Author: Nicole Thompson

The Anchorage School Board meeting drew a packed room Tuesday night as parents and students debated plans to close seven elementary schools. The initiative known as “Rightsizing ASD” has caused a great deal of concern, with more than 80 people, many of whom are students, voicing their thoughts.  Parents and students packed the conference room, fervently defending their schools and questioning the metrics behind the closure recommendations. Aimee Villareal, a parent of an ASD child, emphasized Anchorage’s distinct population dynamics and criticized the district for using dropping birth rates as justification for closures.  The proposed plan includes potentially closing, consolidating,…

Due to the Fairbanks Police staff shortage, the department has hired four additional officers to strengthen its personnel. One officer from North Carolina will start on December 1st, and another will attend the Public Safety Academy in January, according to Police Chief Ron Dupee. Two policemen from Tennessee will begin work early in 2025. Even with these fresh hires, the department currently employs 31 people out of the 39 allocated. Addressing incidents that resulted in widespread mistrust, Chief Dupee emphasized a nationwide trend of declining interest in policing since 2020. He further stated that the department faced difficulty filling some…

The 62.69-acre farm near Fredericksburg that Bell & Evans recently purchased for $2.5 million in April 2023 is still undeveloped 19 months later. Company representatives remained silent about the Bell & Evans property’s future in the face of questions, refusing to disclose plans for it. The company immediately requested a zoning change from agricultural to manufacturing from the Bethel Township Planning Commission. Bell & Evans, Mike Bracrella, and Alex Kinzey from Steckbeck Engineering discussed the adjustment in the April 2023 meeting. Bracrella acknowledged that no specific growth strategy was in place and explained that the request was made proactively. Before…

The debate continues whether Alaska’s Governor Mike Dunleavy will still play a part in the new administration as President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet picks are being disclosed. Doug Burgum, the Governor of North Dakota, was recently nominated by Trump for the position of Interior Secretary. Burgum received immediate endorsement from Dunleavy, who praised his private sector qualifications and leadership experience in North Dakota. According to Dunleavy, Burgum’s leadership will support Trump’s coal, oil, gas, and critical minerals development program, benefiting Alaska. Before endorsing Trump, Burgum sought the Republican Presidential candidacy. North Dakota produces the third most oil and the seventh most…

Kodiak bonfire explosion at a weekend party injured eight teenagers. None of the injuries were life-threatening, and five of the eight teenagers are recovering at Anchorage’s Alaska Native Medical Center.  Dr. Elisha Brownson, the only fellowship-trained burn surgeon in the state, said that burn injury recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. According to her, time is necessary for psychosocial recovery, pain management, treatment, and healing. Even though there will be difficult days, progress is usually visible week by week. Brownson noted that hospital stays generally correspond to the percentage of the body burned, helping guide patients and families. So…

The Homer Foundation’s donation will be the biggest the organization has received since its founding in 1991, totaling $1.2 million. Jules Ravin, a resident homer, and his family submitted the cheque after winning a sizable sum in this summer’s Alaska lottery. In August, Ravin took over $13 million home from the “Chase the Ace” lotto game. Executive Director Stacey Schultz of the Homer Foundation described his intention to contribute a large amount of money as a “game-changer” for their organization. The contribution consists of $200,000 for immediate use as needed and $1 million for the foundation to invest, ensuring that…

Wade Cavanaugh requested a last-minute agenda item last week to consider a letter of support for his $25,000 Betterment Fund grant application, but the Bethel Council denied it. Cavanaugh is trying to buy the Bethel Inn Convention Center, and he plans to use the grant to explore collaborative options for public areas there. Since his original June proposal, Cavanaugh has wanted to turn the convention center into a youth community center. He also sees the possibility of the area supporting neighboring establishments like the public library and the city administration. At a recent board meeting, Cavanaugh, who owns the Gem…

According to a recent US Department of Veterans Affairs report, the number of homeless veterans in the US has fallen to an all-time low since data collection started in 2009. According to statistics from the 2024 point-in-time count, a national survey carried out each January, the number of homeless veterans in Alaska has also declined. Alaska recorded 106 homeless veterans in 2024, a decrease of 11% from 119 the year before. Even with the progress, many veterans are still struggling, including Sitka native Dawson Crookes. While waiting in line at Anchorage’s downtown Hope Center, Crookes, who served three years in…

Alaska election results for the highly contested campaign, Republican Nick Begich is just a hair’s breadth away from winning by defeating Rep. Mary Peltola. The Alaska division of elections increased the number of votes by more than 38,00 on Tuesday evening. Peltola was unable to make a substantial difference despite this. Begich’s lead grew from 10,133 votes to 9,550 votes.  Preliminary estimates from the Divisions of Elections suggest that the new tally roughly covers about four-sevenths of the remaining uncounted ballots. Carol Beecher, the division director, indicated that these ballots included a mix of absentee early and questioned votes but…

Eric McElvenny of Bethel Park finished 132 miles into the grueling 140.6 miles Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. He pushed through with every bone and muscle in tremendous pain. His right leg was lost below the knee and couldn’t blister, but his prosthetic leg caused swelling. His story shared at the annual Veterans Breakfast Club resonated deeply with 500 veterans attending.  “I am in physical pain,” McElvenny said to a group of veterans gathered at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh on the North Shore. “Every major muscle group is cramping up. My hips hurt. My feet hurt.” Faced with intense discomfort and…

Volunteers load wood crates onto trucks prepping to assist veterans as part of the Mat-Su winter preparedness project. This initiative, led by Alaska Warrior Partnership (AWP) and supported by nonprofits like VAREP and Battle Dawgs, ensures emergency winter support for needy veterans. On a chilly, drizzly October morning, the first delivery heads to Big Lake for veterans reliant on wood heat. James Hastings, founder of Alaska’s Healing Hearts, buys tarps and straps to keep the wood dry. Store owners offer a discount upon learning about the cause. The project began after Hastings and Jessy Lakin, AWP’s program lead, aided a…

Alaska has the highest number of Veterans, with almost 56,00 per capita in the U.S. Given that around 10.5% of Alaskans have served in the armed forces, Alaska Veterans Day holds special significance for the state’s residents. Consequently, numerous activities throughout the state commemorate the service and sacrifices of these brave individuals as the nation marks Veterans Day on November 11. Retired Brigadier General Julio R. Banez said every soldier has a narrative. These accounts provide a profound understanding of military life, ranging from boot camp experiences to the difficulties and victories of their service. This Veteran’s Day, both current…