2025: Year in review

The Frontiersman editorial staff and their contributors produced more than 6,000 stories, photos, columns and staff reports over 104 print editions at 365 days of online coverage in 2025.

Below is a peak at a few of the top headlines in 2025.

January

MY House opens residential treatment center

The MYHouse Youth Drop-in center opened their first ever residential treatment Center on Monday, January 6 in Wasilla. This center will exclusively serve clients aged 18-25 that have been assessed at a 3.1 level of care, which is a behavioral health diagnosis that recommends residential care for Substance Use Disorder.

Mat-Su’s population, economy rises while much of state stuck in low-growth mode

Most of Alaska seems stuck in a low-growth, relatively stagnant economic mode. Mat-Su is the one major region where the population is growing. Jobs and income are also rising faster in Mat-Su than other major communities of Alaska like Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau.

Superintendent proposes ‘dramatic restructuring’ to homeschool program in Mat-Su School District

Homeschools and correspondence schools were the focus of Dr. Randy Trani’s Superintendent Update during the meeting of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD) school board meeting last week as he presented a plan to address lagging graduation and state assessment numbers from students attending homeschools and correspondence schools.

February

2025 Iditarod: From Fairbanks to Nome

The 53rd Iditarod Restart will be in Fairbanks this year in response to a lack of snow and adverse trail conditions along the Traditional Southern Route. The Iditarod Trail Committee (ITC) released a statement on Feb. 17 announcing the change.

Wasilla duo wins Iron Dog for the second time

Iron Dog 2025 champions Robby Schachle and Brad George raced across Big Lake this sunny Saturday to the finish line, where a crowd of friends and family were there to greet them.

School board votes to create new Mat-Su Hybrid Learning Academy

During the February 5 meeting of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School Board (MSBSD) school board meeting, the board quickly took up an action item from Superintendent Dr. Randy Trani for creating a new school through board action, which he first announced at the January 15 school board meeting.

March

Alaska State Fair renews lease with Mat-Su Miners

The Mat-Su Miners will call Hermon Brothers Field home for at least five more years. The Alaska Stair Fair announced a renewal of its lease agreement with the Valley’s Alaska Baseball League organization through the 2030 season.

MSHF names Esther Pitts as President and CEO

After an extensive search, the Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) announced that they have selected a successor to Elizabeth Ripley, the President and CEO, naming Esther Pitts to the position.

Houston airport ballot initiative appeal fails

Following a recent rejection of a ballot initiative that would have let Houston voters have an opportunity to decide on an airport in Houston, Lance Wilson and Wayne Oliver appealed the decision to the Houston City Council during the most recent city council meeting on March 13.

AARS breaks ground on $12 Million, 26-bed treatment expansion project

Alaska Addiction Rehabilitation Services, Inc. (AARS) broke ground on a $12 million, 26-bed expansion project, March 21, marking the beginning of Phase II of the planned expansion that began in 2022 when AARS Executive Director Bryan Brandenburg and the board of directors began talking expansion to meet the growing needs of Alaskans suffering from Substance Use Disorder (SUD) who want to enter recovery and reintegrate back into the community as productive citizens.

Former reality TV star Jessie Holmes wins longest-ever Iditarod

Jessie Holmes, a former reality television star, won the longest-ever Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race on March 14, celebrating with fist pumps to a cheering crowd and posing for photos with his two floral wreath-adorned head teammates, Hercules and Polar.

Kolby Hickel Zerkel selected as new city manager in Palmer

Palmer’s city council has selected Kolby Hickel Zerkel of Anchorage as new city manager. The decision was finalized at the council’s Tuesday, March 11 meeting. Zerkel is currently deputy municipal manager in Anchorage where she has been involved in managing a wide variety of municipal operations as well as development of reconstruction of Anchorage’s Port of Alaska, a 2 billion project now underway.

Palmer group seeks recall of city mayor Steve Carrington

Palmer voters pushing for a recall of city mayor Steve Carrington have submitted petition booklets with signatures meeting the required number of 71 signatures for a recall election to be held, Palmer’s city clerk Shelly Acteson told the city council at its Tuesday meeting.

April

MSBSD introduces Educational Choice Diploma for Mat-Su Central

Following months of discussion, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD) introduced the ‘Educational Choice Diploma’ at Mat-Su Central School (MSCS) which, if approved, would begin with the graduating classes 2026.

Ground broken for long-awaited Gateway Visitor Center

Tourism is huge in Alaska, responsible for $3.9 billion in direct spending in 2022-2023. It supported 48,000 jobs in 2023 and generated over $157 million in revenue for the State of Alaska in 2023 through permits, fees, tickets, and taxes. To harness all that the Matanuska-Susitna Borough (MSB) has to offer visitors into one spot, the Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), with support from the MSB Assembly and Borough Mayor Edna DeVries, recently broke ground on the new Gateway Visitors Center.

