(Fairbanks, AK) – On January 13, 2026, Martin Hietala, 42, was sentenced to 34 years for the 2018 kidnapping and assault of a woman in a Fairbanks hotel room. On July 15, 2018, Mr. Hietala restrained victim J.B. in a Fairbanks hotel room and repeatedly strangled her, twice to unconsciousness, while he interrogated her about spying […]
The University of Alaska Fairbanks will host the Fairbanks Curling Lions’ 36th annual Sparktacular celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Fireworks will be launched from UAF’s West Ridge starting at 8 p.m. The event will also be livestreamed on the UAF Facebook page and YouTube channel. Most UAF buildings, including the UA Museum of the North, will be closed […]
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A Florida man was sentenced last week to 13 years in prison for leading a conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in Fairbanks. According to court documents, Willie Lewis Wilson Jr., 41, of Madison, Florida, conspired with others to operate a drug trafficking organization in Fairbanks. Wilson was the leader of the organization […]