Palmer Police Recover $26,000 Nativity Set

A handcrafted Italian-style Nativity scene and trailer valued at roughly $25,000 to $30,000 were stolen from St. Michael’s Parish in Palmer, Alaska, while the church was preparing to display them downtown for Christmas. After the pastor and parishioners publicized the theft and sought community help, a tip led police to find the display near the Glenn Highway, several miles from town. The trailer had flat tires and was partly concealed among trees; authorities returned it to the church in good condition, though it remains unclear who took it. The parish plans to proceed with its public holiday display, a tradition shared with the community for years.