Mat-Su Central School celebrates ribbon cutting

Members of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD), Matanuska-Susitna Borough (MSB) Assembly, community members, and alumni joined students and staff of the Mat-Su Central School (MSCS) to celebrate the ribbon cutting for the new campus building April 4.

Wasilla man arrested, charged with murder in the death of a local teen

After months of investigation, the Alaska State Troopers (AST) have made an arrest in the death of 16-year-old Alena Toennis. On April 30, troopers arrested 45-year-old Sean Mobley of Wasilla on charges of murder in the second degree and manslaughter. He is also charged with misconduct involving a controlled substance in the first degree.

May

DOL to pause Don Young Job Corps center operations

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced May 29 it will begin a phased ‘pause’ in operations at contractor-operated Job Corps centers nationwide, set to take place by June 30, 2025.

Recall of Palmer mayor fails by hefty margin

An effort to recall Palmer Mayor Steve Carrington failed by a hefty margin in the final tally of votes cast in a special election. Voters casting “no” votes to the recall totaled 222 against 176 casting “yes” votes. The count to keep Carrington in office was 54.5% of votes cast compared with 43.4% for removal.

June

Citing cultural affinity, Chugiak and Eagle River may want to join Mat-Su Borough

A group of Chugiak and Eagle River residents will petition the state Local Boundary Commission to join the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and leave the Municipality of Anchorage.

Mat-Su participates in nationwide rally

Despite online rumblings of counter protests, nearly 200 people came out to participate in the “No Kings” Rally in Palmer on June 14. The peaceful protest rally was part of a National Day of Protest across the country, which saw more than 2,000 mostly peaceful protests, though there were some isolated reports of skirmishes with law enforcement, and one bystander was killed in Utah.

Borough mayor announces intent to run for governor

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor Edna DeVries has signed a letter of intent to toss her hat into the ring for Alaska State Governor.

Dunleavy vetoes hit Mat-Su schools with $7 million cut in state funds, deeper loss than for Anchorage

Mat-Su schools will be hit by Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of education funds in the state budget the governor signed last Thursday, June 12. The reduction is a loss of $7 million for Mat-Su.

July

Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau rolls out its new ‘branding’ strategy for visitor marketing

The Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau is rolling out a new “branding” strategy to connect visitor attractions in different communities of the 25,000-square mile borough with a common theme.

Palmer voters to decide revised residency rule for its city manager

After seesawing back and forth on the issue, Palmer’s city council is asking voters to approve a change in the city’s charter that requires its manager to live inside the Palmer city limits.

Shelley Hughes joins Edna DeVries in 2026 race for governor

Two veteran Mat-Su political leaders will run for governor in 2026. Borough mayor Edna DeVries indicated her intentions earlier and on Thursday, July 24, state Sen. Shelley Hughes said she will also run.

Miners earn ABL championship with wild walk-off victory

As Ridge Erickson rounded third and jetted toward home with his team trailing in the bottom of the ninth, the Mat-Su Miners catcher slipped to the grass. But what could have been a minor disaster turned into a moment Erickson, his team and a standing-room only crowd will never forget.

August

Don Young Alaska Job Corps Center continues operations

The Don Young Job Corps Center (DYJCC), located in Palmer, will continue to operate and provide career and technical training to young Alaskans following a vote in the Senate Appropriations Committee to allocate $1.76 billion to the program. This funding ensures the continuation of Job Corps centers across the nation through 2027.

Palmer Police investigating incident involving officers at the Alaska State Fair

The Palmer Police Department is currently investigating a physical incident involving three of its officers at the Alaska State Fair Sunday night that was captured by a bystander on video that went viral on social media.

Gas tax on Oct. 7 municipal ballot for advisory vote, borough assembly decides

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough assembly gave final approval for an advisory vote in the November borough election on a 7-cent-per-gallon motor fuel tax that would help pay for road improvements in the borough.

Crum officially announces run for governor during rally in Wasilla

Following months of speculation, Adam Crum officially announced his run for Alaska Governor during a rally in Wasilla on August 19, becoming the third candidate from the Mat-Su Borough to seek the top leadership role.

September

Alaska State Fair celebrates record-breaking year

Anyone who went to the 2025 Alaska State Fair can tell you that this year felt different. Big crops, bigger acts, and the biggest crowds in recent history.

