Peek at the Past: Jan. 14, 1987

Here’s what made the news 25 years ago in the Jan. 14, 1987, edition of the Frontiersman:

Moose on the move are highway hazard

Heavy snows have driven moose out of the hills and onto Valley highways where motorists are having to skid and swerve to avoid collisions. But drivers don’t always succeed, as large numbers of moose are being killed in collisions.

Big Lake talks incorporation

The gym was packed, the audience attentive. Curiosity seemed to be the prevailing mood as 200 people gathered to hear the details of a proposal to incorporate Big Lake as a second-class city. Judging from the final segments of the forum, which was devoted to public questions about the proposal, there was no consensus among those present either for or against incorporation. According to Wasilla deputy clerk Marge Harris, Wasilla incorporated by a vote of 83 to 64 in February 1974. She said no exact figures are available on the turnout; however, six months later the city had 1,001 registered voters.

Petition approved for borough setback

A debate over recent changes made in the borough’s setback ordinance may yet result in a special election. If a recently formed coalition known as the Clean Water Council can gather enough signatures, a special election will be held on whither to reinstitute a 75-foot setback requirement and a 50-foot public-use easement alongside lakes and streams in the Mat-Su Borough. The connection between water quality and provisions in Title 16 of borough code surfaced when Assemblyman Vern Ungerecht announced his intention to reduce the setback requirement to 45 feet. Regardless of the merits, the issue has become an emotional one, which touches philosophical and practical concerns beyond the text of either the petition or the codebook ordinance.

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in 1987 you could:

• Purchase halibut steaks for $4.49 a pound.

• Buy three tubes of Colgate toothpaste for $3.99.

• Listen to a Toshiba personal handheld stereo for $120.