Podcasts about Southeast Alaska

In this newscast: State officials took another step toward building a new ferry terminal at the end of the road in Juneau; Some Juneau residents are calling for police to crack down on homeless encampments in the Mendenhall Valley, but city officials and police say there isn't an easy fix to growing rates of homelessness and its impacts; The Trump administration is attempting to alter environmental regulations that seek to protect endangered species habitat in order to "unlock" the potential of energy and resource developments. the move is raising alarm among Alaska's environmental researchers; All NOAA Weather Radio sites in Southeast Alaska will be down today through Thursday while broadcast equipment is being upgraded

In this newscast: Tomorrow is the last day of school at the Juneau School District, and high school seniors are graduating on Sunday; A storm is set to hit Southeast Alaska this weekend with strong winds and heavy rain; Property taxes could go up for most Juneau residents if the Juneau Assembly moves forward with a plan to increase the rate it uses to calculate them in the next fiscal year; The Juneau School District is restructuring one of its specialized education programs. While staff and administrators say the change is desperately needed, some parents are concerned about how it will affect some of the district's most vulnerable students; The Chilkoot Indian Association in Haines is launching a new tourism effort

In this newscast: The Juneau School District Board of Education appointed Steve Whitney to the board on Saturday; Senator Lisa Murkowski has introduced a bill that would reauthorize funds for landslide monitoring projects across Southeast Alaska; The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development failed a test that allows it to include millions of federal dollars towards its contributions to education funding; Tribal leaders from across the country spoke out last week at a U.S. Senate hearing against changes within the Department of Health and Human Services; Curious Juneau: What's the story behind the Fiddlehead Cookbook's North Douglas chocolate cake?

In this newscast: Five candidates have applied to fill an empty seat on the Juneau School District Board of Education after Will Muldoon resigned; Alaska regulators have assessed a $49,000 fine against Hilcorp for lapses in Cook Inlet offshore well management, the Alaska Beacon reports; Some Southeast Alaska communities had their earliest harmful algal bloom on record this year, and there is currently a paralytic shellfish toxin advisory across region for recreational and subsistence harvest; Local and state transportation officials are wrapping up a study that hones in on five locations for a potential second bridge; Thousands of new books are landing in the hands of kids across Southeast Alaska this month as the result of a partnership between the region's largest tribal government and a Native-led nonprofit with roots in the Navajo and Hopi nations

Tonight on the KRBD Evening Report….A bill introduced in Congress would reauthorize funds for landslide monitoring projects throughout Southeast Alaska, including Ketchikan; Thorne Bay is looking to fill a city council vacancy; and a documentary on how Filipino nurses were among the unsung heroes of the pandemic comes to Anchorage.Those stories and more coming up…

In this newscast: The filing period to run for an elected position in Southeast Alaska's proposed Xunaa Borough closes this Friday. But, a pending appeal of a state commission's approval of the new borough could halt the special election scheduled this July, when residents will be asked whether to create Alaska's 20th borough; Gov. Mike Dunleavy says he's ordering a freeze on most state hiring, out-of-state travel and new regulations as oil prices tumble. Dunleavy outlined the freeze in an administrative order released Friday afternoon; Learning a language is hard. Learning a language without a teacher regularly checking in is even harder. But this year, Kake City Schools students got the chance to learn Lingít while creating multilingual poems that give people a glimpse of where they come from.

Rep. Jeremy Bynum passes a bill in the state House that creates new exceptions for Alaskans receiving dividend money. Local band Dude Mtn talks Folk Fest in Juneau and the worst parts about touring Southeast Alaska. Concerned Alaskans dial 2-1-1.

A $38 million federal grant meant to help Alaskans lower their energy bills and planet-warming emissions has been in limbo for months. But as Avery Ellfeldt reports for the Alaska Desk, the grant money is now in place, and set to fund a highly anticipated heat pump program across coastal and Southeast Alaska this summer. […]

Ketchikan's state representative Jeremy Bynum sits down to discuss the outlook for state education funding. Plus, what the firing of federal workers means for Southeast Alaska's economy.

