
Day: February 14, 2024


Man’s Best Friend
by Tad Lindley I have a hard time sleeping in a tent in bear country. I am plagued by visions of the bear’s gaping maw pressing against the thin nylon of the tent until he finds […]

Real Estate
Home for Sale: 4 bdrm. 1 bath, piped water; 533 Yukon Ct. Major upgrades; move in ready. $465k Call 907-545-1944 email: [email protected] REMAX Dynamic Properties Home for Sale: 3 bdrm, 2 full bath; 2300 sq […]

State of Alaska District Court in Bethel January 29 – February 8
Judgments Moses Danny Levi, 58 Manslaughter 9 Yrs., 10 Yrs. Prob. Dale Sallison, 26 Unlawful Contact Per Court Order $150 Shawn Azean, 35 Reckless Endangerment 3 Yrs. Prob. Liane White, 38 Driving Under the Influence […]

Bethel Fire Department Calls for week ending February 9
• On 1-27-24 at 10:55 a.m. medics responded to the report of a victim of assault. Patient assessed, treated, and transported to the hospital. • On 1-27-24 at 12:12 p.m. medics responded to the report […]

Man convicted for possession of child pornography
Joseph Kashatok, 67, of Kipnuk, Alaska, was convicted on Feb. 2, 2024, after a jury trial of two counts of Possession of Child Pornography. The trial lasted a little under two weeks, and the jury […]

Ready, Set, Go!
by Dave Kutcher You’re quickly approaching your retirement date … are you ready and set to go? We overwhelmingly see folks in their years just prior to retiring. It is who we market to and […]


Senator Sullivan Statement on Senate Border Legislation
U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), released the following statement pending the Senate vote to advance border legislation: On day one, the Biden administration created this border crisis with their self-imposed open border policies, Sen. Sullivan […]

Maria Downey honored as “Alaskan of the Week”
U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) recognized Maria Downey, longtime Alaska news anchor, on the Senate floor Thursday (Jan. 25th, 2024) for her journalistic career of more than 40 years. Downey first joined Alaska’s news industry […]

Akiachak January 2024 Students of the Month
by Mary George Akiachak principal, Barron Sample, celebrated the January students of the month with an assembly. Students, teachers, paraprofessional staff, and parents joined together to celebrate the students who are kind, work on their […]

Bethel Warriors hosts JV and JH teams
The Bethel Warrior Dome was busy this weekend with junior varsity and junior high basketball teams. Bethel welcomed junior high teams from Akiak, Akiachak, Gladys Jung, Tuluksak, and St. Mary’s and also the Kalskag Grizzlies […]

Bison Company’s cold weather training triumphs in Bethel
by Balinda O’Neal Bison Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, demonstrated readiness and resilience during their cold weather training in Bethel, Alaska, February 2-4, 2024. This training marked a significant reunion for the Alaska Army […]

2024 Cama-i Living Treasure: Atrilnguq Joseph Asuluk, Sr.
by Nicholai Joekay Origins Atrilnguq Joseph Asuluk of Nunakauyaq or Toksook Bay is being recognized as a Living Treasure at the Cama-i Dance Festival this year. This article will share some of the ways that […]

Alexie wins 2024 Bogus Creek 150 Sled Dog Race
by Greg Lincoln Kwethluk musher Raymond Alexie has successfully defended his Bogus Creek 150 champion title, making this his second Bogus win in a row, congratulations to the Alexie family and Alexie Racing Kennel. Alexie, […]

Wrong Question File #2: How Could a Loving God Send People to Hell?
by Tad Lindley Sometimes you run into people who are looking for a way to discredit the Bible. They ask this question: How could a loving God send people to Hell? The motivation behind the […]

Real Estate
Home for Sale: 4 bdrm. 1 bath, piped water; 533 Yukon Ct. Major upgrades; move in ready. $465k Call 907-545-1944 email: [email protected] REMAX Dynamic Properties Home for Sale: 3 bdrm, 2 full bath; 2300 sq […]

State of Alaska District Court in Bethel August 30 – September 4
Judgments Jeffrey E. Lomack, 37 4th Degree Assault, 1st Degree Criminal Trespassing, Violate Conditions of Release 1 Yr., 5 Yrs. Prob. Francis Naneng, 31 2nd Degree Harassment 1 Yr. Prob. Airn Carl, 24 Reckless Driving […]

Bethel Fire Department Calls for week ending January 28
• On 1-18-2024 at 7:05 AM, medics responded to a report of a person experiencing a tightness in their chest due to attempted break in of their home. The patient was assessed and refused transportation […]

