Robert Hannon, KUAC - Fairbanks
New high-quality digital Alaska maps available to the public
Anyone from land managers to off-road enthusiasts will now have access to high-grade digital maps for Alaska. The University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Department of Natural Resources partnered to produce the first high-resolution satellite image map of the state. Download Audio
Murkowski holds hearings to discuss public lands handling
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski is in Alaska holding field hearings as the chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Monday, she invited leaders from the state’s energy, mining and labor sectors to offer their perspectives on how the federal government is doing its job managing public lands. Most of the testimony expressed frustration with federal regulations and how they are implemented.
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UA Board of Regents seek to improve sexual assault prevention
University of Alaska Board of Regents is trying to improve campus culture when it comes to sexual assault. Regent John Davies will be leading a listening session at UAF’s Wood Center Wednesday to solicit comments and concerns on campus safety. It is the first of a three campus tour of the University system to gather testimony.
Acclaimed Alaskan filmmaker premieres new film at UAF
The story of ingenious peoples facing disruption of their culture has long fascinated filmmaker Len Kamerling. Kamerling is known for depicting Alaska Native Culture. But his new film, premiering tonight, is set in Africa. Download Audio
Scientists use ice wedges to chart climate change in the Arctic
For years scientist have known permafrost can act as reliable gauge to chart climate change in the north. A new study in the journal Nature Geoscience reveals the wide extent and speed in which ice wedges are degrading and altering the landscape. Download Audio
4-H Western Region Leaders Forum in danger of being shutdown in Alaska
Hundreds of youth and adults are in Fairbanks as part of 4-H Western Region Leaders Forum. While the gathering represents a decade’s long tradition, some local leaders question how much longer it will exist in Alaska. Download Audio
Legislature proposes new state bank
Two Democratic state legislators are proposing a state bank. Fairbanks Representative Scott Kawasaki and Anchorage Representative Chris Tuck say House Bill 364 would help fill state coffers and aid small business. Download Audio
Mysterious Sumerian tablet puzzles UAF librarians
The University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Rasmuson Library has a mystery on its hands. It doesn’t know when or how, but in its collection lies a Bronze Age clay tablet. Like the Maltese Falcon, the small four thousand-year-old Ancient Sumerian clay tablet is surrounded in mystery. Download audio
UAF makes efforts to combat failures in sexual assault cases
It’s been more than four months since the University of Alaska Fairbanks announced it failed to follow its own procedures in disciplining students accused of sexual assault. At the time an independent review of the UA system was ordered. UAF said it now has transparent procedures and software in place to prevent similar lapses, but the review is delayed. Download Audio
UA opposes bill that would allow for concealed carrying on campus
The University of Alaska is opposing a bill introduced by a Fairbanks state senator. SB 174 would remove restrictions for the carrying of concealed firearms on college campuses. The bill received a vetting yesterday in by Senate Education committee. Download Audio
UAF’s Walsh wins international science award
A University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist is receiving the recognition of his peers. Dr. John Walsh recently garnered a medal from the International Arctic Science Committee. The prestigious award recognizes Walsh’s sustained work in far north. Download Audio
Fairbanks woman sentenced for mishandling tribe’s funds
A Fairbanks woman is facing 90 days home confinement and three years’ probation for mishandling federal funds meant for a local tribe. The Healy Lake Tribe says it will take months before it can recover. Download Audio
Court rules in favor of municipalities in pipeline case
A ruling by the Alaska Supreme Court Friday has strengthened the role municipalities have in setting the tax value of Trans-Alaska Pipeline and similar structures. The ruling overturns a lower court decision that said the Alaska Department of Revenue had the final say. Download Audio
American Polar Society honors UAF professor
The American Polar Society recently recognized the work of a University of Alaska Fairbanks professor. Dr. Lawson Brigham received an honorary medal for his polar research and policy work with the Arctic Council.
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Ft. Wainwright soldier sentenced in child porn case
A Ft. Wainwright soldier is looking at 72 months in prison for child pornography. Stephen Michael St. Hilaire, 28, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Court Judge Ralph Beistline. St. Hilaire faces 15 years of supervised release following his prison time.
UA president paints bleak fiscal picture
University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen offered his “State of the University” Tuesday night. Johnsen’s remarks were made on campus and carried on the web and broadcast on radio. His remarks did not depart much from earlier statements he’s made that tough choices lie ahead.
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UAF engineering chases sparse funding, looks to private sector
Conoco-Phillips is donating a half-million dollars to help complete an engineering building at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. It is the second large donation by industry directed to the project.
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Fairbanks unveils air quality app
The Fairbanks North Star Borough is unveiling a new air quality app for mobile phones and devices.
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Pipeline communities near TAPS tax settlement
There is a tentative settlement in long-running series of court actions between local government and the owners of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, or TAPS.
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Late scientist’s work culminates in new butterfly guide
A new butterfly guide is out. It identifies thousands of species across Alaska, eastern Russia and western Canada. The guide also reflects the collaborative work of hundreds of scientists and amateur collectors.
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