Peek at the Past

Here’s what made news in the Mat-Su 35 years ago, from the Nov. 6, 1975, issue of The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman:

Diphtheria rumors cause alarm

People were crammed into the hallway of the American Legion Hall in Palmer on Tuesday, waiting to be immunized against diphtheria. In less than 24 hours’ time, 2,500 people had received immunizations and more clinics are planned throughout the Mat-Su Borough.

What began the rush was a flier printed by a local public health nurse and sent home with school children. The heading was: “URGENT — DIPHTHERIA OUTBREAK.”

There was actually only one case of diphtheria in the state — a 67-year-old Soldotna woman. Also, 14 school children in Glennallen tested positive as carriers of diphtheria, but were not ill.

Dr. Elizabeth Tower, state medical officer, said the vaccine is available at all times for booster shots. Other health officials in the state agreed that it is a good idea for all persons to be immunized, whether or not a threat of the disease exists.

One source in the state health office confided, however, that the chances of contracting diphtheria were very remote.

New capital

in Anchorage?

A suggestion that Anchorage be the site of the proposed new capital city will almost certainly be shot down in the state Legislature if it comes up again, an Anchorage lawmaker said.

It would require an amendment passed by a majority of the Legislature to include Anchorage as a possible site on the November 1976 ballot.

The initiative says the site could be no closer than 30 miles to either Anchorage or Fairbanks.

State Sen. Jalmer Kerttula, D-Palmer, said he would “absolutely not” support any move to include Anchorage on the ballot.

“Frankly, it would thwart the will of the people,” he said. “The people voted to have the capital at least 30 miles from Anchorage. I just don’t think the proposal would fly. I can’t see the politicians accepting it, particularly when the people have lively skepticism of government.”

Palmer police chief fired

A heated argument among Palmer city officials reached a head when city manager Bill Curtis terminated police chief Nick Mangieri. It was the first time in the city’s history a police chief had been fired.

Mangieri said Curtis exceeded his authority and that the termination was caused by the chief hiring two police officers and changing the work schedule without getting Curtis’ OK. For Curtis, the decision was made because of a culmination of things.

“There wasn’t any one thing that Mangieri did wrong,” he said. “It is my job to decide whether or not Mangieri was the man for the job, and I decided he wasn’t and let him go. That’s all there is to it.”

Curtis also the chief’s duties were “whatever I tell him they are.”

Mangieri said he planned to sue the city manager and ask the city council for reinstatement.

“There’s more to this than meets the eye,” he said, adding, “Mr. Curtis’ troubles have just begun.”

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in November 1975 you could:

• Get a 1973 Polaris 340 TX snowmachine for $649.

• Buy spareribs for $1.49 a pound.

• Stock up with 5 pounds of onions for $1.

• Grill up some burgers with ground beef for 89 cents a pound.

• Enjoy a roast beef smorgasbord at the Palmer Elks Lodge for $5 ($2 for kids).