Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

Residents are invited to review and comment on proposed upgrades to Minnie Street during a public open house hosted by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF). The open house will focus on planned improvements along Minnie Street between Illinois Street and the Noyes Slough bridge. Proposed changes include installing new ADA-accessible sidewalks on both sides of the roadway, relocating overhead utilities underground, enhancing drainage and stormwater treatment, and resurfacing the street with new pavement, striping, and signage to improve safety and travel conditions. The event is scheduled for February 3, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., at…

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is reminding drivers to stay alert for moose on Alaska roadways, warning that the state has one of the highest rates of moose-vehicle collisions per mile driven anywhere in the world. Wildlife officials say moose can suddenly enter traffic without warning, creating dangerous conditions for motorists and often resulting in fatal outcomes for both people and animals. Low light, winter conditions, and roadside vegetation can make spotting moose especially difficult. ADF&G is encouraging drivers to take a simple step when they see wildlife near or on the road: flash hazard lights to alert…

Nominations are now open for the Conservation Achievement Awards, offering Alaskans an opportunity to recognize individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact on conservation across the state. The awards are presented by the Alaska Conservation Foundation and honor efforts that protect Alaska’s lands, waters, wildlife, and communities. Organizers say the nomination process is designed to highlight leadership, innovation, and long-term commitment to conservation values. Community members are encouraged to submit nominations for people or groups whose work has advanced environmental stewardship, wildlife protection, or sustainable practices in Alaska. Past honorees have included conservation leaders, community advocates, and organizations whose efforts…

Anglers targeting king salmon at the Eklutna Tailrace may see increased fishing activity in the coming seasons following a large smolt release by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). According to ADF&G Sport Fishing staff for Southcentral Alaska, approximately 400,000 king salmon smolt have been released at the Eklutna Tailrace. The annual release is part of the state’s fisheries enhancement efforts aimed at supporting future king salmon returns and maintaining recreational fishing opportunities in the area. The Eklutna Tailrace, located downstream of the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project, is a well-known fishing spot for local anglers, particularly during king salmon…

Alaskans interested in developing leadership skills and serving their communities have more time to apply for Rise & Represent Alaska, as organizers have extended the application deadline to February 8. Applications are now open for Cohort 2 of the in-person leadership development program, which is designed for Alaskans preparing to take on community, civic, or advocacy roles. The program will run from March 19 through June 4, 2026, meeting on Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. in Anchorage. The cohort is limited to 20 participants, offering a small-group learning environment focused on practical leadership skills, community engagement, and representation. Organizers…

Alaskans are invited to learn more about one of the state’s most elusive alpine mammals during an upcoming virtual presentation hosted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. As part of its Winter Wildlife Series, ADF&G will host a free online lecture titled “Collared Pikas: Alaska’s Alpine Rock Hoppers” on February 12, 2026. The presentation will be led by wildlife biologist Arin Underwood, who will share research on Alaska’s collared pikas and the unique behaviors that help them survive harsh winter conditions. Collared pikas are small alpine mammals known for collecting and storing vegetation, often described as “flower bouquets,”…

Motorists traveling the Seward Highway should prepare for significant delays on Friday, January 30, 2026, as avalanche hazard reduction work is scheduled along a busy stretch of the roadway. The Avalanche Team will conduct controlled mitigation between milepost 90, north of Girdwood, and milepost 99, south of Bird, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Drivers can expect intermittent delays of 45 to 60 minutes during this window. Officials warn delays could be longer if avalanche debris reaches the roadway and requires removal before traffic can resume safely. Crews will manage traffic as conditions allow. Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead,…

Critical thinking exercises for students are structured tasks that train students to explain, evaluate, and justify their thinking, rather than simply produce correct answers. Their purpose is not to make students smarter, but to make their reasoning clearer, slower, and more accurate. In classrooms, the main gap is rarely a lack of knowledge. It is a lack of reasoning practice. Students often know what to answer but struggle to explain why. Critical thinking exercises address this gap directly by turning thinking itself into a skill that can be practiced. What “Critical Thinking” Looks Like in Student Learning In student contexts,…

Drivers in Fairbanks may notice smoother traffic flow at the intersection of Geist Road and Loftus Road following recent updates aimed at improving safety and winter driving conditions. Transportation crews have adjusted signal timing at the busy intersection after receiving feedback from local motorists. In addition, crews prioritized clearing hard-packed snow and re-sanding the roadway to improve traction and visibility during icy conditions. Officials also reminded drivers that a yellow traffic signal is intended as a warning to prepare to stop, not to accelerate through the intersection. Slowing down during signal changes, especially in winter conditions, helps reduce congestion and…

A local animal shelter has issued an important public notice informing residents that its websites for pet adoptions, lost reports, and stray animals are currently unavailable. Shelter officials said records for stray, lost, and adoptable pets are still being maintained on-site. Residents who need assistance are encouraged to visit the shelter in person at 4711 Elmore Road, where staff can help with viewing the adoption board or filing a lost-pet report. The shelter remains open seven days a week, with hours from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. For those…

The future of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is again in the national spotlight following renewed discussion around oil and gas leasing on its coastal plain, a region considered environmentally and culturally significant. The coastal plain, covering approximately 1.5 million acres, is home to a wide range of wildlife, including polar bears, seals, walruses, and more than 200 species of migratory birds. The area also holds deep cultural importance for Indigenous communities, including the Gwich’in and Iñupiat, who rely on the region for subsistence and cultural practices. According to advocacy groups monitoring federal land policy, the Trump administration is moving…

Anglers looking for a convenient winter fishing spot near Haines have a reliable option at Mosquito Lake State Recreation Site, the only road-accessible ice-fishing location in the area. Long known as a favorite local destination for freshwater fishing, camping, and family outings, Mosquito Lake remains popular year-round. In winter, its easy access makes it a go-to spot for ice fishing, while summer visitors use the area for boating, picnicking, and camping. The site currently features a small-boat launch suitable for fishing on Mosquito Lake, with additional access to fishing areas in the upper Chilkat River drainage through a connecting slough.…