Year in Review: 2022

The year 2022 was eventful with a variety of stories that etched their way in the latest chapter of the Mat-Su Valley's overarching narrative.

Below is a selection of some of the top stories from 2022 based on their overall impact in the community:

January

Moosey: 'Never seen a winter storm this bad.'

By Tim Bradner

“I’ve never seen a winter storm this bad. This is equal to the 2018 earthquake in terms of impacts on people,” Palmer city manager John Moosey said after cold and winds tore through the Mat-Su Valley.

Winds reached 85 miles per hour in downtown Palmer, Moosey had a report, which was unconfirmed, that the wind-speed gauge at the local weather center blew out.

https://www.frontiersman.com/news/moosey-never-seen-a-winter-storm-this-bad/article_12ce0e40-6cd0-11ec-a4c2-fb2872cc0880.html

Palmer Courthouse closed due to water damage

By Jacob Mann

The Palmer Courthouse closed in January of 2022 due to damage caused by the extreme weather conditions.

Pipes burst inside the Palmer Courthouse and caused water damage to the facility. No files or electronic documents were damaged during the flood.

Judges remotely handled emergency proceedings but all other matters were rescheduled during the closure.

The courthouse eventually reopened in April after hefty remodeling efforts.

https://www.frontiersman.com/news/palmer-courthouse-closed-due-to-water-damage/article_81c8a2de-6eb9-11ec-9414-234df3a15267.html

https://www.frontiersman.com/news/palmer-courthouse-reopening-courtrooms-after-closure-due-to-facility-damage/article_4776ecc0-b163-11ec-9542-23ebeb025795.html

February

Last Frontier Pond Hockey Classic postponed due to weather conditions

By Jacob Mann

The Last Last Frontier Pond Hockey Classic was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions in February of 2022.

Outdoor hockey requires a number of elements to align and the current snow load and the warming trend over the last week rendered the ice unusable with cracks and an overflow of standing water between two to four inches, according to NewCity Entertainment Group LLC founder Michael Newcity.

“It’s just not possible. It’s just not skateable at this time,” Newcity said. “You can’t play hockey in ankle-deep water.”

The event was ultimately canceled in March.

https://www.frontiersman.com/sports/last-frontier-pond-hockey-classic-postponed-due-to-weather-conditions/article_ca1e2982-93b7-11ec-a8df-5751e53512d0.html

https://www.frontiersman.com/arts_entertainment/last-frontier-pond-hockey-classic-canceled/article_1b9c1332-a03d-11ec-a121-339ca6b925f7.html

March

Houston community remembers Devin White

By Katie Stavick

Family, friends, and community members said goodbye to Devin White during a candlelight vigil held in March.

The space was opened for White’s friends and school staff to share their memories of him, and from those who did speak about White, one thing was clear-that he was kind.

His friends recalled a funny, caring, kind young man, as one young student remembered how they rode the bus and when White saw she lived on a “bad” street, he would make sure to walk her to her house to make sure she was safe, before giving her a hug.

Houston Jr/Sr High School Principal Benjamin Howard spoke of how kind and friendly White was to everyone, how he was “so kind, so ready for anything.”

https://www.frontiersman.com/news/houston-community-remembers-devin-white/article_ecbfa3da-a81b-11ec-8286-1f70c6082409.html

Palmer Chamber reverses Colony Days name change

By Jacob Mann

The Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce board of directors voted unanimously to reverse the decision to change the name of the annual Colony Days event to the Braided River Festival.

Palmer Chamber Executive Director Ailis Vann said the decision came after a massive influx of calls, emails, and comments over social media from those who oppose the name change.

“There’s a lot in a name,” Vann said.

According to Vann, the Palmer Chamber board of directors worked with a public relations firm, Blueprint Alaska, and they received a grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation for the rebranding effort. She said the chamber is returning the grant since Blueprint Alaska staff opted to donate their time in light of recent events.

