Teresa Cotsirilos, KYUK - Bethel
Akiak attempts to banish former VPO, alleged bootlegger
Akiak Native Community IRA Council issued a banishment order for Jacques Anthony Cooper, a former Village Police Officer they accuse of bootlegging. He denies the allegations and says the tribe turned against him on account of his law enforcement work. Listen now
Quinhagak commercial fishermen struggle after two years without a buyer
Several weeks ago, the financing fell through on a plan to bring the "Akutan," a floating fish processing vessel, to Kuskokwim Bay. For the second summer in a row, fishermen in the coastal community of Quinhagak have nowhere to sell their catch; many in the village are now struggling to make ends meet. Listen now
Can Alaska Native villagers in the YK Delta get a fair trial?
A new court case argues that the way in which state juries are selected in Alaska discriminates against rural, Native communities. The case could significantly impact the Delta’s court system if it’s successful. Listen now
Gray whale harvest on the Kuskokwim stirs up controversy
In Southwest Alaska, a tired crew of volunteers on Saturday night, dragged a large whale’s carcass onto shore near Napaskiak’s airport. The whale was grey, bloody and barnacled, and the men who set to work butchering it said it was at least 37-feet long. Residents are still distributing its blubber and meat, saying it will feed families throughout the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta for months. Listen now
Stephen Wallace appointed as Bethel District Attorney
Stephen Wallace is Bethel’s new District Attorney, the town’s third DA in less than three years. The court has been operating without one for several months, since former DA J. Michael "Mike" Gray retired. Listen now
Alaska Airlines might reduce flights to Bethel this winter
Alaska Airlines might cut some of its flights between Bethel and Anchorage, which could complicate travel for residents right around the winter holidays. Listen now
Bethel native works to program a “Yup’ik Siri”
YK Delta communities are keeping Yup'ik alive through immersion schools, bilingual media, teacher training programs, and speaking the language at home. And now, Bethel native Christopher Liu is doing his part to bring his language into the 21st century. Listen now
Silver salmon buyer coming to Kuskokwim Bay
It looks like there will be a commercial fishery for silver salmon on the Kuskokwim coast this year. Listen now
Fatal December plane crash ruled a suicide
Last December, Mark and Cecilia Matter lost their lives when their red plane crashed into Marvel Dome, a snow-covered mountain near the family’s mine. Authorities now consider the Aniak couple’s death to be a suicide. Listen now