New standards force major facelift for Tanana River levee Nov 17, 2008
Congress in 2007 established a National Levee Safety Program and ordered the Corps of Engineers to survey roughly 2,000 levees across the country, according to Marcus Palmer, a project manager with the Corps' Alaska district. The Tanana levee received "acceptable" ratings during that sweep, but Johnson indicated other changes in federal levee policy have left the borough with a higher hill to climb as it looks to re-certify infrastructure that might have received a clean bill of health a few... (Anchorage Daily News)
Troopers to fill in after last police officer calls it quits Nov 17, 2008
Palmer lists starting pay for its officers at $40,269, though Palmer Chief George Boatright said most who hire on to his 14-person staff begin as a Police Officer 2, which starts at $46,467. Wasilla and the Troopers pay more than that, but Anchorage tops the list with entry-level pay at $56,201. (Anchorage Daily News)
Threats to Wooten concern troopers Nov 16, 2008
Troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters said Wooten will be reassigned from the Palmer post to the judicial services bureau in Anchorage. The new job could include overseeing prisoner transports, issuing warrants and assisting in fugitive transfers, Peters said. (Anchorage Daily News)
Ferry floats Boroughs boat Nov 16, 2008
PALMER The Mat-Su Borough s long-awaited ice-breaking ferry is more than half built and on track for an on-time delivery in spring 2010. It looks phenomenal, Borough Manager John Duffy said Friday, fresh from a visit to Ketchikan where the ship is being built. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Bird is the Word Nov 16, 2008
PALMER Thanksgiving is still more than a week away, but the big rush is about to start at Triple-D Farm & Hatchery. Anthony Schmidt has between 600 and 700 turkeys ready for the big day. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
More new arrivals Nov 16, 2008
Iana Malise Ellzey, Nov. 3, to Christy Danne Ellzey and Timothy Howard Ellzey of Palmer. Glen Allan Mudge, Nov. 3, to Shannon Michelle Mudge and Douglas Steven Mudge of Palmer ... Chloe Louise Richardson, Nov. 5, to Katrina Louise Richardson and Samuel Lee Richardson of Palmer. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Lytle tabbed to lead new school Nov 16, 2008
WASILLA The Mat-Su Borough School District s administration has recommended a principal they d like to lead the Borough s newest school, South Palmer Elementary ... South Palmer Elementary will house 470 students ... 54 acres on what is largely vacant land near the Palmer Hay Flats, the school has views of the surrounding mountains and sits on property donated by developer Rex Turner in the Ranch Subdivision. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Phyllis Reeva (Kruger) Compton Nov 16, 2008
Memorials may be sent to the Palmer Salvation Army to help feed families during the holidays or by donating to a local food bank. Arrangements made by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Valley teen has some big questions Nov 16, 2008
If we were all guilty of the sins of our race, then what am I a Caucasian high school sophomore from Palmer, Alaska guilty of ... It's easy for a Palmer girl to say those things. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
GOBBLE, GOBBLE Nov 16, 2008
Palmer s Triple-D Farm & Hatchery prepares for the holiday rush. See story and more photos in Valley Life. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Creamery seeks aid Nov 15, 2008
Valley Dairy Inc., the parent company of Palmer area-based Matanuska creamery, is seeking $580,000 in low-interest loans from the state's agricultural revolving loan fund, according to Karen Olson, the company's financial officer. The state Board of Agriculture and Conservation is scheduled to consider the loan request at a meeting today in Palmer ... But the dairy is saddled with debts left over from renovating its plant on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway, a project she said cost more than $1... (Anchorage Daily News)
Vote tally trend favors Begich for Senate Nov 15, 2008
The state also has many votes left to count from Stevens strongholds like North Pole, Sterling/Nikiski, and Palmer. There are not as many of them, but an overwhelming Stevens showing in those areas could make a big difference. (Anchorage Daily News)
Service-East hockey team stays undefeated Nov 14, 2008
The win advanced West to Friday's semifinal against Service, a 5-2 winner over Palmer in Wednesday's other first-round game. Five different players scored goals in the Cougars' first win of the season: Tyler Mathews, Chase Crabb, Trace Strahle, Braden Lahti and Derik Guzman. (Anchorage Daily News)