In this newscast: Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed a closely-watched education bill yesterday that would have boosted basic per-student funding by $1,000; Southeast Alaska's largest tribal government approved a rule change that greatly reduces the number of representatives from communities outside the region; High school students in Juneau wrote four plays earlier this year centered on deeply personal topics, and a performance of them this week included a forum with teachers, mental health professionals, and policy-makers; International students in Alaska on education visas are among those nationwide facing removal as the Trump administration's immigration crackdown continues

Four fatal landslides in Southeast Alaska over the last decade have sparked a region-wide effort to better understand and prepare for mounting risk. That was supposed to include during a major conference last month. But as Avery Ellfeldt reports for the Alaska Desk, the gathering was canceled after it became clear that some federal agencies wouldn't […]

Efforts continue to limit cruise tourism in parts of Southeast Alaska. A mine in British Columbia upstream of Ketchikan is expedited. Making music in Southeast Alaska.

A looming volcano eruption near Anchorage could have impacts reaching as far as Southeast Alaska. Plus, more from the Kayhi principal's testimony in Juneau, and a youth snowmachine race in Nome.

In this episode Cory Hansen and I walk around the Alaska Fly Fishing Goods shop and break down everything you need to know about fly fishing gear for  Alaska. From fly rods, shooting heads, reels and waders, to flies, shot, nets and dry bags, we hit it all.  Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community's newest newspaper. Thanks to the sponsors: Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.) Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.) Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

In this newscast: Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium is yet again expanding its reach in Juneau with a new dental clinic in Mendenhall Valley; Crews in Ketchikan are still dealing with a rockslide that cut off access to the northern part of the island; Southeast Alaska's Chilkat Valley is inching toward the area's first major timber harvest since the 1990s, but the state is pausing a needed application amid public concern; State lawmakers are now more than halfway through their four-month legislative session and time is ticking away. Alaska Public Media reporter Eric Stone gives an update on where things stand; Scientists at the Alaska Earthquake Center are monitoring several earthquakes near Adak Island. Since last Wednesday, there have been at least eight quakes greater than magnitude 5

In this newscast: Friday marked the first-ever World Day for Glaciers, a day observed by the United Nations to sound the alarm on the accelerating pace of global melting. Scientists who study Alaska glaciers spoke about their research to uncover how these rapidly changing systems affect our world; Sydney Isaacs-Hulstine is a Craig-based Lingìt and Haida artist. Raised in Klawock, Isaacs-Hulstine is an associate producer for children's TV show “Molly of Denali.” She recently wrote an episode for another show, “Work It Out Wombats.” It features an Alaska Native character that draws on Lingìt and Haida culture; The 76th annual Juneau Lions Club Gold Medal Basketball Tournament kicked off yesterday in Juneau. Throughout this week hundreds of people from across Southeast Alaska will attend to watch 50 games.

A decades-old proposal to build a controversial road between Juneau and the communities of Haines and Skagway was put to rest in 2016. But that just changed. The state Department of Transportation and Public Facilities is resurrecting the idea that's long sparked debate in Southeast Alaska. The Alaska Desk's Avery Ellfeldt reports.

