Head coach of Colony High football program steps down Nov 19, 2009
PALMER Jamie Mayo has stepped down from his position of head coach of the Colony Knights football program, according to a press release issued by Colony High School. Mayo s resignation ends a 16-year stay with the program. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Wasilla-based Predators take to football field in March Nov 18, 2009
In the Valley, he's known for the coaching he did at Colony and Palmer high schools, with youth football leagues and for the volunteer work he and his family does with groups like Special Olympics. Monday was a big day for Deemer -- his team called a press conference to celebrate being accepted into the IFL. Team owners Chris Kokalis of Wisconsin and Ken Moninski of Seattle and formerly Alaska were there to help make the announcement and to discuss the upcoming season. (Anchorage Daily News)
Colony dress code needs consistency Nov 18, 2009
To Misplaced pride wrote on Nov 14, 2009 8:02 AM:" What is wrong with having high standards? There are dress codes in the workplace too, no reason that students in a high school shouldn't start somewhere. And being proud of not offering a "D" in the grading system DOES hold them to a higher standard than the other schools as Palmer and Wasilla didn't offer that. No one is "putting down" the other schools for their choice, just that Colony chose to have a stricter system- but don't worry, there... (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Charges against man who shot four bears dismissed Nov 18, 2009
Tanner hired a former Palmer prosecutor, he said. About a month ago, he said, Peterson offered to knock off one of the two misdemeanor over-limit violations, and limit the penalty to a $500 fine. (Anchorage Daily News)
Department News Nov 17, 2009
- Whitepaw's Arlut Spirit of Gold Dust ("Spirit") - Everett Herald Top-50 Athletes from Snohomish County - Husky Band to Host Football Sneak Preview - Eastern Washington AD Scott Barnes Joins Husky Staff - Jenkins Promoted To Head Athletic Trainer - Durand Named Associate AD for Student Development - Wurzberger Named President of NACMA - 2004-05 Husky Sports Recap - UW Finishes 14th In Directors' Cup Standings - 2005 NCAA Men's Golf 4th Round Playoff and Awards - 2005 NCAA Men's Golf Playoff and... (Gohuskies.com)
Familiar face will lead new Valley football team Nov 17, 2009
"It's awesome, it's really awesome," said Deemer, who lives in Palmer with his wife and 10 kids ... Deemer, a former assistant coach at both Palmer and Colony high schools, was hired to coach the linemen when the Wild debuted in 2007. (Anchorage Daily News)
Business people Nov 17, 2009
The Palmer Board of Trustees in Davenport, Iowa, has recognized Bilan for his contributions and dedication to the chiropractic profession with a distinguished fellowship in the Palmer Academy of Chiropractic. Bilan of Bilan Chiropractic has been practicing in Anchorage since 1990. (Anchorage Daily News)
Alaskans eager for Sarah Palin book release Nov 17, 2009
David Cheezem, co-owner of Fireside Books in Palmer, said people have been calling to make sure they'll be able to get the former GOP vice presidential candidate's memoir, "Going Rogue." He's opening early with coffee and doughnuts to celebrate the Tuesday release ... Palmer is adjacent to Wasilla, the hometown of Palin, who resigned as Alaska governor in July. (WCAX.com, VT)
Jailer gets 9 years Nov 17, 2009
PALMER A judge sentenced a former corrections officer to nine years in prison Monday for molesting a young girl ... So she took the family car and left, living in Anchorage and commuting daily to Palmer for school. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Another adoptable pet Nov 17, 2009
Mat-Su Birders club president Bob Winckler talks to interested Valley residents at a past Garden & Arts Festival in Palmer. Copyright. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Palmer senior goalies step out of net Nov 17, 2009
PALMER There s an old hockey belief that the best player on defense is the goalie. This season, that has double the meaning for the Palmer Moose ... After spending much of their hockey careers fixed in front of a net between the pipes, Palmer seniors Jonas Naegele and Will Rauchenstein are skating into new territory as part of the Palmer blue line. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Troxel set to retire Nov 17, 2009
PALMER Mat-Su School District Superintendent George Troxel will retire at the end of this school year. The news of Troxel s retirement came in the form of a letter he penned for distribution to the school board in preparation for this week s board meeting, which is to be held Wednesday at Palmer High School. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Rogers gets 309 years in Anchorage, awaits sentence for Palmer crimes Nov 16, 2009
