Grocery shoppers willing to pay more for Alaska Grown produce, study finds
By Yereth Rosen
How much are Alaskans willing to pay for produce that is homegrown? A newly published study has some answers: a significant premium, especially when they have information about the benefits of locally grown food.
Alaska grocery shoppers on average were willing to pay $1.90 extra for a head of lettuce if it was labeled as “Alaska Grown,” the study found. When given information about locally grown products’ benefits to health, the environment and the state economy provided by products with the “Alaska Grown” label, that premium jumped to $3.31 on average, the study found.
The study is based on surveys and interviews of shoppers at Anchorage grocery stores and farmers markets. The surveys and interviews were conducted by University of Alaska Anchorage students; the study was led by Qiujie Zheng, an associate professor of business analytics at the University of Maine. Zheng was previously at UAA.
While the surveys and interviews were conducted several years ago, in 2018, Zheng said she believes the results still stand.
The COVID-19 pandemic that came later may have changed food consumption patterns worldwide, she said by email. “However, due to Alaska’s unique geographical location, I believe that the state’s agricultural supply and consumers’ fresh produce options have remained relatively stable over the past few years,” she said.
Read the entire story at the link below:
Commentary: Savoring the Darkness in Alaska
By Tim Lydon
In my part of Alaska, not far from Anchorage, winter solstice is always a dark day, but not because of the lack of light. Instead, I lament the impending loss of winter’s long nights, with all their calm and beauty.
This makes me a contrarian amid all the hoopla over returning light. Yet, as we freefall into a climate-changed world, it seems more people are giving darkness and its benefits a fresh look.
Read the entire opinion at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/opinion-savoring-the-darkness-in-alaska
Alaska DOT&PF Awarded $1.13M for Avalanche Mitigation Technology along the Seward Highway Corridor
By David Nyman
TNews Contributor
With the weather visiting southcentral this week, new funding to support southcentral avalanche mitigation efforts is timely. Alaskans traveling the Seward Highway between Anchorage and Seward will get a safer highway with the Avalanche Mitigation Alert Detection (AMAD) project that was recently awarded $1.13 million award as part of a Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) grant program. This grant program is a component of the bi-partisan infrastructure law and from US Department of Transportation.
The AMAD project being led by the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (AK DOT&PF) will utilize cutting-edge remote avalanche control systems and forecasting technology to mitigate significant avalanche risks along the Seward Highway corridor. The Seward Highway is a National Highway System (NHS) route and one of Alaska's busiest roadways, serving as a vital connection between the Kenai Peninsula, Seward and Anchorage, for commerce, residents, and visitors alike.
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Opinion: ‘Girdwood’ missing in Assembly’s view of our Comprehensive Plan
By Brian Burnett
Girdwood Resident
“It is so unfortunate that where once we spent hours agonizing over what trees needed to remain to protect Stumpy’s Trail or Enchanted Forest, we will now be agonizing over whether the road there should be paved or gravel.” – Girdwood Wanderer
Being a part of Anchorage has never been smooth; from 1977 when over 80% of Girdwood did NOT vote in favor to join the Municipality to when Anchorage voters declined to bond a local cemetery that over 80% of Girdwood voters approved to self-fund. However, we have carved out a great place to live and we are in the process of mapping out the future of Girdwood for all of us living here and all of Anchorage that comes here to recreate. Regardless of set backs, we continue to move forward and drive events and actions to be the community we all want to live in. We are now putting forward a new comprehensive plan for our community. We have rolled up our collective sleeves to engage the community in the multi-yearprocess of achieving a vision for G’wood. This effort is no different than Forest Fair, the community playground, GVFD and the fire station, or the Scott & Wesley Gerrish Library. Girdwood works together to build solutions regardless of support from Anchorage.
