Peek at the Past

Here’s what made the news in the March 12, 1986, edition of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman:

Butcher’s food cache stolen as race tightens

When Susan Butcher pulled into Unalakleet behind Joe Garnie, the race was on. And Butcher’s crucial food and supplies were missing. With only four hours to rest, she frantically tried to gather the equipment she needs to get across the ice. Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Marshal Dave Olson said that from here on up the coast food would be carefully monitored at each checkpoint. This is the third checkpoint on the race where Butcher’s food has been missing. A change in the diet of her dogs at this point could cost her the race. Butcher is hungry for a win this year and issues like this leave her furious. Both she and Garnie have been under tremendous pressure to be first under the Front Street arch. Garnie is eager to match partner Libby Riddle’s 1985 victory, while Butcher is determined to regain her status as the No. 1 woman musher.

Young says mining is at stake in BLM suit

Rep. Don Young has urged the U.S. Justice Department to support the interests of the United States in a lawsuit pending before the U.S. District Court in Alaska. In a letter to Attorney General Edwin Meese, Young asked that the department strongly defend the position of the Bureau of Land Management in Sierra Club v. Penfold. The suit, brought by environmentalists opposed to mining on public lands in Alaska, threatens to end all placer mining in the state. “If successful, the suit would likely lead to the decimation of an industry which contributes approximately $100 million yearly to Alaska’s economy, and destroy a way of life for thousands of Alaskans whose livelihoods are directly and indirectly related to this industry,” Young wrote. “Although the BLM is being sued, the real target in this case is the mining industry in Alaska. Mining is important to the economy of our state and it reflects our history, culture and traditions.”

Valley students participate in Battle of the Books

Mat-Su School District students are still reading “Romeo and Juliet,” only now, some of them are winning trophies for it. Battle of the Books, a statewide event for the past three years, is a competition in which students in grades three through 12 read 15 books ranging from “Romeo and Juliet” to “1984” to “A Separate Peace.” The competition is based on questions based on the content of this year’s selected books. Su Valley High School Media Specialist, Susan Craver said most of the battles so far have taken place with 32 other districts using teleconferencing equipment. Winners at the state level receive hardback books, sweatshirts, and a traveling trophy they can keep at their school for one year.

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in 1986 you could:

• Purchase a package of 4 AA batteries for 99 cents.

• Bake four tubes of biscuits for $1.

• Enjoy two fresh pizzas from Safeway for $6.99.

• Buy fresh artichokes for 69 cents each.