Join host Ken Hoffman and his guest, Bryan Scoresby, the Director of the Alaska Division of Agriculture, as they discuss living and loving Alaskan Agriculture.

By Amy Bushatz from matsusentinel.com

Even as snow flurries returned to portions of Mat-Su this week, state safety officials said residents should be on guard against wildfires and take time to prepare their homes and yards for this year’s fire season.

Wildland fire season in Mat-Su officially runs from April 1 to August 31, according to state forestry officials. Residents planning anything beyond a small warming campfire must apply for and receive a burn permit.

Applications are available online, at the state forestry office in Palmer, or from any Matanuska-Susitna Borough fire station.

Conditions this year are expected to be typical for wildland fires, officials said, but warmer-than-normal conditions are in the forecast, and residents should still be careful.

“We live in Alaska — whether you’re in Mat-Su and Southcentral, the peninsula or up here in the interior — we are a fire-prone state,” said Sam Harrel, a state forestry information officer. “Folks here in Alaska need to be ready.”

Most early-season fires are caused by humans, not weather events like lightning strikes, Harrel said. Snow-covered ground can quickly turn to dry grass and leaves in the right spring weather, creating a perfect bed for an accidental blaze, he said.

“That snow goes away and that dead vegetation is dry, dry, dry,” he said. “A little breeze and a little sunshine — and just a spark, and off it goes.”

Harrel recommends residents take time to clear vegetation around their homes, removing dry brush and leaves from under porches and in gutters, and trimming back tree branches. Those steps are basics taught through the state’s Firewise program, which can provide free on-site property fire hazard assessments.

“We encourage people to be ready — look at your yard and look at your neighbor’s yard, and help your neighbors,” he said. “In the long run, it’s going to help your community.”

Fire season does not mean a halt to controlled blazes. State forestry and wildfire officials are planning a burn in a 375-acre section of the Moose Range near Sutton next month, they said in a public notice. It is needed to encourage plant growth, the release said.

About 30 firefighters will be on hand during the multiday project, and the operation will only move forward if weather conditions don’t make the plan too dangerous for the surrounding areas, they said.

In other news

Hatcher Pass Road remains closed at the Avalanche Gate at Milepost 14 due to elevated avalanche risk. Closure is projected to last until tomorrow due to an incoming storm according to the Department of Transportation.

The City of Palmer will resume alcohol sales at the golf course under its seasonal liquor license. The license runs from April 15 through October 15. The Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office Board at their meeting last week determined that the City of Palmer’s response to a Notice of Violation requires no further action.

Our three day fund drive starts tomorrow. Please help us make our $10,000 goal. Please donate.

Page 2 airs weekdays at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:50 a.m., and 6 p.m.

Tune in at 89.7 in Palmer, 89.5 in Sutton, 88.3 in Chickaloon and Glacier View or online at bigcabbageradio.org.

This Page Two article read by yours truly, Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.

That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Wednesday April 22, 2026. Happy Earth Day.

United Way Executive Director Stephanie Allen. Image Credit: Page 2 News

United Way Mat-Su holds its annual fundraiser this Friday. They’ll have a dessert auction. They’ll have great food and entertainment. But, the high point of the evening is the awards ceremony. The United Way celebrates volunteers.

The United Way Mat-Su mission is huge. They provide financial help to people in need. They work to stabilize the community. They promote healthy kids. They support the health and well-being of elders. And they help plan and organize responses to disasters.

United Way Executive Director Stephanie Allen paused in her planning for the Friday event to talk to our Page Two reporter. Allen points out that the United Way doesn’t do these activities alone. They are a connector organization.

The United Way supports other organizations. Allen likes to use the word “partners” to describe the relationships between United Way and other community organizations. These include church groups, business people, and volunteers in the community.

Here’s an example: The United Way “Thrive” program is a team of partners working to reduce youth substance abuse.

Here’s another: The Youth 360 program provides after school programs, youth summer camps and more.

Friday’s banquet is more than a fundraiser to Allen. It’s a way to celebrate and honor volunteers throughout the community.

It all comes back to that word, “connector.” The United Way connects the efforts from various organizations—and those connections boost the individual efforts.

Allen enthused about their Mat-Su Valley Resource Guide. People don’t expect crises in their lives, she says. But, they may have a health emergency. Maybe they lose their job. And now, they can’t pay the bills.

This can overwhelm a person. The Resource Guide lists the resources available to help. The United Way prints 10,000 guides each year. It’s updated each quarter. They post the information on their website too. Even so, Allen says many people like to have the print copy on hand.

The banquet is this Friday at the Government Peak Chalet. The doors open at 5 p.m. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. Ticket info at unitedwaymatsu.org.

Hatcher Pass Road is closed at Milepost 14 due to elevated avalanche risk according to the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities Facebook page. Gold Mint Parking Lot remains accessible but is not plowed. Crews will reassess conditions today.

Mat-Su College will host an open house tomorrow from 2 to 7 p.m. Come explore the campus, meet faculty, and explore course options.

Celebrate Earth Day tomorrow at the recycling center. Stop by between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. and see how the recycling center works.

We will stream both the Mat-Su Borough Assembly meeting and the Special Palmer City Council meeting tonight night on bigcabbageradio.org. Both start at 6 p.m.

Page 2 airs weekdays at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:50 a.m., and 6 p.m.

