Contributed by Debra McGhan -
The acrid smell of smoke became far too common this summer. Little to no rain, hot temperatures, massive wild fires, melting glaciers resulting in floods, insect infected trees… It’s time we all accept the undeniable facts; the climate is changing. With these changes come more challenges that often result in disasters and emergencies.

Contributed by Melinda Peterson -
Summer, the Alaska State Fair, and fishing season have all come to an end. Now what are you going to do all winter? While getting cozy with Netflix and Hulu sound like great ideas, are they really how you want to spend the next 6 months?

Contributed by Wes Keller -
In the State of Alaska, “we the people” hold all political power, as declared in Article I, paragraph 2, of our Constitution – in the context of a 25-paragraph declaration of our rights. The governing system to protect and enforce these rights, and make complying laws, is created in subsequent articles instituting the three branches of government under over-arching basic rules and principles.

Contributed by Tim Hale -
My name is Tim Hale and I am proud to announce that I am running for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly for District 1. The Borough Assembly needs a working Alaskan – a mathematician with callouses on his hands. A problem solver who will listen to the community.

Contributed by Lisa Albert-Konecky -
My background includes having been a resident and homeowner in the city of Palmer since 1984. I raised my daughters here and have enjoyed being a part of this vibrant city that has a small town feel to it…

Contributed by David K. Fuller -
For those of you who do not know me, my name is David K. Fuller and I am running for re-election to the Palmer City Council. I came to Alaska in 1978 and have been a resident of the Mat Su Valley since 1983.

Contributed by Emily Forstner -
The election race for Palmer City Council includes several newcomers to local government. Lee Henrikson threw her hat into the ring as a first-time councilperson for the two-year Council seat.

Contributed by Linda Myers-Steele -
Wasilla Senior Center, 1301 Century Circle, Wasilla, hosts the classes at no charge, and all of the presenters are volunteers. Volunteers who are experts in their field!

Contributed by Katie Stark -
Ellen Gallant, M.D., board-certified interventional cardiologist, has joined the staff of Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. Gallant will be the first employed cardiologist in the hospital’s new Mat-Su Heart clinic.

Contributed by Greg Wade -
Mom and I would sing together for fun from as far back as I can remember. It was always fairly brief and sometimes years in between, but definitely fun and enjoyable each time we had the chance to get together.

Contributed by Angie Lewis -
Now it is time for Puss Cat to find a permanent home. He is estimated to be under a year old and is a lovely cat.

Contributed by Angie Lewis -
Dogs have been a part of people’s lives for thousands of years. We have brought them from the outside world, into our homes and they have become a part of our family.

Contributed by Monique Musick -
The subcommittee also heard about the process to look at athletic programs. “Of great importance to the student experience is athletics and we’ve been working to develop options on athletics,” Johnsen said. “We need to tell our student athletes, as well as all those who support our athletic programs, how we will go forward with the goal of maintaining and preserving our athletic programs where we have them.”

Contributed by Janice Downing -
Our door is open to guests who have not been diagnosed, do not accept their diagnosis, or simply need a break from thinking about it. I call it a “safety bubble place” because as a rule of thumb we don’t raise the topic of dementia unless asked.

Contributed by Jeffrey Sponsler, MD
So, bankruptcy can be very beneficial if an individual gets into a large debt situation. But there are others involved in the financial situation, specifically the persons or businesses to whom you owe money. It is probable that these persons are unhappy with the outcome.

Contributed by Larry Wood -
Evil walks amongst us, hidden by a smile, a handshake, a pat on the back, an offer of help. Always looking for the weak, the vulnerable, the gullible, the one in the wrong place at the wrong time. Prey.

Contributed by Andrea Noble, Chief Executive Administrator - Alaska Arts and Culture Foundation -
The Connie Boochever Fellowship was established in 2001 by her family to honor and reflect the spirited passion of the arts Mrs. Boochever consistently demonstrated.

Locally-written poetry by people like you!