In Our Native Land

Governor Palin to run for Vice President

9-4-08

Governor Sarah Palin on August 29, 2008 released the following statement to Alaskans: “It is the honor of my life to represent you as your Governor, and over the next two months I will continue to do so. As the mother of five, I know how to multi-task, and I will continue to promote the path of reform that we set out on together in the state of Alaska.”
“It is a great privilege to be John McCain’s running mate and to be considered by the American people for the Vice Presidency. This honor is a testament to the reforms and progress we have made together in Alaska. Now is the time to take that spirit of reform to Washington.”

Court of Honor celebration for Bethel Eagle Scout

Boy Scout Troop 557 of Bethel, Alaska is please to announce the recognition of Richard Robb as an Eagle Scout. Richard completed his Board of Review on July 1, 2008. We recognized his accomplishment at a Court of Honor on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at the Moravian Church in Bethel. The ceremony was attended by about 60 scouts, families, supporters, and community members. Other scouts also received awards and recognition for their work.
The rank of Eagle is the highest award in Boy Scouts. Only about 2% of scouts ever achieve the rank of Eagle. To achieve Eagle, a scout must earn 21 merit badges, including 12 required ones. A scout must also conceive, plan, and lead an extensive community service project incorporating community volunteers. Richard planned and constructed a bird watching station that is now an addition to Pinky’s Park. Congratulations to Richard for his fine accomplishment.
Richard is a senior at Bethel Regional High School. He has been in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts since Third Grade. Richard is an avid hunter, fisherman, trapper, and general outdoorsman. He is also a budding musician. He is planning on studying and a career in wildlife biology.
Richard and Troop 557 would like to thank VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Bethel Lion’s Club, and the Bethel Volunteer Fire Fighters Association for their financial support of the project. Richard would like to thank all the volunteers who helped on his project and the Moravian Church for hosting the ceremony.

Fire in Akiachak consumes old school

8-29-08

On August 18, 2008 at 10:35am, the VPSO of Akiachak reported that the old elementary school and 2 other adjacent building, including a vehicle, had erupted into a fire. Local volunteers assembled and worked to extinguish the blaze.
The investigation revealed that on August 17, 2008 around 10:00pm, a group of 7 individuals, ranging in age from 13 to 20 years of age, entered the old elementary school through an unlocked door to play hide and seek. One of the individuals made a torch from a length of wood and fabric then lit the fabric with a lighter to find their way around in the dark as the electricity to the building had been disconnected several years earlier.
The individuals played for several minutes then the torch was set down and attempts were made to extinguish the torch. However, the individuals left the building before ensuring that the torch had been completely extinguished.
The torch ignited a sheet of plywood and eventually the entire old elementary school building.
In the vicinity of the old school are teacher housing, the school generator building, the district office, a headstart classroom, and the Yup’ik language archives office and computer office.
The fire spread to an adjacent old classroom and a garage that contained a 2004 Dodge Durango. All 3 buildings were destroyed by the fire, including the vehicle.
The property belongs to the Yupiit School District. Total loss was estimated at $200,000.
By midday on August 18, 2008, the fire was brought under control but volunteers continued to monitor the fire scene.
There were no injuries reported. The investigation is continuing.

Candid Discussions
of Corporate Future

by Robert Okitkun

The seven village corporations of the Yukon Delta had their second joint meeting in as many months on August the 16th of 2008 at Emmonak, Alaska.
While this meeting was to be a continuation of the previous month’s meeting, the members in attendance shared candid thoughts of improving relationships in all aspects of village living.
This cooperative meeting originally stemmed from a partnership of the seven corporations to finalize their ANCSA land selections. McClintock Land Associates, Inc. (MLA) was selected by the board of directors of the Kotlik Yupik Corporation (KYC) to perform the final surveys of lands selected by the village corporations.
MLA used helicopters to gain access to the remote BLM monuments and changed them when needed. They used state of the art GPS navigational/ survey equipment which enabled them quicker access and project reporting. MLA is Alaska Native owned and the President is Sharon McClintock, a shareholder of Sitnasuak Native Corporation of Nome, Alaska.
KYC’s relationship with MLA was excellent and we feel fortunate to have worked with an outstanding company. They are willing to assist us in any other ventures we seek.
The August meeting sought and gained the approval of forming an Energy Committee and an Economic Development Committee. Each corporation will select two individuals to serve on the committees who in turn will make recommendations to their own corporations and/or to another joint meeting for action.
The Subsistence Joint Land Use Agreement was discussed at length and we realized that many newly elected board members of the corporations were not familiar with the SJLUA. It was decided that each board would review the document at their next regular board meeting and act to approve or disapprove the Agreement.
Other things discussed included the status of operation of our tribal governments in relation to the corporations. Robert Okitkun was able to elaborate that with passage of ANCSA, the village corporations became the recognized entities that will gain title to lands claimed by the Alaska Natives.
ANCSA purposely did not transfer lands to the tribal governments as the State of Alaska was opposed to tribal recognition, but they were willing to allow corporations to be formed under the corporate laws of Alaska.
After the discovery of oil in the North Slope, a huge land grab started in Alaska until a group of young protesters rallied in Anchorage stating that the traditional lands of the Alaska Natives was being robbed. The Alaska Federation of Natives was formed in 1966 and by 1968 Secretary of Interior Stuart Udall posted a land freeze in Alaska. No one including the Federal and State governments was allowed to select any land until after the passage of ANCSA.
A question asked by one of the attendants, “Which entity has more authority, the Tribes or the Corporations?”
Robert explained that this coming October it will be 5 years since Senator Ted Stevens reported to the AFN delegates that although the Tribes can govern their own people, they are not sovereign without a land base. So essentially, the State of Alaska has jurisdictional authority to regulate wildlife in village corporation lands, because the corporations are chartered under the laws of the State.
This dilemma leaves the villages with limited or no jurisdictional authority. A variety of associated acts by the United States and the State of Alaska created confusion and in many instances has brought states of depression to many villagers. We all know that depression leads to other forms of abuse, violence, suicide and economic problems.
Robert further explained that ANCSA required that municipal lands in the villages be transferred to the local City Governments (subsidiaries of the State of Alaska) under the 14 (c) 3 rule of ANCSA even if they had been over-selected by the village corporations. This elaborate divisive nature of the villages allowed for two separate governments and a separate major land holder by the corporations, but if the communities can work together, a solution to the problem can be worked out.
Another attendant commented that since this group of seven corporations is working together that we need to be recognized by a name identifiable by everyone in our region. He made a motion to call our group “Yupik Moon” after Robert Okitkun’s research paper on economic planning. The motion was seconded and by a show of hands, it passed by all attending board members in favor.
Another individual stated that he is glad that our group is working together because it is history in the making. Many agreed that it is about time that we work together to resolve issues and everyone agreed to meet again on the 20th of September at Emmonak Corporation Conference Room at 1 o’clock pm.
Robert Okitkun is a resident of Kotlik, AK.

Ballot measure 2
hurts subsistence

8-24-08

by Mary Nelson

As many of us throughout bush Alaska are aware, since the 1996 and 2000 ballot initiatives limiting aerial predator management were passed, Moose populations have declined 75-80% in many areas, largely due to inadequate predator management. This situation has resulted in many subsistence hunts being severely restricted or closed entirely. More recently, predator management programs reinstated through legislative and State Board of Game action have helped rebuild our moose populations. However these programs are again in danger of being shut down in the form of Ballot Measure 2.
This measure, sponsored by the “Alaskans for Wildlife” and funded by Defenders of Wildlife, would have the practical effect of shutting down current predator management programs under the misleading statement that it is to stop aerial hunting. In fact, the aerial hunting law is not affected by this measure. It is already illegal and will remain so regardless of the outcome of ballot measure 2. The measure would burden predator control as a management tool by requiring a “biological emergency.” This flies directly in the face of Alaska’s constitutional mandate to manage for sustained yield or preferred beneficial use of resources. Subsistence use has been determined to be the priority in Alaska, not just to be supported on an emergency basis. Imagine what the response of urban residents would be if their grocery store shelves were stocked only in the case of an emergency.
In light of the frequent call to bridge the rural/urban divide in Alaska, I would urge my friends in the urban areas to take notice that for eight consecutive years the Alaska Federation of Natives has passed resolutions in support of predator management at their annual conventions and specifically opposes ballot initiatives such as ballot measure 2.
When the legislature moved to reinstate predator control programs at the first opportunity following the 1996 and 2000 initiatives, they did so with strong bi-partisan leadership and support from both rural and urban legislators alike. Legislators did not “defy the will of the people” as has been repeatedly stated by the sponsors of ballot measure 2. We responded to the pleas from the people we are elected to represent to aid subsistence hunting opportunity. The bills were even passed with such a level of support that would have prevented an administrative veto of their actions.
Current predator control efforts are reasonable. Of 69 game management units and sub-units, and over 65 separately identified moose populations, there are only 5 predator management programs. These programs are limited to specific geographic areas, specific numbers of animals to be taken, specifically limited number of participants, held to rigorous oversight and reporting standards, and are immediately stopped if target harvest levels are reached. Wildlife managers do not allow mass slaughter of predators across Alaska as sponsors of Ballot Measure #2 would lead us to believe.
Unfortunately, a lot of misunderstanding has been reported by Y-K Delta constituents regarding voting on the 1996 and 2000 ballot initiatives. Many have told me they thought a “yes” vote was for keeping predator management programs in use. But then, as now, a “yes” vote on Ballot Measure 2 serves only to shut aerial predator management down, while making it extremely expensive, complicated and difficult to utilize it in the future. It will takes food directly off the plates of families and children throughout the state of Alaska, only to satisfy those with philosophical aversion to certain management techniques. I urge everyone to support the State’s ability to provide adequate and effective wildlife management for reasonable subsistence harvest opportunity, and vote No on Ballot Measure #2 on the Tuesday, August 26th primary election.

Alaska Resource
Rebate Program update

8-6-08

from Senator Lyman Hoffman

To Senate District S; Re: SB: 4002 Alaska Resource Rebate Program
A new committee substitute for SB 4002 was adopted this morning in the Senate Finance Committee. This bill establishes a new two-year program that will provide state residents with resource rebate payments to offset the cost of heating oil used to heat residents. The bill:
•Individuals are eligible to receive a rebate payment based on the amount that exceeds $3.00 a gallon
•Delivered to residents Sept. 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009
•Delivered to residents Sept. 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010
•Limited to 600 gallons of oil used to heat a single family home, or
•Limited to 300 gallons of oil heat for each unit in a multi-family building
•Individuals can apply more than once
•Applies hold harmless provisions for low-income, seniors and veterans
•Does not apply to government or commercial buildings
This bill is a work in progress and may change. All bills introduced this Special Session are still in discussion and may be all rolled into one omnibus package. Stay tuned for further updates.
Memorandum dated July 31, 2008.

