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News Mat-Su Archive
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December, 2013
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News
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December 31 |
-- Wasilla fireworks display cancelled
--
Due to high winds, the New Years Eve Greater
Wasilla Chamber of Commerce fireworks display
planned for this evening has been cancelled.
Instead, they ask you to please join them at 8
p.m. Saturday, January 4, for a postponed
performance! |
- Fireworks banned in Palmer --
Due to wind conditions and the wind forecasted
for tonight, the City of Palmer has instituted
an immediate ban on all open burning, pursuant
to Palmer Municipal Code 8.42.040 B. This ban
includes all fireworks in the city limits of
Palmer. This decision is based on the need to
prevent possible damage to homes and businesses
caused by windblown fireworks. |
|
Two
injured in Parks Highway collision:
While details are sketchy and investigation
continues, two men were injured in a two-vehicle
collision that shut down Parks Highway and
bringing in LifeMed near mile 132 for a time
Monday evening. Fortunately, troopers say it
appears both will make full recoveries.
Updated |
|
Willow woman jailed for domestic violence: A 24 year old Willow woman spent much of a night at the
Mat-Su Pretrial Facility after report of a disturbance at a
Montana Creek Road home on Sunday. |
|
December 30 |
|
Fireworks okay in the Borough, too:
Residents inside the Mat-Su Borough are allowed
to bring in the New Year with a little noise and
excitement. The shooting off of fireworks in the
Mat-Su Borough is allowed on December 31 from 6
p.m. to 1 a.m. New Years Day, but ... |
|
UofA
chosen as UAS research site: Representative
Shelley Hughes, who co-chairs the legislative task force for
unmanned aircraft systems, is pleased by today’s announcement
that the University of Alaska was chosen by the Federal Aviation
Administration to be one of six unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)
research and test sites. |
 Cody
feared stolen: Cody,
a ten-week-old yellow Lab/golden retriever mix visiting from
Delta Junction, was last seen by
his owners in Wasilla on Saturday, and they fear the precious
little pup may have been stolen.
They're offering a $100 reward
for Cody's safe return. |
|
Fireworks okay in Palmer New Years Eve:
Fireworks are permitted in Palmer City limits to ring in the
New Year on December 31, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. But please note
... there are restrictions. |
|
Nominations open for Denali awards: The Governor's Denali Peak Performance Award program is an
outstanding way to recognize excellence in public service.
Thousands of state employees have been recognized since the
program's inception for their dedication to excellence in their
jobs. |
|
Anchorage man dies in sledding accident:
A snow machine accident late Sunday evening on the Big Lake
Ice Road claimed the life of William Hunsuck, 54, Anchorage. |
 Still
looking for Kai: A wayward Beagle has wandered quite a distance since he went
missing December 16, and his owners are asking everyone,
including snow machiners and mushers, to please keep an eye out
to help bring him home. As of December 30, there's still been no
word, and his owners have even set up a
Facebook page in hopes of hastening his safe
return. |
|
Palmer Police blotter |
|
December 29 |
|
Go, Moose
cheerleaders! |
 |
|
The
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School
District is beaming with pride and
sending out a big salute our Alaska
Palmer High School cheerleaders, in San
Diego to march Monday in the Holiday
Bowl Parade, where more than 100,000
people are expected to line the parade
route. Go Moose Cheerleaders -- in Blue! |
|
|
AASB offering scholarships: Alaska
high school seniors, here's a question for you; How can you, as
a young adult, help create positive change in your community?
Your answer could earn you a nice chunk of change toward
college. |
|
Robbers get away empty handed: Robbers caused considerable damage to a Palmer Wasilla
Highway business early Saturday morning, but made their getaway
empty handed. Now Alaska State Troopers are working to identify
the culprits and bring charges. |
|
In
Palmer courts |
|
December 28 |
 DeVries
kicking of Senate campaign today: Palmer
City Councilwoman Edna DeVries will kick off her campaign for
Alaska Senate Seat F with a reception from 4 to 6 p.m. in the
meeting room at Turkey Red, S550 Alaska Street, Palmer. |
|
Big
Lake man goes off on troopers: A Big Lake man is likely having thoughts today along the
lines of "maybe I shouldn't have ought to done that." |
|
Willow
girl safe after angry jaunt in the woods:
As is their wont, a pre-teen Willow girl stormed out of her
house Thursday afternoon after an argument with family members.
