News briefs: Murkowski, Sullivan to hold joint hearing in Wasilla

Senators to hold joint hearing in Wasilla

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan will host a joint Senate oversight hearing on Monday, August 17 at the Menard Center in Wasilla to “examine the chilling effect of increased federal mitigation requirements and regulations on economic development on federal, state, and private lands,” according to a press release issued by Murkowski’s office.

The purpose of the joint hearing of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and Senate Environment and Public works Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water and Wildlife is to receive testimony from the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency and stakeholders on federal mitigation requirements and interagency coordination related to economic development on federal, state and private lands.

The hearing will begin at 2:30 p.m.

MEA warns members of phone scam

Local businesses and members belonging to Matanuska Electric Association are receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to be from the utility and demanding payment be made to avoid disconnect.

Callers are providing members with a 1-800 phone number and work order number, urging members to make cash payments at the nearest Safeway Store location.

“MEA will not contact a member requesting a call to another number, nor will the Cooperative request its members make payments at a third-party location,” said Julie Estey, Director of Public Relations.

Estey urges anyone who receives this type of call to hang up immediately and contact MEA directly at 761-9300 (Mat-Su) or 689-9300 (Eagle River).

Willow Community Rebuild Project accepting donations

The Willow Community Rebuild Project is working on “building silver linings” by helping those who suffered in the Sockeye fire “to regain not only a house but a home.” Some homes are in progress, but more money is needed to fund all the losses of people who qualify for the project. Donations can go to Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union account 149984. For more information, contact Krista Fee at saharastormstudio@yahoo.com.

Workshop to teach artificial insemination of cattle

Learn the fundamentals of cattle artificial insemination from 11 a.m. to approximately 12:30 p.m., Aug. 18 at the Matanuska Experiment Farm in the cattle pens behind Kerttula Hall. The workshop is free. Register by calling or emailing Melissa Clampitt at 745-3360 or mrclampitt@alaska.edu. Registration deadline is Aug. 7.

Alaska awards more than $300,000 in Clean Water Actions Grants

Two Mat-Su area non-profits were among 17 organizations that received $304,020 in Alaska Clean Water Actions grants in the summer of 2015. Cook Inletkeeper received a $37,612 grant to promote clean boating in the Susitna Valley and Cook Inlet and the Matanuska Susitna Borough received a $45,000 grant for stormwater analysis on Cottonwood Creek.

Comments due Aug. 20 on KGB Environmental Assessment

Comments are due Aug. 20 on Environmental Assessment for the proposed Knik-Goose Bay Road Reconstruction Project from Centaur Avenue to Vine Road. The Proposed Action consists of expanding the corridor to a six-lane divided roadway from Palmer-Wasilla Highway to Mack Road with a raised median, outside curb and gutter, and pathway on the north side; expand the corridor to a four-lane divided roadway from Mack Road to Vine Road with a depressed grass median with eight-foot outside shoulders and a separated pathway on the north side. Intersections will be upgraded and will be spaced at quarter-mile to one-half mile intervals. Copies of the Environmental Assessment are available at the Wasilla Public Library and the Palmer Library. For more information, contact Garrett Paul at 269-0558, or send email to garrett.paul@alaska.govgarrett.paul@alaska.gov; or Matt Dietrick, at 269-0531 or send email to matt.dietrick@alaska.gov.

Submit comments to Brian Elliott, Regional Environmental Manager, at brian.elliott@alaska.govbrian.elliott@alaska.gov.

Department seeks public comments on draft Alaska Wildlife Action Plan

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is seeking feedback on the draft 2015 revision of Alaska’s Wildlife Action Plan.

The plan’s purpose is to identify Alaska’s species of greatest conservation need, describe distribution and habitat use, and recognize key threats and conservation actions that might be used to ensure healthy populations into the future.

The preliminary draft plan is available in electronic format for public review and comment. No hard copies will be printed.

Comments on the Preliminary Plan Draft close Sept. 4, and may be sent by email to: dfg.swapinput@alaska.gov. The Final State Wildlife Action Plan will be published and submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Sept. 30.

To view or learn more about the plan, visit 1.usa.gov/1OWbKv1, or contact Matt Kirchhoff matt.kirchhoff@alaska.gov.

Recycling volunteers needed for Alaska State Fair

The Alaska State Fair recycling program needs volunteers for weekday and weekend shifts Aug. 27 to Sept. 7. Each shift needs eight to 12 volunteers; individuals are welcome; groups of volunteers are encouraged. Volunteers who donate at least four hours of their time to the program receive free entrance to the fair that day and help make a positive impact on their community and state. For more information, e-mail recycling@alaskastatefair.org, or call Michelle at 907-444-6828

‘Ole Dahl Cabin’ among top 10 endangered properties

The Ole Dahl Cabin No. 1 in Talkeetna is listed among the state’s Ten Most Endangered Historic Properties for 2015, according to the Alaska Association for Historic Preservation.

The list has been announced each year since 1991 and is intended to bring public awareness to Alaska’s threatened historic properties. Heightened awareness often leads to increased support for the conservation of endangered historic properties, which are assets important to tourism, economic development, and the cultural heritage of Alaska.

