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.
Turnagain News qualifies for NewsMatch Grant
On July 9, 2024 Turnagain News learned its application to participate in the 2024 NewsMatch program had been approved.
The concept is simple. Individual donations made to nonprofit newsrooms like TN this November will be matched one for one up to a maximum of $1,000.
The match is funded by a coalition of national funders. Turnagain News Publisher Jon Scudder said approval of TN’s application was “good news”.
“We are raising funds to support independent news reporting throughout Turnagain Arm,” said Scudder. “It’s important there is a news source for public interest, not private profit.”
In 2023 TN qualified for nearly $5,000 in matching funds. This support has been critical in enabling TN to build the initial capacity to deliver information and develop a non-profit newsroom.
The TN Board will announce the 2024 NewsMatch goal by Sept. 1. Mark your calendars and plan to participate beginning Nov.1!
Girdwood Parks and Recreation offers grants for non-profit organizations
By Margaret Tyler
Girdwood Parks and Recreation
Applications will be available August 1 – September 13, 2024 for non-profit and those formally sponsored by qualifying non-profit organizations seeking grant funding for recreation related projects to be offered in 2025. Qualifying non-profit organizations must operate within the Girdwood Valley Service Area (GVSA).
Information & applications will be available at the Girdwood Post Office, Gerrish Library, Girdwood Parks and Rec Office bulletin boards and on-line at www.muni.org/gbos.
The deadline for submission is Friday, September 13, 2024 by 3pm. Late applications will not be accepted. Funding is contingent on municipal approval of the GBOS 2025 Operating Budget.
Questions? Contact Margaret Tyler, 907-343-8373, tylerms@muni.org.
Summer intern Hannah Dillon joins TNews staff
By Brooks Chandler
TNews Contributor
On June 15 Ms. Hannah Dillon joined Turnagain News as an associate editor. Over lunch at Base Camp Dillon told TNews she is a sophomore at UAA. Originally from Waynesboro, Ga., Dillon lived in Lee, Maine (in a tent) and Lincoln, Maine (in a dry cabin) before choosing to move to Alaska at her father’s invitation. Her dad teaches at Huffman Elementary.
When asked what drew her to journalism, Dillon, 25, said, “I needed a job to pay for school.” That job was working for as a general assignment editor for The Northern Lights, the student newspaper at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Dillon said she so enjoyed writing for The Northern Lights she decided to pursue a career in journalism.
In April, TNews' Editor Soren Wuerth contacted The Northern Light to solicit interest among reporters in a summer internship. Dillon quickly responded and visited Girdwood for a tour and to inspect lodging offered by a TNews board member. Her internship was later approved by UAA's Journalism Chair Paola Banchero.
Through TNews' collaboration with the University of Alaska Anchorage’s school of journalism she can earn 3 credits by working with TN during summer break.
Dillon is staying in Girdwood during the week and catching up with her fiancée in Anchorage on weekends. She said she looks forward to learning the latest and greatest about Girdwood. If you have any news to share with Hannah contact her at info@turnagainnews.com.
Girdie the Crow hops and squawks at the Gerrish Library
By Hannah Dillon
TNews Associate Editor
An Anchorage rehabilitation program, Bird Treatment and Learning Center – also known as Bird TLC – held an hour-long session to educate locals on crows at the Gerrish Library in Girdwood on June 26.
Bird TLC Rehabilitation and Education Specialist Maggie McConkey and Education Program Coordinator Mary Mercier brought an injured crow named Girdie to the library to teach the audience about crows and answer any questions.
Girdie got her name as she was found injured on a road in Girdwood. This piqued the interest of Bird TLC after she was brought to their clinic as crows are not normally seen in interior parts of Alaska. McConkey said crows are mostly coastal birds – which meant Girdie could have come from Whittier and was injured before making it back home.
The library was quickly filled with a small audience of interested children and adults who wanted to know more about Girdie.
Read the entire story at:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/girdie-the-crow-hops-and-squaks-at-the-gerrish-library
Girdwood Giants celebrate sucessful season with winning record and playoff victory
By Coach Kyle Kelley
TNews Contributor
The Girdwood Giants Little League Majors Baseball team wrapped up their season in thrilling fashion, securing a winning record and notching an impressive playoff victory. This marked one of their best seasons in recent years. Girdwood is part of the Abbott-O-Rabbit little league and plays teams from around Anchorage.
Under the guidance of Head Coaches Chris Stinson and Kyle Kelley, the Giants showcased exceptional skill and determination throughout the season. With a final record of 8-5, the team demonstrated significant growth and teamwork, surpassing expectations and setting a new standard for future Girdwood Little League teams.
Read the entire story here: