The Kuskokwim 300 Race Committee has a new manager: Paul Basile.

He’s the race's first full-time race manager, and will oversee the three signature races and the local races. The K300 Race Committee had relied on two part-time employees for the past few years, but the organization felt that it was time for a change.  

Four people from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta were awarded arts grants from the Rasmuson Foundation this year. Two are from the same family: Stephen Blanchett and his mother, Marie Meade. Blanchett, one of the founders of the musical group Pamyua, will use his $18,000 fellowship grant to focus on dance. He plans to use many techniques, including masks and the internet, to experiment with the traditional forms of Yup’ik dance.  

Like many coastal communities in Alaska, Quinhagak is keeping a close eye on how warmer temperatures are affecting the community. Located with the ocean in front of it, and two rivers and a swamp on the other sides, Quinhagak is assessing the hazards, everything from sea water rise to increased river erosion and permafrost melt.

The City of Bethel could be on the hook for a lot of money. Bethel’s insurance company told the city council on Tuesday that the city is on its own if former City Manager Pete Williams files a wrongful termination lawsuit. 

Barbara Thurston, the executive director of Alaska Public Entity Insurance, said the reason the city would not be covered can be seen in the insurance contract the city signed.

"It requires that members consult an attorney before terminating an employee and following the recommendations of the attorney," Thurston said.

The Alaska Legislature wants to set aside the month of November to celebrate Alaska Native heritage, and a bill to make that happen just passed both houses. All it needs is Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s signature.