Brian Venua

On today's Midday Report with host Brian Venua: Chiniak's school has a water pump again, the quest for a new Kodiak city manager is being contracted out, the state legislature is trying to address both staff shortages and education funding, Sen. Lisa Murkowski criticized President Trump for dismissing thousands of federal employees, and federal workers in Juneau share how they're dealing with layoffs.

A transformer for the water pump was reported stolen in November and Kodiak Island Borough School District had to truck water there to keep the school open. It has since been replaced and the investigation was closed due to a lack of evidence.

Kodiak residents took part in a President's Day protest on Feb. 17, expressing frustration at the federal government – especially at President Donald Trump and his advisors. It was just one of many similar events taking place across the state and country.

This week we hear about Pacific cod pot fishing opening, State Senator Gary Stevens is once again hoping to raise the minimum age to buy tobacco and e-cigarettes, a housing project in Kodiak is in limbo, and the City of Kodiak is reviewing its development plan for Near Island.

Kodiak has joined the list of Alaska communities that have lost a school in recent years after its school board voted to close North Star Elementary School at a special meeting on Jan. 22.

The board will make a decision at a special meeting on Jan. 22, when it will also consider stratification. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in the district services conference room. The meeting will also be broadcast both on KMXT and online. KMXT's Davis Hovey asked Brian Venua to break down some of the highlights ahead of the decision.

Kodiak could be less than a week from losing one of its four elementary schools. The island’s school district held a town hall meeting on Monday to hear from the public before making its decision next week. Emotions are high as officials try to balance the budget.

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.

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.