Man charged with sex abuse of 3-year-old Nov 14, 2008
Knipe is currently being held at the Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility in Palmer on $20,000 cash-only bail plus a court-approved, third-party custodian. ADVERTISEMENT. (Anchorage Daily News)
This weekend's holiday bazaars (11/14-11/16) Nov 14, 2008
Palmer Elks Lodge Fall Craft Fair, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Palmer Elks Lodge #1842, 2600 N. Barry's Resort Drive. (242-1865, 1-907-745-3950, ). (Anchorage Daily News)
MEA board lays down law Nov 14, 2008
PALMER In a move at least one board member says is directed at removing General Manager Wayne Carmony, the Matanuska Electric Association s Board of Directors has made broad changes to the duties of executive employees. A resolution the board passed this week includes five orders for its top management. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Excellence found at local schools Nov 14, 2008
Himself a graduate of Palmer High School, Williams is an excellent example for teens that may not think their adult future lies in the Valley. While we report on individuals like Williams and Hayes, they are examples of the overall excellence that can be found and too often overlooked in our local schools. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Why are some days better than others? Nov 14, 2008
Opinion : Why are some days better than others. Last Updated on Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 - 08:37:22 pm AKST. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Man charged with sexually abusing 3-year-old Nov 13, 2008
PALMER -- A Wasilla man was jailed Sunday, charged with sexually abusing a 3-year-old girl. According to an affidavit Alaska State Trooper investigator Curtis Vik filed in the case against Michael Brandon Knipe, 22, of Wasilla, troopers first received report of the incident at 10:20 a.m. Sunday. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
School bus crash injures none Nov 13, 2008
Traffic around the Valley was slow much of Tuesday and Wednesday as snow sporadically fell on Wasilla and Palmer. As of 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, troopers had reported six car wrecks between the two days, most attributed either directly to the snow and ice or to drivers unable to stop in time to avoid the crash. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Candidates await today's vote count Nov 12, 2008
That work has been completed in 32 of Alaska's 40 election districts, including the state's population centers: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, the Kenai Peninsula and Gov. Sarah Palin's home territory, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, which includes Wasilla and Palmer. Early this week, the elections office was waiting for precinct rolls to arrive from parts of rural Alaska, including the state's southeast panhandle, Kodiak Island and other communities off the highway system such as Western and... (Anchorage Daily News)
Law wants too much disclosure, critics say Nov 12, 2008
PALMER -- A new state law regulating financial disclosures by public officials has gone too far, according to some who say it requires them to provide too much detail about their sources of income. Story tools. (Anchorage Daily News)
BARONE: MEDIA ATTACKED PALIN BECAUSE SHE DID NOT 'ABORT HER DOWN SYNDROME BABY'... Nov 12, 2008
" Barone was speaking at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, to the 121st annual meeting of the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges, which calls itself the nation s oldest higher-education association. The liberal media attacked Sarah Palin because she did not abort her Down syndrome baby," Barone said, according to accounts by attendees. "They wanted her to kill that child. ... I'm talking about my media colleagues with whom I've worked for 35 years. Barone, a... (The Drudge Report)
Costco now a no go Nov 12, 2008
Rusty wrote on Nov 11, 2008 4:35 PM:" Costco: "Do NOT reveal to the public the existance of this application" Somebody obviously opened their mouth when they were supposed to keep quiet and now Costco has taught them a lesson in confidentiality. Remember folks, it was "Friends" of Mat-Su who delivered to you the rear-end of the Fred Meyer facing the "Scenic Highway" in downtown Palmer.. wasn't that nice of them..? FoMS needs to be driven back to Oregon! ". Ben wrote on Nov 11, 2008 12:21 PM:"... (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Police Beat: Nov. 11, 2008 Nov 12, 2008
