Author: The Tundra Drums Staff
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.
An Alaska-based dive rescue organization announced it has received a donation of an unserviceable aluminum aircraft frame from Sutton Aircraft Salvage to support training operations. While thanking the donor, the group said it is still seeking additional assistance to support both training and mission response needs across the state. For training purposes, the organization is looking for an unserviceable or older aluminum boat, with or without a cabin, no longer than 24 feet, and without a motor. For mission response, the group is seeking a building or land available through a long-term lease or donation. The site must allow 24-hour…
Active weather continues to impact roads and avalanche conditions across Southeast Alaska, according to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities. In Juneau, crews are pushing back snow berms and widening roads. Officials said lower-volume roads remain icy, with sanding ongoing as needed. Minor ponding has been reported on some roadways and is being addressed as conditions arise. Drivers are urged to use caution, as road conditions can change rapidly. Thane Road remained open Tuesday morning, though avalanche hazard remains elevated. DOT&PF warned that additional closures are possible, potentially with limited advance notice, as active weather continues. Avalanche hazard…
State workplace safety officials are reminding employers that cold stress can pose serious risks indoors, particularly in workplaces with limited heating or exposure to outside air, such as drive-through stations. The Alaska Occupational Safety and Health warned that inadequate indoor heat can increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite, even when work is performed inside buildings. Youth workers were identified as especially vulnerable to cold stress due to limited experience and prolonged exposure. Employers are encouraged to ensure indoor workspaces are properly heated, provide warm clothing, offer training on cold stress, and schedule frequent breaks in heated areas. For drive-through…
The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities has issued a travel advisory for the Haines Highway from milepost 20 to the Canadian border due to extremely hazardous conditions. Officials said the highway is experiencing rain-on-ice conditions, making travel very difficult. Avalanche hazards are also present along this stretch of roadway. DOT&PF reported that the prolonged storm, which began in December, has impacted crews and equipment, with some equipment currently out of service. One sander was operating on the Haines Highway today while mechanics work to complete repairs. Crews are actively working on solutions to improve conditions, but travel is…
Sections of the Alaska Highway reopened Wednesday morning, Jan. 14, after closures caused by freezing rain and hazardous road conditions. As of 11:30 a.m., the highway reopened from kilometre 1243 to 1342, between Jakes Corner and Teslin, though a travel advisory remains in effect due to icy surfaces. Officials said the highway remains closed beyond Teslin to Watson Lake, where crews continue sanding, plowing, and ice blading operations. A separate travel advisory is still in place from kilometre 967 to 980, between Watson Lake and the Yukon–B.C. border. Also Read: Icy Road Conditions Reported in Sitka as DOT&PF Equipment Is…
Thane Road reopened to traffic Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, following an avalanche-related closure, according to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities. Officials reminded drivers not to stop within the avalanche zone and to remain alert while traveling through the area. Also Read: Avalanche Activity Continues Along Thane Road Near Juneau DOT&PF thanked the public for their patience and cooperation during the closure as crews monitored conditions and worked to ensure the roadway could reopen safely.
Alaska students in grades K–12 are reminded to submit entries for the annual subsistence art contest by Feb. 20, 2026, organizers said. The contest, hosted by the U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Subsistence Management, focuses this year on subsistence wildlife. One winning entry will be selected and featured on the cover of the 2026–2028 Subsistence Management Regulations for the Harvest of Wildlife on Federal Public Lands in Alaska, which will be distributed statewide. Also Read: Holiday Aviation Art Contest Returns to Fairbanks International Airport Officials said the contest offers students an opportunity to showcase creativity while demonstrating knowledge…
The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities has ordered the immediate closure of the Haines Highway from Milepost 4 to Milepost 21 and Lutak Road beyond the Haines Ferry Terminal due to avalanche risk and deteriorating weather conditions. Officials said Mileposts 1–4 on the Haines Highway will remain open, but travel is not advised in the affected areas. The avalanche hazard is expected to increase overnight and through tomorrow. Also Read: Thane Road Avalanche Risk Elevated as Winter Storm Conditions Develop DOT&PF will continue monitoring conditions and provide updates through 511.alaska.gov and Nixle alerts.
The City and Borough of Juneau is reminding residents to move vehicles before 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, to allow overnight snow removal operations to proceed safely. CBJ crews and contractors will begin clearing designated streets starting at 10 p.m. Vehicles left on affected roads or where yellow “No Parking” signs are posted must be moved so equipment can access the area. Streets scheduled for snow removal include: Downtown Douglas Officials are asking drivers to avoid traveling through active snow removal areas, noting that vehicle traffic creates hazardous conditions for the public and crews and slows operations. Also Read: Extreme…
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was marked at Fairbanks International Airport, recognizing the service of the FAI Police & Fire Department. Airport officials highlighted the department’s role in patrols, emergency response, assisting travelers, and supporting the Fairbanks community. The team’s K-9 officer, Yogi, was also recognized for contributions to airport safety. Also Read: FBI Warns Alaskans of Scam Calls Impersonating Law Enforcement and Government Officials Officials thanked the department’s law enforcement personnel for their continued professionalism and commitment to keeping the airport safe around the clock.
The City and Borough of Juneau announced that CBJ facilities will remain closed through the weekend of Jan. 10–11 due to ongoing hazardous road and weather conditions. Officials urged residents to stay off the roads to protect public safety and allow snow removal and street maintenance crews to work safely and efficiently. Residents are also advised to limit travel in known avalanche exposure areas. Facilities closed during the weekend include all Juneau Public Libraries locations and the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. All Juneau Parks & Recreation facilities will also be closed, including the Dimond Park Field House, Dimond Park Aquatic Center,…