City of Kotzebue

The city collected water samples from 10 homes during a routine check in August. Two came back above the Environmental Protection Agency’s lead action level of 15 parts per billion, which triggers extra testing, public notice and a review of how the water is treated.

The justices heard oral arguments on Sept. 9 in a lawsuit over a Kotzebue police sergeant’s 2022 nonfatal shooting of an Alaska Native man, Luke Outwater, who was experiencing a mental health crisis.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today that more than $4 million is headed to several Alaska communities through its Public Assistance program.

The money will fund new pipes and manholes near three of the system's 12 lift stations, said Russ Ferguson, the city’s public works director.

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.

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.

Baldwin said she was proud of her role in helping to secure over $20 million in grants for the city, and other achievements like rebuilding the city’s human resources, public relations and planning departments.

Her resignation comes as the city faces multiple vacancies and recently-hired employees.

“It feels as though there's a never-ending stream of problems with the water supply here,” Deb Lawton said. “We are one of the richest countries on earth, and I am gobsmacked by the fact that we cannot get our collective act together to provide drinking water to people.”

The 30-year-old Baldwin said in an email to KOTZ that she was humbled to be nominated and selected for the award.