Alaska

"We get a lot of people from the lower 48 and they actually think they're going fishing, but they're not," Melody Dosier, an Employment/Seafood Specialist at the midtown Job Center in Anchorage. Job experts say May could be the perfect time for those looking for seasonal jobs to apply. The latest national jobless numbers, released Friday, show a national rate dropping slightly from 7.6 percent to 7.5 percent. Alaska's unemployment numbers are typically released every third week of the month, but the most recent numbers shows the state's jobless rate at 6.6 percent in March.

Verizon Wireless announced its plans to enter the Alaska market Tuesday, although the telecommunications company would not comment on a timeframe for launch. Verizon is the other cellular carrier besides AT&T available with bundled purchases of Apple’s popular iPhone, and the company is planning to bring 4G data service to the state. "We're in the early planning stages, preparing to bring our wireless service to the state of Alaska," said Verizon spokesperson Scott Charleston.

Outdoor retailer Bass Pro Shops formally announced its plans to enter the Anchorage market Tuesday, saying it will open a 100,000-square-foot Mountain View store in time for 2013's fishing season. In a Tuesday statement, the chain praised the new store's location -- in the Glenn Square Shopping Center, on the Glenn Highway at its intersection with Mountain View Drive -- as convenient to both Merrill Field and anyone headed north from Anchorage for backcountry recreation. About 60,000 square feet of retail space at the shopping center is being fast-tracked for expansion to accommodate the store.

Two Boston Marathon runners, one from Alaska and the other from New England, who were brought together during the turmoil in Boston on Monday had a happy reunion Thursday night. Brent Cunningham of Sitka had just finished the Boston Marathon when he and his wife tried to console a young woman who was blocked from reaching the finish line because of the explosions. Cunningham gave his marathon medal to Laura Wellington of Cambridge, MA. who was sitting on a bench and crying after several tense minutes of not knowing whether her family was safe.

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Wednesday, October 11, 2006 - by Chef Rob of the Sizzlin' Caf–    Watch the video...   Click here for nutritional information for this recipe.   Yields 4-6 servings 6 to 8 Alaska red potatoes (about 1 pound) 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) of unsalted butter 1 medium onion - finely chopped 2 stalks of celery - finely chopped 1/2 red pepper - finely chopped 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour 4 cups of whole milk - heated 1 pound of salmon fillet - skinned 4 ounces of Alaska smoked salmon - finely chopped 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh dill 1 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream Kosher salt or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1. Cut potatoes into 1/4-inch cubes.

Wildlife can be found everywhere in Alaska, from cities where moose, bears and wolves roam to more than 18 million acres designated by Congress as wilderness areas as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. However, most refuges in Alaska require travel via air transport, making them difficult and expensive to reach. There are opportunities for wildlife viewing year-round. April-May: Flocks of geese, ducks, swans, cranes, loons and shorebirds arrive by the thousands from southern climes, feeding in wetland areas.

Hundreds of national journalists made their way to the Last Frontier trying to understand Sarah Palin and Alaska since John McCain announced her as his vice presidential candidate. In about a week, Palin's image changed dramatically, now under the scrutiny of the many journalists covering the U.S. presidential campaign. When the world decided to take a closer look at Palin, Alaska became the center of attention.  "We haven't had this much media attention on the state since the oil spill in 1989," said Paola Banchero of UAA's Journalism Department.

Alaska is full of outdoor adventures; Alaska hiking offers breathtaking views, and a chance to see Alaska in its natural form. From the towering peaks of central Alaska to the glaciers along the Gulf of Alaska. With over 1400 miles from north to south to over 2300 miles from west to east, Alaska hiking has some of the most incredible scenery to be found in the United States. In order to enjoy all Alaska has to offer, visitors should get out and experience it for themselves. Alaska has amazing trail systems for all abilities - from accessible nature paths to mountain hikes that are physically challenging.

Alaska WE CAN! Regional Training Youth Overweight and Obesity Prevention Program Training Begins Thursday October 7th at 8:00 a.m. Continues through the 8th Millennium Hotel 4800 Spenard Road Hosted by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium www.antch.org

Rodeo Alaska held another weekend gig in Anchorage at the William Clark Chamberlain Equestrian Center. Officials say the rodeo has been around the circuit of Alaska for nearly 50 years. During the family fun three-day event, fans were treated to bull riding, break-away roping, barrel racing, saddle bronco, and the always fun and popular mutton bustin'. “You can't ask for a better family outing - every kid loves to be around animals,” said Frank Koloski, with Rodeo Alaska.

