‘This is where we live’: Valley residents come together to pick up the pieces after severe storm ravages the community

WASILLA — The severe weather conditions have caused various levels of damages across the Mat-Su Valley, leaving many to figure out how to get on with their own lives or help others get on with theirs.

“I feel like I’m back in the stereotypical Alaska. It just reminds us that nature is an uncontrollable force,” Salvation Army Mat-Su Valley Corps Officer Major Kevin Bottjen said. “It saddens me that the storm did so much damage but it could’ve been a lot worse.”

Bottjen spent most of his day at the Menard Sports Center preparing meals for those utilizing the emergency shelter Thursday, Jan. 6.

He said they’ve been helping provide food since Monday, Jan. 3, when the American Red Cross started operating emergency shelters for Valley residents affected by the storm.

The American Red Cross consolidated the Valley’s emergency response shelters from two locations in Palmer and Wasilla to one location Wasilla under the guidance of the Mat-Su Borough Wednesday, Jan. 5.

Valley residents seeking shelter due to the severe weather conditions can go to the Menard Sports Center 24 hours a day. Once inside, they have access to sleeping quarters, hot showers, food, and other amenities.

Bottjen said they’ve had an outpouring of public support and received donations from places like

Krazy Moose, Carrs, and Starbucks to help feed those in need during this difficult time.

“This community just blows my mind,” Bottjen said. “How awesome is the Valley? When help is needed they provide it.”

Bottjen said the last time he was helping out at the Menard Center for disaster relief was during the wildfires of 2019.

“As a cook, I love this kitchen. I can put out a ton of meals. For mass shelter, this facility is fantastic,” Bottjen said.

The Salvation Army’s food pantry is reopening after a brief closure due to power outages. Bottjen said they were able to save their food storage and only lost a few tubs of ice cream.

The Salvation Army’s food pantry in Palmer is open from 12 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. He said they could always use volunteers to help distribute food to the community, and he encourages anyone who needs help with food right now to come by.

“Come get a food box,” Bottjen said.

Fireside Books reopened after a brief closure due to the extreme weather conditions. Owner Mary Ann Cockle said they suffered some pipe damage and experienced power outages like much of the surrounding area.

“This is where we live,” Cockle said with a laugh. “It’s just a challenging environment. You just gotta be prepared. You gotta be prepared to evacuate… We’ll kinda hobble along to get back to normal the best we can. There’s nothing we can’t overcome if we all work together.”

For the latest updates in Borough-wide weather conditions, facility closures, and other important local information, visit matsugov.us/news.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com