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Task force report identifies ways to make child care more available and affordable in Alaska
By Yereth Rosen
Child care shortages could be addressed by a combination of actions to help families with subsidies and help providers work through what is currently a daunting bureaucratic process, according to a new task force report released by the Alaska Department of Health.
Recommendations to expand child care options came in the second and final report of a task forceestablished last year by Gov. Mike Dunleavy. The Governor’s Task Force on Child Care report, released on Dec. 27, follows an earlier report released last year.
Altogether, they contain 56 recommendations for action.
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Assembly Postpones Vote on Area Plan
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
Forested land targeted for development in Girdwood was called, among other things, "magical", "cherished", a "paradise", a "crown jewel" and containing the "largest trees in Anchorage", during testimony Tuesday night on Girdwood's Comprehensive Plan.
Two densely-forested parcels, one near Virgin Creek and the other by Glacier Creek, would be protected "open space" in an update of Girdwood's 30-year-old area plan.
But that conception is being contested by Anchorage's planning department which aims to include housing in those places.
(Photos by Carson Baldiviez)
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/assembly-postpones-vote-on-area-plan
Anchorage to decide Girdwood’s future in Land Plan Vote
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
A sweeping land plan that could determine Girdwood's future as either a sprawling resort town or a mountain community with an intact rainforest is scheduled for a vote in a little more than a week.
Should the Anchorage Assembly adopt the city's changes to Girdwood's comprehensive plan, the town could see hundreds of acres of Girdwood's old-growth rainforest habitat cleared for subdivisions, roads, businesses and resort expansion.
Besides 500 acres included for development in the plan, hundreds of additional acres of public lands could be added, including remote lands sought by Alyeska Resort for development as well as forests and wetlands along Virgin Creek, where a group, decades ago, hoped to build a golf course.
The plan comes with few conditions on the size of homes in most areas and even whether anyone lives in them, a trend facing many Western mountain towns with ski resorts, said Mike Edgington co-chair of the Girdwood Board of Supervisors
"We're not here to sell things in strip malls," Edgington said Wednesday during a meeting. "There's places that do that very well. That's not what Girdwood is for. Girdwood exists and this economy exists because of the environment. There's always going to be a point where additional development starts cannibalizing the whole essence, purpose and economic value of the community."
Read the entire story here:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/anchorage-to-decide-girdwoods-future-in-land-plan-vote
Turnagain News set for second NewsMatch Challenge
Story by Brooks Chandler
TNews Contributor
Money may not grow on trees but November and December donations to the Turnagain News will sprout another year of non-profit local journalism for Turnagain Arm.
For the second consecutive year TNews has received a NewsMatch challenge grant.
NewsMatch is sponsored by the Institute for Nonprofit News. INN describes NewsMatch as “a collaborative fundraising movement to support independent public service journalism.”
"Collaborators" are local readers and sponsors of Turnagain News and a national network of philanthropic foundations and donors. According to INN, since 2017, NewsMatch has helped raise $330 million nationwide to “jumpstart emerging newsrooms”.
The concept of the Newsmatch challenge is straightforward.
The first $3,000 in individual contributions received by TNews in November and December will be matched two for one. Donations above the $3,000 threshold will be matched one for one. TNews hopes to receive $6,000 in individual donations.
This will grow to $15,000 in funding for 2025 operations.
“Turnagain News is pleased and grateful for local support and the vote of confidence from INN. TN has gotten off the ground. The ability to keep flying in 2025 will be directly tied to local support of the NewsMatch challenge,” said TNI publisher Jon Scudder.
To donate click on the “DONATE NOW” banner on the top of the masthead at turnagainnews.org.
