Issuu

MID-JULY

2026

Salmonfest Returns for

15th Anniversary Celebration

INSIDE THIS EDITION:

Contributed by David Stearns, Salmonfest

Ten Years, Tons of Garden Plastics Recycled MORE ON PAGE 2 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER

Salmonfest returns July 31 through August 2 at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds and ARCHES Amphitheater in Ninilchik for the festival’s 15th anniversary celebration. The 2026 lineup features Trampled

by Turtles, Guster, Goth Babe, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, two-time Grammy Award winner Molly Tuttle, and many more national and regional acts. Alaskan favorites include Black Barrel & The Bad Men, Blackwater Railroad Co. and Hope Social Club.

Known as three days of fish, love and music, Salmonfest brings more than 60 bands across four stages, along with camping, food, art, craft vendors, premium brews, family fun and the uniquely Alaskan festival spirit that has made it one of the state’s favorite summer traditions.

Festival hours are noon to 2 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Children 12 and under are free with a ticket-holding adult. Tickets and camping are available now. For more info, visit salmonfestalaska.org. Photos by Patrice Ward

Artists Wanted: 2027 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering Poster Design MORE ON PAGE 3 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE

Free Medical Equipment Program Saves Mat-Su Families More Than $750,000 MORE ON PAGE 3 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER

Valley Performing Arts Kicks Off 51st Season MORE ON PAGE 5 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE

New Local Business Brings Interactive Party Rentals to the Mat-Su Valley MORE ON PAGE 4 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER

The Orchestra That Changed Me

MORE ON PAGE 5 OF THE PEOPLE’S PAPER

Make Family Memories with Alaska Junior Theater

MORE ON PAGE 12 OF MAKE A SCENE MAGAZINE

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Ten Years, Tons of Garden Plastics Recycled

Contributed by Sue Wallin Valley Garden Club has been recycling clean, reusable garden plastics in partnership with Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS) for many years. We open to the public April 1 and collect, sort, stack, and store reusable garden plas-

tics through Sept. 30. The pots, flats, and six-packs are packed and stored throughout the winter, helping meet the needs of Valley gardeners during spring seed-starting season and beyond. We welcome clean pots of all sizes. However, we are not equipped to handle commercial drop-offs. We respectfully ask large-scale operators to band together and ship their plastics by barge for reforming. Contact Faltz Landscaping & Nursery for information on how they have been doing this for many years. Thanks to the MEA Charitable Foundation, we now have a 20-foot conex to store garden plastics over the winter. Thanks to Spenard Builders Supply, we have lumber to build freestanding shelving. Thanks

to Chris Novak, we have a countertop for sorting and stacking while standing upright. Thanks to the Alaska Railroad for the rail ties supporting our unit, and thanks to Alaska Custom Containers for insulating and lighting our storage conex. If you haven’t used our service, we invite you to check it out. Use Lane 2 of the drive-through at VCRS and drive toward the end of the lane. You’ll see our banner, table, and sorting area. Take a pot or take 25. Leave the clean garden plastics you’re finished with. Please note: No wire, terra-cotta pots, ceramics, or pot carriers. No mud, standing water, snow melt, or compost. If you’ve planted in Solo cups or cottage cheese containers, please wash them and place them

Meet Your Neighbors Before You Need Them

Canoe Rescue with Debra McGhan and Karen Pond — Photo by Barbara Stanfill

Canoe Rescue — Photo by Barbara Stanfill

Contributed by Debra McGhan One evening, I asked my 13-year-old adopted granddaughter, Brooke, if she’d like to paddle around the lake in the canoe. She promptly jumped up and said yes. Like many 13-year-olds, she wasn’t thrilled when I handed her a life jacket and insisted she put it on. Fortunately, she relented without

Capsize — Photo by Debra McGhan

a fuss. I should have ensured that, like it or not, she zipped it all the way to the top. At least she had it on. As we paddled along, the wind came up and suddenly caught my hat, pulling it off my head and sending it flying down the lake. I turned around to see it bouncing on the water’s surface and tried to back-paddle so I could retrieve it. At that exact moment, my granddaughter turned toward me to see what was happening and leaned over the same side of the boat I was trying to paddle on. Unable to shift my weight to counteract it in time, I felt the slow-motion reaction of her added weight as the boat capsized, and we found ourselves in the water. “My phone, my phone!” Brooke screamed, splashing and thrashing around. I grabbed my foam sandals, which were floating away, and reached down to feel my phone in my pocket. Pulling it out, I held it above my head.

