MAT-SU—The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly and the Alaska Railroad Corp. are working together to oppose a court challenge to the Surface Transportation Board’s approval of construction for the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension.

MAT-SU—Delivering natural gas from the North Slope to Cook Inlet through a high-volume gas pipeline would benefit Alaska in both domestic and world markets. That high volume gasline to Cook Inlet could be a marriage of both concepts, the ASAP gasline and the Alaska Gas Pipeline project.   

ANCHORAGE—The annual report for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough earned first place in the Alaska Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America at a recent awards banquet on Jan. 26. Some 130 Alaska public relations professionals are members including business and industry, military, government, and marketing strategy firms.

MAT-SU—Monday, dog breeder Frank Rich was sentenced to six months in custody and ordered not to own or care for an animal for ten years. Last January the rescue of 174 of his Huskies overwhelmed Mat-Su Animal Care, and his mistreatment of them drew outcry from across Alaska to the western states. “This is a massive failure to meet any standard of reasonable care,” Borough Attorney Nicholas Spiropoulos told Alaska District Court Judge David Zwink, before the sentencing. “This defendant is not fit to own a hamster.”

MAT-SU–  Last Monday, Animal Care removed ten Mastiffs, a hermit crab, and fish, among other pets, from a Mat-Su residence. Complaints of abandoned dogs on Knik River Road prompted Mat-Su Borough Animal Care officers to apply for a search and seizure warrant.

ANCHORAGE—A new report maps out erosion history and hazards for 74 miles of the Matanuska River, a braided river in Southcentral Alaska that has damaged and threatened houses, roads and public facilities for decades.

MAT-SU—This week the Assembly for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough accepted $60,000 in donations for the Sutton Library & Community Resource Center project, including $50,000 from BP-Alaska, $2,500 from Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union and $7,500 from Friends of the Sutton Library.

Mat-Su– This winter's above-average snowfall has borough residents shoveling more than usual. With a winter weather advisory in effect calling for heavy snow and wind, now is a good time to make your furnace, dryer and sewer vents a safety priority by clearing snow from around them before taking care of your driveway.

MAT-SU– Residents inside the Mat-Su borough boundaries are allowed to bring in the New Year with more than just confetti and the tune of Auld Lang Syne. The shooting off of fireworks in the Mat-Su borough is allowed on New Years Eve from 6pm to 1am.

MAT-SU—Enjoy the beginning of longer days at the 8th Annual “Winter Trails Day”, this Saturday, January 7th, from 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Mile 10.6 Hatcher Pass Road and Upper Mountain.   It’s free, it’s fun, it’s a great day!

Mat-Su – Watch video of Willow Emergency Responders volunteering their time and energy to bring a Christmas surprise by dogsled to two struggling families.

MAT-SU—Assistant Borough Manager Elizabeth Gray resigned this week and took a job in her home state of Oklahoma as City Administrator of Altus, Oklahoma.

MAT-SU–The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly introduced an ordinance Tues. night that will send $60,000 in donations for the Sutton Library And Resource Center project. BP Alaska donated $50,000 and Friends of the Sutton Library raised $10,000, after many fundraising activities.

MAT-SU—New Borough gravel mining rules contain the first reclamation requirements ever in Borough code for gravel extraction and provide a process for mining in the water table. Most industry representatives who testified support the new rules.

MAT-SU—The Matanuska-Susitna Borough continues to lead the state in constructing energy efficient and sustainable buildings. The year-old community recycling center is the first industrial facility in Alaska to be LEED certified at the Gold level. Today Mat-Su Borough Mayor Larry DeVilbiss accepted a glass plaque for the achievement.

MAT-SU—In a push to catch up with tremendous growth, Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly members presented transportation and tourism infrastructure projects as priorities to the Mat-Su legislative delegation Monday. The top funding requests include $60 million for Port MacKenzie Rail and $32 million to match taxpayer dollars on voter-approved road bonds.

The $60 million will build two more segments of the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension, bringing the project funding to two-thirds of the entire rail embankment from the port to Houston. The 11 road projects in the 2011 Road Bond Package will further develop the Borough’s connector and arterial road network.

MAT-SU—Tuesday night, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly amended Borough rules for mining gravel. The new ordinance adds environmental protections while also garnering support from the gravel mining industry. Wednesday afternoon, however, Assemblymember Noel Woods asked for a reconsideration of his vote, saying the final draft should be seen before the final vote. The ordinance appears again on the Dec. 20 agenda.

