Author: The Tundra Drums Staff
The Anchorage Health Department will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, officials announced. All Anchorage Health Department offices and services will be unavailable during the holiday closure. Regular operations are expected to resume the following business day. Also Read: Anchorage Health Department Announces Two-Day Thanksgiving Closure Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and seek urgent needs through appropriate emergency or alternative services while offices are closed
The Klondike Highway is open as of Saturday, Jan. 17, though driving conditions remain difficult, transportation officials said. Motorists are urged to use caution and check 511.alaska.gov for the most current road conditions and updates before traveling. Also Read: Klondike Highway Closed Due to Blizzard Conditions and Avalanche Hazard Officials thanked drivers for their patience and understanding as conditions continue to be monitored.
The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities said it is actively monitoring flooding along the Richardson Highway in Valdez, including Dayville Road and Hazelet Avenue, as crews work to address affected areas when conditions allow. DOT&PF crews are opening drainage channels through snow berms to move water into roadside ditches. Officials said heavy snow depth has so far prevented confirmation of whether culverts beneath the Richardson Highway that drain to the ocean are open. At this time, DOT&PF believes drains along Hazelet Avenue are frozen. The department is coordinating with the Tazlina District to bring a steam truck to…
Authorities are warning the public about a phone scam targeting members of USAA, which primarily serves military service members and their families. According to officials, scammers are posing as USAA representatives and calling from phone numbers that closely resemble official USAA numbers, differing by only a few digits. Callers often already have personal information and ask victims to confirm details, making the calls appear legitimate. The scammers typically claim there is suspicious activity on the account and then instruct victims to transfer money to a cash transfer app or third-party account for “security” purposes. Officials stressed that banks and financial…
A small commuter plane carrying four people landed short of the runway at Merrill Field Airport Friday afternoon, but no injuries were reported, the National Transportation Safety Board confirmed. The Beechcraft King Air, flying from Soldotna Municipal Airport to Anchorage, was carrying two pilots and two passengers when it landed just short of runway 16, the NTSB spokesperson said. The aircraft’s nose gear collapsed during the landing, causing it to slide onto the runway surface. The plane is registered to an address in Soldotna associated with the Missionary Aviation Repair Center, a nonprofit organization that supports aviation operations in remote…
The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities announced it will conduct aerial mapping along the Haines Highway from mileposts 11 to 21 this weekend, Jan. 17–18, following unprecedented snowfall and a large avalanche cycle in the region. Officials said the mission is for data collection only, not avalanche mitigation. A helicopter equipped with LiDAR (laser imaging) will survey terrain to help avalanche specialists analyze recent slide activity. Residents may see the aircraft flying grid-like patterns at lower altitudes as it scans slopes. DOT&PF emphasized that the survey will not require road closures or traffic holds. The goal is to…
A widely shared Instagram reel has been circulating paying tribute to Scarface, the famed lion from Masai Mara National Reserve, who was beloved by wildlife enthusiasts around the world. According to social media posts, Scarface, known for his distinctive facial scar and longevity in the wild, died of natural causes at about 13 or 14 years old. Scarface became an iconic symbol of strength and survival in Kenya’s wildlife community, frequently featured in documentaries, photographs, and visitor footage over the years. The tribute reel highlights his legacy and the impact he had on conservation storytelling. Also Read: Anchorage Animal Care…
State transportation officials have confirmed that a photo circulating online showing a large avalanche blocking the Richardson Highway near Thompson Pass is not current. According to Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, the image dates back to 2014 and is from an event known as “Damalanche.” The photo does not reflect present road conditions. Rob Mattson of the DOT&PF Thompson Pass crew said he traveled through the pass approximately 30 minutes prior to the update and confirmed the roadway was clear and open. Also Read: Southcoast Update: Active Weather Continues to Affect Roads and Avalanche Conditions Officials are reminding…
The following public notice has been issued by the Bureau of Land Management regarding submerged lands in the Kwethluk River, Alaska. Local residents may submit comments by February 6, 2026. This notice is published in the Alaska Life Public Notices section of The Tundra Drums website for the convenience of local residents and stakeholders. Notice is hereby given that on February 20, 2019, the State of Alaska finalized an application with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for a Recordable Disclaimer of Interest (RDI) pursuant to section 315 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.…
The following public notice has been issued by the Bureau of Land Management regarding submerged lands in the Goodnews River system. Local residents may submit comments by February 6, 2026. This notice is published in the Alaska Life Public Notices section of The Tundra Drums website for the convenience of local residents and stakeholders. Notice is hereby given that on December 28, 2017, the State of Alaska finalized an application with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for a Recordable Disclaimer of Interest (RDI) pursuant to section 315 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.…
The following public notice has been issued by the Bureau of Land Management regarding submerged lands in the Goodnews River system. Local residents may submit comments by February 6, 2026. Notice is hereby given that on November 2, 2017, the State of Alaska finalized an application with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for a Recordable Disclaimer of Interest (RDI) pursuant to section 315 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1745), and the regulations in 43 CFR Subpart 1864, which authorize the BLM to issue an RDI. The BLM casefile for the RDI application…
Schools in Bethel will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, according to the Lower Kuskokwim School District. District officials said all classes, school activities, and related programs will not be held for the day. Families, students, and staff are encouraged to plan accordingly and ensure students remain safe during the closure. Also Read: Juneau School District Schools Closed Monday, Jan. 5 The district advised parents and guardians to continue monitoring official LKSD communication channels for any updates regarding reopening plans or schedule changes. Additional information will be shared if conditions change or further closures are required.