In Alaska in December, however, such a common childish reaction
can prove dangerous quickly. |
|
Health foundation seeks proposals: The Mat-Su Health Foundation is requesting proposals from
qualified consultants interested in conducting a Behavioral
Health Environmental Scan. |
|
December 27 |
 Arizona
man missing in Alaska: Alaska
State Troopers in Fairbanks are asking for the public’s help in
locating an Arizona man who hasn’t been seen since December 14.
Keith Stompro, 66, checked into Pike’s Waterfront Lodge on
December 10 and was scheduled to stay a few days. |
 Rascal
missing on the KGB: This little guy went missing at about 7 a.m. today on the
KGB around the fire station in the Sunset area. Rascal is a
Pomeranian, nine years old, and he has long,
fluffy red and white hair. Found and
safe at home! |
|
Pickup
stolen, wrecked: Thieves made off with a Wasilla family's new Ford pickup the
night before last, but they didn't get far. The pickup was found
crashed in Butte and authorities are looking for the culprit. |
|
Palmer woman jailed for assault: A 53 year old Palmer woman was remanded to the Mat-Su
Pretrial Facility early this morning following a report of a
domestic disturbance. |
 Great
Pyrenees waiting to go home: This girl was found yesterday, and now she's a guest at the
Palmer Veterinarian Clinic in Palmer eagerly waiting to go back
home. Found and back home! |
|
Borough
bonds get 'AA' ratings: Fitch Ratings, a global leader in financial information
services with operations in more than 30 countries, recently
assigned an "AA" rating to two Matanuska-Susitna Borough bonds. |
|
NCRS providing growers high tunnel help:
Seasonal high tunnels have lots of benefits, especially in a
state like Alaska where cold weather leaves a short growing
season. They are incredible garden heaters, season extenders and
profit generating machines for Alaska growers. |
 Puppies
await forever homes: These
two adorable 10 week old husky/shepherd mixes are at Alaska Dog
and Puppy Rescue, looking for their forever families! |
|
North
Steen Road home robbed: A theft at a home on North Steen Road in Wasilla Thursday
afternoon brought consternation to everyone in the house, and
Alaska State Troopers hope you can help return the family's
belongings. |
|
Palmer Police blotter |
|
December 26 |
|
Pasadena bound ... |
 |
| From the
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School
District, our own Colony High School
Marching Band will be the first Alaska
band to travel to and march in the
Tournament of Roses (Rose Parade). In
this 125th Anniversary Year of the
Parade, and the theme "Dreams Come
True," is true for the CHS Thee Northern
Sound under the direction of Jamin
Burton. |
|
|
Leads
sought in ATM theft: Alaska State Troopers need help finding those responsible
for stealing an ATM from a Palmer-Wasilla Highway restaurant
last weekend. |
|
Wasilla reminder: The City of
Wasilla reminds that sales tax filings and
payments for November 2013, are due to City Hall
no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday, December 31. If
you have any questions or need assistance
preparing your return, please contact the sales
tax administrator at (907) 373-9088. |
|
December 25
- Merry
Christmas |
|
Stolen vehicle hotsheet: The following is a list of vehicles stolen in Alaska in
December as compiled by Alaska State Troopers. The list
doesn't report where these rigs were stolen from, but a
thief can take them anywhere. |
|
Hysterical woman reports kidnapping, flees:
At 12:12 a.m. today, Matcom dispatch received a frantic call
from a Willow woman, who hysterically reported a kidnapping.
Someone, Dona Carnahan, 60, said hysterically, had taken a
female from her home. |
|
One
injured in Wasilla Fishhook collision:
A Sutton man suffered minor injuries and was cited by Alaska
State Troopers after a two vehicle collision Tuesday on Wasilla
Fishhook Road. |
|
December 24 |
|
Mat-Su
landmark crumbles: To people of a certain bent, there's something almost mystical
about a rough-hewn old barn. I don't know if its born of a love
of old craftsmanship, an appreciation for timber rough-shaped
with old tools; broad axes, adzes, bits and braces and draw
knives, and built into a utile structure upon which our forbears
depended on even more than the home in which they raised their
family. A News Mat-Su pictorial |
 Search
continues for missing man: The search continues for a man missing since Friday in the
area of mile 13 on the Knic Goose Bay Road.
