Robert Hannon, KUAC - Fairbanks
Moose Creek residents advised on ground water contaminants
Tonight Eielson Airforce Base is updating residents around Moose Creek about perfluorinated compounds or PFCs in ground water. In 2015 testing revealed contamination from firefighting foam and it is still wrestling with solutions. Listen Now
Joint state-tribal wellness court officially established
Alaska’s first joint state-tribal wellness court was officially established Thursday. Governor Bill Walker, Lt. Governor Byron Mallott and Alaska Attorney General Jahna Lindemuth were on hand to witness the signing. Listen Now
Fairbanks Police Chief on administrative leave
The Fairbanks Police Chief is on administrative leave today. The City issued a release yesterday (Wednesday) saying Chief Randall Aragon is on paid administrative leave while the city looks into conflict of interest charges. The release states Deputy Chief Brad Johnson will be acting chief during the investigation.
North Star Borough School Board member seeks to change school’s name
A member of the Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board is asking to change the name of an elementary school. Michael O’Brien says Badger Road Elementary is named for a convicted pedophile. The historical records show Harry M. Badger admitted to abusing a 10 year old girl.
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With longtime race director retiring afterward, Equinox marathon to kickoff Saturday
Tomorrow sees the running of the 54th Equinox Marathon. This year marks several milestones. The course will see a return to more trails. And long time race director John Estle is retiring.
Fairbanks North Star Borough first to be certified Storm Ready
The Fairbanks North Star Borough is the first in Alaska to be certified as Storm Ready. The recognition was awarded yesterday as part of a program run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service. The certification emphasizes communication and preparation in meeting dire events. Listen now
Ice-Age salmon harvests
New research reveals salmon played an important role in the diets of ice-age Alaskans. The information comes from an archaeological dig on the Tanana. Two University of Alaska Fairbanks scientists applied new techniques to uncover clues about the lives of Alaska Natives almost 12,000 years ago. Listen now
Police funding concerns intertwine with Fairbanks mayoral race
As October’s Municipal Election approaches the race for Fairbanks City Mayor is heating up. At Monday’s City Council meeting the issues of employee morale, and a disputed police contract drew pointed comments from some council members and a sharp exchange between the police chief and council. Listen now
District 6’s Talerico-Smith primary proves to be civil, if not friendly
State House incumbent Dave Talerico bested political new-comer Ryan Smith in the interior House District 6 Republican primary. Few differences divided the two candidates, who say they’ve become friends. Listen now
Fairbanks recycling vendor Total Reclaim reportedly failed best recycling practices
The Fairbanks Borough continues to move forward with plans to consolidate recycling in the community. The municipality is in the process of acquiring a warehouse to serve as a recycling center. It is also searching for an organization to operate the facility. One of the local recycling groups interested in running it is coping with problems with a key vendor.
UAF student acquitted of rape charge sues school for withholding degree
A former University of Alaska Fairbanks student is suing the school for withholding his diploma. In February Nolan Youngmun was acquitted of charges he raped another UAF student. Youngmun’s attorney says the University has dragged its feet in its own investigation and lacks the authority to withhold the diploma. Listen now
Budget cuts lead to sale of popular Fairbanks well by DOT
The Alaska Department of Transportation is preparing to sell a popular well that provides Fairbanks area residents with water. Fox springs has long been a staple resource for cabin dwellers and others who want free spring water. DOT said cuts in its budget are leading to the sale.
Fledgling Fairbanks pot business sees high startup costs
The state has begun issuing licenses to marijuana growers, processors and sellers. That has entrepreneurs gearing up operations, hoping to get into a fledgling enterprise. One local farm has been cleared to start pot cultivation. The operation is seeing large capital outlays to accommodate state regulations. Download Audio
Fairbanks launches new anti-opioid initiative
Those with heroin and opioid addictions will have an easier time seeking treatment in the future. Monday, the Fairbanks City Mayor and Police Chief were joined by social service and counseling representatives to announce a new initiative. Download Audio
UAF researcher receives grant to utilize peptides in vaccines
A University of Alaska Fairbanks researcher has received more than $1.5 million from the National Institutes of Health to figure out how vaccines work. Andrea Ferrante hopes his work will lead to more effective inoculations against diseases, such as the Ebola or Zika viruses. Download Audio
Fairbanks’ largest care facility to be operated by Greater Community Hospital Foundation
The Greater Fairbanks Community Hospital Foundation is planning to operate the community’s largest care facility and private employer. The decision follows in the wake of failed negotiations with Providence announced earlier this month. The Foundation is confident it has the management group in place to succeed. Download Audio
UAF works to reduce rural energy costs
Electric energy is a fundamental factor of modern life. But in rural Alaska the cost of keeping lights on and machines running is extraordinarily high, putting villages at an economic disadvantage. Last week a federal administrator passed through the University of Alaska Fairbanks to review a project that aims to draw down energy costs in smaller communities. Download Audio
Veterans Affairs administrator meets with Alaska vets
A senior Department of Veterans Affairs administrator is promising to address concerns he heard Tuesday in Fairbanks. Dr. Baligh Yehia was in Alaska conducting listening sessions of Alaska vets. Many of the attendees expressed doubt any change would come from the event. Download Audio
Fairbanks North Star Borough takes action on hydronic heaters
The Fairbanks North Star Borough took action on an ordinance Wednesday that targets high polluting hydronic heaters. The special meeting for the vote was after lengthy public testimony on the measure last week. The ordinance the assembly passed, differed significantly from the one offered by its sponsors.
Semi-pro Alaska baseball team settles disputes with Fairbanks Borough
The Alaska Goldpanners baseball team officially announced its new contract with the Fairbanks North Star Borough Wednesday. Last year, the semi-pro ball club had tangled with the borough over the safety issues at its home field, Growden Park. Differences have been set aside so the tradition of the Midnight Sun Game continues. Download Audio