BETHEL, Alaska (AP) _ Bethel officials are mulling over applications for a new city manager.

The search comes after City Manager Ann Capela filed a notice to leave her three-year contract early at the end of June, citing struggles with the Arctic climate. The city agreed to let her leave without penalty, and she will step down Sept. 23.

So far, the City Council has received nine applications for the job. Councilors are holding weekly meetings, which are open to the public, to discuss potential candidates until they select a person for the job.

The search to hire Capela took six months, but May...