Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

State transportation officials are inviting the public to take part in an upcoming virtual public meeting focused on proposed safety and mobility improvements at the Egan Drive and Yandukin Drive intersection, commonly known as the Fred Meyer intersection. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) says the project aims to make the intersection safer and easier to navigate for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Plans include converting the area to a partially signalized intersection, designed to improve traffic flow while enhancing connectivity and safety for all users. The online public meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026,…

Travelers passing through Fairbanks International Airport who believe they may have lost a personal item are encouraged to report it promptly through the airport’s official lost-and-found system. Airport officials say items left inside the terminal, on sidewalks, or in parking areas can be reported quickly and easily online via the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities website. Submitting a report helps staff track and return lost belongings more efficiently. Officials also reminded passengers that items left on board an aircraft are handled directly by the airline, not the airport. Travelers who believe they left something on a plane should…

Winter cyclists in Anchorage are being invited to celebrate Winter Bike to Work Day with a morning community ride and giveaway event later this month. According to the Anchorage Health Department, the event will take place on Friday, February 13, from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. at Goose Lake Park. The annual winter celebration encourages residents to embrace active transportation, even during Alaska’s colder months. Organizers say the first 60 riders to arrive will receive rainbow wheel lights, helping improve visibility and add a festive touch to winter commuting. The event is open to cyclists of all experience levels and highlights…

Families across Anchorage have a full calendar of free and low-cost February events to look forward to, with activities ranging from live music and winter recreation to creative play and family support programs. A community events roundup shared by Anchorage WIC highlights several family-friendly opportunities taking place throughout the month at locations across the city. The schedule begins with a Symphony Family Concert on Sunday, February 1, from 3–4 p.m. at Atwood Concert Hall, where children under two can attend for free with tickets. On Saturday, February 7, families are invited to Ski 4 Kids 2026, a community fundraising event…

The Anchorage WIC clinic has announced temporary schedule changes for the first week of February due to system training. According to the notice, the clinic will be closed on Monday, February 2, and Tuesday, February 3, 2026. In addition, no walk-in appointments will be available throughout the week of February 2–6, 2026. Clinic officials say the closures are necessary to complete new system trainings aimed at improving services for families. Clients are encouraged to plan ahead and schedule appointments for dates outside this period. Also Read: Elliott Highway Reopens at Milepost 38 After Temporary Closure Anchorage WIC provides nutrition assistance…

The deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has been extended to February 20, 2026, offering additional time for Alaskans affected by the October 2025 storms and flooding in Western Alaska to seek financial support. State officials say individuals who lived or worked in the Lower Kuskokwim REAA, Lower Yukon REAA, or the Northwest Arctic Borough and whose ability to work was impacted by the disaster may be eligible for assistance. DUA provides weekly benefits ranging from $153 to $370, depending on individual circumstances. The program is designed to help workers who are not typically eligible for regular unemployment…

Drivers traveling the Richardson Highway should expect short delays as maintenance work is scheduled between mileposts 297 and 298. Road crews will be working in the area with traffic controlled by a flagger and pilot car. Motorists can expect delays of up to 15 to 20 minutes while work is underway. Officials are advising travelers to plan extra time, reduce speeds through the work zone, and follow all traffic control instructions. The maintenance is part of ongoing efforts to improve roadway conditions and safety. Also Read: DOT&PF Monitoring Flooding Along Richardson Highway in Valdez Drivers are thanked for their patience…

Organizers of the Alaska Governor’s Safety & Health Conference are inviting speakers and topic proposals for the event’s 44th annual gathering, scheduled for April 7–8, 2026, in Anchorage. The conference will be held at the William Egan Convention Center and brings together safety leaders, industry professionals, and frontline experts focused on improving workplace safety and health across Alaska. Conference planners are seeking knowledgeable speakers and innovative session ideas in the following areas: Organizers say proposed sessions should offer practical insights, real-world experience, and strategies that help strengthen safety culture and reduce workplace injuries statewide. Professionals interested in presenting or nominating…

While much of the country marks Groundhog Day by watching for an early spring forecast, Alaskans know winter still has plenty of time left. And yes, groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, do live in Alaska. The groundhog (Marmota monax) inhabits open, grassy areas of east-central Alaska, primarily in Interior regions. They are one of three marmot species found in the state, alongside the Alaska marmot and the hoary marmot. Unlike their lower-48 counterparts, groundhogs in Interior Alaska do not emerge from their dens until late March, long after Groundhog Day has passed. Deep snow, extended cold, and limited daylight keep…

Public participation is running high as outdoor users weigh in during the comment period for the Safer Seward Highway Environmental Assessment (EA), with strong feedback from trail users and the rock-climbing community. Project planners say recreation access has been a key focus of the proposed improvements along the Seward Highway corridor. According to details outlined in the EA, the project would upgrade and expand parking at trailheads without closing any existing trailheads. The plan also includes a separated multi-use path designed to connect with the popular Bird to Gird Trail, improving safety and continuity for cyclists and pedestrians. Climbers have…

Community members are invited to celebrate one of Alaska’s most iconic winter traditions as events begin for the Yukon Quest Alaska Races. Festivities kick off with Meet the Mushers on Thursday, February 5, offering the public a chance to meet the competitors and their sled dog teams ahead of race day. The official start of the races will follow on Saturday, February 7, at 11:00 a.m., when teams take off on their journey in front of spectators. Both events are free and open to the public, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to support mushers, learn more about the race,…

Alaskans interested in traditional skills and hands-on learning are invited to attend a Fur Sewing Handbands workshop this March at the William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery. The two-day workshop is part of the Becoming an Outdoors Woman Alaska program and will teach participants the basics of sewing fur handbands, a skill rooted in Alaska’s outdoor and cultural traditions. The sessions are scheduled for: Online registration opens February 9 at 12:00 p.m. for the Friday session and February 17 at 9:00 a.m. for the Saturday session. The cost to attend is $100, which includes instruction, equipment use, and refreshments. Organizers…