Haiti

by Jackie Bartz Saturday, February 20, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An Anchorage fundraiser will benefit people halfway around the world -- and one just down the street. "From Alaska With Love" raised money for the victims of the Haiti earthquake, but part of the money will also go to Anchorage police officer Jason Allen, who was shot while on duty several weeks ago. Organizers say they wanted people to know every little bit helps -- and that's why they set the entry fee for the fundraiser's events, including bingo, other games and a silent auction, at $1. The afternoon also featured performances by break dancers and a hypnotist.

The young man who helped save an Anchorage woman’s life during the Haiti earthquake was welcomed to Anchorage Tuesday. Christa Brelsford and her family are helping Wenson Georges get a new start in school. The Brelsford family welcomed Wenson to Alaska Tuesday at the Anchorage International Airport. Georges is the Haitian young man who pulled Christa Breslford to safety after a powerful earthquake struck Haiti a year ago Wednesday. Christa says she wanted to help make a difference in the life of the person who saved hers.

by Christine Kim Saturday, March 13, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile may have struck a long way from here, but the threat hits close to home. The Alaska Earthquake Information Center reports 20,000 earthquakes each year -- but only two insurance companies offer earthquake insurance to Alaskans. When you buy homeowner's insurance, the policy doesn't include damage from earthquakes or floods, which has to be added as optional coverage.

by The Associated Press Friday, April 23, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The American Red Cross says April is Earthquake Preparedness Month and a good time to plan for disasters. Kelley McGuirk with the Red Cross says this has been the year for catastrophic earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, and the organization is encouraging the community to take steps should a strong earthquake strike Alaska. The Red Cross has numerous suggestions. They include having an evacuation plan and picking safe places in each room.

A longtime Red Cross volunteer and relief worker in Alaska is leaving her post after more than 16 years of service. Kelly Hurd helped refugees in Kosovo in the late 1990s, helped feed victims of the 2002 Turkey earthquake, and was on scene after the 2005 tsunami in Sri Lanka to provide relief. After more than 10 years of international disaster response, Hurd was a clear choice to send to help after the devastating earthquake in Haiti earlier this year. Hurd plans to take a job with the Cook Inlet Tribal Council, but she says she won't be going far and will still respond to major disasters as a volunteer.

by Maria Downey Wednesday, March 10, 2010 ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- There's been a whole lot of shaking going on, and for those of us in earthquake zones it's been a wakeup call. The Red Cross and other emergency responders want to make sure Alaskans are prepared before disaster strikes. Scenes like the ones out of Haiti can frighten just about anyone in an earthquake zone-- especially those who have seen it firsthand. "I was mentally prepared in some respects, but… It was unlike anything I had experienced before," said Kelly Hurd with the American Red Cross of Alaska.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals recognized those who make a positive impact in their community by donating their time, talent and treasures at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel Friday. At the event, held on International Philanthropy Day, Credit Union 1 was honored in the business category, along with Florcraft Carpet One in the small-business category. Dr. Leo Bustad was named Outstanding Philanthropist, along with Rick Fox, for years of volunteer work. Holy Rosary Academt students were recognized for their Haiti fundraisers, while Sally Archer was named Outstanding Professional in Philanthropy.

After months of welcoming home troops serving overseas, the Alaska Army National Guard held a departure ceremony for family and friends to say goodbye to the 60 guardsmen set to deploy to Kuwait. The departure ceremony held Sunday morning at the Alaska National Guard Armory on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Soldiers of Alpha Company, 1 ST Battalion, 207 th Aviation Regiment will head overseas to provide aviation support to U.S. and Coalition forces in the continued war on terror.

Tracy Sabo came to KTUU as News Director in 2012 and is thrilled to finally call Alaska "home. " Tracy's only passion larger than the state of Alaska is her dedication to  journalism. She believes firmly in the public's right to know and is energized by the challenges of great, visual storytelling. She's thrilled to lead a team of journalists at KTUU who share the same passion and a long tradition of excellence. Tracy transitioned to Channel Two News following 19 years with CNN. She held various roles at CNN including Affiliate Editor, CNN Radio Anchor, Domestic Assignment Editor, Political Planning Editor, Bureau Assignment Manager, and Senior Field Producer.

The Alaska National Guard team is set to tackle the trail of the Iron Dog, billed as the “world's longest, toughest snowmobile race,” ready to leave Big Lake Feb. 17 enroute to Nome, then onto Fairbanks in a 2,000-mile race. Warrant Officer Michael Williams and Staff Sgt. Vincent Salzbrun, both of 1-207th Aviation, Alaska Army National Guard, are team 28 and representing the Alaska National Guard, the presenting partner of the Iron Dog since 2009. They have known each other for more than a decade and have been riding together the past three years.