In the late 1970′s, the means of providing rural Alaskan communities with needed public safety services at the local level started with the Village Public Safety Officer Program. The program, designed to train and employ those in the villages as first responders to emergencies like, fires, emergency medical assistance, and law enforcement  has been improving the quality of life in the villages, according to officials for the training program.

In alphabetical order, the successful graduates of the VPSO program in 2012 are: Deborah Apatiki – Kawerak, Inc. – Gambell; Cecelia Atchak – Association of Village Council Presidents – Chevak; Marcus Barr – Kawerak, Inc. – Brevig Mission; Peter Berlin Jr. – Association of Village Council Presidents – Nunapitchuk; William Candy Fire – Saint Paul Tribal Enforcement (Village Police Officer); Timothy Carter – Association of Village Council Presidents – Bethel; Alex Chaney – Association of Village Council Presidents – Napaskiak; William Dushkin – Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association – Atka; Eddie Fenn – Association of Village Council Presidents – Chefornak; Michael Gagliano – Northwest Arctic Borough – Kotzebue; Shawn Gutleben – Association of Village Council Presidents – Akiachak;  and John Henry Jr. – Kawerak, Inc. – St. Michael.

The list also includes Justin Hooper – Association of Village Council Presidents – Napakiak; Carl Inakak – Association of Village Council Presidents – Chefornak; Daniel Joekay – Association of Village Council Presidents – Bethel; Damian Joseph – Association of Village Council Presidents – Alakanuk; Sandra Lamont – Association of Village Council Presidents – Alakanuk; Thomas Madole – Bristol Bay Native Association – Manokotak; Lawrence Martin – Association of Village Council Presidents – Akiachak; Nicholas Miller – Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association – Akutan; William Oyaluk – Bristol Bay Native Association – New Stuyahok; Timothy Pehle – Kawerak, Inc. – Nome; Dale Plate – Bristol Bay Native Association – Togiak; Joy Reyneke – Bristol Bay Native Association – Kokhanok; Steven Rugg – Northwest Arctic Borough – Kiana; James Sartelle – Association of Village Council Presidents – Chevak; Daniel Smith – Association of Village Council Presidents – Quinhagak; James Smith – Central Council for Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska – Thorne Bay; Donald Stafford – Bristol Bay Native Association – Levelock; and Phillip Zavadil – Saint Paul Tribal Enforcement (Village Police Officer).

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On 2-20-12, at about 1600 hours, AST Bethel Post received a report from the Kongiganak Public Safety Department that the Kongiganak Post Office had been burglarized sometime during the evening hours of 2-19-12.  AST responded to Kongiganak on 2-24-12 to investigate. Subsequently, two suspects were developed.  Criminal charges of Burglary 2nd, Criminal Mischief 3rd and Theft 3rd against the two suspects are expected to be forwarded to the Bethel District Attorney’s Office for their review.

Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance IV and Tampering with Evidence.

On 2/24/12 at approximately 2032 hours, while executing a Search Warrant on 33836 Nash Rd Bayview Trailer Court #13, the Alaska State Troopers discovered a commercial Marijuana growing operation.  29 Marijuana plants as well as growing equipment were seized.    While conducting a search of the residence it was discovered that there had been an attempt to flush evidence down the toilet. The owners of the property Carrie Klossner age 47  and Michael Klossner age 44 both of Seward were arrested and remanded to the Seward Jail on the three counts of Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance IV and one count of Tampering with Evidence.

On 2-25-12 WAANT investigators contacted Allen J. Savo, age 34 of Dillingham who is on felony probation, after he was observed associating with another felon on probation.  Investigation resulted in the seizure of 32 grams of black tar heroin and 5.5 grams of methamphetamine from Savo’s vehicle.  The street value of these drugs in Dillingham is over $12,000.00.  Investigators also seized cash from Savo.   Allen J. Savo was arrested and charged with Misconduct involving a Controlled Substance II, and Misconduct involving a Controlled Substance III.  He was booked at the Dillingham Correctional Center.  The investigation continues

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Guns don't kill people, people can kill people, with or without guns. Photo by Kriss Szkurlatowski

Need to Take a Trip, Be Careful What You Ask For

Buckland, Alaska  February 19th at approximately 1640 hours Alaska State Troopers in Kotzebue received the report of a disturbance in the village of Buckland.  Investigation revealed that Randy R. Lee, age 24 from Buckland, assaulted a family member and damaged items inside the residence when a separate family member refused to give him money to buy marijuana.  Lee was arrested on two counts of domestic violence Assault 4 and one count of domestic violence Criminal Mischief 4.  Lee was transported to Kotzebue where he was arraigned.  Lee’s bail was set at $1,000.00 or a third party custodian requirement.

