Peek at the Past

Here’s what made the news in the Aug. 28, 1987, edition of the Mat-Su Frontiersman:

Bus firm will drug test drivers

Bus drivers in the borough school district will be tested for abuse of controlled and illegal drugs as part of their annual checkups this year under a policy being written by the district’s largest transportation contractor, Tundra Tours. The possibility of drug use among bus drivers came to light this summer when three drivers were among dozens of people arrested for selling cocaine in statewide drug sweeps. Tundra Tours operation manager explained, “We’re hauling precious cargo, there cannot be any room for doubt regarding drugs.”

Shut down, turn off

The most recent statistics from the Valley’s two utility cooperatives confirm what most residents already know firsthand: the economy is floundering, and people drowning in debt are bailing out. Nearly 700 customers have put Matanuska Telephone Association on hold during the past year, dropping the total number of subscribers by about 3 percent. In Matanuska Electric Association’s books, the number of accounts has remained fairly steady; however, the number of bills being paid by banks on repossessed homes has risen sharply in the past six months. Bruce Scott of MEA explains that some of the increase may be attributed to MEA’s effort to cooperate with banks to prevent pipes from freezing, while the rest is due the failing economy.

Supercollider could cost $300M

The Alaska Legislature would have to set aside as much as $300 million for roads and utilities near Nenana if it hopes to attract the $4.4 billion supercollider project to the state, promoters say. Among other things, the supercollider involves a 53-mile tunnel that would be used to study the structure of atoms. If Congress approves the funding, then planners in the U.S. Department of Energy hope to begin building in the tunnel and research facility in January of 1989.

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in 1987 you could:

• Rent a modern two-bedroom townhouse for $450 a month.

• Purchase a pound of halibut steaks for $4.69.

• Buy a 30-pound bag of Purina dog food for $10.99.