Erik Wander/KMXT The 26th Annual Rural Providers Conference comes to Kodiak next week, providing an opportunity for members of rural communities to meet and learn from substance abuse service providers and experts from across the state.

Erik Wander/KMXT A local businesswoman who has been involved in the Alutiiq Museum’s Alutiiq language program for the past few years, was recently diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of cancer and now finds herself in need of help in covering her medical costs. The museum’s Alutiiq language manager, April Laktonen Counceller, said the woman, "Isabella B.," as she …

Erik Wander/KMXT The Wet Dogs have finally made it to Kodiak. After being waylaid in Anchor Point by mechanical problems and rough weather, the group of five-jet skiers made it out on Sunday, after separating water from their gas and replacing damaged fuel injectors. Team leader John Lang said the group made it from Anchor Point to Port Williams on …

Erik Wander/KMXT One Kodiak Island Borough Assembly member plans to introduce an agenda item proposing a letter to the Secretary of Commerce urging him not to endorse the North Pacific Management Council’s recent decision to reduce the number of limited license permit holders for cod in the Gulf of Alaska. KMXT’s Erik Wander has more.

Erik Wander/KMXT The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly approved an ordinance introducing its fiscal year 2010 budget at its regular meeting Thursday evening. The Assembly also approved a resolution establishing funding for the Kodiak Island Borough School District, funding that fell somewhat short of what the district had requested.

Erik Wander/KMXT A long-time member of the Kodiak community recently published a book of poems inspired by fishermen and the other customers she’s served over many years from behind the bar. Having worked at Tony’s Bar for 22 years and at B and B Bar for the past six years, Wendy Ann Waldheim has met and been inspired by many …

Erik Wander/KMXT With high hopes for good weather and large crowds, local and out-of-town vendors had their hammers, paint brushes, food items and wares at the ready Wednesday morning along the midway at Kodiak’s Saint Paul Harbor as they set up their booths for Crab Fest 2009. KMXT’s Erik Wander visited with some of the vendors as they got ready.

Erik Wander/KMXT The third annual Kodiak King Salmon Sportfishing Tournament is underway. This year’s derby-style tournament features over 30,000 dollars in cash prizes spread across three weight divisions, nine major prizes and 20 mystery weight cash prizes. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s Kodiak king salmon enhancement project. Tournament administrator Judi Kidder said this …

Erik Wander/KMXT The Alaska Mental Health Board and Advisory Board on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse are meeting in Kodiak this week, and all indications are that Kodiak is doing well compared with other communities in the state when it comes to treatment and care for people suffering from mental health or substance abuse issues. However, there’s always room for improvement.

Erik Wander/KMXT Each year, the Armed Services YMCA invites children of U.S. service members to participate in the national ASYMCA art and essay contests. This year, a local 12th-grader was awarded top honors in the 11th and 12th grade category of the essay contest.