Author: Rachel Enano
Rachel Enano
Rachel is passionate about to write the stories that matter most to her community. With a sharp investigative mind and a knack for storytelling, she strives to shed light on both the triumphs and challenges faced by residents.
Arin Palmer, a 44-year-old man from Newry, denied two felony charges related to a fatal crash in Newry, in June. Palmer pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and aggravated criminal operating under the influence of alcohol. The crash occurred on June 15 when Palmer’s 2014 Toyota Prius pulled into the path of a 2014 Honda CTX 700 motorcycle driven by David Roy, 61, from Berlin, New Hampshire. Roy died at the scene, while Palmer was not hurt. Palmer was indicated by an Oxford County grand jury in October on the two felony charges. He was arrested on June 15 and taken…
A potential Portage Lake Tsunami threat has caught the attention of geologists. This is a serious concern. A landslide near the southern end of Portage Lake is slowly moving. Experts warn it could trigger a massive tsunami. Geologist Bretwood “Hig” Higman has been studying the landslide since 2022. He knows the risks. The slow-moving landslide is above the front of the glacier. “This slope has started crumbling,” Highman explains. Parts of the landslide are falling off abruptly. However, they’ve been small so far. They worry that a big chunk could come loose. It could hit the water and generate a…
A Coast Guard search is underway for five people missing after the fishing vessel Wind Walker capsized near Couverden Point in Alaska’s Icy Strait. The U.S. Coast Guard received a distress call at 12:10 a.m. Sunday. The call reports a 50-foot fishing boat overturning. The Coast Guard activates as an emergency response: an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and a 45-foot Response boat medium search the area. The ferry vessel AMHS Hubbard also responds, arriving on the scene ahead of other search assets. Search crews recovered seven cold-water immersion suits and two strobe lights in the water. They found no sign of…
A dramatic rescue unfolded off the Alaska Gulf Coast on Sunday. Three people were pulled from the water after their fishing boat, Tsiu, caught fire due to an electrical malfunction. The U.S. Coast Guard reported that the trio is recovering and in stable condition in Yakutat. This successful Alaska fishing boat rescue is a testament to the Coast Guard’s swift response. The incident began early Sunday morning when the Tsiu suffered an onboard electrical fire amidst gusty winds and 15-foot seas. The vessel lost power and drifted, putting the lives of its crew at risk. An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter was…
Honoring Veterans Day is a significant event, and Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson (JBER) recently paid tribute to America’s veterans in a heartfelt ceremony. On Monday, JBER recognized veterans’ selfless services and sacrifices in a ceremony that announced the 2024 Governor’s Veterans Advocacy Award recipient.Among those honored was a 103-year-old World War II veteran, U.S. Army Technician Third Grade Louis Gigliotti, affectionately known as “Jiggs”. Forrest Powel III, Deputy Director for the Alaska State Office of Veteran Affairs, emphasized the importance of recognizing veterans’ sacrifices, not just those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but also those who served honorably and continue…
Alaska’s Capitol Christmas Tree, a nearly 80-foot spruce from the Tongass National Forest, started its cross-country trip to Washington D.C. in late October. Wrangell, Alaska, was the tree’s first farewell stop. From there, it traveled to Ketchikan before heading to the Lower 48.The tree arrived in Pocatello, Idaho, on Saturday, coinciding with Veteran’s Day weekend. Residents celebrated with a parade featuring a local marching band and color guard. The main attraction was tree’s enormous trailer, with clear walls showcasing the spruce.Next, the tree visited Murray, Utah, where festive crowds wore holiday sweaters despite the lack of snow. James Edward Mills…
Alaska’s holiday shopping event kicked off its 22nd year at ChangePoint Church in Anchorage. This annual tradition brings local vendors, artisans, and shoppers to one place.Organizer Sarah Halborn oversees 150 booths featuring local items. “We have woodworking, paintings, glass ornaments, and Christmas decorations,” Halborn said. The diverse range of products ensures something for everyone.The Alaskan Christmas Bazaar nonprofit supports local charities. This year’s beneficiary is the Community Pregnancy Center, aiding teens, new moms, and expectant mothers. The nonprofit was established six years ago when the bazaar moved to ChangePoint Church.To ease parking congestion, the bazaar now spans two days -…
Anchorage tackles homelessness with its innovative HOPE team. A pilot program launched in late August to address the city’s growing homeless population, Officer Ruth Adolf and Social Work Navigator Tanya Vandenbos form the dynamic duo behind this initiative. On a chilly November morning, Adolf and Vandenbos embark on their daily rounds, visiting homeless camps and engaging with individuals on the streets. They aim to connect people with essential services, provide cold-weather shelter options, and understand their unique needs. As part of the Anchorage police department, the HOPE team leverages its unique position to conduct outreach efforts. Lt. Brian Fuchs, who…
The Alaska National Guard joined forces with Klatt Elementary School to spread Red Ribbon Week awareness, saying no to drugs and tobacco. During this initiative, the longest-running drug and violence prevention program in the US, students learned about a healthy, drug-free life.Master Sgt. Elijah Gutierrez, part of the program, emphasized the importance of early conversations about healthy choices. “We are planning seeds for making healthy choices and living healthy,” Gutierrez said. The assembly featured representatives from the American Lung Association, Drug Enforcement Administration, Anchorage Police Department, and Alaska Troopers.Klatt Elementary principal Kelsy Deiman-Szymanski highlighted the significance of Red Ribbon Week.…
A string of vandalism incidents rocked Fairbanks, Alaska, Sunday night leaving six buildings damaged. The targeted locations included the Fairbanks Children’s Museum, Republic Campaign Headquarters, a U.S. Post Office, and Spirit of Alaska Federal Credit Union. Authorities believe the attackers have used a small BB or pellet gun in the attacks. The vandalism resulted in mostly broken windows, with Chad Roberts, manager of one of the affected buildings, reporting 14 shots to their door alone. Roberts expressed frustration, saying, “It’s always chasing broken glass.” The repeated damage has prompted consideration of replacing glass with metal or alternative materials. The Fairbanks…
A devastating infant death in Anchorage underscores why Alaska needs baby safety. A newborn’s outdoor death has sparked renewed efforts to install lifesaving devices at local fire stations. Anchorage Fire Department dispatcher Frances Robinson and her colleague are driving this initiative. They aim to have these boxes at every fire station in Anchorage, ensuring a safe and anonymous option for those in crisis. Alaska’s Safe Haven laws allow individuals to surrender infants under 21 days old to fire stations or hospitals without questions. However, this requires face-to-face interaction, which can be daunting. The proposed baby boxes would alleviate this concern.…
Amidst the Alaska Election surge, voters in Anchorage braved long lines and wintry weather to cast their early ballots on Sunday, November 3, 2024. This scene mirrors a national trend, with more Americans and Alaskans choosing to vote early in previous elections. Over 23,900 voters in Anchorage and 61,900 statewide cast early ballots by Sunday evening, exceeding Alaska’s 2020 record. Cal Williams, donning a yellow hat, waited two hours to vote early. Sonja Kent, another voter, echoed the sentiment, “I don’t want to leave it to chance.” She usually votes on election day but decided to vote early due to…