News Mat-Su

12/08/2024

We will be making the difficult decision to temporarily close our night drop, starting this evening, through Sunday August 18th.

This decision is not taken lightly; however, we have seen an increase in sick animals being turned into our night drop this week, and as such are working to mitigate the potential spread in our population and decontaminate.

We appreciate the community’s willingness to assist with sick animals, but we ask that if you find a sick animal (vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, respiratory symptoms) that you please contact Matcom and ask to be directed to the on-call Animal Control & Regulation Officer for further direction.

Placing sick animals in our night drop exposes the healthy animals within night drop, and every animal within our facility if we do not have the information ahead of time to keep everyone protected. We have experienced sick animals in our night drop multiple times this week, despite our cleaning protocols and disinfectants.

With the closure, If you find a stray animal after 5 p.m. MatCom should be contacted so that you can be directed to the On Call Animal Care & Regulation Officer. You can reach MatCom at (907) 352-5401.

We are tentatively planning on re-opening the night drop, Monday August 19th

11/08/2024

Update: Flood Watch issued August 10 at 10:53AM AKDT until August 11 at 10:00PM AKDT by NWS Anchorage AK

Susitna Valley

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be
possible.

* WHERE...The following area, the Susitna Valley, from Talkeetna
North and West.

* WHEN...Through Sunday evening.

* IMPACTS...Already saturated soils may lead to excessive runoff and
result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying
and flood-prone locations. Area creeks and streams are running
high and could flood with more heavy rain.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- A period of rain is forecast spreading across the Susitna
Valley Saturday afternoon and continuing through Sunday
night. There is moderate confidence for total rainfall
amounts of up to 2 inches for areas north and west of
Talkeetna, with higher amounts likely in higher terrain, and
1 to 2 inches for Talkeetna south to Willow. Rain may be
heavy at times resulting in excessive runoff on already
saturated soils.

- Http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

- If you live near or along area creeks and streams with elevated
water levels due to the most recent rainfall stay alert and be
prepared to take action.

Stay tuned to further developments by listening to your local radio,
television, or NOAA Weather Radio for further information.

Flooding is a coast-to-coast threat to some part of the United States and its territories nearly every day of the year. This site is designed to teach you how to stay safe in a flood event. If you know what to do before, during, and after a flood you can increase your chances of survival and bet...

11/08/2024

Update: Flood Warning issued August 10 at 10:39AM AKDT until August 14 at 12:45PM AKDT by NWS Anchorage AK

Susitna Valley

Additional rainfall is expected on the Lake Creek, Yentna and
Skwentna Rivers. Flooding is ongoing, with additional rises possible
as rain moves over the area through Sunday evening.

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues.

* WHERE...Lake Creek, Yentna and Skwentna Rivers.

* WHEN...Until 1245 PM AKDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Flooding of cabins, structures, and infrastructure along
the rivers is occurring.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 1018 AM AKDT, river observers reported widespread flooding
of properties along Lake Creek, Yentna and Skwentna Rivers.
Another round of moderate rainfall is expected to begin
Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon, with an
additional 1 to 2 inches possible. This will exacerbate
flooding in the region, with high water levels expected to
last into the upcoming week.

Observers also reported large amounts of debris moving down
the Yentna River.

- Http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Stay tuned to further developments by listening to your local radio,
television, or NOAA Weather Radio for further information.

Flooding is a coast-to-coast threat to some part of the United States and its territories nearly every day of the year. This site is designed to teach you how to stay safe in a flood event. If you know what to do before, during, and after a flood you can increase your chances of survival and bet...

01/08/2024

01/08/2024

Fire activity is minimal, but still present on the Sinnott Fire despite several days of cooler, wetter weather near Eagle.

31/07/2024

👋 Hey Palmer pals!

Outer Springer Loop will be CLOSED at the intersection of the Glenn Highway from Thursday, August 1 to Sunday, August 11. The Glenn Highway and the rest of Outer Springer Loop will remain OPEN during this time. Most work will happen during the daytime, except for paving which will occur during a night shift. Drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users can DETOUR around the closure by using Inner Springer Loop.

Why are we closing the road here?
Crews will be working on the Alaska Railroad track and reconstructing Outer Springer Loop. This work is part of the project to reconstruct the Glenn Highway between mileposts 34 and 42. Learn more about this project on the Alaska Project Exchange: https://arcg.is/15rjKy0

Continue to check 511.alaska.gov for the most up to date traffic information!

