Kohring to wave goodbye Monday

WASILLA — Former state Rep. Vic Kohring says he will wave goodbye to his “friends, supporters and former constituents” along the Glenn Highway Monday morning before turning himself over to U.S. Marshals.

Kohring will be doing what he calls his trademark highway greeting during the morning commute to Anchorage, he says in an e-mail sent to the Frontiersman. Kohring will be near the Eklutna Village overpass in the Peters Creek area on the side of the highway from 5 to 8 a.m.

Kohring will turn himself in to the U.S. Marshal’s Office at 10 a.m. Monday to begin serving a 42-month federal prison sentence in Taft, Calif. After 12 years in the Alaska Legislature, Kohring was convicted in December of bribery, conspiracy and attempted extortion. He has maintained his innocence and plans to appeal his conviction.

“Greeting the morning commuters is my way of expressing appreciation to the many people who have supported me over the years,” Kohring says in the e-mail. “I wish to say thank you and goodbye, but only for now, as I anticipate success with my appeal and returning for a new trial.”

On Wednesday, a federal judge denied a request from Kohring to extend his June 30 self-surrender date by 60 days. Kohring said complications from recent spinal surgery require more attention.

“I’m grateful for the many years of support people have shown and for the faith they’ve justified in me. I am absolutely humbled by the opportunity to serve my state and community,” Kohring says.

Contact Michael Rovito at michael.rovito@frontiers-man.com or 352-2252.