Ketchikan: Rescued Fawn Reported to be Thriving in New Home By MARY KAUFFMAN - Following a very busy weekend and many caring hands, a fawn recently orphaned in Ketchikan is now safe and thriving at the Alaska Conservation Center in Portage, Alaska.

The fawn was discovered early Sunday morning by a Good Samaritan in the Ward Cove area. Gretchen Moore, owner of BARK Alaska Rescue, told SitNews the concerned citizen knew immediately that something was wrong and after looking for the doe unsuccessfully, the fawn, which still had the umbilical cord attached, was taken to the rescue center for urgent care. Moore immediately contacted the appropriate officials from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game who evaluated the care being provided by BARK Alaska for the fawn. Being satisfied with the fawn's care, the officials left the fawn in Moore's care until other arrangements could be made.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game made sure the fawn had the correct formula to strengthen her while they looked for a placement for Fern, according the the Ketchikan Humane Society.

Moore said the fawn, which they named Fern, was very hungry and feeding began slowly so as not to let Fern drink too much at one time and gradually increased. Moore said Fern won everyone's heart immediately bringing even big hunter-men to their knees in adoration and awe.

When she arrived she was weak and thin said Moore. "We have no idea how long she had gone with out eating. She cried a lot, searching for anything that she could nurse on. She took to the bottle right away. I fed her small amounts to start. I did not want to give her a tummy ache. She pooped on me a few times. I made her a special pen with privacy. I know she was content when her eyes were bright and her nose shined."

A deceased doe had been discovered in the same area approximately a day before but no fawn was located after an intensive search, Moore learned later.

Moore said she was extremely thankful for the aid provided by Alaska Department of Fish and Game officials which made the rescue a possibility, Moore said BARK Alaska only cared for Fern for about 30 hours but that time was very critical in getting the fawn's strength up while a search was underway for a more permanent solution.

Fern left Ketchikan Monday on her way up north to the Alaska Conservation Center where she will be provided the opportunity to grow up safe and cared for. Moore received a phone call today letting BARK Alaska know that Fern had safely arrived at the Alaska Conservation Center and is doing very well. Reports are that Fern is following the staff around and is in excellent condition.

Moore said she could not thank the Alaska Department of Fish & Game enough for graciously working so hard with everyone to place Fern in a rescue. "It was a very busy weekend of calling the proper people to insure Fern could go to a safe placement facility, although we sure do miss her," said Moore.

According to the Ketchikan Humane Society's report on FaceBook, "We'd like to thank the Center for agreeing to take her, and we hope she grows up safe and happy. Her mother was killed on North Tongass and she was lucky to be rescued by a Good Samaritan," wrote the Humane Society in their public post. - More...
Tuesday PM - June 16, 2015

Ketchikan: "Bomb" Threat Escapee Arrested By MARY KAUFFMAN - The man who escaped an arrest attempt on Monday by claiming he had a "bomb" is in custody today and now being held at the Ketchikan Correctional Center without bail.

Monday at approximately 7:44 PM, the Ketchikan-based Alaska State Troopers attempted to arrest 22-year-old Herman Brown III of Ketchikan on three outstanding Felony Warrants after locating Brown III during a traffic stop near 7.3 mile North Tongass Highway.

During the contact by the Troopers in the Ward Cove area north of Ketchikan, Brown III physically resisted arrest and fought with the Troopers at the scene. During the arrest attempt, Troopers reported that Brown III produced what appeared to be a handheld explosive device and stated that it was a "Bomb." At that point the Alaska State Troopers broke contact with Brown III and attempted to get everyone to back away from the area. Brown III then fled on foot into the nearby woods.

The Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Ketchikan Police Department responded to the area and attempted to locate Brown III but were not successful Monday.

Today, the Ketchikan Police Department received information that Brown III who ran from Alaska State Troopers claiming he had a bomb in the Ward Cove area Monday night, was seen entering 201 Austin Street. - More...
Tuesday PM - June 16, 2015

Alaska: Governor Issues State Disaster Declaration for Areas Affected by Sockeye Fire; FEMA provides federal funds to help fight the Sockeye Fire- Governor Bill Walker declared a state disaster Monday in response to widespread damages caused by the Sockeye Fire in Willow and the surrounding region.

This action was announced at the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly Chambers after the Governor received a full briefing by Alaska Division of Forestry personnel, and flew over the affected area on Monday afternoon to observe the firefighting efforts underway. As of Monday, the fire has burned more than 6,500 acres.

The Alaska Division of Forestry (DOF), the Alaska National Guard, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the Mat-Su Borough have all deployed resources to aid the effort.

Two Alaska Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and aircrews from the 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment have helped fight the Sockeye Fire since Sunday, performing water bucket operations near Willow.

1-207th AVN accepted their first mission to support the firefight on June 14 around 5 p.m., and they were in the air within two hours.

Alaska Army National Guard crews flew one mission Sunday and two Monday, dropping a total of 66,000 gallons of water so far. They are standing by for orders from incident command and are expected to tackle the fire again Tuesday evening.

Aircrews for water bucket drops typically include two pilots and one or sometimes two crew chiefs in each helicopter. The 1-207th currently has 11 qualified crews who must be swapped out every three to four days.

“I am proud of all the agencies, emergency personnel, and volunteers who have been working together and have done a great job in their initial response to the fire,” Governor Walker said. “The fire itself has been powerful, but the human response has been equally as powerful. There has been tremendous support from around the state. The disaster declaration will put the borough in a position to have access to necessary resources from around the state.”