Public Safety

The head of Alaska’s Wildlife Disease and Health Surveillance Program confirms that the City of Nome has a higher than normal case count of rabies in the red fox population.

Nome’s Public Safety Advisory Commission convened this month to discuss the drafted use of force policy. After several cancelled meetings due to COVID-19, and failing to make quorum, the commission did meet on Monday for the first time since October of 2020.

Nome courthouse staff confirm Bradley Gene Okpealuk was arraigned this morning and his case now moves onto a trial. In-person jury trials resumed in Nome earlier this month.

Man in green kuspuk holds green bottle while standing on beach on cloudy day

A local Shishmaref fundraiser is aiding residents who lost their home in a fire early Sunday morning. Law enforcement say other crimes took place leading up to the blaze that same day.

Wanted Suspect turned himself into State Troopers on July 22nd in Kobuk. Photo: Alaska State Troopers file.

On Thursday last week, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Alaska announced that 35-year-old Alfred Morgan of Aniak had been indicted on federal gun charges.

Two men looking at a building that has signs of fire.

An electrical fire on Wednesday caused no injuries but did some significant damage to the apartment units at 603 Seppala Drive in Nome.

Stack of papers and a rape kit supplies on a table.

Rep. Geran Tarr pre-filed House Bill 5 earlier this month which includes rape kit testing reform, further protections for underage victims of sexual abuse, and updates the state’s sexual consent law.

Flood waters recede in Emmonak in July 2013. Photo: Adam DuBrowa, FEMA.

After receiving a report at 3:25am on January 1st, Alaska State Troopers found 39-year-old Brian Agwiak of Emmonak deceased in his residence.

Within Alaska’s criminal justice system, the poor and vulnerable have experienced the greatest impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. KNOM reports on what those in the court system are saying about those affected.

Aerial image of dark blue water, a field of ice chunks, and a small vessel involved in search-and-rescue efforts.

White Mountain Search and Rescue Team successfully rescued an overdue snow machiner outside of White Mountain on Monday, after rough trails left him stranded. Public safety officials warn of poor travel conditions outside of the White Mountain area.