At his Palmer trial, nobody, not even Rogers attorney, argued that Rogers didn t kill his father or wound Moren ... After his attacks in Palmer, Rogers took his dad s pickup to Anchorage, swapped his machete for a gun and continued his rampage before police tracked him down and arrested him ... Though Rogers went to trial in Palmer first, his sentencing here has been pushed back a number of times, most recently to Jan. 11. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
'Going Rogue' renews Palin divide Nov 15, 2009
" Fireside Books is in Palmer, a town just a short drive from Wasilla. It normally opens at 10 a.m., but owner David Cheezem is planning to open the doors at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday when "Going Rogue" hits the stands. "I expect people will be lining up and knocking on the door," Cheezem said. "Sarah Palin fans are not the most patient people in the world -- they want it now. " Like Cullip at Pandemonium, Cheezem said the political debate about Palin tends to be black and white -- "Not many people in... (CNN)
Doris A. Sisk Nov 15, 2009
There will be a private graveside service in the spring at the Valley Memorial Park in Palmer. Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Help for mother much appreciated Nov 15, 2009
A sincere thank you also goes out to the Adult Day Services Center in Palmer and its employees from the caregivers to the cooks and, of course, the wonderful van drivers. Thanks as well to Cindi, my care coordinator, and Gale, who works for the Alzheimer s Resource Agency of Alaska, for all the wonderful employees she sent to our home to help with my mother; to Dr. Wade Erickson for taking my mom as a Medicare patient and treating her with the respect and dignity she deserved. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Dimond dominates in straight sets Nov 15, 2009
Soldotna got 14 kills and 18 digs from Shana Powell, 27 assists and 14 digs from Emily Rohloff and five kills and four blocks from Emily Rich to earn a three-set win over Palmer ... Palmer 25-14, 25-18, 25-23. (Anchorage Daily News)
Killer gets 309 years in prison and has more coming to him Nov 15, 2009
Looks like another 99 years or more will be tacked on if he ever does get sentenced in Palmer Superior Court ... There wasn t a lot of speculation about what happened out on the lonely road near Palmer ... During the Palmer hearing, Rogers chose not to speak. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Students, parents line up for shots Nov 15, 2009
PALMER Given the choice of contracting H1N1 commonly referred to as swine flu for a second time or having a inoculation, 7-year-old Eric Hess would choose the flu. The Machetanz Elementary School student was one of hundreds to wait in line Saturday at Colony High School to receive one of the 2,000 vaccinations available for Mat-Su Borough School District children. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Board enacts phone policy Nov 15, 2009
PALMER According to a newly adopted policy, Mat-Su Borough students can have cell phones at school, but if they re up to no good they shouldn t expect privacy. In a unanimous vote, the school board chose at its last meeting to adopt the cell phone policy. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Rogers sentenced to 309 years Nov 14, 2009
Rogers murdered two people -- including a fatal machete attack on his father -- and wounded three others between Palmer and Anchorage ... Separately, Rogers also was convicted last year of killing his father and seriously injuring his father's fiancee in Palmer earlier in that two-day December 2007 rampage. (Anchorage Daily News)
Dimand and North Pole to meet in Menard final Nov 14, 2009
ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman Palmer forward Mitchell Rissew takes control of the puck in the final minutes of Thursday's game against the North Pole Patriots at the Curtic C Menard II Memorial Hockey Tournament in Wasilla ... In consolation action, Bartlett slipped by Colony 3-2 and Palmer beat Houston 5-1 ... The win over the Hawks was Palmer's first of the season. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
309 years for machete killer Nov 14, 2009
He is expected to receive a sentence for the Palmer end of his spree in January which he killed his father and grievously wounded his father's fianc;e, Elann Moren. More on this story will be in Sunday's Frontiersman. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Knights bolt into state final Nov 14, 2009
Both Colony and Palmer are representing the Valley. For all of this weekends coverage visit , and see page B1 for results from Colony and Palmers games ... Earlier in the day, the Palmer Moose swept the West Valley Wolfpack 3-0 (25-12, 25-18, 25-21) during consolation semifinals. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Vets in Pioneer Homes to get meds Nov 14, 2009