Legion of Merit awarded to Bethel Pilot

Retired Army National Guard aviator honored for exceptional meritorious service

7-30-08

A retired Alaska Army National Guard pilot from Bethel was awarded the Legion of Merit on Monday, July 21 for his selfless devotion to the defense of the nation while serving for more than 37 years in the U.S. military.
Brig. Gen. Thomas Katkus, commander of the Alaska Army National Guard, presented the nation’s sixth highest U.S. military decoration to Chief Warrant Officer Four Bruce Perry at the Bethel National Guard Hangar.
“Chief Warrant Officer Perry served 26 out of his 37 years in the military with the Alaska Army National Guard, and he served in a most admirable way with exceptional meritorious service,” Katkus said. “His technical expertise and superb aviation skills were instrumental to the overall readiness of the Alaska Army National Guard and to the successful accomplishment of its federal and state missions.”
Perry was a member of A Company, 1/207th Aviation, based out of Bethel. He served in various positions of increasing responsibility culminating as an aviation maintenance officer before retiring in August 2005.
“Chief Warrant Officer Four Perry is a master senior aviator who flew numerous high risk missions for the state,” said Capt. Eric Barlow, Perry’s former company commander. “He executed countless medevacs and search and rescues all totaling in hundreds of lives saved.”
Perry served in Vietnam, and more recently, deployed to Haiti for five months in 2005 as a pilot supporting the rebuilding and recovery efforts as a result of Hurricane Gene. He is qualified in several military aircraft, flying mostly UH-1 Huey helicopters, Twin Otter aircrafts and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters throughout his career.
“Now he is a designated pilot examiner with the Federal Aviation Administration,” said Chief Warrant Officer Three Nyle Harrison, 1/207th Aviation in Bethel. “He is highly involved in everything in the community, especially aviation; he’s the pillar of aviation out here.”
In addition to his aviation accolades, Perry is also known for his community involvement. He is a member of the Bethel Civil Air Patrol, a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Bethel Fire Department, and he’s active in the VFW and American Legion. Perry is also highly credited for helping to start the commissary case lot sales in Bethel that provide eligible shoppers the goods and savings found at the Anchorage commissary.
Perry lives in Bethel with his wife, Martha, and their children.

My thank you list

by Bruce Perry

Heavenly Father – for everything I am and everything I have. His Son, Jesus Christ, who is my Savior and our Savior as well. The Holy Spirit, which guided me many, many times and to which I wish I had listened to more often. My parents – my father was a Navy Pilot and also an American Airlines Pilot and my mother was a Coast Guard Officer – who taught me right from wrong and that there is no such thing as a free lunch! Dick and Shanna Nicholson, who, after my parents divorced, sent me to college and paid for my flight training and who remained lifelong friends and mentors. My first wife, who stayed with me during the entry into the Army and a yearlong flight school at which time we were so poor we had to skip meals. Then a yearlong tour in Vietnam. No internet or satellite back then, you know? Those were pretty difficult times back then, especially the welcome home.
I got out of the Army in 1977 and joined the Hawaii Coast Guard for a year, until I came to Alaska. I told them I would only be gone for the season! I joined the Alaska Army National Guard in February 1979, which is where I met my wife of 26 years, Martha. I was the Operations Officer at the Alaska Military Academy and she was going through Officer Candidate School. Well, I sure need to thank her for all those years and the fact she, at least most of the time, did not worry about our crew flying in all that crummy weather. Also, she isn’t a “whiner” about me being gone a lot of the time training or flying around the state.
The crews… it is and always has been the crew concept. A lot of wonderful people have helped me get to this spot today. Thanks to the Tac Officers, ground instructors, mechanics, crew chiefs, other pilots and flight instructors, who have passed on their knowledge, skills and their years of experience which helped me prepare for the Bethel experience. I did a lot of listening and watching with all those folks. A special thanks to all of them. Thanks to all who have served, are serving or who will serve at AAOF #2.
To the leaders… thanks for the personal support and for putting up with me! I have been told I could be difficult when fighting for the “Bush”. Some of the leaders know I have a soft spot in my heart for them and all that they have accomplished. Bless you for doing your job as it was meant to be done and for caring about the troops and the Alaska “Bush” folks. Thank you for the Commissary flights. They mean a lot to the Bush folks. Thank you to CW4 Louie Crew who has been a shining example to me during his 44 years of service to the military and community. I put him in the Leader section, here, because that is where he belongs. If it were not for his ability to motivate me to get promoted, I may have retired as a CW2!
I cannot fully articulate how I feel inside about the thousands of flights and the accomplishments of those missions. Many saved countless lives. I appreciate the opportunity to serve those who were in need. It was gratifying to see lives changed as a result of our military efforts, say in Haiti and Honduras as well as our own Alaskan people.
A word about this award. I just found out about it on Friday. I am glad I was told about it because I did not know what this award represented or some of those who have received it in the past. After looking on Google, I am even more deeply touched by some of the recipients. They include, to name just a few: Hyman G. Rickover, the “Father of the Nuclear Navy”; Edwin Hubble, American astronomer; David Niven, Lt-Col, British Commando in WWII; Audie Murphy, most highly decorated US soldier of WWII; Senator John McCain, Naval aviator and Vietnam prisoner of war; and Col. Benjamin O. Davis Jr., Tuskegee Airman of the 99th Squadron, awarded in 1944.
A special last thank you to the one I believe is the one responsible for submitting this award. Lt. Eric Barlow, as I first knew him, impressed me from the beginning. He was too skinny, too short and in too good of a shape for me! I was impressed by his knowledge of management and paperwork skills and also his caring for the troops. I learned a lot from him. For instance, I was not always right! He also could be right, on occasion! But he always had my respect as my leader and friend.
To end this, I would like to mention a quote from Embraced by the Light, by Betty Eadie (pg. 50) “Whatever we become here in mortality is meaningless unless it is done for the benefit of others. Our gifts and talents are given to us to help us serve. And in serving others we grow spiritually.”
May we all learn to use our talents to serve others is my hope. Thank you all for this special award.

Governor releases draft bill to
provide relief from high energy costs

6-24-08

Governor Sarah Palin today released a draft bill proposing a special one-time payment in the amount of $1,200 to Alaskans and suspending the state fuel tax for one year. The legislation is intended to be a starting point for a discussion with the legislature about how to provide relief from high energy costs to working Alaskans and their families.
“As the fiscal year winds down, Alaskans are assured of surpluses beyond the billions of dollars put into savings and funding for priorities such as forward funding education and municipal revenue sharing,” Governor Palin said. “With savings and funding priorities covered, I am confident that Alaskans, who are the owners of our resources, can spend their resource revenue better than government can.”
She added, “We can afford to share resource wealth with Alaskans and to temporarily suspend the state fuel tax. It is my hope these items would be implemented by September. We look forward to working with legislators in the coming weeks to find the best possible solution to provide short-term energy relief.”
While the unique fiscal circumstances the state finds itself in at the end of this fiscal year warrant a special one-time payment to share some of the state’s wealth, the payment comes at a time when Alaskans are facing rising energy prices. High prices for oil are a double-edged sword for Alaskans. While public coffers fill, prices for heating fuel and gasoline have skyrocketed over the last six months and are now running into the $5- to $9-a-gallon range for heating fuel and gasoline across several areas of the state. (Examples: Kokhanok - $9.10 for heating fuel; Hughes - $8.50 for gasoline.)
The payment to Alaskans is estimated to distribute roughly $729 million of the state’s resource wealth. Suspending the state fuel tax for one year would save Alaskans about another $40 million in state fuel taxes.
Governor Palin and the administration will continue reviewing a proposal to make grants to utilities and introduce bills for the legislature to consider next month.
In addition to this short-term relief, efforts are ongoing toward a long-term energy plan for the state. That initiative is being directed by Steve Haagenson, who was appointed the State’s Energy Coordinator in March. Haagenson, who also serves as Executive Director of the Alaska Energy Authority, is developing a statewide plan to reduce energy costs, promote conservation and secure long-term supply solutions for each region of the state. Results of his work are expected by the end of this year.
“These energy prices are draining family finances and causing hardships all over the state,” said Haagenson.
In addition, it was announced that the Division of Investments will be amending its regulations to allow for low-interest loans to commercial fishermen to purchase more fuel-efficient engines. This proposal has no financial impact on the state’s budget.
A proposal to use debit cards to deliver the special one-time payments to Alaskans was dropped due to significant costs and the inability to use the debit cards in many rural Alaska communities. A copy of the draft bill can be found at: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/pdf/FuelTaxBill_06-20-2008.PDF.

Girl Scout Camps
throughout the delta

Join the fun this summer with free Girl Scout Camps happening throughout the delta.
Girl Scout Camp Staff include (pictured above) Jessica Kaari - a student at APU in Anchorage, Jen Munson from Seattle, Amy von Diest the Regional Girl Scout Program Coordinator, Katherine de Juan from Washington D.C., and Kim Haag from Wisconsin. Also Jalene Herron and Elin McWilliams, long time Bethel Girl Scouts who helped out immensely with Bethel’s Girl Scout Camp earlier this summer. Both Jalene and Elin will be attending a Girl Scout leadership camp in New York City during the second half of June.
If you have questions please call Amy vonDiest in Anchorage at 1-800-478-7448 or email her at avondiest@gsscak.org.
All girls from the region are invited to be in the Girl Scout part of the 4th of July Parade. Meet at Backcreek Marine before the parade starts, plan to meet your parents/guardians at the end of the parade by the Log Cabin.

Notice to all subsistence waterfowl
hunters on the YK Delta

6-11-08

This is a notice from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to all subsistence waterfowl hunters on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
From information we have received from village residents and biologists, it is clear that birds are nesting across the delta. Under regulation, a 30 day closure on hunting all migratory birds must be imposed beginning June 10, 2008 at midnight and will remain in effect until July 9, 2008 midnight.
However, by regulation, all Brant and Cackling Canada geese on the Yukon Delta are closed to hunting until the young are flying. This closure will remain in effect until midnight August 1, 2008.
The Regional Director of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Chairman of the Waterfowl Conservation Committee of Association of Village Council Presidents have agreed that the closure of migratory bird hunting cease on the dates specified as above.
If you have any questions, please call the Yukon Delta NWR in Bethel at 543-3151 or 1-800-621-5804.

Alaska Airlines to paint plane in honor of Alaska’s 50th Anniversary

Governor Sarah Palin, along with representatives from the Alaska Statehood Celebration Commission, the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development and Alaska Airlines announced a “Paint the Plane” promotion to commemorate Alaska’s 50th anniversary.
“What better way to celebrate our great state’s past and spirit than to look to our future for creative inspiration,” Governor Palin said. “With more than 150,000 school-aged children who can participate, we are sure to receive some wonderful ideas.”
The contest will be open to every school-aged Alaskan from kindergarten through grade 12. Students can submit designs that best capture the theme of “The Spirit of Alaska,” with the winning design to be reproduced on an Alaska Airlines airplane.
The promotion will formally launch in late August as the school year begins. A dedicated Web site, www.PaintThePlane.com, will provide contest rules, instructions and templates required to participate. Submissions are due by Oct. 18, and the finalist will be selected by the end of the year.
The winning design will be revealed January 3, 2009, during the Alaska Statehood Gala in Anchorage marking the signing of the Declaration of Statehood. The Boeing 737-400 will be painted early in 2009 and fly for four to six years.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the state’s anniversary in such a dramatic way,” said Bill MacKay, Alaska Airlines’ senior vice president for the state of Alaska. “We are incredibly proud that our aircraft bear the Alaska name, and this plane will no doubt have a very special place in our hearts.”
Alaska Airlines is funding the effort, including the promotion’s Web site, contest materials and painting of the aircraft.
The Alaska Statehood Celebration Commission will team with the state’s Department of Education and Early Development to communicate the promotion and collect all submissions.
“This contest is another great way to energize and excite our students about our state’s colorful past and bright future,” said Larry LeDoux, incoming Commissioner of Education.
The Department of Education and Early Development will work with schools across the state to distribute information and involve students in the effort. Home-schooled children can also participate. Information will be available at libraries and on the Web site.
Additional details and full contest information, including official rules, instructions and judging procedures, will be available in late August when the promotion is officially launched.