Jeremiah Hoover, who is five feet, nine inches tall and weighs
175 pounds, was last seen wearing jeans, a blue fox hoodie under
a white camouflage coat, brown boots, a "J&R Septic" baseball
cap and tan gloves. |
|
Kai
still missing: A wayward Beagle has wandered quite a distance since he went
missing December 16, and his owners are asking everyone,
including snow machiners and mushers, to please keep an eye out
to help bring him home. |
|
New
homeowner loses new snowmobile: The story published on this site September 21 on a
snowmobile stolen from a Meadow Lakes home, derived from an
Alaska State Trooper press release, gave the facts, but not
quite all of them. |
|
Houston looking to update comp plan:
The City of Houston is seeking proposals for professional
services for a Community Impact Assessment and Comprehensive
Plan Revision that will result in a firm fixed price contract. |
 Flags
to half staff for Alaska icon: Governor Sean Parnell has ordered all state flags to be
lowered to half-staff on Thursday in memory of former
Representative Richard “Dick” Greuel, who died earlier this
month in Minnesota. |
|
December 23 |
|
Fatal
collision on Talkeetna Spur Road:
One man and four dogs are confirmed dead after a
two vehicle collision this morning on the
Talkeetna Spur Road near Woodpecker Road.
Updated |
|
11:15 a.m.: The Matanuska Electric Association
reports that the Willow/Hatcher Pass lines still
have a large portion of ice and snow on them and
are proving very time consuming to shake off.
They are planning to shut down that line,
affecting about 240 members with 100 of them
still without power, from 11:30 a.m. until about
3:30 p.m. MEA will be bringing in a helicopter
to fly low over the lines and hopefully shake
some of the snow and ice off, in hopes of
getting everyone back on as soon as possible. |
|
One
person dead in Wasilla house fire: One person, not yet identified, is confirmed dead after an
early morning fire today in Wasilla. |
|
December 22 |
|
Disturbance report lands two in jail:
A report of a disturbance at a Houston home early Thursday
morning landed two people in jail. |
|
Power outages: With snow
continuing to build on lines and trees
overnight, the Matanuska Electric Association
has crews still working in Willow, the Butte,
and along the Parks Highway to restore about 100
people without power. If you're one if those
people, please make sure you report it at (907)
746-7697. |
|
December 21 |
|
Brrrrrrr ... |
 |
| Team DPS
took the plunge today to raise more than
$3,500 so far for Special Olympics
Alaska. They were among around 1,000
participants in the fifth annual Polar
Plunge “Freezin for a Reason” fundraiser
at Goose Lake today. As you can tell, it
was still a cold event despite the balmy
30-plus degree weather. Most jumped in
like a champ. The team’s website is
https://www.firstgiving.com/team/250397.
|
| Photo courtesy
Alaska State Troopers |
|
|
Snowmobile stolen in Meadow Lakes: At about 8:33 a.m. today, Alaska State Troopers responded to
a Karen Street home in Meadow Lakes, where a snowmobile had been
reported stolen. |
|
Troopers helping keep holidays safe:
In an effort to ensure people are safely enjoying the
upcoming holidays, Alaska State Troopers will join the hustle
and bustle on the highways while looking for impaired motorists. |
|
In
Palmer courts |
|
December 20 |
|
Sandbagging 'party' tomorrow in Butte:
As rare winter flood waters continue to rise on the
Matanuska River, threatening homes in the Butte area, volunteers
are gearing up for a "sandbagging party" Saturday morning. |
|
December 19 |
|
Cell
phones an easy steal: It was a high school Christmas concert in Talkeetna, and her
son was in the Su Valley High band, dressed up and giving his best.
Formal ... black tuxes, beautiful girls in gowns. A moment every
parent lives for. |
 |
|
Troopers seeking burglary suspect: Alaska State Troopers are looking for help in
identifying a suspect caught on a video surveillance camera
taking gas cans from a yard at a Wasilla residence. Troopers
believe the young man broke into one house
nearby and walked through eight residential
yards in a neighborhood off of Sheldon Road
Monday afternoon. |
|
Two
collisions at Seldon and Bogard: Two separate collisions just over an hour apart at the
intersection of Seldon and Bogard in Palmer tied traffic and
left two people with minor injuries Tuesday afternoon. |
|
Comment
sought on land use application: The
Matanuska-Susitna Borough Land & Resource Management
Division has received an application from Mahay's Riverboat
Service for a five-year temporary land use permit to use
borough-owned land located north of Talkeetna along the Susitna
River. Legal notice |
|
Draft
timber harvest schedule for review: Pursuant to MSB Code 23.20.090, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Land & Resource Management Division, is providing a
draft of the Periodic Timber Harvest Implementation Schedule
for public review and comment. Legal notice |
|
December 18 |
|
Two
injured in head-on collision: A head on vehicle collision today on the Palmer Wasilla
Highway near the Cottonwood Creek bridge left a two Palmer women injured,
one in
critical condition, and closed the highway for more than four
hours. |
 Wasilla
man warms up in Fairbanks jail: Thanks to the efforts of Alaska State Trooper canine Argo and
his human co-workers, a Wasilla burglary and theft suspect is
warm and safe in jail after spending about an hour in 20-below
temperatures in the woods near Cantwell yesterday. |
|
Butte
flooding woes have residents riled: Residents in Butte woke up to a rare sight December 12 as rising
waters from the Matanuska River crept into their yards. One home
took on water, and crews spent much of the day digging trenches
and filling sandbags to keep the frigid water at bay.
