Author: The Tundra Drums Staff
Welcome to your seismic update from across the state for the week of January 21st. I’mMichael West with the Alaska Earthquake Center, where we monitor ground shaking 24-7.
The Fairbanks Police Department is asking for the public’s help locating Rose Cleaver, a 41-year-old woman reported missing. Police said Cleaver was last seen on Jan. 18 near Kellum Street in Fairbanks. At the time, she was wearing a black trench coat and a purple hat. Also Read: Anchorage Police Spokesperson Resigned After Target Shoplifting Allegation Anyone with information about Cleaver’s whereabouts is urged to contact Fairbanks Police at 907-450-6500 or email njackson@fairbanks.gov. Authorities encourage the public to share the information, noting that even small details could help locate her.
The United States Postal Service has implemented changes to its mail delivery and processing procedures that could affect the postmark date used for time-sensitive documents. Under the updated process, the postmark will now reflect the date an envelope is first processed by an automated sorting machine, rather than the date it is dropped off at a post office or mailbox. Officials said this processing step may occur days after mailing, depending on mail volume and routing. The change could have implications for documents that rely on a postmark to meet deadlines, including tax returns, benefit applications, and other filings, potentially…
The 2026 Alaska Statewide Arts & Culture Convergence will take place April 16–17, 2026, bringing together artists, culture bearers, and creative professionals from across the state. Organizers announced that registration is now open, with the conference focusing on collaboration, professional development, and statewide arts and culture initiatives. Several key deadlines are approaching ahead of the event. The Conference Access Stipend application is due by 11:59 p.m. AKST on Feb. 2, while submissions for the Spotlight Series close at 11:59 p.m. AKST on Feb. 13. Additional details, registration information, and application forms are available through the official conference website.
The Alaska Professional Fire Chiefs (APFC) welcomed the 34th Alaska Legislature as it convened its second session in Juneau. APFC expressed appreciation for the continued commitment of legislators and staff and said it looks forward to ongoing collaboration on issues affecting public safety and communities statewide. The organization noted the importance of working together to advance policies and priorities that benefit all Alaskans. Also Read: Alaska Legislature Passes Payday Loan Reform to Curb Predatory Lending
A new Track Tuesday feature is drawing attention to unusual patterns left by common wildlife in the snow, offering a closer look at winter movement across the landscape. The collection showcases distinctive ermine, hare, and moose tracks and sign, highlighting how familiar animals can leave unexpected and informative traces during snowy conditions. The images provide insight into behavior, gait, and habitat use during winter months. Also Read: Alaska Dall Sheep Population Study Tracks Herd Health And Movement All photographs featured in the series are credited to Mike Taras.
The Northern Forestry Dispatch Center has welcomed Hannah Phillipson as its newest Wildland Fire Dispatcher ahead of the 2026 fire season. Phillipson brings experience in leadership, customer service, and administrative support, along with a strong interest in public lands and land stewardship. Originally from Northern California, she has spent the past two years in Fairbanks. Her background includes multiple summer seasons working in Yosemite National Park, where she developed a long-term interest in fire operations and land management. NFDC officials noted that supporting fire crews holds personal significance for Phillipson, whose husband is a wildland firefighter. Outside of work, she…
A series of community events is taking place across Anchorage as part of Winter Bike Fest, a month-long celebration of winter biking culture featuring films, races, group rides, and social gatherings. Organizers say the festival is designed to bring together riders of all experience levels who bike year-round in winter conditions. Events are scheduled throughout the month at multiple locations across the city. The Anchorage Health Department will participate in select events, offering free bike locks, lights, and reflective safety items while supplies last. Also Read: Sitka WhaleFest 2025: When and Where Can You Attend this Fest? A full schedule…
The U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will host a joint public open house to gather feedback on the Federal Subsistence Management Program. The event is part of a limited review being conducted by the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture and serves as a public scoping opportunity to help inform that review process. The open house will take place on Feb. 3, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. (AKST) at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Office, located in the Gordon Watson Conference Room at 1011 E. Tudor Road. Officials said members of…
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…