State Briefs
Weather contributes to traffic accidents
JUNEAU - Fog and ice helped contribute to rush-hour car accidents this morning in Juneau, police Sgt. David Campbell said. No injuries were reported and the four accidents occurred at the Vanderbilt-Egan Drive intersection, the Douglas Bridge and the Lemon Creek bridge.
"One thing we were trying to do was to get people to slow down. It seemed to me that people were overdriving their headlights and it was icy as well," he said.
The accidents backed up traffic and officers drove with flashers on to encourage people to slow down, Campbell said.
"With the limited fog, give yourself enough time to stop within the distance of your headlights," he said. "Leave for work early so you can get to work without rushing."
Senate candidates win endorsements
JUNEAU - In a hard-fought race to represent Juneau in the state Senate, candidates Kim Elton, a Democrat, and Cathy Muñoz, a Republican, are collecting endorsements from former elected officials.
Former Democratic Sen. Bill Ray, who served in the Legislature from 1971 to 1985, has given his support to Muñoz.
"Sen. Ray is a well-respected leader. He did a great deal for this community," Muñoz said. "I feel truly honored to have his endorsement."
Democratic Sen. Jim Duncan, who succeeded Ray to serve in the Senate from 1986 to 1998, has endorsed Elton. For the past four years, Duncan has worked as commissioner of administration. Duncan said Elton has used his knowledge of the process to help move the good legislation and block the bad.
"I think it's important to have someone with experience as we move into this coming session," Duncan said.
On the House side, Muñoz has been endorsed by outgoing House Republican Bill Hudson. Likewise, Elton has been endorsed by former Juneau Democratic Rep. Mike Miller.
Kids trick or treat for UNICEF
JUNEAU - Some young Juneau residents will collect money to fight polio during Halloween trick or treating.
UNICEF, which funds children's health and education programs worldwide, is sponsoring the drive. Boxes for collecting money have been distributed through McDonalds and can be made from a template on the UNICEF Web site, www.unicefusa.org/trickortreat/.
Funds raised during the collection effort will support UNICEF's Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that has been eradicated in the United States but still exists in some nations. It cannot be cured but is easily prevented by vaccinations, according to UNICEF.
A number of Juneau children will help collect funds Thursday as part of the nationwide effort.
Two people killed in Seward Highway crash
ANCHORAGE - Two people were killed in a head-on collision on the Seward Highway on Tuesday evening.
Alaska State Troopers said Lowell Leonard Maguire, 84, of Anchorage and Margaret Lillian Williams, 40, of Girdwood died of their injuries after their cars collided near Bird Point.
Troopers say Maguire was driving northbound on the highway and crossed the center line while rounding a curve. He sideswiped a southbound Jeep Cherokee before colliding head-on with Williams' vehicle, troopers said.
Troopers say the occupants of the Jeep Cherokee were taken to a hospital for observation and released. The Seward Highway was closed for hours after the wreck.
Vintage plane crash-lands in Fairbanks
FAIRBANKS - No one was injured when a World War II vintage plane crash-landed at Fairbanks International Airport on Tuesday afternoon.
The right landing gear on the twin engine C46 collapsed when the plane touched down at 12:45 p.m.
Fire and security units responded and most flights in and out of the airport were shut down until the plane was moved from the ramp about 2:15 p.m.
The aircraft belongs to Air Cargo Express.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board were notified of the mishap.
Strong winds cause damage in South Anchorage
ANCHORAGE - South Anchorage was battered by winds gusting to 80 mph Tuesday.
The winds knocked down trees and pulled down power lines, causing dozens of outages and knocking out power for hundreds of people.
Chugach Electric was flooded with power outage calls starting about 3:20 p.m., said Ed Jenkin, supervisor of system operations. Five hours later, seven crews were still working in the dark.
Jenkin estimated there were around 30 power outages, with anywhere from two to 100 or more people affected by each one.
The winds subsided by early today.
Compiled from staff and Associated Press reports.