Brian Venua

Kodiak Harvest Food Co-op donates to middle school agriculture program

Kodiak Harvest Food Co-op, a locally owned grocery store, raised $770 for the Kodiak Middle School’s agriculture program, according to a press release from their board of directors. The co-op raised the money through a silent dessert auction held during the co-op’s annual meeting.  KHFC project director Rob Stauffer presents KMS STEAM teacher Amanda Johnson with the donation. (Courtesy of …

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‘We don’t know what it is’: Scientists baffled by golden orb found in Gulf of Alaska

The Okeanos Explorer, an exploratory vessel operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, discovered an unidentifiable, golden orb deep in the Gulf of Alaska late last month. The orb ended up making national headlines for stumping the ship’s scientists.  The attention came as a surprise, said expedition coordinator Sam Candio. “I’m not even sure that that was the most …

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Bayside Fire Department remembers 9/11 first responders

Monday was the 22nd anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attacks in United States history and a harrowing day for emergency services. Memorials were held all over the country, but one in Kodiak served a dual purpose – to christen a new fire truck.  Ellis’ kids helped pour the first water into the truck’s tanks, September 11, 2023. (Brian Venua/KMXT) The …

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Second Annual Downtown Block Party echoes around Kodiak

The gathering was hosted by the Kodiak Community Foundation and the Kodiak Arts Council. It’s the group’s second Downtown Block Party. Laura Arboleda is the board chair of the foundation. She said participation just about tripled this year.  “Last year we had about ten local nonprofits sign up and maybe six or seven showed up,” Arboleda said. “This year – …

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NTSB investigates mid-air collision over Katmai National Park

A de Havilland Beaver operated by Alaska’s Enchanted Lake Lodge Inc. and a Bell 206L-4 helicopter operated by Maritime Helicopters collided in mid-air over Katmai National Park during Labor Day Weekend. The plane’s pilot and passengers reported no injuries, but the helicopter’s pilot was injured in the crash.  The accident took place at about 4:30 p.m. on Monday, near Lake …

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Kodiak Regional Aquaculture Association sees returns double hatchery expectations in some areas

Some areas in Alaska have entirely wild salmon runs. But there’s also 28 hatcheries around the state. Two of those facilities are based in Kodiak, including one near the mouth of Pillar Creek, just outside of town.  It all starts with egg takes. Hatchery staff and volunteers take four wheelers or fly out to remote lakes to catch fish that …

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NTSB releases report on the sinking of F/V The Challenger

The National Transportation Safety Board released its findings on August 30 for a Kodiak fishing boat that capsized northeast of the village of Karluk on August 7, last year.  ​​​The Challenger capsizing after striking a submerged rock off the coast of Alaska. (Alward Fisheries, via the NTSB’s website) The Challenger was a total loss and damages  exceeded $600,000, although no …

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Coast Guard rescue crews responded to 5 incidents across the state last weekend

It’s been a busy weekend for the Coast Guard. Rescue teams from across the state responded to five calls for help over the weekend. Teams operated rescues for fishing vessels, a cruise ship, and a stranding.  The factory trawling vessel Northern Eagle was the first boat to require assistance on Friday morning.  A press release from the U.S. Coast Guard …

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