Sunrise this morning is at 10:25 AM, AKST. Sunset is at 3.34 PM, AKST. Five hours and 19 minutes of daylight ain’t a lot, but you get used to it, and we make up for it in the summer. The winter solstice is Saturday, and then we start on our journey back towards the sun.

Some Alaska folks now spend some of these dark winter months holding down a barstool, but you want to be careful about where you choose to partake of some fermented malt beverages. Just when you thought it was safe to go back to your local saloon – Holy crap I’ve been in this place!

A four-month investigation has led to one arrest, $55,000 in money, and an untold amount of illegal narcotics seized in a Wasilla establishment.

Mark Nester, 45, of Wasilla, was arrested for Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree.

According to Alaska State Troopers, it began with an investigation back in August by the Troopers Mat-Su Drug Team. They began investigating suspected drug trafficking at the Mug-Shot Saloon in Wasilla.

Troopers say that during the course of the investigation, it was determined that multiple staff members were trafficking illegal drugs out of the bar.

Granted I’ve been in there once and had one beer; we mostly went in so my buddy who was visiting from the Lower 48 could get a T-shirt. But still. That’s a bit unsettling. Nobody, at least, tried to sell me drugs while I was in there.

See Related: Are You a Drug Dealer or Thief? Don’t Forget to Give Uncle Sam His Due During Tax Season

Alaska Man Score: 0 moose nuggets. Bad bar people! Bad! Bad!

I’m fond of saying, “You don’t have to be a little bit crazy to live in Alaska, but it sure doesn’t hurt.” This is proof—on Saturday, a bunch of people jumped into the water at cryogenic temperatures. But it was all for a great cause.

Dive into the ultimate frozen adventure with Special Olympics Alaska’s Polar Plunge on December 14 at Goose Lake in Anchorage! This is more than just a plunge—it’s Alaska’s biggest and most exhilarating winter fundraiser, bringing together thrill-seekers and supporters for a day of icy fun and heartwarming impact.

With a minimum of just $125 to participate, you’ll join hundreds of plungers in taking the icy dip to raise vital funds for Special Olympics Alaska athletes. Every dollar you raise supports year-round training and competitions for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

And don’t worry, it’s not just about the plunge! Get ready for the best frozen beach party in the world, complete with costumes, music, and a contagious energy that makes this event unlike any other. Whether you're braving the cold or cheering from the sidelines, the Polar Plunge promises an unforgettable experience for all.

Now, my wife and I do support the Special Olympics every year – by writing a check, though, not by exposing my battered carcass to cryogenic water, thank you very much. But you do have to admire these folk’s fortitude; after all, they are Alaskans.

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Alaska Man score: 4.5 of 5 moose nuggets. Good on all these folks for helping the Special Olympics. But wow, that cold water! Talk about… shrinkage.

Now then: Thoughts on rural living and my Dad.