Alaska News Nightly: February 22, 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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Kwethluk Residents Say Barge May Be Tainting Waterhole

Mark Arehart, KYUK – Bethel

A barge that sank in a Kuskokwim River slough last fall near the village of Kwethluk is still there. Residents are concerned fuel and oil from the barge may be contaminating a traditional watering hole. State officials say the tests haven’t shown any contamination but they have other concerns about the stranded barge.

Interior Department Finalizes NPR-A Plan, Creates Pipeline Corridor

Peter Granitz, APRN – Washington DC

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar finalized the development plan for the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska.

Constitutional Delegate Wary Of Education Funding Amendment

Alexandra Gutierrez, APRN – Juneau

One of the drafters of the state Constitution has weighed in on a proposed amendment to that document. Vic Fischer appeared before the House education committee on Friday to oppose a resolution that could allow for public funding of religious schools through vouchers. He cautioned legislators against taking a casual attitude when considering constitutional changes.

Kookesh’s Family Says He’s Doing Better

Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau

Sealaska officials say board Chairman Albert Kookesh is making slow but steady progress as he recovers from a heart attack on Monday.

Selle-Rea Responds To Settlement; WMC Board On Privacy

Shady Grove Oliver, KSTK – Wrangell

A settlement has been reached in a Wrangell Borough lawsuit.  The Borough of Wrangell will receive information and financial compensation.  Noel Selle-Rea will keep his severance package from the Medical Center.

Children’s Author Jean Rogers Dies

Casey Kelly, KTOO – Juneau

Long-time Juneau resident Jean Rogers is being remembered as a loving mother, beloved children’s book author, and patron of the arts. Rogers died Wednesday of heart failure. She was 93.

AK: Judge Jamming

Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage

What do Alaska’s judges do when they are not sitting on the bench?   Do they ponder weighty tomes, or engage in deep discussion about the legal issues of the day?  Maybe some of them do that, but KSKA’s Ellen Lockyer found that quite a number of Anchorage judges get together and play ukulele’s for after hours fun.

300 Villages: Port Alexander

This week we’re heading to the tiny Southeast community of Port Alexander. The village of just 62 people is on the south end of Baranof Island. Robin Griggs teaches school there.

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