The fifth Kodiak Area Marine Science Symposium was this week. The conference brings together scientists from around the archipelago and Alaska every three years  to present their research. The event started April 23 and wrapped April 25 with films about coastal life. Julie Matweyou introduces Keynote Speaker Rick Thoman on the opening night of the symposium. (Brian Venua/KMXT) This year’s …

On a Friday in March, the Kodiak Public Library was filled with people perusing video game and movie merchandise during Fan Con, the town’s popular annual culture convention. Some folks sold earrings or stuffed toys but Guy Bartleson’s table was full of comic books.  Guy Bartleson holding two of his most valuable books, the first apearances of Iron Man and …

ComFish, Kodiak’s annual commercial fisheries trade show, had some big names for its forums, including the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s commissioner, Doug Vincent-Lang. The job is mostly focused on ecology, but the commissioner opened his remarks by talking about economic sustainability.  Commissioner Doug Vincent Lang gave his 2024 forum in the Kodiak Best Western’s Harbor Room. (Brian Venua/KMXT) …

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan is heading to Europe next month to convince trade officials there to ban Russian seafood. That was one policy goal the senator said he’s pushing in the coming month, during a visit to Kodiak’s annual commercial fishing trade show ComFish.   Sullivan came to Kodiak to give his talk at ComFish in person. (Brian Venua/KMXT) Sullivan addressed …

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Rep. Mary Peltola gave video presentations on the first day of Kodiak’s commercial fisheries trade show, ComFish. The seafood industry is facing historic challenges and the pair hope closing a loophole on Russian imports could help bolster Alaska’s presence in markets.  The expo for ComFish was held in the Kodiak Area Native Association Marketplace downtown …

The Kodiak History Museum has a new exhibit featuring artwork from the Kodiak High School’s advanced art class.  Lynn Walker, the museum’s curator, said it’s an experiment to showcase local artists.  “We’re trying to open up our gallery space in between our big temporary exhibits to feature local artists and serve that community need,” she said. “A lot of grants …

Kodiak’s annual commercial fisheries trade show, ComFish, is April 10-13.  Ellen Simeonoff is the executive director of the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the trade show. It’s her first year lining up the booths and contacting presenters but she said she was grateful for help from the ComFish Committee.  “They help determine the blueprint of the floor of the …

Over 100 Kodiak High School students walked out of classes today (April 4) as part of a statewide protest over Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoing SB 140, a bill that would have permanently increased education funding.  Students walked from the front entrance of the high school, down Mill Bay Road, and between Main Elementary and Kodiak Middle School for the …

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research vessel Oscar Dyson left its homeport in Kodiak on April 1. The boat mostly provides insight into Alaska’s fish populations, from the Gulf of Alaska to the Bering Sea.  The Oscar Dyson docked at Kodiak’s Pier 2 on March 31. Most of the day was foggy and misty but lifted later that afternoon. …

Fossil Beach, at the southern end of Kodiak Island road system, will be closed Friday, March 29, and Saturday, March 30, from 5-10 p.m. The Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska at Narrow Cape announced the road closure March 28.  After that initial announcement, PSCA released an update on the evening of March 29 stating Fossil Beach would be open on Saturday, …