MAT-SU—In early August, one man near Sutton lost part of his house to the scouring Matanuska River. By mid-August, immediate concerns moved downstream near Butte where a revetment near Ye Old River Road began washing away, exposing low-lying areas to seepage.

Some residents hope for 100s of truckloads of big rock to keep the water from chewing off more of the riverbank.

“That may sound like a good idea but the Borough can’t do it,” said Matanuska-Susitna Borough Deputy Mayor Lynne Woods.

Mat-Su—Talk. We’re listening. A survey is on the front page of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough website on customer service and online outreach. Your feedback may help shape some Borough programs and services.

MAT-SU—Today, (Aug. 17), the National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for the Yentna River at Lake Creek in the western Susitna Valley. The Yentna River could rise several inches above flood stage tonight, resulting in minor flooding, according to the forecast. Lodges along the river have been contacted and are taking precautionary actions.

PORT MACKENZIE—More than 70 new construction jobs were created at Port MacKenzie this summer as great progress is being made on two large construction projects.

MAT-SU—Some 80 feet of property at the back door of Forrest Blubaugh’s house near Sutton has washed away recently in the Matanuska River.

Borough officials with emergency services, code compliance, public works, and planning departments have been monitoring the erosion and coordinating with community members.

Chief Bob Haskell reports that the Animal Care Facility is celebrating its 8th month as a "no-kill" shelter. Actually, by working closely with rescue groups, it's been 8 months for dogs and 11 months for cats. With that the animal gods are smiling on the Chief, the shelter has recently temporarily housed a sheep, three goats and a pair of white ferrets. Two of the goats and the ferrets are still available for adoption. If interested, please call or visit the facility. 746-5500 - Operating hours are Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Friday, 30 July 2010 5:00 p.m.

MAT-SU—Eight candidates filed for two seats on the Assembly. Five candidates filed for school board seats. The deadline to file was 5:00 p.m. today. The Borough's regular election is Oct. 5, 2010.

Assembly District 1: Warren Keogh, George Rauscher, James Tapley, and Bruce Walden.

Assembly District 2: Thomas Braund, Assemblymember Peter Houston, John Leiner, and Noel Woods.

For School Board Seat C: Susan Pougher.

For School Board Seat F: Neal Lacy, and Colleen Vague.

For School Board Seat G: Lynn Gattis, and Myrl Thompson.

Friday is the last day for callers who feel they may have been overlooked in the census to complete their 2010 questionnaire quickly over the phone. Residents that believe they did not receive a form, who did not mail it back or have not been contacted by a census enumerator are urged to call 1-866-872-6868.

You are cordially invited to an open house, hosted by the Mat-Su chapter of the Farm Bureau and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, for farmers and agricultural product distributors on Thursday, July 29 from 4-7pm at the Palmer train depot.

MAT-SU — Construction at the Goose Creek Correctional Center marches smartly on with “substantial completion” expected September of 2011.  Governor Parnell toured the progress today noting the vehicle filled parking lot from the estimated 300 construction workers.

MAT-SU—The Borough and the company that owns a conveyor at Port MacKenzie agreed recently to settle a three-year-old lawsuit that could have continued for another four to six years. The settlement comes at a time when two large infrastructure projects are underway and potential tenants are stepping up their interest in doing business at Port MacKenzie.

MAT-SU BOROUGH–Before a new Permit Center was created at the Borough administration building in Palmer, a person who wanted to build a house would have to check in with the Public Works Department on the first floor for a driveway permit then walk up the stairs to Code Compliance on the second floor for a mandatory land use permit, often visiting each place twice. Given the 600-plus land use permits and the 600 driveway permits issued each year, that’s a lot of stair time.

MAT-SU—This Saturday meet local artist Linda Henning who won this year's Borough poster contest of the M/V Susitna ferry. Henning drew inspiration for her painting from photos and the rush of wind when aboard a ferry.

