The pipes that provide running water is a part of Kodiak’s infrastructure that needs to be maintained. (Photo by Matthew Reid/Flickr) Mitch Borden/KMXT The Kodiak City Council is considering doubling its property tax to fund repairs and improvements to the City of Kodiak’s infrastructure. While many on the council agree having enough money to sustain the systems that help the …

Mitch Borden/KMXT Recently, at a Kodiak City Council regular meeting, Kodiak Police Department ’s police chief Ronda Wallace gave a report on how consolidating the City of Kodiak with the Kodiak Island Borough could affect local law enforcement. Wallace informed the council that the Alaska State Troopers have been facing reductions around the state. So far, she says, they’ve closed …

Larsen Bay School, which could be closed next year if it has less than ten students enrolled in the fall.(Photo by Mitch Borden/KMXT) Mitch Borden/KMXT In villages across Alaska, schools are the beating hearts of rural communities. Of course, that’s where kids are educated. But school sites also often provide the only basketball courts and meeting halls around. And, in …

The Kodiak City Council is trying to work out how to build up its general fund.(Photo by Bertram Nudelbach/Flickr) Mitch Borden/KMXT The City of Kodiak is trying to save up enough money so, if it needs to, it can fund city operations for at least 6 months. At a recent Kodiak City Council work session, Mike Tvenge, Kodiak’s city manager, …

The City of Kodiak sign at the Kodiak Island Borough Building. (Photo by Mitch Borden/KMXT) Mitch Borden/KMXT The Kodiak City Council is seriously considering doubling its mill rate in the coming year to help it maintain Kodiak’s infrastructure. But as KMXT reports, the council is open to feedback from the public. At a work session earlier this week, the Kodiak …

Pencil and paper. (Photo by Tim Taylor/Flickr) Mitch Borden/KMXT Recently, documents were released that showed the Kodiak Island Borough may cut its funding to Kodiak College in the upcoming school year. For years, the Kodiak Island Borough has helped fund Kodiak College, the region’s University of Alaska campus. The college uses a lot of that money on a program called …

Sleeping sea otter in the Kenai Fjords. (Photo courtesy the National Parks Service/Flickr) Mitch Borden/KMXT An unusual number of dying otters were found in Southwest Alaska. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service launched an investigation into what was killing these seemingly healthy animals. In late January, dead and dying sea otters washed ashore near Port Moller and Nelson Lagoon. At …

Alutiiq Primer recently discovered in the Baranov Museum achieve. (Photo by Mitch Borden/KMXT) Mitch Borden/KMXT Treasure can come in all shapes and sizes. For some, only gold or diamonds will do. While others prefer objects that shed light on the past. And recently, the staff at the Baranov Museum struck it big in that department. KMXT reports how a few old …

Kodiak residents gather for a public forum on the Kodiak Island Borough School District’s financial situation. (Photo courtesy of Gabe Stutman/Kodiak Daily Mirror) Mitch Borden/KMXT Over the last few years, the Kodiak Island Borough School District has had to cut about 18 teaching positions to balance its budget. At a public forum focused on the district’s finances, Bob Foy, the …

KEA wind turbine. (Photo by LaniElderts/Flickr) Mitch Borden/KMXT Many people around Kodiak saw their lights go out last night due to a severe windstorm, that brought down a lot of trees and power lines. Kodiak Island Borough Assemblywoman Julie Kavanaugh was on her way home when she turned on to Sawmill Circle and saw: “About four very large trees across the …