Tiny Green Bugs Hop Into Town
Leafhoppers Suddenly Everywhere
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
They flecked car windshields, flitted clumsily into doorways, flung themselves into hair and sucking sap from anything from willow to cottonwood.
Leafhoppers descended into Girdwood valley like a green snowfall during the past week. There were especially numerous in the Crow Creek's upper valley, a "plague" not seen in years, or ever.
Their larvae coated roads like grains spread by sand trucks. The little creatures speckled windows and screens. They were everywhere all at once.
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/tiny-green-bugs-hop-into-town
FVCS led the state with Alaska’s first and only snow classic
By Chase Berenson
TNews Staffwriter
One of Girdwood’s beloved winter traditions is the Mount Alyeska Snow Classic, hosted by Four Valleys Community School (FVCS). Almost everyone in Girdwood knows that the premise of a snow classic is to purchase a ticket, guess how much snow will have fallen by a certain date, and then win half the pot of money if the guess is right. But outside of Girdwood, snow classics are unknown to many Alaskans. When Alaska legalized snow classic betting in 2012, they only legalized one snow classic in the entire state. Alaska Statute (AS) 05.15.690(47) reads: “‘snow classic’ means a game of chance in which a prize of money is awarded to the closest guess of the total snow accumulation on the ground at a specific location on Mount Alyeska on a specific date and time and is limited to the Alyeska Snow Classic operated and administered by Four Valleys Community School, Inc.”
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/fvcs-led-the-state-with-alaskas-first-and-only-snow-classic
Walk and Talk Series Ends with Lichens
By Andrew Gates
TNews Contributor
In late July, Four Valleys’ “Walk and Talk” series held its final session—a lichen nature walk, headed by Howard Earl. It started at the Winner Creek Trailhead at Alyeska around eight, and there were around 20 people there.
You could immediately tell Howard was incredibly passionate about the topic, at the very start explaining how lichens were a hybrid of fungi and algae growing in a symbiotic relationship. People started walking, but a few minutes in, he stopped the group to give a lecture on the different types of lichen, giving “Fairy Barf” as an example of crustose lichen, a variety found growing on rocks, flush to the surface.
The group then stopped on a boardwalk where he took time to explain lichen age.
“There are lichens that are 50, even 100 years old,” he said, before pointing out a rock with a lichen that had been there since the 1970s, to nearly everyone’s fascination.
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/walk-and-talk-series-ends-with-lichens
New Childcare Center Opens Doors to Community
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
The crowd that formed to toast, with cups of sparkling cider, Saturday's grand opening of Girdwood’s new early learning center had something more in common than many likely knew.
"If you've gone to Little Bears [Playhouse], have a child who's gone or have a grandchild who's gone please raise your hand," the center's director asked the crowd.
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/new-childcare-center-opens-doors-to-community
Portage Visitor Center Closes During Mid-July Rainstorm That Raised Landslide Threat
Public Notification of Risk Limited
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
For a pair of Swiss travelers standing on a beach opposite Portage Glacier the German word for "landslide" sounds like something harsher: "erdrutsch".
Informed about the threat of "erdrutsch" and tsunami, a menace now widely reported, the couple took a last look at the glacier across the lake and quickly began their hike out.
On a Monday in late July there were dozens of hikers on an out-and-back, two-mile trail that crosses an 800-foot pass to Portage Lake. It was just over a week after a torrential rainstorm raised concerns about a looming landslide abutting the glacier.
Read the entire story and more pictures at the link below:
‘Photonz’ Bring It Home
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
Girdwood's Cosmic Party (formerly known as The Photonz) returned to Southcentral Alaska after three years playing gigs in Eagle River, Anchorage, Hope and Girdwood. The group even played on a boat in Prince William Sound.
The band played original songs—jams and "psychedelic funk"— to an enthusiastic crowd Monday at the Raw Market in Girdwood.
Although the band began in Glacier City nearly 30 years ago, its music is still familiar to locals.
On Monday night a crowd of teens gathered near the front of the stage, some of whom are children of band members, and sang aloud to Cosmic sounds.
When a call came out for a show of hands from those who travelled from out-of-state to see the band, dozens of arms went up.
The six-member band includes singer/guitarist/drummer Ben Robinson, Peter Townsend (mandolin and electric guitar), Tony Restivo (bass), Steve Norwood (guitar, drums), Romero Begay (electric guitar) and Benjamin Trocki (percussion).
Tiny Alaska Port Town designs Transportation Plan to handle huge crowds
By Yereth Rosen
The western Prince William Sound town of Whittier is small, with only about 250 residents packed into a narrow slice of land between the mountains and the sea. But it accommodates a huge number of travelers who move in and out by cruise ship, ferry, railroad, car, bus and truck.
