The U.S. Coast Guard has brought criminal charges against the sole survivor of a 2010 helicopter crash in which three people from Air Station Sitka died. Lieutenant Lance Leone is facing possible court martial for negligence and the death of two of his crewmates.
Alaska
Federal cuts could threaten ferry repairs
The Alaska Marine Highway System could be another casualty of federal budget battles. Money used to repair and maintain the aging ferry fleet could become much tighter in the near future.
Advisory panel chimes in on transportation plan
Alaska’s ferry advisory panel wants a few changes in Southeast’s transportation system. That could include new roads, such as one across Baranof Island from Sitka, that would shorten ferry routes.
Sealaska defaults on part of California casino land
Sealaska has lost some its California casino land to foreclosure. But the regional Native corporation says it won’t hinder the project. The hundred-million-dollar-plus hotel and casino will be built about 85 miles north of San Francisco.
Sealaska defers to Goldbelt on CBJ-Petersburg land flap
Sealaska Regional Native Corporation owns about 25-thousand acres of subsurface mining rights in an area being contested by the City and Borough of Juneau and Petersburg.
Skagway character Barbara Kalen dies at age 86
One of Southeast Alaska’s lifelong art enthusiasts has passed away. Barbara Kalen suffered a heart attack at her Skagway home Tuesday night. She was 86 years old. Kalen was born in Skagway and spent all of her life there, save for one year of high school in California, vacations to the lower 48, and international…