Tributaries
Tidbits from the Headwaters
News Around the State
Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) and Southeast Conference (SEC) are partnering to conduct a low emission ferry research project. Alternative-fuel powered, low-emission, and electric ferries could be a game-changer for Alaska’s Marine Highway System, as DOT&PF starts to replace AMHS’s aging fleet in up-coming years.
April in the Garden
This April there is still snow everywhere, except under the spruce trees and along the steeper south bluffs. Breakup is delayed and after a long winter it is to the irritation of every gardener to realize all the spring chores will be compressed into a smaller window.
New Housing Opportunities On The Way In Glennallen
The Copper River Basin Regional Housing Authority has purchased the former campus of Alaska Bible College in Glennallen. Plans include expanding housing opportunities for the community.
The Light of the Earth
To me, there is nothing more beautiful than the human spirit. It’s like a bit of heaven come to earth. I’ve experienced times in nature that were breathtaking. Like the time I walked to the river after a heavy snowfall in the late spring.
McCarthy Area Council Kicks Off 2022 Meeting Season
There are still feet of snow on the ground, but spring has sprung and the McCarthy Area Council (MAC) is looking ahead to the 2022 summer season.
Resilience and Hope Bring Change
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month! At the Copper River Basin Child Advocacy Center, we have been raising awareness of child-abuse prevention by providing school presentations in Glennallen and Valdez, sponsoring our annual Go Blue Walk, and providing classroom competitions for Go Blue Day in Copper River School District classrooms.
Mountain Motivation - Sean Wisner
Michelle LeBlanc interviews Sean Wisner, Fire Chief for Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, DIY dad of two amazing kids, and plant based endurance athlete.
Celebrate Recovery: Faith and Accountability
On New Year’s Eve of 2021, Tawny LeBlanc and Lorraine Jackson were sitting outside the hall in Gulkana. People were milling around outside, or in vehicles, due to the continuing pandemic. Jackson and LeBlanc were talking about addiction and how devastating its effects were, not just in Gulkana, but in the greater Copper River Valley. With the dogged support of Tribal Administrator Robin Eleazer, LeBlanc started the Gulkana chapter of the Celebrate Recovery program.
Remembering Congressman Don Young
Congressman Young was laid in state at the Capitol in Washington, DC, on March 29th. He was the 43rd person in U.S. history that has held that honor. He was the Dean of the House of Representatives, the longest serving member of the Republican Party.
Pioneers Remember Valdez Earthquake
On Sunday, March 27 at 5:30 p.m., Igloos Two and Seven of the Pioneers of Alaska hosted a memorial service in memory of those lost in Valdez and PWS as a result of the earthquake on that date in 1964.
School Board Hears Sobering News About Drugs
Board President Joshua Scott said, “We’re hearing a lot of parents voice concerns about the drugs,” and asked Troopers if there is merit to rumors in the community.
The Old Gulkana River Village
In 1943, my father heard a Caterpillar come right up to the door. They said, “Get out.” They crushed the houses down and buried them under 15 feet of gravel.
Comment Period Open to Rename “Squaw” Locales
Two creeks and one “island” in the Copper Basin that bear the name “squaw” are designated to be renamed due to the derogatory nature of the word.
Glennallen Junior High Wrestlers
After nearly 2,000 miles, more than 120 matches, victories, defeats, learning and growing tougher mentally and physically, the Glennallen Middle School wrestling season culminated at the State Tournament on February 26 and 27.
Chamber Dinner Benefits Student Close Up Program
Moose soup and Indian tacos were on the menu at the Greater Copper Valley Chamber of Commerce fundraiser held to benefit the Glennallen High School Close Up Program on February 24. Attendees enjoyed dinner prepared and served by students involved in the program.
Lady Panthers Take Third In State Championships
The Glennallen Lady Panthers captured third place at the state 2A basketball tournament in mid-March. They edged Unalakleet, 39-38, in their first game of the tourney, before losing a hard-fought battle to the top-seeded Wrangell Wolf- pack, 33-25.
Valdez City Council Endorses Nuclear Microreactor Bills
At the March 15 Valdez City Council meeting, the council voted to approve Resolution #22-17 which urges “passage of Senate Bill 177 and House Bill 299.” If passed, the bill would exempt nuclear facilities under 50 megawatts from current regulations that require multi-agency review of a nuclear facility’s hazards and legislative designation of its site.
The First Snowmachine Ascent of Mount Wrangell
On April 6th, 1996, Martin Helkenn made the first ascent up Mount Wrangell on a snowmachine. The first modern “mountain” snowmachine was made in 1994: The Ski-Doo Summit. It was the machine that inspired all others that came after.
Proposed Bills Would Boost School Funding
Of the 129 education-related bills being considered by the state legislature, a few in particular are attracting the attention of school districts statewide: House Bills 272, 273, and 220.