Author: Rachel Enano

A devastating collision between a motorcycle and an SUV in East Anchorage on Friday resulted in the death of the motorcyclist. The incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. near Boniface Parkway and Caribou Avenue. According to the Anchorage Police Department (APD), officers swiftly responded to the crash scene. Initial findings indicate that a man riding a Honda motorcycle was traveling south on Boniface Parkway when it collided with a westbound Subaru Crosstrek on Caribou Avenue. A bystander quickly acted, attempting lifesaving measures until medical personnel arrived. Despite these efforts, the motorcyclist succumbed to injuries at a local hospital. Notably, the motorcyclist…

Juneau’s mayoral candidates, Beth Weldon and Angela Rodell, tackled key issues at the League of Women Voters forum. Catastrophic flooding, tourism overcrowding, and homelessness topped the agenda. Flooding remains a pressing concern, with Mendenhall Valley experiencing its second year of devastating floods. Weldon described the city’s response as “pretty good,” crediting collaborative efforts with tribes, state leaders, and volunteers. She highlighted short-term solutions like six-foot-high sandbags and long-term plans developed with the Army Corps of Engineers. Rodell emphasized the need for short-term and long-term solutions, stressing the importance of pressuring the federal government for assistance. She noted that 300 families…

The fate of Alaska’s state capital hangs precariously in the balance as South Anchorage voters prepare to cast their ballots. With several key races set to determine which party controls the state House, the focus is squarely on two pivotal South Anchorage contests that decide Control of Juneau. In the 40-member state House, Republicans hold a 23-member majority, bolstered by a bipartisan Bush caucus coalition. However, the District 9 and District 10 races could significantly alter the balance of power. Nonpartisan candidate Ky Holland won the primary and now vies for the vacant seat by Rep. Laddie Shaw. Holland aims…

On September 24, 2024, Alaska State Troopers responded to a potentially volatile situation in Goodnews Bay, where 30-year-old Brendalee Merritt had allegedly fired a gun at an individual conducting a welfare check on a female victim. Consequently, Merritt barricaded herself and the victim inside the residence. The Alaska State Troopers promptly activated their Southcentral SWAT Team, which flew in on a chartered flight to handle the high-pressure situation. Meanwhile, authorities worked to ensure the victim’s safety. Ultimately, the SWAT team apprehended Merritt, bringing the ordeal to a peaceful conclusion. Domestic violence motivated Merritt’s actions, investigators revealed. Fortunately, the victim sustained…

The heartbreaking news of Illia Yefimchyk shook the bodybuilding community, also recognized as Illia Golem, passing on September 6, 2024. At only 36 years old, Illia died after suffering a sudden heart attack in his home. His wife tried to resuscitate him with CPR while waiting for medical help. Regardless of these efforts, and even being airlifted to a hospital, Illia slipped into a coma, from which he never arose, ultimately succumbing to a heart attack. Who Was Illia Golem? Illia Golem was a towering figure both in stature and influence. Coming from Belarus, Illia became known for his astonishingly…

A devastating house fire on Anchorage’s Marten Street claimed the life of 28-year-old Haley Elizabeth Michele Cartwright. As investigators probed the cause, firefighters who responded shared their accounts. On September 13, Fire Station 6 crews rushed to the scene, mere minutes away. Captain Bryant Molle recalls, “Initial dispatch reports indicated a child trapped inside.” However, upon arrival, they found an adult. Engineer Pat Kiewik describes the intense flames: “Heavy fire engulfed the front of the building.” Despite challenges, firefighters managed to rescue Cartwright, who later succumbed to injuries in a Seattle hospital. Cartwright’s family revealed she had Angelman Syndrome, which…

Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance’s administration is exploring a ballot proposition to secure sustainable funding for enhanced snow removal services. Municipal Manager Becky Windt Pearson confirmed that the proposition is under consideration, following the mayor’s admission that snow removal challenges won’t be resolved this year. LaFrance, now 80 days into her term, criticized the snow removal fleet as “systematically underfunded” for 15 years. “Industry best practices recommend replacing or overhauling grader engines after 10,000 hours,” she said. “Seventeen out of 30 graders exceed this threshold.” Vacancies also pose a challenge, with a 30% vacancy rate in maintenance and operations. LaFrance previously…

In real estate, and more specifically, concerning areas such as Bethel, Alaska, the term market allocation often raises questions. What exactly does this mean, and how does it affect the local real estate market? Let’s break it down. 1. What is Market Allocation? Market allocation is a process of division of the real estate market in one way or another, most commonly – on geographical areas, types of properties, or price ranges. In layman’s terms, it’s a system of managing the market so that real estate professionals hdeal with particular fields or areas. This may be due to regulations from…

Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance’s administration has found a new use for the Sprung Structure, a massive heavy-duty tent previously intended for Alaska’s homeless navigation center. The structure will now be part of the Port of Alaska Modernization Project. Anchorage Municipal Manager Becky Windt Pearson confirmed that the administration has been brainstorming ways to utilize the Sprung Structure since taking office. “We did a comprehensive internal process to surface ideas from different departments within the municipality to put that structure to good use,” she explained. Former Mayor Dave Bronson had purchased the structure for Alaska’s homeless navigation center, but Assembly members…

Eric Fleming, a resident of Whittier, Alaska, is facing a lawsuit from the City of Whittier for developing his property without a building and land use permit. Fleming had requested a permit on March 29, 2024, but was denied a month later due to non-compliance with lot size requirements and lack of a plan for connecting to water and sewer utilities. Despite the denial, Fleming began clearing trees and building a driveway on his 11,000-square-foot plot. He claimed he was unaware that this was against the Whittier Municipal Code. Fleming said he only removed overgrown vegetation to get a view…

Anchorage faces a daunting challenge as winter approaches, snow removal staffing. Municipal Manager Becky Windt Pearson told the Assembly’s Transportation Committee that the city’s staffing level is 30% below desired levels. Last season, Anchorage experienced near-record snowfall, with 108,000 snowloads removed. However, the municipality struggled to keep up due to fewer available workers. The municipality extended seven snow removal job offers this year, showing progress. Windt Pearson emphasized the need for a multi-pronged approach, including active recruitment and competitive pay. Jim Anderson, Anchorage School District’s Chief Operating Officer, noted that the municipality, state, and district compete for the same pool…

Alaska’s studded tire season is approaching, with different start dates depending on your location. Residents north of the 60th parallel are just days away from being able to install studded tires, with the option to do so starting Monday. However, Anchorage residents must wait until October 1st to make the switch. Those living south of the 60th parallel must wait until October 1st to use studded tires. But once they can, they’re allowed to keep them on until April 14, 2025. An important exception is that motorists on the paved parts of the Sterling Highway can’t use studded tires between…