Fuel prices to rise with first fuel barge shipment

6-4-08

At a few minutes before midnight Sunday, June 1, 2008, there were still a dozen or so cars waiting to fuel up at the Crowley pump before the fuel increases go into effect.
The prices will rise on Monday, June 2, 2008.
Gasoline will go up $1.00 from $4.64 to $5.64 per gallon.
Heating fuel will increase $1.86 from $4.05 to $5.91 per gallon.
Diesel will go up from $ 1.81 from $4.64 to $6.45 per gallon.
Aviation fuel will increase by $0.93 per gallong.
On Friday afternoon, there was a long line of cars and trucks waiting to fuel up. Many had empty barrels on board. One of those waiting in line for 2 hours was BRHS shop teacher Jim O’Niell.
“I already got my stove oil and I wanted to get gas for my boat,” he said.
Will the fuel price increases ever end?
“I always have hope but no, the prices will keep going up, higher and higher,” said O’Neill.
There will probably be more increases in the near future, but not so big, said Crowley Manager Brandon Leary who said that there were a couple more barges coming in later this week.
Villagers from Tuntutuliak were also taking advantage of the fuel prices at the pump before the increase.
“We will get our barge in June and we don’t know how much the fuel will be,” they said apprehensively.

Senator Stevens visits delta for ideas to better serve veterans

5-28-08

by K.J. Lincoln

Senator Stevens of the U.S. House of Representatives made a trip to Bethel and Quinhagak along with special guest Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James Peake last Sunday to visit with veterans and examine health care facilities.
The trip was part of a tour of public appearances and events in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Bethel over the Memorial Day weekend to talk with veterans, examine VA health care facilities, to see first-hand the challenges faced by Alaska’s veterans, and to attend Memorial Day activities.
You’ve been visiting several areas in the state for the past couple of days, what is the number one concern for veterans that you’re meeting with?
Sec. Peake: I think the number one concern is the uniqueness of the remote areas of Alaska. That comes up time and again and it is one that I think is really the focus of our visit here in Bethel today.
Do you think there is the possibility there could be funding for things like electronic billing?
Sen. Stevens: We don’t have the broadband connections yet, but as we get the integration on communications in for rural Alaska, I think it will very adaptable to increasing the services of organizations such as the VA or Indian Health Services, by direct connection into homes or the local clinics in the villages. That billing has to come about and has to be brought back into an electronic central system, once developed. The great problem is the accumulation of the bills that have not been presented yet because of the lack of the electronic system. We certainly will do our best to help them get that. I think that is unique to this area. Most of the clinics really don’t have the relationship with the hospitals in their areas the way the villages around this area do.
What are we doing well with respect to our veterans?
Sen. Stevens: From my point of view, what we’re doing on this war that hasn’t happened before, we’re reaching out and trying to keep contact with the veterans now. As the veterans come home they come through Richardson, they have a period of interrogation they go through to find out what they did and what they were exposed to, whether they were exposed to anything that would lead to posttraumatic stress disorder and to understand what their future needs might be. As they go home we will have a better record of that. We’re trying to develop this time, a way to reach out to them before they even know they’re going to need services. These young fellows that are coming home now, they’re not really thinking too much about what’s going to happen 5-7 years from now. The VA now has the authority to follow veterans for five years after they come home.
Sen. Peake: As of the 28th of January, it went from 2 years to 5 years post-discharge that we can bring folks into our healthcare system, provide them with the counseling and assistance and healthcare they need, for anything that is service related. We think that is a tremendous step forward because it allows us to support their reintegration into society, back to their families, back to their employers. When I talk to our local health leaders, our satisfaction scores are very high here in Alaska, specifically. We have access particularly in the Anchorage bowl. I went to our vet centers in Fairbanks and they are available and they have the capacity to see the folks that want to come and see them. What we are really pushing is the ability for the centers to engage folks in outreach and develop a relationship with the VA, so that when the opportunity comes when they have a need for us, they know how to get in touch with us. The importance of leveraging communications infrastructure that reaches out even to the remote villages is a great opportunity.
Sen. Stevens: One of the things we were exposed to this morning is the development of the concept of having the ability to connect through the internet to telemedicine systems. To have interviews with a psychiatrist or a health care provider from their home or from a village clinic and to have that person really observed and to have the advance warnings of development of stress and problems that can come from interviews like that as well as the kind of counseling that can avoid future problems. We’ve never had that kind of thing before. During World War II we never had anything like this at all. In fact, we had to stand in a line a block long to get into the VA. If we pursue this it will be less expensive for the VA to keep track of people in their villages electronically. We can have these things developed so that we actually provide greater and more consistent care at less cost as far as transportation.
What has been the long-term research in other areas where they’ve done this, the human connection when talking with a psychiatrist is very important.
Sec. Peake: Across the board, tele-psychiatry has been one of the areas that has been well studied with really good outcomes. We were talking about the fidelity of the image so you can see pupil dilations, skin tones, facial expressions, so that really enhances the experience. I think we will see excellent results.
How did this trip come about?
Sen. Stevens: When the Secretary was up before the Senate for confirmation, I asked him if he would like to come to Alaska. That is sort of threatening in some ways.
Sec. Peake: About 38% of our veterans live in rural areas across the nation. I think it’s an issue we ought to make sure we’re paying attention to. I established a rural health advisory council to help me look at this issue. We look particularly at native Americans and native Alaskans. We created a coordinating council with a lots of different places in the VA deal with a lot of the native American issues, so we’ve got that initiative going.
Are you going to Quinhagak today?
Sen. Stevens: We wanted the Secretary to visit one of the villages that is tied into the system here.
Have you thought of having a VA representative out here? We are 500 miles away from Anchorage and we have 41 villages around Bethel.
Sen. Stevens: These posts are assigned on a workload basis. At any one time the workload in Bethel has to be measured against the workload elsewhere. What we’re trying to do now is use Bethel as a center to have the information gathered by the people here and relayed into the new clinic in Anchorage if there is any real problem. We have available through this new electronic system, telemedicine and tele-education, a way to deal with more people directly in their home or in their local place. We want patients standing in line to be very limited. This new generation is far ahead with computers. When we went to Iraq and Afghanistan these were on the computer and cell phone 2-3 times a day to people at home here. They want this kind of communication, they’ve been trained to it and they want to be able to use their skills on the computer and internet to get the kind of help they need.
We have 115-150 troops returning from the National Guard in Iraq and Afghanistan. Before they were allowed to go, they were heavily trained in intense infantry and combat training to be prepared to serve and they did a good job. Now they are returning home. They are coming back to a little village of 150-350 people and right now everybody is very proud of them and they are very happy. What happens in one year to five years from now when they don’t have a job, there’s nothing going for them, and they start to go a little crazy, and they start drinking or taking drugs? These troops are trained. It’s going to cause a commotion in that village if a situation that nobody can even figure right now what will happen. What do we have out there in the villages? Some of them don’t even have clinics. We have health aide staffing and they do a great job but they are not professionally trained to deal with mental stress or mental problems or combat fatigue. We don’t have the facilities right now. They can’t afford to go to Anchorage or Fairbanks. What are we going to do then?
Sen. Steven: They have a better package of benefits than any veterans in history ever got - educational, counseling, and training. They can tell us what they want to do. They want to become a pilot, they can get pilot training. They want to be a mechanic, they get mechanic training. They want to go back and get a degree in college and become a counselor, they can do that. We’re going to encourage them to the maximum extent possible to take advantage of these education benefits, that is why they have been approved. They will get a compensation while they go to school. If they live more than 500 miles from their school, their airfare will be paid. We’re going to make sure they have very incentive possible to get further education. And as they get that further education, they will be able to take it to their village. We don’t want them to go just sit and look at a television set for the rest of their lives. We want them to get the education and get involved. Did you know that more than 57% of our pilots are over 60 years of age? We have to replace 50% of our pilots in less than 7 years. One of the things we really need is pilots. Pilots - number one job. Mechanics - number one job. We have a whole series of jobs that need people trained. The question is whether they are encouraged by their comrades, families and everyone else to take advantage of the opportunities. You can go to a university, a pilot training school, a mechanic school, cooking school, whatever you do you have better benefits than any veterans ever had. The question is, will they take advantage of them? We think they will if we maintain their health and their desire to be something more. They’ve all been very good soldiers, no question about that.
Sen. Peake: I have been concerned about the whole misrepresentation of this whole generation of veterans. But the fact is, that it is going to be the next greatest generation. Help integrate them back into society.
Quyana cakneq!

Civil Air Patrol finds treasure

5-6-08

by R. Dennis

There we were, wading around in The Dump, yep right here in a section of Bethel’s finest real estate. That’s where we found ourselves this past Thursday evening.
“Over here Steve.” “No I think it’s this way” “Ugh, watch out there Jeremy, I think the mud is real deep here. Better crawl over this car and go around the back.” “Yep, the ice is better there.” “Oh … walk on that bumper.”
“Hey guys, I think Steve might be on it. Up on that slope.” “Oh, I think that’s where today’s garbage was dumped.”
It was almost 6:30 Thursday evening when Bethel CAP Commander, Steve Hayden received a call from the Rescue Coordination Center (RCC). RCC, a US Air Force program, noted an ELT going off near Bethel. At least that is what they said. These guys don’t fool around. They said the ELT (Emergency Locating Transmitter) generating a signal at 121.5 MHz was pinpointed at abt 1-½ miles S.E. of the old airfield. That old, now abandoned airfield is across the Kuskokwim River from the Bethel Seawall. Digging out a special direction finding (DF) radio, three of us headed there to see what we could find. Gone now was any thought of the real reason for our group gathering that evening, the NOAA River Ice Watch support orientation.
Getting down to The Dock we set up that special DFing radio with no results. But then Commander Hayden caught the signal. It was faint, but that warble was unmistakable. We had the signal. Only the signal was not coming from across the Kuskokwim. The DF unit seemed to point us North of Bethel. We could see that this was not going to be a slam-dunk find for us. By now the weather was really setting in. Snow was heavy, only the Instrument (IFR) flights would be out now. We headed back to the CAP hanger to regroup and to organize a search of greater magnitude.
As we returned to the hanger the NOAA River Ice guy, Bradford Sipperley was beginning his River Ice Reporting orientation program. Counting noses, I noted a good turnout. Twenty-four people filled the CAP Office meeting room with standing room only. Aviators and non-aviators, all with a common interest in ice conditions and flooding, filled the room. A crosscut of the community was represented from Fish & Wildlife to KYUK, Search & Rescue to Weather Service, and Troopers to Yuut flight school students. Bethel was well represented. Mr. Sipperley’s slide show depicted River Ice in its various conditions and how to report it in a usable manner. Everyone received the Pilots Guide to River Ice. I will be carrying mine whenever I go flying for future reference.
As the NOAA presentation moved on, we caught occasional snatches of the search as it geared up. RCC was again quizzed for additional details. The weather let up and Earl Samuelson launched with the Trooper’s 185. Shortly we could hear his report. He was getting a strong signal as he buzzed the Seawall. Then later he noted a strong signal over The Dump. But only following more DFing on our part at the Dock, which again left us empty handed. With the new info we headed to The Dump. Four strong and two radios.
Jeremy was concerned that he’d get stuck just trying to get up to the gates at Bethel’s Finest Real Estate. The mud was only a little thicker than soup. Mashed potatoes? And then the handy talkie set to 121.5Mhz sang out with a strong signal.
Wow, we now knew that pay dirt was near at hand. Happy day. No aircraft had crashed. No people were down or in misery.
And that is how we started this story, with four adult men searching for “treasure” in The Dump. For those uninitiated, the spring Dump air has its own special fragrance. As we homed in on the signal, we began (electronically) sniffing around. Tripping and wading over all manner of refuse, from discarded OB engines to baby diapers and all manner of household slop in between garbage bags full of who knows what. No rakes or tools beyond the DFing rigs were at hand and so each dug with his hands, tossing aside garbage bags and soggy cast offs until…
Yep, the Commander was the first to grab onto that offending, emitting piece of electronic gadgetry. A yellow EPIRB, which except for its special new dump coating looked near new. The battery was rated good to 12/2008. Wow. Pictures and handshakes were shared. And then the trek back out through, the mud, the blood and the…
Commander Hayden notes that the ELTs along with the EPIRBs utilizing 121.5 MHz are slated to be phased out. The satellite that picked up our intrepid EPIRB will be switched off on 1 Feb 2009. EPIRBS such as the one CAP located are no longer manufactured and are being phased out in favor of a newer improved system, which will allow for faster response with greater accuracy from search and rescue teams.
Commander Hayden continued on, sharing that this new frequency is higher at 406MHz, but which also utilizes GPS to pinpoint its location. He also states that should owners wish to dispose of the older EPIRBS utilized by mariners, they should be deactivated by at least removing the battery prior to disposal or if they choose, 121.5 MHz EPIRBS can be dropped off at the Bethel Police Department.
Richard Dennis, an aviator and educator, writes from Bethel.

