Jesse Bjorkman

Soldotna Rep. Justin Ruffridge has released an accompanying bill to one introduced in the Senate by Jesse Bjorkman. The bill would allow Cook Inlet set-netters to sell their permits back to the state.

A bill designed to put the lumber grading process in the hands of local producers is now only waiting on a signature from Gov. Dunleavy.

Volcanic ash from an eruption in eastern Russia has affected more than 100 Alaska Airlines flights, including those of Rep. Ben Carpenter and Sen. Jesse Bjorkman.

Jesse Bjorkman [R-Nikiski] has introduced two bills and worked from the helm of the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee during his first legislative session. We checked in with Bjorkman on his work so far, and his move south.

The bill, which passed in the State Senate yesterday, is designed to spur economic development. It would allow cities and boroughs to levy a tax on run-down properties, to incentivize owners to revitalize them.

A new bill introduced by State Sen. Jesse Bjorkman would allow local lumber producers to grade their own lumber, rather than using a third-party agency. Proponents hope it will benefit Alaska sawmill owners and contractors.

The bill is a new version of legislation Peter Micciche sponsored when he was in the Alaska Senate. Advocates say it would make the struggling set-net fishery more sustainable for its permit holders.

Three candidates are on the ballot for the borough assembly seat representing Nikiski. Joe Ross is a longtime North Roader who runs a gravel and topsoil…