The Alaska Board of Fisheries has tweaked some regulations related to trawl bycatch in the Prince William Sound pollock fishery. It was part of just one agenda item at the group’s meeting in Cordova from Dec. 12-16. But some wanted the board to go further and completely close the only state managed pollock trawl fishery in Alaska.

The Harbor Lights Boat Parade, organized by the Kodiak Maritime Museum, is one of the Kodiak's most popular annual events. Hundreds, if not thousands of spectators line the town's shorelines to watch boats decorated with lights sail by. KMXT Photojournalist Brian Venua shares some of the highlights from the 2024 parade.

The school in Chiniak, near the eastern end of Kodiak’s road system, hasn’t had running water for about a month. It’s currently relying on water shipped in on trucks to stay open. It’s costing the school district thousands while they wait for a permanent fix.

Christmas is less than two weeks away, and many Kodiak residents have begun putting up Christmas trees. And while some may opt for a plastic tree, there are several options for anyone looking for a real fir or spruce this season.

The indictment comes after about a month-long investigation from Alaska State Troopers. The incident occurred at a popular recreation area after a 55-gallon fuel drum was thrown into a fire, causing five teens to be medevaced to Anchorage for severe burns.

The highly contagious bacteria, known to spread via coughing and sneezing, can last for around 10 weeks and is particularly harmful for infants and pregnant women. The district is encouraging any kids with a cough to see a doctor as soon as possible and tell them they may have been exposed.

It’s been a year since Kodiak’s new indoor mall opened to the public, and it’s already become a sort of community center. Several events have been held there and businesses are celebrating their growth in the Marketplace ahead of the holidays. The space will also host Kodiak’s annual boat parade afterparty this weekend.

Alaska's Seafood Task Force holds its final meeting today and over the last several months lawmakers have been looking at ways to aid all sectors of the state’s seafood industry, which faced a number of struggles. But the group could also address the outmigration of fishing permits and unequal fishing access in rural Alaska communities.

The head of the City of Kodiak’s Fire Department announced last week that he plans to retire at the end of this year. Fire Chief Frank Dorner has been with the department for roughly 25 years and held the head position since 2022.

The Kodiak City Council has yet to make a final decision on the name for its park and recreation center. That’s several months after receiving a recommendation to change the name from Baranof Park to Wamwik, which means “a place to play” in Alutiiq.