The Alaska Bible Seminary & Theological Institute held a graduation ceremony for their 2007-2008 class at the Bethel Moravian Church last Wednesday. The keynote speaker was “Papa” John Alexie, 2007 Graduate and Lay Pastor of the village of Eek. Four graduates received Two-Year Diplomas and are now qualified to become pastors.
Two Year Diploma Recipients: Brian Henry, Clifford Jimmie, Joe Mute, and Willie Phillip (see photo at right).
One Year Certificate Recipient: Hannah Phillips
Certificate Recipients: Caralena Alexie, Ida Alexie, Jon Baker, Arvin Charlie, John Charlie, Tiona Conrad, Carl Ekamrak, Lillian Green, Mary Gregory, Steve Miller, John Napoka, Henry Nicholai, Katie Roehl, Annie Wassillie, Norman Wassillie.

Anchorage based TransNorthern Aviation flew a Douglas Super DC-3 into Mekoryuk last Saturday with 5000 lbs of emergency supplies. Chartered by the Coastal Villages Region Fund, the non-stop, 552 mile flight from Anchorage took 3 hours and 14 minutes. The Super DC-3 is perfectly suited for the region’s short, gravel runways. Among the supply delivered included 4 miles of fire-hose to be used to haul water from a temporary supply site.

While the cat is away the mice play! Well, not exactly, but with several students and staff traveling to National Close-Up in Washington D.C. it seemed the perfect timing for our annual Cultural Week celebration.
Students in the Close-Up program had planned all year beginning this past fall to take in the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. Substantial fundraising activities have taken place all year with; yard sales, cake sales, and car washes, along with requests for donations. Leaving Friday 11 April were six students along with their chaperones Mrs. Carrie Longpre and her husband Paul. They returned here just this past Sunday of this week.
And so it was that those of us remaining here in Bethel participated in cultural activities ranging from; carving to qaspeq making, sled building, and more. Most of these activities were held in our BABS school building near Myers Farm and Delta Cottages. Sled building took place in the shop at Yuut Elitnaurviat where the BABS Building Trades students normally work.
Carvers began working with bars of soap as a carving medium. Soap is inexpensive as related to ivory or even soapstone. Several students worked with Dremel tools in working up a Manaq (ice fishing stick) for themselves. See photo. Several of these showed considerable attention to detail.
Tad Lindley assisted a number of students who worked on general carving and also steam house ladles. The steam house ladles are used, as many know, in steam houses to pour water over hot rocks or the stove thus creating steam for the steam bath. These steam baths are a regional favorite.
Several students worked with BABS secretary, Lucy Kuhns in making qaspeqs. See photo. She was assisted by Sharon Lindley and staff member Linda Fife. With several sewing machines, students were able to complete their garments.
Sled building was the big event for five students at the shop. Each came up with their own unique designs. Two basic designs seemed to rule the day; one was a standard freight sled designed to haul long and heavy loads such as logs. The other design used was the more prominent general duty sled made from dimensional lumber and plywood used here on the Kuskokwim Delta. See photo.
Someplace along the line stained glass, calligraphy and beading crept in. All cultural week subjects were the result of student requests through a survey. Each day I have noted students showing up early and having trouble leaving at days end.
Cultural activities and a week of cultural emphasis have been a central part of BABS since the school opened its doors now ten years ago. Starr Jensen in her seventh year as administrator at BABS, foresees no change in emphasis either for next year or for the next decade.
BABS is a statewide educational program for HS aged students (16-21). The boarding school has enrolled students from most communities across the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and from Kotzebue to Bristol Bay and even from Anchorage. Students who are interested should contact BABS directly by calling (907) 543-5610 or writing to BABS, PO Box 1949, Bethel Alaska 99559.
Richard Dennis, an aviator and educator, writes from Bethel.

I was very fortunate to spend a little time with a man named Charlie Boots.
Charlie Boots lives in a cabin along the north bank of the Yukon around the corner and upriver from Devils Elbow and the Ohogamiut area, which is above the village of Marshall.
I was out patrolling the Yukon River just up from Marshall when I landed next to a snow machine pulling a sled. From the air I couldn’t tell what sort of a snow machine was pulling this big yellow sled and I needed a coffee break anyway, so I landed.
On this day, Charlie was driving his old Elan snow machine with no hood. The machine ran like a dream and Charlie was loving life. The fact that the snowmachine had no hood didn’t matter to Charlie and he goes on long trips with that machine with no worries about getting home.
Charlie lives a subsistence lifestyle. He puts his net out in the summer for fishing, traps some in the winter, hunts a little in the fall for moose and then just goes into Marshall via boat or snowmachine to get supplies once in a while. Charlie is now in his mid 70’s and still gets out and about and is very healthy.
Charlie was kind enough to allow me to take a picture of him with my Trooper airplane, AKA Blue-52. This was taken approximately 10 miles Southeast of Marshall, just off the Yukon River in the mountains heading towards Charlie Boot’s cabin.
Dan Dahl is an Alaska Wildlife Trooper and flies Blue-52.

Cama-i!
The State of Alaska’s first 90-day legislative session is over!
Although I preferred the 120 day session, which allowed time for greater public input and the opportunity to better craft legislation, I must admit things went pretty well this session and have to commend most of my colleagues for that. On a personal note, this year was bitter-sweet since it’s my last regular session. While I have been honored to serve the constituents of my district I feel I owe it to my family to concentrate on them.
As a group, the legislature is constitutionally mandated approve the state’s budgets. These budgets come in three forms, capital, operating and supplemental. The capital budget is typically for infrastructure projects, the operating budget is for the day to day operations of the state and the supplemental budget usually for unforeseen costs and emergency spending.
Capital Budget
On Sunday April 13th, the very last day of session, a $2.9 billion capital budget was moved through the Legislature. While most of the approved projects where specifically requested by the governor, about a third of the project requests came directly from communities through legislative offices. I’m hopeful the importance of the projects we have supported and our positive working relationship with the Governor will make it less likely she will veto them.
Some community project highlights in our area currently in the capital budget include:
•Tundra Women’s Coalition $1.5 million towards new facility construction
•Chaninik Wind Group (wind energy generation systems purchase and installation for Kwigillingok, Kipnuk and Tuntutuliak.) $4.8 Million
•Bethel Aquatic Training Safety Center (at long last, a pool and multi-purpose recreation center for Bethel and the Y-K Delta,) $2 million
•$75,530 to Bethel Search and Rescue for equipment such as radios and trail marking supplies
•$60,000 for Yupiit School District Library books and resources
Operating Budget
The Legislature sent an operating budget to the Governor with over $11 billion in proposed spending of state and federal funds. Additions to this year’s operating budget include funding for a community service patrol in Bethel to help combat the public inebriate problem, consideration for Head Start pre-schooling and money for an Alaska Legal Services attorney in Bethel to provide civil suit legal representation for low income individuals.
Supplemental Budget
The supplemental budget bill included $3.6 billion in savings, $180 million for three years of revenue sharing, $200 million for AHFC’s weatherization program, another $100 million for AHFC’s energy rebate program, and $18.5 million to completely fund senior care for the rest of the year.
HB 314, Transportation Bond Package
A $315,050,000 bond package passed the Legislature – The package includes $2.5 million for Bethel road repairs and upgrades. Before implementation, it must survive a Governor veto and be approved by statewide vote on the General Election ballot Nov. 4.
Low Income Home Heating Assistance (LIHEAP)
Until now the state LIHEAP program was funded entirely with federal dollars, and issued grants averaging $780 per winter to about 10,500 households with annual incomes below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. On April 9th the Senate Finance Committee added my LIHEAP bill (HB 308) into another related bill increasing eligibility from 150% FPG to 225% (from $26,250 to $39,375 annual income for a two-person household). This will allow an estimated 3800 additional homes to be served statewide. The amendment also allows for the state LIHEAP office to send lump-sum retroactive payments to the new group of eligible households to assist with heating costs incurred during the winter of 2007-2008. $10,000,000 was put in the capital budget to provide additional state funds for heating assistance.
Senate Bill 230: Film Production Tax Credit
Although Alaska is among the most beautiful places in the world, it’s often not on the radar for the film and television industries because it is one of only five states without an incentive program. SB 230, sponsored by Anchorage Senator Johnny Ellis and awaiting signature by the Governor, would create the Alaska Film Incentive Program and re-establish the Alaska Film Office. The bill aims to attract millions of dollars in investments and create high-paying local jobs while promoting tourism and improving Alaska’s image outside.
A Correction
Last week in our article about citations we regret making an error on the Bethel Search & Rescue summary. Peter Atchak did not help start Bethel Search & Rescue, but joined the effort later in the 1980’s. Peter wanted to give credit to everyone working with Bethel Search & Rescue, and to say he is honored to serve with them.

On March 31, 2008, the Alaska State Troopers was advised that Jimmy Larson, 30, of Chefornak, and Peter Nick, 37, of Napakiak, went seal hunting the evening before on a boat and had not returned.
Villagers from Chefornak formed a search team and contacted the hunters via VHF radio. The hunters reported themselves in good condition but were stranded in open water, out of gas.
Due to the ice conditions on the water, the search team from Chefornak was not able to reach the stranded hunters and the Alaska Army National Guard in Bethel were dispatched to assist.
About 5 p.m. that evening, the National Guard’s Blackhawk located Larson and Nick and brought them to Bethel. The boat was abandoned.
Larson and Nick suffered no injuries and both were released. The AST would like to thank all who participated in the search, especially the Alaska Army National Guard for their assistance.

Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC) announced the Top Ten Power Plant Operators of 2007 during its recent annual meeting in Anchorage. The following plant operators received recognition for their outstanding achievements: William Koso of Anvik; Frank Brown of Eek; Francis Nollner of Huslia; Lucy Jordan of Kalskag; Edgar Solomon of Kaltag; Lewis Wesley of Kivalina; David Peterson of Mt. Village; Warren Booth and Floyd Wesley of Noatak and Rudy Hamilton of Shageluk. Lewis Wesley won this award three years in a row and William Koso and David Peterson won for two consecutive years.
AVEC has more than 100 plant operators that are hired by the cities to handle the day-to-day operation of the power generation plants and make sure the lights stay on in their communities. The Top 10 Operators of the Year are selected based on some of the following criteria: responsiveness to requests for assistance from consumers and AVEC personnel; performing duties satisfactorily, including routine maintenance; running the most efficient generator to maximize fuel efficiency; keeping the daytank full of fuel; total hours of unscheduled power outages; keeping the plant clean and an inventory of normal routine maintenance materials on hand; and turning in completed paperwork.
Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, celebrating its 40th anniversary, is a member-owned, non-profit cooperative that provides electric power to 53 Alaskan villages and more than 7,500 meters.

The United States Postal Service recently announced it was considering two western Alaska communities to serve as a postal distribution hub for villages in the Yukon River region. Being considered for the service are Chevak and Hooper Bay.
The announcement that Chevak had been selected as a possible distribution site left residents of the town of about 800 excited. Having the city serve as a hub site could mean new jobs, and a larger role for the community in the Y-K Delta.
“It could help us economically, and help us become more stable financially,” said Chevak Mayor Ulric J. “Ula” Ulroan. “We’re very excited about being considered.”
Ulroan said Chevak was not originally among the sites being considered, but that a visit by himself and a few other city officials with USPS Mail Specialist Steve Deaton a few weeks ago, put the community on the map.
“At first we weren’t even being considered,” said Ulroan. “But we went and met with Steve Deaton and made our proposal of making Chevak the hub site. A few days later, he called us and said he was amazed we were so well organized, and that he was adding us in.”
Ulroan said the United States Postal Serve would be conducting economic feasibility studies on distribution sites at Hooper Bay and Chevak before making a final decision.

On Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008, Geo Beach, host of History Channel’s “Tougher in Alaska” series, along with a two-man camera crew consisting of Dan Lyons and Joe Lanie, landed in Bethel to spend some time filming in the Y-K Delta.
Jackie Mow, the show’s producer and scriptwriter, later joined them. Beach, a resident of Homer, AK, and his crew were here to visit Bethel and the surrounding villages to film Alaskan life for viewers of the History Channel.
Beach’s purpose in hosting the series, he said, was to show 13 one-hour shows to the rest of America that life in Alaska is tough and how. “They have no idea what it’s like in Alaska and how we live – and I would like to show that,” he said.
In these series, Beach, as host, takes part in the work or activity being performed by Alaskans just as Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe does in his shows.
For example, the Tougher in Alaska crew traveled to Chevak with Allen Paukan, a YKHC Remote Maintenance Worker, to Chevak, 150 miles from Bethel, to film his work with water and sewer problems in the village. That portion of the show will be included in a show about how garbage and waste is disposed of in Alaska.
Beach and his crew also flew to Akiak to follow a high school basketball team travel though the wilderness to Tuluksak by snowmachine and planes. The film crew said in urban America, high school kids just take a bus to go across town to play basketball with another high school.
In Tuluksak, Beach had the honor of tossing the ball for the opening tip-off, he said. “We had a great time with those kids, especially on the snowmachine trip, and I learned a few things from those kids.” The crew then shot footage of four basketball games.
The Tougher in Alaska crew also shot footage of Beach wrangling a 12-team dogsled with a local musher on Saturday, and went fishing with a local family for the remainder of the day.
They also filmed mail and freight being hauled to Kwethluk on Lynden Transport’s Hovercraft out of Bethel, but got high-centered on the ice road’s high snow berm just outside of the village. Beach helped the hovercraft crew knock the berm down and they used a truck to pull the hovercraft free. “That was some great footage,” Lyons said.
Beach also hung out with the Bethel Search and Rescue team and made trail and open water markers, while producer Mow got the rare chance of flying with BSAR and State Trooper pilot Earl Samuelson on an actual search mission, when a Toksook Bay man was reported missing last week. Toksook Bay searchers eventually found the man later that day and the aerial search was called off.
The trail markers were made over Hangar Lake and from Straight Slough to Church Slough, where they also marked off an area of deep overflow. “These are Kuskokwim River ‘street’ signs,” Beach said. “In a bad storm or traveling in the dark, they can the difference in whether you live or not.”
Beach also participated in a mock exercise of a typical search activity, starting from a call for help by VHF radio at BSAR leader Peter Atchak’s home. Cameramen then went to each search volunteer’s homes that Atchak called and filmed them while taking the calls and getting ready to head out. The event even included the rescue of a “missing” person, in which Beach helped to carry to a rescue sled.
This week, the Tougher in Alaska crew plans to film the ice road being plowed from Bethel to Kwethluk, while at the same time, shoot footage of a fuel delivery consisting of four trucks by a local fuel supplier to the village.
The crew also plans to travel to Newtok, to finish shooting video started last summer of the new village being built. The new village, on the north side of Nelson Island, will be part of a show about geology in Alaska, Mow said.
According to Mow, the Tougher in Alaska series will begin showing on the History Channel in May 2008. “The first shows will be about gold mining, fishing and salmon, lineman and electricity, railroads, logging, road construction, and even the Alaska State Troopers at work,” she said.
The Y-K Delta portion of “Tougher in Alaska” will most likely to be shown on July 24 of 2008, as a show about life around the Kuskokwim River. The Tougher in Alaska series is being produced by Moore Huntley Productions, which is based out of Boston, MA.

On February 7th, representatives of Napaimute traveled to Donlin Creek, along with others from the Middle Kuskokwim villages for a Project Update Meeting.
Napaimute’s representatives included: Delores Matter - Traditional Chief, Bobby Kristovich - Council Vice President, Mitchell Dammeyer - Environmental Director, and Mark Leary - Director of Development & Operations.
Although the meeting was given on short notice, it was well attended. Tours of camp facilities and the field work currently being done were given throughout the day as representatives arrived from each of the 11 far-flung Middle Kuskokwim villages (Lime Village, Stony River, Sleetmute, Red Devil, Georgetown, Crooked Creek, Napaimute, Chuathbaluk, Aniak, Upper & Lower Kalskag).
At about 4 pm, everyone gathered in the recently completed recreation tent – basically a small gym. The meeting began with the introduction to the new Project Manager for Donlin Creek – Doug Nicholson.
Mr. Nicholson, with the help of other Donlin Management (mainly Bill Bieber & Nick Enos) gave an update on the current status of the Project and plans for 2008. Most of the presentation we have heard earlier in the winter. Right now the main focus is how to provide economically feasible electricity to the mine. The most serious option being considered is a 400+ mile power line to Healy. Other more minor power options were touched on but don’t appear to have serious attention at this time.
Meeting participants also had the opportunity to express their concerns over the recent formation of the Donlin Creek LLC and their uncertainty over Nova Gold’s now direct involvement in the Donlin Creek Project. From all indications observed at the camp and reiterated at the meeting, there will be no noticeable changes in the on-the-ground operations at Donlin, including the retention of key Project personnel.
The question of benefits for Chulista employees was also brought up. From the Human Resources Director we learned that Chulista Employees are eligible for health insurance and a 401K retirement plan after 6 months. This does, however, start over each time an employee is laid off.
One new item of interest that we learned about at this meeting was the discovery of an additional belt of mineralization extending from the southern edge of the proposed pit outward under the location of the current campsite.
This is the focus of the drilling program currently being ramped up. For the next several months there will be three drill rigs working to delineate this new mineralized zone. This will provide employment for about 70 people from the region during a time of the year that is traditionally the leanest (both in finances and subsistence activities). If the results of this drilling program are positive it may lead to a further increase in drilling activity over the summer and local employment comparable to 2006 & 2007 levels.
It’s important to note that the percentage of local employment at Donlin Creek continues to rise. During the two days that we were on site, very few unfamiliar faces were seen. Our people continue to move into supervisory and management positions. Morale is good, with a constant stream of smiling and joking around. Donlin Creek from all indications is a great place to be working, even in the middle of a long cold winter. Alaska has never seen such a home-grown operation as the Donlin Creek Project.
As the Project Update wound down a new, strong underlying concern by Project management and the local people themselves began to surface:
The Alaska Clean Water Initiative: “An Act to Protect Alaska’s Clean Water”
A general discussion ensued about this great concern. In this discussion, we were especially thankful for the insights of Carl Morgan, Jr. a former Representative in the State Legislature for our region. His input and experience was invaluable to our understanding of the potential direct impacts of the Initiative on our way of life, and perhaps of all Alaskans who love the outdoors.
We learned (through our own independent research and information provided by Donlin Management) that Clean Water Initiatives have been passed in other states. Montana is a good example. These initiatives in actuality are anti-mining laws carefully worded to emphasize the protection of clean water. Everyone wants clean water so most people vote in support of the initiative, which in effect eliminates additional mining activity in the respective state. This leads to significant economic decline.
Even more concerning is the fact that these initiatives, once passed in to law, provide a door for further waterway restrictions that affect all residents of a state. This can be in the form of later amendments directed at limiting use by agriculture, recreational and even subsistence groups.
In Alaska, the passage of this Initiative will kill all future mining (both large and small) activity, including the development of Donlin Creek and may lead to future restrictions on the use of Alaska’s waterways by all Alaskans. This would be especially detrimental to subsistence users that depend on the State’s waters for the harvest of their food.
Additional points of concern regarding the Initiative brought forth were:
•This is an Initiative sponsored by environmental and special interest groups designed specifically to stop the Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay, that will in effect, punish the entire state. Donlin Creek will shut down.
•It will be especially hard on rural Alaska and our regional corporations, as natural resource development, including mining, is the main vehicle we have for economic self-sufficiency.
•This Initiative will be voted on in the August Primary NOT in the November general election. Rural Alaska traditionally has very low voter turnout in August primaries – people are busy with subsistence activities.
•This Initiative could easily be decided by the urban voters of Alaska.
After this general discussion it was decided to break for dinner and reconvene afterwards to create a formal position in opposition of the Alaska Clean Water Initiative for the Middle Kuskokwim Villages and to strategize on what we can do to campaign for public (state-wide support) of this opposition.
The meeting after dinner turned into what could be called a “Mini-KNA Tribal Gathering”. It was our meeting with Barrick and Nova Gold personnel mainly sitting back and watching. They did provide meeting support through note taking and use of their laptop and projector to put up our ideas on the wall, but otherwise left the participants to their business.
Also notable was the participation in the meeting by our local people who are employed at Donlin Creek. For the next several hours, they were not just employees but more importantly deeply-rooted residents of the region. Their open involvement added a great deal to the meeting. This is why we have confidence in the development of Donlin Creek into a world-class gold mine. It will truly be “A Real Mine operated by the Real People”.
Besides, this was the ideal setting to get business done: we were all way back in the hills, with no place better to go on a long, cold winter’s night. No distractions. We could focus on the issue at hand and “Git ‘er done!”
After ensuring that there was consensus among the representatives to opposing the Alaska Clean Water Initiative, we brainstormed on what could be done as individuals, and village/regional entities to increase the support for this opposition on a larger scale.
This led to the desire to have an instrument to bring back to the individual village councils for consideration, passage, and to demonstrate the unified position of the Middle River – a resolution.
Several representatives with experience in drafting resolutions took on the task of putting one together. The draft resolution was presented to the entire body for input. It was made clear that each Traditional Council could make additional changes as they saw fit. Donlin Staff made copies for each village representative to bring home with them.
The meeting adjourned sometime after 10 PM. The rest of the evening was spent over in the camp kitchen telling stories and jokes with a little discussion of the issues surrounding the development of Donlin Creek sprinkled in. It was a lot of fun and the ice cream cone machine ran overtime!
Friday morning was laid back with a good breakfast and additional tours (even by helicopter) for those that wanted them. Meeting participants mingled with Donlin Management and the general work force while awaiting the flights to return them home.
Napaimute’s representatives left about 1:30 PM.
Coming back on the return flight, with a born and bred local pilot and his daughter in the copilot’s seat, crossing the north side of the Horn Mountains, the head of the Kolmokofsky River and Sutter Creek, along the western slopes of the Russian Mountains, and the meandering bends of the Owhat River on into Aniak, it was hard not to feel the real sense of ownership that the people of the Middle Kuskokwim have in the Donlin Creek Project.