The decision affected about a dozen veterans in the Anchorage Pioneers' Home, and perhaps a couple of veterans at the Palmer home. Pioneer Homes director Dave Cote said the VA medicine wasn't packaged in the right kind of packs to make sure staff could safely distribute it. (Anchorage Daily News)
Colony bounces Chugiak Nov 14, 2009
Fourth place 10:45 a.m. -- Soldotna vs. Palmer. Third Place 2:15 p.m. -- Chugiak vs. South CHampionship 8 p.m. -- Colony vs. Dimond. (Anchorage Daily News)
Rookie leads Colony to win Nov 13, 2009
EAGLE RIVER The West Anchorage Eagles scored three shorthanded goals en route to an 8-0 win over Palmer at the MacDonald Ice Arena in Eagle River Friday ... West Anchorage 8, Palmer 0 ... Shots on goal: Palmer 3-2-3 7, West 15-21-11 47; Saves: Palmer- Naegele 12-18-9 39, West- Mendenhall 3-2-3 7; Penalties: Palmer 3-for-6, West 5-for-10. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Robert Joseph Kramer Nov 13, 2009
A service will be held Monday at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Palmer with Father Thomas Brundage officiating ... At the time of his death he was working for New Horizons Telecom Incorporated in Palmer ... He is survived by his wife Lorna L. Kramer, of Palmer, son and daughter-in-law Todd and Sallie Kramer, daughters and sons-in-law Jennifer and Todd Wheeler, Katherine and Noah Blechman, and son Keith Kramer; grandchildren, Theron, Joseph, Greta and Ethan Kramer, Quinn Wheeler, Samantha and... (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Short-handed Ravens hold their own Nov 13, 2009
I really enjoy it because it brings together girls all the way from Houston to Palmer, with homeschooled kids in between, said senior goaltender Dominique Sheutter. (Use arrows above to view more photos). (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
4- to 7-year prison term for shooting Nov 13, 2009
PALMER A Trapper Creek man charged with firing shots into his neighbor s house during a domestic dispute pleaded guilty to two felonies Thursday. George Blodgett, 52, copped to assault in the third degree and misconduct involving a weapon. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Impasse: Union, school district far apart on contract talks Nov 13, 2009
PALMER Negotiations between the School District and the Classified Employees Association appear to have stalled ... Union members staged a protest just before the meeting began at Palmer High School, waving signs and chanting slogans. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Clifford Carroll Nov 13, 2009
Last Updated on Thursday, Nov 12, 2009 - 08:47:59 pm AKST. News and Features for Wasilla, Alaska. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Northern friends send positive signal regarding spur Nov 13, 2009
At a recent meeting in front of the Palmer Rotary Club, Gov. Sean Parnell called the envisioned rail spur to Port MacKenzie a statewide project that should be viewed that way. This week the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce appeared to agree with him. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Some radical thoughts on labeling Nov 13, 2009
The Rev. Howard Bess is a retired American Baptist minister who lives in Palmer. His e-mail address is. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Fort Hood killings don't reflect military norm Nov 12, 2009
Palmer Farm wrote on Nov 10, 2009 3:14 PM:" Nice try with a "gotcha", but unfortunately I did my time in Bosnia, Kosovo AND the Middle East and saw plenty to back up what I've also read. Maybe Oprah, MSNBC or any other happy-go-lucky media outlet is happy skewering the truth in the name of "let's all get along" but the truth was (and is) pretty evident (want to compare terrorist acts for the last several decades?) Those others that you speak of that are being attacked? Yeah, those are the ones... (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
First day of hockey tourney postponed Nov 12, 2009
North Pole is slated to face Palmer at 5 p.m. and Kenai and Houston are set to face off at 7:15 p.m.. See the Friday edition of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman for more on the tournament. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
2 inches of snow per hour in some places Nov 12, 2009
The Palmer and Wasilla areas should expect 2 to 5 inches. The more northern cities of the Susitna Valley will see snow falling at a rate of 2 inches or more every hour. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Rexburg, St. A, Ashton, Parker IP candidates Nov 11, 2009
Betts: My name is Lynn Betts and my wife is Karen Palmer. I'm 55 years old. (Rexburg Standard Journal, ID)
Jury acquits driver on appeal in snowmachine traffic death Nov 11, 2009
WASILLA -- A Palmer jury has acquitted Joseph O'Brien, 41, of criminally negligent homicide for killing a snowmachiner near Big Lake in 2003 ... That sentence was stayed after the conviction, pending the result of an appeal, Palmer prosecutor Paul Roetman said. (Anchorage Daily News)
