April 15, 1998

Front page of the April 15, 1998, Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman.

Here’s what made the news nine years ago, from the April 15, 1998, edition of the Mat-Su Frontiersman:

Church Road set for paving

The good news for Wasilla motorists is that the teeth-rattling drive on Church Road will be smoothed out this summer when the Alaska Department of Transportation paves the road. With washboard ridges seemingly large enough to swallow small children, Church Road has long been the bane of residents. The $4 million project will pave Church Road from the Parks Highway to Schrock Road. The department also will build a pedestrian and bike path from the Parks to Spruce Road.

Kohring slices DEC budget

Wasilla lawmaker Vic Kohring, R-Wasilla, says he wants to see an attitude adjustment at the Department of Environmental Conservation, and he’s proposed punitive cuts to the agency’s budget to prove he means it. As a member of the House Finance Committee, Kohring oversees the DEC budget, making recommendations where to cut or increase spending within the department. In its proposed budget cuts to the state’s agencies, the House majority recommended giving DEC about $400,000 less than Gov. Tony Knowles’ proposed 1999 budget.

Petersville Road upgrade gets OK

Local residents and Mat-Su environmentalists have cautiously given their approval to the Alaska Department of Transportation’s plan to upgrade the first 18 miles of Petersville Road. But they’re still opposing expanding the road to a controversial planned visitors’ center. DOT’s plans for work on the first 18 miles of road include widening, grading and alignment, rehabilitation of Moose Creek Bridge and some hard surfacing.

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in 1998 you could:

• Drive a 1998 Chevy Astro Van for $22,789.

• Rent a two-bedroom duplex with utilities included in Wasilla for $600 a month.

• Purchase a three-bedroom, two-bath home on more than one acre for $95,000.