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Standing together for Tutka Bay Lagoon Hatchery Author: Malcolm Milne Share on Facebook Print article The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently took up a regulatory change in Kachemak Bay (Intent to Adopt version of Kachemak Bay State Park Management Plan) that would eliminate operations at the Tutka Bay Lagoon Hatchery. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game founded this hatchery and then operated it from 1975–1991. Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association (CIAA), a nonprofit regional aquaculture association, assumed operations in 1991. After 45 years in operation and 30 years under CIAA, we know a lot about Tutka’s impacts on the people who call Southcentral Alaska home. ....
Alaska can save its summer visitor season if lawmakers act now Author: Frank Murkowski Published 1 hour ago Share on Facebook Print article COVID-19 has had a major impact on Alaska’s economy. Tourism by cruise ship appears to be nonexistent for the 2021 season, and those businesses that cater to tourism face a troubled future. Visitors to South Franklin Street in Juneau, or along the boardwalks in Ketchikan and Skagway, are met with boarded-up windows and closed signs. The impact extends on to Anchorage, Kenai, Fairbanks and throughout our entire state. The loss of state revenue through sales tax, passenger head tax and loss of jobs across the board, especially those serving the visitor industry has been devastating, and we are seeing the engine of our summer economy slipping away with each day that passes. ....
Print article Pointing out similarities between the coronavirus pandemic and the climate crisis has proven an irresistible theme for commentary writers over the past year. They’ve reminded us that, in both cases, we were warned by experts. Many in government leadership positions denied the existence of both problems, and some of the general public were drawn into dismissing the experts. Both threats have no regard for national borders, with the most vulnerable people everywhere being at highest risk. OK, fine, but what about finding solutions? Well, here’s another important similarity: Individual, voluntary actions by citizens aren’t enough. It takes policy actions by the federal government. ....
The pandemic shines a light on Alaska’s need for strong rural broadband Author: Alex Hills Published 9 hours ago Share on Facebook Print article COVID-19 has focused our attention on the plight of students struggling to go to school on the internet. It’s been worse in rural Alaska, where kids have huddled outside closed schools, trying to pick up a Wi-Fi signal to complete their homework assignments. And their parents depend on the internet, too. Like urban folks, they use it to order groceries, clothing and medications. They use it to attend Zoom meetings and, of course, to watch television and movies needed entertainment on a stormy winter night. Like their city friends, rural residents need high-speed internet service. It’s called broadband. ....
Dare to be a voice for children and stop abuse Author: Maleah Wenzel Print article Children hold the greatest potential of ensuring the strongest future for Alaska and as stewards of children, adults have a shared obligation to foster and protect them. This means ensuring families gain the knowledge, skills, supports and resources they need to create a safe, stable and nurturing environment for children. Most children grow up with the supports needed to remain safe and develop the social and emotional tools to become a contributing member of society. Unfortunately, many do not. Thousands of cases of child abuse and neglect are substantiated each year. Nearly 45% of these children are under the age of 4. ....