MAT-SU—After adding several amendments that offer protections to nearby residents, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly approved a new 25-year lease for a road across Borough land that links Wishbone Hill Coal Mine to the Glenn Highway.

KETCHIKAN—The rear admiral from New York who convinced a small Alaska shipyard to build a never-been-done-before vessel told an appreciative crowd today that the M/V Susitna is what’s right about America: former Rear Admiral Jay Cohen, Office of Naval Research.

KETCHIKAN, ALASKA—Two days before some 500 people are expected at a christening celebration of the M/V Susitna ferry, workers at the Alaska Ship & Drydock were adding touch up paint to railings and still threading some of the 60 miles of cable through the $70 million ship.

It’s time again to lace up your jogging shoes, polish up the baby stroller, and apply that sunscreen because the 14^th Annual MTA Race for Technology is Saturday, June 26 at 10 a.m. All abilities are invited to participate. Racers start at the Palmer Library and your race choices are: 5K, Youth 1Mile, and Team Challenge! Entry fees are affordable and all proceeds go to the Big Lake, Sutton, Palmer, Talkeetna, Trapper Creek, Wasilla, and Willow libraries.

MAT-SU—The long and steady effort to build a new library in Sutton paid off. Last Thursday Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell signed the capital budget bill, which has $1.7 million appropriated for the Sutton Community Library and Resource Center. “Everyone has worked so hard to reach this point, we are literally dancing a jig,” said area Assemblymember Lynne Woods.

MAT-SU—EMTs from around the Mat-Su Borough will be practicing this week to care for critical patients while in flight.  Though it is rare for Mat-Su EMTs to be called on for this role, there are times when our regular medevac resources are unavailable.

PORT MACKENZIE, ALASKA—Too large to fit through the Panama Canal, the vessel, “JP Azure,” easily tied up along the fenders Friday at the deep draft dock at Port MacKenzie, the young port’s biggest ship ever and a harbinger of bigger things to come.

MAT-SU—The Port MacKenzie Rail Extension project is going to receive $35 million in state funding. The appropriation was signed into law today for an infrastructure project on a scale similar to the 1971 George Parks Highway. Thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in new development will be created as a result of shortening the rail distance from the Interior to tidewater.

MAT-SU -- Safely dispose of unwanted or expired medications during Operation Medicine Cabinet, Saturday, June 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the AT&T Sports Arena parking lot in Palmer. The Mat-Su Borough is partnering with Alaska State Troopers and the Mat-Su Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition for the event, which is designed to prevent misuse and abuse.“It’s about keeping our community safe,” said John Duffy, Mat-Su Borough manager.  “Operation Medicine Cabinet is a valuable community service that helps educate the public on how proper disposal protects loved ones from accidental ingestion, protects the environment by keeping drugs from entering the water supply, and prevents drug abuse.”

MAT-SU—On the third night of deliberations on the Borough budget, the Matanuska-Borough Assembly considered 37 more amendments Wednesday night bringing the tally to 58 amendments. Nearly all of the amendments are reductions in spending.  Most of them passed, lowering the areawide mill rate to 9.993 for now, very close to the present mill rate of 9.98.

MAT-SU—Tuesday night the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly agreed on advertising statewide and nationwide for the Borough Manager’s position.

MAT-SU -- On May 22, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. the Central Landfill is holding a first-ever RUMMAGE SALE!  Want to get rid of all the stuff crammed into your closets, attic, garage, shed and every other nook and cranny, but don't want to have a garage or yard sale at your home? Bring it all to Central Landfill and have your sale there. Then, if you don't sell it and you don't want to cart it back you can dispose of it there, free of charge! Call 746-2821 for more information and to reserve a space. Cost is $20 for a 10' x 10' space. Price includes disposal of any unwanted items. You may purchase your space from May 10-May 20 at the Central Landfill Scalehouse.

Central Landfill will be closed to public disposal on this day.