Pumpkin Pie Squares
This recipe looks so good. Pumpkin Pie Squares by Elsie Mather of Bethel and submitted by Margaret Chaney from the “Alaskan Grub Box” recipe book by Sis Laraux. Enjoy! Pumpkin Pie Squares 1 c. flour […]

Attorney General Treg Taylor joins 26 States in support of Texas Border Defense
On Monday (Jan 29th, 2024), Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor joined 26 other states in an Iowa and Utah-led letter to the Biden Administration, supporting Texas’s border defense. “The lack of resolve by the federal […]

There is hope for you
by Peter Twitchell Having worked as an alcohol counselor from 1995 to 2016 when I retired, I’m convinced that native substance abuse counselors have advantage over those fresh out of college with degrees. Degrees are […]

Guns or Butter
by Dave Kutcher In a speech from 1953, President Eisenhower specifically referred to this expression of “Guns or Butter”… “Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, […]

Help Alaskan Grandparents be with their Grandkids!
Senior Benefits The pioneering seniors of Alaska truly make this state a great place to live. For me, as a young lawmaker, it has been significant to speak with the people who lived here during […]

Tribal Coalition applauds BLM’s decision to clean-up toxic mine waste in Kuskokwim River
by the Mother Kuskokwim Tribal Coalition Tribal leaders seek to avoid similar damage from proposed Donlin Gold Mine. Mother Kuskokwim Tribal Coalition celebrates the long overdue announcement by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to […]

BLM announces decision on Red Devil Mine Remediation Plan
Today (Jan. 31st, 2024), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced a signed Record of Decision for its remediation plan to address remaining contamination at the abandoned Red Devil Mine, an historical mercury mine site […]

Azachorok Incorporated calls for expanding medevac services in Western Alaska
On Thursday, January 25, 2024, Azachorok Incorporated unanimously approved a resolution to address and expand the need for more Air Medical Transport (medevac) resources – a vital link in the chain of patient care in […]

U.S. Representative Mary Peltola visits GCI
Representative tours facility, learns about the innovative supply chain program and meets graduates of GCI’s intern program, and learns more about industry efforts to close the digital divide. U.S. Representative Mary Peltola joined GCI to […]

Alexie of Bethel named a U.S. Military Service Academy Nominee
Today (January 29th, 2024) U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced the names of the 39 young Alaskans she is nominating to the U.S. military service academies for the class of 2028. Bethel’s Allie Alexie has […]

VFW sponsors basketball tournament at the WarriorDome
by Greg Lincoln The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10041 along with the Bethel Warrior junior varsity host team sponsored a basketball tournament this past weekend. Boys and girls teams from Aniak, Chefornak, Dillingham, Emmonak, […]

When Heaven Goes Fishing, It High Grades
by Tad Lindley In times past, the high tide line was littered with the rotting bodies of chum salmon. Fisherman had high graded their catch, and the result was that the better fish were kept, […]


State of Alaska District Court in Bethel December 19 – January 26
Judgments Frederick Wilson, 35 2nd Degree Promoting Contraband 2 Yrs. Prob. Jesse Puletau, 27 2nd Degree Harassment, Disorderly 25 Hrs. CWS, 1 Conduct Yr. Prob. Clarence Morgan, 58 4th Degree Assault 110 Days, 3 Yrs. […]

Bethel Fire Department Calls for week ending
January 26 • On 1-13-2024 at 8:28 PM, medics responded to a report of a ground level fall. The patient was assessed and transported to the hospital. • On 1-14-2024 at 12:41 AM, medics responded […]

Gulls swap natural for urban habitats, machine-learning study finds
A recent study published in Ecological Informatics by a team of University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers has used artificial intelligence to further illuminate a habitat swap among short-billed gulls. Typically gulls live along coastlines and near […]

Warriors vs. Whalers – Bethel hosts Barrow boys
The Bethel Warriors hosted the Barrow Whalers boys for a weekend basketball twinbill. The Whalers won both games. At Friday’s game, Bethel was hot and outscored Barrow 17-7 in the first quarter. By halftime Barrow […]

Home Equity Loans
by Dave Kutcher The question came across our desk recently as to how a home equity loan works. We will provide some guidance below and would like to add here that financing (debt) can be […]

Lessons of gratitude
by Peter Twitchell Growing old has not been a drag but I found that I appreciate more of life much more and like they say, every day we’re above ground is a good day. It […]

Important details for February 5th Public Meeting and Hearing with the BLM
Are you aware of the 28 million acres of land at stake? These lands have been protected for half a century under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is […]