“We’re committed to doing better. We are planning to have conversations with our community about how we can repair the damage that we’ve done and move forward,” Vann said.

https://www.frontiersman.com/news/palmer-chamber-reverses-colony-days-name-change/article_970826f8-ae18-11ec-b158-5b7fece544fb.html

Larger than life, Don Young left a powerful legacy for Alaska

By Tim Bradner

Frontiersman freelance journalist Tim Bradner shared his recollections of Don Young after his death, saying "Young was a genuine, larger-than-life Alaskan. I first met him in Fort Yukon in the early 1960s. I was accompanying a journalist friend (I was a University of Alaska student at the time) and I remember Young as the community get-things-done – mayor, school teacher and volunteer projectionist when movies were shown at a community hall. I can’t recall the movie I watched there but I remember Don."

https://www.frontiersman.com/news/larger-than-life-don-young-left-a-powerful-legacy-for-alaska/article_c12c0388-b15f-11ec-a913-878478418821.html

April

“America’s Attic”-Alaska Pickers to close its doors after 10 years in Valley

By Katie Stavick

After a decade of offering unique finds and hosting community events, and supporting the community of Palmer through various efforts, Alaska Pickers closed its doors for good in April of 2022.

“It’s literally America’s Attic,” says Alaska Picker owner Kelly Turney.

“We made it through a 10-year run, through COVID, through all sorts of other things. I’ve had an amazing staff that have been so great."

https://www.frontiersman.com/news/america-s-attic--alaska-pickers-to-close-its-doors-after-10-years-in-valley/article_819c0e24-bc41-11ec-b2f8-271cee3eee6e.html

Three Palmer City Council members lose their seats after recall vote

Frontiersman staff

Sabrena Combs, Brian Daniels and Jill Valerius were part of a special recall election April 19 following a controversy stirred up when they discussed what amounted to public business with constituents in a social media discussion forum. Local critics said that was a violation of the state’s open meetings law.

https://www.frontiersman.com/news/three-palmer-city-council-members-lose-their-seats-after-recall-vote/article_ecbc0594-c2bb-11ec-89fb-bb0b1185e8c5.html

Tensions high as Chickaloon Tribal Police seek to expand role

By Katie Stavick

Mistrust was deep and tensions were high at a packed the Sutton Elementary School during an hours-long public meeting as the Chickaloon Tribal Police Department (CTPD) held an information session as it seeks to expand its police force and their responsibilities.

The meeting came about as Chickaloon’s new Justice Director and Police Chief Donna Anthony, seeks to build the CTPD to be able to answer more serious crimes committed by tribal members. To do that requires a change to Alaska state statute regarding tribal police powers. After presenting information to the Sutton Community Council, Anthony presented her plan to the local community.

“We’re asking to be recognized in regards with the state statute,” Anthony told the audience. “If I go to a domestic violence call for a tribal citizen and it’s a misdemeanor, we can handle it in our tribal courts. But if it turns into a serious physical injury and becomes a felony, we have no authority. I have to call for a trooper to help us out,” further explaining that it can sometimes take hours or days to get someone to investigate out in some villages."

https://www.frontiersman.com/news/tensions-high-as-chickaloon-tribal-police-seek-to-expand-role/article_1b2b4e64-c0f3-11ec-ae9b-d75ab3f15b51.html

June

Wasilla missing person case goes into 2nd month with no contact

By Katie Stavick

Family members reported 21 year old Wasilla resident Dean Clayton Vroman missing May 16, 2022.

“His roommate came to my house, asking if I’d seen Dean,” Michael Hollowell, Vroman’s friend and neighbor said.

Hollowell says that the unnamed roommate told him that Vroman had walked off around 1 a.m. May 1. Hollowell says this conversation took place on May 16.

“This is not normal for Dean to walk off or not check in with friends or family,” said Hollowell.

https://www.frontiersman.com/news/wasilla-missing-person-case-goes-into-2nd-month-with-no-contact/article_3b100c1a-f8c0-11ec-b7ee-7304074780e7.html

Rep. Kevin McCabe is sued over restricting access to official legislative Facebook page

By Tim Bradner

Mark Kelsey, a Matanuska-Susitna Borough resident, filed a lawsuit June 1 against Rep. Kevin McCabe after the legislator cut Kelsey’s access to McCabe’s legislative Facebook page. That was after Kelsey posted comments critical of the legislator on the page.