D. Hartley, 85, Palmer, deceased ... Nov. 6, 3:20 p.m., E. Equestrian St. and Kentucky Derby Dr.: Deena Maw, 37, Palmer, stopped in the northbound lane in her 2003 Subaru, was rear-ended by a 2001 Chevrolet pickup after the driver, Bruce Hesselbach, 61, Wasilla, got distracted ... and N. Frontage Rd.: Justin L. Britt, 30, Palmer, stopped for erratic driving, was allegedly found to have marijuana paraphernalia. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Veterans Day celebrated in Palmer Nov 12, 2008
PALMER -- With flags at half-staff, and a cool breeze from the west, veterans from various wars celebrated their day at the Veterans Wall in Palmer on Tuesday ... The event at the Veterans Wall in Palmer was capped by a speech from David Rogers, the father of PFC Jessy Scott Rogers, who was killed in Afghanistan. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Read Greta's interview Nov 11, 2008
PALIN: It's over in Palmer. And a big agriculture venue where we show off Alaska's crops. (Fox News)
Letters to the editor (11/11/08) Nov 11, 2008
Anchorage Daily News. Complete coverage of a truly historical election for Alaska. (Anchorage Daily News)
Math mentor is Teacher of the Year Nov 11, 2008
PALMER A Colony High School math teacher has been named Alaska Teacher of the Year ... Williams is a graduate of Palmer High School and said it s been an honor and privilege to have taught in the Valley for so long.. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Tim Lee Johnston Nov 11, 2008
A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday at the Lazy Mountain Bible Church on Clark-Wolverine Road in Palmer ... Tim is survived by his daughters, Ashley Marie Johnston of Louisiana, Sara Johnston of Palmer, and Emily Johnston of Palmer; brother Dan Johnston of Lake City Fla. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
A day for saying thanks Nov 11, 2008
A free lunch for veterans will be proviced by Palmer Legion Post and Palmer Rotarians. A display depicting how the American Flag has changed over the decades from the 1700s to the present will be shown at Mat-Su College today. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Valley vets lived history Nov 11, 2008
They can be found at the Pioneer Home in Palmer, at the local senior center and at veteran organizations. They may be living next door. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Colony spikers remain perfect Nov 10, 2008
In the third-place match, Skyview swept Palmer 25-10, 25-16, 26-24 to secure the region's third spot at the state tournament. ADVERTISEMENT. (Anchorage Daily News)
Colony High teacher named state's best Nov 10, 2008
Williams has taught for 21 years and has been at Colony in Palmer for the last two ... He also has taught at Palmer High, Houston Jr./Sr ... He has mentored 19 beginning teachers in Nome, Savoonga, Gambell, Palmer and Wasilla though a program sponsored by the Department of Education Development and the University of Alaska. (Anchorage Daily News)
Together (11/10/08) Nov 10, 2008
Ruth and Coy Bailey were married Nov. 15, 1958, in Palmer ... They raised five children: Ron Bailey of Palmer; Randy Bailey of Wasilla; Rick Bailey of North Carolina; Vicki Nelson of Wasilla; and Mike Bailey of Wasilla. (Anchorage Daily News)
Prep football, college football, NFL Nov 10, 2008
Magnolia Course, 7,516; par 72Palm Course, 7,010; par 72FinalDavis Love III, $828,000 66-69-64-64263Tommy Gainey, $496,800 68-66-66-64264Scott Verplank, $266,800 64-64-69-71268Steve Marino, $266,800 65-66-66-71268Joe Durant, $184,000 68-68-68-65269Kevin Streelman, $154,100 64-69-69-68270Troy Matteson, $154,100 63-68-69-70270Scott Sterling, $154,100 70-63-66-71270Michael Allen, $133,400 70-67-68-67272Chris Stroud, $101,967 70-68-66-69273Bob Estes, $101,967 70-63-71-69273Cameron... (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
It's all over, what do you think? Nov 10, 2008
Before Labor Day, many of us had never heard of the Mat-Su Valley, Wasilla, Palmer, etc. Her presence on the national stage brought us all a little closer to the state that seems so far away : ) " Carol wrote on Nov 9, 2008 11:56 AM:" I can't believe the blogs on your site. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Wasilla in title conversation Nov 9, 2008
"This is the first time I've ever heard someone mention Wasilla swimming and a state title," Mike Janecek, the house announcer and former Palmer athletic director. SMOOTH SWIMMING. (Anchorage Daily News)
Outdoors hot line Nov 9, 2008
WHEN: 7 p.m. Wednesday in Anchorage; 7 p.m. Thursday in Palmer. WHERE: Spenard Recreation Center on Wednesday; MTA building in Palmer. (Anchorage Daily News)
Prep volleyball, college hockey, college volleyball Nov 9, 2008
