Western Alaska

Pedro Bay men charged with sex crimes

A grand jury last week indicted three men from an Iliamna Lake village for felony sex crimes against the same woman, according to Alaska State Troopers.

Biologists predict low Yukon River king return

Yukon River king salmon fishermen hoping for a change from last year's dismal returns are getting bad news. State and federal biologists say the 2012 king salmon run may be worse.

Coast Guard rescues 4 from skiff adrift since Friday

The Coast Guard rescued four people from the village of Platinum on Sunday who had been drifting with an ice floe in Bristol Bay for days after their skiff ran out of gas.

EPA plans public meetings on Bristol Bay mine study

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is planning eight meetings in which to share information about, and gather public comment on, its draft watershed assessment for Bristol Bay.

Winter may have killed hundreds of St. Paul's reindeer

Residents of St. Paul in the Pribilof Islands are facing the possible loss of much reindeer meat and income from sales this summer. KUCB reports they fear the harsh winter has killed off as much as three-quarters of a herd that had more than 500 animals.

Rare Bush refuge struggles to keep a door open for women

The Emmonak Women's Shelter, Alaska's only village center for abused women, is often the only option for women living in 13 surrounding villages. Funding woes will likely close it by summer's end.

Emmonak woman accused of assault with steak knife

A 19-year-old Emmonak woman has been charged with felony assault in a stabbing case in the Western Alaska village. Alaska State Troopers say Chelsea R. Borkowski was arrested Sunday.

Washington man collapses, dies on fish processor near Togiak

Alaska State Troopers say a 43-year-old Washington state man died Thursday on board a commercial fishing vessel anchored 10 miles off Togiak.

Breakup flooding eases in the village of Kwethluk

Life is returning to normal after flooding this week caused by an ice jam forced more than two dozen people to evacuate the village of Kwethluk on the lower Kuskokwim River.

Women face illegal alcohol charges after texting trooper

Two women have been charged with trying to buy black-market booze in Bethel after accidentally sending a text message about the alcohol to an off-duty Alaska State Trooper, troopers said.

Savoonga men cited for sale of marine mammal parts

Federal prosecutors have cited 10 St. Lawrence Island villagers for the illegal sale of raw walrus ivory and polar bear hides, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Glennallen couple sentenced for trade in illegal tusks, hides (11/30/11)

Officials investigate white powder sent to school district

White powder in an envelope sent to a Southwest Alaska school district building is under investigation by a postal inspector and the Alaska National Guard, the Guard said.

Meeting considers role for Alaska Native language council

Should a semester of Alaska Native language studies be required in high school? Should every school have a Native language teacher? Those were among suggestions Monday at a meeting called in response to passage of a bill creating a state Native language council.

Plans for movie theater under way in Bethel

Plans are under way to bring a two-screen movie theater to Bethel.

Anchorage public hearing tonight on Izembek road proposal

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is taking public testimony Thursday night in Anchorage regarding a proposed road through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.

Group plans Territorial Guard memorial

The Western Alaska town of Bethel is planning to quickly push forward with its plans for a memorial park honoring those who served in the 6,400-member Alaska Territorial Guard.

UAF plans Bethel research facility

Officials with the University of Alaska Fairbanks say they're about to open a new health research facility in Bethel.

Holy Cross village corporation supportive of city council

The Alaska Native village corporation for Holy Cross has issued a statement of support for the community's city council after incumbents won re-election following a local effort to recall the entire council.

Holy Cross voters side with targeted city council members

Holy Cross voters side with targeted city council members

Voters in the village of Holy Cross have re-elected City Council members who were targeted for recall over alleged mishandling of duties, including failure to hold regular meetings and follow through with scheduled elections.

Aleknagik man accused of shooting near homes

A 23-year-old Aleknagik man is accused of firing a shotgun multiple times and making threats in a residential area.