Minority Rights in the Regional Tribal Government
by Ulric Aloysius The Regional Tribal Government (RTG) is desperately needed after decades of fractionalized power and division in the Yukon-Kuskokwim (Y-K) Delta. It is obvious tribal members are frustrated with their tribal council’s red […]

A Way of Life
by Mary George Tiffany and White Girl Lead the Way. Schouviller Wassillie Jr. glided into the finish line on Saturday January 27, in the late afternoon, winner of the Akiak Dash. Son of Brenda (George) […]

Members appointed to Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, with the concurrence of Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, has made appointments to the 10 Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils. The Councils advise the Federal Subsistence Board on subsistence […]

Spicy Cake Donuts
Here is a recipe for delicious Spicy Cake Donuts by Alice Nerby from the “Alaskan Grub Box” recipe book by Sis Laraux. So good. Spicy Cake Donuts 3 ½ c. flour 2 tsp. baking powder […]

LKSD selects three finalists for New Superintendent
The Lower Kuskokwim School District Board of Education is pleased to announce that they have selected three individuals as finalists in the search for a new superintendent, as of January 22nd, 2024. The Board decided […]

Wassillie is new Akiak Dash Champion
by Delta Discovery Staff Schouviller Wassillie Jr., a rookie from Akiachak, age 16, is the new 2024 Akiak Dash champion, congratulations to the Wassillie Family! He finished the race at 4:52pm in Bethel with eight […]

Kaiser wins eighth Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race
by Greg Lincoln The 45th Kuskokwim 300 sled dog race has its champion – Pete Kaiser of Bethel has won his eight Kuskokwim 300 crown. Team Kaiser crossed the finish line at 9:25am on Sunday, […]

Homer Lady Mariners and Valdez Buccaneers win Donlin Gold Tournament
The 2024 Donlin Gold Basketball Tournament has its champions. Congratulations to the Homer Lady Mariners and the Valdez Buccaneers. Coming in second are both Bethel Lady Warriors and the Warriors. Day 1, Jan. 18th, 2024 […]

Man Cuts Bible Into Pieces With a Knife,Then Burns Them in the Fire
by Tad Lindley The king’s messenger came into the winter palace with a scroll. What the scroll contained was what we know of today as the first 35 chapters of the book of Jeremiah, the […]


State of Alaska District Court in Bethel
August 30 – September 4 Judgments Jared Boots, 23 4th Degree Assault, 3rd Degree Theft 30 Days, 5 Yrs. Prob. Daniel Nick, 31 Unlawful Contact Per Court Ordered 60 Days Alexander Brink, 34 Driving Under […]

Bethel Fire Department Calls for week ending
January 19 • On 01-01-2024 at 9:07 AM, firefighters responded to the report of a fire alarm. Firefighters observed a single-story structure, no visible audible alarms, no flames or smoke on approach and investigation was […]

Bethel woman pleads guilty to murder
Today (Jan. 16th, 2024), 36-year-old Stephanie Olrun entered a guilty plea to the charge of Murder in the Second Degree for the March 12, 2021, murder of her 2-year-old adopted daughter, Jane Olrun. Bethel Superior […]

It is not what you earn, but what you keep that matters
by Dave Kutcher How many of you have heard that saying before? We say it often in our office. It is a true statement, but one heard mostly when talking about the impact of taxes. […]

Sharing our cultures through networking
by Peter Twitchell I’ve always had this good feeling all my life about belonging – starting at home in the community in the region of Bethel, Alaska – I was a Yupiaq Eskimo. As a […]

Update on previous announcement of Anchorage Museum admissions policy
We recently sent you a press release announcing a new policy offering free general admission to Alaska Native visitors. I wanted to let you know that we have made the decision to pause the policy […]

Where I Stand: A Strategic Investment Approach to Education
by Deena M. Bishop, Ed. D As the newly appointed Commissioner for the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED), I am honored to serve the people of Alaska, particularly our youth, as well as […]

Register now for the 2024 Akiak Dash
The 2024 Akiak Dash will begin with a mass start on the Kuskokwim River on Saturday, January 27th at 12:00 PM. Registration is required and must be submitted by Wednesday, January 24th. Mushers must attend […]

On the ancient trail of a woolly mammoth
by Ned Rozell The female woolly mammoth was 20 years old when she stumbled amid the grasslands. She fell in a cloud of dust, then gasped her last breath of cool air. It was a […]

