News - Copper River Record

Mile 113 of the Richardson Highway, otherwise known as “Simpson Hill,” is set to be realigned by the Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT). The highway … more

Allison Sayer | 8/16/25

ChemTrack Alaska contractors remove hazardous waste from the old BIA School site in Copper Center.

End of an Era: Old BIA School in Copper Center Set for Demolition

After standing vacant for more than four decades, the long-abandoned pink Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) school in Copper Center is finally being demolished—a bittersweet milestone for many in the … more

Lakota McRoberts | 8/15/25

Part of the group that participated in 'Book Camp' 2025 at the Kenny Lake Public Library.

Celebrating 20 years of Book Camp at the Kenny Lake Public Library

Another Kenny Lake Book Camp has come and gone, gathering around books, fun games and activities centered around literacy. For five days, July 14th-18, the library was transformed into ‘Book … more

Judith Lorenz - Kenny Lake Book Camp Coordinator | 8/15/25

Ahtna Language and History Classes to Come

An Ahtna language class for kindergarteners is planned for January 2026 at Glennallen Elementary School. Additionally, district high schools are proposed to have a strong Ahtna history component … more

Allison Sayer | 8/15/25

$Photo credit Jon Cox\DOF Nelchina Glacier fire.$

Three Active Fires in Copper Basin

The Alaska Division of Forestry (DOF) reported three active fires in the Valdez/ Copper River area this week. All of the following information is from the DOF … more

Allison Sayer | 7/25/25

Remembering the Fallen: Memorial Day Service Continues Rain or Shine

Lakota McRoberts - CRR StaffThis past Memorial Day, under a steady morning rain, local Veterans, members of the American Legion, the VFW, Auxiliary groups, and dedicated community … more

Lakota McRoberts | 7/25/25

Photo courtesy Glenn/Rich Fire and Rescue Captain Jerry Lesemann poses in dunk tank during community fundraiser for Glennrich Fire and Rescue.

Fundraiser Helps Support Glennrich Fire and Rescue

Anna Somers - CRR StaffOn Saturday, May 31, residents came together at the Tazlina Fire Barn for the very first community fundraiser to support the Glennrich Fire and Rescue Volunteer … more

Anna Somers | 7/25/25

Chamber MembersWelcome Spring

On April 24, the Greater Copper Valley Chamber of Commerce held a spring community potluck supper and dessert auction hosted at the Copper Valley Air Hangar at … more

Allison Sayer | 5/15/25

Cindy Beshaw holds a sign at the April 5 Hands Off rally in Glennallen.

Copper Basin Residents Join Nationwide Protest Movement

As part of the Hands Off! National Day of Action April 5, residents of the Copper Basin joined voices with demonstrators in well over 1,000 rallies across the 50 states. Demonstrators turned out to protest what organizers call “unprecedented executive overreach.” … more

By Lakota McRoberts with additional reporting by Allison Sayer | 4/21/25

CAC executive director Gina Hoke places a blue pinwheel along the Glenn Highway in honor of child abuse prevention month.

Dozens Join March to End Child Abuse

By Anna SomersOn Friday, April 4, dozens of children, teens, and adults participated in Glennallen’s Go Blue rally. This annual event is organized by the Copper River Basin Child Advocacy Center … more

Allison Sayer | 4/21/25

Demonstrators marching between the Glennallen Courthouse and the IGA.

Glennallen Rally Against Federal Cuts

Note: This article has been edited to change a typo that stated: “Another five remained by the courthouse with a sign inviting passers-by to engage with them on the subject of federal workers, … more

Allison Sayer | 3/23/25

Drone footage of a large avalanche on Three Pigs Mountain, near Stuart Creek on the Richardson Highway, that occurred in February of 2025.

Avalanche Mitigation Enters the Future

Most of us are familiar with the role of artillery in avalanche risk mitigation. Artillery is fired into avalanche start zones when the runout area is closed to the public, … more

Allison Sayer | 3/23/25

Significant Changes to High-School Treks Coming this Fall

By Anna Somers- CRR StaffAt the Copper River School District’s February 4 board meeting, board members unanimously voted to approve a calendar that will massively overhaul the treks schedule for … more

Allison Sayer | 2/26/25

Preslyn Thompson (left) and Wyatt McGinnis (right) hold up a recent edition of the Panther Press.

Hot off the Press: Glennallen Students Create New School Paper

by Anna SomersIf you walk into the Glennallen Middle School or High School and glance at the desk by the main office, you might find yourself holding a brand-new copy of Glennallen’s new student … more

Allison Sayer | 2/8/25

All Youth Conference attendees and Young Professionals at the 2024 Intertribal Agricultural Council Youth Conference. Photo courtesy of Intertribal Agriculture Council, www.indianag.org .

Empowering the Next Generation

Reflections on the 2024 Intertribal Agriculture Council Youth ConferenceLakota McRobertsThe 2024 Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) Youth Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, proved to be a … more

Lakota McRoberts | 1/31/25

Library board member Gay Wellman greets community members at the open house on Dec 14.

Beyond Books: The Vital Role of the Kenny Lake Public Library

Anna SomersIn an era dominated by e-readers, smartphones, and audiobook streaming, you might wonder if public libraries are becoming obsolete. The Kenny Lake Public Library is proof that even in … more

Allison Sayer | 1/10/25

Board Approves $800K Boiler Overhaul, Avoids KLS Shutdown

Allison SayerIn a second emergency meeting December 20, the Copper River School District (CRSD) Board approved the expenditure of up to $800,000 from savings to replace the Kenny Lake School (KLS) … more

Allison Sayer | 1/10/25

Gina Hoke and Terry Keizer lead carols by the tree at the Christmas tree lighting sponsored by the Child Advocacy Center.

Annual Tree Lighting Supports Child Advocacy

On December 5, local families and residents met at the American Legion Hall in Glennallen for the 15th annual tree lighting party and ceremony sponsored by the Copper River Basin Child Advocacy … more

Anna Somers | 12/20/24

Searching for Devin Standifer

Devin Standifer, who has roots in the Copper Basin but currently lives in Fairbanks, has been missing for nearly two weeks. He was last seen in the Fairbanks area.Standifer’s aunt Flora Hicks, who … more

Allison Sayer | 12/20/24

CRSD School Board Discusses Kenny Lake Boiler Emergency at December Meetings

UPDATE: Since the publication of this article, CRR learned that the three votes in favor of replacing the Kenny Lake boilers at the December 13 emergency meeting were not sufficient. Four board … more

Sabrina Simon | 12/20/24