It's a problem some residents believe could have been resolved
had borough officials only shown a bit of foresight. Today,
they're watching floodwater rise again. |
|
Unit
poised to take on property crime: Starting January 1, 2014, Mat-Su Valley residents will have
a unit of troopers working to combat property crimes, the
Criminal Suppression Unit. One sergeant and three troopers
have already been assembled and are diligently collecting
information and will be ready for the official start date. |
|
Woman
fights troopers: It appears that a Palmer woman's hump day got off to a bad
start this morning, and it only got worse as the day progressed. |
|
Begich works to protect military retirees:
U.S. Senator Mark Begich on Tuesday joined his Senate
colleagues to support the Military Retirement Restoration Act to
safeguard military retirees from changes to cost of living
adjustments that were included in the bipartisan budget
agreement the Senate is expected to pass this week. |
|
Snow
advisory issued: The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather
advisory for snow for the Susitna Valley, including Talkeetna,
Willow and Cantwell beginning at 5 p.m. today. |
|
December 17 |
|
First
responders hospitalized: This morning at approximately 2 a.m., Butte and Palmer Fire
departments responded to an airplane hangar fire at E17901 Maude
Road in Butte. Four firefighters from Palmer, three firefighters
from Butte, and one medic were screened for smoke inhalation at
Mat-Su Regional Hospital. |
|
December 16 |
|
Governor's budget proposal promising for Mat-Su:
Alaska Governor Sean Parnell included in his proposed capital
budget some $200 million in projects for the Mat-Su region,
including funding for roads, highways, the Knik Arm Bridge, the
Port MacKenzie Rail Extension, the Knik River public target
shooting facility, and the South Denali Visitor Center. |
|
Grinch
makes off with donation cans: A Grinch with a heart two sizes too small has attempted to
thwart a community's holiday effort to help one of its own, but
the community, in addition to being appalled, is not to be
denied. An online donation site has been established to
help the family. |
|
Palmer Police blotter |
|
December 15 |
|
New
chalet will need your help: Government Peak Recreation Area Chalet is opening January 4.
The opening is about six to seven months ahead of schedule, so
the Mat Su Borough is looking for creative ways to keep it open
to the public this winter without having the staff, or the
budget to do so. |
|
Governor
releases budget, refuses raise:
Governor Sean Parnell on Thursday unveiled his
FY 2015 budget, proposing $1.3 billion less in
general fund spending than the current year and
150 fewer positions.
On Saturday, Parnell announced he will decline the pay increase
recommended by the Alaska State Officers Compensation
Commission. |
|
December 15 |
|
New
chalet will need your help: Government Peak Recreation Area Chalet is opening January 4.
The opening is about six to seven months ahead of schedule, so
the Mat Su Borough is looking for creative ways to keep it open
to the public this winter without having the staff, or the
budget to do so. |
|
Governor releases budget, refuses raise:
Governor Sean Parnell on Thursday
unveiled his FY 2015 budget, proposing $1.3
billion less in general fund spending than the
current year and 150 fewer positions.
