People We Know

• Jonathan Owen of Palmer was appointed by Gov. Sean Parnell to the Alaska Seismic Hazards Safety Commission. Owen, of Palmer, is the director of public safety for the City of Palmer. He formerly served as a police lieutenant for the North Slope Borough Police Department and the Dallas Police Department. The commission recommends goals and priorities for seismic hazard mitigation to the public and private sectors.

• Benjamin Gerwig of Sutton was recognized for outstanding academic accomplishments by being named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2013 semester at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas.

• U.S. Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Germay H. Kuper graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

He is the son of Adele M. Kuper and larry L. Imm of Wasilla, and a 2013 graduate of Wasilla High School, Wasilla.

• Rebecca Huggins was reappointed by Governor Sean Parnell to the 14-member Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, which administers state student loan programs, and authorizes new facilities and programs for higher education in Alaska. Huggins, of Wasilla, is the principal of American Charter Academy. She has held a number of positions in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, including as originator and principal for MidValley High School. Huggins is reappointed to a public seat.

• Gov. Sean Parnell appointed Brad Hanson of Palmer to the Alaska Safety Advisory Council. Hanson is the safety officer for the Anchorage Fire Department. He is a member of Anchorage Firefighters Local 1264 and has served for 25 years as a full-time fire service employee. Hanson holds an associate degree in nursing. He is appointed to a labor seat.

• Governor Parnell Tammy Helms of Wasilla was appointed to the Water and Wastewater Works Advisory Board. Helms is the local government specialist IV for the Division of Community and Regional Affairs and the Rural Utilities Business Adviser Program. She has been a certified water operator for 14 years and previously worked as a certified water treatment plant operator for the City of Larsen Bay. Helms also holds a certificate of completion in the state of Alaska Rural Utilities Advisor Program. She is appointed to a public seat.

• Mariah Darcy Shones of Palmer graduated May 25 during the 150th commencement ceremony at Vassar College, Poughkeesie, New York. She is the daughter of Tom and Laura Shones of Palmer.

• Alta Dean of Palmer has been selected for membership in the National Society of High School Scholars. The society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commitment. She is the daughter of Theodore (Tad) and Dorrie Dean of Palmer.

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