MAT-SU, May 5—Last night the Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution that designates the Government Peak area of Hatcher Pass for year-round, non-motorized use. In winter, the area will be devoted primarily to skiing and snowboarding. Hatcher Pass is in the Talkeetna Mountains.

MAT-SU—Seeking artwork of Mat-Su Borough artist. Award: $1500 for painting the Susitna Ferry in the waters of Knik Arm with Port MacKenzie in foreground and Anchorage in distance.

MAT-SU— In Alaska, being counted matters most in the Mat-Su. We stand the most to gain. Since the 2,000 U.S. Census, our population has grown 42 percent, well above the state average.

Other communities here have grown faster. Knik-Fairview has grown radically, 96 percent since 2000 and is now as large as a sizeable Alaska town, population 13,824, according to State Economist Neal Fried. Fishhook grew 64 percent and Meadow Lakes, 52 percent.

MAT-SU― The National Fish Habitat Board in Washington, D.C., recognized the Wasilla Soil and Water Conservation District for its leadership in education and outreach programs.

Last year the Wasilla District engaged more than 2,000 kids and adults in Mat-Su fish habitat restoration and protection projects.

“While small in size, their program yields big results,” said Jeanne Hanson of National Marine Fisheries Service who submitted the nomination. “This “can do” attitude never seems to falter regardless of the obstacles.”

MAT-SU–Meet with project managers next week, Wed. March 24, 7 p.m., to learn more about a summer project on Engstrom Road. The project will upgrade a culvert for fish passage and flood management. The road work will improve alignment and sight distance on a curvy road with many dips. The construction will temporarily close the road for about three days in June.

Surface Transportation Board hosts public meetings

MAT-SU –Today the Surface Transportation Board—the arm of the federal government that approves all new rail lines in the country—posted a draft environmental impact statement on the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension project.

The new rail extension would begin at Port MacKenzie in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and extend track some 30 miles to 45 miles to the mainline of the Alaska Railroad. The connecting point, between Big Lake and Willow, has not yet been decided in this draft EIS document.

MAT-SU BOROUGH—At 11:44 pm the Assembly decided, 5-2, to postpone indefinitely a resolution on a motorized, off-road corridor in Hatcher Pass near a proposed Nordic ski area.

Assemblymember Cindy Bettine asked that a worksession be held April 13 with staff and the Assembly. Assemblymember Ron Arvin asked that all work meet a 60 day comment period to be included in a draft update of the Hatcher Pass Management Plan, now underway with the Alaska Dept. of Natural Resources.

GOOSE CREEK CORRECTIONAL CENTER—A recent tour of the state prison in the Point MacKenzie area showed what it takes to build the State's largest vertical, public construction project: four of the five buildings are enclosed, including one of the most complex structures, the Support & Visitation building with its 176,000 square feet of floor space. Loads of conduit runs beneath its floors and then surfaces labeled in eight colors for distinction.

MAT-SU—Connecting Port MacKenzie to the mainline of the Alaska Railroad will create an economic boon for the Central Alaska regional economy, from Fairbanks-North Star Borough, down through the Denali Borough, down through the Mat-Su Borough, to Anchorage, according to former Anchorage Mayor Rick Mystrom.

POINT MACKENZIE—Beginning March 1, the Mat-Su Borough Solid Waste Division will be placing one 40 yard container at Point MacKenzie.  For some, this ends a 68-mile drive just to take out the trash.

MAT-SU—The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly agreed Tuesday night to update how the school district budget content is presented. The budget content code was first drafted in 1966. Assemblymember Jim Colver sponsored the ordinance. “Accountability is essential for the $45 million in local property taxes that is currently contributed to fund Mat-Su schools,” Colver wrote in the summary statement.

ANCHORAGE—The Mat-Su Borough is nearly the size of Ireland. When Mt. Redoubt spewed, ashfall touched down in Skwentna first. More than 70,000 skaters enjoyed the ice at the Brett Memorial Ice Arena in the greater part of last fiscal year. Such stats and anecdotes can be found in the Borough's Annual Report, which took first place in annual reports last night (Jan. 27) in the Public Relations Society of America, Alaska Chapter.