The case was filed in a state Superior Court. A similar lawsuit is pending against State Sen. Lora Reinbold, R-Eagle River, after Reinbold cut a constituent’s access to her Facebook page.

https://www.frontiersman.com/news/rep-kevin-mccabe-is-sued-over-restricting-access-to-official-legislative-facebook-page/article_0509959a-f36c-11ec-aba5-af109cb45697.html

August

Erick Almandinger sentenced for murder of David Grunwald

By Jacob Mann

Erick Almandinger, one of four defendants convicted for the murder of Palmer teen David Grunwald in 2016, was sentenced at the Palmer Courthouse Aug. 8, 2022.

Almandinger received a 99-year sentence for murder, kidnapping, assault, tampering with evidence, and other charges related to the series of violent and torturous events that led to Grunwald’s untimely demise.

Almandinger spoke on his own behalf during the hearing, apologizing to Edie and Ben Grunwald for his part in their son’s murder.

“There’s no excuse for what I’ve done... I killed my friend,” Almandinger said. “I destroyed not just one life, one family, but countless… I think it’s only fair that I lose my life too.”

Grunwald was attacked in a trailer on the Almandinger family’s property in the Palmer area, forced into his own Ford Bronco, and driven up Knik River Road where he was shot in the head and died. Grunwald’s Bronco was burned in Wasilla that same evening.

Almandinger, Dominic Johnson, Bradley Renfro, and Austin Barrett have all been convicted for Grunwald’s murder.

To date, there has been no clear answer to who actually pulled the trigger. In previous proceedings, the district attorney indicated that the state isn’t concerned with who the actual shooter is since all four members of the group were convicted as principals or accomplices in Grunwald’s murder.

Palmer Judge Gregory Heath echoed that sentiment during his closing remarks.

“This was an especially devastating crime,” Heath said. “Who actually pulled the trigger doesn’t matter to the court.”

https://www.frontiersman.com/news/erick-almandinger-sentenced-for-murder-of-david-grunwald/article_9971f726-17ad-11ed-acd2-03fa1427295f.html

Bradley Renfro sentenced

By Jacob Mann

Bradley Renfro received a 75-year sentence for his role in the murder of Palmer teen David Grunwald.

Renfro, Erick Almandinger, Dominic Johnson, and Austin Barrett have all been convicted for Grunwald’s murder.

Renfro was the final of the four group members to be sentenced.

Several people took the stand to provide victim impact statements during the final part of Renfro’s sentencing hearing, including Edie and Ben Grunwald.

“It could have been anyone’s son or daughter,” Edie said. “There was a 30, 40 minute drive where Bradley could have made a different choice… They executed our beautiful and amazing son.”

https://www.frontiersman.com/news/bradley-renfro-sentenced/article_8b334034-1e8d-11ed-9f51-a31a803783ee.html

'He had an ability to allow so many people to feel loved': Community mourns loss of Andy Andersen

By Katie Stavick

People across the Mat-Su Borough were rocked by the unexpected loss of Sutton man Andy Andersen. Known for his love of motocross, he also shared a passion common to most who call Alaska home: fishing, community, and family.

Andersen died in a plane crash July 11, 2022 near Valdez.

The loss expressed by friends and family is an example of the kind of life everyone should strive to leave behind, made simply by being the best version of themselves they could be.

Andy wasn’t a politician, he wasn’t a high-power executive, nor was he a famous actor. Andy was a simply man who loved his family, friends, and his community. His impact and his loss aren’t being measured by the money he made, or the scientific contributions he made, but rather the lives he touched, whether it was sharing kind and inspiring words, building up a dirt bike camp, or just being himself.

A proud highlight was his wrestling career with the Palmer High School wrestling team, culminating with a pair of state championship titles. Even then, Andy’s talent, sportsmanship, and outlook were apparent. As teammate Ed Hoeger said.