The Alaska Sudan Medical Project has completed construction of a new medical clinic in the remote village of Old Fangak in south Sudan. After years of fundraising and construction efforts, the clinic opened by Easter of this year to serve the region. Dr. Jack Hickel, a founding member of the Alaska Sudan Medical Project, says Old Fangak is among the poorest regions of Sudan. Many sicknesses are related to poverty, malnutrition and the lack of clean drinking water. Alaska doctors and volunteers who operate the clinic treat several hundred patients everyday.

An event celebrating the local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) culture and community is going smoke free this year. For the first time in the community-wide event's history, the Alaska PrideFestival will be smoke free. The Alaska PrideFestival's parent organization, Identity, Inc., voted 2013's PrideFestival as a "100 percent smoke-free event," and to refuse any funding from the tobacco industry. The American Lung Association in Alaska and the Tobacco Free Rainbow Alliance support the decision to go smoke free because of the negative effects tobacco has on the LGBT community.

Trying to inspire the next Sherlock Holmes -- or perhaps the next several dozen -- an Anchorage forensic-science camp is showing kids careers available in the field, with a very hands-on approach. The CSI Alaska Camp is more than a summertime show-and-tell experience; it's an up-close-and-personal instruction to both the world of Alaska law enforcement and the tools it uses to solve crimes. On Thursday, a simulation of a typical crime scene that could happen anywhere in the state -- a shooting -- is being used as a classroom to teach.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game will restrict fishing on several south central Alaska streams and part of Cook Inlet in the coming weeks, as part of a continuing bid to protect poor king salmon stocks. According to Fish and Game spokesperson Ryan Ragan, emergency orders released Wednesday will see parts of the Anchor River, Ninilchik River, Deep Creek and Stariski Creek closed to all sport fishing through July 15. An indefinite closure, taking effect at 6 a.m. Friday, will also bar sport fishing on the Susitna River near a fish weir operated by Fish and Game.

This weekend the city of Anchorage will be flooded by a wave of color when more than 15,000 are expected to participate in Alaska's first-ever Color Run. The race will kick off from the Sullivan Arena at 8 a.m. Saturday. The Color Run -- an un-timed 5k event, with some proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club of Alaska -- circles the Delaney Park Strip and finishes back at the arena. The Color Run has become a global phenomenon, expected to include more than 1 million participants just this year.

The state says more local growers are accepting Quest Cards from six farmers markets in 2012 to 11 in 2013. Households can buy food from farmers markets and grocery stories with Quest Cards once they qualify through Alaska Food Stamp program, according to the Division of Agriculture. “This program improves access to fresh, local foods to community members who are struggling financially,” said Lisa Sadlier-Hart, manager of the Sitka Farmers Market. “Additionally, the program helps increase understanding of food insecurity issues in our community and how produce and other food vendors can be part of the solution.” Locations include: Anchorage Spenard Farmers Market; the Anchorage Farmers Market; and the South Anchorage Farmers Markets (Saturday and Wednesday)

The Alaska Run for Women had clear skies and a sunny forecast Saturday morning for one of the biggest events of the summer season. The 21st annual run raises money in support of breast cancer detection, outreach, education, awareness, and research. Nearly 7-thousand participants took part in the race, which included a 1-mile, 5-mile, and a party wave, all starting at the Sullivan Arena. The event did have a competitive aspect with the timed 5-mile portion. Susan Bick, a University of Alaska Anchorage runner, went blazing across the finish line in 29 minutes 12 seconds.

An event to raise awareness of breast cancer will take place Saturday morning. Individuals wanting to participate may still register today. The 2013 Alaska Run for Women kicks off Saturday, June 8, at 8 a.m. at the Sullivan Arena. Registration for the timed event is closed, but those hoping to participate in the non-timed event may register online until 5 p.m. Friday, or in-person at the Mulcahy Stadium on Saturday from 6:45 to 8 a.m. There is no set registration fee for this event, but a minimum donation of $20 is "respectfully requested" to cover coastal trail fees and race expenses.

Vanessa Hudgens introduces the theatrical trailer for the real-life serial killer drama starring Nicolas Cage and John Cusack, filmed in Alaska. The movie is set to hit theaters and on-demand August 23rd. Contact Neil Torquiano