PUBLISHER’S NOTEBOOK: Honoring Alaska State Trooper Hans Roelle

The Alaska State Troopers on Friday posted an “in memoriam” commemoration of Trooper Hans Roelle. A 17-year veteran of the Alaska State Troopers, Roelle was shot and killed while on duty some 16 years ago.

Looking back at the story that was published in the Frontiersman in the Nov. 27, 2001, edition, the Frontiersman’s Naomi Klouda wrote that on Nov. 24, 2001, Troopers responded when passersby called in a report that a woman had jumped from a 1994 Chevy Suburban. Trooper Eric Spitzer gave chase of the Suburban that reached speeds of 100 mph. Then, Spitzer backed off because he didn’t want a high-speed chase through the city of Wasilla. Instead, Troopers obtained the suspect’s address and went to his home. Roelle was the first to approach the house. The suspect appeared on his porch with a high caliber Desert Eagle handgun. He shot Roelle in the head, killing him instantly. After killing Roelle the suspect went back inside his home when three more shots were heard. When Troopers entered the home, inside were three bodies: the suspect, age 24, and his two children ages 3 and 1.

Trooper Hans Roelle left behind his wife Christine, and four children: Andrea, Ariels, Hans and Rachel. Trooper Roelle is not forgotten and his attempt to save the two children inside that home continues to be honored.

Hoping for NO MORE in the MAT-SU

Everyday law enforcement dons the uniform to protect and serve, and their lives can change with a phone call.

Domestic violence calls are often when officers find themselves most at risk. The Wasilla Sunrise Rotarians, Mat-Su Women’s Health Specialists, Gagnon Plastic Surgery and the Frontiersman are teaming up for a marketing campaign to debut in December for No More Mat-Su.

A local effort to end domestic violence and sexual assault in the Mat-Su Valley, No More Mat-Su believes that together we can say ‘no more’ to domestic violence and sexual assault in the Mat-Su. We can hope against hope that tragic events like that which happened that horrific day in November of 2001 will forever be in the archives of Frontiersman and won’t ever unfold in our community again. That’s a lot of hope, but it won’t stop the hardworking team at No More Mat-Su and supporting organizations from trying to make it a reality. For more information go to the No More Mat-Su Facebook page.

Thee Northern Sound Marching Band

Returning home this weekend from a very successful trip to the “Big Apple” and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the marching band based out of Colony High School. Current band members and alumni came together to make the trip.

Back on April 7, 2016, Macy’s Parade creative director Wesley Whatley flew to Alaska to make the announcement in person to a room full of anxious band members. After a year and a half of preparation and fundraising the dream became a reality. As for the performance itself, it was flawless. Perfectly executed, great sound and high energy is how I would describe it. I know three band moms that are proud as can be. Fellow Wasilla Sunrise Rotarian Janel Gagnon, former Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce President Erica Bills and our very own Christy Pinkerton are probably still smiling from ear to ear.

Naomi Winders honored by Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation

After the performance by Thee Northern Sound the NBC cameras fixed on bass drummer Naomi Winders, a 2017 Colony High School graduate currently attending Brigham Young University.

Winders submitted an essay that awarded her and the marching band from Colony each a $10,000 scholarship. Winders wrote of Bob Hope and how he would make her grandmother laugh. She shared what she has in common with Hope is her love of comedy and performing. She also acknowledged how important volunteerism is to her because often her family has been on the receiving end of such charity. Raised in Alaska by a hardworking mother who supported her and two siblings. Winders sent out a “Hi Mom!” when the cameras were on her as she couldn’t contain her joy. Congratulations to Naomi Winders, Band Director Jamin Burton, Drum Majors Michael Delph and Charlie Carte and the entire Thee Northern Sound Band. I’ve been told their next goal is to perform in France.

Shop Local because the Internet doesn’t give back to our community

Around our community this holiday season you will find plenty of opportunity to give back through local businesses. One example is the “Angel Tree” set up at the Grandview Inn, the Grill Restaurant and at Locals Pub and Pizzeria.

New General Managers Marty and Cheryl Metiva and staff have also set up a drop box for Special Santa/Toys for Tots at both the businesses. These will be available for you to give back through Dec. 18. Businesses across the Mat-Su will receive toys, coats and food to help support those in need. Shop local and support your friends, neighbors and family.

It’s just that important.

Lions event in Big Lake

Big Lake resident and volunteer extraordinaire Bill Haller invites you to a couple of Big Lake events. Big Lake Lions Annual Bazaar at the East Lake Mall in Big Lake is Dec. 2-3 with plenty of great local vendors to find that perfect gift. The event is both days from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is also a parade at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. Then, Dec. 7-9, the Big Lake Lions Christmas Classic hockey tournament will be hosted at the Big Lake Lions Recreation Center, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Thank you for reading the Frontiersman!