In this episode of the Journey of My Mother's Son podcast, I talk with fellow author, Mark Connor. Mark Connor is a Boxing Trainer and a Writer from Saint Paul, Minnesota. His first book, It's About Time (Millions of Copies Sold for Dad), is a saga wrapped around a package of poems, guarded by angels. Through an autobiography reading like a novel, he weaves together a story of love, family, and life with twenty poems running through it, sharing his growth in the Catholic faith, the influence of Irish heritage in his hometown's American identity, his exploration of Lakota tradition within the urban American Indian community, and his understanding of how truth found in different spiritual approaches can lead others—as it led himself back—to its fullness in the revelation of Christ. Mark Connor grew up in Saint Paul, calling himself the product of a “mixed marriage,” because his father—a combat wounded Vietnam veteran—grew up across the street from St. Columba parish in the Midway district, while his mother—a school teacher who later became a lawyer—came from the Holy Rosary parish “across the border, in South Minneapolis.” Born in Minneapolis and raised in Saint Paul, he began boxing at age 10, at the Mexican American Boxing Club on the city's East Side, the area of the city from which he formed his understanding of the world, anchoring his perception of direction to the family house and the rising of the sun outside his bedroom window.  He had 102 amateur fights, made it to three national tournaments, and competed against some of the nation's top world class boxers. He became the Upper Midwest Golden Gloves lightweight champion at 17 and traveled to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO, two days after graduating high school, competing in the 1987 trials for the Pan American Games. Raised in the East Side parish of St. Pascal Baylon, where he attended first through sixth grade, Mark's father, a graduate of [Bishop] Cretin High School in Saint Paul, insisted Mark and his brother, David (13 days less than one year older than Mark), each attend its rival, St. Thomas Academy, in suburban Mendota Heights, from 7th through 12th grade, an all-boys Catholic Military high school. Having begun writing seriously at 16 and starting college at 18, Mark began an internal struggle between the academic path and boxing, spending one and a half years, respectively, at three schools—Regis University in Denver, Co., the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, and the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis—earning his BA in English from the University of Minnesota. He was inactive as a boxer for only one and a half of those years, but never felt he was able to reach his potential while emersed in study, so upon graduation, he continued Boxing. Mark boxed competitively for two and half more years, then, deciding not to follow his gym mates—two of whom became world champions—in a professional boxing career, and believing it was already late in life to join the military, he went on an adventure, driving to Seattle, WA, securing a job on a salmon fishing boat headed to Southeast Alaska. A Year later, instead of returning to the commercial fisherman's life, he traveled with a friend to a Lakota Sundance ceremony on the Rosebud reservation, leading eventually to a job at Aín Dah Yung (Our Home) Center, a Native American Indian temporary emergency homeless shelter for youth aged 5 to 17, in Saint Paul. Within this setting, continuing to write freelance articles and periodically working on fiction and poetry, he eventually began a personal training service and worked with both competitive and recreational boxers, as well professionals and amateurs, wrote about boxing, and contemplated his faith. While recognizing that truth, goodness, and beauty are indeed present in the faith traditions of the indigenous community of friends welcoming him, as both a guest and a relative, he eventually reembraced the beauty, goodness, and truth of his Catholic faith and has since attempted to responsibly discern God's will for him, according to his legitimate talents and desires. Within that sincere effort, at the end of September, 2019, his father, who'd been patiently guiding him, died from a heat attack, just before America—and the world—appeared to enter a new era of chaos within which we are attempting to stabilize ourselves. Mark wrote the first lines of his book, It's About Time (Millions of Copies Sold for Dad) the day his father died, Monday, September 30, 2019. However, over the next year, as his country went through the impeachment and acquittal of a president, endured the trauma of an economic shutdown over a mysterious virus coming from a lab leak in China, and his beloved Twin Cities blew up in fiery riots, Mark worked when he could (the Boxing gyms and churches were closed due to Governor's orders), helped his mother who was diagnosed with a fatal heart disease, and daily mourned his father. He helped protect American Indian buildings with American Indian Movement (AIM) Patrol, and he eventually got part-time work as a bouncer, working bar security when restaurants were allowed to reopen. But he didn't do much until, as Christmas 2020 approached, he resolved that in the coming year he would do something with which his father would be happy. Organizing himself and setting his goal, he began writing the book his father—who'd nagged Mark about always insisting he was a writer yet never publishing a book—was never to see published in his earthly lifetime. Beginning the daily process of writing on February 9, 2021, Mark completed the first draft of It's About Time (Millions of Copies Sold for Dad) just before Easter on the Monday of Holy Week, March 29, 2021. In this book he tells the tale of his search for a meaningful life, appreciating the gift of God's love that life actually is, and how he sees now that the guardian angels were always guiding him and his family through it all. A contract with a humble little local publisher was severed over editorial differences on Christmas Eve, 2022, so Mark relied on his father's gift, his high school education, accepting help from his St. Thomas Academy contacts, specifically his literary advisor, Dan Flynn (Author of Famous Minnesotans: Past and Present) and legal advisor Kelly Rowe, and Mark's classmate, Tony Zirnhelt, and the book won the 2024 Irish Network Minnesota Bloomsday Literary Award and was published, through Connemara Patch Press, on Father's Day, June 16. Unfortunately, Mark's mother, who'd read the manuscript, never saw it in print, having collapsed in his arms and died October 22, 2023. Yet Mark continues on in hopeful and confident prayer that she—Mrs. Nanette Jane Connor—is watching over him, as she promised she would, next to his father—Robert J. Connor—while gazing perpetually into the Beatific Vision of the face of God. To find out more about Mark, you can check out his website at https://boxersandwritersmagazine.com/.

