On September 9, 2026, Maria K. Varenhorst, 43, of Valdez, died while receiving medical treatment at Providence Valdez Medical Center following a reported assault.

Kennecott has been spruced up quite a bit since my last visit there nearly 30 years ago.

Chaseof North Pole caught a big fish August 12th, and it held on through the end of the Valdez Silver Salmon Derby September 6th.

2,059 motor vehicle thefts in Alaska were reported in 2025. This represents 14.6% of all property crime, and 10.5% of all crime reported in Alaska.

The weekend trip closed with a drive home through the Alaska Range, and the steep scenery around Isabel Pass looked as glorious as it usually does — except for one little flaw. Here and there, like pale flames along the creek banks, willows gleamed golden in the evening light.