MAT-SU––Each year in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, 30 to 40 pets are lost in home fires. Recently, sixteen pet resuscitation masks were donated to the Mat-Su Borough by James Klebs, owner of Invisible Fence of Anchorage. The masks will provide responders with a valuable tool in the field that can be used to resuscitate pets that have been trapped in a home fire. Each of the 16 kits can be adapted for pets ranging in size from as small as a ferret up to a Great Dane. A total of 50 masks have been donated throughout Alaska.

MAT-SU—The federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) issued its decision to allow construction and operation of the Port MacKenzie Railroad Extension. The decision is an important step in clearing the way for construction to begin on a 32-mile link from the mainline of the Alaska Railroad near Houston to Port MacKenzie.

West Lakes Public Safety Building, Meadow Lakes—Today the Matanuska-Susitna Borough received for free, title to a 1984 ladder truck, a noteworthy asset, even used, for the Borough’s youngest fire service area. It is the first time ConocoPhillips, Alaska, has surplused a ladder truck to a local Alaska government.

MAT-SU— In an example of government and private sector working together, the West Lakes Fire Department is gaining the gift of a ladder truck from ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc. The Mat-Su Borough is now celebrating the arrival of the free ladder truck, which is now valued at an estimated $80,000 to $100,000.

Wasilla - The Mat-Su Basin Salmon Habitat Partnership is hosting the fourth annual Science and Conservation Symposium in Wasilla, November 9 & 10, 9a.m. – 5p.m. at the Central Mat-Su Public Safety Building.

MAT-SU—Learn how a local mom & successful business woman hopes her son will return from a Colorado prison to Goose Creek. Hear from contractor Neeser on how the cost to build the prison will never be lower.

MAT-SU— The opening of a new, short-span bridge might sound like below-the-fold news, but not to residents like Glenn and Sandy Guy and more than 30 others who live beyond Welch Bridge near Hatcher Pass and were recently without vital services such as heating fuel, septic haul-away, and fire truck response.

MAT-SU—The 2011 Annual Report for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough is online. Did you know about the local boy who was pinned under a truck tire and brought back to life by a responder on his way home? How about the feat the Sportsman's Committee pulled off in protecting local salmon? Please take 10 minutes by reading the 2011 Annual Report online if you haven't picked it up at Blockbuster, Mat-Su Regional Hospital, grocery stores, or Subway. Then answer 6 questions in a survey.

MAT-SU--When the West Lakes Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire last night they found the entire east side of the home on fire with flames spreading from the eave under the roof into the attic space. Neighbor Elaine Burkhart told responders that the occupants were not home, but there were definitely animals inside.

Mat-Su—Turn in your unused or expired medications this Sat., Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fred Meyer in Palmer or Wasilla and at the Talkeetna Sunshine Clinic as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The effort is aimed at preventing abuse of prescription drugs and at reducing the disposal into our water systems.

MAT-SU—Trails near one of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly's priority projects—the South Denali Visitor Center—drew national notice this week in a U.S. Dept. of Interior news release, as one of the best investments in the nation to create travel, tourism and outdoor-recreation jobs across the country.

Mat-Su—The Matanuska-Susitna Borough recently received its trademark for the phrase: Stillwater Fishing Capital of Alaska. More than 80 lakes, stocked and wild, are within an hour’s drive of each other. Tuesday night, resident Bob Andres was also honored with a mayoral proclamation for recognizing and promoting the stillwater fishing potential.

MAT-SU—Steve Colligan took the oath of office Tues. night, becoming an Assemblymember for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough representing District 4, Wasilla. Colligan will take the seat on Oct. 24. The Assembly also certified the election and said goodbye to departing Assemblymember Cindy Bettine who served six years and reached term limits.

ANCHORAGE-KENAI-MAT-SU- Southcentral Alaska residents are being asked to voluntarily
reduce their energy consumption for two hours on the evening of Wed., Oct. 19.

MAT-SU BOROUGH PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING—Are you prepared for the next "Big One?" Learn how you can be from Dr. Peter Haeussler, a U.S. Geological Survey scientist. He'll talk earthquake hazards of the Castle Mountain Fault and in Southcentral Alaska. Lessons from Japan will be shared.

MAT-SU—On Wed., October 19, from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, the Hospital and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough will be participating in a “LIVE PREPAREDNESS DRILL.”  It will involve Hospital personnel and Urgent Care together with Borough Fire and EMS.

