By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | January 2026
Winter in Alaska puts everything on ice: How we drive, where we ride, and how we stay connected when conditions get sharp. From reckless drivers to avalanche warnings, lifeline roads and community voices, ending with a chance to skate with the Seawolves. These stories show how Alaskans navigate life when the freeze is real.
🚨 Did You See This Truck on the Glenn Highway?
Anchorage police need your eyes and videos. On Jan. 28 at 6:23 a.m., a Ford flatbed truck with dual rear wheels was reported driving recklessly near Mirror Lake. The driver, Bubba Thoms, 34, was cited and released, but APD believes there may be other witnesses out there.
If you saw this truck or caught it on dashcam, contact Ofc. Samuel Linder: Samuel.Linder@anchorageak.gov. To stay anonymous, tip Crime Stoppers: www.AnchorageCrimeStoppers.com.
Photo tidbit: APD released images of the truck involved. Keep an eye out.
❄ Winter Wonderland, But Ride Smart! 🚨
The white stuff is here, but Hatcher Pass is NOT a freestyle playground. Snowmachine rules are in full effect: Fishhook Trail corridor ONLY, Summit Road ONLY.
Alaska State Parks gives a shoutout to DOT crews braving ice, snow, and overflow, and to volunteers from Mat-Su Ski Club and Hatcher Pass Snow Riders keeping trails smooth and tracks perfect. Winter magic does not happen by accident.
⚠️ Avalanche hazard area. Enough snow to ride is enough snow to slide. Beacon checkers available at Gold Mint, Fishhook, and Independence Bowl.
🚧 Road conditions: http://511.alaska.gov
🎥 Trail cams: https://www.matsuski.org/mssc-trail-cams
Ride smart. Stay on trail. Stay alive.
🦊 Watch Out for Foxes in North Slope Towns
The North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management urges residents to stay alert for foxes near town. While foxes are a normal part of the ecosystem, some may show signs of rabies, including stumbling, unusual aggression, or biting objects.
If you see a fox acting abnormally, call the NSB Veterinary Clinic at 907-852-0277. Pet owners are reminded to vaccinate animals for rabies every year. Rabies shots are free at the clinic.
🚜 Lifeline on Ice: Grader Boosts Kuskokwim Winter Travel ❄
A 2005 Cat 140H grader with plow and wing is now dedicated to extending the Kuskokwim Ice Road to Tuntutuliak, marking the first time the community will have a well-maintained winter route.
Following Typhoon Halong, dependable ice roads are more than convenience. They are a lifeline for winter travel, emergency response, and regional mobility across Western Alaska.
DOT&PF credits the Alaska Statewide Equipment Fleet and the State Operations Center for making the transfer possible.
📍 Learn more and track conditions: https://dot.alaska.gov/atlas/ice-roads/
📣 Juneau Schools Want Your Voice 🧑🏫
The Juneau Board of Education is searching for the next superintendent of the Juneau School District and wants public input. Parents, educators, students, and residents are invited to share what matters most in the district’s next leader.
🗓 Deadline: Friday, Feb. 13
📝 Take the survey: bit.ly/4rjzcL4
This decision shapes classrooms, staff, and students across Juneau.
⛸ Skate With the Seawolves
Skate with the UAA Seawolves hockey team at one of Anchorage’s best outdoor rinks. Live DJ, free hot chocolate and coffee, food for purchase, autographs, and photos. Hosted by the Seawolf 5th Line Booster Club.
📍 Westchester Lagoon, 1824 W 15th Ave, Anchorage
🗓 Jan. 31, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
💲 Free