On Saturday, Parnell announced he will decline the pay increase
recommended by the Alaska State Officers Compensation
Commission. |
|
December 14 |
|
Four
Mat-Su sex offenders fail to comply:
The Alaska Department of Public Safety currently lists four
convicted sex offenders from the Mat-Su Borough who have failed
to comply with registration requirements demanded by the state
as a condition of their relative freedom. |
 Family
looking for lost golden retriever:
A two and a half year old male golden retriever
went missing from property about five miles down
Wasilla Fishhook this morning at
around 12:30 a.m. Update: Found and home safe! |
|
Burglars hit Wasilla home: Burglars forced entry into an East Bogard Road home in
Wasilla Thursday and made off with an estimated $4,000 in
electronics. Troopers recovered the goods, but remain on the
lookout for the thieves. |
|
In
Palmer Courts |
|
5:40 a.m. - Power outage in Willow:
There is an electrical outage in the
Willow area, approximately 1,300 members. Cause
is unknown at this time. Crews are responding to
patrol the lines, determine the problem, and
restore power as quickly as possible. 10 a.m.:
Power has been restored to most areas with a few
scattered outages remaining. |
|
December 13 |
|
Winter
storm moving in: A winter storm is moving through the area and although the core
area of the Borough is not expected to be heavily impacted,
Anchorage and the eastern areas of the Borough are likely to
receive heavy snow. |
|
December 12 |
|
Konyot's death ruled homicide: Investigators have determined that the death of 60 year-old
Theodore Konyot at his Knik River Road home in Palmer Monday was
a homicide, and they're asking anyone who may have information
to contact Alaska State Troopers. |
|
Comment
sought on Horseshoe Trail EA: The
National Park Service is seeking public comment on
an Environmental Assessment evaluating improvements to the
Horseshoe Lake Trail. The NPS is considering extending the trail
around the lake and out to the Nenana River in order to protect
park resources and enhance the visitor experience by providing a
safe, sustainable trail. |
 Manumik
out on bail at time of assault: A Wasilla man arrested Sunday morning for allegedly sexually
assaulting another man was out on $5,000 bail for repeatedly
failing to register as a sex offender. |
|
Snowmobiler nailed on Parks Highway:
A 29 year-old Wasilla man tried to run, but was pulled over
by Alaska State Troopers Wednesday evening while riding a
Polaris snowmobile on the Parks Highway. |
|
December 11 |
|
Troopers seek tips on shop break-in:
Alaska State Troopers are seeking information you may have
concerning a shop break-in Monday on Fishhook Road near
Palmer. |
|
Tattooed police ... what do you think?
The Alaska Department of Public Safety is conducting a
non-scientific survey to find out what the public thinks about
visible tattoos on law enforcement officers. |
|
A bit
more about News Matsu: I wasn't planning to launch this website for another month. But
news started happening; roads were dangerous, schools were
closed. There were things I could tell that might be of help to
readers there ... in time to matter. |
|
December 10 |
|
ConocoPhillips increases investment in Alaska:
Governor Sean Parnell today welcomed news that
ConocoPhillips has increased its budget for capital costs in
Alaska by more than 50 percent. |
|
EMS Provider of the Year ... |
 |
|
Congratulations to Sandy Hoeft,
Matanuska-Susitna Borough's EMS Provider
of the Year! It was LifeMed's pleasure
to sponsor the award this year, and our
Wolf Lake Base Chief, Brian Anderson,
enjoyed presenting it to a well-deserved
recipient. |
|
|
District
earns MBA: The
Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO)
has awarded the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District its
Meritorious Budget Award for excellence in budget presentation
for the first time! |
 REDDI
calls nail drunk driver: At around 9:18 p.m. Sunday, emergency dispatchers received a
series of Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately calls regarding
a silver Nissan sedan traveling erratically on the Parks Highway
near Wasilla. |
|
Wasilla man jailed for sex assault: A 28 year-old Wasilla man is being held without bail after
allegedly sexually assaulting another man in his home early
Sunday morning. |
|
December 9 |
|
Freezing
rain advisory issued: The National Weather Service has issued a freezing rain
advisory for much of the Mat-Su, including Palmer, Wasilla,
Sutton and Chickaloon, effective through noon Tuesday. |
|
Former
Alaska journalist dies of breast cancer:
Malin
Jennings, public relations executive, former television
journalist, and Arctic researcher and advocate for the peoples
there impacted by global climate change, died on November 28, in
Arlington, Virginia, from complications from breast cancer. She
was 57. |
|
Palmer Police blotter |
|
Fog,
black ice for morning commute: Dense fog warning for Matanuska and Susitna Valleys Monday
morning until 9 am, according to the National Weather Service.
Visibility less than 1/4 mile. |
|
December 8 |
|
Four
Alaska Air Guardsmen awarded Bronze Star:
Four members of the Alaska Air National Guard’s
212th Rescue Squadron were awarded the Bronze
Star in a ceremony Saturday on Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson. |
|
Phone
call lands man in jail: An early morning phone call Saturday landed a 27 year-old
Wasilla man back behind bars. |
|
December 7 |
 Anchorage
veteran recalls Pearl Harbor attack:
Anchorage resident Norman Hogg carries with him an Army-issued
Bible received during his service time in World War II, bearing
an inscription from then President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
He also carries a remarkable abundance of stories, observations
and an authentic Alaskan brand of optimism. |
|
Sutton man critical after head-on: A Sutton man is fighting for his life and another is facing
DUI and assault charges after a head-on collision Friday night
on the Glenn Highway. |
|
Chickaloon women seriously injured in crash:
Two Chickaloon women suffered serious injuries December 5 in
an automobile accident near milepost 70 on the Glenn Highway.