POLICE BEAT: Nov. 10, 2009 Nov 11, 2009
PALMER POLICE DEPARTMENT ... 2 Nov. 2, Bailey St. at Dogwood Ave.: Kimberly N. Bedingfield, 32, Palmer, and Ashley M. Wessel, 28, Palmer, were in a wreck ... 1 Nov. 2, Palmer Junior Middle School: An 11-year-old boy was allegedly assaulted by a 14-year-old boy. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
At Wes Bob's tire shop, owners keep it simple Nov 11, 2009
Wesley Erickson of Wes Bob's Tire Service cleans, mounts and balances a tire for a changeover Nov. 5, 2009, along the Glenn Highway across from the fairgrounds in Palmer ... PALMER: Open since 1998, place lacks garage in which to do the work ... PALMER -- Wes Bob's Tire Service sits just off the Glenn Highway, across from the Alaska State Fairgrounds -- a high-traffic place to run a tire shop. (Anchorage Daily News)
Small quake recorded near Ketchikan Nov 10, 2009
The West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer reported that the tremor was too small to generate a tsunami. There was no reported damage. (Juneau Empire)
Mary Catherine Hunter Nov 10, 2009
Arrangements were entrusted to Legacy Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Kehl s Palmer Chapel. Copyright. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
• Bears to face Colony in first round of state volleyball tournament Nov 10, 2009
In other first-round action, Cook Inlet No. 2 seed South Anchorage will take on Mid Alaska No. 1 West Valley, and Cook Inlet No. 3 Dimond will face Northern Lights No. 1 Palmer. Share this page. (Juneau Empire)
WINTER ARRIVES Nov 10, 2009
Quite often on the first day of snow we go from wreck to wreck, but that s not been the case, Palmer s director of public safety Jon Owen said Monday. Over in Wasilla the picture was much the same. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Set for state Nov 10, 2009
PALMER While the Palmer Moose will know a bit about their first-round opponent, Colony s draw will be somewhat of a mystery when both Mat-Su teams hit the court for the ASAA/First National Bank 4A State Volleyball Championships at West Anchorage High School on Thursday ... Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds said the familiarity is nice, but regardless of how well a team knows its opponent, the players still have to execute ... Palmer played Dimond (14-4 overall, 11-3 in the Cook Inlet Conference)... (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
New Mat-Su Borough public works chief likes Valley life Nov 10, 2009
PALMER A lifelong Fairbanksan has taken over the helm of the borough s public works department and, she said, she plans to be a permanent Valley resident. I ve got a beautiful view of the mountain and I think I m going to sit in my rocking chair when I m 85 years old sipping toddies and talking about the good old days, Shaune O Neil said Monday. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Jury acquits driver in fatal collision Nov 10, 2009
PALMER It took five years and two trials, but a man who crashed into a snowmachiner on the Parks Highway in 2003 has cleared his name. Joe O Brien, 41, went on trial last week for a second time before Superior Court Judge Eric Smith. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Thanks for the donations Nov 10, 2009
Sherrod Elementary School would like to thank the following Palmer businesses that generously donated items for our Family Night Book Fair Silent Auction: Fireside Books, Sidekicks, Silvertip Design, B. Bella Hair Design, Curves for Women, Madd Matters, Turkey Red, In and Out Grocery, Shane Lamb Studio and Country Cutts. We would also like to thank the many individuals who donated items for the auction. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Valley woman honored in Top 40 Nov 9, 2009
PALMER For her professional accomplishments and community service, Lorali Carter, spokeswoman for Matanuska Electric Association, was chosen as one of the 2010 Alaska s Top 40 Under 40. Carter, who sits on the board of directors for the University of Alaska Anchorage Alumni Association and Access Alaska, said she was humbled by the award given by the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Biggest stunners: Upsets in Alaska sports history Nov 8, 2009
The race favorite that day in Palmer was Marcus Dunbar of Anchorage, who later became a national champion in the indoor mile ... The fabled SI jinx had no impact on the laid-back skier from Girdwood (by way of Palmer). (Anchorage Daily News)
Windmill to help students learn about energy Nov 8, 2009
PALMER Teaching the Valley s best and brightest just got a little more energy efficient. On Friday, officials from the Mat-Su Borough School District, Matanuska Electric Association and Susitna Energy Systems raised an electricity-generating wind turbine on the campus of Sherrod Elementary School. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
ATVs have no place Nov 8, 2009