. . .  People Kill People

On February 25th at approximately 1245 hours Alaska State Troopers in Kotzebue were contacted by the Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) in Kiana who reported that during a welfare check on Alex T. Sheldon, age 33 from Kiana, he had discovered Sheldon to be in possession of a prohibited shotgun and a loaded .22 caliber handgun.  Investigation revealed that Sheldon is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.  Further investigation revealed that Sheldon had taken the shotgun from a family member without the family member’s knowledge and had cut the barrel off to a length sorter than 18 inches making it a prohibited weapon.  Sheldon was arrested on two counts of MIW III and one count of DV Criminal Mischief IV.  Sheldon was arraigned telephonically in Kiana and later transported to Kotzebue.  Bail was set at $25,000.00 + a third party custodian requirement.

Rejection Stings, But Jail Sucks

Ambler, Alaska  February 19th at approximately 1840 hours Alaska State Troopers in Kotzebue received the report that Julia Cleveland, age 48 from Ambler, was at a family member’s residence in violation of a long term domestic violence protective order.  Investigation revealed that Cleveland is the respondent in a long term DVPO which had been served on 2-13-12.  The DVPO orders that Cleveland not be within 500 feet of the residence.  The Village Police Officer responded to the residence and contacted Cleveland inside.  Cleveland was arrested for violating the DVPO and transported to Kotzebue where she was arraigned.  Cleveland’s bail was set at $1,000.00 or a third party custodian requirement.

White Lightning and Machete Not A Good Combo

On February 22nd, at approximately 1024 hours Alaska State Troopers from Emmonak were notified that an adult male in Emmonak was assaulted and received injures.  Investigation revealed that Walter Tikiun 29 Y.O.A. was drinking homebrew alcohol with one adult male and assaulted the adult male by striking him several times in the face with his fist. Tikiun then grabbed a machete and made verbal statement that he was going to kill the victim.  The victim received injures to his face and upper shoulder and was treated and released from the Emmonak Clinic.  On 2-23-12 at approximately 1629 hours Tikiun was arrested and charged with one count of assault in the third degree.  Tikiun was transported to the holding facility in Emmonak awaiting arraignment.

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Meanwhile, further south in Alaska, on Sunday morning about 4:30 a.m.,  Alaska State Troopers arrested Allen W. Walker, 51, of Wasilla for probation violation. Walker was contacted as the passenger in a vehicle stopped on Crusey St. in Wasilla for a moving violation.  Investigation revealed Walker was on probation for felony DUI and was violating his conditions by consuming alcohol.  Walker was taken into custody and transported to Mat-Su Pretrial at the request of his probation officer.

At three-fifteen a.m., Alaska State Troopers stopped a bronze Jeep Grand Cherokee on Vine Road near Limberlost Avenue, Wasilla, for a moving violation.  Investigation revealed that the driver of the vehicle, Jeffery S. Bennett, age 29 of Wasilla, was driving while under the influence of alcohol.  Bennett was arrested for DUI, transported and remanded to the Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility.  Bail was set at $500.  The vehicle was towed from the scene by MTR.

On Saturday the 25th about 3:15 p.m., Alaska State Troopers Bureau of Highway Patrol responded to a REDDI report of a black GMC truck traveling south on the Parks Hwy from the Houston area crossing over fog lines and drifting toward oncoming traffic.   Troopers contacted the vehicle and driver near mile 50 of the Parks Hwy in Wasilla.  Investigation revealed that the driver, Tony Len Houser age 55 of Palmer, was driving while under the influence.  Houser was arrested for DUI and Refuse to Submit to Chemical Test.  Houser was transported to the Mat-Su Pre-Trial facility where he was remanded into custody on $2000.00 bail.  Houser’s vehicle was released to a relative who responded to the scene.

Two a.m. Saturday, Alaska State Troopers with the Bureau of Highway Patrol, South Central Team conducted a traffic stop on a black 2006 Ford F150 on the Parks Hwy. at Church Rd. for a speeding and lane violation.  Troopers identified the driver as Steve M. Burrow, age 34, of Wasilla.  An investigation revealed Burrow was operating the vehicle while impaired by alcohol and was placed under arrest for DUI. Burrow was transported and remanded into the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility where he was held on $500 bail.