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/turnagain-news-set-for-second-newsmatch-challenge
Girdwood Trails Marathon: A Reflection
Story by Brian Pautzke
Photos by Deb Essex
TN News Contributors
Sometime in the middle of the night the rain stopped. The race coordinators had been checking the river depth at the hand tram crossing and Plan A was still a go. There has been Plan A and Plan B ever since the hand tram closed. Either we get to cross the river or we run back through town. This year Plan C was suggested the night prior when two days of rain had not shown signs of abating; the river crossing safety guide was authorized to turn racers back if the conditions were deemed too dangerous. As luck would have it, racers woke to a clear, cold morning. Runners could be seen mozying around the neighborhood warming up their legs and encouraging their body to get its poop in a group.
I had been awake since 5:30. No need for an alarm. A distance runner needs ample time to prepare mentally, physically, and with Body Glide. I loaded my tank with coffee and set off for the race start at the Alyeska Day Lodge. On the way to the start I listened to “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” instead of my usual Franti jam “Follow Your Heart”, what inspired the switch I cannot say. Between the coffee and the sports hype music, I felt as ready as usual. This would be the 9th running of the Girdwood Trail Race, and only Melanee Stiassny and I have the honor of having done it every year (as far as we know).
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/girdwood-trail-marathon-a-reflection
Alaska joins growing number of states considering crackdown on cellphones in schools
By Claire Stremple
Alaska has joined a growing number of states that are considering cellphone restrictions in schools.
Alaska’s Board of Education and Early Development directed the state’s education department to create a policy that limits the use of cellphones in schools during class hours at a meeting this month.
Currently, there is no statewide cellphone policy in Alaska and any restrictions must be set at the district or school level. A number of schools have already done that.
The principal of one such school, David Booth of Palmer High School, implemented a cellphone ban as a pilot program this year. He described the results as transformative.
“Cellphones distract kids,” he said. “There’s no way around it.”
‘Stars Over Girdwood’ class views Comet
By John Gallup
TN News Contributor
The Stars Over Girdwood class was finally able to catch up with comet 2023 ATLAS A3 as it made its way back out into the outer solar system recently.
It was right at the edge of naked eye visibility, with better eyes than mine could just make it out, but binoculars showed it well, and phone cameras were able to pick it up surprisingly easily.
It is fading as it leaves the sun’s radiation behind, to return in 80,000 years or so. We may make another foray out on Saturday, if the clear weather holds, but here’s what the phone cameras picked up earlier this week.
First ever Pickleball Tourney held
By Seth Beaubien
TN News Contributor
Girdwood’s first pickleball tournament was a smashing success as the Girdwood School gymnasium echoed Friday night to the sound of cracking drives, deft dinks and admiring applause.
Four Valleys Community School Executive Director Beks Rumley and Jarrad Griffith aced the planning, and created a competitive round robin and double elimination bracket set that ensured court time and fun was had by all.
“It was incredibly fun all around, and really encouraging to see so many of the Girdwood Pickleball Club members on the courts tonight," Rumley said.
"We had a handful of pals drive in from Fairbanks, Anchorage, and even Homer--a true commitment to the sport, and a great example of its accessibility. We are stoked to have our first ever pickleball tournament completed, and with so much success. We cannot wait to plan for the next one in the Spring!”
(Pictured are Amy (left) and Gus who received award for the Most Improved Players. (Photos by Seth Beaubien)
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/first-ever-pickleball-tourney-held
Girdwood Middle School Boys Basketball Team Dominates Season, Finishes Undefeated
By Coach Kyle Kelley
TN News Contributor
The Girdwood Middle School boys’ basketball team concluded its 2024 season with an impressive 8-0 record, showcasing its exceptional teamwork and skill while playing against other Middle Schools throughout Anchorage.
(Editor's Note: Coach Kelley leads local sports programs including Girdwood School baseball and basketball)
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/girdwood-middle-school-boys-basketball-dominates-season-finishes-undefeated
Glacier Creek Suspension Bridge comment period announced
Girdwood Trails Committee is applying for Recreational Trails Program Grant funds for the Glacier Creek Suspension Bridge and Interpretive Center. If awarded, funds will be used to complete construction of the new bridge and Interpretive Center on the Winner Creek Trail in Girdwood from 2025-2027.
