Desiree Hagen
News DirectorDesiree Hagen is KOTZ's News Director. She's worked in Alaska public radio for over a decade, previously as a reporter in Homer and Bethel. She is a Report for America corps member. Contact her via email at news@kotz.org.
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Thanks Maniilaq Cancer Program Manager Susan Schaeffer Tessier for coming into the studio today. -
“Our people need to be heard in their voice,” said Aucha Kameroff, the group’s leader. “One of the voices that we have as people in rural Alaska, or any place, is by voting.” -
“Humility, the importance of being an exceptional teammate, most importantly, in valuing the relationships you build with those you care about,” Lincoln said. “When I think about my career, that's what I think most about, as opposed to my accomplishments.” -
With the deadline for comments on the federal subsistence program fast approaching, many subsistence users say they are concerned about potential changes. -
According to court documents, 29-year-old Trayton Ballot was on a three-hour flight from Anchorage to Seattle in January 2025. The victim, a 17-year-old seated next to him, said that she woke up after Ballot rubbed her inner thigh. -
According to Alaska State Troopers, 61-year-old Clifford Melton left Kotzebue on Monday headed for the Northwest Arctic community of Buckland, about 70 miles away. Search and Rescue teams from Buckland and Kotzebue responded after reports that Melton was overdue -
Four Kotzebue residents filed suit in Kotzebue Superior Court on Jan. 21. They allege the city failed to provide “safe, effective and sanitary” water and sewer to its residents, which the lawsuit describes as a breach of contract. -
Kotzebue Fire Chief Funk said nine fire department staff members and two volunteers responded to the fire. The crew used a fire ladder and engine, plus two ambulances to keep firefighters warm as they worked on the fire. Funk said fighting the fire was difficult. -
According to court documents, officers responded to the residence and found the victim, 57-year-old Jens Leavitt lying on his back and unresponsive. Leavitt was later pronounced dead at a local hospital from multiple stab wounds.
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Ron Johnson was hired in early December, but his position was not officially approved until Thursday night. The Kotzebue City Council unanimously approved his appointment during an executive session, according to the city’s attorney.
