PEEK AT THE PAST: May 25, 1978

Here’s what made news in the Mat-Su 32 years ago, from the May 25, 1978, issue of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman:

Gov. Hammond visits

In an article authored by Dorothy Page, Wasilla played host to Gov. Jay S. Hammond, who “fielded compliments and complaints with equal good humor.”

One Houston resident urged the governor to declare a state of mourning in the wake of the controversial Alaska Lands Bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. The act would serve as a message to those in the Lower 48 that the majority of Alaskans are displeased with the bill.

But two in the audience said they felt the land “is owned by everyone in the United States and not just greedy Alaskans,” the story says.

Hammond said that while many residents aren’t happy with the bill, Rep. Don Young was able to get 15 amendments added to the House version of the bill and was certain Sen. Ted Stevens would work to stop their bill in the Senate.

In response to the request from the Houston resident, he said that “it would be premature to take such action now.”

Subdivision worries locals

A proposed subdivision on the east side of Knik Lake has some area residents worried because plans call for closing an 80-year-old access — the former Lake Street of old Knik. That access leads to three residences, the Knik Museum, the Iditarod Trail, the Mat-Su Borough’s only national historic landmark, a Native cemetery and Knik Lake itself.

After getting an earful from residents about the subdivision, the borough’s platting board has tabled the request until the developer and residents could meet and reach a compromise. The developer has said he intends to build a new access road.

Schools tighten belts

The Mat-Su Borough School District made nearly $450,000 worth of cuts in its operating budget for the coming school year.

Of the cuts, $350,000 was mandated by the borough assemble in late April. The rest are last-minute cuts, including $3,952 for a .48 percent raise for teacher retirement contributions. Also included in the cuts were seven teachers’ aides, 2.5 teachers, some food service support and about $30,000 from the district’s special education department.

Along with the cuts, the district budget includes money for a 2.68 percent pay increase for teachers, who haven’t yet accepting the district’s contract offer. Both the school district and teachers have requested the governor appoint an arbitrator to help the sides come together on an agreement. That request comes after a failed attempt by a federal arbitrator to move either side.

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in May 1978 you could:

• Stock up on barbecue sauce for 39 cents a bottle.

• Buy three cans of creamed corn or four ears of fresh corn on the cob for 99 cents.

• Enjoy porterhouse steaks for $3.39 a pound.

• Celebrate Koslosky’s 43rd anniversary with 25-cent hot dogs.

• Get a case of Old Milwaukee beer for $5.99, or $1.59 for a six-pack.