Palmer council takes up unauthorized camping, sleeping in public spaces

Palmer’s council will take up ordinances Oct.14 restricting unauthorized camping and sleeping in public spaces in the city. The measures were introduced last Tuesday, Sept. 23, at the city council’s regular meeting.

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center welcomes new CEO

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center has announced the appointment of Taylor Rudd as Chief Executive Officer effective September 22 this year.

Hundreds rally to clean up a neighborhood in need

The Williwaw Clean-up Project was the brainchild of Jason Ortiz, MSB Planning and Land Use Deputy Director, but was powered by strong community partnerships, including the Church of Latter Day Saints (LDS), staff members and their families from the Mat-Su Borough, Wasilla Police Department, drug counselors, Alaska Waste, and Families for the Improvement of Safety and Health (FISH), and others who showed up to lend a hand.

Palmer now has more downtown parking and a new human resources director

Palmer has 50 new designated downtown public parking spaces which will ease difficulties for people looking for parking to shop or attend events, city manager Kolby Zerkel told the city council at its Aug. 26 meeting.

MTA names new CEO

Matanuska Telecom Association, Inc (MTA) announced that it has appointed Demian Voiles as Chief Executive Officer following a nationwide search conducted in partnership with CarterBaldwin Executive Search.

October

A new mayor in Palmer, props fail in Houston

Palmer has a new mayor who is not new to the position. More than two decades after serving as the city’s mayor the first time, Jim Cooper is back in the role. Cooper received 277 total votes to finish atop a field of five candidates in the race.

Public tours Port MacKenzie to learn about future economic impacts

Port MacKenzie, a commercial and industrial port in Upper Cook Inlet, is notable for being the only port in the state with significant land dedicated to development. With its deep-draft and barge docks designed to export natural resources such as gravel and coal, the port has infrastructure for connecting to major road and rail corridors serving Alaska. The port is poised to become a hub for various business operations and international trade.

MSBSD tests preparedness with multi-agency active shooter drill

Students, teachers, and administrators in schools all across the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD) participate in active shooter drills at least once a year, using the ALICE (Alert Lockdown Inform Counter Evacuate) protocol for reacting to emergency situations—providing training and practice in case the worst were to happen.

November

Governor appoints Rauscher, Tilton to Alaska State Senate

Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced the appointments of Representative George Rauscher and Representative Cathy Tilton to the Alaska State Senate Nov. 26, filling vacancies created by the resignations of Senator Mike Shower and Senator Shelley Hughes.

Popular Wasilla restaurant set to close doors

Two years after putting The Grape Tap up for sale, its owners have decided to close the doors. Kristin and Casey Cook, owners of the popular Wasilla eatery since June 2015, made the announcement Nov. 7 on Facebook. They cited a desire to be more family focused.

Local businesses respond to shutdown as governor issues disaster declaration to ensure food security

As millions of Americans grapple with losing their SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, the federal government announced on November 3 that recipients will get only partial payments from the SNAP for this month, and it remains unclear when even those reduced benefits would be distributed. The Trump administration said it would not tap additional money to fund full payments in November, the second month of the government shutdown.

District 2 incumbents en route to wins, gas tax vote fails

The District 2 incumbents on the Mat-Su Borough Assembly and Mat-Su School board are the apparent winners and a gas tax proposal is failing, according to the unofficial results of the 2025 Mat-Su Borough elections released late Tuesday night.

December

Local couple helps decorate White House for Christmas

Amid the hundreds of feet of garland, the thousands of twinkling lights, whimsical decorations, and a gigantic fir tree, a local couple recently had the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Washington D.C. and help decorate the White House.

Palmer’s extension of golf course contract approved but still under legal review by city

Palmer’s city council voted a one-year extension of a contract for its golf course operator a its Tuesday, Dec. 16 meeting, but the extension is still under legal review, according to sources. Assuming the review is completed and the extension becomes effective Dec. 31, when the current contract with expires, preparations for another year at the city’s popular recreation amenity will continue and approximately 50 people employed at the golf course will not be laid off. Eagle Golf Course Management, Inc. is the current contractor.

Governor’s state budget has some good news for Mat-Su, but outlook for large Permanent Fund Dividend is cloudy

Some good news for Mat-Su is that Gov. Mike Dunleavy has included full-funding for municipal school bond debt service in his state budget proposed for next year. This is important because if the state doesn’t come through with the money in the final budge when the Legislature adjourns next, local taxpayers pick up the tab.

MSB, governor declare windstorm a disaster, activating state recovery programs

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough (MSB) and Governor Mike Dunleavy have declared a disaster following the windstorms that battered MSB last weekend, in which the Borough experienced wind gusts of at least 89 mph, and winds gusted in excess of 50 mph.

** See frontiersman.com for more.