Peek at the Past

Here’s what made the news seven years ago, from the Nov. 12, 2004, edition of the Mat-Su Frontiersman:

Zoning issues are primary concern

From the ever-widening swath of the Parks Highway to the proliferation of box stores in Wasilla, every part of the Valley seems to be growing. Palmer, although its growth may not be as drastic and visible as other parts of the Valley, is no exception. As residential and commercial areas of the city continue to grow at an increasing rate, the challenges facing Palmer City Council and the city’s planning and zoning commission are mounting, said Mayor John Combs. In the face of such intense building, Combs and the city council are trying new methods to control growth.

“It’s going to take work and planning, but I grew up here and what we want to see is the same thing, only bigger. I think it can be done,” Combs said. “This has always been a planned community and I want to keep it a planned community.”

New sled dog race has complete field

It’s a new race, but it’s already a popular race. The Sheep Mountain 500 has a full 30-team field for its inaugural sled dog race, and according to race director Zack Steer, the field could have been much larger.

“We could have had 50,” he said. “I wish we could have had more.”

Leading the field are former Iditarod champions Jeff King and Dean Osmar. Iditarod veterans Ellie Claus and Lance Mackey are also in the field. The trail allows many vantage points for fans. The Eureka Lodge checkpoint is open to the public and fans can see portions of the race from the Glenn Highway.

“Races like the Iditarod are like a cross-country race. You see the start and the finish,” Steer said. “Here, you get to see a lot of the race.”

Mat-Su schools rework curriculum

More than 60 Mat-Su Borough School District teachers and educators spent several days over the past two weeks reviewing math problems and historical eras Valley students should be learning in school. They also worked to iron out a timeline for when certain subjects should be taught. The subjects of reading, writing and math must be fixed to the state expectations because the state tests them each year. Connie Lutz, curriculum and assessment director for Mat-Su Schools, said the updated curriculum will enhance Valley schools by enabling teachers at each grade level to cover he same subject matter, regardless of where they teach. According to Lutz, this standardized approach will ensure students are moving forward with their academic skills and knowledge, are able to pass the high school graduation qualifying exam and can then graduate with a meaningful education.

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in 2004 you could:

• Purchase three energy-efficient daylight light bulbs at the new Home Depot for $2.

• Rent a large two-bedroom apartment with all utilities in downtown Wasilla for $750.

• Fly round-trip to Seattle for $200.