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We’ve been experiencing quite the cold spell here in the Susitna Valley recently! The nighttime temperatures have plummeted to nearly 30 degrees below zero, which is somewhat atypical for this time of year, although not entirely unforeseeable. One notable effect of this chill on our homestead is the arrival of a vast flock of redpolls at our sunflower seed feeder. This means filling it daily instead of the usual once or twice a week.
But that’s perfectly fine. These little birds need the nourishment, and extending a helping hand is always a good idea; you never know when having a band of seed-loving birds in your debt could prove beneficial.
Meanwhile, this week is all about dogs! The winners of the Iron Dog race have been declared!
This grueling competition involves hardy individuals piloting robust machines across challenging terrains, without the luxury of a cozy hotel room to retreat to at day’s end. It’s an event that’s distinctly Alaskan in every sense.
Alaska Man Score: 5 snow machines eagerly awaiting an oil change.
The win secured the veteran duo a place in Iron Dog history as they became the winningest pairing in the event’s 41-year history. With the victory, they surpassed the three consecutive wins by John Faeo and Dan Zipay from 1986 to 1988, as well as the three straight titles earned by Scott Davis and Mark Carr from 1997 to 1999.
Aklestad and Olstad’s carbon fiber clad Ski-Doos navigated the Iron Dog’s 2,318 mile course with an unofficial time of 51:25:26, good for an average course speed of 45.08 mph.
“This one is going to have a lot of stories that go with it, but it feels good to be here and feels good to be here first,” Aklestad said moments after crossing the finish line.
This year’s course set off from Big Lake and made stops in Kotzebue and Nome before heading east to Fairbanks for the finish. There were 23 official village checkpoints along with numerous unofficial village stops, like Golovin near Western Alaska’s Norton Sound.
These are tough people driving tough machines through a tough environment, with no warm, comfy hotel room at the end of the day. It’s a uniquely Alaskan event, even so.
Alaska Man score: 5 snow machines in need of an oil change.
Speaking of dogs: Good boy! Good boy!
A 31-year-old man who police say brandished a knife while attempting to walk away from a midtown gas station with stolen merchandise was arrested and charged with theft, among other charges.
The Anchorage Police Department said Daquan Ziegler was caught by a K9 officer named Rylin late Wednesday night after Ziegler ran from the Circle K gas station and convenience store on the corner of C Street and West 36th Avenue.
Police said Ziegler was initially seen by witnesses putting merchandise in his pockets and backpack around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday.
When a store employee confronted him at the front entrance, Ziegler — who police say was armed with a fixed-blade knife — reportedly shoved the employee and ran. Both Ziegler and the employee suffered minor injuries from the altercation.
Police caught up to Ziegler about a block away at 36th Avenue and Eureka Street, where officers say he ignored commands to stop.
At that point, police say Rylin was deployed to apprehend Ziegler, who suffered minor injuries from the dog.
Police dogs are often unsung heroes. We all know, even if we don’t care to think about it too much, that the dog is meant to take a bullet or knife that may have otherwise hit the officer. But these dogs are hard-working and brave, just like their handlers. We’re happy that Rylin came out of this unscathed; as for the goblin, if he got chawed on a little, well, no problem. He had it coming.
Alaska Man score: 5 big juicy beef bones for Rylin.
Now then: This week, in my weekly Alaska Man Monday video segment, we talk about grouse. Also, check out all my Alaska Man shorts!
Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.