Both were transported to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. |
|
In
Palmer courts |
|
December 6 |
|
'You've
been hacked! I'll tell you how to fix it!'
Sherry
Nash, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, received a phone call this morning
that sounded so insistent and sincere, she almost fell for it
... (not!). She stayed on the line, computer off, writing down
details so she could report a potential crime in progress.
Sherry is astute, and her story needs read from sea to shining
sea. |
 Redington
School takes big step forward: Development of the Joe Redington Sr. Junior/Senior High
School, to be built Knik Knack Mud Shack Road, took a huge step
forward November 21 as the new school's mascot and colors were
revealed at a community forum November 21. |
|
Two
moose, silencer lead to federal indictments:
Wasilla resident James C. Riggs, 58, was charged by
the federal grand jury November 21 with illegally possessing an
unregistered .22 caliber silencer. |
|
'Christmas for Camo Expo' tomorrow: The second annual "Christmas for Camo Expo" takes place from
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Wasilla Middle School, admission
is free, and organizers are hoping to top last year's
$10,000-plus raised last year to benefit Hope for Heroes, a
non-profit corporation dedicated to raising money and collecting
gifts throughout the year through various fundraisers and
donations to give deserving military families past and present a
beautiful Christmas! |
|
Gattis
gets 16 years: Robin Gattis, 20, Wasilla, was sentenced Thursday in
Anchorage Federal Court to 16 years in federal prison for his
role as leader of a methylone drug ring that culminated the
death of a friend in April, 2012. |
|
December 5 |
Matsu public
schools are open Friday
Road closure &
weather updates |
|
Flags
to half staff for Pearl Harbor Day:
More than seven decades ago, on a calm Sunday
morning, our Nation was attacked without warning
or provocation. The bombs that fell on the
island of Oahu took almost 2,400 American lives,
damaged our Pacific Fleet, challenged our
resilience, and tested our resolve. |
|
Crime Watch Town Hall meeting cancelled:
The Mat Su Crime Watch Town Hall
meeting that had been scheduled for tonight has
been cancelled due to deteriorating road
conditions. Organizers are working to
reschedule, possibly for next week. |
|
Begich warns FDA on 'Frankenfish' approval:
U.S. Senator Mark Begich put the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) on notice that any changes to Frankenfish
policy must be well-promoted and must include ample time for
public debate – not obscured by a release during the holiday
season. |
|
10:28 a.m.: Freezing rain approaching:
Public Works Director Terry Dolan
reports icy roads could get worse. Radar is
showing large band of moderate rain arriving in
Anchorage now and moving northeast up Knik Arm.
Could arrive in core area of Borough in less
than two hours, and areas along the inlet like
Fairview and Port Mac could see freezing rain
turning to ice in less than an hour. Expect very
dangerous road conditions. Road crews are out
working the roads. |
|
Special
weather statement issued: A prolonged and significant freezing rain event is possible
through this evening for Anchorage and the surrounding region,
according to the National Weather Service, which as issued a
special weather statement for the area. |
|
Awful
aroma is steam, not smoke: A noxious aroma emanating from the monofill site near the
Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer has been determined by
investigators from the Alaska Department of Environmental
Conservation to be steam from rotting wood, not an underground
fire as many had feared. |
|
Schools closed: MSBSD schools
are closed today, December 5 EXCEPT: Glacier
View, Talkeetna Elementary, Trapper Creek
Elementary, Su Valley Jr/Sr High, and Willow
Elemementary. These five schools are open. Other
Mat-Su schools are closed due to changing road
and weather conditions. |
|
Wasilla
pot grow busted: An indoor commercial pot growing operation at a residence on
Escondido Avenue in Wasilla was raided and shut down Wednesday. |
|
Car
hits Valley Country Store: A woman driving in violation of a learners permit got a
little more excitement than she bargained for Wednesday when she
set out on a quick trip to the store in Wasilla. |
|
School
bus hits moose: A First Student school bus hit a moose while traveling on
Big Lake Road yesterday. Fortunately, there were no students
aboard and the driver, 66-year-old Gary Walker, was not injured. |
|
December 4 |
|
Moose
giving ... |
 |
|
Mat-Su School District Students are
caring, giving, and willing to work hard
for others! At Palmer High School,
students collected 44 baskets to benefit
Alaska Family Services. Way to go,
Moose! |
|
|
Freezing
