Peek at the Past: As it appeared in the Aug. 25, 1983, Frontiersman

Schools swell,

teachers wait

The school district may have to hire more teachers if school enrollments climb past the projected figure of 6,157 students.

Jake Henderson, new personnel director for the district, said enrollments may increase by as many as 800 over the projected figure. Such a jump would call for about 40 new teachers. The average cost per teacher is a little over $41,000 per year, including salary and benefits.

At last word, Henderson said the district had 800 applications for four remaining elementary school positions.

School sites narrowed

With two bond elections totaling $36 million more than a month away, school and borough officials are pressing forward to find suitable locations for two proposed schools.

Borough Manager Gary Thurlow said a site for the proposed Houston junior-senior high school has been narrowed down to a parcel near Mile 53 Parks Hwy.

Sheffield to bid at fair auction

Gov. Bill Sheffield has always been an enthusiastic supporter of youth agriculture, and once again he will be bidding at the Junior Market Livestock Auction at the state fair.

Sheffield has been a faithful buyer for the past several years. He is always one of the top bidders at the event.

Prices were not much lower for items as they are now, 20 years later. Tires were going for $45-$55 each, air fare to the East Coast was between $500 and $600 and food prices were about the same as they are now -- cube steaks were $2.99 a pound and a three-pound can of coffee was $6.95.

The Alaska State Fair was getting started, and the musical headliner was Johnny Rivers.

Palmer-Wasilla Video Cache boasted more than 2,000 VHS movies for rent, including hits like "48 Hours," "Porky's" and "Mad Max."