“(Andy was) this little badass that won every wrestling tournament we went to. He always had a smile and some jokes for me. I remember looking forward to wrestling practice because that’s where we would get to hangout due to (him) being younger and us having no classes together. If you know anything about wrestling practice it’s one of the hardest things to look forward to, Andy was one of the reasons I was able to,” Hoeger said.

https://www.frontiersman.com/news/he-had-an-ability-to-allow-so-many-people-to-feel-loved-community-mourns-loss/article_4f86e9de-182d-11ed-a478-7fc715366a3c.html

September

Mat-Su School Board suspends transgender use of communal bathrooms and locker rooms that match their identified gender

By Emily Forstner

The Mat-Su School Board voted to revise a district guideline to suspend transgender use of communal bathrooms and locker rooms that match their identified gender.

The board voted 5-1 to suspend the policy which was created in 2015.

https://www.frontiersman.com/news/mat-su-school-board-suspends-transgender-use-of-communal-bathrooms-and-locker-rooms-that-match/article_c13c60c0-2f4a-11ed-9e9e-b70a044f072f.html

October

Questions linger after Houston Mayor, Deputy Mayor sudden resignations

By Katie Stavick

The sudden resignations of the City of Houston Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Treasurer raised questions about why they suddenly resigned so abruptly without waiting to swear in the newly elected Council members on Monday.

“If they were truly stewards of the public trust they would approve of the public’s will,” said resident David Duren.

https://www.frontiersman.com/news/questions-linger-after-houston-mayor-deputy-mayor-sudden-resignations/article_9ff498e4-4825-11ed-82b5-0bce38bcff08.html

Mat-Su School Board votes to rescind gender-identity use of bathrooms

By Emily Forstner

In a 5-1 vote, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School Board (MSBSD) restricted the use of restrooms and changing areas to the exclusive use of students’ biological sex as identified at the time of birth.

While the board was nearly unanimous in their vote, public comments prior to the vote was unanimous in opposition. Some voicing a need for safe spaces for LGBTQ students as many have expressed they do not feel safe within their homes or other spaces.

Parent Laura Carlson accused the board of exploiting parents’ fear to keep their students safe and that the policy has nothing to do with safety or sports.

“Don’t not use our children as a battlefield for your agenda, or us as your pawns,” said Carlson.

https://www.frontiersman.com/news/mat-su-school-board-votes-to-rescind-gender-identity-use-of-bathrooms/article_17e1bdde-5427-11ed-835a-d78bca4f838f.html

November

Wasilla High School marching band heading to Disney World summer of 2023

By Jacob Mann

The Wasilla High School marching band program reached all new heights with a once in a lifetime opportunity, a chance to travel down to Disney World and perform alongside industry professionals to record a soundtrack for an upcoming cartoon.

“We’re ready. We’re excited to go. They will learn lot. They’re super excited for it,” WHS band director Jackie Johnson said. “I’m just trying to get them more and more opportunities. I’m trying to get them as many opportunities as I can.”

https://www.frontiersman.com/news/wasilla-high-school-marching-band-heading-to-disney-world-summer-of-2023/article_30c303ba-6be4-11ed-9ea4-0bdf6a8fb302.html

December

'He was an amazing man and will be deeply missed': Hundreds turned out to bid farewell to Bert Cottle

By Katie Stavick

Hundreds gathered at the Menard Sports Center to say farewell to former City of Wasilla Mayor Bert Cottle, who passed away in October of 2022.

Family, friends, peers, and members of the community who may not have personally known Cottle, but knew what he did and what he meant to Wasilla, Valdez, and the state of Alaska, all came to pay their respects to the Cottle family shared stories and recollections of a life well lived.

“He was an amazing man and will be missed,” said Dunleavy, who was among many local and state public officials that attended the memorial.

https://www.frontiersman.com/news/he-was-amazing-man-and-will-be-deeply-missed-hundreds-turned-out-to-bid-farewell/article_d73c0560-7527-11ed-bbf2-476d75237b25.html

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