Fairbanks: Happy Pedestrian Awareness Month! Local Chess Tournament, Tobacco Tax & More!

October 12, 2023

Dear Neighbors,

Winter is finally in full swing. The latest snow will stick and the temperatures are regularly below freezing all day long. With temperatures dropping, more and more people are turning on their heaters and wood stoves. It’s a good time to check your carbon monoxide detectors! Winter driving also means that drivers, skiers, cyclists, snowmachiners and pedestrians should be aware of the surroundings to prevent any accidents. Clean indoor air and public health are key ways to promote a healthy life and the City Council recently adopted an increase in the tobacco tax. Finally, ‘cabin fever,’ the restlessness or irritability caused by the feeling of being couped inside your home in the dark for too long should not be part of a Fairbanks vocabulary! Everything from the local Chess Club to charity and church events to comedy shows and team sports are happening in town all of the time-get out an enjoy!

Let's Prevent Driving Accidents during Pedestrian Safety Month

With the first big snow out of the way, winter is in full swing. Hazardous conditions are present throughout the city with ice buildup present on some of our most utilized roads. We must continue to be vigilant and careful of changing road conditions. Governor Mike Dunleavy recently proclaimed October 2023 as Pedestrian Safety Month.

Between 2016 and 2020, pedestrians accounted for 16% of all fatalities and 10% of all serious injuries in traffic-related incidents, with 38 percent of all pedestrians and 63 percent of all bicyclist fatalities and serious injuries occurring at intersections. According to the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Commissioner Ryan Anderson, 13 pedestrians were killed in 2022 and 11 pedestrians have been killed in collisions with vehicles in 2023. The alarming data sends the message that Alaskan motorists need to practice vigilant and responsible driving to ensure safer roads for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Stop for School Buses: Be vigilant when you see a school bus with its stop arm extended and lights flashing. Stop at a safe distance to allow children to board or disembark safely.
No Texting or Phone Use: Avoid using your mobile phone while driving, especially in school zones. Distracted driving poses a significant threat to our children’s safety.
Watch for Crosswalks: Keep a sharp eye out for pedestrian crosswalks, and always yield to pedestrians in these areas. Children may not always be as cautious as adults when crossing the street.
Follow Parking Rules: Please adhere to designated drop-off and pick-up zones, ensuring that your vehicle does not obstruct traffic flow or create hazardous situations.
Stay Patient: Remember that school traffic can be hectic, but patience goes a long way in preventing accidents. Plan your morning routine to allow extra time for potential delays.
Set a Positive Example: Your children are watching and learning from your behavior. Model safe driving habits to instill a lifelong commitment to road safety.

Tobacco Use is an Expensive Habit!

Alaska has the highest rate of increase in electronic cigarette use by young adults from 2016 to 2021 compared to the rest of the nation. The rate of e-cigarette usage by young adults in Alaska nearly tripled from 2019 to 2021 with it going from 5% to 15% per a report tracking CDC trends. E-cigarette usage in young adults and teenagers is dangerous, addicting, and something we must take seriously.

The City of Fairbanks unanimously adopted an ordinance to raise sales tax on cigarettes, tobacco products and electronic vaping devices on Monday. The ordinance raises the tax 8% to 20% on cigarettes, tobacco and vapes to try to curb the purchase, especially by teens. According to Tim Lamkin, from the Office of the Senate President, “At least nationally, historically the data has made it clear the singular number one way to reduce initiation among youth and adults has been to raise taxes.” The ordinance is set to take effect January 1^st.

Heard of the Kawasaki Gambit?

I am not much of a Chess Master, but I do know there are some pretty savvy players in town! In honor of National Chess Day, this Saturday October 14^th, the Fairbanks Chess Club and the UAF Chess Club will be hosting the first USCF rated chess tournament in 17 years! The tournament will be hosted in the Carol Brown Ballroom at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Congratulations goes to Evelyn Mills with her work to bring people together in the spirit of competition and learning.

Extra Winter Gear? No Problem

KTVF Channel 11 and KXDF Channel 13 are teaming up with Walden Madden Real Estate, the United Way of the Tanana Valley, and Northern Laundry Services for the annual collection of winter items for the 2023 Annual Coat Drive. As you are cleaning out your closets or shopping for your own winter gear, show your golden heart to those in our community that might have trouble staying warm this winter by making a clothing donation to one of our sponsored drop off locations. New or gently used items are accepted. Gently used items will be laundered by Northern Laundry Services and ready to go before distributing to the community.

Coats, hats, gloves, scarves, boots, socks, sweaters are needed for people of all sizes and ages. If it’s winter gear, it’s needed. The Coat Drive ends this Sunday, October 15

DROP OFF LOCATIONS:

Walden Madden Real Estate KW Alaska Group 728 Gaffney Rd. Suite 100
KTVF Channel 11 & KXDF Channel 13 3650 Braddock St.
United Way of the Tanana Valley 200 N. Cushman St.

Wicked Weekend Events

Still bored and prepared for torpor? This weekend (like many) is jam packed with local events! Please click on the events to get more information!

Friday, October 13:

Our People Speak Preparing for Winter with Traditional Knowledge - 12:00pm, Facebook Live

October Fall Bazaar – 6:00pm to 8:00pm @ Raven Landing Center

Boots & Brew Beer Fest – 6:00pm to 9:00pm @ Pioneer Park Centennial Center

Teen Halloween Dance – 6:30pm to 9:30pm @ Carlson Center Pioneer Room

Parks & Rec Spooky Skate – 7:00pm to 8:30pm @ Big Dipper Ice Arena

Saturday, October 14:

Fairbanks Fiber Festival - 10:00am to 4:00pm @ Pioneer Park Civic Center

Tanana Middle School Rummage Sale - 10:00am to 4:00pm @ Tanana Valley Middle School

Special Olympics Bowling Tournament - 11:00am to 4:00pm @ Arctic Bowl

Fairbanks Chess Tournament – 12:00pm to 5:30pm @ UAF Wood Center Ballroom

Interior Alaska Land Trust Fundraiser – 4:00pm to 7:00pm @ Black Spruce Brewing

HIPOW Auction – 5:00pm @Boileau Hall

Sunday, October 15:

Fairbanks Fiber Festival - 10:00am to 4:00pm @ Pioneer Park Civic Center

Special Olympics Bowling Tournament - 11:00am to 4:00pm @ Arctic Bowl

Adult Halloween Dance – 8:00pm to 10:30pm @ the Carlson Center Pioneer Room

My Staff and I are Here for You

As always, I and my staff are are still working for you. Feel free to contact my office and we will assist you with issues important to you and your family.

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,