A new director has been named for the Don Young Port of Alaska. Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance has dubbed Terry Umatum the new port director. He’s set to take over on December 15 officially. An interim director has been overseeing operations since Steve Ribuffo, the port’s former director of 18 years, retired in July.
Two northern sea otter pups have been rescued from the Homer area. The Alaska SeaLife Center is caring for them both now. Staff say one is currently in critical condition and has been receiving intensive care since she arrived in Seward. With these additions, the SeaLife Center is now caring for a total of four orphaned sea otters.
Meanwhile, Eaglecrest Ski Area in Juneau has been putting its snow-making system to the test. Crews used a recent, but short, window of cold temperatures to dial in their equipment. Opening day here in Juneau is set for December 6…