Denaakk’e Koyukon Language course now online
Children and adults who want to learn how to converse in the Denaakk’e (Koyukon) language have a new opportunity: a brand new Doyon Languages Online course based on the work of the late Agnes Moore. […]

Moose hunt in Unit 19D closed by emergency order
This emergency order closes the winter moose hunt RM660 in Game Management Unit 19D. Moose in Unit 19D experienced a significant decline over the winter of 2022/2023. The McGrath area experienced record snow levels for […]

ASAA 2023 Mix Six/2A Volleyball Good Sport Recipients
Alaska schools may select two students who exemplifies outstanding citizenship and sportsmanship through out the 2023 volleyball season. Coaches chose the following athletes. CONGRATULATIONS! Aniak Maddison Steeves Ralph Steeves Birchwood Christian Kaylee Reich Leia West […]


Cold Case: Ketchikan man convicted for 1993 crimes
Ketchikan Man Convicted of 1993 First-Degree Sexual Assault and Second-Degree Sexual Abuse of a Minor. Following a week-long trial, a Ketchikan jury today (Jan. 16th, 2023) found 54-year-old Michael Williams guilty for the sexual assault […]

2024 Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race features all-star roster
by Greg Lincoln The 2024 Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race is this Friday, January 26, 2024 starting here in Bethel, Alaska – the 45th running of Alaska’s premier mid-distance dog race. The roster features a […]

Alaska Population remained similar in size from 2022-2023
The size of Alaska’s population remained essentially unchanged for a second consecutive year, based on population estimates released today by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. From July 2022 to July 2023, the […]

Bethel Warriors champions at Nikiski
The Bethel Warrior boys team are the champions of the Nikiski basketball tournament this past weekend. The Warriors also won the coveted Sportsmanship Award. Greg Turner, Ethan Wheeler, Allie Alexie and Isabel Lieb were named […]

Bethel JV Warriors hosts Aniak Halfbreeds
The Aniak Halfbreeds boys and girls basketball teams traveled to Bethel for a weekend of games with the Bethel Warrior JV teams. On Friday, the Lady Warriors won 37-16. Ashlynn Lonewolf scored 9 and Hannah […]

Mary Helen Paniyak
Mom, Mary Helen Paniyak, Paniyagaq. Born March 21, 1945 in Qissunaq. She used to tell the story of when she was born. She’d say she was born during the flu. The elders told her mom […]

Where Will You Be?
by Tad Lindley Recently I was talking with my good friend, and he said, “I always read your article every week.” Forgive me for having ego problems, but in my mind I reached around and […]

Tribal members appointed to NPMC
The Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim Tribal Consortium (AYK TC) applauds the recent appointment of three western Alaska Tribal members to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (the Council’s) Advisory Panel, leading to more Alaska Native representation on the […]


State of Alaska District Court in Bethel
December 22 – January 10 Judgments Glen Holmberg, 50 2nd Degree Murder 20 Yrs., 10 Yrs. Prob. Jayden Edwards, 27 4th Degree Assault 5 Yrs. Prob. Noah Charles, 30 1st Degree Harassment 1 Yr. Probation […]

Bethel Fire Department Calls for week ending
January 4 • 12/25/2023 at 11:29 PM Medics responded to a report of an unknown medical emergency. Patient was treated and transported to the hospital. • 12/27/2023 at 11:46 PM Medics responded to a report […]

Ketchikan Indian Community requests rural designation
The Federal Subsistence Board (Board) scheduled a teleconference only public hearing to receive additional public testimony on a proposal to change the rural status of Ketchikan. This proposal, submitted by the Ketchikan Indian Community, requests […]

Assaliaq – Fried Bread
Here is a recipe for everyone’s favorite – assaliaq by Colene LaPalm from the “Alaskan Grub Box” recipe book by Sis Laraux. So tasty and so good. Assaliaq – Fried Bread 1 pkg. yeast ½ […]

Bogus Creek 150 rescheduled for February 10th
by the K300 Race Committee Persistent above-freezing temps, forecast to continue until late Saturday, have forced us to further postpone the 36th Annual Bogus Creek 150. We now plan to start the race at 3pm […]

Paying for Long Term Care (LTC) in retirement
by Dave Kutcher Did you know that Medicare is not designed to pay for Long Term Care expenses? Other than some minor costs during the first 100 days that you might need care, Medicare does […]

The Golden Years
by Peter Twitchell I am a member of an Elders Group who gathers together once a month to discuss issues relevant to support each other and explore affordable housing and services which would also be valuable […]

January Benefits announcement
My name is Priya Helweg, and I am the US Department of Health and Human Services Deputy Regional Director for Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and 272 Federally Recognized Tribes in Region 10. The new year […]

