No News is Bad News for Rural Alaska
By AlaskaPi Parent corporation Calista is closing and liquidating their Alaska Newpapers, Inc subsidiary. While we understand the business decision, we are sad that these newspapers will no longer be available for news of rural Alaska within their communities, and for the rest of the state. We are in a time of change all over America regarding news, news collection, news delivery, and news organizations which are all struggling. There are endless essays and conversations about whether this is good, bad , or both, as well as discussions of the causes, such as the effect of the internet on the base of advertisers and subscribers. Today,…
An Open Letter from Rural Alaska to the Parnell Administration
~~CC Strongheart happily plays in a late summer puddle in the Village of Ugashik, while her mother Ann seeks answers about her future from the State of Alaska.~~ Dear Governor Parnell, Mr. Moller, Ms. Jollie, Mr. Black and others; After reading the article in the Dispatch I am gravely concerned and worried even more so than before about what this winter will bring to rural Alaska . Not only is the lack of both subsistence and commercial fishing, greatly diminishing our ability to put away fish for the winter but also the lack of funds brought in from commercial…
Rural Update – Flooding on the Y/K – Hope Truck Leaves FRIDAY!
By the time the National Weather Service called off its flood warning for Emmonak and other Lower Yukon River villages Tuesday, breakup flooding had soaked a total of roughly 40 communities along more than 3,000 miles of rivers, according to the state. Gov. Sarah Palin sent a letter to President Obama Monday asking the him to declare a “major disaster” in Alaska — a move that could send cash to local governments and households. Ann Strongheart, a resident of the village of Nunam Iqua on the lower Yukon says that breakup started there last night, and that the village is fortunately experiencing…
Rural Update – Rebuilding Eagle and How You Can Help!
Just got the following message from yukonbushgrma out in flood-ravaged Eagle. The City of Eagle is now collecting relief donations via a Paypal account, so those of you who wish to help in that way, here are the directions ************************************************************* [By Yukonbushgrma] We finally have the specifics on how folks can donate to “Rebuild Eagle” via Paypal. Thanks to everyone for patiently waiting while we got the account set up! And PLEASE — if you wish, please spread the word to everyone in your address book! This Paypal fund, “Rebuild Eagle,” is set up to benefit those who have lost…
Rural Update – Hope Truck Heads for Eagle!
Here is a great way for Alaskans on the road system to give a hand in a time of need. The folks out in Eagle are trying to assess the horrendous flood damage, save what they can, and rebuild the rest by fall. Anyone who lives here knows that the construction season is short, and that every hour of summer daylight is precious. It will take all they’ve got to have winter ready places to live by the time the snow flies. We know from Mudflatter yukonbushgrma who lives in Eagle that tools, clothing, dogfood and other supplies are needed by…
Rural Update – Report on Flooding in Eagle
As many of you know, Mudflatter yukonbushgrma has an unfortunate ringside seat to this year’s unprecedented flooding of the Yukon, which devastated the community of Eagle. Here is her report from the scene and some unbelievable photos of how everything looks today. Fortunately all the people managed to get out of their homes and there was no loss of life, but there is a huge cleanup and rebuilding effort that lies ahead. For those who have asked “What can I do to help?” there is information after the report. **************************************************** From yukonbushgrma This week we will be moving for the…
Rural Update – How You Can Help Victims of Flooding.
The Red Cross in Fairbanks is helping flood victims in the Interior. Anyone who is interested and wants to do something for those in Eagle, and the Tanana area is encouraged by the Red Cross to send “comfort kits” composed of toiletry items such as: shampoo, soap, wash cloths, etc. Remember, those flat-rate boxes from the post office can hold a lot! We learned that from the Western Alaska food drive. The flooding this year was the worst in recorded history. You can send your Mudflats care package of toiletries to: Spring Flood 09 c/o Red Cross 725 26th Ave Suite…
Rural Update – News from the Flood Zone
The unprecedented flooding on the Yukon River has wiped out riverside homes and buildings, devastating the village of Eagle with enormous chunks of ice and raging floodwaters. Residents were able to escape but had to leave their homes and most of their possessions behind. Mudflatter Yukonbushgrandma who is a frequent commenter here on The Mudflats was right in the thick of things in the flood zone. This is her story. I will post updates as they become available. Right now, she and her husband are staying with friends on higher ground, and they are safe. Our thoughts go out to…
Rural Update from Ann Strongheart in Nunam Iqua
What a year it has been so far! First, we have our brave, courageous, and selfless Elder Nick Tucker of Emmonak. Nick’s letter brought to light the crisis of not only Emmonak but also many Bush villages. Then, wonderful Mudpups, bloggers and generous people across the nation and around the world stepped in to help get Dennis Zaki to Emmonak. About that time, I found The Mudflats blog and the magnanimous Mudpups who wanted to help. The disastrous lack of a salmon run on the Yukon and across Alaska led to a crisis of tremendous proportions. Then an early freeze…