MAT-SU—Four vetoes of ordinances and resolutions by Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor Larry DeVilbiss are on the Assembly agenda for Oct. 18. The vetoes involve: the Bogard Road extension project, the road for the Hatcher Pass Ski Area, an amended ordinance for road service areas, and an ordinance that seeks to prevent phone books from piling up in driveways.

MAT-SU—Mat-Su voters strongly supported bonds for roads and schools tonight, and the reapportionment of Assembly district lines. Darcie Salmon is a new Assemblymember. Steve Colligan is the leader in the race for Assembly District 4. Erick Cordero and Ole Larson remain as School Boardmembers. Election results are unofficial until certified on Oct. 18.

MAT-SU—“The Port is on the cusp of seeing a lot of activity,” said PacArctic President King Hufford, while signing a 20-year lease today at the Matanuska-Susitna Borough for 7.5 acres at Port MacKenzie.  

“The 44-page lease agreement was a good bilateral process,” Hufford said. “The Borough is good to work with.” PacArctic is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Koniag, Inc, an Alaska Native Regional Corporation.

MAT-SU—A new 18,280 square foot addition to the main office building for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough will improve public process with its 300-seat Assembly chambers, among many benefits. Presently, the cramped chambers of the 75-year-old building force some citizens to listen in the hallway.

MAT-SU—A second new lease this month was approved for Port MacKenzie at Tuesday night's Assembly meeting. Central Alaska Energy, LLC., will lease 5.5 acres for tank farm and truck operations. The developing transportation infrastructure at Port MacKenzie is drawing the interest.

MAT-SU, RAVEN HALL—The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, City of Palmer,
City of Wasilla, the Alaska Railroad Corporation, Mat-Su Transit and the Mat-Su Borough have teamed up to bring you the latest on Mat-Su Valley roads, rails and trails at this one-stop information destination from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Raven Hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds.

MAT-SU—After listening to three hours of testimony from Borough residents Tuesday night, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly voted 5 to 1 to adopt a resolution of support for Usibelli Coal Mine Inc.'s effort to renew a state permit for its Wishbone Hill project.

MAT-SU―Staff and officials at the Matanuska-Susitna Borough were saddened to learn of the death of former Borough Clerk Sandra Dillon. She gave many years to public service. She was first hired at the Borough in May 1989 as a Legal Secretary. She became Borough Clerk in April 1995 until she retired in May 2004.

MAT-SU—The gamut of ideas was considered tonight (Aug. 30) by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly as it weighed how to reduce the operating costs of the M/V Susitna Ferry while fulfilling obligations to the Federal Transit Administration and the Office of Naval Research.

The Assembly directed Borough Manager John Moosey to return with more information on eight specific areas and a recommendation.

MAT-SU—Did you know that only 21 percent of voters voted in the last Borough election? Deputy Borough Clerk Jamie Newman gives a quick overview of the upcoming election on Oct. 4.

MAT-SU—A revetment—overgrown with alders and brush along the edge of Talkeetna in the Talkeetna River—will be cleared by the Borough at the request of the Dept. of the Army next week so the rock structure can be maintained. The 32-year-old levee protects the town from flooding along the riverbank beginning south of Second Street and ending just North of B Street.

Mat-Su—Most schools are starting Wednesday. Drivers will once again be sharing roads with school buses and kids and all too soon, with darkness. In recent years, at least two, rear-end collisions with school buses has occurred. The Borough Transportation Advisory Board encourages alert, courteous driving.

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough adopted the Natural Resources Management Units Plan last September 2010. We are now moving forward to the second phase with the Five Year Timber Harvest Schedule. The draft Schedule is available online for public review; comments will be accepted through August 31, 2011.

MAT-SU—In a 5 to 2 decision, the Assembly for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough voted to override Mayor Larry DeVilbiss’ veto of the proposed $32 million transportation bonds.

MAT-SU—A school bond package that addresses student population growth and aging schools in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough was adopted last night (Aug. 9) by the Borough Assembly, and will be placed on the ballot for the Oct. 4 election.

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough employees just played a vital role in responding to our state’s blood supply shortage. Up to 96 lives were helped by the blood donations made by employees and family on Aug. 3.

MAT-SU Aug. 3—Discussing weighty issues for eight hours, the Assembly adjourned at two minutes to midnight after working through subjects such as road bonds, road powers, Assembly reapportionment, a proposed new election process for School Boardmembers, land for Academy Charter School, land for a new Caswell Lakes fire hall, and the creation of a wastewater advisory board.