rain advisory issued: The National
Weather Service, Anchorage, has issued a
freezing rain advisory affecting the Mat-Su,
effective until 6 p.m. Thursday. |
|
Wasilla
PD seeking reserve officers: The Wasilla Police Department is now accepting applications
for their Reserve Unit. Applications will be accepted at the
police department from December 9 until 5 p.m. Friday, December
20. |
|
December 3 |
 Beck
calls for continued action on stench:
After calling on Palmer residents upset at noxious odors
emanating from the Monofill site on state fairgrounds to call
city hall this morning, Mat-Su Borough Assemblyman Matthew Beck
this afternoon upped the ante. |
 Muskox
visiting Bethel: Muskox have
recently been sighted in and around the Bethel
area. This story has nothing to do with the
Mat-Su, but in over 25 years in journalism, it's
the first time I've had the opportunity to
publish an article about muskox, and I just
can't resist. |
|
Palmer
stench may stick around: Palmer dispatchers received several calls last night about a
terrible burning smell near the State Fairgrounds on South
Chugach Street in the Springer Loop area, but fire crews were
initially unable to pinpoint the source. |
|
Governor's Holiday Open House set: Governor Sean Parnell and First Lady Sandy Parnell invite
Alaskans to the Governor’s Annual Christmas and Holiday Open
House at the Governor’s House, to be held Tuesday, December 10,
from 3 to 6 p.m. |
|
December 2 |
|
Bringing
in the season... |
 |
| The
300-foot Christmas Star on a former
missile site overlooking Anchorage was
recently lit up again this year to ring
in another Christmas season. |
| Photo
submitted by Michael P. Hayward |
|
|
Gattis
to be sentenced Thursday: A sentencing hearing is set this week in Anchorage Federal
court for Robin Gattis, 20, Wasilla, the leader of a drug
conspiracy involving seven other south-central Alaska residents,
who pled guilty in federal court August 9 to drug conspiracy
involving methylone. |
|
Palmer
man facing charges after traffic stop:
A 33-year-old Palmer man is facing a variety of charges,
including felony DUI, after he was pulled over for weaving
Sunday night, and one of his passengers is in hot water, too. |
|
Borough Assembly meeting Tuesday: The Mat-Su Borough Assembly meeting will be held at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, December 3, in the Borough's new chambers at E350
Dahlia Avenue, Palmer. |
 Murkowski
names new legislative director:
Senator Lisa Murkowski today announced the
promotion of Kate Williams to become her new
legislative director in Washington, DC, to
oversee her legislative efforts in the United
States Senate. |
|
Palmer police blotter |
|
December 1 |
|
In
Palmer Courts |
 Alaska
woman missing in Arizona: Felicia Shaffer is missing and her family wants to know if
she is OK. Felcia is 24 years old and from Alaska, though has
been in the Chandler, Arizona most recently. If you have any
information that can put her family at ease please call
(602) 490-0676 or email
paladin@paladinpi.com. |
|
4:52 p.m.: Rollover on Parks Highway:
Emergency crews are responding to the
area of milepost 164 on the Parks Highway for a
single vehicle rollover in the southbound lane.
The vehicle, an SUV, is reported to be on its
top on an embankment. If traveling in the area,
please use caution. |
|
Wasilla man charged with felony DUI:
A 28 year old Wasilla man who drove his van into a ditch
late Thursday night is now facing multiple charges, including
felony DUI. |
|
November 29 |
|
When
driving, beware of moose: Drivers, look out! Accumulating snows are pushing moose down
from high-country haunts into lowland areas and – in some cases
– right into oncoming traffic. |
|
Man
assaulted in Big Lake home invasion:
A man staying at a Knapp Road residence in Big Lake on
Thanksgiving day was the victim of an early morning assault when
two unidentified men broke into the residence by kicking in a
door, dragged him out of bed and beat him. |
|
Officers
graduate ALET: Twenty-six law enforcement officers from different state and
municipal agencies graduated November 15 from the Public Safety
Training Academy in Sitka. |
|
Dream Gala coming! Looking for something fun to do with your family/church
group/small business for the Christmas Holiday, while
contributing to your local community? You are cordially invited
to the Alaska Dream Center's annual Dream Gala! |
|
Thanksgiving spat leads to arrest: Alaska State Troopers were called to a report of a
Thanksgiving day disturbance at a Wasilla home, landing a woman
behind bars. |
|
Two Wasilla homes burglarized: Two Wasilla homes were burglarized within moments of each
other Tuesday, and Alaska State Troopers are asking the public's
help to apprehend those responsible. |
|
Open
house set on Wasilla street project:
The Mat-Su Borough invites you to a public open house