Public Comment or Opposition can be submitted by calling 907-343-8373 by email: tylerms@muni.org or by mail to: Girdwood Trails Committee, C/O Girdwood Parks and Recreation, PO Box 390, Girdwood, AK 99587. Deadline for Comment: Oct. 31 2024.
‘Stars Over Girdwood’ Astronomy Community Class begins
By John Gallup
TNews Contributor
One of the advantages to the end of summer is the arrival of the Astronomy season!
We have a window of time in the fall from about the 3rd week in September through mid November when it is finally dark enough early enough, but it’s still reasonably warm to be outside.
In addition, the atmosphere can be stable enough to provide what astronomers call “good seeing,” that is, a clear view through the telescope without a lot of the wobble which is common this far north, and in the mountains.
There are several good night sky apps for your devices, either free or cheap, just aim your phone up and the app will show you the constellations and name the stars, planets if present, and anything else of note in the view you select. Teach yourself the night sky!
We will be offering the Community School class “Stars over Girdwood” again for those interested in taking a look at what’s up there. Featured this fall will be a good look at Saturn in the evening sky, the Andromeda Galaxy, a couple of planetary nebulas and a few globular clusters.
So what are these things? Sign up and find out! Call out will be by text message on most clear nights.
A warning: there may be as few as three or four nights which fit this description, so you might have to be prepared to forego doing something else to enjoy the night sky. Or it could be clear for a month!
State OKs Gas Line through Virgin Creek Forest
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
A proposal to punch a gas line through old-growth rainforest near Virgin Creek in Girdwood was approved last week after a year hiatus and despite widespread condemnation of the idea.
A year after gas company Enstar promised "further review" of a plan for a 20-foot wide, nearly mile long pipeline, the state Department of Natural Resources gave the company the go-ahead citing a 52-year-old section line easement.
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/state-oks-gas-line-through-virgin-creek-forest
Bike Park geared to add two miles of new trails
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
A city land manager has allowed a local mountain bike club to build two additional miles of hilly, curving paths through a forest near Girdwood's 5K ski loop.
But the decision, made last week by the city's Heritage Land Bank, requires approval by the Anchorage Assembly and it obligates the local bike group, "Bikewood," to raise enough money to build the trails.
Bikewood built two short trails off the 5K loop in 2018 which it called "Earn Again" and "2 Cents."
Read the entire story below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/bike-park-geared-to-add-two-miles-of-new-trails
HLB approves adding area with short trail to Girdwood parks
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
A small trail that meanders through the woods mostly along a road to Alyeska Hotel could become part of Girdwood's trail network.
The Winner Creek Extension trail is on land managed by the Heritage Land Bank, a real estate division of the municipality. Its commission voted last week to transfer management of 7.5 acres along Arlberg Rd to Girdwood Parks and Recreation.
Read the entire story below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/hlb-approves-adding-area-with-short-trail-to-girdwood-parks
Tennis vs Pickleball: A Community Showdown
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
A proposal to paint pickleball lines on Girdwood's tennis courts has raised a local racket.
It all started when pickleballers got in position to make a move onto Girdwood's tennis court, intending to paint new lines. A decision was made in a May parks department meeting to disallow the new lines and local pickleball players moved to reverse that ruling. The issue was discussed by the Girdwood Board of Supervisors during a June meeting, but it took no formal action.
GBOS supervisors said they have received many comments and letters on the highly controversial issue with no one quite smashing a tie-breaking ace.
Read the entire story here:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/tennis-vs-pickleball-a-community-showdown
Girdwood Transfer Station changes hours of operation, adding Thursdays
The Municipality of Anchorage Solid Waste Services has announced new hours for the Girdwood Transfer Station: Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, Closed; Wednesday, Closed; Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9: 30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sundays, Closed. The Girdwood Transfer Station is closed for lunch from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.