OBI Seafoods announced earlier this month [March 8] that it would not be buying salmon from the setnet fleet in Kodiak’s Alitak District. The decision does not affect the area’s seine fleet. Less than three months before the commercial season opens, dozens of fishers are reeling from the surprise announcement. On a Friday evening earlier this month [March 8], leadership …

Kodiak’s proposed Anton Larsen Bay road extension has received a significant financial nudge forward from the federal government. Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced on March 20 $2.5 million dollars in funding for the project through Congress’ Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations package, which was signed into law earlier this month on March 9. Extending this road on Kodiak Island would provide year-round …

Regulation changes could be coming for Kodiak Island’s black-tailed deer population, including what kind of deer and how many can be taken by subsistence hunters. The proposals will ultimately go before the Federal Subsistence Board later this spring. Wildlife managers and the regional advisory council are still divided over Kodiak’s antlerless deer hunt across Kodiak Island. The Office of Subsistence …

The Kodiak Fire Protection Area No. 1 Board [also known as the Bayside Fire Department] is seeking to cut their area’s property tax rate or mill rate by 10% from 1.5 to 1.35 mills. That decision was a point of contention during the Board’s meeting last week on March 12. Residents across Kodiak Island Borough saw their property values increase up …

Taxes – even just the word – can trigger a negative reaction in people. But this spring, it’s not all bad news for Kodiak’s tax-paying residents. The Kodiak Island Borough announced that their tax assessor is one of the best in the state.  Assessors and appraisers can be rated in levels of one to five by meeting certain qualifications, according …

The Alaska Legislature is planning to create a seafood industry task force that will give recommendations to help sustain the state’s seafood industry. A joint legislative resolution forming the task force, SCR 10 which is sponsored by Republican Senator Gary Stevens of Kodiak, had its first hearing on March 7 in the Senate Finance Committee. Half a dozen representatives from …

On today’s Midday Report with host Davis Hovey: The Alaska Avalanche School is coming to Kodiak this week to teach a course about avalanche safety. Alaska Public Media and the Alaska Beacon report on Gov. Mike Dunleavy potentially vetoing the education funding bill the Legislature passed, today is the last day he can veto it. And Ouzinkie’s school is fully …

As warmer spring weather approaches, and the snow continues to build in the backcountry on Kodiak Island, conditions are prime for avalanches. This week the Alaska Avalanche School will be in Kodiak to provide classes for residents who want to be safe when recreating in avalanche areas. Chris Bruno, one of the instructors with the Alaska Avalanche School, formerly lived …

On today’s Midday Report with host Davis Hovey: A recap of last week’s Pacific cod fishing closure in state-managed waters around Kodiak. KYUK reports on the USDA announcing which seafood companies it will buy salmon and pollock products from, totaling $125 million. Alaska Public Media has the details on the Alaska Legislature overturning eight of Gov. Dunleavy’s 12 executive orders, …

New property assessments for Kodiak went out in the mail starting February 29. On Thursday night, March 7, disgruntled residents filled the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly chambers to voice their concerns over the significant increases. KMXT’s Davis Hovey was at the assembly meeting and has this report: “Please don’t tax us out of town,” Sylvia Kavanaugh said. “In my adult …