwim 300

Angela Denning-Barnes, KYUK – Bethel

Jeff King of Denali won the Kuskokwim 300 sled dog race for the ninth time Sunday. Twenty-one teams competed.

Mushers Drop Off Food In Preparation For Yukon Quest

Emily Schwing, KUAC – Fairbanks

Mushers in Fairbanks and Whitehorse handed over thousands of pounds of dog food, human food and personal items to Yukon Quest race officials last Saturday.  The annual food drop brings both a sense of relief and taste of reality to those who are signed up to run in the international sled dog race.

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