2024 in review: April-June

As we prepare to enter a new year, we can also look back on the past 12 months. This a piece of a four-part series noting a few of the headline you saw in the Frontiersman in 2024.

Lets take a look back at April, May and June. For more, see an upcoming edition of the Frontiersman and frontiersman.com.

April

Teenager dies after a stabbing during a fight in a Wasilla movie theater

Wasilla Police Department officers were dispatched to the Valley Cinema, on Old Matanuska Road, at about 6:45 p.m. April 12 for a reported stabbing. Police and Alaska State Troopers arrived and found that multiple teenagers had been involved in a fight inside one of the theaters. During the fight, one teenager was stabbed.

Houston students walk out in protest over potential loss of beloved teacher

More than a hundred students at the Houston High School walked out of class Tuesday morning to express their protest of the possible loss of a beloved Career Technical Education teacher. Shortly before 10:20 a.m. on April 9, 2024, students began filing out of the school and into the parking lot, carrying signs asking that the school retain MaryCatherine Harmon, who has been teaching Medical CTE classes at the school since the beginning of the current school year, giving students the opportunity to explore the healthcare sector from freshman to senior year while earn certifications and “micro-credentials,” such as CPR, blood-borne pathogens and traumatic blood loss prevention.

DPS gives update to Special Commission application for Chickaloon Tribal Police

Representatives from the Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS) gave a presentation to members of the Sutton community Tuesday night, updating the public on the status of the Chickaloon Tribal Police’s agreement with the state. DPS is reviewing the application for a DPS special commission for fully trained and qualified law enforcement officers with the Chickaloon Tribal Police Department (CTPD).

Despite public opposition, MSB passes ordinance for Citizens’ Library Committee to review challenged books

Books and libraries were front and center during the Matanuska-Susitna Borough (MSB) Assembly meeting on April 2 as an ordinance went before the assembly that would establish a Citizens’ Advisory Committee to review and make recommendations to the administration regarding challenged library books.

Wasilla Mayor gives State of the City address

The Wasilla Chamber of Commerce hosted Wasilla Mayor Glenda Ledford as she gave her State of the City address Tuesday, updating attendees of current and future goals of the city.

May

Student Advisory Board Representative and recent high school graduate announces candidacy for School Board

Following a school year fraught with controversy surrounding his position as the Student Advisory Board Representative, in which the position was removed from the dais, Ben Kolendo, a recent high school graduate, announced that he is entering the race for Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD) school board member.

Colony High teacher named 2025 Alaska Teacher of the Year

During a regularly scheduled assembly, students at Colony High School in Palmer were gathered in the gymnasium for the annual “Step Up Step Down” assembly to welcome incoming 8th grade students from Teeland Elementary and say farewell to graduating seniors, and also say goodbye to a few beloved staff members. There was also an announcement that Kelly Rentz has been named the Alaska Teacher of the Year

MSBSD school board introduces ordinance to remove Student Advisory Board Rep altogether

​​During the May 22, 2024 meeting of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD), board members introduced an ordinance to disband the Student Advisory Board Representative (SABR). The ordinance would instead call for student input to the board.

2024 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering draws visitors from across the world

The 2024 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering drew visitors from across the world to the Palmer Airport and the Alaska State Fairgrounds to celebrate all things airborne. The Great Alaska Aviation Gathering is hosted by the Alaska Airmen’s Association. It's designed to serve as an opportunity to celebrate aviation as a whole and help pilots plan for the upcoming flying season.

DPS Commissioner denies special commission to Chickaloon Tribal Police for now

On May 2, 2024, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Commissioner James Cockrell released a statement in response to the Chickaloon Tribal Police Department (CTPD) request for a Special Commission. “After receiving hundreds of comments from across the Matanuska Susitna Valley, I have decided to not move forward with issuing special commissions to the Chickaloon Tribal Police Department,” he said in a press release.

June

Palmer Chamber suspends Friday Fling citing public safety

Friday Fling, a weekly summer event in downtown Palmer, has been temporarily suspended by its organizer, the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce, according to a letter issued to its members and vendors. Chamber officials cited public safety.

Founder, teens reflect on the closure of a local youth center

After a decade of fostering community among Palmer's teenagers, the YAK Nonprofit Organization, known as “Youth of Alaska” will permanently close its doors at the end of this summer. Founder Andy Miller expresses deep gratitude as he reflects on the organization's impactful journey in the Palmer community.

Borough assembly weighs in on Mat-Su Health Foundation

The Matanuska Susitna Borough assembly voted last Tuesday in support of a resolution asking the Mat-Su Health Foundation to allow its members to vote on the foundation’s board instead of having directors appoint its members. Assembly member Rob Yundt sponsored the resolution. Assembly members Stephanie Nowers and Tim Hale voted against it.

Concert held atop Matanuska Glacier

There may only be one word to describe Hope Cassity’s latest adventure in her music career. “Epic.” Cassity, an Alabama-born and Nashville-based singer-songwriter, played alongside Ken Peltier, Alaska's biggest country music star, and other artists on Matanuska Glacier for the Rhythms and Blue Ice concert Sunday, June 16.

All aboard!: Train rides returning to Alaska State Fair

The Alaska State Fair and Alaska Railroad announced that the Fair Train is returning during the 2024 season. This will be the first time fairgoers have the option to take a scenic train ride to the Fairgrounds in Palmer from Anchorage since 2019.