Angela Denning, CoastAlaska
Bethel Judge Again Under Fire For Questionable Behavior
A Bethel judge is once again under fire for inappropriate behavior. It’s known as ex parte communications and it’s a big no-no in Alaska’s Judicial Conduct Code. It’s when a judge communicates with just one side of a trial off-record. Bethel District Judge Dennis Cummings is being investigated for such allegations for the second time.
Salmon Eating Sled Dogs Show Higher Levels Of Mercury
A new study by an environmental group shows that sled dogs on the Yukon River have higher levels of mercury than other sled dogs eating a commercial diet.
Aniak Pilot Dies in Crash Tuesday Night
An Aniak pilot dies while trying to land in the dark in blowing snow conditions. An Aniak pilot died in a plane crash Tuesday night. Stephen Hill, who is the owner of Inland Aviation, was flying a Cessna 207 to Chuathbaluk, when he crashed.
Goodnews Bay and Platinum Suffer Weekend Storm Damage
Over the weekend what was supposed to be a normal Bering Sea storm turned into one that claimed several boats and even a home in a few coastal villages.
New Storm Heading for Southwest Alaska
Another storm is brewing for Southwest Alaska. It comes on the heels of damaging strong winds experienced over the last two days.
Northwest Alaska in Danger of Storm Surge, Flooding
The worst of the Bering Sea storm is not over. At least for the Northwest part of the state, says the National Weather Service. Meteorologist Don Moore, says the danger now is storm surge and flooding.
Crooked Creek Flood Victims Grateful For New Homes
Just in time for winter, Cooked Creek residents have new homes to move into. Nine homes are now standing in the small Kuskokwim village which experienced a devastating Spring flood.
Bethel Jury Finds Two Guilty of Second Degree Murder
Jeffrey Hout, age 47 of Bethel, and Harry Williams, age 33 of Kwethluk, were found guilty of second degree murder of 19-year-old Benjamin Kaiser of Hooper Bay. The jury turned in their verdicts this (Thursday) morning. The jury also found both men guilty of kidnapping.
Some Key Races Still Lack Clear Results
With the exception of Anchorage, it was municipal election day Tuesday across Alaska. One high profile race was for the North Slope Borough mayor.
Young Mountain Village Man Dies in Pickup Crash
There was a fatal vehicle rollover last Thursday in Mountain Village. Dead is driver Keith DelaRosa, age 21 of Mountain Village. His pickup overturned numerous times when it left Airport Road, and he died when he was thrown from it.
Search for Young Man Missing on Kuskokwim
A man has been missing since Saturday after his boat capsized on the Kuskokwim river near Napakaik. Walter Springer, age 25, is from Bethel. Arrested at the boat and charged with bootlegging and violating terms of release was Michael Treat, age 27, also of Bethel.
State Looks to Expand Information Gathering on Firearm Injuries
The State Epidemiology office is looking to expand the way it gathers information on firearm injuries throughout the state.
USDA Under Secretary Promotes Tribal Conservation Districts
Besides visiting the Tongass in Southeast, the head of the U.S. Forest Service and National Resource Conservation Service – Harris Sherman – also spent three days in Western Alaska.
25 Alaska Post Offices Taken Off Possible Closure List
25 Alaska post offices have been pulled off a nationwide list of nearly 3,700 facing possible closure or consolidation.
Millions in Illegal Drugs, Alcohol Seized in Western Alaska
Over a million dollars in illegal drugs and over $330,000 worth of alcohol was seized last year in Western Alaska.
Blatchford Buys Seward Phoenix Log, Tundra Drums Newspapers
Calista Corporation announced late Wednesday that its last two weeklies–the Tundra Drums newspaper and the Seward Phoenix Log– have been purchased.
Wind Power Cuts State Subsidy, Not Residents’ Bills
Powering Rural Alaska is nothing if not complicated. You might think that wind energy would lower bills to residents who live in villages with turbines. But that’s not entirely the case. The alternative energy that many communities are pursuing is more about stabilizing costs for the long term future.
‘Connect Alaska’ To Map Internet Connectivity in Southwest Alaska
Broadband internet is coming to Southwest Alaska, but how is that going to help homes that don’t even have computers? A government-funded project is looking into that by mapping internet connections in rural Alaska.
K-300 Sled Dog Race Will Happen After All
There will be a K-300 sled dog race next year after all. The Bethel-based mushing organization has hired a new race manager.
Rural Alaska Program’s Success Attract Outside Dentists
When it comes to dental care in Rural Alaska, the need far outweighs available care.