20/07/2024

Hey ! Join us for a Public Open House on a proposed roundabout at the intersection of Wasilla Fishhook Road, Spruce Avenue, and Peck Street.

HSIP: Wasilla-Fishhook Rd & Spruce Ave/Peck St Roundabout Open House
Monday, July 29, 2024 | 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Wasilla Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room
500 N Crusey St., Wasilla, AK

20/07/2024

18/07/2024

!!! Public Safety Alert !!!

Bear killed a moose calf at the end of Fish Lake Rd near the highway. Please use extreme caution when walking in the area. Bears will fiercely defend a kill site.

Video removed due to being extremely graphic in nature.

16/07/2024

16/07/2024

Due to cooler and wetter weather in many parts of Alaska and the release of fire suppression personnel from assignments, the Alaska Interagency Coordination Center downgraded the Preparedness Level to 2 ( ) on Monday, July 15. The last of 16 Lower 48 firefighting crews left Alaska this morning and will be available for assignments in Western states, which are seeing an increase in fire activity. The National PL is currently at 4, with 5 being the highest.

Alaska firefighting resources are a part of the national response plan and as the state gets help from the Lower 48 when the need arises, like it did for the , Alaska personnel and equipment go south to support the efforts wildfires there.

However, Alaska remains the priority. With continued potential for wildfires, especially in Eastern Alaska that has seen substantially less rain, fire managers will ensure adequate resources remain to respond to any new wildfires.

As of today, 335 fires have burned nearly 600,000 acres in Alaska. Of the approximately 153 active fires, only five are staffed: the 6,323-acre , the 24,537-acre , the 151,033-acre , and the 436-acre (pictured in the graphic).

14/07/2024

Alaska Wildland Fire Information907-356-5511436 acres, 100% contained HEALY, Alaska – Active fire suppression activities were completed Saturday afternoon and, in cooperation with the National Park…

14/07/2024

A flightseeing plane with nine people onboard lost power mid-flight Friday in Denali National Park and Preserve and was forced to make an emergency landing next to a glacier, according to park officials.

13/07/2024

The State of Alaska Division of Forestry Burn Permit website. In addition to the burn permit application, this website provides information pertaining to safe burning practices in the State of Alaska.

13/07/2024

Recently we have gotten questions about a federal judge in Alaska resigning and how it affects the Alaska Court System. As a practical matter, it doesn’t.

In Alaska, we have our own state court system. This system is separate from the federal courts, which deal with federal law and cases involving the federal government.

The vast majority of cases are in state courts, not federal courts. Below is a handy chart comparing some of the differences.

We also have our own robust systems for selecting and retaining judges based on merit, the Alaska Judicial Council (different than the 9th Circuit Judicial Council, which is federal), and for fielding complaints about judges, the Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct.

Learn more about how judges are selected and retained in Alaska ➤ https://www.ajc.state.ak.us/
Learn more about the Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct ➤ https://acjc.alaska.gov/

13/07/2024

On National Wildland Firefighters Day the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (AK DOF) announced that State of Alaska wildland firefighters will receive a 30% mission critical incentive pay and the eligibility to receive 25% hazard pay when required to work under dangerous wildfire conditions.

Governor Mike Dunleavy recently signed the Fiscal Year 2025 budget that prioritizes public safety for Alaskans, including the pay increase to State of Alaska wildland firefighters with AK DOF. The pay bump will help retain experienced firefighters, recruit new teammates, and ensure the Division can meet it’s mission to provide for public safety and protect life, property, infrastructure, and natural resources.

“Federal wildland firefighter pay has been at the forefront of ongoing conversations in the U.S. Congress," said AK DOF's Deputy Director of Fire Protection, Norm McDonald, "Thanks to Governor Dunleavy’s administration and this public safety initiative, the State of Alaska is showing its commitment to providing our firefighters fair compensation for the dangerous and challenging work they perform for Alaskans.”

Multiple initiatives in the budget aim to prepare the State of Alaska for the next 50 years of wildland firefighting by retaining firefighters, rebuilding rural crews, and improving fire response.

Alongside increased pay for State of Alaska wildland firefighters, the Division of Forestry & Fire Protection is developing a comprehensive program to support it’s workforce. This includes training and professional development, Wildland Firefighter Academy opportunities, a fuels reduction program, and a cutting-edge health & wellness program.

