Author: Alaska Pulse News

[ad_1] Zane Sparling, OregonLive.com Published: 22 hours ago PORTLAND, Ore. -- The off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot, Joseph D. Emerson, who was accused of attempting to flood the engines of a passenger jet with more than 80 people aboard posted bail and was expected to be released from the Multnomah County Circuit Court to face a revised 84-count indictment that reduced most of the charges against him to misdemeanor reckless endangerment. A state judge set bail at $50,000 for Emerson, who must now abide by release conditions including staying away from all aircraft and controlled substances, including alcohol. Standing with Emerson’s family members, defense attorney Noah Horst described the seasoned pilot as an upstanding community member whose use of psychedelic mushrooms addled his br...

[ad_1] Ex-Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson Hugs Wife After Released From Custody By David Propper | December 7, 2023 The former Alaska Airlines pilot who allegedly attempted to shut down the engines of a passenger flight hugged his wife tightly after posting bail on Thursday. Joseph Emerson, who pleaded not guilty to charges of reckless endangerment, was warned by Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Ryan to stay clear of planes ahead of his trial. The 44-year-old California man was ordered to not come within 30 feet of an operable aircraft and to undergo mental health services, as well as abstain from drugs or alcohol. Emerson was initially hit with more serious attempted murder charges after he tried to activate the jet’s fire suppression handles in the middle of a flight...

[ad_1] Wrangell officials have announced that the search for a 12-year-old boy who has been missing for over two weeks following a devastating landslide has been suspended. The massive landslide destroyed three homes in the community, resulting in the tragic deaths of five residents. Derek Heller is the only person who remains missing after the Nov. 20 landslide, which also saw the miraculous survival of Christina Florschutz, a teacher’s aide who managed to extract herself from the wreckage of her home. The landslide, which was 450 feet wide, uprooted trees and caused significant damage at Mile 11 of the Zimovia Highway. Tragically, the bodies of four members of the Heller family - parents Timothy Heller and Beth Heller, along with their children Mara Heller and Kara Heller - were disc...

[ad_1] The Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) has secured increased funding to continue its successful "Wild Alaska Pollock" campaign in 2024. Following the appointment of a new board of directors and an expansion of its annual budget to USD 4 million in 2019, the organization has effectively raised awareness and demand for its premier product through the use of the "Wild Alaska Pollock" tagline. In the upcoming fiscal year, beginning April 1, 2024, GAPP will receive a 10 percent increase in funding, amounting to USD 4.6 million. Board Chair Bob Desautel attributes this additional resource allocation to the organization's achievements over the past few years and the visionary leadership of Morris, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities for wild Alaska pollock. ...

[ad_1] The Alaska Police Standards Council recently voted against a proposed regulation change that would allow the state to hire corrections officers as young as 18 years old, rather than the current minimum age of 21. The Department of Corrections had suggested this change as a response to staff shortages, a decreased applicant pool, and a high vacancy rate. While some council members were open to the idea, they emphasized the need for a concrete plan to train and support younger hires. Deputy Commissioner Brian Barlow expressed discomfort with the proposed regulation but also suggested that there could be a way forward with proper preparation. Council Chair Rebecca Harmon shared her experience with younger first responders and stated that with the right training and support, 18-year...