Jack Barnwell

1 week ago | newsminer.com | Jack Barnwell

A series of local projects scheduled for 2025 has been scaled back, while others will likely be delayed until 2026 for several reasons, including staff shortages and a delay in signing a maintenance agreement between the Fairbanks North Star Borough and the Department of Transportation. The projects are part of the Fairbanks Area Surface Transportation Planning FAST Improvement Program, totaling just under $1.98 million.

1 week ago | newsminer.com | Jack Barnwell

Fairbanks area mental health specialists spoke during a brief panel at last week’s Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority board of trustees meeting. The board of trustees held its two-day meeting for May at the Wedgewood Resort. Brenda McFarlane, the Fairbanks Crisis Now Coordinator, Alaska Behavioral Health Adult Services Director Sarah Koogle, and Dr. Kyle Dexter, Behavioral Health Aide Director for the Tanana Chiefs Conference, discussed the need for mental health services in Interior Alaska.

1 week ago | newsminer.com | Jack Barnwell

The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly meets tonight to consider a resolution for federal funding of the SS Nenana in Pioneer Park and an appropriations ordinance that would keep Joy Community Center open for a temporary time after July 1. The resolution, co-sponsored by Assemblymembers Barbara Haney, Brett Rotermund, and Tammie Wilson, would direct Borough Mayor Grier Hopkins' office to accept a $500,000 federal grant to paint the historical S.S. Nenana.

1 week ago | newsminer.com | Jack Barnwell

It’s a FOOLS delight to get buzzed for a good cause. For 20 Interior Alaska firefighters and residents, it was a combination of a solemn moment and good moments as they got shorn as part of the 21st annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser at the Carlson Center. The Farthest North FOOLS (Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society) has hosted the St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser for 21 years and has raised more than $500,000 to date.

1 week ago | newsminer.com | Jack Barnwell

Tucked away in a small conference room in Fairbanks City Hall, the Fairbanks city finance committee toils over the city’s budget and marching orders from Mayor David Pruhs to develop new sources of revenue for the city coffers. In July 2024, the finance committee presented a long-term forecast that showed the city’s expenses could outpace revenue within four years. This was due to a variety of things, including an increase in wages and salaries.