A federal funding freeze has forced the shutdown of programs in Homer that support local farmers, habitat restoration, and invasive species removal; The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection has declared an early start to the wildfire season in parts of South Central, Southwest, and Southeast Alaska due to warm temperatures and low snowpack; Gov. Mike Dunleavy has signed House Bill 65 today, authorizing the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) to issue up to $135 million in revenue bonds for a new passenger dock and terminal in Seward; and The City of Homer and the U.S. Army Corps (core) of Engineers will host a public meeting on the Homer Harbor Expansion Study.

Text us your questions to answer on a future episode (if you want me to contact you, please include your email)Mary Edenshaw of the Klawock Heenya Corporation joins Jennie to share about growing up in Klawock, raising her family there and how the Klawock community welcomes visitors to learn more about the land and people of Southeast Alaska.Learn more about Klawock hereSupport Alaska Uncovered on Patreon as a free or paid subscriberBook a trip planning session with JennieShop all Alaska Travel planners and premade itinerariesFollow Jennie on Instagram

In this newscast: Temporary cell service and internet connection has most Juneau residents back online after a damaged subsea cable caused a region-wide outage late last week; Former Alaska Congresswoman Mary Peltola and her former chief of staff are now working for Holland and Hart, a law and lobbying firm; Protestors took to the streets of Gustavus on Saturday, joining hundreds of demonstrations around the country in response to staffing cuts at national parks; A hydroelectric project in the remote Southeast Alaska community of Angoon is on pause following the federal grant freeze announced in late January by the Trump administration; Leaders in the Alaska House and Senate say they're deeply concerned about the impacts of federal staff cuts and a forthcoming congressional immigration and tax cuts bill; With changes to requirements by the Trump administration, it's an uncertain time for immigrants, but the new Philippine Honorary Consul for Alaska hopes she can be of service

The Haines Borough Assembly had a packed agenda for their Feb. 26 meeting, which lasted four hours. They discussed school funding, voted on meeting attendance protocol and discussed the Lutak Dock. And, cell phone and internet problems began Thursday night across Southeast Alaska. Help is on the way, but the repair timeline is uncertain. KHNS […]

How Trump's immigration policy could affect Alaskans. Dispatches on how the administration's mass firing of federal workers are affecting other Southeast Alaska communities.

The Ketchikan School Board is now considering closing one of the district's three elementary schools. Plus, new regulations on sport fishing for king salmon, and a traveling exhibit on the changing climate comes to Southeast Alaska.

ADF&G biologist Ross Dorendorf talks about all things deer in Southeast Alaska. He shares insights about the impact of bad winters, carrying capacity and overall population health. Ross breaks down the impact of poor habitat caused by same-age second growth trees and the collaborative efforts involving various agencies working to improve deer forage and hunter opportunities through targeted habitat treatment. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community's newest newspaper. Thanks to the sponsors: Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.) Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.) Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

In a landmark decision, Ketchikan becomes classified as rural in the eyes of federal subsistence regulations. Plus, Southeast Alaska won't be getting a new commercial fishery for magister squid just yet, and geologists present findings from 2023's deadly landslide in Wrangell.

Ben shares his cruise on Norwegian Bliss to Southeast Alaska from Seattle, Alaska. 

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly appointed a new member and approved multiple items at its meeting last night, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game will not be opening a new commercial fishery for magister squid in Southeast Alaska – yet.

