Author: Nicole Thompson

Funding for domestic and sexual assault in Alaska programs has increased, but some believe the amount is still insufficient. Declining federal support over the years has created a significant budget gap. Meanwhile, state financing has remained static for seven years. This year, the state allocated $3.7 million to the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, which distributes funds to local organizations. Previously, CDVSA had relied on COVID relief and interim funds to fill the gap. Although the recent budget boost aims to support these crucial programs, critics argue it doesn’t address the growing demand. Brenda Stanfill, head of the…

It has been stated by the Fairbanks Police Department that the town of Fairbanks, Alaska, is in mourning after the loss of a second person who drowned in the Chena River this summer. Witnesses reported seeing a man, subsequently determined to be 42-year-old Elia Ansaknok, plunge into the Chena River on July 19. This was the most recent event known to have taken place. Friday was the day when the body of Ansaknok was found after a week of intensive search operations had been conducted. In describing her uncle, Lauren Ansaknok, his niece said he was the kindest and most…

On Wednesday, American and Canadian fighter aircraft seized two Russian and Chinese nuclear bombers off the coast of Alaska. According to the Pentagon, this is the first time this has happened. It was stated on Thursday in a press conference by Lloyd Austin these interactions were “not a surprise.” The said aircraft did not enter the US airspace and was off the coast for about 200 miles. Two Russian TU-95 bombers and two Chinese H-6 bombers were caught flying in international space; they were intercepted by NORAD forces from the US and Canada. Austin stated, “We closely monitored these aircraft,…

Hey there, Bethel residents! Interestingly, despite the beauty of every environment, each environment has its complications. Today, we discuss the five most likely diseases you will experience in your community. Knowledge of these makes us confident and able to care for ourselves and our loved ones. Alright, where were we? Yes, let’s come to the point. 5 Most Common Diseases in Bethel The following are the five most common diseases you will likely see in Bethel. 1. Respiratory Infections What are they? Respiratory infections primarily affect our respiratory system, comprising the lungs and other respiratory structures. They include common colds,…

Residents of Bethel and surrounding areas, particularly those in the housing subdivision, are advised of an upcoming water supply interruption. The city will be temporarily cutting off water services on August 2nd and 3rd to facilitate the installation of a new water connection for the Ayaprun School. Water interruption will commence on August 2nd and is expected to be restored on August 3rd. However, there may be a slight delay in full water pressure restoration. It’s important to note that water supply disruptions have occurred in the past due to infrastructure upgrades and maintenance. The city is committed to minimizing…

After 78 years of out-of-pocket medical bill payments, 103-year-old World War II veteran Louis Gigliotti from Anchorage, Alaska, has finally gotten his veterans benefits. Known by most as “Jiggs,” Gigliotti was a surgical technician during the war but was not aware of the advantages he would have as a veteran. Melanie Carey, Gigliotti’s caregiver for around ten years, found the error when she started helping him with his medical bills. She found out that despite possessing a Veteran Administration card, he had been paying for his treatment out of pocket. “I don’t think he understood that being a veteran has…

The search for a missing plane bound for Yakutat was called off late Monday evening after exhaustive efforts by the U.S. Coast Guard and partner agencies. The aircraft, a 1948 Beechcraft Bonanza owned by longtime Haines pilot Sam Wright, was carrying Yakutat residents Hans Munich,Tanya Hutchins, and Sam Wright himself. It was last tracked near Mount Crillon at the southern end of the Fairweather Mountain Range. The three individuals departed from Juneau on Saturday, but the plane never reached its destination. Wright, along with Munich and Hutchins, who own Coastal Air Service, were reported overdue that evening. Both Wright and…

Joshua Kelly-Morris, a 24-year-old Bethel resident, has been sentenced to 7 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter. The charge stemmed from a fatal fight in a Bethel home in 2022 that resulted in the death of 21-year-old Ian Makaily. According to legal authorities, Kelly-Morris was initially charged with first-degree murder. Details surrounding the fight remain unclear, but witness statements allege Kelly-Morris and Makaily were heard arguing downstairs before Kelly-Morris informed others upstairs that Makaily was dead. Based on these statements, Bethel police apprehended Kelly-Morris. As part of a plea agreement, Kelly-Morris pled guilty to the lesser charge of…

Residents of Bethel are being warned by the local police department about a phone scam involving a person posing as a police officer. Reports have surfaced of an individual identifying themselves as “Deputy Chris,” using various last names, and making calls that appear to originate from Bethel’s courthouse. The scammer claims to have urgent legal documents that require immediate attention. Residents have also reported on social media that the caller accused them of property crimes and demanded they account for their whereabouts. This scam in Bethel is part of a wider trend of police impersonation scams across Alaska, with similar…

Kauffman Museum has received a transformative gift of $3.4 million from the estate of Donald C. Harder, a long-time supporter and friend of the museum. This generous donation is the largest single gift in the museum’s history, and it will profoundly impact the institution’s ability to preserve and showcase the region’s cultural and scientific heritage. The $3.4 million gift will support various initiatives at the museum, including enhancing exhibits and programs to make them more engaging and interactive, expanding the museum’s collections to include new and significant artifacts, supporting educational initiatives and outreach programs for underserved communities, and renovating and…

The Bethel Police and Fire Departments responded to a reported stabbing at the intersection of Main Area Street and Kilbuck Street. The incident occurred on Saturday at 6:00 PM on evening. The victim, a 32-year-old male, was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is currently in stable condition. Authorities have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public, emphasizing that the situation was isolated. The Bethel Police Department is actively investigating the incident to gather more details, including the motive and any potential suspects. Additionally, community members have been reassured of their safety as the investigation…

HUBER HEIGHTS— a small group of Bethel Township residents attended the Huber Heights City Council meeting to express their objections to a proposed 296-acre annexation. The annexation, petitioned by a few property owners on January 16, involves land near the Carriage Trails development. During the meeting, Bethel Township resident Jeff Morford highlighted issues such as traffic and school overcrowding, attributing them to the council’s annexation plans. “Your solutions would not be needed if you had not created the problem in the first place,” he urged the council to reconsider future annexations to allow Bethel Township to grow at its own…