Magnolia Course, 7,516; par 72Palm Course, 7,010; par 72Third RoundScott Verplank 64-64-69197Steve Marino 65-66-66197Davis Love III 66-69-64199Scott Sterling 70-63-66199Tommy Gainey 68-66-66200Robert Garrigus 65-67-68200Troy Matteson 63-68-69200Tim Petrovic 67-67-68202Bo Van Pelt 68-66-68202Ken Duke 66-67-69202Jason Gore 66-67-69202Kevin Streelman 64-69-69202Robert Gamez 65-67-70202Cameron Beckman 68-68-67203Tag Ridings 66-66-71203Joe Durant 68-68-68204Charles Howell III... (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
Robert Hartley Nov 9, 2008
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Nov. 14 at St. John s Lutheran Church in Palmer ... Following his high school years in Palmer, he worked building Fort Richardson Army Base and Campbell Airstrip ... In 1947, the three brothers opened Hartley Brothers Garage in North Palmer. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Concerned for children Nov 9, 2008
Last Updated on Saturday, Nov 08, 2008 - 10:20:26 pm AKST. News and Features for Wasilla, Alaska. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Service sweeps Eagle River Nov 8, 2008
Palmer swept Soldotna 25-14, 25-21, 25-23 and Colony easily defeated Kenai 25-10, 25-16, 25-8 ... Thursday's winners advanced to today's semifinals at Kenai High School where Kodiak faces Palmer and Colony meets Skyview. (Anchorage Daily News)
Oregon Recreation Report Nov 8, 2008
Consider a short driving tour from Elgin north to Palmer valley ... Turkeys should be moving towards Elgin and whitetail deer and elk may be seen along the loop roads in Palmer Valley. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Knights move into NLC title match, qualify for state volleyball tournament Nov 8, 2008
Kodiak edged Palmer 3-2 (23-25, 25-18, 23-25, 25-16, 15-10) in the other semifinal. With the loss, Palmer was pushed into consolation play and the Moose will play the Wasilla Warriors, who stayed alive with a consolation win over Kenai, on Saturday morning ... The winner of the Palmer-Wasilla match will earn the right to play in the consolation finals. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Standoff with troopers nets 45-year sentence Nov 7, 2008
Palmer man held the law at bay with a rifle for 3 days ... PALMER -- No one was injured, but 51-year-old Donald Voorhis is headed to prison for 45 years, the sentence handed down Wednesday for an armed standoff with Alaska State Troopers in September 2006 ... "We just can't have that," said Palmer Superior Court Judge Eric Smith at the Wednesday morning court hearing. (Anchorage Daily News)
MEA manager's contract changed Nov 7, 2008
PALMER -- The Matanuska Electric Association board has decided not to extend longtime General Manager Wayne Carmony's contract for an additional year, but good luck figuring out what that means. Story tools. (Anchorage Daily News)
South wrestling team remains undefeated Nov 7, 2008
140 -- 1) Josh West, Colony; 2) Nick Stahler, Palmer; 3) Ben Daigle, Homer; 4) Jon Ross, Chugiak; 5) Jesse Mckee, Colony; 6) Tevin Tolliver, Lathrop ... 171 -- 1) Zach Baldwin, Chugiak; 2) Casey Katchinksa, Wasilla; 3) Gary Anthony, Kodiak; 4) Kenny Boykin, Colony; 5) Billy Hoeffel, Lathrop; 6) Sam Heindal, Palmer ... 189 -- 1) Chris Crane, Wasilla; 2) Angello Bellotte, Colony; 3) Brent Reed, South; 4) Mike Gelinas, North Pole; 5) Kelley Ransome, Palmer; 6) Kenny Mahan, Skyview. (Anchorage Daily News)
Mat-Su, North Pole voters give Young a large lead Nov 7, 2008
Those include North Pole, south of Fairbanks, and four districts connected to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough: Gov. Sarah Palin's hometown of Wasilla, nearby Palmer, Big Lake-Houston-Willow, and the district that straddles the border with north Anchorage, Peters Creek-Eklutna-Butte. In the Mat-Su, Young's A-plus rating with the National Rifle Association resonated with moose hunters and salmon fishermen, said Steve Colligan of Wasilla, the vice chairman of the Republican Party of Alaska. (Juneau Empire)
A family affair Nov 7, 2008
Former Palmer diver Richelle Knapp and Moose swimmer Dirk Craft were the last Mat-Su swimmers to win individual state titles, both achieving that feat during the 2000 state championships. No Wasilla swimmer or diver has won a state title since Dwayne Hanson won the state diving title for the Warriors in 1990. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Armed standoff nets Valley man 45 years Nov 6, 2008
PALMER - No one was injured, but 51-year-old Donald Voorhis is headed to prison for 45 years, the sentence handed down today for an armed standoff with Alaska State Troopers in September 2006 ... "We just can't have that," said Palmer Superior Court Judge Eric Smith at the Wednesday-morning court hearing ... Palmer District Attorney Roman Kalytiak said he made his sentencing recommendations based on the case. (Anchorage Daily News)