More details can be read in the full press release at https://bit.ly/3xUEFC2

12/07/2024

Special Weather Statement issued July 12 at 7:52AM AKDT by NWS Anchorage AK

Anchorage; Matanuska Valley

Southeasterly winds and gusts will increase across the Anchorage
Bowl and Knik River Valley beginning early Friday afternoon as a
frontal system moves toward the Southcentral Alaska coast. Expect
strong winds and gusts between 2 PM AKDT and 11 PM AKDT with the
peak of the strongest winds between likely between 4 pm AKDT and
10 pm AKDT. Winds are then expected to diminish as the southeast
wind flow quickly tapers off and the winds shift out of the
north.

Expected wind gusts are as follows...

South and West Anchorage: 30 to 45 mph
S Curves near Eagle River: 30 to 45 mph
Anchorage and Eagle River Hillsides: 45 to 60 mph
Upper Hillside of Anchorage (Glen Alps): 50 to 65 mph

Palmer: 30 to 45 mph
Wasilla: 15 to 30 mph

High winds may move loose debris, damage property, and cause
power outages. Travel may be difficult, especially for high
profile vehicles. People are urged to secure loose objects that
could be blown around or damaged by the wind. Motorists are urged
to slow down and use caution when travelling in areas of high
winds.

For the latest forecast information visit https://weather.gov/afc

12/07/2024

12/07/2024

Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) 2024-2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) Amendment #1 is available for public review and comment.

DOT&PF’s STIP is a vital framework that directly impacts the transportation infrastructure of our state. The STIP encompasses a wide range of activities, including highway improvements, bridge repairs, waterways projects, public transportation enhancements, and more.

The STIP is a valuable tool for the public. It offers a clear and concise overview of planned transportation projects, providing visibility and transparency to the residents of Alaska.

The documents and public comment portal are here: dot.alaska.gov/stip

The comment period for STIP Amendment #1 is open through Monday, August 5, 2024.

4 ways to comment:
• ONLINE at dot.alaska.gov/stip
• TEXT STIP to 855-925-2801
• EMAIL [email protected]
• CALL 855-925-2801 & use PIN 2191 to leave a message

12/07/2024

An Alaska man was sentenced yesterday to two and half years in prison for embezzling more than $1 million from the City of Houston, Alaska, and from a Wasilla-based equipment company, and then evading taxes on the embezzled profits.

📝: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ak/pr/former-city-treasurer-alaska-sentenced-prison-wire-fraud-money-laundering-tax-evasion

12/07/2024

Traffic Tip Tuesday -

There have been some requests from the public for the police department to be on the lookout for heavily tinted vehicle windows, including windshields. Window tinting limits the amount of visible light which gets into your car. This can make it more difficult to see the road, other cars, pedestrians, street signs, etc. Generally, windshields come from the manufacture allowing 100% light transmittance, while most front driver and passenger windows come 75-70%. As 70% is the allowable amount, any tint added to the front windows makes them illegal. We would like to take the time to provide some education for what Alaska Administrative Code allows for tint.

13 AAC 04.223 Tinted Windows.

(a) A person may not drive a motor vehicle on a highway, public road, street, or parking lot with mirrored tinting material on any window of the vehicle. Except as provided in this section, a person may not drive a motor vehicle on a highway, public road, street or parking lot with aftermarket tinting material or aftermarket striping material on any window of the vehicle.

(b) Aftermarket tinting of vehicle windows is allowed as follows:
(1) the front windshield may have a strip of tinting material applied to the top edge, known in the industry as an "eyebrow," which does not extend downward more than five inches from the top of the glass;
(2) the driver and front passenger side windows may have tinting material that permits at least 70 percent light transmittance;
(3) the rear door windows, quarter glasses, and back glasses may have tinting material that permits at least 40 percent light transmittance;
(4) limousines and passenger buses used to transport persons for hire, motor homes, and vehicles identified by the vehicle manufacturer as multipurpose may have tinting material that complies with Standard No. 205, Glazing Materials, in 49 C.F.R. 571.205(1992).

(c) The windows of a vehicle may have tinting material that permits less light transmittance than that specified in (b) of this section if
(1) a driver or a passenger who frequently travels in the vehicle is required for medical reasons to be shielded from the direct rays of the sun;
(2) the medical reasons are certified annually by a physician licensed to practice in this state; and
(3) the certification is carried in the vehicle.

(d) Tinting materials must be green, gray, bronze, or neutral smoke in color, or a sun reflective auto film.

A tint ticket is correctable by showing proof the tint has been removed and the windows allow what is permissible.

11/07/2024

Southern Alaska begins to see slightly warmer weather with partly cloudy skies as temperatures gradually rise. Fire activity remains low, with only one new fire reported. As fire danger continues t…