Forbes selected Alaska’s largest community bank, First National Bank Alaska, as one of the top 10 banks in the country for their annual list of America’s Best Banks. First National ranked 6th in the nation and was the only bank in Alaska to make the list.

This year’s Frozen RiverFest is quickly approaching! It features brews from across the state, live music, crackling bonfires, delicious food trucks, and a fireworks show that illuminates the frozen banks of the Kenai River.

Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) announced his final slate of subcommittee assignments for the 119th Congress. He will serve on 3 key House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittees. These assignments include oversight and policymaking duties for Alaskan and Arctic research, technological policy, and programs.

The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is releasing its planned highway and aviation construction projects for the 2025 season. Early projections indicate the 2025 construction season will see an estimated $900 million in construction awards, an increase from previous years. 

The City of Soldotna is accepting applications for the Storefront Improvement Program, which offers up to $7,500 to local businesses for projects that rehabilitate Soldotna storefronts and help promote a thriving local economy and attractive streetscape.

A Homer resident, 46-year-old Marco Ramirez, was convicted by a Kenai jury for Burglary in the First Degree and 7 counts of Theft in the Second Degree for a crime in 2022.

The Alaska Department of Law launched a new Tribal Relations Webpage to enhance communication, collaboration, and coordination between the Department and Alaska Native communities, tribes, and corporations. The webpage is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen communication with Alaska Native communities.

The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) recently awarded $306,292 to 33 rural fire departments to improve firefighting capabilities and enhance protection in the wildland-urban interface. These funds will help fire departments around the state be better equipped to help suppress both structure and wildland fires.

This year’s Homer Winter Carnival Celebration, with the theme “Sunshine and Snowflakes,” will be held on Saturday, February 8. Enjoy various floats from local businesses, civic and non-profit organizations, associations, and individuals of all ages.

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Emma Pokon has been selected by President Donald J. Trump to be the new Region 10 Administrator at the United States Environmental Protection Agency.