PEEK AT THE PAST: Feb. 22, 2000

Here’s what made news in the Mat-Su 10 years ago, from the Feb. 22, 2000, issue of the Valley Frontiersman:

Disaster relief approved

Gov. Tony Knowles was informed by the White House that the state’s request for federal disaster relief had been approved. The aid for Southcentral is needed in the wake of deadly avalanches, including some in the Mat-Su. The avalanches were caused by heavy snowstorms that rocked much of Southcentral over the course of the past month.

The announcement came two weeks after the Mat-Su Borough issued an emergency declaration to help the borough and local utility companies recoup some of the costs associated with clearing roads and replacing damaged utility lines and equipment.

Boys and Girls

Club pilot opens

The fledgling Boys and Girls Club of Greater Palmer-Wasilla is operating as a pilot program out of Tanaina Elementary School. The club provides after-school tutoring and activities for students from 4 to 6 p.m.

“Our major concern is to fulfill a need in the community,” said Linda Anderson, program director. As we have more parents sign on, we may extend the hours so they can drop (kids) off earlier or pick them up later.”

Plans are to open a similar program at Sherrod Elementary School in Palmer.

Hawks take

second at state

Following up on an emotionally and physically draining double overtime win in the state hockey semifinals, the Houston Hawks settled for second place at state, falling 5-2 to Delta.

It was the first time the state’s small-schools conference held a state tournament, and the Hawks were hoping to claim the first title.

“It would have been nice to win the very first state tournament,” said freshman Jake Williams. “But Delta really deserved it because they controlled the entire game.”

In the class 4A tournament, the Colony Knights finished in sixth place.

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in February 2000 you could:

• Get quality laminate flooring for $2.49 a square foot.

• Buy T-bone steaks for $3.49 a pound.

• Wash that steak down with 2-liter bottles of Pepsi products for 79 cents each.

• Have apple pie to finish the meal for $1.99 a pie.

• Buy two bags of Lay’s potato chips for $5.

• Possibly meet the man or woman of your dreams in the Frontiersman’s PeopleMeeters personals.

• Get a used 1996 Dodge 1500 truck for $169 a month.