Peek at the Past

Here’s what made the news in the Feb. 12, 1999, edition of the Mat-Su Frontiersman:

Judge dismisses Miller’s Reach suit

The Miller’s Reach Fire class-action lawsuit was dismissed after a superior court judge said the state could claim immunity for its actions during the fire that ravaged more than 37,000 acres and destroyed 454 buildings.

Judge Beverly Cutler made the decision in a hearing in which attorneys for the state argued they were subject to sovereign immunity, a law that protects governments from being sued. Attorneys for the class members argued state firefighters had ample opportunity to put out the fire during the first outbreak near Miller’s Reach the night of June 2, 1996, but instead failed to apply adequate water and acted in a “relaxed and leisurely” fashion. The state claimed all decisions made were a result of constantly changing conditions and they could not be held liable. Cutler said although she was granting the state’s dismissal, the matter of immunity would ultimately be brought before the Alaska Supreme Court.

Students may face alcohol test

After two parents questioned the use of breath-alcohol testers on students during a dance at Colony High School in January, the Mat-Su Borough School District board may consider implementing a policy on the testing. Principal Bill Harlow said the school periodically has used a breath-alcohol tester since it opened in 1992.

“It’s just a safety measure,” he said. “We always use it when there is justification. We never pull kids out at random to test them.”

Following the dance in January, in which six students were suspended, Harlow said he received several calls supporting the use of the tests. A few parents have disagreed with the policy, stating that they don’t want the test used on their children. Harlow stated that school staff cannot force students to take the test, but if a student chooses to refuse, he or she would be released into a parent’s custody. At a recent school board meeting one parent voiced her concerns: “I hate drinking and drugs, but we are concerned about students’ rights. If drinking at school functions is a problem, is this the answer?”

Attorney general eyes rules for Safeway-Carrs merger

Seeking to maintain competition in Alaska’s retail food trade, Attorney General Bruce Botelho submitted the proposed requirements for the Carrs-Safeway merger. Subject to review by the public and the courts, the consent decree requires the merged firm to sell seven stores to companies that will maintain them as grocery stores.

The complaint accompanying the state’s proposal alleges the proposed merger would substantially lessen the competition in major state markets, in violation of Alaska antitrust law. The decree seeks to remedy concerns by requiring Safeway to divest itself of stores in Anchorage; stores in Eagle River and Wasilla; and the Carrs store in Fairbanks.

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in 1999, you could:

• Enjoy filet mignon at Nobody’s Inn for $11.75.

• Purchase an engine block heater with installation for $89.95.

• Have a soup and sandwich lunch at Maxxie’s for $4.95.

• Finance a three-bedroom, 2.5-bath home for $136,700.