Alaska News Nightly: October 8, 2014

Stories are posted on the APRN news page. You can subscribe to APRN’s newsfeeds via email, podcast and RSS. Follow us on Facebook at alaskapublic.org and on Twitter @aprn

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Retired Colonel Implicated In Guard Scandal

Lori Townsend and Alexandra Gutierrez, APRN – Anchorage

A recent federal investigation documented a whole host of abuses in the Alaska National Guard, ranging from mishandling of sexual assault to embezzlement. While the report largely focused on structural problems and took a broad look at the crisis of confidence in Guard leadership, it made a few references to some particularly egregious examples. Now, some of the alleged perpetrators of those abuses are being called out.

Troopers Investigate 2 Deaths in Shageluk

Daysha Eaton, KYUK – Bethel

The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation in Bethel has deployed health care workers to the village of Shageluk where Alaska State Troopers are investigating two deaths.

KSKA DJ Shot, Killed In Home; 16-Year-Old Foster Son Charged With Murder

Anne Hillman, KSKA – Anchorage

Longtime KSKA DJ Marvell Johnson was shot and killed on Tuesday. His foster son has admitted to the crime and is being charged with murder.

Parnell, Walker Spar At Soldotna Gubernatorial Debate

Shaylon Cochran, KDLL – Dillingham

Four gubernatorial candidates took questions at a Chamber of Commerce forum Wednesday in Soldotna. It quickly turned into a debate between the two bigger names on the ballot, Governor Sean Parnell and Bill Walker.

It’s Cold Out, But Bethel Shelter Won’t Open Until December

Charles Enoch, KYUK – Bethel

The Bethel Winter House, a non-profit homeless shelter, won’t open its doors again until December. But winter’s come early this year and that leaves the community’s homeless population, out in the cold.

Ordinance to Add Prayer In Ketchikan Schools Passes First Vote

Leila Kheiry, KRBD – Ketchikan

An ordinance that would add a prayer to the regular Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly meeting agenda passed in first reading Monday night. The vote was split 4-3, with some on the Assembly expressing concern about inadvertently excluding some people with different beliefs.

UAF Exhibit to Feature Work from Autistic Artist

The Associated Press

University of Alaska Fairbanks officials say a new art exhibit opening next week will feature the work of an artist with autism.

New Exhibit Puts An Alaska Twist on A Familiar Building Block

Zach Hughes, KSKA – Anchorage

Legos—the small, colorful plastic blocks—have grown into the most common place toy in the world, with more than 5.2 million manufactured every hour. And they are not purely for toy-stores and playroom carpets anymore. A new exhibit at the Anchorage Museum focuses on Lego fine arts, and how the building blocks fit in with Alaska’s own artistic traditions.

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