Laura Helgeson

The City of Wrangell is nestled in the heart of the Tongass National Forest, the largest forest in the U.S., so when it comes to picking the perfect Christmas tree, there are plenty of options to choose from.

The whale carcass, spotted floating near Channel Island last June, was one among hundreds of gray whales reported to NOAA that have mysteriously died in along the West Coast this year. Now it will provide plenty of educational and research opportunities for local students and scientists.

To put it simply, Anny “Fyno” Newport is an artist. She’s known throughout Wrangell and Southeast for her collections, crafts and oddities.