Searchers Recover Body of Avalanche Victim PORTAGE—Searchers recovered the body of Alan Gage, 40, of Anchorage on Monday afternoon. Gage and Jim Bowles, 57, of Anchorage were caught in an avalanche near Grandview south of Girdwood on Feb. 13. Bowles body was recovered that day. Conditions kept searchers out of the area until weather cleared enough to resume the search on Saturday. Since then, anywhere from 30 to 58 people have been combing an avalanche debris area a little larger than a football field using trained Alaska Search and Rescue dogs, RECCO units that use radar to detect items such as cell phones and reflectors, metal detectors and hand-held probes.

Trooper Report

The Alaska State Troopers reported the following incidents. Any charges reported are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Motor Vehicle Collision

GIRDWOOD—Feb. 15 at 7:10 p.m., Troopers from the Bureau of Highway Patrol Kenai Peninsula Team-Girdwood, responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision with a moose with possible injuries near mile 100 of the Seward Highway. Investigation revealed that Paul Wharton, age 49, of Girdwood, was traveling north on the Seward Highway near mile 100 when a moose entered to roadway. Wharton collided with the moose, totaling his vehicle. Wharton received a minor injury to his hand and was treated by Girdwood EMS and released on scene. Wharton was reported to be wearing his seatbelt and his vehicle was towed from the scene.

Motor Vehicle Crash

COOPER LANDING—Feb. 16 at approximately 8:30 a.m., Troopers dispatch was notified about a motor vehicle crash with injuries at mile 52 on the Sterling Highway. An investigation revealed that Donna Ozhuwan, 44 years old of Soldotna, was traveling northbound on the Sterling Highway at mile 52 when she attempted to pass a semi truck and trailer, lost control of her vehicle, and overturned. Donna, Dessie, and Trisha Ozhuwan sustained minor injuries and were transported to Central Peninsula Hospital.

Reckless Driving

GIRDWOOD—Feb. 19 at 2:17 p.m., Troopers from the Bureau of Highway Patrol Kenai Peninsula Team-Girdwood, conducted a traffic stop near mile 100 of the Seward Highway. The vehicle stopped, was traveling at 100 MPH in a 65 MPH Safety Corridor zone. Troopers contacted the driver who was identified as Melissa Salgado, age 31, of Seward. During the initial traffic stop, Troopers observed a 3-year-old who was not restrained in the vehicle and a 6-year-old who was not properly restrained. Also in the vehicle was a 6-week-old infant. Salgado was issued a misdemeanor citation for reckless driving and released on scene.

Marijuana Possession

GIRDWOOD—Feb. 21 at 4:46 p.m., Troopers Bureau of Highway Patrol Kenai Peninsula Team-Girdwood, stopped a vehicle near mile 104 of the Seward Highway for an equipment violation. Investigation revealed that a passenger in that vehicle, Jeffery Leddy, age 21, of Anchorage was in possession of marijuana. Leddy was issued a misdemeanor citation to appear and released on scene.

Motor Vehicle Collision

GIRDWOOD—Feb. 25 at approximately 12:32 p.m., a Trooper from Girdwood responded to a motor vehicle collision near mile 79.5 of the Seward Highway. An investigation determined that Joshua K. Fields, age 33 of Homer, was driving a 1989 Ford van northbound when he lost control, slid across the southbound lane and struck the guard rail abutment. Fields reported wearing his seatbelt and having no injuries. Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $5,000 and damage to the guardrail was estimated at $5,000. The driver was issued citations for Basic Speed and No Proof of Insurance.

DUI

GIRDWOOD—Feb. 26 at 10:52 p.m., a Trooper responded to mile 37.5 of the Seward Highway after receiving reports of a vehicle parked in the middle of the road with a male slumped over the steering wheel. Troopers contacted 48-year-old James Avery of Wasilla. Avery was subsequently arrested for DUI and transported to the Seward Jail where he was remanded without incident. Avery's vehicle was towed from the scene.

DUI

GIRDWOOD—Feb. 27 at 5:53 p.m., Troopers from the Bureau of Highway Patrol Kenai Peninsula Team-Girdwood, stopped a 2001 blue Chevrolet S10 for a traffic violation near mile 100 of the Seward Highway. AST contacted the operator of that vehicle who was identified as Ronald Scheben, age 38, of Anchorage. An investigation revealed that Scheben was operating a motor vehicle while impaired and under the influence of alcohol. Scheben was arrested for DUI and remanded into the custody of Anchorage Jail with bail set at $250. Scheben was issued a citation for speed.