Mitch Seavey mushed his way into Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race history Sunday evening … again.
Seavey nailed down his second Kuskokwim 300 crown in four years by edging out Ramey Smyth for the top spot despite rainy and warm conditions on the trail. Seavey completed the 300-mile race from Bethel to Aniak and back almost an hour faster than Smyth.
Seavey, who won the race in 2004, mushed his nine dogs across the finish line in Bethel at 8:09 p.m. Smyth, making his first appearance in the Kuskokwim 300 in more than a decade, finished at 9:05 p.m.
Getting his second win was anything but easy for Seavey.
Rainy conditions on the trail on Saturday forced the former Iditarod champion to take a slower pace than he might have liked over the first 150 miles of the race. After starting third out of the chute, he slipped three spots in the race standings by the first checkpoint, and to eighth overall by the time he had reached the Kalskag checkpoint.
Seavey began closing the gap on the leaders after arriving at Aniak. After taking his 8-hour layover at Aniak, he quickly climbed into seventh – with easy striking distance of Ed Iten and Rohn Buser.
Buser, the 2007 K-300 Rookie of the Year, had overtaken Iten on the trail from Aniak to the race’s midway point at Pike Lake.
Seavey continued to whittle away at Buser’s lead during the middle stage of the race. By the time Seavey had began the inbound segment of the race and return to Aniak, he had moved into third in the standings.
One checkpoint later, he stood in second. Then, between the Kalskag and Tuluksak checkpoints, he managed to run down Buser, who slipped from first in Kalskag to fourth – behind Seavey, Smyth and Iten -- when he reached Tuluksak.
Seavey never looked back from there. Despite slippery – and dramatically different conditions from he had face on the outboard leg of the race – he needed just over three-and-a-half hours to reach the race’s final checkpoint at Akiachak.
Seavey checked in at Akiachak at 5:07 p.m. -- just over an hour (1 hours and seven minutes, to be exact) ahead of Smyth.
Getting to the finish line was anything but easy – even for Seavey and Smyth.
“That last stretch from Tuluksak to Bethel was very wet,” said Smyth. “The trail was hard to see.”
Smyth said the warm temperatures – which reached 31 degrees Sunday evening – created plenty of overflow on the river and forced mushers to take extra care on the trail.
The conditions didn’t prevent Seavey’s lead dogs – Heavy and Wild Bill – from making their master a two-time Kuskokwim 300 winner, however.
Smyth finished the race with seven dogs in harness, including his veteran lead dog. Smyth said his leader is the same one he has used to complete seven Iditarod races.

Pete Kaiser struck it rich Saturday afternoon.
Well, maybe not rich, but he at least mushed his way to being a bit richer.
Kaiser nailed down the 2008 Bogus Creek 150 title shortly afternoon on Jan. 18 by guiding his team of dogs across the finish line in Bethel 24 minutes before his nearest competitor.
For his win, the Bethel musher pocketed the $5,000 first-place price.
Kaiser’s total time in mushing to Bogus Creek – located near Tuluksak – was 18 hours, 52 minutes and 10 seconds.
John Simon was Kaiser’s biggest threat on the trail. Simon finished second in the overall standings, completing the course in a time of 19 hours, 16 minutes and 53 seconds.
By placing second, Simon earned $4,000.
Angela Denning-Barnes was third in the final standings, finishing 49 minutes behind Kaiser. She earned $2,000 for her efforts.
Veteran Y-K mushers Walter George and Sam Jackson rounded out the race’s top five finishers.
In all, 11 of the 12 participants in the race completed the course.

Ryan Housler is beginning to make winning the Akiak Dash a tradition.
Housler won the 150-mile race from Bethel to Akiak and back for a second straight year on Saturday by outracing Byron Pasitnak to the finish line.
In all, 14 mushers competed the race.
Housler, as he did last year when he beat George Pasitnak to the finish line, made sure he was the first to reach the finish line. Despire rainy conditions on the trail, he completed the race in 5 hours, 58 minutes.
His final time was eight minutes faster than his winning time posted a year ago.
Byron Pasitnak finished second, completing the race 27 minutes after Housler – checking in with a final mark of 6 hours and 25 minutes.
Alex Chaney placed third in the final standings, checking in at 6 hours and 48 minutes.
George Pasitnak was fourth this year, finishing just ahead of Ronald Nose.
Nose had finished third in 2007.
Larry Nicholas and Gregory Larson tied for sixth, while former K-300 Race Director Bev Hoffman checked in at eighth. John Nicholai and Golga Jacob rounded out the races top 10.

Despite a slight delay in logistics, the CITGO fuel donation program will be gifting more than 400,000 gallons of fuel to households across the Delta, valued at more than $2 million dollars.
The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation in partnership with the Association of Village Council Presidents will be administering the 100-gallon stove oil donation from Citizens Energy Corporation to households in 46 villages in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, a total of 4,147 households.
Pending agreements between CITGO and Citizens Energy Corporation and non-profit organizations throughout the state, funds will be distributed directly from Citizens Energy. Citizens Energy Corporation partners with CITGO to provide thousands of gallons of home-heating fuel to those in need.
“One of the reasons it is taking extra time this year is that CITGO expanded the program nation wide,” said Mark Springer, Grant Development Director. “There are more 200 different tribes participating in the fuel program.”
YKHC anticipates the distribution of fuel vouchers to begin in February, however pending the timing of agreements, fuel vouchers may be dispersed earlier or even later.
Once vendor agreements are established in each community, the distribution of vouchers will begin. “The cooperation between vendors, tribes, and city offices, in preparing and updating information went very smoothly,” said Springer. “We could not be doing this program without their cooperation.”
The YK Delta has experienced extreme temperatures this winter and in communities such as Lime Village where a gallon of stove oil is at $7.75, the gift couldn’t come at any better time. “We understand how anxious people are to receive this 100 gallons of stove oil,” said Gene Peltola, President/CEO of YKHC. “We want everyone to know that we are continuing to work on this as fast we can because we know how important it is to get this fuel into people’s tanks this winter.”
CITGO is a refiner and marketer of transportation fuels and other industrial products owned by PDV America, Inc., a subsidiary of the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
For more information about fuel donation program in the YK Delta, call Mark Springer at 1-800-478-3321, ext. 6532 or email mark_springer@ykhc.org.

Riece Jazmine Miller was born on January 1, 2008 at 1:18pm at the Yukon Delta Regional Hospital in Bethel. Her parents are Nick Miller of Bethel and Theresa Kinegak originally of Akiachak. She weighed 7 lbs. 14 oz. and was 20". Her Yup'ik names are Alaq'aq and Taassaq. Her siblings are Skyler, 4, and Alison, 1. Above are Theresa and Riece at their home in Bethel.

I wanted to take a minute to address the wolf situation that we are dealing with in the villages and try to answer some of the questions I’ve been getting.
From what I understand, this is a somewhat common occurrence, at least recently, but there are some things we should keep in mind. The actual statute that addresses issues related to taking Game in Defense of Life and Property is as stated below:
5 AAC 92.410 for the most part states you can take game in defense of life or property if:
1. The necessity for the taking is not brought about by harassment or provocation of the animal, or by an unreasonable invasion of the animal’s habitat:
2. The necessity for the taking is not brought about by the improper disposal of garbage or a similar attractive nuisance, and:
3. All other practicable means to protect life and property are exhausted before the game is taken.
So to simplify this, in the case of the wolves, if they come into the village and are in your yard attempting to get your dog or other property, you can shoot the wolf in defense of life or property (no license needed).
That being said, what I want to stress, is gun safety. We obviously need to be overly cautious whenever we are handling or shooting a gun, but especially while in the village. I want to make sure that gun safety is first and foremost in these situations.
The other point I wanted to make is that if the wolves have come into the village and left, and you wish to pursue them after they have left the village, then you need to have a hunting or trapping license. Once you go out and are hunting the wolves, you need to have a license to be legal. But if the wolves are in the village and you are protecting yourself or your property, you do not need a license. In these cases, we often recommend everyone who thinks they may have contact with the wolves to just purchase a hunting license in order to simplify things.
The other issue the statute above addresses is that we as people need to make sure were not baiting any wild animals by having garbage and/or other smelly items in the yard. Wild animals will always cash in on free food. Also, if you process fish and game on your property, such as salmon or moose, do it as cleanly and efficiently as possible to minimize the odors from such activities.
One of the great advantages to living out here is that we, for the most part, get to live with the wildlife. This has lots of advantages as we know, but it also comes with some obvious dangers. With this in mind, maybe take the extra effort to educate your children on the dangers of wolves and try to minimize their activities late at night.
One last note, if a wolf does get shot in Defense of Life or Property, it becomes property of the state. Skin it, and report it to me (438-2119) as soon as possible. If you catch one while hunting or trapping it is yours to keep, just remember to get it sealed.
Trooper Dahl is with the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Northern Region in St. Mary’s, Alaska.

The K-300 mushing season is once again upon us. The annual Holiday Race is scheduled for Saturday, December 29th at 11:00 AM, location to be announced: 8-dogs per team, no musher meeting, and no entry fee. If you would like to participate, contact Myron Angstman at 543-2972.
This year marks the 29th run of the K-300, the 19th for the Bogus Creek 150 and the 17th for the Akiak Dash. The races begin on Friday, January 18th, but festivities begin Wednesday, January 16th, with a concert at the Cultural Center featuring local talent and ending with the Awards Banquet on Monday, January 21st also at the Cultural Center.
The 2008 K-300 Mushers in order of sign up are:
1. Jackie Larson; 2. Kyle Belleque; 3. Mike Williams Sr.; 4. Mike Williams Jr.; 5. Myron Angstman; 6. Paul Gebhardt; 7. Hugh Neff; 8. Sebastian Schnuelle
The 2008 K-300 promises to be more exciting than ever due to a sponsorship by YKHC Diabetes that pays all local musher entry fees creating the possibility of more local participation. Of course, YKHC Diabetes is just one of the major sponsors this year that will make the race possible.
Some other major sponsors for this season include CRW Engineering, Angstman Law, Winner and Associates, YKHC Dental, FNBA, Wells Fargo, SKW Eskimos Inc., Crowley, Alaska Airlines, Alaska Commercial, The Long House Hotel and Northern Air Cargo.
As always the K-300 is looking for volunteers and sponsors, so if you would like to volunteer your time and or become a sponsor for the 2008 K-300 season please contact Race Manager Staci Gillilan at 543-3300 or K300@alaska.com and visit our website for more information at www.k300.org.

