Ben Matheson, KNOM - Nome
Ben Matheson is a contributor with the Alaska Public Radio Network.
Bethel Residents Press City Council on Allegations of Police Brutality
Bethel citizens called for action from the City Council regarding allegations of police brutality at their regular meeting Tuesday evening. The city says they are investigating and officials are keeping the details under wrap as they are evidently facing litigation.
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Alaska Territorial Guard ‘Wall of Honor’ Dedicated in Bethel
Volunteers working at Bethel’s Alaska Territorial Guard Memorial Park are one step closer to completion. On Friday afternoon, local organizers and state military leadership dedicated the recently completed ‘Wall of Honor.’
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No Plans Yet For Commercial Kuskokwim Opening
For the second consecutive week, it’s “wait and see” for fishermen who are eager or anxious for the next commercial opening on Kuskokwim River.
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Officials Consider Proposed Federal Takeover of Kuskokwim Salmon Fishery
After a summer of long Chinook salmon closures and a weak chum run on the Kuskokwim river, middle and upper river subsistence fishermen eagerly await word about whether the federal government will take control of the fishery.
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Former Bethel Foster Parent Sentenced 66 Years for Child Sex Abuse
Former Bethel foster parent Peter Tony will spend the rest of his life in prison. Tony was sentenced Tuesday to 66 years in jail with no parole for three consolidated child sex abuse counts in which he pleaded guilty.
Governor Signs Bill in Bethel to Ease Autopsy Burden
Governor Sean Parnell was in Bethel Thursday to sign a bill intended to help rural families navigate the process of having an autopsy done hundreds of miles away in Anchorage.
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Permitting Officials Explore Alternatives For Donlin Gold Mine
Donlin Gold is in a multiyear permitting process for the proposed gold mine located north of Crooked Creek about 120 miles upriver from Bethel. Scientists and engineers are now studying not just Donlin’s proposed plan, but several variations that would significantly change the mine.
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Calista Looking to Expand
Facing federal budget slashing and continued pressure on 8(a) contracting, the Calista Regional Native Corporation is continuing to look beyond federal contracts. The company acquired STG, a major construction company last year and is hoping to grow across the economy.
Subsistence Fishermen Say Commercial Chum Fishing Is Too Early
As the Kuskokwim River king salmon run comes to an end, the Department of Fish and Game is looking toward a commercial chum opening in the lower river Friday. But in a year with unprecedented Chinook restrictions and increased reliance on chum salmon, many middle river fishermen say it’s too early.
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Donlin Gold and the Kuskokwim Corporation Sign Long-Term Land-Use Deal
Donlin Gold and the Kuskokwim Corporation have signed a surface rights agreement for the proposed gold mine located 120 miles upriver of Bethel. The deal gives the native corporation rights to some construction contracts and sets financial terms for decades to come.
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City of Bethel Investigation Reveals Improper Contracts and Perks
The Bethel City Council has released a redacted version of its investigation into city contracts, nepotism, and personnel issues. The investigation led to the firing of Bethel’s city manager in May and reveals improperly awarded contracts, special agreements, and violations of the city’s previous nepotism rule. It chronicles mismanagement by former city manager, Lee Foley.
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In First Drift Opening Near Bethel, Managers Balance Chinook Conservation with Opportunity
After months of planning and studying the numbers, state and federal managers will open the first six-inch-drift gillnet opening on the most densely populated stretch of the Kuskokwim river. The tremendous fishing power will be aimed at chum and sockeye salmon, but managers are moving cautiously to make sure enough king salmon make it to spawning grounds.
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Anxiety and Threats on the Kuskokwim as First Salmon Gillnet Openings Near
Four weeks into salmon fishing restrictions, the atmosphere along the Kuskokwim River is tense. At a meeting Tuesday the stress the closures are causing was obvious. But gillnet fishing for salmon is near.
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Anxiety and Threats on the Kuskokwim as First Salmon Gillnet Openings Near
Four weeks into salmon fishing restrictions, the atmosphere along the Kuskokwim River is tense. At a meeting Tuesday the stress the closures are causing was obvious, but gillnet fishing for salmon is near.
GCI Celebrates 3G Data Service in Bethel with 6,000 Cheeseburgers
GCI celebrated the launch of 3G data service in Bethel by flying in 6,000 McDonald’s cheeseburgers. The Friday lunchtime crowd stretched out and around the parking lot of the Long House Hotel.
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Kuskokwim Fishermen Look To Loosen Restrictions at Yupiit Nation Forum
Kuskokwim fishermen looked for some relief from the king salmon restrictions at a Yupiit Nation tribal fish forum in Bethel on Friday.
Kuskokwim Fishermen Push for an Opportunity to Fish
At Thursday’s Yupiit Nation fish forum in Bethel, long-term planning for tribal fishery co-management took a backseat to the anxiety and uncertainly surrounding the current king salmon restrictions.
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Bethel Man Charged with Driving Boat Under the Influence
A Bethel man is facing charges for driving a boat under the influence of alcohol. Wildlife Troopers on Sunday night heard a report of a boat that was being driven erratically in Aniak Slough.
Bethel City Council Investigation Sent to District Attorney’s Office
Officials are not speaking about the recent referral of the Bethel City Council’s investigation into contracts, nepotism, and personnel issues to the District Attorney’s office.
Bethel Test Fishery Starts Early
The Bethel Test Fishery put nets in the water five days early this year. With no salmon fishing happening in the early season, the test data will be central to understanding the strength of the king run and helping managers decide when to open up for other species.
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