Peek at the Past: May 30, 2000

Here’s what made news 11 years ago, from the May 30, 2000, issue of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman.

Palmer denies alternative school

A Mat-Su Borough School District request to rezone 1 acre of land in a residential area as an alternative school branch was shot down by Palmer City Council.

In a unanimous vote, the council concluded rezoning the lot on the corner of East Auklet Avenue and North Gulkana Street would not be in the best interest of the city.

The request, which would have made way for a branch of Burchell High School to locate there, has already been through the city’s planning and zoning process.

But after six of 16 affected property owners protested, the council decided a rezone wasn’t the best solution for Palmer.

Adventure

and charity

One local charity is getting a lift through the work of a Wasilla man. Actually, a 20,320-foot lift.

Joe Riggs, a local businessman, is ascending Mount McKinley next week, and while he’s climbing for the summit, he will also be climbing for the wellbeing of Mat-Su children. Riggs, a Rotarian, told of his climb at a recent meeting and invited charities to get involved.

Local group The Children’s Place did just that with its Climbing for Kids program.

The group is soliciting pledges of a dame a foot for his journey, which will cover 13,000 feet.

Wasilla prepares

emergency plan

“Be prepared” may be the city’s new motto as it moves toward developing an emergency operations response plan.

Having a plan will help the city identify risks and potential risks to the community and provide a plan of action for response to emergency situations. Developing the plan is expected to cost $20,000, and would not only account for existing dangers, but also those posed by semi trucks or trains traveling through the city.

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in May 2000 you could:

• Purchase oak or maple strip flooring for $1.99 per square foot.

• Take a Disney vacation starting at $375 a person.

• Buy a used 1997 Ford 1-ton pickup for $18,995.