June Leffler, KSTK - Wrangell
Alaska delegation urges Pompeo to take up transboundary mining concerns
Alaska’s elected leaders are pressing the Trump administration to take up the issue of transboundary mining. The renewed push comes ahead of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s visit to Canada. Listen now
After signs of concern, City of Wrangell says there’s no near threat to island’s dams
Wrangell’s upper dam leaks. That in itself isn’t a new development or even dangerous. But there were signs it might be getting worse. So the city hired engineers to check it out. Listen now
Wrangell resident shares her story for World Suicide Prevention Day
Alaska has the second highest rate of suicide in the nation, that’s according to a 2016 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Listen now
With king restrictions, Wrangell tries out new Coho derby
The competition is filling in for the town’s king salmon derby, which was cancelled this summer due to severe sport fishing restrictions. Listen now
Spike in shipping costs has Southeast businesses up in arms
Shipping costs dictate the price of everything in Alaska. Because of this, every island and coastal town feels the sting of shipping rates. Listen now
As Medicaid funds dry up, Wrangell and other rural hospitals are still receiving payments for now
The state is running short on money for Medicaid. Until the next fiscal year starts in July, hospitals and other health-care providers won’t get paid for treating much of Alaska’s low-income population. But the state is trying to funnel what money is left to hospitals that could otherwise shut down. Listen now
SEARHC looking to pay between $25 to $40 million for new Wrangell hospital
Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium is continuing forward in acquiring Wrangell’s hospital. The Native nonprofit plans to build and operate a new hospital in the island town within the next three years. Listen now
A victory for Wrangell’s tribe, state says no dumping near Pat’s Lake
Wrangell’s tribe and city have won a year-long fight to protect a fishing stream and popular recreation site. Listen now
Despite governor’s request, legislators question pricier option for Wrangell cleanup
The small town of Wrangell is making a big ask for the soon-to-be-finalized state budget. The city and local tribe are asking for an additional $5 million to clean up tons of lead-contaminated soil. Listen now
Wrangell gets first pot dispensary
Wrangell’s first marijuana dispensary opened this week. Listen now
Wrangell cancels its 65-year-old King Salmon Derby
"This time people aren’t going to be able to fish for quite a while and retain the fish. So this will get people really excited to get on the water and compete.” Listen now
Seattle-based medevac operator adds life-saving service for Alaskans
A new, life-saving service has just been added to some medevac aircraft in Southeast Alaska. Airlift Northwest is now offering blood transfusions on two planes stationed in Juneau.
Wrangell assembly approves new $9 million water plant
The Wrangell assembly approved a new $9 million water treatment plant last week. The current plant hasn’t met the town’s needs for several years. Listen now
Wrangell declares water emergency
City officials say the Southeast community has about one month of supply left. They’re asking residents to cut way back on use. Listen now
WCA gets $600,000 to upgrade native homes in Wrangell
A Wrangell tribe has received federal money to upgrade things like heating, plumbing and roofing for houses and trailers in Wrangell. It’s accepting applications from Native homeowners through the end of next month. Listen now
Lt. Governor Mallot and Sen. Sullivan talk transboundary mining with Canadian officials
Lt. Governor Byron Mallot and Sen. Dan Sullivan met with Canadian officials last Sunday and Monday to press for more U.S. input on transboundary mines. Listen now
Wrangell schools roll out anonymous, anti-bullying app
Anti-bullying campaigns are increasing across the nation. These are bringing to light the scale and impact of harassment in schools. Wrangell Public Schools just rolled out an app to help address that issue. Students can now anonymously report incidents of bullying. Listen now
Staggeringly low forecasts for king salmon in the Stikine
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game expects considerably lower numbers of Chinook salmon for the Stikine and Taku Rivers. Listen now
Wrangell Borough and local tribe look to relocate junkyard soil
The Wrangell Borough and local tribe are working together to find a new location for tons of lead-contaminated soil. Almost 20,000 cubic yards of treated soil is slated to be hauled from the old Byford Junkyard to a rock quarry near Pat’s Lake.