“What are we going to do?” Brooke screamed. By this point, the paddles were drifting away, so I reached out and grabbed one. “We’re going to flip the boat all the way upside down, and you are going to hang on to it,” I told her. “Then we’re going to kick for land. Whatever you do, don’t let go of the canoe!” Following my lead, we managed to roll the canoe over, and she held on as we started kicking toward shore. Exhaustion set in quickly as I kicked with all my might while struggling to hang on to the canoe, the paddle, and my phone, all while making sure Brooke was okay. Fortunately, the water wasn’t too cold, but progress was painfully slow. “I don’t think we’re going anywhere,” Brooke insisted, fighting the life jacket she hadn’t fully zipped. “We are,” I answered. “Just keep kicking,” I shouted, feeling my body growing weaker. That’s when my neighbor across the lake appeared on her dock. “Hold on,” she shouted. “I’ll get some help.” “Kick! Kick! Kick!” I told Brooke. “We’re going to be okay.” As we inched closer to shore, my neighbor and her husband appeared again, climbed into their pedal boat, and headed upwind toward us. It took all of us working together to finally connect and get Brooke out of the lake. I stayed with the canoe until

in the No. 5 recycling bin. Although we now have storage space, we cannot store broken, cracked, or dirty plastics. Those belong in the trash. Please take trash to the landfill. Our volunteers are not equipped to deal with it. Our goal is to reuse garden plastics many times, helping keep costs down for small growers. Take a pot or leave a pot as needed, April 1 through Sept. 30.

we had it wedged against the shore and I was confident it wasn’t going anywhere. “We can worry about the canoe later,” I said. “It’s full of water, but it’s not going anywhere. Unfortunately, there isn’t any hope for your phone,” I told Brooke. I realized in that moment that, as long as I have lived on this lake, I hardly know any of my neighbors. I’ve been so involved in work and family life that I haven’t taken the time to meet many of the people who live around me. Ironically, after nearly two decades teaching emergency preparedness and disaster response, I had overlooked one of the most important parts of preparedness myself— knowing the people who live around you. Standing on that shoreline, meeting my rescuers for the very first time, I realized preparedness isn’t just about having supplies, equipment, or a plan. It’s also about community. In an emergency, neighbors often become the first responders. While I appreciate neighbors who keep to themselves, I also recognize that in times of emergencies and disasters, we need each other. Had my neighbors not seen us in distress and come to our rescue, this story might have ended very differently. It wasn’t the best way to meet my neighbors, but it taught me a valuable lesson I’ll never forget. Take time to meet the people who live around you. Attend a community council meeting. Introduce yourself. Build those relationships before you need them. You never know when you might need a friendly, helping hand.

Alaska Has a New Girls’-Night-Out Option: Paint a Scarf

Contributed by David Murrow Anchorage has a new twist on the paintand-sip craze. “Instead of a canvas painting, our guests go home with luxurious silk scarves they painted themselves,” said Gina Murrow of Anchorage, the inventor of Paint a Scarf. Gina spent the last decade inventing a patented painting process that’s fast, fun and foolproof. “It’s so simple, even kids can make gorgeous scarves. It’s a perfect mother-daughter or girlfriends’ night on the town.” Paint a Scarf is offering silk scarf painting events at local restaurants and art studios around Anchorage. Murrow’s business is the first in the nation to offer scarf painting

as a night-out activity. “Scarves are popular, beautiful and so useful,” said Gina. “Our guests keep coming back because they have somuch fun.” Painters arrive at the restaurant, watch a 10-minute training video on a tablet computer and choose from four different designs. They then pick up their paints and a “skill card” with instructions. Gina helps them stretch their silk on a painting rack, and they spray the scarf with water and start painting. Gina gives each painter individual coaching along the way. It usually takes less than an hour to train and paint. While their scarves dry, painters get a “magic hour” to spend with friends. Painters are encouraged to order food and drinks from the host establishment. The

whole process, from arrival to painting to snapping fun photos with finished scarves, takes about two hours. Gina’s husband, David, invented and patented an upright scarf painting rack that helps blend the colors on the scarf. “We’ve made silk painting very simple,” David Murrow said. “Most of our guests haven’t painted since grade school, and they’re amazed at how beautiful their scarves come out.” Upcoming Paint a Scarf events include the Mat-Su Valley Fiber Festival, July 18-19; Embassy Suites in Midtown Anchorage, July 22 and 29; The Workshop in South Anchorage, July 23; and The Art Lounge AK on Dimond Boulevard in Anchorage, July 25. The Murrows launched Paint a Scarf in

