Associated Press: According to the Alaska Climate Research Center, Fairbanks is 2 1/2 degrees Fahrenheit warmer and 11 percent drier than it was 100 years ago. The changes have stretched the growing season from 85 days in the early 20th century to 123 days. Gerd Wendler, director of the University of Alaska Fairbanks research center, says every change in climate will have positive effects and negative ones. For example, warming might produce more pumpkins and potatoes, but it also could …