All too frequently emergency responders lose precious seconds to locating a physical address because it is not posted on the home, or not posted visibly. Borough code requires the address to be posted no farther than 50 feet from a road.

This week a commercial airs on KMBQ radio, reminding property owners of the importance of proper addressing.
Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assemblymember Mark Ewing is passionate about the subject. Ewing also is a member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee.

MAT-SU—New floodplain maps in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough are the topic of discussion on Feb. 11, 6 p.m.-7p.m. in the Borough Assembly chambers in Palmer at 350 E. Dahlia Ave.

Northwest Hydraulic Consultants updated the 1985 Flood Insurance Study at the request of the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency. New Flood Insurance Rate Maps have been generated from the study. The revision shows the areas that would be inundated by a 100-year flood.

SU VALLEY HIGH—Calling it "an amazing cornerstone for an amazing community," former Assemblymember Tom Kluberton addressed some 90 residents, mostly from the Upper Susitna Valley, who turned out to celebrate the new Susitna Valley Jr./Sr. High School Monday (Jan.11) near Talkeetna.

The same day in the Mat-Su, 80 mph gusts were lashing most parts of the Borough, tearing off roof tiles, knocking down an electric line onto a vehicle and street lights onto parking lots, uprooting trees, flipping a plane. Winds weren't so fierce here, but emotions ran deep as memories of fire and loss and perseverance began to join the past inside an impressive $24 million school.

MAT-SU —The Nordic ski side of the proposed Hatcher Pass Ski Area has gained the primary focus of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

“We’re focusing on the south side, so we can get a road and transit facilities built and let people go skiing,” Manager John Duffy emphasized to the Assembly Tuesday night.

MAT-SU—Get out in winter this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at mile 10.6 Hatcher Pass Road for the 6th Annual Winter Trails Day in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Strap on cross country skis and snowshoes for free and learn the proper technique in a number of classes during the day. Hot refreshments and restrooms provided. A warming barrel is on hand to take the edge off the chill. Bring the family.

From the Alaska State Division of Fire and Life Safety

Twenty-one Alaskans have died from fires in 2009, and there are still nine days left in the year. Traditionally, the occurrence of fire deaths increases during the holiday season and into the end of January; it is especially important to practice fire safety throughout this time.  Alcohol usage was confirmed to be a contributing factor in the majority of these avoidable fire deaths. Alaska has averaged 21 fire deaths per year for the last 5 years; a rate three times the national average.

MENARD SPORTS CENTER—Despite heavy snowfall and slick roads, 437 people turned out to receive an H1N1 vaccine today at the Menard Sports Center in Wasilla.

The vaccines are free. The event was sponsored by Mat-Su Public Health and the Mat-Su Borough.

MENARD SPORTS CENTER—Some 111 people have received H1N1 vaccines this morning as of 11 a.m. at the clinic going on at the Menard Sports Center in Wasilla.

MAT-SU—Three explosions went off at Point MacKenzie this morning. An employee of Fairbanks Natural Gas Company reported an explosion at 7:16 a.m. Deputy Fire Chief Mike Keenan reported a second explosion as he was enroute to the scene before 8 a.m.

WASILLA ― The Brett Memorial Ice Arena, in support of the Mat-Su Amateur Hockey Association’s Toy for Tots fundraiser, is hosting a public skate session from 6:00p.m. to 7:30p.m. Saturday, December 12.  Free admission and skate rental to anyone donating a new unwrapped gift to Toys for Tots.

MAT-SU—this meeting may be rescheduled for January, 2010...

The 1985 Flood Insurance Study for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has been updated. The revision updates flood insurance rate maps, showing areas that would be inundated by the 100-year flood.