Juneau resident Matt Boline and I discuss the life of a high school coach in Alaska, fishing tactics for steelhead and conservation projects in Southeast Alaska.  Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community's newest newspaper. Thanks to the sponsors: Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.) Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.) Backcountry Hunters and Anglers  

In this newscast: A teenager was fatally shot at a roundabout in Juneau's Mendenhall Valley early this morning; The Alaska Board of Fisheries is entering its second week of deliberations on Southeast Alaska fishing regulations in Ketchikan, and this week is about salmon and herring; The state regulatory group will take up herring proposals this week and it could adopt changes to how the Sitka Sound Sac Roe herring fishery is managed; Alaskans testified overwhelmingly in favor of a bill that would boost per-student funding at a meeting of the House Education Committee last week, and KCAW stopped by Sitka's legislative office to speak to those there who testified; NOAA has released a new catalogue that chronicles more than 100 species of seaweed commonly found in Alaska, which will serve as an important resource as Alaska works to get in on kelp products

In this newscast: Portugal. the Man, Ya Tseen and Samantha Crain are performing in Southeast Alaska this weekend to fundraise for the Point House Revitalization Project; Alaska Folk Festival leadership announced that the guest artists for the 50th festival will be Rhiannon Giddens and Dirk Powell; Gov. Mike Dunleavy unveiled his own education bill this morning, setting the stage for negotiations with legislative leaders; The Skagway Assembly voted last month to collect sales tax on the full price of tours sold, but across Lynn Canal, Haines is worried the changes could impact their economy

A proposals going before the Board of Fisheries in Ketchikan this week seeks to open up more opportunities for red king crabbing in Southeast Alaska. Another would slash regional salmon hatchery production by 25%. Education in Alaska faces more challenges and those effects extend beyond the classroom.

In this newscast: The City and Borough of Juneau is warning of a potential measles exposure at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport that could impact Southeast Alaska residents; Juneau residents will have a chance to learn more about Huna Totem Corporation's proposal to build a fifth cruise ship dock in downtown Juneau at two joint meetings at City Hall this week; State lawmakers convened in Juneau this afternoon to kick off the first session of the 34th Alaska Legislature; Tongass Voices: Rich Mattson on uncovering stories from the pages of Juneau's history

In this newscast: After deadly fire, Juneau's first responders say staff shortages put public at risk; Juneau's population is declining -- and young people are leading the charge; The Juneau Assembly voted to oppose a proposition that would limit Southeast Alaska hatchery production; Juneau Assembly approves rezoning over 200 acres of city land for denser housing; Petersburg is starting out the year nearly snow-less, even at high elevations

In this one, I talk to Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins. Ever since he was a kid he's been interested in politics and sports. Electoral politics and baseball, to be specific. But when it came to politics, he was a prodigy. He could recite groups of politicians — the 50 state attorneys general and all 100 U.S. senators, for example. He was interviewed on NPR at 14, and at 23 he dropped out of Yale, moved back home to Sitka and ran as a Democratic candidate for the state House of Representatives. He would go on to represent Sitka and 21 other rural Southeast Alaska communities in the Alaska House of Representatives, until leaving politics in 2022. His self-proclaimed fanaticism toward sports is what drew him to politics. Like sports, politics is statistical, numeric, and there are winners and there are losers. But with politics, unlike sports, the stakes are higher. They shape the world we live in.  Jonthan credits the Sitka High School Debate Team for giving him the intellectual and ideological versatility that he still relies on today. He says that in debate, it's common to flip a coin and on the basis of the coin flip you have to argue diametrically opposite sides of the same issue. So, you not only have to understand both sides of an argument, you have to be able to clearly communicate it. In 2014, House Bill 216 was signed into law. It made the twenty Native languages in Alaska official languages of the state. Jonathan sponsored that bill and his efforts were, in part, aided by what he had learned in debate. He says that, like all things in politics, it was accomplished through compromise and teamwork. 