A vote on a School bond ballot proposition was postponed until Aug. 9.

Mat-Su—The Point MacKenzie Public Safety Building will now bear the names of Art & Boots Scates, two community leaders who helped establish a rural fire station and gave momentum to a young port. The couple was killed in a traffic accident on Knik-Goose Bay Road on January 5.

MAT-SU BOROUGH—Municipalities and private property owners across the nation are catching onto rain gardens as a technique to capture rainwater before it enters storm drains or nearby waterbodies. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough gained four beautiful and practical rain gardens this summer. Native plants will help prevent pollution, erosion, and flooding. 

MAT-SU—A ballot question on towers, a delayed sewer-and-water-rate increase, new land for West Lakes Fire are among the items that were considered by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly Tues. July 19.

MAT-SU-- Nine members representing The American Hiking Society brought their love for hard work and the outdoors to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Their 10-day vacation was grubwork on the side of 3,527 foot Lazy Mountain. With mattocks, loppers, Pulaskis, and McCleods, the volunteer group cut the last eight-tenths of a mile of the new Lazy Moose Trail through the Devil’s Club and tree roots.

PORT MACKENZIE—Construction work advances at Port MacKenzie on a 1.5 mile bimodal loop, one of the longest rail and road loops in Alaska for 100-car trains and semis carrying bulk materials.

MAT-SU—Judges selected artist John McOmber's work on the Nordic Ski Area from among the entries of 11 artists in this year's Matanuska-Susitna Borough poster contest.  McOmber will be revealing his art and signing posters tomorrow at Palmer's Friday Fling event, beginning at 11 am.

Mat-Su—Fireworks are illegal in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough for the July 4th celebration. A $500 fine is possible. The City of Houston allows them. Or enjoy the professional show in Wasilla on July 3 at 11 pm in Iditapark.

MAT-SU—With the news today of Alaska Governor Sean Parnell’s final state budget, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough thanks Gov. Parnell for continuing to invest in our state’s transportation infrastructure. He chose to direct $30 million in state appropriations to the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension, along with appropriations for other worthy Borough projects.

Mat-Su—Changes to rules for subdivisions, flood plain determination and land use permits are being proposed. The Assembly is seeking reform of MSB 17.02, MSB 17.29, and MSB Title 27 based upon comments from citizens.

These ordinances are being reviewed by the Planning Commission and Platting Board over the next 60+ days. The Planning Commission and Platting Board are seeking comments. Meetings are scheduled for public participation. 

MAT-SU—The deadline has been extended for the Mat-Su Borough poster contest on the Nordic Ski Area project. New deadline: June 20, noon. There's 12 more days to create a sense of place and to show inspiration for the coming Nordic Ski Area at Hatcher Pass. Photos, sketches, painting, digital art all welcome. The poster contest promotes a local artist and a Borough priority project.

MAT-SU – Finalizing the budget last night, Mayor Larry DeVilbiss vetoed 13 line items. After approximately five hours of discussion with the Assembly, five vetoes remain. The cuts in the proposed Borough Budget will result in real tax savings to Borough residents.

MAT-SU—Six full-time paramedics, a snowmachine trailhead at Hatcher Pass, a consultant for port development, a lower areawide mill rate and a rebate for Mat-Su taxpayers are part of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough budget of $375,490,644 that passed last night. Of this, the School District receives $259 million—$48,347,365 from local taxpayers.

MAT-SU—Big projects with statewide benefits in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough continue to progress with new funding from the recently passed State capital budget. Port MacKenzie Rail receives $37.5 million, Goose Creek Correctional Center receives its original funds from the Governor’s budget, $3.6 million, and South Denali Visitor Center receives $3 million.

MAT-SU—An Alaska Superior Court judge granted the Matanuska-Susitna Borough relief Monday by ordering the promoter of the Trapper Creek Bluegrass festival, Justin Boot Rousseau, to follow the rules on mass outdoor gatherings.

PALMER—The Matanuska-Susitna Borough is issuing an air quality advisory for the Palmer area valid from 3:00 pm, Wednesday, May 11, 2011, until the wind subsides.  Due to increasing winds the air quality in the Palmer Area may range from unhealthy to hazardous.

MAT-SU—Assemblymembers, the Mayor, and the new Manager for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough listened to the testimony of more than 30 people in a crowded room last night in the first public hearing on the proposed Borough budget.

Mat-Su -- On Thursday, April 28, VCRS, or Valley Community for Recycling Solutions, and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough received the Outstanding Recycling Community award from ALPAR (Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling).