A meeting is this Wed., Dec. 9, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Assembly Chambers at 350 E. Dahlia Ave., in Palmer.

MAT-SU―H1N1 vaccines will be given to anyone six months and older at an upcoming mass dispensing clinic. The clinic will be the first large one in the Mat-Su for the general public. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough and Mat-Su Public Health are working together to disseminate the flu vaccine.

MAT-SU—All of the six puppies and some of the six dogs that were rescued by snow machine on Nov. 21, outside Talkeetna need homes. The black and white sled dog mix puppies were just a few days old—their eyes shut—when rescuers showed up on snowmachines outside their owners' abandoned tent.

MAT-SU 2p.m. Wed. —Water from Willow Creek has flooded or iced over some 20 acres of land and some roadway on the Willow side of Hatcher Pass, blocking access to five homes.

The flooding today is where three roads intersect at Kelly Circle, Michelle Drive and Gina Circle. A two-foot wide channel covers the intersection. Its deepest part is 12 inches, said Tom Smayda Emergency Manager for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

Beginning November 30, 2009

FREE DROP-OFF

CONTAINER LOCATED AT CENTRAL LANDFILL NEXT TO NEWSPAPER RECYLING BIN

CONDITIONS OF USE

• NO TRASH
• NO TRANSMISSIONS
• NO ENGINE BLOCKS
• MATERIAL MUST BE LESS THAN 8’ IN LENGTH
• SMALL ENGINES MUST HAVE FLUIDS REMOVED PRIOR TO DROP-OFF

If you have questions or need additional information please call 745-9838.

MAT-SU ― The Sunshine Community Health Center, in conjunction with the Mat-Su Public

Health Center, is planning two H1N1 vaccine dispensing clinics in the Upper Susitna Valley. The first vaccine clinic is scheduled for Tuesday, December 1 at the Willow Community Center (mile 70 of the Parks Highway) from 1:00 to 6:00 pm, first come, first served, while vaccine lasts.

Mat-Su—Ice jams in Willow Creek continue to push slush and ice out of the water channel and onto roadways on the Willow side of Hatcher Pass, alarming some homeowners.

Emergency personnel are keeping a close watch and are ready to assist.

MAT-SU—Tomorrow, Nov. 19, H1N1 vaccines will be given at Mat-Su College from 3 p.m.-7p.m.

Access the main entry of the college off mile 2 Trunk Road. 

The clinic is for priority groups: pregnant women; youth ages 6 months to 24 years; healthcare/medical workers; caregivers for children under six months; and people aged 25-64 with higher risk of complications from the flu.

MAT-SU—The Matanuska-Susitna Basin Salmon Habitat Partnership is hosting the second annual Science Symposium in Wasilla, Nov. 18 & 19, 9am – 4pm at the Central Mat-Su Public Safety Building.

The symposium idea started in 2008 as a forum for members of the Salmon Partnership to learn about each other’s projects.  This year, the agenda will include more than 35 presenters covering topics such as salmon spawning distribution, conservation prioritization, water quality and green infrastructure.

MAT-SU—Assemblymembers and State Legislators, all representing the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, discussed roads, projects, health care, child protection services, tourism, natural resources, and the state budget today (Nov. 2).

MAT-SU Oct. 29—The Mat-Su Borough is staying on top of the effort to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus. Each week the Borough’s Emergency Manager connects with State Department of Health leaders and coordinates a meeting with local stakeholders. We’re all working together.

MAT-SU—The Mayor and three new Assemblymembers were sworn in tonight for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The results of the October 6 election were also certified.

Mayor Talis Colberg returns to his seat. Mayor Colberg garnered the most votes of any mayor in the Borough’s 45-year history with 10,260 votes. The late Mayor Curtis Menard had garnered the second highest in 2006 with 7,150 votes.

MAT-SU—The results of an inspection are in for three roads that are part of a demonstration project for chipseal. On roads with low traffic volume, chipseal is the way to go.