Ever since Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins was a kid he's been interested in politics and sports. Electoral politics and baseball, to be specific. But when it came to politics, he was a prodigy. He could recite groups of politicians — the 50 state attorneys general and all 100 U.S. senators, for example. He was interviewed on NPR at 14, and at 23 he dropped out of Yale, moved back home to Sitka and ran as a Democratic candidate for the state House of Representatives. He would go on to represent Sitka and 21 other rural Southeast Alaska communities in the Alaska House of Representatives, until leaving politics in 2022. His self-proclaimed fanaticism toward sports is what drew him to politics. Like sports, politics is statistical, numeric, and there are winners and there are losers. But with politics, unlike sports, the stakes are higher. They shape the world we live in.  Jonthan credits the Sitka High School Debate Team for giving him the intellectual and ideological versatility that he still relies on today. He says that in debate, it's common to flip a coin and on the basis of the coin flip you have to argue diametrically opposite sides of the same issue. So, you not only have to understand both sides of an argument, you have to be able to clearly communicate it. In 2014, House Bill 216 was signed into law. It made the twenty Native languages in Alaska official languages of the state. Jonathan sponsored that bill and his efforts were, in part, aided by what he had learned in debate. He says that, like all things in politics, it was accomplished through compromise and teamwork.

Ketchikan gets a new police chief and a new Port & Harbors director; plus, an overview of the Southeast Alaska crab fisheries opening in February; Petersburg's harbormaster says the state's harbors need more funding; and, our education series continues with a school in Skagway that tops test scores year after year.

Dr. Mimi Benjamin has been a family practice physician for over 35 years, the last 14 in Juneau. She is the former Medical Director and creator of the Bartlett Regional Hospital Hospitalist program, which started in 2017. She is the 2018 recipient of the Golden Stethoscope award from the Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association (ASHNHA) for her relentless advocacy for patient safety, for serving as the physician champion of the electronic medical record, and for cofounding and serving as medical director of Bartlett's antibiotic stewardship program. This interview was recorded in May of 2024 During legislative session, I rented an apartment from Mimi and her husband Brian who is also a physician. Somehow in my move back to Anchorage I thought I'd lost this audio, but I eventually found it. Dr. Benjamin offers an interesting perspective from her experience in Southeast Alaska on both the specific issues in Juneau but also on health care in general.

In this newscast: A Juneau woman died after she was shot and killed by a Juneau Police officer in the parking lot of the Mendenhall Valley Breeze In convenience store early Christmas morning; The small Southeast Alaska town of Gustavus is hosting a food drive this weekend. And it's getting a boost from the Juneau food bank. The drive is the first step in plans to open up a new, permanent food pantry – something the town doesn't have yet. But organizers say it's something Gustavus desperately needs; Finding affordable housing in Anchorage is a challenge, and housing experts are looking for solutions. One idea is making it easier for people to live in multigenerational homes. That can help solve the housing shortage by increasing density- fitting more people into one lot of land. But there are other benefits too- like allowing residents to age in place.

In this newscast: Southeast Alaska's Native-run health consortium is acquiring another privately owned healthcare facility in downtown Juneau. Southeast Medical Clinic will join SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium, also called SEARHC, in April of next year; A bill that would increase thousands of Alaskans' Social Security benefits is headed for President Biden's desk after passing the Senate early Saturday. The bill, known as the Social Security Fairness Act, would repeal two provisions that cut benefits for people who spend part of their career working for employers who don't participate in Social Security — including the state of Alaska and many local governments; Southeast Alaska's commercial golden king crab and Tanner crab fisheries will open on February 17. As KFSK's Olivia Rose reports, the Tanner crab population is on a slight decline, whereas golden king crab is seeing an overall harvest level increase.

In this newscast: Those still hoping to put up a Christmas tree can harvest their own in Southeast Alaska; Juneau utility staff say they need to raise residents' water and sewer rates by more than 50% over the next five years to address critical infrastructure repairs; Kodiak's largest seafood processing plant has a new owner; A federal court case that questioned the rights of Alaska Native tribes has received a ruling; Juneau has a new chess club in town this year

The city of Ketchikan passes its 2025 budgets. Alaska refugees fear deportation. A retiring traveling oncologist reflects on a career serving Southeast Alaska.