In recent years, according to city officials, Whittier has gotten about 700,000 visitors annually: tourists, recreational users, seafood workers, cargo shippers and others. That number is expected to increase substantially in the coming years.
Read the entire story at the link below:
Get Ready for a Cosmic Party
Iconic Girdwood Band Returns for Summer Shows
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
I had to look no further for old friends from the Photon community than the car right in front of me on the way to the venue.
They passed the brewery. I passed the brewery. They turned. I turned.
An hour later we were all sweating with other long-lost friends on the dance floor to a "Space Tornado" of a song.
The Cosmic Party (formerly known as The Photonz) are back for local gigs with jam music of such mystical effect, it moves one, almost helplessly, to boogie.
Returning after three years, the iconic Girdwood band is playing four shows of original music that lead singer and songwriter Ben Robinson describes as "psychedelic funk" (writer Jay Stange labelled the sound, in 1998, as "jangly folk rock").
It was the Creekbend concert venue in Hope that called them back this time.
"Steve Thomas reached out to us and gave us a solid guarantee so we could make this happen," Robinson said in an email. "He believed in us and he believed in the crowd that loves and supports us."
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/get-ready-for-a-cosmic-party
What is a 'Corn Dolly'? An Irish Tradition Hangs as Tan Ornaments at the Fair
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
Across decades and hundreds of vendors, the Forest Fair has had its share of knitted, cross-stitch, embroidered, and crocheted patterns and fabrics.
Weaving with wheat may be a first of its kind at the fair, but it certainly isn't a new craft.
Read the entire story at the link below:
Local Trails Get Love by the Buckets
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
A group of 30 teenagers and three adults added 20 tons of gravel to sections of the Iditarod Trail this week—all by the bucketful.
Passing orange buckets in a 600-foot bucket brigade, the city-run "Youth Employment in Parks" team had completed by Thursday much of the middle portion of the Iditarod trail that runs adjacent to Crow Creek Road.
The group added 100-feet of turnpike—gravel beds enclosed by logs—over four days, according to Kyle Kelley, Girdwood's service area manager.
See more photos at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/local-trails-get-love-by-the-buckets
Commentary: Dirt Bikes Aggravate Timberline Neighborhood
By: John Gallup
Girdwood Resident
I’d like to address a neighborhood problem that is getting worse, at least here on Timberline.
We are seeing and unfortunately hearing an increasing number of unlicensed dirt bikes traveling up and down the street. Recently a smaller kid went by with no helmet, and that kind of pushed the issue over the edge for me.
The problem is worse on the weekends, but happens throughout the week as well, especially now that school is out.
I’m conflicted on this issue because growing up in suburban LA we did this kind of thing all the time in our neighborhood, and managed to survive the encounters with curbs, cars, and each other.
Part of the problem is that there isn’t anywhere in Girdwood for off-road motorized recreation, so the roads are the only venue that’s left.
I’ve contacted WPD on this issue and they have suggested that I contact the individuals myself, but at this point I really feel that it is a public safety issue.
Another complication is the arrival of very fast electric bikes, which are quiet but equally unsafe the way some riders use them. Without enforcement the 20 mph speed limit is a joke.
I’d be happy to discuss the establishment of some kind of off-road site in Girdwood for these kids, maybe at the industrial park, but the traffic on Timberline is crazy enough already without adding dirt bikes to the mix.
For Local Graduates Longtime Friendships Continue
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
Levi Williamson and Teagan Kuber grew up together in Girdwood. For nine years, they attended the same small local school and graduated with only 14 others.
They both went to high school in Anchorage, Kuber to South and Williamson to West.
Four years later, they would find out, in October, that they would not only be going to the same school on the other side of the planet, but they would be dorming a couple walls away from each other.
More phot coverage to come later. Read the entire story at the link below..
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/for-local-graduates-longtime-friendships-continuenbsp
Alaska to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month under new law
By Corinne Smith
Alaska will recognize Hispanic Heritage Month under a new law signed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy.
The month recognizing Hispanic heritage will be September 15 to October 15 each year. The legislation encourages schools, community groups and other public and private organizations to honor the history and culture of Hispanic Americans.
Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson, D-Anchorage, is the bill’s sponsor, and said in a statement that the month is a time to honor and celebrate “the rich cultural tapestry that Hispanic and Latino Americans have woven into the fabric of our nation.”
There was no bill signing ceremony. A spokesperson for Dunleavy’s office said the governor signed the bill to acknowledge those contributions. “He believes it is important to recognize the rich traditions, history, and achievements of Hispanic Americans,” said Jeff Turner, Dunleavy’s communications director, by email Tuesday.
