Angela Denning, CoastAlaska
Andrew Guy Reinstated As Calista President
Andrew Guy has been reinstated as Calista’s President and CEO. The corporation announced the move this afternoon after a special meeting of the new board of directors today.
The Scam “Toner Phoners” Reach The Y-K Delta
Bethel may be 400 miles off the road system, but it’s no stranger to fraud. Most recently, there have been office supply scams. Bethel Native Corporation was approached last week with a Xerox scam, but President Ana Hoffman suspected something was amiss.
First 3 Subsistence Fishermen Found Guilty
Trials began yesterday for two dozen Kuskokwim subsistence fishermen who allegedly fished with salmon nets when they were restricted this past summer. The first three fishermen were found guilty at the Bethel District Court House today. The politics of subsistence rights versus state restrictions weighs far heavier on the trials than the violations themselves, worth $250 each
Fishermen Trials Begin In Bethel
Trials began today for fishermen who allegedly fished with salmon nets when they were restricted this past summer. Seats were full at Courtroom 4 at the Bethel Court House. Representatives with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were present along with several staff from the Association of Village Council Presidents, other tribal leaders, and seniors from the Bethel Senior Center.
$1.2 Billion Spent On Alcohol And Drug Abuse
Alcohol and drug abuse cost Alaska’s economy $1.2 billion in 2010, according to a report released today by the research and consulting firm, McDowell Group.
Subsistence Fishermen To Be Represented Pro Bono
About 25 subsistence fishermen along the Kuskokwim River will soon head to trial for alleged illegal fishing during closures this past summer. Many of them are being represented for free by a civil rights law firm.
Bethel Police ID Man Killed In Officer-Related Shooting
The man that was shot dead by Bethel police officers Tuesday night has been identified as Sam Alexie Jr. , 24. He was allegedly pointing a rifle at officers before they shot him.
Bethel Road Reopening Delayed At Least One Year
It’s been four years since the road that created a loop around Bethel has been closed. It has forced traffic to maneuver through town via a horse shoe shaped road system. The town’s 6,000 residents will have to wait at least another year before it can re-open.
Bethel Police Shoot, Kill Man
A Bethel man died Tuesday night after police officers shot him. The Bethel Police Department has not released the name of the person, saying they still need to contact his next of kin and confirm his identity.
AK: Off Course
They say birds of a feather flock together. But try telling that to a small, brightly colored songbird that showed up in Bethel last month. The unusual bird is thousands of miles outside of his normal range. And he hasn't started flying south yet. That has many birders wondering why he sticking around and if he's going to try to survive the harsh Alaska winter.
Airport Construction Complicates Bethel Air Traffic
The Bethel airport is the third busiest passenger airport and the second busiest cargo airport in the state. But air traffic has been more complicated this summer because of on-going construction at the airport. High winds, which are common in the region, are all it takes for a flight delay or cancellation.
State Wants Red Devil Mine On National Priority List
Cleanup at the Red Devil mine site is getting special attention from the state’s administration. Attorney General, Mike Geraghty, under the direction of the Governor is requesting that the old mercury mine site be put on the National Priorities List.
Famous Skin Sewer Dies at Over 100
One of most renowned Yup’ik skin sewers has died. Lucy Beaver passed away in Anchorage August 23. No one’s exactly sure how old she was but they agree she was at least over 100.
Navy Seal author remembered by Aniak residents
It’s not everyday that a person from a tiny remote village in Alaska gets national attention. But that’s what’s happening to Matt Bissonnette, a former Navy Seal who has penned a book titled “No Easy Day”, about killing Osama Bin Laden.
Two Kwethluk Men Drown In Separate Incidents
Two men from the Kuskokwim village of Kwethluk drowned in separate incidents within the past week.
Southwest Hydro Project Hits Roadblock
The Chikuminuk Lake Hydropower project in Southwest Alaska has hit a road block early on. A permit request for field studies has been denied by the State Department of Natural Resources because the project is in the Wood-Tikchik State Park.
AVCP Requests Clemency For Cited Kuskokwim Subsistence Fishermen
The Association of Village Council Presidents is officially asking for clemency for Kuskokwim River subsistence fishermen cited during closures. AVCP represents 56 tribes in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
Kuskokwim Subsistence Fishermen Going To Trial For Fishing With Illegal Gear
About two dozen Kuskokwim River subsistence fishermen will go to trial in the Bethel Court House after pleading not guilty to fishing with illegal gear. Federal and State wildlife managers closed the Kuskokwim to salmon fishing for an unprecedented 12 days this summer in order to protect the low Chinook salmon run.
Delegation Seeks Federal Disaster Declaration To Address Subsistence Needs
The Chinook salmon runs are turning out to be poor on both the Yukon and Kuskowkim Rivers this season. Alaska’s Congressional Delegation is seeking a federal disaster declaration to address subsistence needs in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
Officials Hesitant To Open Commercial Chinook Fishery On Lower Kuskokwim
The Chum and Sockeye salmon are running strong in the Lower Kuskokwim River, but state fish managers are reluctant to call a commercial fishery as they normally would. There are too many coveted Chinook salmon still running, and protecting that species is this year’s priority.