“The Mat-Su has so many miles of gravel roads, and people are tired of dust and washboarding,” said Billy Connor, Director of Alaska University Transportation Center. “The million dollars a mile for asphalt, you just can’t afford it. With chipseal you buy a product that can serve your needs and be cost effective.”

MAT-SU—Last night 218 presenters and members of the public attended a transportation fair at Raven Hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds.

More than 20 projects were displayed on projects ranging from the Hatcher Ski project to the extension of Mack Road.   Information boards, project managers, handouts, and in some cases video productions all helped to give specifics on projects. Many state, borough, and city staff were present along with consultants and several agencies.

MAT-SU—The first vaccines for H1N1 arrived in the Mat-Su and will be dispensed next week, beginning Oct. 13, at the Mat-Su Public Health Center from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. as doses are available.

The doses are in a nasal spray and are specifically for healthy 2-year-old through 4-year-old children. The vaccines are free beginning Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, from 1 p.m. to 7p.m. and on Friday 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. as vaccines remain available.

October 9, 2009
MAT-SU—Oct. 2009, The first vaccines for H1N1 arrived in the Mat-Su and will be dispensed next week, beginning Oct. 13, at the Mat-Su Public Health Center from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. as doses are available.

The doses are in a nasal spray and are specifically for healthy 2-year-old through 4-year-old children. The vaccines are free beginning Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, from 1 p.m. to 7p.m. and on Friday 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. as vaccines remain available.

MAT-SU— Unofficial results are in from the polls.

Mayor Talis Colberg retains his seat of Mayor with 9,001 votes over candidate John Leiner's 2,207 votes on election night.

“I'm happy to have the opportunity to serve a full term,” said Mayor Talis Colberg, after looking at the unofficial numbers. “I appreciate the effort of my campaign manager Larry Bottjen, especially in the last week.”

Ballot Proposal for Borough Sales Tax

PALMER ― For your information, voters on Tuesday will be considering this proposition on a 3 percent Borough sales tax:

PORT MACKENZIE—A photo of a ship at port, etched in cast bronze, was unveiled to applause today, (Sept.28), at Port MacKenzie in honor of Sen. Lyda Green. The plaque is permanently affixed to a wall on the ferry terminal building.

Sen. Green listened to speeches highlighting her dedication to the Mat-Su Borough, specifically to the development of the northernmost deep draft dock in North America.

MAT-SU—Please join us for our 25th anniversary celebration at the Brett Memorial Ice Arena this Sat., Sept. 26 from 4:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Located at 746 East Bogard Rd. in Wasilla, the Brett Memorial Ice Arena has been operating since Sept. 26, 1984.

PORT MACKENZIE—The second ship of the season loaded with super sacks of cement arrived from Hong Kong to Port MacKenzie this week (Monday Sept. 21).

The Clipper Grace will use onboard cranes to offload 10,000 super sacks of cement. As of 5 p.m. on Wed. more than 60 percent of the cargo passed over the dock. Flatbed trucks deliver the loads to a warehouse up the hill.

MAT-SU—Thirty eight cats found a home through the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Animal Care in the first week of September. But that same week 38 new cats and kittens arrived. All but two of those cats were from the same cat family—three generations—dropped off by someone anonymously.

MAT-SU—The Knik Tribal Council met today and agreed that the human remains in an unmarked grave at Knik—which had been exposed during an excavation project—be disinterred and buried properly in a nearby graveyard.

MAT-SU­– Matanuska-Susitna Borough Animal Care & Regulation will be participating in the Willow Dog Musher’s Association’s 2^nd annual K-9 Athlete Symposium by offering a low cost vaccination clinic.

MAT-SU—Some 60 people turned out to celebrate the beginning shovel work of the Regional Resource Recovery & Training Park off North 49th State Street. The $6.4 million building is expected to be completed in fall 2010. The center incorporates college instruction and economic development into its mission of recovering "resources" from the landfill.