The period also marks the anniversary of the independence of several Central American countries from Spain, including Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Mexico.
“While Alaska may seem distant from the heart of Latin America, the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Alaskans to our state’s history, culture, and economy are undeniable. From pioneers and settlers to artists, educators, and business leaders, Hispanic and Latino individuals have made significant impacts in every corner of our state,” Gray-Jackson wrote.
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://alaskabeacon.com/briefs/alaska-to-recognize-hispanic-heritage-month-under-new-law/
Holtan Hills Commentary: The Fight Is Still Not Over
By Julien-Didier Stiassny
Commentary Contributor
Four and a half years ago Holtan Hills was proposed as an idea. Almost 100% of Girdwood locals opposed the idea.
There was a phase of meetings and arguing over it. "Halt Holtan Hills" signs appeared and the town came together to stop the project.
In January of 2023 the Anchorage Assembly decided not to go on with Holtan Hills. For Girdwood it was amazing that our forest was not going to be destroyed.
But in January of 2024 all of a sudden Holtan Hills was happening because the developers had snuck the idea back in without Girdwood knowing. It had been denied, but a small group of people who knew they would make money from it decided that they wanted it to happen.
Another phase of meetings happened. I went to one of the meetings and can say that I was not happy with it. Connie Yoshimura, the developer, deflected challenging questions so that we didn’t get an answer about what is going to happen with the project. It just shows what people will do to get a second home or another car.
Progressing with Holtan Hills will release around 12,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, according to my calculations. Although this is very small compared to large emissions from fossil fuels, all developments in the past five years make up around 35 percent of global emissions. That has warmed the earth by 0.063F or 0.035C.
Read the entire commentary at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/holtan-hills-commentary-the-fight-is-still-not-over
The Ice Cream Shop Celebrates 25 Years
By Jasper Fleming
TNews Contributor
This week's “scoop” of Girdwood was the local Ice Cream Shop's 25th Anniversary. There was a celebration on the weekend of April 18th-19th. The community gathered at the shop in old Girdwood for a free raffle, live music and, don’t forget, ice cream!
We came out to interview owner and longtime Girdwoodian, Carol Makar on her local shop.
“How did the idea of opening an ice cream shop materialize?”
“I used to work at a Dairy Queen, ” Carol said. Back when she was younger, Carol had a job working at a Dairy Queen. She would make different kinds of ice cream concoctions for the people that would come by. “Then I went into education and kept that in the back of my mind,” she says.
After she retired, Carol built a home with her husband but there were two things in life he didn't like: cottonwood trees and dogs. One day the spot where the ice cream shop is today became available and Carol noticed it was up for rent. After a day of running with a neighbor's dog, she came home to her husband and said, “You know Bud (her husband), I’m going to give you an ultimatum. Either we start an ice cream shop, or I get a dog.
”A couple days later her husband went to the place open for rent and not a week later Carol was signing a lease agreement.
“What efforts were put forth to make the ice cream shop part of the community?”
“We have partnered with Little Bears, Challenge Alaska, FVCS, Girdwood School, Alyeska Ski Club, Forest Fair, and probably a bunch more that I have forgotten” Carol says. “We hire as many local people as possible.
Read the entire story below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/ice-cream-shop-celebrates-25-years
Forum Gives Girdwood Residents Insight into Candidate Positions
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
Candidates for local and Municipal office had a chance to share their views Saturday night in a forum hosted by Turnagain News.
The forum, held in Girdwood's Community Center, gave an audience of around 50 insight into candidates' views on key local issues.
It was attended by three candidates for an Anchorage Assembly seat representing South Anchorage and Turnagain Arm as well as three candidates vying for two seats on Girdwood's Board of Supervisors.
One of the two open positions on GBOS, Seat E, pits the sons of two prominent Girdwood families: Nick Crews and Brice Wilbanks. There is only one candidate running for Seat D, Amanda Tuttle.
Read the entire story at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/0rokiizb9y4x2g2f0glmsdkqfyiyk1
You can listen to a recording of the Candidate Forum at the below link:
Commentary: Safety In The Backcountry Yields Lessons For Current State of Affairs
By Brian Kramp
Commentary Contributor
“S**t is f****d,” Zach said while we were skinning up the cat road in search of some soft snow.
There was no question in my mind what he was referring to (the state of our politics).
Staring down at my ski tips, a realization struck me. I’d been making an implicit assumption that someone, at some point, would step in and save the day. Surely our institutions would self-correct. Our country is strong and stable.
Right?
Now I know better. No one is coming to save our democracy.
