Laura Kraegel

During the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association's candlelight vigil in Anchorage last October, purple ribbons and candles were passed around to remember Unangax̂ victims of crime and to bring awareness to the missing and murdered victims.

Three top healthcare providers at Unalaska’s clinic recently left the island, but they assure patients that high-quality care will continue during the transition.

“I think stability is the number one thing,” said City Manager Bil Homka. “We’re not really looking for excuses of why we couldn’t get something done. We’re looking for paths and resources to get things done.”

“We are hoping to do this again and again in the coming years, and hopefully the community will be more involved,” said first grade teacher Judith Withers. “Because that is what makes us strong people, right? We come together."

“He was a passionate protector of the fish and game that were so important to him, and all of us," said the local staff of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in a statement. "Alex was both a colleague and friend to many; we will most remember him for his quiet kindness.”

The City Council voted 6-0 Tuesday to hire Bil Homka. The former Unalaska planning director has worked as assistant city manager since the fall, and has served in the role of acting city manager several times.

Unalaska police say Francisco “Frankie” Garcia Santos, 40, provided pills containing fentanyl to Kieran Sean McCulley. McCulley, 32, was a crew member on the F/V Bulldog and died of an overdose when the boat was docked in Unalaska in January. Santos was arrested May 3, following an investigation by local police, the Coast Guard Investigative Service, and other federal agencies that Simms declined to name.

Scheduled to arrive May 10, the Viking Orion is slated to be Unalaska’s first cruise ship of the year. The island's cruise season will run through October 17, with September set to be the busiest month.

Crowds of Unalaskans gathered Sunday to celebrate the grand opening of the newly expanded Unalaska Public Library. “It’s an investment by the community in itself, really,” said City Librarian Karen Kresh. “And a statement of confidence in the future of this community — that we’re still going to be here for the next 25 years."

The Unalaska Public Library will reopen this weekend, more than a year after it closed for a long-awaited renovation and expansion. The library will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration Sunday, April 30, from 1 to 3 p.m.