MAT-SU—This week the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly created a fund where excess sales tax revenues would be used to lower the areawide property tax rate, if the measure is adopted by voters.

The fund is part of a 3 percent sales tax proposal that is on the Oct. 6 ballot.

MAT-SU­– The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Finance Department does it again. For the 24^th consecutive year, the department has again won the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting given by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).

MAT-SU—Last night the Assembly for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough amended the subdivision code by limiting the number of waiver subdivisions on a single parcel. The change to how large parcels are divided with a waiver will help prevent subdivisions from being developed in a piecemeal and sometimes haphazard fashion and will provide for a more comprehensive review of the development by the platting board.

MAT-SU—The Alaska Division of Fire and Life Safety and the Mat-Su Fire Chiefs Association will be showing the dramatic effects of home sprinklers by lighting two fires side by side on August 29 at 6 pm and September 2 at 6 pm at the Alaska State Fair grandstand area.

PALMER ― The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Animal Care Facility is extending special adoption pricing from Tuesday, August 25, 2009 to Tuesday, September 1^st 2009 on all cats.

MAT-SU–On Aug. 24, Mat-Su residents will be able to talk roads with State legislative transportation decision makers—an incredible opportunity. The event is at the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center, 1001 South Mack Dr., Wasilla.

Traditionally, constituents must fly to Juneau to testify in person before Senate and House Transportation Committee members. This event brings Juneau to you.

MAT-SU–Assemblymember Michelle Church removed the velvet covering and presented the Borough's first poster: a striking image of Pioneer Peak photographed by Fred Hirschmann.

The unveiling took place at a small gathering at Pandemonium Booksellers & Cafe in Wasilla today.

Photographer Fred Hirschmann described the set up for the shot with a large format camera.

Kris Abshire with Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats gave an inspiring overview of the future Natural Science Education & Community Center.

CURTIS D. MENARD SPORTS COMPLEX, WASILLA ― After three hours 480 students have received their second varicella vaccination and are ready to attend school.

The line is still long at the Mass Dispensing exercise but people are moving smartly through the stations.

CURTIS D. MENARD SPORTS COMPLEX, WASILLA ― The excitement was in the air in the volunteer room at 1pm today.  14 Alaska public health nurses including two UAA nursing students, over 35 volunteers, and three therapy dogs with their handlers participated in the event.

MAT-SU—Tonight (Tues.) the Borough Mayor's veto on the sales tax package was overridden. Six Assemblymembers voted to instead put the measure before voters in the Oct. 6 Borough election.

MAT-SU—Two candidates filed for the office of mayor, and seven candidates filed for various seats on the Assembly. Eleven candidates filed for school board seats. Last Friday was the deadline to file. The Borough's regular election is Oct. 6.

MAT-SU — Lowering property taxes is the reason for the proposed Borough sales tax. Last night the Borough Assembly approved a 3 percent sales tax for the October ballot.

The Matanuska Susitna Borough Public Works Department is co-hosting a public meeting on July 23 to focus on four road projects that will make it easier for residents and visitors to get around the Wasilla area. The Mat-Su Borough and the City of Wasilla need the community’s help with these projects.

MAT-SU BOROUGH–Culverts that will allow fish to swim upstream will be installed in three creeks in what is the Borough's first Stimulus fund award.

The projects are some of the ongoing efforts to improve fish passage in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Stream Crossing program in conjunction and partnership with the U.S. Fish &Wildlife Service and the Mat-Su Basin Salmon Habitat Partnership.

MAT-SU –– The Matanuska-Susitna Borough's third annual report will be available at 41 racks soon in businesses in the Borough. It will also be posted online under Living in the Valley on the Borough homepage www.matsugov.us

MAT-SU — On Aug. 7, students in 1st through 6th grade can get a free varicella (chicken pox) vaccine to meet the new school requirements.

A new state law, effective today, July 1, 2009, now requires two varicella vaccinations for kids in grades kindergarten through 6th.