Longest Serving Congressman Passes Away

For John, BLUF:  Congressman Don Young, from Fort Yukon, Alaska, has died.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Alaska U.S. Rep. Don Young dies at age 88

From The Anchorage Daily News, by Reporter Nathaniel Herz, 18 March 2022.

Here is the lede plus two:

Don Young, the seemingly indestructible politician who was Alaska’s sole congressman for more than three-fourths of his state’s existence, died Friday.

His wife, Anne, was by his side, his office said in statement.

“It’s with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce Congressman Don Young, the Dean of the House and revered champion for Alaska, passed away today while traveling home to Alaska to be with the state and people that he loved,” the statement said.

I never met the Congressmsan, but visited his home town several times when he was a Congressman, between 1978 and 1980.  He was an institiution.

Rest in Peace, Congressman Young.

Hat tip to the InstaPundit.

Regards  —  Cliff

It's On

For John, BLUF:  It is the last great race.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Once a Year, This Alaskan Town Is Home to More Pies Than People

Here is the sub-headline:

For mushers in the Iditarod dog-sled race, stopping in Takotna is a treat.

I picked this up at Atlas Obscura, an article written by Writer Bailey Berg, 26 February 2020.

Yes, the Iditarod, the Last Great Race:  Here is the Calendar of Events.

The Mushers are out on the trail, and in Willow, Alaska for the re-Start,♠ today at 2:00 PM.  The race is from outside Anchorage to Nome.  This is not to be confused with the Iditarod Trail Invitational, which is currently ongoing, and a totally different race.

Here is the Wikipedia article on the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

A great event and a great American tradition.

You can follow it by reading the Fairbanks News-Miner.

Regards  —  Cliff

♠  As opposed to the "Official" start, in Anchorage.  No, not the home of former VP Candidate Sarah Palin.  That is Wasilla.  I landed at the Willow airport once.  Launched from Eileson AFB, enrobe to Elmendorf AFB, with bad weather in Anchorage area, took a look and landed at Willow.  Had a late Breakfast, the weather cleared and I went on to Elmendorf AFB.  Light prop airplanes provide a lot of flexibility.