At 3:30 a.m., State Troopers from the Mat-Su BHP contacted Brian A. Marple, age 22, of Houston after a traffic stop for speeding. Investigation revealed that Marple was intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle.  In addition, Marple had a firearm in the vehicle.  Marple was arrested for DUI-Alcohol and Misconduct Involving Weapons IV.  Marple was remanded to Mat-Su Pretrial where he was lodged on $500.00 bail.

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Governor Parnell in August 2010 at Chena Hot Springs Energy Fair. Photo by Diane Neill Jensen

Governor Sean Parnell pushes bills to protect Alaskans from financial and sexual exploitation. On February 17 and 19 respectively, Gov. Parnell welcomed the Alaska Senate’s passage of the Senate Bill 86 and transmitted another bill against sex and human trafficking in the 1^st degree.

“I appreciate the Senate passing this important bill that will protect victims who are targeted because of their age or the benefits they’re entitled to receive,” Governor Parnell said. “This bill will also improve the ability of those investigating reports of harm, so they may obtain vital information in a timely manner. This will result in better services and safety for Alaska’s vulnerable adults, and shield them from abuse, neglect and exploitation.”

Senate Bill 86 aims to lessen the crime against the most vulnerable citizens of Alaska – children, seniors and those who are unable to protect their own interests.

Similarly, Gov. Parnell was pleased to announce the presence of a bill that will help “prevent the exploitation of children and give prosecutors more tools to combat the problem.”

“The crimes of sex trafficking and human trafficking are serious offenses which violate the most basic human rights and deprive victims of every shred of personal freedom,” Governor Parnell said. “Sex trafficking is a disgraceful practice we can’t ignore.

As the crime of prostitution increases in the state, with a growing number of online cases reported across Alaska, the bill will allow the state to forfeit property used in connection with committing the crime of prostitution. In addition, witnesses who are unable to testify in a courtroom are allowed to have a two-way video conferencing with the prosecutors.

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Depression symptions or other mental illness can lead to substance abuse and then prison, inferrs the author of "Crazy".

Crazy is not just something Patsy Cline sang about. There’s a book called “Crazy” that is a must read for anyone who is or who knows someone, or who knows about someone who is having trouble in our U.S. society. The author, renowned reporter Pete Earley, says the following in the first chapter.

“the more I dug, the clearer it became… The mentally ill, who used to be treated in state mental hospitals, were now being arrested. Our nation’s jails and prisons were our new asylums,” he says in his book.

Earley now gives talks on mental health reform, and says he has visited 46 states and three other countries to speak about his passion. His passion started when his adult son was diagnosed as mentally ill, and he found out first-hand what a mess the system is.  His website is full of insight into all the research he has done and the knowledge he possesses on the topic of mental illness. In a recent blog post on his website entitled “Chemical Imbalances: Real or Imagined?”,  he says there is “no blood test, no x-ray, no CT scan that yields a definitive diagnosis,” of mental illness.

The Juneau chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill is sponsoring him in Juneau from February 29th to March 3rd. If you are in Juneau, call NAMI at their office 907 463-4251 for more information. If you are not in Juneau and want to hear this author, talk to your local mental health clinic or association and see if you can still get a date for him to speak in your area.

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Fairbanks

Seven new cases were recorded for reckless drivers in Fairbanks, all of them were subsequently arrested for Driving While Intoxicated. Drivers’ ages range from early twenties to early fifties with majority of the drivers aging 23 and mostly females. All of those arrested were brought to the Fairbanks Correctional Center.

Wasilla

Drivers arrested in Wasilla were confined at the Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility for Driving Under Influence of alcohol and drugs. Drivers were mostly females in their early twenties with a few exceptions of those under early thirties. The arrested drivers may be bailed with $500-$1000 except for those with additional charges.

Homer

Two drivers from Homer were arrested on Feb. 4 and 5 respectively due to driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages. Both drivers were brought to Homer jail until they’re bailed out.

Kodiak

One of the two drivers arrested in Kodiak, Paul D. Burns II, was not just driving under alcohol influence but was also found out to possess a load of marijuana and hashish. Both drivers were brought to Kodiak Police Department Jail with a bail amount of $1000- $2250.

Other reckless drivers were arrested in Scout Lake Loop Rd, Sterling, Willow, Girdwood, Ketchikan, Palmer, Aniak, Noorvik, and North Pole.

