2023 in review: A look back at the year

The year 2023 was an eventful year with numerous impactful stories that pertain to the Mat-Su Valley and Alaska in general.

Below is a sample of some of the most significant stories that are relevant to community members across all walks of life.

Mat-Su AWG awarded $1.5M state grant

The Arctic Winter Games are coming to the Mat-Su Valley in March. This is the sixth time the games have been held in Alaska and the first time they've ever been held in the Valley.

This is one of numerous articles that have been written about AWG since the initial announcement in 2021.

AWG will bring a massive influx of people from across the world to the Valley, making a notable economic impact while showcasing the area to a wide international audience.

Alaska State Fair's new CEO settling into new role

Jeff Curtis is the new CEO of the Alaska State Fair. His arrival was announced during the summer before the 2023 season.

The Alaska State Fair is the largest public gathering in the Last Frontier. Thousands of people from across the state and beyond cycle through the Palmer Fairgrounds.

The arrival of a new CEO marks the start of a new era with new chapters illustrating the overall ASF history.

Teamsters ratify agreement; school bus routes expected to resume

The 2023 bus driver strike affected thousands of families across the Mat-Su Borough School District.

Kids Kupboard welcomes new Executive Director

Milena Sevigny became the new Executive Director of Kids Kupboard during the Fall of 2023, replacing the organization's previous Executive Director and founder Lynette Ortolano.

Kids Kupboard provides meals to thousands of children across the Valley every week.

Sevigny's arrival marks the beginning of a new era of the homegrown nonprofit with the prospect of fresh ideas on future endeavors.

Mat-Su College Director announces upcoming retirement

Talis Colberg announced his impending retirement from his position as the Mat-Su College Director toward the beginning of 2023.

Colberg spent many years with the Valley's sole higher education campus in the University of Alaska system.

Marie Gardner was announced as the new Director of the Mat-Su College in September, ushering in a new era for the campus.

Palmer’s new library pegged at $15 million, operating by 2026

The Palmer Public Library's roof collapsed in February and has since been operating out of a temporary building.

Numerous articles have been written covering the various steps being taken to build a new library.

The Palmer City Council voted to approve construction in December which is expected to be completed by 2026 within a $15 million dollar budget.

For more impactful 2023 stories, see frontiersman.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com