The medical union representing Kodiak nurses, physical therapists and other health care workers is going on strike to preserve earned sick leave and vacation benefits. On Tuesday, Alaska Medical Employee Association negotiators sent a 10-day notice to strike to Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center. “It’s bad for hospital morale. It’s bad for having a positive working environment. And I think …

In this newscast: The committee tasked with exploring reconfiguration of Kodiak elementary schools opted against the stratification plan, which would have grouped specific grade levels at each of the elementary schools. The summer ferry schedule released last week shows fewer “chain runs” to Dutch Harbor, slightly more trips to Ouzinkie and Port Lions, no trips to Old Harbor and a …

The Alaska Marine Highway System summer ferry schedule was released last week. Kodiak’s first arrival will be the M/V Kennicott on April 25, arriving from Homer. The M/V Tustumena will make its first trip Kodiak from Homer on May 2. This summer will see somewhat reduced service in some places. According to Department of Transportation and Public Facilities spokesperson Sam …

In this newscast: Kodiak Island Borough Assembly gets a brief education on the coronavirus, COVID-19 and measures to protect local residents. State public health officials moved Friday to calm Alaskans’ anxiety about coronavirus testing, saying the state has the resources it needs. Organizers are cancelling the Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse due to coronavirus fears. After 10 years of certification, …

In this newscast: The city of Kodiak puts together an incident management team to prepare the community for a potential spread of the coronavirus The Borough Assembly authorizes two design contracts, hears a report from Bayside Fire Department and awards one borough staffer Employee of the Year and Employee of the Quarter awards. Saturday is tax free day in Kodiak …

After 10 years of certification, Gulf of Alaska cod will have its blue-sticker sustainability label suspended starting April 5, 2020. After a climate change-caused crash pushed Gulf cod to near-overfished status last year, the suspension of the Marine Stewardship Council blue label did not come as a surprise to the industry. A package of frozen fish fillets sold at a …

In this newscast: Kodiak Island Borough Assembly will hold a public hearing on disposing two land parcels and consider contracts for building renovation and culvert replacements. Despite scheduling and ferry uncertainty, the Chamber of Commerce secured Golden Wheel Amusement rides again for this year’s Crab Fest. State officials are leading preparations for the anticipated arrival of the coronavirus. Meanwhile in …

In this newscast: Kodiak College Interim Director Betty Walters says the school will continue to serve the community despite budget woes in the University of Alaska system. The Alaska House passed the state budget on Tuesday along caucus lines. After touring ferry headquarters in Ketchikan, Kodiak Rep. Louise Stutes says the Alaska Marine Highway System is in poor shape. A …

In this newscast: Astra’s DARPA challenge launch scrapped, ending the company’s efforts to complete the challenge and secure the multimillion dollar prize. Alaska Supreme Court Chief Justice Joel Bolger has recused himself from the ongoing case to determine the legality of the campaign to recall Gov. Mike Dunleavy. The first day of the 2020 Norton Sound commercial crab fishery was …

Cook Inlet beluga whales are continuing to decline in number, according to a NOAA abundance estimate released last month. From Alaska’s Energy Desk, Kavitha George has the story of how the decline in belugas is both controversial and largely unexplained. Cook Inlet beluga. (Photo by Paul Wade/NOAA) The decline of the white whales in the inlet in view of Anchorage …