Leadership scramble begins with races undecided Nov 6, 2008
In District 13, Palmer bookstore owner David Cheezem, a Democrat, more than doubled incumbent Republican Carl Gatto's campaign bank, taking in more than $30,000 to Gatto's $12,000. Didn't matter: Gatto trounced Cheezem by more than 2-1. (Anchorage Daily News)
Juneau man gets 18 years for coffee shop robbery Nov 6, 2008
Price must also attend an 18-month residential substance abuse treatment program in Palmer. Following that program, Price will be jailed at the state contract prison in Arizona or at the Spring Creek Correctional Center in Seward. (Juneau Empire)
Voorhis gets 45-year prison term Nov 6, 2008
PALMER - A three-day standoff with troopers, including gunfire, has landed a Talkeetna man in prison for 45 years ... But he was in court this morning with a black eye that Palmer District Attorney Roman Kalytiak said was the result of a scuffle with another prisoner. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Mat-Su incumbents take early lead Nov 5, 2008
Cheezem, a Palmer bookstore owner, had raised more money for his campaign than Gatto in the race for the House District 13 seat, representing the Palmer area. With just one-fifth of the precincts reporting, Gatto led by a 3-1 margin. (Anchorage Daily News)
Valley sees growth despite recession fears Nov 5, 2008
PALMER Could a recession in the Lower 48 hurt or help the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. It may be too soon to tell. (Anchorage Daily News)
Why glorify hunting when it's not necessary for survival? Nov 5, 2008
She lives in Palmer with her husband, Lee, and way too many cats. ADVERTISEMENT. (Anchorage Daily News)
Service hockey in good hands Nov 5, 2008
Eagle River vs. Palmer, 6:30, Palmer Ice Arena. Wednesday. (Anchorage Daily News)
Mixed bag for Valley Dems: Obama wins, locals fall Nov 5, 2008
PALMER At the headquarters for Mat-Su Democrats Tuesday, there was none of the pomp, circumstance or robot costumes of the Republicans shindig at the Multi-Use Sports Complex in Wasilla, but the mood, at least initially, was more ecstatic. Their candidate, Barack Obama, had taken the presidency. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
More of this story Nov 4, 2008
Mary Palmer of New York City said she is more interested in the historical prospect of the first black president or the first woman vice president than in the political or ideological aspects. All of that makes it very exciting, she said. (Newport Daily News, RI)
NLC tourney set Nov 4, 2008
ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman Colony Knight Seirra Hodgson dives in attempt to make a save during the Knights wn over the Palmer Moose last week at Colony High School ... This year, it seems like a year that has the potential for being real unusual at regionals, Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds said last week ... Palmer and Wasilla each finished tied at 4-6 in NLC play, but the Warriors will have the third seed thanks to a tiebreaker. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Palin a pull with voters Nov 4, 2008
Over in Palmer, David Cheezem, who is taking on incumbent Republican Carl Gatto in the race to represent Palmer and Hatcher Pass, echoed Keller s questions about how a Palin voter will decide the rest of the ballot. I certainly have people from across the political spectrum saying that they re going to vote for me, whether Republican or Democrat, Cheezem said. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Maria Magdalena Ballock Nov 4, 2008
Valley Funeral Homes & Crematory of Palmer & Wasilla assisted the family. Copyright. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Will a Loss Sic 'Pit Bull' Palin on Critics? Nov 4, 2008
Another concerned critic: of the Church of the Covenant in Palmer, Alaska, who in September told ABC News and others how in the 1990s Palin had tried to get local bookstores to stop selling his book, "Pastor, I Am Gay." Palin has said she has never tried to ban any book. "When I have talked quite freely, I've done so realizing that there's a price that I have paid," he said. (ABC News)
Romney racing across the country for McCain Nov 3, 2008
"I've had a lot of people tell me they wish they had another name on the ticket," Tim Palmer, 47, a supporter from Cedar Rapids, told Romney as he drove his small entourage to lunch at a barbecue joint. Palmer said later that he hopes Romney will run again. (Boston Globe)
