Based on continuing assessments of guidance from federal, state and local health authorities, the U.S. Census Bureau is suspending 2020 Census field operations for two additional weeks to April 15, 2020. The Census Bureau is taking this step to help protect the health and safety of the Ameri…

Public Safety Report

According to the World Health Organization, coronavirus is a family of viruses common in people and animals. It has caused such diseases as MERS and SARS. The current strain of coronavirus causes a disease known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 later named COVID-19.

According to a release from the City of Seward, a third case of the Coronavirus has been reported in Seward. The case is currently being investigated by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. No other information has been made available other than the positive test was confirme…

The City of Seward is reporting that a second individual in Seward has tested positive for the Coronavirus. The case is listed as “under investigation,” meaning it is not known if contact with the virus was travel related or happened locally.

Is there a sanitizer for the brain? Yes. Prayer, meditation, yoga, music, laughter, nature. Whatever healthy and legal activity brings pleasure to the mind can relax the brain and the body. My miniature paradise is a steamy cup of cinnamon tea, a blanket, and a book. What is your brain bliss? 

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has released preliminary information on the distribution of funds for the 2018 cod fisheries disaster. The funds come from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries). Funds expected to be distributed total $24,416,440.

The Public Safety Report is compiled from numerous sources, both official and unofficial, including police, fire, and EMS dispatches, press releases, official reports, court documents, interviews, and other sources. 

There is little doubt that the current events generated by a virus mutation far, far from here has affected all of us in ways that our parents and grandparents could never have imagined.

The Alaska Legislature passed Senate Bill 241 Saturday extending the governor’s public health emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic to November 15 and providing provisions to deal with the pandemic. The bill, which is currently waiting to be transmitted to the governor, extends the application…

If you’re feeling stressed or nervous during these days of COVID-19, you’re not alone. Uncertainty and the sense of not being safe — not to mention physical distancing, round-the-clock news and empty grocery shelves — are stressful. What you’re feeling is common around the world and across Seward.

Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a stay at home order today that becomes effective at 5 p.m. March 28, 2020.

The Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District is currently collecting information to identify the economic impact COVID-19 is having on our businesses. This peninsula-wide confidential survey will be open to responses until midnight on Friday, March 27. The overall data will be used to i…

The Small Business Administration (SBA) announced recently that as a result of the president’s decision to declare a national emergency, the agency will be offering up to $2 million in assistance to small business and nonprofits significantly impacted by the COVID-19 virus. 

The Public Safety Report is compiled from numerous sources, both official and unofficial, including police, fire, and EMS dispatches, press releases, official reports, court documents, interviews, and other sources. 

The American Legion Seward Post 5 Family had their officer elections for the new officers recently. These new officers are chartered to move their respective organizations forward in service for the 2020-2021 membership year and to continue in service to veterans, their families and the Sewa…

Dr. Anne Zink, chief medical director for the Department of Health and Social Services announced in a press conference this afternoon that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Alaska has increased to 12 with two new confirmed cases today. The new cases are in Fairbanks and Ketchikan,…

According to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) the Seward Highway will be closed for three hours at Milepost 108 on Friday, March 20. According to a spokesperson with the department, crews are expected to set off a blast to remove unsafe rock at app…

Note: This article has been updated to reflect information updated after publication and to clarify the number of cases nationally.

Governor Mike Dunleavy issued an order Tuesday night closing all public restaurants, bars, and entertainment establishments except for the allowance for take-out service from restaurants beginning at 5 p.m. today, March 18, and extending through April 1 at 5 p.m.

According the Department of Health and Social Services DHSS website, Alaska now has three confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus. All three are stated to be, “not community-acquired infections,” according to DHSS.

The City of Seward announced this morning that it is modifying operations in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The city has restricted access to city facilities and cancelled most activities until further notice. Some meetings are still on a to be determined basis according to City Clerk Br…

The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC), the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) and the Alaska Raptor Center (ARC) will be highlighted in a new series, “Alaska Animal Rescue” produced by Symbio Studios says Nat Geo WILD.

The Seward Senior Center is closed  through March 20. All programs have been cancelled except:

In a release issued by the Alaska SeaLife Center, the center has announced it will be closed through March 31 for public health concerns due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Chugach National Forest is recruiting to fill positions on the Kenai Peninsula-Anchorage Borough Resource Advisory Committee (KP-AB RAC). Members of the KP-AB RAC review and discuss project proposals submitted by individual citizens, interest groups, tribes, land management agencies, and…

Wendy Willis led a writing workshop with Jennifer Swander’s sophomore class at Seward High School on March 4.  Willis introduced a specially-crafted essay written by Jesmyn Ward, which opened up new perspectives and techniques with writing. 

Earlier today Governor Mike Dunleavy issued the first statewide restrictions relating to the COVID-19 virus, closing public schools and limiting access to other state facilities.

The first local restrictions as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) were taken by the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District yesterday. The district announced on March 12 that students will not return to school on Monday as scheduled following this week’s spring break.

A vehicle driver by 19-year-old George Napoka of Nikiski crossed the centerline of the Seward Highway near mile 52 Tuesday morning and collided with a semi-truck according to a press release by troopers. Napoka was airlifted to Anchorage with life threatening injuries.

According to a press release from the Alaska State Troopers, 41-year-old Joel Ruby of Anchorage pointed a gun at another motorist on Nash Road at approximately 7 p.m. Tuesday night. Troopers located the suspect vehicle and attempted to make contact with the driver. Ruby fled troopers and the…

Update: Seward Police say the incident has been resolved peacefully.

The Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center (CNFAIC) provides forecast for Turnagain Pass, Girdwood Valley, Twentymile River, Portage Valley, Placer River, and Summit Lake areas. All of the forecast areas are in the Chugach National Forest. The CNFAIC also provides avalanche obs…

The Public Safety Report is compiled from numerous sources, both official and unofficial, including police, fire, and EMS dispatches, press releases, official reports, court documents, interviews, and other sources. 

Looking at the loss of plastic shopping bags in Seward, shoppers must have alternate means to carry their grocery goodies out of the store. Many have made the transition to reusable shopping bags. 

Update: DOT says the highway is now open. Please watch for equipment still working in the area.

The completion of the modernization of senior services project came to an end on the heels of the volunteer appreciation luncheon at the Seward Senior Center on Valentine’s Day. The project incorporates a new touch screen check in system that creates better efficiency in data collection and …

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Alaska District Office has extended the deadline for accepting nominations for its local 2020 Small Business Week Awards to March 18. Nominations are being accepted for three awards.

The Alaska State Troopers and the Alaska Broadcasters Association will be conducting a live test of the Alaska Amber Alert System this morning, Wednesday, Feb. 19 at approximately 10:20 a.m. The test will be canceled in the event of an actual child abduction AMBER Alert.

All areas of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge traditionally open to snowmachine use are now open. Andy Loranger, refuge manager, recently announced the opening of refuge lands south of Tustumena Lake to snowachine use, effective immediately. With this opening, all areas of the Kenai Nation…

Public Safety Report