Akiak

A contractor that helped to restore power in Mertarvik was en route to Akiak on Sept. 28 as many in the upriver community continue to rely on personal generators.

It is not immediately clear what caused the issue that has left the community without power since the evening of Sept. 21. The city is working with the Alaska Energy Authority, a state-owned corporation that provides support for rural energy needs, to come up with a plan.

Akiak Elder Helen Ivan shares stories about learning English and tells young people to follow their dreams and avoid drugs.

Lena Foss, or Maamcuk, spoke to Akiak seventh grader Nadine Ayagalria about the ups and downs of her journey.

Fifth and sixth graders Yolanda Ramos, Amos Foss, and Brian Hunter reported this story about a basketball tournament.

Twenty-three-year-old Charles Ivan faces charges of felony burglary, nine felony counts of cruelty to animals, and multiple misdemeanor theft-related counts, all stemming from an alleged dispute the night of Sept. 1.

Temporary city administrator Aleck Jackson said the lights came back on in Akiak just before noon on Aug. 2. A contracted mechanic was able to repair two of Akiak’s generators at the end of July and beginning of August.

Earlier this month, Akiak’s tribal government passed a disaster declaration requesting aid from state and federal officials. Akiak residents say the power outages have been catastrophic for many who have lost freezers full of subsistence foods.

Search and rescue volunteers from multiple villages are focusing their search on an area upriver from where a female survivor was found clutching to the riverbank.

“I'm very excited and very, very proud of what we've been able to do as a tribal government,” said Akiak Chief Mike Williams Sr.