Wasilla City Council meets new K-9 officer Buzzard

WASILLA — In its only meeting in the month of May, the Wasilla City Council sped through its regularly scheduled business, said goodbye to one student representative and welcomed a new one, along with a furry new officer for WPD.

Echo, the new K-9 officer with the WPD, was presented with Officer Buzzard at the Wasilla City Council meeting. The two have spent the last two months training in Alabama, and are now available for patrolling the streets of Wasilla in search of crime.

“She can detain and chase bad guys, fight em if he needs to in the plainest speak. On the detection side of the house she can detect cocaine, heroin, and meth and their derivatives,” said Buzzard.

Echo will serve the WPD for 6-8 years, barring injury and decisions by the WPD chief and Veterinarian. Buzzard and Helo will start work together next week, as the WPD cruiser is being retrofitted to hold Echo.

WHS Student Representative Katelyn Boswell gave her last report at the meeting and was given the key to the City of Wasilla. Boswell now hands off duties to Caitlyn Morse. Boswell detailed in her report the activities of sports teams currently in season and the graduation ceremonies conducted last week at the Menard Sports Complex. Boswell also praised teacher Tony Jensen and his class that picked up 96 bags of garbage along the roads and were then rewarded with Pizza from Mayor Bert Cottle.

“It’s been a pleasure with you guys the whole time. Happy summer everyone!” said Boswell.

Burchell Student Representative Louise Eaton detailed a visit to BHS from the Alaska Commissioner of Education Michael Johnson on May 3. Johnson was impressed with the learning, caring environment at BHS. Council Member Ledford added praise to how far BHS has come in 30 years, recalling that when her daughter, who ended up being the first female to graduate from Burchell, was at the school.

“In 30 years I’ve watched this and been involved with it. These kids are the next leaders that we’ve got and how far they have come and the opportunities that this school has given. A lot of these kids, there’s some of them that they’re homeless that is their last hope,” said Ledford.

Mayor Bert Cottle also made two proclamations recognizing Kids To Parks Day on May 19 and Memorial Day on May 28. Roxy Mayberry of MTA awarded a capital credits check to the City of Wasilla for $2,682.91.

Public Works director Archie Giddings reported two Conditional Use Permits to the council that passed, one for a development of the property next to Sportsmans Warehouse to become a fitness center and hopefully attract more businesses, and another to allow the Valley Cinema to add three theaters on the north end.

Sudsy Slim Rides again finished up their run at the Valley Cinema on May 17. Chad Carpenter addressed the Council, thanking them for their involvement in the film that features a handful of Wasilla Museum historical buildings.

“I am 100% convinced that our movies would not be experiencing near the success they are enjoying if it wasn’t for the access and the support of the Wasilla Museum,” said Carpenter. “We make movies in Alaska by Alaskans starring Alaskans and for Alaskans.”

The Council saw perhaps a first in meeting history as one frequent public commenter announced his candidacy for the 2020 U.S. Presidential election.

“They tried something that nobody else would try that’s what made America great. So election season is coming, so perhaps some of you gentlemen and ladies will be running for elections, and I will not run against you because I love you and I will vote for you and I will support you in any way I can. But next year my goal is to run against our incumbent President, President Trump. I understand it sounds like a miracle and that is exactly what I am trying to do,” said Huhnkie Lee.

During board comments, the Council discussed graduations held at the Menard center last week. Council member Gretchen O’Barr described the excitement as dripping off the rafters. Graduates from WHS were bussed in, keeping an estimated 250 cars out of the parking lot. CHS did not bus in its graduates, and parking stretched almost all the way down to the airport. Cottle said that they are working on improving the graduations every year, and considering putting a live stream on the turf so that people can watch from outside the ceremony. Cottle also stated that he’d received word that Colony High School and Houston High School will receive Safety Resource Officers beginning in January 2019. MSBSD Superintendent Dr. Monica Goyette confirmed this, and it will come to a vote before the School Board on June 6.