In the backcountry, we check the forecast before heading out. We constantly look for new information, communicate objectives with our partners, and turn around when conditions aren’t right. It requires humility and a willingness to adjust course.
Dysfunctional momentum is a real danger. And just like in the backcountry, we need to be ready to rescue ourselves.
My period of grief and apathy has run its course. I’m ready to participate.
What does that look like, for me?
I’ve realized that telling my wife she’s wrong never makes me a winner. Instead, we try to share our individual experiences, make an honest effort to understand each other, and agree to move forward together.
That’s also how our country can, and should work.
If our democracy is going to survive, it will be because enough of us choose curiosity, engagement, and compromise over anger or resignation. Enough of us talk to our neighbors instead of consuming ragebait.
Read the entire commentary at the link below:
A Community Collaboration – Gratitude Tree Donation Wall Mosaic for New Little Bears Playhouse
By Allison Sayer
TNews Staffwriter
On February 19, Girdwood, Inc announced local artists Tommy O’Malley and Thalia Wilkinson will create a donor wall mosaic for the new Little Bears Playhouse lobby. The facility is scheduled to open this fall. Locals have seen Wilkinson and O’Malley’s mosaic work in Girdwood’s public spaces including on concrete culvert planters and Town Square Park.
According to a press release issued by Girdwood, Inc, “The design will feature a large tree made of stained glass with branches reaching out eight feet on either side of the trunk. Connected to the tree will be over a hundred leaves in dozens of shades of green glass. Names of donors will be etched into the trunk, branches, and leaves.”
Girdwood, Inc also shared much of the glass used in the project was donated by the late Jim Kaiser’s estate and thanked Kali Bennett for the gift. Kaiser created countlesscommunity stained-glass projects throughout Alaska, including making art with past Little Bears students. He also donated financially towards the new building before he passed away.
The artists have given a deadline of February 28 for a finalized donor list so they can go forward with crafting the tree’s components.
Read the entire story at the link below:
Seven thousand pounds of marine debris removed from Whittier Harbor
By Chase Berenson
TNews. Staffwriter
Dive Alaska coordinated with multiple organizations to plan the 2026 Whittier Harbor Cleanup Day on Saturday, February 7th. This was the fourth annual event, and it brought out SCUBA divers and freedivers to scour the seabed of the Whittier Harbor and remove trash and marine debris.
This year was the largest event yet, with 158 volunteers participating. The weather was cooperative by Whittier standards, as the temperature was in upper 30s with rain. This was an improvement over previous years, where once the temperatures dropped below zero degrees and in another year the wind was whipping so strongly that it impeded cleanup efforts. At the event’s introduction, JD Stimson of Dive Alaska summed it by saying, “The wind isn’t blistering and the temperature isn’t frigid. If you did this before, you know this is a blessing.”
During a three-hour window, SCUBA divers and freedivers took to the water of Whittier Harbor to recover whatever they could find. Divers collected marine debris from the harbor floor and brought it up the boat ramp or the harbor docks, where volunteers above the water picked it up and hauled the waste to a sorting area near the boat ramp.
Read the entire story at the link below:
Commentary: How did property assessments affect Girdwoodians?
By Brice Wilbanks
Commentary Contributor
Forty miles from City Hall, Girdwood property owners opened their 2026 assessments to find increases nearly double to those of their Anchorage neighbors. Assessed annually by the Municipality of Anchorage, the green-colored postcard describes what the Municipality assesses property owners’ land and building value to determine the basis of their annual tax bill.
This year, similar to last, property owners were shocked and dismayed. The median Girdwood property owner saw an increase of 8.2%, more than double the increase for Anchorage-bowl property owners, according to data from the municipality’s property appraisal division. While slightly smaller than 2024-2025, the increases continue to compound, squeezing property owners across the valley and inflating rents
Driving this variation is a major rework of the assessment methodology utilized by the municipality’s property appraisal division. Key changes included: removing the multiplier of building construction quality, utilizing publicly available sales data, and reducing the number of “market areas” from 400 to fewer than 20. Municipal Assessor Jack Gadamus, with the assistance of outside consultants, describes these reforms as “corrective in nature.”
Market Areas are abstractly defined by the Anchorage appraisal office as:
Not “Neighborhoods” in the traditional sense, but geographic areas where Cost-to-Comparable Sales “AV Ratios” are statistically aligned
This significant methodology shift, triggered a reduction from 400+ market areas to fewer than 20, forced evaluations to compete against each other based on sales data and proximity. This led to varying evaluations between properties within geographically constrained and isolated communities.
To understand how this major rework of assessment methodology affected Girdwoodians, let’s take a closer look at the data.
Read the entire commentary at the link below:
https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/commentary-how-did-property-assessments-affect-girdwoodians