According to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, about 85 percent of Ambler's main water lines are cracked, unable to hold pressure, and require replacement.

Roetman spent the last 16 years as one of three Superior Court judges in the Second Judicial District, which also covers Utqiagvik, Nome, and Unalakleet — a rural district roughly the size of California. Roetman officially retired last week.

By last night, crews had stopped the fire within 100 yards of the community's newly constructed solar array. A representative with the fire service said Tuesday morning that the fire is 60% contained and holding at 21 acres.

The March 26 declaration covers Ambler, Buckland, Shungnak and Selawik. Borough officials say they are also working to include Kiana, which experienced a major freeze-up after the city’s water pipes failed.

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.

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.

Charging documents say 21-year-old Dustin Gooden got into a physical altercation with the VPSOs after they tried to speak with him.