Tune in at 89.7 in Palmer, 89.5 in Sutton, 88.3 in Chickaloon and Glacier View or online at bigcabbageradio.org.

Please support Page 2 News. Donate today at bigcabbageradio.org.

This Page Two article was reported by David Cheezem and produced by yours truly, Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.

That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Tuesday April 21, 2026.

Join Dr. Jill Valerius and host Lee Henrikson as they continue a three-part series discussing breast cancer screenings.

It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Monday April 20, 2026.

Palmer Airport Superintendent John Diumenti gave an overview of airport activities and planning on Inside the City on Big Cabbage Radio last Friday.

The Great Alaska Aviation Gathering is coming to the Palmer Airport on May 2 and 3. It is expected to draw about 25,000 people to the airport and the State Fairgrounds.

Connect with Alaska’s flying community at the gathering. View aircraft displays at the airport. Watch aerial demonstrations at 4 p.m. each day. Explore aviation up close at this family-friendly event.

The gathering kicks off at 9 a.m. on Saturday May 2nd. Parachuters will descend with a flag while the national anthem plays.

The Alaska Airmen’s Association hosts this free annual event. (Parkingat the Fairgrounds is $5 to support Palmer Moose Hockey). More info at alaskaairmen.org.

Commercial operators and flight schools operate year-round at the airport. They fly anytime the runways are clear and the weather cooperates. Activity at the airport ramps up with the change of seasons. Private pilots are back in the air.

The airport plays a key role in firefighting statewide. Forestry aircraft, including large tankers like the Q400, are expected again this season.

Helicopter operations have expanded. Two large “Type 1” helicopters are now based at the airport. These civilian versions of the Black Hawk are important for fire suppression due to their heavy lifting capability.

The lighting at the airport will be upgraded this summer. Most of the airport lighting relies on incandescent bulbs that are hard to find. Aging wiring causes reliability issues and higher energy costs. The upgrade will modernize the system. It will improve efficiency and safety. And, save money.

The airport is looking at pavement maintenance on the north apron and potential reconfiguration of airport space to better meet future needs. They are looking at smaller improvements such as widening taxiways for safer aircraft run-ups.

A comprehensive master planning process has begun at the airport. This effort will guide future development. Phase one involves collecting data. This includes everything from aircraft usage to community input. Phase two will translate the information into a strategic plan for future improvements.

The planning process is expected to cost about $1 million. The FAA will fund 95% and the City will provide a 5% match. The grant application is underway. Work is expected to begin in late summer or early fall. Community involvement is key to the process. Residents will have opportunities to share their perspectives.

The Airport Advisory Commission began meeting monthly instead of quarterly to support the planning effort. Their meetings are open to anyone interested in the airport’s future.

Come experience the Palmer Airport on May 2nd or 3rd whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or just curious. Learn how it serves the community.

The full interview with Diumenti is on bigcabbageradio.org under Inside the City in Podcasts.

We will stream both the Mat-Su Borough Assembly meeting and the Special Palmer City Council meeting tomorrow night on bigcabbageradio.org. Both start at 6 p.m.

Celebrate Earth Day on Wednesday at the recycling center. Stop by between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. and see the how the recycling center works.

Page 2 airs weekdays at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:50 a.m., and 6 p.m.

Tune in at 89.7 in Palmer, 89.5 in Sutton, 88.3 in Chickaloon and Glacier View or online at bigcabbageradio.org.

Please support Page 2 News. Donate today at bigcabbageradio.org.

This Page Two article was summarized from an interview with Palmer Airport Superintendent John Diumenti by Mike Chmielewski using Chat GPT and produced by yours truly, Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.

That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Monday April 20, 2026.

image credit: palmerak.org

Mon April 20

Dr. Jill Valerius and Lee Henrikson continue their discussion on breast cancer screening on Your Health at 7:30 a.m. repeating at 5 p.m. Earlier episodes are in Podcasts on bigcabbageradio.org.

Wed April 22

Alaska Division of Agriculture Director Bryan Scoresby joins host Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters at 7:30 a.m. repeating at 5:30 p.m.

Scott Blair from My Favorite Realty gives an update on the real estate market at 8 a.m.

Fri April 24

Hear a report from the Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center at 7:20 a.m. followed by Ed Strabel talking about cross country skiing at 7:30 a.m.

Palmer Fire Chief John Prevost joins Mike Chmielewski on Inside the City at 8 a.m. repeating at 5:30 p.m.

Valley Edition airs at 5 p.m. repeating Sat. at noon.

Sat April 25

Rachel Levitt and John Robertson review federal actions that impact Alaska on Home to Roost at 12:30 p.m. repeating on Monday 5:30 p.m.

Tune in 89.7 in Palmer, 89.5 in Sutton, 88.3 in Glacier View or online at bigcabbage.radio.org

See the full schedule at bigcabbageradio.org/schedule

Earlier episodes of many shows are in Podcasts on bigcabbageradio.org.

Art by Eric Deeter. We still miss him.

Join host Emily Forstner as she interviews Mat-Su School Superintendent Dr. Randy Trani for Inside the District. Together, they discuss the April 15th. Mat-Su Borough School Board meeting.

Andy Paul from the Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center and Ed Strable from the Mat-Su Ski Club join host Mike Chmielewski for this week’s Avalanche and Ski report. The report is current until 7:00 am Saturday, the 18th of April.