Alaska Digest
Bartlett Regional Hospital appoints chief operating officer
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JUNEAU - Deborah Lehner started work as Bartlett Regional Hospital's chief operating officer on Nov. 20.
This is a newly created position with oversight of the non-nursing and nonfinancial departments, such as diagnostic imaging, construction management, facilities, physical therapy, pharmacy, laboratory and respiratory therapy, among others, according to hospital officials.
Lehner began her career as a radiographer and has 15-plus years of health care management experience. She has a Bachelor of Science in health services administration, a master's degree in business administration from the University of Central Florida and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Lehner spent her childhood in Connecticut, but her teenage and adult years were spent in the Orlando, Fla., area.
"We were attracted to Juneau primarily for the adventure aspect," Lehner said. "Being new empty nesters, it enables us to discover a completely different environment. We have thoroughly enjoyed meeting the people of Bartlett and Juneau. Everyone has been extremely welcoming."
KTOO-TV to launch 24-hour all-Alaska channel 360 North
JUNEAU - KTOO-TV is launching 360 North, a 24-hour-a-day television channel on what's happening in Alaska.
"For the first time, Alaskans have a TV channel to call their own," said Bill Legere, president and general manager of KTOO, the Public Broadcasting Service channel in Juneau. "Our philosophy is to collect as much Alaska interest programming as possible, and make it available everywhere, 24 hours a day."
360 North evolved from the popular "Gavel to Gavel Alaska," KTOO's long-running televised coverage of the Alaska Legislature, patterned after C-Span. New programming will offer expanded coverage of state government, as well as public affairs specials, documentaries, historical programs, Native interest shows and more.
The January schedule includes a variety of programs such as "The Alaska Film Archives Television"; "Discovering Alaska"; "The Alaska Short Forum," short films by Alaska filmmakers; "Science for Alaska"; "Northwest Indian News," a weekly news magazine and Native report, "New Fly Fisher" and others.
In addition, 360 North will provide a news and information on a full-time basis. The channel can been seen "streaming" on the Internet at www.360north.org.
For more information about 360 North programming, visit the Web site or call (800) 478-4646.
Chris Hayes wants husband's trial pushed back before testifying
ANCHORAGE - The wife of former Fairbanks Mayor Jim Hayes says she will refuse to testify against her husband unless his trial is pushed back after her March 5 sentencing.
Jim and Murilda "Chris" Hayes are accused of misusing federal grant funds sent to a nonprofit social services agency the couple helped found and operate. Jim Hayes' trial is set to begin Jan. 17.
Chris Hayes last month pleaded guilty to two felony charges of theft and money laundering. Her plea agreement notes her conduct during her husband's trial will affect her sentence.
In an affidavit filed Wednesday, Murilda Hayes' lawyer says her client will assert her Fifth Amendment privilege if her husband's trial is not moved back.
Woman assaulted and robbed by two near Talkeetna
TALKEETNA - Alaska State Troopers are investigating a home invasion robbery near Talkeetna.
Troopers say two men asked to use a woman's phone Monday morning, then forced their way inside her Montana Creek Road home, assaulted her and robbed her.
According to troopers, the woman and her two dogs were attacked while the robbers stole a .22-caliber rifle, more than $5,000 in jewelry, cash and medication for a heart condition.
The woman was treated for her injuries at a hospital.
72-year-old Galena sex offender accused of calling children
FAIRBANKS - A 72-year-old registered sex offender in Galena is accused of making harassing phone calls to children.
Robert Franklin Attla is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, second-degree harassment and driving a vehicle without a valid license.
Galena Police Chief John Millan said he received several reports Friday that Attla was randomly calling homes in the community of 700. Millan said Attla asked children how old they were, if they were home alone and if they would take a ride in his car with him for money. At least three children were allegedly contacted.
Several older women also accused Attla of harassing them and offering them rides.
"Apparently his wife was out of town and he just went nuts," Millan said.
Authorities had difficulty figuring out what exactly to charge Attla with. The calls were not routed out-of-state, so no federal laws were broken and the FBI could not get involved.
Also, Alaska has no laws against attempted child abduction.
"It's kind of a loophole," Millan said. He plans to lobby state legislators to add such a law to the books.
Attla is in custody at the Fairbanks Correctional Center, being held on $2,500 bail.
Attla was convicted of a felony sexual offense in 1989 in Fairbanks.
Snowmobile hits truck, 15-year-old girl injured but OK
WILLOW - A 15-year-old girl is recovering from minor injuries after the snowmobile she was driving failed to stop before entering the roadway in Willow.
Alaska State Troopers say Bethany Ferguson had a passenger on board and a snowboarder in tow when the snowmobile was unable to stop.
The three leaped from the machine before it was hit by a passing truck.
Troopers say Ferguson was wearing a helmet.
She was treated at a hospital for minor injuries.