Isabelle Ross, KDLG - Dillingham
Volunteers remain hopeful, as Levelock Fire reaches 5% containment
Emergency firefighters and local volunteers are still working to suppress a 5,000-acre fire near Levelock. The fire has been burning since Sunday night, and residents are finally beginning to see improvements.
Curyung Tribe to leave BBAHC
The tribe said it decided to withdraw, in part, due to issues with patient care and the health corporation's insufficient response to their concerns. The earliest effective date for the withdrawal is May 2020.
Igiugig’s hydropower launch a major step toward independence from diesel
In Igiugig, a first-of-its-kind hydrokinetic generator is getting a year-long trial. The launch last week marked a major step in the community’s quest for independence from diesel.
USPS features Bristol Bay’s Tlikakila River in national stamp collection
The United States Postal Service Tuesday announced a new stamp series of 12 Wild and Scenic Rivers from around the country. The Tlikakila River in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is part of the series.
Former Naknek Electric Association manager sentenced for embezzling over $500,000
Donna Vukich, 60, was sentenced to almost three years in prison for misappropriating funds from the utility. Federal authorities said this is the largest embezzlement from an organization receiving federal funds ever prosecuted in Alaska.
Judge dismisses Pebble-funded lawsuit against BBRSDA
In a legal victory, a Superior Court judge Friday dismissed a Pebble-backed lawsuit against Bristol Bay's regional seafood development association.
Iliamna Natives Ltd. reaches land deal with Pebble, citing potential for economic growth
The Iliamna village corporation has reached a right-of-way agreement with the Pebble Limited Partnership. This would allow Pebble access to lands that could prove critical to the development of the project. The community is 17 miles from where Pebble wants to develop its mine.
Dunleavy administration weighs in on Pebble-backed lawsuit against BBRSDA
Last month, six commercial fishermen filed a lawsuit against the regional seafood association in Bristol Bay to which they belong. The lawsuit, funded by the Pebble Limited Partnership, challenges more than $250,000 in funds the association had spent on groups that oppose the Pebble Mine. Now, the Dunleavy administration has added its voice to the dispute.
US Army Corps extends comment period on Pebble’s draft EIS
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has extended the public comment period on its draft environmental review of the proposed Pebble Mine.
New Stuyahok educator selected as National Assistant Principal of the Year
The National Association of Secondary School Principals has named New Stuyahok’s Meghan Redmond the 2019 National Assistant Principal of the Year.
At Iliamna Lake hearings, residents speak out on Pebble Mine
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is holding a series of public hearings on the proposed Pebble Mine’s draft environmental review. Three were held in communities on Iliamna Lake. That region – and the people who live there – would be among the most immediately impacted by the project.
Pebble CEO emphasizes mining project’s changes at legislative meeting
Pebble CEO Tom Collier says the organization has addressed concerns raised about the initial project in the most recent permit application.
At DEC nominee Brune’s confirmation hearing, public testimony centered on Pebble ties
Opposition centered largely on Brune’s involvement with the proposed Pebble Mine. From 2011 to 2014 he served as the public affairs and government relations manager for Anglo American -- a company that backed the project until 2013.
Public comment period for Pebble’s draft EIS underway, but critics stress shortcomings
Aside from concerns that the 90-day review period isn’t enough time to examine the 1,400-page document, critics say the draft environmental impact statement’s shortcomings render it insufficient.
Dunleavy’s proposed budget would cut $6.4 million from Southwest Alaska schools
At a public hearing on the Dillingham school's operating budget, Superintendent Jason Johnson said that Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s proposed cuts would be "catastrophic." For now, educators in the region are sticking to the status quo.
U.S. Army Corps releases Pebble Mine’s draft EIS
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' release of Pebble Mine's draft environmental impact statement is a major step in the federal permitting process.
New Stuyahok on boil water notice since December
The community must collect five samples for testing at a certified lab. But since December, older water lines in the village have been breaking, forcing New Stuyahok to fix those breaks before collecting the necessary samples.
Aleknagik boys’ basketball team hits the court for the first time in 32 years
The last time the Aleknagik Lakers tipped off was in 1987. Now, the five-player team is tackling their first season.
After a huge eruption of ash, Mount Veniaminof quiets down
Mount Veniaminof became active in early September.The AVO has lowered the Aviation Color Code to “orange,” and the alert level is now at “watch.”
Alaska Peninsula Corporation strikes a land access deal with Pebble
If the proposed Pebble Mine makes it through the permitting process, the Alaska Peninsula Corporation has agreed to allow Pebble to build a transportation corridor on APC land.