In this newscast: The shuttered Gross Alaska Theater building in downtown Juneau is poised to get new life -- as home to 22 new apartments; Mendenhall Valley homeowners are divided on the city's plan to hold back glacial outbursts; Tongass Voices: Dr. Paul Weiden on 20 years of cancer care in Southeast Alaska

Welcome to Bigfoot Society! In this episode, we dive into firsthand accounts from Dylan, who has experienced multiple Bigfoot sightings on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska. From his encounters with the elusive Kushtaka while crab fishing to a close-up face-off with a Sasquatch in the dense wilderness, Dylan's stories are both riveting and compelling. We also hear from Bill in Kenai, Alaska, who shares his harrowing experiences with aggressive Sasquatch that ultimately forced his family to relocate. Tune in for an episode filled with spine-tingling encounters and in-depth discussions on these mysterious creatures.

Adam Krick and Nathan Endicott share their August blacktail deer adventure in the wild alpine of Southeast Alaska. We discuss the three years of planning, the balance between chasing the thrill of the hunt and maintaining safety. We also discuss the complex emotions of departure, nurturing our adventurous spirit, and the profound impact these experiences have on our lives as fathers, husbands and at work.  Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors: Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.) Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.) Backcountry Hunters and Anglers  

In this newscast: Six Republicans in the state Senate have announced that they're planning to form a minority caucus, which would be enough to guarantee conservative seats on the legislative committees; A recount is underway in Juneau on the closely contested ballot measure that would have repealed Alaska's open primaries and ranked choice voting; There are expected to be a lot fewer people in Southeast Alaska by 2050, according to a recent report; Coast Guard Base Kodiak's child development center has faced major staffing issues this year that nearly led to the daycare's closure

A review of Princess Cruises' Discovery Princess from Seattle, Washington to Southeast Alaska.  Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn  | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube  | Twitter | Patreon

how Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/682 Presented By: Jackson Hole Fly Company, Stonefly Nets, Togens Fly Shop, TroutRoutes Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Would you like to fish for steelhead that are so fresh from the salt that they are blue in coloration and not even quite chrome yet How about traveling to a place where it's highly unlikely that you'll see another angler in a full week efficient? Today we're heading into southeast Alaska to find out how to spot and stock big steelhead on pristine Alaskan rivers...  Rick Matney, Southeast Alaska steelhead guide, Montana guide, chef, and Alaska immersion program host is gonna share some insight on catching steelhead and some other big species in Alaska. Today we get his best tips on avoiding the crowds, his take on line development, and his experience with Tim Rajeff back in the day. He's going to teach us how to immerse yourself in Alaska and how to not die in an DIY fishing trip. Ocean fishing, salmon, trout, bear observing, cooking... it's all in one trip. Rick's gonna break it all down. So if you're ready to jump in and step into Southeast Alaska and find out how to survive, listen to this episode... Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/682

