Jack Barnwell

Fairbanks

Reporter at Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reporter and Alaska Interior newcomer, fresh from Kodiak. Unapologetically Californian.

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Articles

With council approval, Fairbanks rolls out downtown storefront program

2 days ago | newsminer.com | Jack Barnwell

Storefront owners in downtown Fairbanks will be able to apply for a city-sponsored initiative after the Fairbanks City Council unanimously approved a $250,000 pilot program funded by the city’s bed tax revenue.
North Pole Patriots march on to the future

2 days ago | newsminer.com | Jack Barnwell

Tuesday night marked a significant moment for North Pole High School’s senior class as 138 graduating Patriots turned their tassels and set their sights on future endeavors. The North Pole High School Band, conducted by music teacher Kieran Kauffman, performed “Pomp and Circumstance” for the entering procession.
Citizens academy program celebrates third year

2 days ago | newsminer.com | Jack Barnwell

The city of Fairbanks successfully celebrated the completion of its third Citizens’ Engagement Academy on Monday after a 12-week session. The city launched the program to show citizens how the city runs and the impacts it has on the city, learn about city services, explore the city budget and how and where taxpayer dollars are spent. It was initially limited to city residents, but was later expanded to include residents in the borough who worked or owned property within city limits.
Dunleavy issues hiring, travel freeze, citing oil revenue drop

3 days ago | kodiakdailymirror.com | Jack Barnwell

Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued a hiring freeze and employee travel freeze on Friday for most sectors of state government, citing “declining oil revenue and tightening fiscal conditions.”According to Dunleavy’s administrative order, all non-essential out-of-state travel, hiring and development of new regulations will be off the table.
Assembly votes to allocate $325K to city emergency services patrol

3 days ago | newsminer.com | Jack Barnwell

The City of Fairbanks may receive $325,000 for its Emergency Services Patrol after the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly approved a budget amendment last week. Assemblymember Scott Crass proposed the amendment on Thursday after he motioned to reduce the $2.4 million bed tax grant earmarked for Explore Fairbanks by $500,000. He followed with another motion — originally sponsored by Assemblymember Mindy O’Neall — to allocate $325,000 of that $500,000 to the Emergency Services Patrol.
Dunleavy issues hiring, travel freeze, citing oil revenue drop

3 days ago | newsminer.com | Jack Barnwell

Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued a hiring freeze and employee travel freeze on Friday for most sectors of state government, citing “declining oil revenue and tightening fiscal conditions.”According to Dunleavy’s administrative order, all non-essential out-of-state travel, hiring and development of new regulations will be off the table.
Game on: Fairbanks City Council dominates Assembly in bowling game

4 days ago | newsminer.com | Jack Barnwell

For years, a lack of communication, frustration, and overlapping responsibilities have created tension between the Fairbanks City Council and the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly. On Saturday, the gloves came off — and the bowling shoes went on — as the entire City Council faced off against six Assembly members in open competition with three games of bowling at Arctic Bowl.
North Pole farmers market coming in June

4 days ago | newsminer.com | Jack Barnwell

Santa Claus’s workshop won’t get the summer off — the North Pole Community Chamber of Commerce has other plans with a weekly Friday night farmers market launching June 6. The event, called Santa’s Friday Night Market, will feature North Pole-area farmers, artists, and small businesses.
Mary Siah pool saved for another year as Borough Assembly approves budget

5 days ago | newsminer.com | Jack Barnwell

A string of applause rang out Thursday night after the Mary Siah Recreation Center was given another lifeline. The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly voted unanimously to keep the community pool open for at least another year. The decision was one of many made during a marathon six-hour meeting to finalize the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget. Dozens of amendments and tense debates over fiscal concerns dominated the evening. Parks and recreation emerged as a major topic.
Assembly gives Fairbanks school district additional $2.7 million

5 days ago | newsminer.com | Jack Barnwell

The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District will receive an additional $2.78 million in local funding after the Borough Assembly approved its budget Thursday night. The Assembly voted 6-3 in favor of the increased funding. Borough Mayor Grier Hopkins originally proposed setting the borough’s required local contribution for education at $60 million — about $2 million more than in 2024. His overall budget plan called for a $9.5 million draw from borough savings.