Eric Stone, KRBD - Ketchikan
Former Alaska state ferries expected to head for Spain
The catamarans — Fairweather and Chenega — were recently sold for about $5 million to a Spanish ferry company and are being shipped via the Panama Canal.
Metlakatla reports third COVID death; officials link outbreak to pool tournament
Ketchikan-based state public health nurse Arizona Jacobs said last week that the surge of cases in Metlakatla is thought to be linked to the surge of cases in Ketchikan.
Norwegian Cruise Line signs agreement to return to Alaska
In a step toward a limited, late summer cruise season, Norwegian Cruise Line has signed an agreement with the state of Alaska and several of Alaska’s port operators.
Metlakatla reports COVID-19 death as community faces worst outbreak yet
On Monday, local authorities announced the community’s second death from the disease during the pandemic.
US House passes bill allowing big cruise ships to visit Alaska later this summer
A federal bill that would allow foreign-flagged cruise ships to bypass Canada on their way to Alaska is headed to the president’s desk after unanimously passing the U.S. House of Representatives. That follows the U.S. Senate passing similar legislation earlier this month.
New COVID case numbers on Alaska’s Panhandle lead state and country
According to state data, the southern panhandle — including Ketchikan, Metlakatla and Prince of Wales Island — has the highest population-adjusted rate of new cases in the state. New infections are appearing at a rate three times higher than any other region in Alaska.
Ketchikan wrestling meet linked to 23 COVID cases in Southeast Alaska
Infections were reported in Craig, Klawock, Sitka, Wrangell and Ketchikan.
There have been two attempts in Congress to save Alaska’s cruise season in the last week. Both have failed.
The U.S. Senate on Thursday blocked consideration of a waiver that would have allowed foreign-flagged cruise ships to visit Alaska ports this summer.
Governor, lawmakers unveil plan to use $76.8M federal windfall to fund ferries for 18 months
The governor and legislative leaders have agreed on a rough plan to use federal pandemic relief from Congress to help stabilize Alaska’s beleaguered ferry system.
Embattled Ketchikan schools superintendent submits resignation
The head of Ketchikan’s school district turned in her resignation Friday afternoon. Tribal leaders have been calling on the district to replace her in recent months.
SpaceX considers Alaska-based stations to improve worldwide internet satellite network
An aerospace and technology company is considering building key parts of a satellite network in Alaska — including Ketchikan, Nome and Fairbanks — that, according to the company, could help improve internet access across the globe.
Ketchikan police investigate racist, homophobic graffiti at local skate park and trail
Ketchikan police are investigating racist and homophobic graffiti that appeared around an asphalt trail and a local skate park over the weekend. Police said no suspects have been identified.
New CDC guidance seen as ‘unworkable’ for cruise lines and small port communities
Smaller towns say there's no way to implement the guidance that would allow cruise ships to visit in time for a robust cruise season.
Ketchikan school board won’t release evaluation of superintendent accused of racism
Ketchikan’s school board has completed its first regular evaluation of the school district’s chief administrator, who is facing accusations of racism from Ketchikan’s tribal leaders and some parents.
Summers without ships bring Ketchikan $3.4 million budget shortfall
But despite the multimillion shortfall, officials said the borough won’t burn through all of its savings.
Federal report shows sudden wind shift before May 2019 floatplane crash near Metlakatla
The report also showed that the pilot had little Alaska flying experience, but it did not determine a probable cause for the crash that killed two.
Police body cameras shed light on Ketchikan man’s drowning during pursuit
Police camera footage obtained by KRBD shows 34-year-old hesitating for a moment before stepping into the fast-running creek after officers threaten to tase him.
Coast Guard suspends search for missing pilot flying from Ketchikan to Port Angeles, Washington
Authorities called off Wednesday’s search for the pilot of a missing Cessna airplane that went down near Washington state’s Olympic Peninsula.
Man arrested in Seattle after allegedly threatening a Ketchikan-bound Alaska Airlines flight
Port of Seattle police arrested a man Saturday morning after authorities say he threatened a Ketchikan-bound Alaska Airlines flight. Police did not release the suspect’s identity.
Ketchikan fire survivor says husband died trying to save her daughter
Jeanine Burbary said her husband saved her life, before dying trying to save his 8-year-old daughter.