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/674  Presented By: Togiak River Lodge Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/togiak  George Krumm, editor of Fish Alaska Magazine and all-around fishy dude, is going to share his experience on Alaska grand slam catching all five salmon species in the same day on a recent trip to the Togiak River. You're going to find out which technique he used to make it happen; where some of the other great trips are around Alaska and things you should be thinking about; and what he thinks is the best thing to help turn around the Chinook decline for the Pacific rim. Plus you're gonna found out how you can plan your Alaska trip easily with a resource at Fish Alaska Magazine. Episode Chapters with George Krumm on Alaska Grand Slam 3:06 - George began his journey into fly fishing when he was about seven years old. His dad gave him a small vice and showed him how to tie flies. The very first fly he tied was a gray hackle peacock. George became truly passionate about fly fishing when he started catching fish with the flies he had tied himself. 5:08 - He shares a bit about how he began his career at Fish Alaska. Melissa Norris and his brother, Marcus, founded both Fish Alaska and Hunt Alaska magazines. For Fish Alaska, George primarily writes about fly fishing. Additionally, they have a "Fly of the Month" column, which is sponsored by Mossy's Fly Shop. 8:12 - George first connected with the Larsen brothers, who own the Togiak River Lodge, during his visit in 2022. His goal was to explore Chinook fishing and write a story about it. Unfortunately, the trip wasn't very successful due to poor water and weather conditions. Despite this, George believes that the Togiak River is a standout location for Chinook fly fishing, as it still boasts strong runs of fish in various sizes. 11:48 - George visited the lodge in mid-August this year, aiming to catch coho salmon on a fly. He successfully caught all five species of Pacific salmon—Chinook, coho, sockeye, chum, and pink salmon—in a single day on a fly rod. His cousin Tom achieved this feat twice in one week. 13:39 - He describes their success, noting that on an average day, he and Tom caught over 75 salmon of various species. Although their main goal was silvers, they caught multiple types of salmon, with the King salmon being the most challenging to catch at that time of year. Interestingly, they managed to achieve a "grand slam" of catching various salmon species by accident. 15:40 - We discuss sockeye salmon, which are less talked about in freshwater fishing. George mentions significant runs in areas like Naknek and Kenai. Sockeye are valued for their red meat and while they usually feed on plankton in the ocean, they can become territorial and bite more when in large groups. For Chum salmon George mentions that they are strong fighters, often leading to broken rods, though they might not look impressive. Pink salmon are smaller and change color quickly, causing them to be underrated, but fresh pinks are tasty, similar to trout. 20:31 - George enjoys the methodical aspect of spey casting, especially for winter steelhead, where catching even one fish is rewarding. He contrasts this with the excitement of fishing in the Togiak River, where large fish are caught more frequently. 26:47 - George highlights the Togiak River Lodge's multiple packages for anglers. He also notes an important change in their policy: during the first few weeks of the fishing season, the lodge will limit the number of anglers from 24 to 14. This adjustment is aimed at providing a better experience for those specifically interested in fishing for King salmon. 27:34 - We dig into the evolving perspectives on fishing practices in Alaska, emphasizing a shift away from the traditional "whack them and stack them" mentality towards more sustainable approaches. George highlights the importance of targeting abundant fish species such as sockeye, pink, and coho salmon, while questioning the necessity of taking large quantities of fish home. Our conversation highlights the need for anglers to adapt to changing times and prioritize sustainable practices. While Alaska has been perceived as having unlimited fish supplies, current trends suggest a need for caution and conservation. 33:36 -We discuss the current state of fly fishing and the associated challenges in different regions, including Alaska and the Skeena system. Fishing restrictions, such as closures on Chinook fishing, are not only happening in Alaska but in other areas as well. 38:50 - George recounts spending extensive time fishing on the Kenai River and now frequently visits the Naknek River for its excellent rainbow trout fishing opportunities. He also highlights the overlooked potential of stillwater fishing around Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula. He notes that many lakes in Alaska are stocked with fish and, unlike in the lower 48 states, they are not heavily fished. This means that these lakes often contain multiple age classes of fish, some reaching up to 30 inches long. 43:53 - The Fish Alaska website provides a free trip planning service. This service allows users to input information, after which they receive details and recommendations about where to go. George explains that the service typically recommends lodges or outfitters in the area of the user's intended destination. Additionally, when users submit their information, it is shared with these recommended operations, who may also contact the users to offer further assistance. 44:40 - George addresses the challenges facing the Chinook salmon fishery, particularly the commercial troll fishery in Southeast Alaska. A significant issue is that the fish caught are often not native to Alaska, and the average size of Chinook salmon along the west coast is decreasing. This size reduction is attributed to the fish being more vulnerable to overfishing in the ocean before they can return to spawn. He suggests that Chinook salmon management should be coordinated along the entire west coast, acknowledging their migratory and feeding patterns rather than being limited by political boundaries. 49:08 - George also expresses concern about the potential decline of Coho salmon in South Central Alaska, noting low returns in areas like Anchorage and Homer. He speculates that if Coho face decline, it might not be due to trawl fisheries but rather the impact of pink salmon hatchery operations. 53:43 - George clarifies the difference between trawl and troll fishing, emphasizing the impact of the former on marine environments and fish populations. 56:44 - He describes the experience of visiting the Togiak River Lodge, detailing the journey and accommodations. He also highlights the excellent food they have in the lodge. Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/674   

John just returned from a 10 night cruise on Cunard Line's Queen Elizabeth to Southeast Alaska. This cruise sailed roundtrip from Vancouver. Follow Cruise Radio's Socials: LinkedIn  | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube  | Twitter | Patreon