Senator Hughes prefiles SB173 Safe Schools Act to deter shooting tragedies
by the Alaska Senate Minority Concealed Carry Job Duty Assigned to at Least One Individual if Qualified, Trained per School. Today (Jan. 12th, 2024) Senator Shelley Hughes pre-filed SB173 “The Safe Schools Act” to help […]

Alaskan Chinook in Peril, a plea for protection under the Endangered Species Act
Wild Fish Conservancy filed a petition today (Jan. 10th, 2024) calling for federal protection of Alaskan Chinook, also known as ‘king’ salmon, under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. This emergency action is being taken in […]

Calista Board of Directors appoints Unit 3 Interim Director
T he Calista Corporation Board of Directors has appointed Glenn J. Ivanoff as the Unit 3 Interim Director. Ivanoff, whose Yup’ik name is Ciuniq, is a U.S. Air Force veteran with ties to St. Mary’s. […]

Hoelscher and Purinton appointed to DPS Leadership Posts
Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell has appointed James Hoelscher as the new Director of the Village Public Safety Officer Division, and Lisa Purinton as the new Director of the Statewide Services Division. […]

Pave Hawk transported
Airmen from the 176th and 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons off-load an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter from a 144th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III after transporting the helicopter to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson from Bethel, Alaska. The […]

Bethel whittles down search for City Manager to two candidates
The City of Bethel is hoping to hire a new City Manager and they have two candidates in mind to invite to Bethel in February – John Millan of Pasco, Washington and Bert O’Rear of […]

ASAA 2023 Fall Wrestling Good Sport Recipients
by Greg Lincoln The Alaska Schools Activities Association (ASAA) has released the 2023 Fall Wrestling Good Sport Recipients. Schools with 4 or more athletes, may select a student who exemplifies outstanding citizenship and sportsmanship throughout […]

Following the Star
Ashlynn Charles, age 11 (at right) spins the star and Grayson Charles, age 7, holds the banner during the Russian Orthodox celebration of Jesus’ birth while Christmas carolers sing during the last night of Slaaviq […]

Gyrfalcon Eskaviaq/Cekaviaq
by Frank Keim Have you ever wanted to be a bird? Or after you die, come back as one? I have, and my choice is the Gyrfalcon. I used to watch these raptors a lot […]

Eagle Summit fatalities
The Alaska State Troopers received a report on January 3, 2024, at 5:54 pm, that two adults had not arrived in Circle after departing Fairbanks earlier in the day. The two had reportedly left in […]

God’s Love is Unconditional, But His Salvation Isn’t
by Tad Lindley As our creator, God loves all people. Even those who do not recognize him. Whether we are an atheist worshiping the intellect of man, or idolator bowing down and kissing statues, or […]

Wildlife Investigation
The Alaska Wildlife Troopers on January 1, 2024, were made aware of videos circulating on social media of a garbage truck driver appearing to chase a moose in their vehicle. Troopers contacted the company and, […]


State of Alaska District Court in Bethel
January 2 Judgments Walter Morgan, 39 4th Degree Misconduct Involving Weapons 1 Yr. Prob.

Bethel Fire Department Calls for week ending
December 29 • 12/23/2023 at 8:19 AM Medics responded to a call for low blood pressure, patient was treated and transported to the hospital. • 12/23/2023 at 10:05 AM Medics responded to a call for […]

2024 Statewide Sport Fish Stocking Plan
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game—Division of Sport Fish (Division), is accepting public comment from now through January 31 on the 2024 Statewide Stocking Plan for Sport Fisheries. The Division, with assistance from private […]

Appreciation in the New Year
by Peter Twitchell First order of business is I wish everyone in the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta a very Happy New Year. In my lifetime I’ve loved many things and many people. First, I love my […]

Happy New Year
by Dave Kutcher It is that time of year again when we all take time to reflect on the past 12 months of our lives and then make grand resolutions for change in the coming […]

Martin Luther King Day
In remembering Martin Luther King Jr.’s words — Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?’ — we are reminded of the profound impact of giving back to our community. […]

“The Boys in The Boat” comes to Anchorage
by Fred Dyson I n the early 1930s Adolf Hitler was rebuilding war torn Germany and telling the world that the Aryan race was superior to all others. Germany was the host of the 1936 […]

Igiugig awarded LivingLanguages grant
The Indian Affairs Office of Indian Economic Development today (December 21, 2023) announced it has awarded $5.723 million in total Living Languages Grant Program funding to 20 American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and Tribal […]