PALMER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MOOSE LODGE—Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor Larry DeVilbiss said the Assembly searched the nation for the right manager and found him in John Moosey.  Moosey had anticipated the recent economic downturn, DeVilbiss said, and prepared his county of Chisago, Minnesota, in advance, DeVilbiss told the Palmer Chamber of Commerce today.

Mat-Su—Representatives from the Alaska Redistricting Board held a public hearing today (April 25) in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska’s only Borough that has grown 50 percent in the last decade. Borough officials and others asked the Board for five full representatives to reflect the constant growth.

MAT-SU—Tuesday night, Acting Borough Manager Elizabeth Gray gave an overview of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Manager’s proposed budget for 2012. The proposal aims to maintain services to the public while minimizing the effects of the mill levy.

MAT-SU—Beginning this spring, the Borough will be part of a multi-agency, $1.9 million project that puts planes in the air and adds accuracy to maps.

In order for owners of property in a special flood hazard area to buy less expensive flood insurance, the Borough participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. To maintain eligibility in this program, homeowners must build to specific standards, such as building to, or above, the base flood elevation in their area.

MAT-SU—A new trails foundation in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough recently gained major momentum. On March 15, a roomful of trail supporters was pleased when the Borough Assembly unanimously agreed to reappropriate $100,000 to the Mat-Su Trails & Parks Foundation.

MAT-SU—Officials with the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and the Alaska Railroad told reporters in a press conference in Palmer today that the release of the final environmental study means the Port MacKenzie Rail project moves a step closer to construction.

MAT-SU BOROUGH, Alaska – The Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) of the Surface Transportation Board (STB) released the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) today for the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension, recommending Mac East Variant (Mac Central) and Houston South as the rail route for STB approval.

MAT-SU – Homeowners in the new West Lakes Fire Service Area could begin to save on home insurance thanks to an improved fire protection rating achieved late last year. “We set this goal for our fire department five years ago and have worked hard to see it happen,” said District 2 Chief Bill Gamble.

Good luck continues for the Huskies rescued by Mat-Su Borough Animal Care in January. Flights donated by Delta Airlines are transporting six of the dogs to rescue groups Outside.

MAT-SU—The new U.S. Census numbers show what State economist Neal Fried frequently presents: “The Valley continues to eclipse the rest of the state.”

The population of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough grew by 50 percent in the past decade. The 2010 Mat-Su population: 88,995.

Mat-Su – On April 30, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska State Troopers, Palmer Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.  Bring your medications for disposal to Wasilla Fred Meyer at 1501 E. Parks Hwy., Palmer Fred Meyer at 650 S. Cobb Street, or Talkeetna’s Sunshine Community Health Center at 34300 S. Talkeetna Spur Road.  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked

If the earthquake and associated tsunami in Japan has the next Alaska earthquake on your mind you have to ask yourself, Am I prepared? The key to surviving any disaster is PLANNING.

www.ready.gov

There is no immediate or anticipated threat of radioactive exposure from the Japanese nuclear plant explosion.

The Alaska State Emergency Coordination Center is working with and is constant contact with the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Nuclear Regulatory Commission, FEMA, the Department of Defense, US Health and Human Services, and the Alaska Department of Public Health who continue to monitor the overall situation, the air quality, and the weather patterns.

MAT-SU—A new Borough Manager was selected this weekend by the Assembly for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. John Moosey, County Administrator for Chisago County in Minnesota is the pick.

MAT-SU—The fisheries of the Susitna and Yentna Rivers in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough are struggling. Assembly Member Jim Colver is the Vice Chair of the Mayor's Sportsmen's Committee. "Unless the Board of Fish mandates that conservation measures be taken, we may lose our fisheries. It's that close to being a crisis," Colver said.

MAT-SU—Seeking artwork of Mat-Su Borough artist. Award: $1500 for painting, drawing, or photographing an inspirational view of the Nordic Ski Trails project at Hatcher Pass.

JUNEAU—The Matanuska-Susitna Borough has taken a life-saving effort from the classroom to the capital. Last week Borough Paramedic Kara Boothby traveled with Jim Foster, President of the Loren Marshall Foundation,  to teach legislators “hands only CPR.”

MAT-SU—An independent legal opinion found that Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor Larry DeVilbiss may continue to serve both as Borough Mayor and Director for Matanuska Electric Association. The opinion also concluded that Mayor DeVilbiss must declare a conflict and be excused from Assembly action in any matter in which MEA has a "substantial" interest.