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In Fairbanks, the Alaska State Troopers arrested Daniel S. Vaughn (age 22) and Ashleigh Nikole Dennis (age 20) for DUI on February 19, 2012. Both were brought to the Fairbanks Correctional Center after being arrested.

In Salcha, an unidentified driver has been arrested for driving after consuming approximately 500mg of Benadryl. Charges for DUI will be forwarded after the driver is discharged from the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.

Three drivers were arrested in Big Lake from Feb 17-18. The offenders were identified as Justin E. Corns, Ivan Afonin and Raymond Letendre, ages 24, 36 and 41 respectively. Corns has had two outstanding AST arrest warrants and with bail set at $1,750 while Afonin has a bail set at $1000 for DUI. Letendre has a bail set at $5000 for driving without a license while under alcohol influence. All drivers were remanded at the Mat-Su Pretrial Facility.

In Girdwood, Troopers contacted Fotinia Kuznetsoff, age 41 of Willow, the driver of the vehicle. The subsequent investigation revealed that Kuznetsoff had been driving the vehicle while license was revoked for 2 prior DUI convictions. His bail is set at $12, 500 and was brought to the Anchorage Jail.

Wasilla has, so far, the highest number of drivers arrested for DUI last week with over 8 identified offenders from Feb. 10-18. Reported offenders were Charley Gregory, age 38,  Jesse Ottoson, age 25, Johnathon W. Kelsey, age 25, Tammy Gardner, age 43, Christopher Hall, age 29, James P. Gardner, age 45, Andrew P. Johnnie III, age 26, Jonathan Chandler, age 20, and Dusty V. Bannon. All were brought to Mat-Su Pretrial facility.

In Palmer, Alicia Banners, age 43 and Jeffery L. Grummett, age 47 were arrested for DUI, with Grummett facing additional charges for driving with a revoked license. Both were remanded into the Mat-Su Pretrial facility.

In Soldotna, 52 years old Kenneth Murray has been arrested for DUI and driving with a revoked license. Murray was transported to Wildwood Pretrial where he was
remanded without bail.

In Sleetmute, Alaska State Troopers contacted and arrested Pete Zaukar age 46 for driving while under the influence of alcoholic beverages.  Zaukar was arrested for DUI, transported and remanded into Bethel YKCC.

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Affordable health care, is it still up in the air, depends upon the court system.

It is extremely unlikely that the stay will be granted, the judge was very definitive on the ruling, Union Organizer, Matt Fennel says. “In general, the hotel management is trying to undermine employee union benefits.” Those benefits mentioned by Fennel have to do with housekeeping standards like dangerous work loads and getting rid of the affordable health benefits for employees.

The same company has had issues in both Florida and Indiana regarding employee labor issues. Alaskan Legislators have called upon the management to ” respect Alaskan workers and obey the rule of federal law,” they say in support of District Judge Timothy Burgess’ February 2nd order granting a preliminary injunction against Remington Lodging and Hospitality. Five State of Alaska Senators and six House of Representative Members signed a letter to the Texas company.

“This injunction will provide immediate meaningful relief to Alaskan workers employed by the Sheraton Hotel from their employer’s interference with their self-organization, collective bargaining rights, and labor union; their employer’s discrimination against employees in the terms and conditions of their employment; and more,” says a recent press release on behalf of the legislators.

The legislators who signed the letter were Senators Davis, Egan, Ellis, French and Wielechowski, and House Members Kawasaki, Miller, Tuck, Guttenberg, Holmes and Gara.

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The feds, at least the court system, now recognizes Alaska in the challenge of federal authority on State of Alaska owned rivers and submerged lands, says a press release from Alaska Governor Sean Parnell’s office. United States Federal District Court Judge Russell Holland issued the order on February 14, 2012.

For seventeen years, 1990-2007, Mr. Sturgeon operated his hovercraft in that area to hunt moose, when in 2007, he was confronted by the Park Service while his hovercraft was inoperable and stuck on a gravel bar, say court records. Mr. Sturgeon was threatened with enforcement of Park Service rules unless he removed his boat from the area, which he did after his craft was repaired.

“My administration will continue to aggressively push back on federal overreach, and efforts to control Alaskans’ ability to travel on rivers and waterways,” Governor Parnell said. “I am pleased the court recognized Alaska’s strong interest in this issue over the objections of the federal government to our participation in the case.”

“Under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), Park Service regulations cannot be applied to state land or water that lies within national parks and preserves. The federal government will now be required to file a formal response to the state’s complaint,” says the Governor’s press release.

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