Wednesday night's meeting of the Bethel Alcohol Task Force was well-attended, as a packed room of city council members, political leaders, and public health professionals looked for ways to cope with Bethel’s high rates of alcoholism.
The City of Bethel has signed a proclamation in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Week, September 9-15, including World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.
The Bethel City Council is considering the first change in its smoking laws in 20 years. At issue is how far a smoker has to be from the entrance to a public building, and exactly what should be considered an entrance.
On Tuesday night, the Bethel City Council approved a motion to join a national property tax lawsuit against the Federal Government. The United States Court of Federal Claims informed the city that it was eligible. City Attorney Patty Burley said that it had already been determined by the courts that Bethel is owed money, but the amount is currently unknown.
Last Friday, the Calista Regional Native Corporation held a private meeting in Bethel to discuss an ongoing sexual harassment lawsuit against the company. The corporation invited a range of Bethel corporate and tribal organizations to discuss the case with them, but might have excluded four of its own board members.
Six candidates have registered to run for Bethel City Council. The deadline to file for the four open seats on the Council was 4 p.m. on Monday. Any names submitted after the deadline will be write-in candidates.
On Tuesday night, the Bethel City Council spent most of a short meeting discussing the Yukon-Kuskokwim Fitness Center, how much it costs, and who pays what.