Bethel Native Corporation announced today that a 2007 dividend of $2.20 per share will be mailed to its shareholders.
To date, BNC has paid out approximately $3.8 million in dividends. BNC is the sixth largest ANCSA village corporation, is headquartered in Bethel, Alaska and has paid an annual dividend to shareholders each year since 1987.
“The company’s diversification and expansion into new arenas along with continued financial profitability from sustained operations has made 2007 another year of success,” according to BNC President/CEO Ana Hoffman.
BNC is an active land manager and real estate developer throughout Alaska. BNC Subsidiaries are involved in construction, environmental remediation, uniform and accessories management services, and engineering in Alaska as well as the Lower 48.

This season, the Alaska Federation of Natives plans to spread holiday cheer and celebrate Alaska Native culture at the same time! Alaska Native dance and music groups from the 2007 AFN Convention’s Quyana Alaska will be featured in a special AFN holiday broadcast on GCI cable channels statewide. The AFN Quyana Highlights Show will be the first television program of its kind to showcase Alaska Native traditional motion dances, drumming, singing and fiddle music from across the state.
The show will have highlights of the Quyana Alaska performances from the 2007 Alaska Federation of Natives Convention, held this October in Fairbanks. The event attracted some of the state’s best performers for three nights of traditional dance and music of the Yup’ik/Cup’ik, Inupiaq, Tlingit, Aleut and Athabascan cultures.
“Passed from generation to generation, Alaska Native dances ensure that the many distinct Native cultures from across Alaska remain connected to their origins,” said Julie Kitka, President of AFN, “Dance is way of storytelling and by singing the ancient songs it keeps the tradition alive and thriving.”
First introduced at the 1982 AFN Convention, Quyana Alaska was originally designed to help restore traditional dances and ensure they were passed on to further generations. Twenty-five years later, over 200 different dance groups have performed at Native gatherings around the state, including the AFN Convention. A cultural revival has exploded across rural Alaska, and now Quyana Alaska is now a treasured highlight of each and every convention.
Hosted by Sharon McConnell, the AFN Quyana Highlights Show will be broadcast by GCI on December 16, 18, 20, 23, 25 and 27 at 8:00pm (7:30pm on December 18 only).
The shows will also be web cast on the AFN website at www.nativefederation.org. The mission of the Alaska Federation of Natives is to enhance the cultural, economic and political voice of the Alaska Native community.

I wanted to try and answer/clarify some of the questions regarding the GMU 18 winter moose hunting regulations.
As in past years, the area below Mt. Village (that portion north and west of a line from Cape Romanzof to Kusilvak Mt. to Mt. Village and excluding all Yukon River drainages upriver from Mt. Village) will be open to the taking of any moose; cow, calf or bull, on Federal Land only (December 20th until January 20th).
On State land below Mt. Village, you cannot take a cow, but you can take any calf or antlered bull (December 20th until January 10th).
So what is state land? For the purpose of this regulation, it is anything on the main stem of the Yukon River as well as any native corporation or privately owned land.
So where is the corporation land? All of the villages (tribal offices) that are participating in the winter hunt have been or will be provided with a land status map that outlines the federal land from that of the state land. I strongly recommend that hunters go look at the map before going hunting to see if where your heading is on state or federal jurisdiction.
You can also look on page 78 in the state regulation booklet to see the green area is federal land and the white area’s is state. On page 85 of the federal booklet, the pink area is the federal land and again the white is state. Note: the area below Emmonak is mostly white meaning its state jurisdiction.
As far as the rest of GMU 18, other than the Lower Kuskokwim Closed Area, it is one antlered bull for both federal and state land (December 20th until January 10th).

Residents of Grayling on the Yukon River are waiting for the Arctic Lampreys to arrive in greater numbers during their annual upriver migration – for both subsistence and commercial harvest.
Kwik’pak Fisheries, a subsidiary of the Yukon Delta Fisheries Development Association, is opening an experimental fishery for the Arctic Lamprey in hopes to find new markets for the species.
The fishery, which is only open to Grayling residents, is the first experimental opener for this variety since 2003, giving residents an opportunity to earn cash.
“We approached it as an underutilized species,” said Jack Shultheis, Sales Manager for the YDFDA. “It is a limited entry fishery and is opened up to people who didn’t have permits giving them an opportunity to have cash influx in the winter time.”
Fishermen will be paid $1 per pound for the lampreys.
Jon Rowley, a marketing consultant for Kwik’pak, is working on finding new markets for the Arctic Lamprey and has some promising leads. He was in Grayling waiting for lampreys to hit along with the local residents last week.
“We have some chefs and several restaurants in Seattle that are interested,” said Rowley. Being a soft textured fish, the flavor and texture of lampreys is unique. “That definitely needs special know-how and preparation. We will be working with some top chefs to see if we can get that pinned down,” Rowley said.
Chefs that include the likes of Thomas Keller, widely regarded as one of the best chefs in America. Keller is owner of The French Laundry in Napa Valley, California and Per Se in New York – and – Gourmet Chef Paul Grimes of Gourmet magazine, also in New York, who is reportedly eager to prepare them for his editors to taste.
Kwik’pak hopes to harvest 10,000 pounds during this season.
In 2003, the experimental fishery yielded a harvest of 40,000-60,000 pounds. They were shipped out to Korea, the Lower 48, and sold in Anchorage, but unfortunately a true market for them was hard to establish.
Arctic Lamprey are very high in oil content and there is also great pharmaceutical potential in the species as well as health benefits.
“They are extremely high in Vitamin A,” said Schultheis. “From what I understand it has lots of vitamins and nutrients. The oil is extremely nutritious. People are so conscious about healthy foods. There are some pharmaceuticals that want to see what value they can get out of them and we are hoping that these will fit in.”
The first of the lampreys started appearing last Friday in Grayling and fishermen were catching some but not too many with dipnets through holes cut in the river ice. Weather was unfavorable with rain and ice and temperatures in the high 20’s.
As of Sunday, fishers were still waiting for more to arrive.
“The guys are still out there waiting,” said Carl Walker, Yukon Delta CDQ Board Member and Grayling elder who was instrumental in getting the fishery started. “We’re hoping to get some later on. There’s still open water here and there but these guys know what they’re doing.”
Lampreys have been used as a traditional subsistence food for residents along the Yukon River. They can be baked, fried, and boiled – or smoked and canned which is what Grayling Mayor Shirley Clark did after her cousin gave her a bunch.
“They were very tasty, really nice,” she said. “Like sardines.
The Arctic Lampreys are primitive prehistoric creatures, said Rowley, who brought some live ones down with him to distribute to chefs in the Seattle area. His semi see-through bucket of them caused quite a stir.
“The bucket got quite a bit of attention at the airports in Holy Cross, Aniak, and Anchorage,” he said. “I’m hoping because the lampreys are so primitive, they can be kept alive long enough to get them to market fresh.”
Not much is known about the life span of the Arctic Lamprey - but they do know that they spend some time in the river mud as juveniles before their transformation into adults. As juveniles they resemble 3-4 inch worms and have been reported to be an important food source for foraging animals. They then migrate out to sea where they live as parasites.
“People don’t know much about them,” said Rowley. “When they come in to spawn they come in under the ice and they go out and they don’t see them again except in the summer time.”
By Saturday, word was out that a large pulse had headed through Marshall downriver from Grayling and there was some heavy fishing.
“The men are ready for the big pulse when it comes,” said Rowley. “One person said he figured it would be on December 5.”
Kwik’pak will be waiting to send out more samples to chefs around the country as soon as the bigger runs hit, he said.
Fish and Game will monitor catches to get data on the resource, which appears to be substantial, said Rowley.
“The experimental part comes on the market end. The market is unfamiliar with lampreys even though they were use extensively in European countries with an ocean coastline before the numbers fell off from dams, development and pollution.”
Getting the lamprey to viable markets holds considerable challenges, said Rowley, especially since it is now known that they cannot be frozen.
“There are tremendous logistical challenges,” Rowley said. “The oil oxidizes no matter how you do it. We’ll try salting but I think this is going to have to be a fresh market item - the season is brief and the timing unpredictable. I’m hoping because the lampreys are so primitive, they can be kept alive long enough to get them to market fresh. I’m fascinated and intrigued by the fishery, this primitive creature and the marketing challenges. I look forward to seeing what we can do.”

On October 15, 2007, General Communications, Inc., Sea Lion Corporation, and the Togiak Natives Limited announced they had agreed to a sales agreement in which GCI would buy Unicom and United Utilities from United Companies, Inc., a holding company owned by SLC and TNL.
Under the terms of the sale, GCI will pay $40 million, more or less, for the stock of the two UCI subsidiaries, United Utilities (UUI), which together with its subsidiary, United-KUC, provides local telephone service to 60 rural Alaska communities across Alaska; and Unicom, which operates DeltaNet, a long-haul broadband microwave network ringing the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta – a region of approximately 30,000 square miles in western Alaska.
“This is a major event in the history of Sea Lion,” said Myron Naneng, Sea Lion president. “We founded UCI in 1977 not only as an investment but also as way to provide essential communications services to villages throughout our region. We are proud of UCI’s success as a telecommunications provider, and we will work with GCI to ensure a smooth transition for both customers and employees.”
“This acquisition recognizes the substantial value that the Sea Lion, Togiak and UCI partnership has built over the past thirty years,” said Joe Alexie, Togiak Natives chairman.
After closing, the UUI and Unicom will operate as separate subsidiaries of GCI under their existing management and brands. “With the guidance and support of Sea Lion and Togiak, UCI has built over the past thirty years a first-rate local telephone company that delivers service to thousands of rural Alaskans,” said Ron Duncan, GCI president.
“With the deployment of DeltaNet, UCI has also changed the paradigm for delivering long distance voice, video, and data services in rural Alaska.” Duncan added. “We look forward to helping UCI expand DeltaNet.”
By acquiring DeltaNet, GCI will reduce the capital expenditures that would have been needed to roll out mobile/broadband wireless service on its own in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta by more than $8 million, Duncan said.
“GCI will also be able to accelerate the deployment of its rural wireless solution by contracting with the United companies to operate and maintain the wireless infrastructure in the United companies service areas,” Duncan said. “We look forward to welcoming all of the employees of the United companies to the GCI family.”
GCI is the largest telecommunications company in Alaska, providing local, wireless, and long distance telephone, cable television, Internet and data communication services throughout Alaska.
For years, GCI has been a provider of high-quality long distance and telemedicine and distance learning services in our communities, said Steve Hamlen, president of UUI/United-KUC and Unicom.
“Together, the United companies and GCI will substantially expand the range of communications services available to our customers,” Hamlen said. “This transaction will further the economic development of all of the communities we serve today.”
Subject to customary closing conditions, the acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2008. The transfer in control of the United companies’ radio spectrum and other licenses must be approved by the Federal Communications Commission.
In addition, the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) must approve GCI’s taking control of the United companies, both of which hold RCA certificates to provide intrastate telecommunications services.
The United companies are expected to generate approximately $26 million in revenues and $8 million in EBITDA in 2007. Synergies resulting from the acquisition are expected to increase that EBITDA stream by 50 percent in the first full year after closing.

