The Kodiak Crab Alliance Cooperative, which represents the local fleet, will deliver between 70 and 80 percent of the total harvest to one processor that offered the best price. Alaska Pacific Seafoods will pay $5.75 per pound for the lion’s share of Tanner crabs.

The state Department of Transportation plans to enforce a two-week limit for all vehicles within the long term parking lot. DOT staff will issue notices or tags on vehicles that approach the limit and then relocate those vehicles to a nearby impound lot if they stay parked for more than 14 days.

The City of Kodiak and Kodiak Island Borough announced on Wednesday, Jan. 8, that Richard Gonzalez will be the main point of contact for local, state and federal partners during emergency response on the island.

Kodiak’s new fire station is 40% completed as of the end of 2024 and is on schedule, according to Acting City Manager Josie Bahnke, who gave an update on the project on Jan. 9.

This week we hear about KIBSD starting school closure talks, both city and borough officials are recommending to revoke Peking's restaurant alcohol license, the Trusty Tusty is having winter maintenance, an abandoned building is being torn down, Maersk is ending its Alaska operations, the USDA is buying $50 million worth of pollock, and Rep. Stutes and Sen. Stevens share priorities ahead of the Legislative session.

The recent buy is just the latest influx of cash to Alaska’s seafood industry from the federal government. The USDA spent about $200 million purchasing seafood like salmon and pollock last year, according to the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute.

When reached via email, Ashton Meier, the vice president of processing at Pacific Seafood, said the company is maintaining service with another carrier but the reduced number of shipping options in Kodiak is concerning.

A Kodiak Island resident has been honored with a national award for environmental leadership. One of eight awardees, Natasha Hayden was recognized for her work advocating for Alaska Native fishing rights.

North Star and Peterson Elementary schools are recommended for potential closure as KIBSD faces an $8 million budget deficit. The community has three weeks allotted for public comment before the board is expected to make a decision on Jan. 20.

The Alaska Department of Fish & Game is slated to receive another funding boost as part of Governor Mike Dunleavy’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026. Millions of that potential money will support research for crashing Chinook salmon stocks.