MAT-SU—Animal Care Manager Richard Stockdale says the huskies rescued in January have gained between 25 and 40 percent of their body weight. Dr. Katrina Zwolinski, Borough Veterinarian, has been keeping a close eye on their medical needs.

As the dogs become healthy enough for adoption you’ll be able to see them on www.petharbor.com. Some may be headed out to Point MacKenzie Correctional Farm to be socialized and learn to be loved. Three husky moms were sent to rescue groups to deliver their pups, and these groups will be finding homes for the puppies when the time is right.

MAT-SU—The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly narrowed an executive search firm's list of candidates for Borough manager to seven Tuesday night.  The seven candidates will be interviewed via video conferencing on Feb. 18.

MAT-SU—The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly narrowed an executive search firm's list of candidates for manager to seven Tuesday night.  The seven candidates will be interviewed via video conferencing on Feb. 18.

ANCHORAGE—The work of Matanuska-Susitna Borough Public Affairs staff was recognized at an award ceremony on Jan. 27, as among the best work of public relations professionals in Alaska. The Alaska Chapter of Public Relations Society of America has more than 100 members, including full-service public relations firms and corporations.

MAT-SU—Larry DeVilbiss took the oath of office, becoming Mayor of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough today in the Assembly chambers surrounded by family and supporters and staff.

MAT-SU—Tuesday night Ed Nutter blew a whistle, stepped off his lifeguard chair, and dived 13 feet down to the bottom of the Palmer Pool to bring an unconscious 17-year-old to the surface.

MAT-SU—Larry DeVilbiss will be sworn in as the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor on Friday, Jan. 28. The Canvass Board released the final but still unofficial numbers in the mayoral race today. For the top two contenders: DeVilbiss 3,964 and Brian Sullivan 2,616.

MAT-SU—The Mat-Su Borough Animal Shelter will be closed on January 26 to allow staff to catch up on cleaning the facility and organizing the donations. On Jan. 10 Animal Shelter staff rescued 157 dogs from a breeder's lot in Montana Creek. The dogs were emaciated and living in poor conditions.

MAT-SU—Three days after the arrival of 157 rescued dogs at the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Animal Care shelter, some previously starving dogs are now gaining ounces in weight, staff members’ 19-hour work days are shortening to a 10-hour day, and adoptable dogs—not involved in the rescue—are finding new homes.

MAT-SU—Unofficially, voters at the polls tonight chose Larry DeVilbiss to fill the seat as mayor of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The leader in the mayoral race needs more than 40 percent of the vote to win without a run off. For now, DeVilbiss has 57 percent compared to Brian Sullivan’s 36 percent. However, 1,418 votes remain to be counted.

Those votes are: 1,109 issued absentee ballots, 304 questioned ballots, and 5 special needs ballots. The Canvass Board begins canvassing or verifying the ballots tomorrow at 10 am.

MAT-SU—Mat-Su Animal Care is open tomorrow 11-6:30 pm for adoptions etc. bargain prices. (Not new dogs yet)

Anchorage Animal Care is helping out with residents in Anchorage who want to drop off donations for Mat-Su shelter. So is KTVA 11. Anchorage Animal Care: 4711 Elmore Road Anchorage, AK 99507
Main phone:  343-8118

The Willow Fire Dept., Station 12, at 69.5 Parks Highway will be a drop-off for animal care shelter donations from the northern area, beginning Wed. 10-4 and Thursday noon to 8 pm during open house, thanks to Lt. Leo Lashock and Fire Chief Lance Barve.

-end-

Matanuska-Susitna Borough -- Working on three hours of sleep the new Animal Care Manager, Richard Stockdale is fielding non-stop calls and press interviews today. Stockdale and staff worked until 3:30 a.m. collecting 157 dehydrated and starving, mainly Alaska husky dogs from a breeder.  The ages of the dogs ranged from several years old to a few days old.  19 were dead, 31 were puppies.  

MAT-SU—Recent final approval of an environmental document means that much-awaited trail clearing will begin soon on up to 10 kilometers of new Nordic ski trails on the southern side of Hatcher Pass in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough’s Nordic Ski Area. Skiers could be gliding on tracks by this November.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Animal Care Facility -- Before taking possession of 157 dogs from a husky breeder last night the shelter was at near capacity with adoptable dogs. To make room for these animals Mat-Su Animal Care is offering these adoptable dogs and puppies for the sale price of $79.00.  $17 if the dog is already spayed or neutered.