Palmer Farm wrote on Nov 7, 2009 11:25 PM:" On the previous posts I stood behind the notion that it's a few that ruin it for everybody. That the sad truth is that increased enforcement is probably necessary to curb the idiots out there. But THIS guy?! ALL ATVs are the problem? We should ban them all? Where are you from?! I laughed at all the people stating "You must be from out-of-state" and "Go back to California" etc etc on the last one. But you, Mr. Friesen, have successfully demonstrated... (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Mat-Su Borough has new planning director Nov 8, 2009
PALMER Christine Nelson said she came to her new job at the borough to a desk loaded with work. I don t even have an idea quite yet of what that desk-load is, she said. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
New evidence in fatal collision Nov 8, 2009
PALMER For the second time in his life, a jury is deliberating the fate of Joseph O Brien. O Brien, 41, was convicted in 2006 of negligent homicide for a wreck on the Parks Highway in January 2003. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Letters to the editor (11/8/09) Nov 8, 2009
Anchorage Daily News. Daylight : 8:47 AM - 4:40 PM. (Anchorage Daily News)
Turbine goes up at school Nov 7, 2009
PALMER Teaching the Valley s best and brightest just got a little more energy efficient. At noon today, officials from the Mat-Su Borough School District, Matanuska Electric Association and Susitna Energy Systems raised an electricity-generating wind turbine on the campus of Sherrod Elementary School. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
NLC volleyball championships: Moose, Knights to meet for final Nov 7, 2009
The Palmer Moose will face the Colony Knights Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at Wasilla High School in the NLC title match. The Moose, the second seed in the NLC North Division, swept North Division rival Kodiak 3-0 in the semifinals Friday evening to move into the final match and earn one of the conference's three automatic bids to next week's ASAA state tourney. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Mary Frances Sutton Richards Nov 7, 2009
A service was held Oct. 28, at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer ... She and Bernard moved to Palmer in 1986 ... Survivors are her daughter and son-in-law, Dorothy and Ronald Abbott of Palmer; seven grandchildren, Mark and Sharon Abbott of Lago Vista, Texas; William and Jessica Abbott of Mesa, Ariz. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Winter shouldn't be death sentence for chickens Nov 7, 2009
Hens stop laying not because of the cold but because of the dark, said Steve Brown of the Cooperative Extension Service at his "Chicken University" class Tuesday in Palmer. The solution: a simple white light. (Anchorage Daily News)
MOOSE STAMPEDE Nov 6, 2009
WASILLA Before his team s match against the third-seed Kenai Central Kardinals, Palmer head coach Steve Reynolds asked his second-seeded Moose to think back to last year ... Palmer scored a 3-0 (25-20, 25-12, 26-24) win over the Kardinals during the first round of the Northern Lights Conference Championships volleyball tournament at Wasilla High School on Saturday ... Palmer will now move forward and meet NLC North Division foe Kodiak in the semifinals tonight at 5 p.m. at Wasilla High. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Herbert Leon Spreen Nov 6, 2009
Services will be held Sunday at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Palmer with visitation at 2 p.m., and the service at 3 p.m., with Pastor Aaron Payne officiating ... Arrangements were entrusted to Kehl s Palmer Chapel. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
New highway patrol moves base to Valley Nov 6, 2009
Most recently in the Valley, one Wasilla police officer and one Palmer police officer joined the team. And there are more to come, Brinke said. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Residents must speak up about annexation Nov 6, 2009
The cities of Palmer and Wasilla are holding public meetings in the next two weeks about possible annexations. Residents who now live in the cities and those who don t, but may be affected, should take time to attend one or more of the meetings. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Donald Roger Petrie Nov 6, 2009
A service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer on Wednesday at 3 p.m., with Pastor Jonathon Rockey officiating ... After moving to Palmer in 1982, Donald was the director of Indian Affairs, director of Title I and a Correspondence School Teacher in the Mat-Su Borough ... Donald is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Charlene Petrie, son and daughter-in-law Lance and Tausha Petrie, granddaughter Alyson, and grandson Jackson, all of Palmer, sister Bonie Uhrmacher of Fairbury,... (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