Properties listed on the 2015 List are eligible to apply to AAHP for these matching grants, which are made possible through generous donations to the Grant Program from private individuals and organizations, which support these preservation efforts.

To donate to the Grant Program, contact 929-9870, or visit aahp-online.net.

Pittman project ongoing through mid-September

The Alaska Department of Transportation is working with QAP to preserve Pittman Road from the Parks Highway, Mile 0 to Mile 2.1, Pittman. Expect delays through mid-September, but lane closures are expected to conclude by Monday. For more information, call the Pittman Road Project Hotline at 373-0061.

National Prescription Drug Take-Back is Sept. 26

Local residents can return their unwanted, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs for safe disposal during the 10th National Prescription Drug Take-Back from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 26. Visit dea.gov after Sept. 1 to find take-back locations in the Mat-Su Borough.

Nationwide of 2,411 tons of prescription medications have been turned in since 2010. Alaska residents alone have turned in 10.2 tons of prescription drugs.

Mat-Su Toastmasters seeks members

Toastmasters is a self-paced program offering flexibility while allowing unlimited personal growth and self-improvement. Toastmasters helps members learn clear communication and helps build self-confidence. Mat-Su Toastmasters meets from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Primrose Retirement Center, located at 889 N. Elkhorn, Wasilla. For more information, call Linda at 232-0624 or Cheryl at 354 5702.

MY House offers weekday Supper Club

The non-profit provides a Supper Club meal from 3 to 4 p.m., weekdays in the Gathering Grounds Cafe for homeless Valley youth seeking a “hand up, not a handout.” MY House will share information about new partners, recovery groups, fundraiser events and grants. For more information, call 373-4357.

Host families needed for upcoming school year

Host families are needed for foreign exchange students for the upcoming school year.For more information, contact 354-8280.

Partners and coaches needed for Special Olympics Mat-Su

Special Olympics Mat-Su has numerous volunteer opportunities and offers participation in many different sports activities year-round. Volunteers are needed to “partner” with athletes for golf, bowling and bocce. They are also needed to coach snowboarding, snowshoeing, swimming and track and field. For information, or to volunteer, contact 631-8591, or send email to matsu@specialolympicsalaska.org.

Job Corps seeks interview, business attire for students

The Alaska Job Corps “Career Closet” seeks donations of men’s business causal and interview attire and women’s small and medium career and interview attire. Donations can be dropped off at the front desk on the Alaska Job Corps Campus.

CASA volunteers needed

The Valley Court Appointed Special Advocate program is actively recruiting volunteers. If you have 10-12 hours a month to volunteer, we'd like to talk with you. A free comprehensive training program is provided. For information, visit alaskacasa.org or call 907-707-1743.

Conservation grant applications available

Alaska Conservation Foundation is accepting applications for the Rapid Response Grant Program. Rapid Response grants provide support for direct conservation action to address unforeseen opportunities or threats of statewide significance, leading to more robust environmental policy and enduring conservation impact. Rapid Response grants range from $2,500 to $10,000 for a project period of no more than six months. Letters of Inquiry are reviewed on an ongoing basis through the online application system. For more information about the selection and eligibility criteria and how to submit an application, visit bit.ly/1AEOj7g.

Apply for Alaska Job Corps Center training Wednesdays

The Job Corps Center offers free career technical training for people ages 16 to 24. Orientations are at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Alaska Job Corps Center, located at 800 E. Lynn Martin Drive in Palmer. Participants should bring two pay stubs (or proof of public assistance) and proof of citizenship, and a social security card. For information, contact 907-562-6200, 800-733-5627, or alaska.jobcorps.gov.

Shoe drive underway

HeartReach Center is accepting donations of all kinds of shoes, new and old. Band the shoes together in pairs and bring them to the center. For more information, visit heartreachalaska.com, or call 373-3456.

Drivers needed to chauffeur cancer patients

The American Cancer Society is hoping to start up a Mat-Su version of its “Road to Recovery Program.” The society is looking for drivers to shuttle cancer patients from their homes to their doctor’s appointments. Volunteers can drive or help to coordinate rides. For more information, or to volunteer, contact Kathy Archey at 273-2077 or kathy.archey@cancer.org.

Families needed to foster rescued dogs

Alaska Animal Advocates is a non-profit rescue group that currently focuses on dogs, which hopes to include other animals in the future. These dogs are rescued throughout the state of Alaska and are placed in foster homes, where they are cared for, trained, and socialized. The dogs are spayed/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and de-wormed. You can help by providing your home as a foster home. For more information, contact Angie at 841-3173, or send email to aaarescue@yahoo.com, or visit alaskaanimaladvocates.com.

Inventory before disaster strikes

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners is offering a free smart phone app, called myHOME Scr.APP.book to help consumers document their valuables, update their inventories, and store the information for easy access after a disaster. The checklist also is available online at delivr.com/2n5dh.

Call 211 for United Way help

Alaska 211 is a free, confidential, and multilingual health and human services information and referral system operated by United Way of Anchorage on behalf of all United Ways in Alaska. Service is available statewide by calling 211, and online anytime at alaska211.org.

Anyone interested in having their agency’s information included on Alaska 211 can visit the Alaska 211 website.