Pilot Station Health Aides are involved in the first ever community-based fluoride intervention project, a new preventive program to fight tooth decay among young children through the application of fluoride varnish treatments.
The goal is simple: save teeth and preserve healthy smiles.
Maria Nick, Beverly Tinker, Judy Fancyboy, Helen George, Margaret Meiers, and Melissa Alick, have been steady at work fulfilling regular duties as medical responders along with offering fluoride varnishes during patient visits, extending efforts at the local Head Start and community schools.
Statistics reveal Alaska Native children and adolescents experience 2.5-5 times the amount of dental cavities than those seen in the general U.S. population, and over 60% of Alaska Native children have severe early childhood cavities.
“The most important time for a tooth to be made healthy is as soon as it erupts,” said Dr. Edwin Allgair, Dental Director. YKHC urges parents of young children to ask their dentist about fluoride varnish treatments and encourages the first application as soon as the first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months of age.
Not only do fluoride varnish treatments protect children’s teeth but they are also proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities and tooth decay. One study published in February 2006 by the Journal of Dental Research conducted by the University of California-San Francisco found that children who did not receive fluoride varnish were more than twice as likely to have dental caries as those who had annual varnish treatments, and nearly four times as likely to have cavities than children who received fluoride varnish at six-month periods (American Dental Association). Dental caries are a demineralization of the tooth surface caused by bacteria.
“Cavities are caused by a bacteria infection that can be transferred from one person to another and from parent to child,” describes Dr. Mandie Smith, Dentist at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation’s (YKHC) Dental Clinic and supervisor over the Health Aides.
The honey-like varnish is a fluoride compound that is easily applied by brushing onto the teeth and is intended to remain in close contact with enamel for several hours.
“The fluoride intervention program is simply using topical fluoride varnish, a method already proven to be safe and effective in protecting teeth from getting cavities, as well as preventing existing cavities from getting bigger,” added Smith.
Fluoride varnish treatments have always been offered by dentists, however, with the fluoride intervention program in place, residents of Pilot Station, 93 miles from the closest dental clinic in Bethel, can receive fluoride treatments from their Health Aide rather than waiting for a visit that could be months away. Health Aides have been involved in preventative medical care providing immunizations for many years. They are now expanding their role in preventative health.
Ten full-time dentists work out of the Bethel clinic and conduct regular travel to the 52 surrounding communities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region.
“We believe oral health prevention can begin at the community level with the health aide workforce joining efforts,” said Dr. Allgair.
Collaboration between the YKHC’s Community Health Aide Program and Dental Clinic began three months ago towards initiating the community-based project. Pilot Station was selected to begin the project based on leadership, staffing and performance tracking record. Dr. Smith conducted a training session for the Health Aides, introducing fluoride varnish applications and its benefits for oral health care. She holds weekly consultation with the Health Aides and provides supervision.
“Our goal is to dramatically reduce the decay rate and the disease prevalence in rural communities,” said Smith. “We are hoping to expand this program Delta wide, and overall improve the overall oral health of the community, reducing the number of transmissible occurrences, resulting in fewer cavities and toothaches.”

The VPSO Task Force is nearing the end of its series of hearings in rural Alaska and continues to gather information on how to improve public safety in the state’s most remote communities.
The Task Force is chaired by Sen. Donny Olson (D – Nome). “We have heard the importance of the VPSO program in protecting rural Alaskans because of the deterioration in the program, a number of suggestions have come forth, including some to help with recruitment and retention. The Task Force is taking them under advisement and careful consideration now, and will generate recommendations to the senate next session. I and other members of the Task Force appreciate all of the people who took the time to come out, or who submitted written testimony on this important subject,” said Senator Olson.
A total of 92 people have testified in person or in writing at six different VPSO Task Force meetings in Nome, Savoonga, Gambell, Bethel, Emmonak and Mountain Village.
Sen. Hollis French (D – Anchorage), Sen. Fred Dyson (R – Eagle River), Commissioner of Public Safety Walt Monegan, Attorney General Talis Colberg, Loretta Bullard, President of Kawerak Inc., and Myron Naneng, President of the Association of Village Council Presidents are also members of the Task Force.
One more hearing is scheduled for November 5th in Kodiak. That meeting is subject to change due to the upcoming legislative special session. The VPSO Task Force will issue a report to the Alaska Senate outlining its findings and recommendations by February 15, 2008. For more information, contact Senator Olson at (907) 269-0254.

Don “Sompi” Elliott of Bethel had a surprise one morning last week when he awoke to moose in his yard.
On Sept. 25, 2007, Elliot said he heard a disturbance in his yard and thought it was his dog. “But when I turned the porch light on, a big cow and a big calf stood up and ran away toward Oscarville,” he said.
It was still dark out and things happened way too fast to take any pictures, Elliot said.
Bethel is located within the sprawling Unit 18 game unit. The Kuskokwim River drainage system, beginning from Lower Kalskag to Eek River and including all drainages therein, has been closed to moose hunting since 2004 in an attempt to increase moose populations in the area.
Bethel Fish and Game staffer Phillip Perry said Kuskokwim River residents could expect to see a lot more moose now and even more in the future. “The moose population in this region is expanding rapidly, and in the next five to 10 years, we should be even seeing a lot more moose.”
However, the exact numbers of moose within the hunting moratorium range are unknown at this time, Perry said. “There’s a plan to conduct a moose count in this area in the coming winter.”
The fall of 2008 will be the last year of the current Unit 18 moose-hunting moratorium.
In September 2009, Perry believes there may be a short fall hunt for bulls in first 10 days or the first two weeks. “It will give people in the region a chance to reap the benefits of what they been doing in the last few years,” he said.
“A short hunting season in the beginning should not hurt the population, if they hunt only bulls,” Perry said.
Perry expects that in the beginning there won’t be very many moose taken in the first few years nor will there be any lengthy moose hunting seasons right away.

CAB FARES WITHIN THE CITY (including Bethel Heights) $5.00 $4.00
FARE TO THE HOSPITAL $5.00 $4.00
FARE TO TRAILER COURT, HANGAR LAKE, POWER PLANT $5.00 $4.00
FARE TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT TO AND FROM ALL
LOCATIONS, EXCEPT KASAYULI SUBDIVISION $7.00 $6.00
FARE TO B.I.A. AND TUNDRA RIDGE $7.00 $6.00
FARE TO AND FROM KASAYULI SUBDIVISION $10.00 $10.00
FARE TO AND FROM HAROLDSEN SUBDIVISION $7.00 $7.00
HALF-HOUR CHARTER $30.00 $25.00
FARE AIRPORT TO AIRPORT $4.00 $4.00
EN ROUTE STOPS
$1.00 PER STOP, PLUS $1.00 PER MINUTE AFTER THREE MINUTES

In March, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) identified a $6.5 million budget revision requiring modifications to operational expense. The YKHC Board of Directors, senior leadership and management have worked together to reduce costs and prepare a $144 million budget for the new fiscal year, beginning October 1. YKHC follows the fiscal calendar of the federal government.
The company underwent cost saving actions and two workforce reductions during the course of the revision. “With payroll comprising nearly 65 percent of our annual budget, we were faced with the daunting reality of reducing our staff levels earlier this year,” said Gene Peltola, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Adjustments in our payroll decreased by $2.5 million with the removal of 47 positions in our workforce.”
Specific changes have occurred, including the closure of the federally owned and regulated Indian Health Service (IHS) housing located next to the hospital, otherwise known as the “Town House” complex; the closure of Morgan House services, which has provided a minimal number of developmentally disabled clients with housing services; and the removal of the Health Education department.
With a $10 million decrease from the 2007 fiscal year budget, YKHC will focus on optimizing operational expense and cost efficiency across health care and support services.
“I am confident that we will be a financially viable company and we are moving in the direction to advance health care operations.”
YKHC is one of the largest employers in the region with 1,500 employees, managing a comprehensive health care system on behalf of 58 federally recognized Tribes for 50 rural communities in southwest Alaska. The system includes community clinics, subregional clinics, a regional hospital, dental and optical services, mental health services, substance abuse counseling and treatment, health promotion and disease prevention programs, and environmental health services.

Yuungnaqpiallerput (The Way We Genuinely Live):
Masterworks of Yup’ik Science and Survival

-Premiers at the Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center and Museum in Bethel, Alaska, September 8 to November 25, 2007.
The Way We Genuinely Live is a joint project of the Anchorage Museum and the Calista Elders Council, developed with the guidance of Yup’ik elders and educators and with major support from the National Science Foundation. Opening first in Bethel on September 8, 2007 (with 80 objects) and then in Anchorage early next year, this exhibition takes visitors through the seasonal cycles of activities, showcasing the tools and materials used with information shared by regional elders.
The Association of Village Council Presidents and Calista Elders Council, jointly will host the opening celebration of the exhibit at the Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center and Museum on September 8, 2007, Saturday, with Remarks and Reception starting at 3:00 PM; a Potluck Dinner at 5:00 PM with Yup’ik Dancing To Follow Potluck. The public is encouraged to bring a dish to share to the Potluck. Ayaprun Elitnaurvik students will perform Yup’ik Dancing after the potluck.
The Museum hours for viewing the Exhibit are from Tuesday to Saturday from 1 pm to 4 pm from September 10 to November 20, 2007. Appointments for school groups can be made by calling the Museum at 907-543-1819.
The Yuungnaqpiallerput Exhibit will be on view at the Anchorage Museum Feb. 3 – Oct. 26, 2008. In Anchorage, the exhibition will present more than 200 remarkable 19th and early 20th century tools, containers, weapons, watercraft and clothing in an exploration of the scientific principles and processes that allowed Yup’ik people to survive in the sub-arctic tundra of the Bering Sea coast. These tools, from the collections of 13 museums in the U.S. and Germany, are the legacy of the intelligence and ingenuity of this ancient culture and illustrate the intimate relationship between humans and their environment.
Hands-on science interactives, developed in collaboration with the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, show how and why Yup’ik objects work; and, video programs along with historic photographs document traditional and contemporary activities as well as the construction of traditional tools.
The exhibition Yuungnaqpiallerput Exhibit was organized by the Anchorage Museum in collaboration with the Calista Elders Council and supported with a major grant from the National Science Foundation. Additional support was generously provided by: Anchorage Museum Association, Anchorage Museum Foundation, Association of Village Council Presidents, Calista Corporation, Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Northern Air Cargo, Alaska Airlines, British Petroleum, ConocoPhillips Alaska, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, University of Alaska-Kuskokwim Campus, Bethel Native Corporation and Ayaprun Elitnaurvik.
Contact person at AVCP for the Exhibit is Vivian Korthuis, at 907-543-7331 or vkorthuis@avcp.org. See page 11 for ad.

I have had the greatest time running into people around town this summer, particularly during our hot days in August. And our bumper crop of blueberries has been an added bonus!
A bill that passed the legislature this year dealing with the alcohol local option laws has generated a lot of public interest recently. I’d like to revisit the issue and hopefully clear up some of the misunderstandings of the law’s intent and effect.
Senate Bill 128 amended provisions of Title 4 of the Alaska Statues dealing with regulation of the sale, distribution and shipment of alcohol into damp communities in the state. Senator Donny Olson, who chairs the Senate Community & Regional Affairs Committee, introduced the legislation following a lengthy series of meetings and recommendations by the Rural Justice and Law Enforcement Commission. The new law does the