December 4 for the Seldon Road and Lucille Street Upgrades
project. The purpose of the meeting is to present the proposed
design for the project and discuss the potential right-of-way
needs. |
|
Sports |
 Spangler
sweeps inaugural Icicle Double: Wasilla native Allan Spangler, 27, now of Anchorage, rocked at
the Inaugural Mat-Su Icicle Double over the weekend at Hatcher
Pass in the Government Peak Recreation area, taking wins in the
30K races in both classic and freestyle. |
|
Snowmobile areas
open up on Denali: Recent storms have brought additional snow to the park, and
the Superintendent has determined that there is now adequate
snow cover for the use of snowmobiles for traditional activities
in the areas of the 1980 park and preserve additions to Denali
National Park and Preserve north and south of the crest of the
Alaska Range. |
 |
|
First home bout for Derby
Dames: The Mat-Su's own Boom Town Derby Dames, founded July, 2011,
will ring in the New Year by making "bruiseolutions" in their
first home bout ever, as they take on Far North Derby January 4
at the Menard Sports Center. |
 |
|
Su Valley Rams
earn state volleyball title: The Su Valley Rams volleyball team earned the Alaska State
Class 2A title December 14 by sweeping Unalaska 25-19, 25-16,
25-21. |
|
Wasilla second
in Smith Memorial Tourney: Palmer High School hosted Lancer Smith Memorial Tournament
November 22-23, the biggest high school wrestling event in the
state, and Wasilla High School finished the tourney in second
place. |
|
Parts of Denali open
to snowmobilers: The Superintendent of Denali National Park and Preserve has
determined that there is now adequate snow cover for the use of
snowmobiles for traditional activities in areas of the 1980 park
and preserve additions that are south of the crest of the Alaska
Range. |
|
Hunting on
private property - sound off: Mat-Su Borough Assembly District 2 representative Matthew J.
Beck is has turned to
Facebook to ask constituents, "Do you think it should be
illegal or legal to hunt and trap on private property without
permission when it's not posted?" |
|
Letters |
|
Damon
Blankenship: This story (Mat-Su
landmark crumbles) brought back so many good
memories from my childhood. Our whole life revolved around the
barns of my hometown, from my own family's cattle and horses to my uncle's 150 acres
of hay that my cousins and I put in every summer for his
hundreds of cattle. |
|
U.S.
Congressman Don Young: Ho
ho ho, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! As Alaskans, we are
fortunate to live in a state of such majestic beauty. As many of
you know, my love for Alaska began more than 50 years ago and
has only grown in the years since. |
|
Rafael Hernandez Colon: In an
unprecedented letter to the presidents of the
Commonwealth, Statehood, and Independence
parties of Puerto Rico, Senators Wyden and
Murkowski, chairman and majority leader of the
Senate Energy Committee with jurisdiction over
the political status of Puerto Rico, ruled out
developed Commonwealth as an option that may be
presented to the people of Puerto Rico in a
future referendum. |
|
Mat-Su getting an institution: To the folks of Mat-Su, you're getting someone who the
community of Bonners Ferry, way North Idaho, have come to love
and appreciate. |
|
Introducing News Mat-Su: It might
seem odd that someone in the lower 48 is
launching a site purporting to aspire to
bringing back all the best qualities of
small-town news reporting to a borough in Alaska
over 2,300 miles away. I pray you'll bear with
me. It's my granddaughter's fault. |
Parker,
Wight set summer wedding: Katherine
Renee Parker, Wasilla, and Robert Owen Wight, Malaga,
Washington, announce their intent to marry at 11 a.m. Saturday,
July 26, 2014, at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer.
Harrison
an airman: Air
Force Airman Dylan Z. Harrison recently graduated from basic military
training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
He is a 2010 graduate of Palmer High School and the son of
Zebadiah Harrison of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Crystal Langford of
Wasilla.
Conant
an Air Force reservist: Air Force Reserve Airman Makayla E. Conant recently
graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San
Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
Conant is the daughter of Dawn and John Conant, Wasilla.
Bloom
graduates Air Force basic: Air
Force Airman Spencer L. Bloom recently graduated from basic
military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San
Antonio, Texas. Bloom is a 2012 graduate of Palmer High School and the
son of Rick Bloom, Palmer.
100th
birthday party for Lottie Poisal: A
special 100th birthday celebration will be held for Wasilla
pioneer Lottie Poisal at 3 p.m. Thursday, December 5, at the
Pioneers Home, E250 Fireweed Avenue, Palmer.