Peek at the Past

Here’s what made the news in the Jan. 27, 1983, edition of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman:

Ruling sets precedent

Palmer Superior Court Judge Beverly Cutler set a precedent last week in ruling that state drunk driving laws apply to intoxicated persons sitting behind the wheel of any motor vehicle that is capable of moving. Her ruling came in a Palmer case in which the defendant’s attorney argued the accused could not be found guilty of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated because the vehicle engine was not running when the subject was arrested, though his key was in the ignition. At the trial, Cutler instructed jurors that whether the vehicle motor was on or off had no bearing on whether the person behind the wheel was subject to criminal liability. The jury found the defendant guilty of operating a motor vehicle with a .10 or greater blood alcohol level.

School bond vote expected

The Mat-Su Borough Assembly is expected to make a decision concerning an ordinance for the construction of schools through bonded indebtedness. As much as $26 million is at stake for the proposed construction of a new elementary school in the Wasilla area and a junior high school in Palmer. The assembly members have conducted studies, heard expert testimony and been bombarded with numerous statements from the public and school officials for the past few weeks. All options being considered allow for the construction of the Wasilla school, which is considered a must for the district. What remains to be decided is the fate of the proposed Palmer junior high school: whether a new school will be built at a new site, construct a new school at the same site with the current school, or renovate the current school to accommodate the population increase.

Knik Arm Crossing remains object of studies

A recent public meeting concerning the longstanding proposed Knik Arm Crossing from Anchorage to the Mat-Su Borough sparked a variety of comments from area residents — but no one said they opposed bringing Anchorage to Mat-Su’s doorstep. In fact, several residents demanded to know why it is taking so long. The crossing issue, which has been talked about for 60 years and debated by legislators for 27, has been “studied to death,” several residents said. The consultant team has just completed the first cycle of the three-cycle study plan. Team deputy project manager Paul Holley said if the Legislature decides to build the crossing, it wouldn’t be completed until the early 1990s.

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in January 1983, you could:

• Purchase a 1,700-watt generator for $479.

• Buy a single cassette player and boom box for $199.

• Get a 24-inch heavy-duty snow brush and ice scraper for $1.88.

• Enjoy lunch at Peking Chinese Restaurant for $4.25.