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Hi Fairbanks, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Alaska Railroad 2026 lineup, Ivory Quest 2026, vacant ‘spaceship’ school debate, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Uncertain future for aging school: Fairbanks North Star Borough spends about $11,500 a month to maintain vacant Joy Elementary as residents lean toward public or educational reuse, with a proposal expected by end of June — learn what hurdles remain.
Year-round vistas by rail: The Alaska Railroad’s 2026 lineup includes Denali Star between Anchorage and Fairbanks, Coastal Classic, Glacier Discovery, and the Hurricane Turn from Talkeetna to Hurricane Gulch — check out the full lineup.
Driving equitable heart health: Lanien Livingston of Foundation Health Partners will chair the 2026 Fairbanks Heart Walk, leading fundraising and expanded CPR training ahead of the May 16 event to boost community readiness — get all the details.
Tough choices set the stage: Fairbanks North Star Borough School District released FY27 budget draft with a $2.6 million surplus, proposing smaller classes and more teachers, including eight in elementary music, but surpluses are uncertain — see what’s proposed for schools.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Strategic changes improve readiness: Fairbanks Fire Department is now fully staffed after a 2025 budget boost added nine firefighters. Engines are running with four-person crews, letting teams handle critical tasks at least 25% faster. The hiring push leaned on lateral bonuses for experienced officers and a $10,000 annual annuity benefit. See what changed and why.
Relocation and retail revamp: Yukon Quest Alaska will move its Fairbanks headquarters out of the 1st Avenue cabin on May 1. The gift shop is transitioning to a store in the Co-Op Plaza on 3rd Avenue. The city plans to lease the cabin for a restaurant and bar to boost downtown. Get all the details.
Fresh, local, no-fuss: Blue Roof Bistro delivers midweek sanity with locally inspired comfort food, scratch-made flavors, and a bright glass solarium that makes February feel less bleak. Dinner practically runs itself while their crew handles the tasty, and you lean into the cozy.
Stock up like a pro: Alaska Restaurant Supply, open to the public, stocks commercial kitchen equipment, smallwares, disposables, and more, plus durable, get-it-done gear that makes home cooking easier. A quick browse could end those “why don’t I already have one of these?” moments.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🏀 UAF Basketball T-Shirt and Sign Decorating @ Farthest North Girl Scout Council | Friday (2/27) at 4:00 PM – Gear up for UAF hoops at Family Game Night with a DIY t-shirt and sign station, and yes, there’s pizza. Five bucks covers the tee, decorating, supplies, and slice therapy, and GS families snag free tickets to Saturday’s doubleheader.
🏹 Northwest Indoor Sectionals & National Series 2026 @ Screaming Eagle Archery of Alaska | Friday (2/27) at 6:30 PM – Fairbanks is cold, your aim is steady, so we shoot indoors. Screaming Eagle Archery hosts the Northwest Indoor Sectionals and National Series with NFAA 300 blue/white rounds. Fire one or two, only your best score sticks. Quiet, serious, oddly satisfying.
🗺 Ivory Quest 2026: Long Strange Trip @ Ivory Jacks | Saturday (2/28) at 11:30 AM – Goldstream’s classic shuffle is back, saluting Dick and Joni’s 45-year Ivory Jacks chapter, the Dead’s long strange trip, and every non-motorized way to move, dogs welcome, three legs optional. Two loops with a bar layover, costumes embraced, bragging rights until the Pink Lantern rolls in.
🐝 2026 Interior AK Beekeeping Workshop @ Alaska Fairbanks | Saturday (2/28) at 1:00 PM – Think you can convince bees to thrive in Interior Alaska without lending them your parka? A hands-on, family workshop with Dawn Cogan covers gear, wintering, honey extraction, includes a handbook, refreshments, and you might win four pounds of bees, all for $195 per family.
🥌 Tropicurl Triples Mini-Spiel & Dinner @ Fairbanks Curling Club | Saturday (2/28) at 4:00 PM – Trade your winter routine for a little ice time at Tropicurl Triples mini-spiel, where you can learn triples, meet friendly curlers, and enjoy sweeping. After, tuck into Hawaiian pulled pork, salad, and dessert, with tropical drinks at the bar. Vacation meets Fairbanks, with grippers.
🎨 Highland Highness Cow Paint Night @ Raven City Art Cafe | Saturday (2/28) at 6:30 PM – If your living room needs less beige and more majestic bovine, come paint a Royal Highness silver Highland cow at Raven City Art Cafe. Cheri from Alaska Art & Soul leads the way, stencils included, no experience required. Materials are covered, companionship encouraged.
🎭 Crimes of the Heart @ Riverfront Theatre | Saturday (2/28) at 7:30 PM – Trade your true-crime podcast for Beth Henley’s Pulitzer-winning dark comedy about three Mississippi sisters, staged by Fairbanks Drama Association and Fairbanks Children’s Theatre. Directed by Rachel Blackwell, it serves small-town scandal, big laughs, and a surprising amount of heart, thanks to sponsor Fran Westervelt.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Fairbanks report
Weather forecast
Today – High: -8°F – Low: -40°F – Precip: 1%
Sunny, with a high near -8. North wind around 0 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around -40. Wind chill values as low as -46. Northeast wind 0 to 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: -11°F – Low: -42°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near -11. East wind around 0 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around -42.
This house is wild
Cozy ranch in Hamilton Acres puts shopping, schools, and the base minutes away. This 3-bed, 1-bath home includes a 1-car garage and a large fenced lot with alley access. Updates include fresh paint, new carpet and bath flooring, triple-pane windows, hardwood floors, hickory cabinets, new appliances, and updated fixtures. An expanded asphalt driveway and new concrete walkway add convenience.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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