E. Coli Outbreak Comes to Alaska: First Confirmed Cases Are Nome Inmates
![Close-up view of green lettuce in pink bowl](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Green-Lettuce-in-Pink-Bowl-Public-Domain-via-Pixabay-1200x800.jpg)
State-wide, all eight confirmed cases of E. coli infection are inmates currently residing in Nome’s Anvil Mountain Correctional Center (AMCC). As of Wednesday, no additional E. coli cases have been reported by AMCC or elsewhere in Alaska. The Center for Disease Control recommends Alaskans avoid eating any romaine lettuce unless you can verify it is not from Yuma, Arizona.
In 3-2 Vote, City Council Declines to House Sex Offenders at Nome’s Halfway House
![The Seaside Center is owned and operated by Geo Reentry Services, which purchased and renovated the new facility for more than $4 million. Photo: Laura Kraegel, KNOM.](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2016-05-17-untitled-001-2432px-1200x900.jpg)
After more than an hour of discussion, the Nome City Council decided not to allow sex offenders who are actively receiving treatment to stay at the Seaside halfway house.
City Council May Finally Resolve Debate: Should Sex Offenders Be Housed at Seaside?
![With new members Adam Martinson and Doug Johnson sworn into office, the 2017 City Council poses together.](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/City-Council-2017-1200x851.jpg)
AMCC’s superintendent, Sandra Martinson, explained during the last City Council meeting that the plan is for sex offenders to serve most of their sentence in a jail or other facility before being transferred to Seaside for treatment. The regular City Council meeting begins Monday at 7pm in City Hall.
Should Sex Offenders Be Housed at Seaside? D.O.C. Commissioner and Others Weigh In
![D.O.C. Commissioner Dean Williams, AMCC Superintendent Sandy Martinson, Nome City Councilmen, and others gathered for a town hall meeting regarding sex offenders being housed at Seaside. Photo Credit: Davis Hovey, KNOM (2017)](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Town-Hall-Meeting-1200x1023.jpg)
AMCC Superintendent Sandy Martinson says that, on average, between 20 and 40 inmates are housed at Seaside regularly. To fill all 60 beds, the proposed plan is to allow convicted sex offenders to stay at the facility. According to the Chief Mental Health Officer for the D.O.C., Adam Rutherford, currently nine untreated sex offenders reside in the community of Nome.
Nome Man Arrested on Meth, Heroin Charges; Sold Drugs Near Preschool, Narcotics Team Says
![An Alaska State Trooper cruiser. Photo: Matthew F. Smith, KNOM file.](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Nome-Troopers-2432px-1200x800.jpg)
According to Troopers, the Western Alaska Alcohol and Narcotics Team (WAANT) found that David Fergerson was “in possession of and selling methamphetamine and heroin from his residence near a pre-school/daycare in Nome.”