Kris Capps

1 week ago | newsminer.com | Kris Capps

Three local ladies purchased the unique and whimsical Birch Leaf Chapel and will hold an open house for the community there from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday. The tiny chapel, built on a pile of mining tailings in Ester, is tucked into a birch forest. It is an exquisite building built with love and immaculate attention to detail, thanks to a long list of talented artisans. Now, it is newly owned by Cathy Miles Chambers, her sister Sandy Weaver and Sandy’s daughter Lindsy Weaver.

1 week ago | newsminer.com | Kris Capps

More than 100 people from throughout the Denali Borough met at the Healy intersection on the Parks Highway Saturday to join the nationwide day of “No King” protests. The Healy protest was among thousands of similar protests nationwide, calling for protecting democracy and immigrant rights and also protesting Trump’s military parade later the same day. The signs carried by protesters hammered the same message over and over: “No Kings,” “The wrong ICE is melting;” “They’re eating the checks.

1 week ago | newsminer.com | Kris Capps

The first moose 18-year-old Jordan Green saw on her inaugural trip to Alaska was in Nenana at the new McMillan Adventure Company Wildlife Museum at 101 Front St.The moose has a name — Lightning — and a saddle — so she also got to sit on its back. The sign said “Ride the Lightning.” So she did. “It is so tall,” she exclaimed. Lightning is the premiere attraction at the new museum, which opened last month in the green warehouse adjacent to Nenana’s Historic Railroad Depot.

2 weeks ago | newsminer.com | Kris Capps

A less-experienced runner might have given up. But Fairbanksan Jane Lanford was determined to run 70 miles on the Denali Highway to celebrate her 70th birthday and to raise money for ShelterBox USA, a disaster relief charity. She ran through rain, wind, snow, hail and heavy rain. A couple friends joined her along the way, which lifted her spirits and increased her determination. This is her final birthday run, a tradition she began five years ago.

2 weeks ago | newsminer.com | Kris Capps

Registration is open for the free Jump Start Music Camp, taking place 9 a.m. to noon, July 28 through Aug. 1 at Barnette Magnet School. Space is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Register at https://shorturl.at/WvvBU. This camp is open to Fairbanks North Star Borough students who are entering sixth grade for the 2025-2026 academic year. The intent of the camp is to “jump start” student understanding of the basics of playing an instrument before joining band or orchestra.