2013. They welcomed hundreds of painters to their log cabin home in Chugiak. “On nice days we painted right next to a rushing creek,” Gina said. “It was a true Alaskan experience.” Paint a Scarf was two days away from being franchised all over the country when COVID hit. “We still hope to spread Paint a Scarf all over the Lower 48,” Gina said. “We’ve done events in Texas and Arizona, and the women there loved it.” To book your space, visit PaintAScarf.com or call Gina at 623-290-4849.

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Nine Star Education and Employment Services – Class of 2026

Contributed by Jessica Egbert, Academic and Career Services Manager

PROUD TO PROVIDE FULL FAMILY HEALTH CARE to the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.

Nine Star Education and Employment Services – Mat-Su – is proud to recognize the graduating class of 2026. Nine Star is an adult education and training hub for the Mat-Su valley, and as such our clients come to us from an extremely diverse array of circumstances and backgrounds. Despite the many ways our students are different, they all share several key traits: they are resilient, they persevere, and they are motivated. On June 20 we were proud to hold our graduation ceremony at the Mat-Su Health Foundation’s beautiful headquarters on Crusey St., where we honored High School Equivalency Diploma graduates, students who have passed one or more parts of their GED test, certificate and certification earners, and students who have made measurable gains. Each of these students has a community of support, whether it is their family, friends, co-workers, or the dedicated instructors and staff of Nine Star - and their community showed up to celebrate their impressive achievements. This year Nine Star had 10 High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) graduates, 13 students who have passed one or more parts of their GED test, 18 certificate and certification graduates, and 8 students who have made measurable

gains this year in one of our core subject areas of language arts, science, math, or social studies. One of the messages of our key note speaker – Vandana Ingle, Chief Community Impact Officer at the Mat-Su Health Foundation – was to say “yes” to the opportunities as they come to you, as you never know where they will lead you. On that note, we would like to present the Mat-Su community with the opportunity to join us at Nine Star on the first week of August (3-7) for our Registration Week. We do have open enrollment, but if you would like to start at the beginning of our academic quarter then please con-

sider joining us for registration this first week of August. At Nine Star our mission is to help Alaskans get a job, keep a job, and advance on the Job. In our Mat-Su office we do that through teaching you what you need to know to pass the GED test and graduate with your HSED, teaching you what you need to know to pass your WorkKeys test and earn your National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), 1:1 career coaching to help you figure out what career might be right for you and to develop a plan to achieve your goals, and many certificates and certifications in topics ranging from digital literacy to advanced IT topics, project management, medical administrative assistance, professional communications, agriscience foundations, culinary foundations, QuickBooks, and more! Come by and visit us at 899 W. Commercial Dr., Wasilla, AK 99654

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Free Medical Equipment Program Saves Mat-Su Families More Than $750,000 Dr. Steve Parker M.D. (907) 357-0820 5030 E. Shennum, Wasilla

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As healthcare costs continue to rise, many families face an unexpected challenge after surgery, illness, or injury: obtaining the medical equipment needed for recovery. For thousands of residents throughout the Mat-Su Valley, that challenge is eased through the Durable Medical Equipment Lending Program operated by Valley Charities, Inc. For seven decades, Valley Charities has provided durable medical equipment to Mat-Su residents at no cost, helping individuals maintain their independence and recover safely at home. The program’s impact continues to grow. In 2025 alone, Valley Charities assisted 2,082 Mat-Su residents by providing access to 3,429 pieces of durable medical equipment, generating an estimated $750,946 in savings for local families. Residents can borrow equipment for up to six months free of charge, eliminating the need for costly purchases during temporary recovery periods. Strong demand has continued into 2026. From January through May, Valley Charities assisted 905 Mat-Su residents with 1,388 pieces of durable medical equipment, resulting in an additional $293,423 in estimated savings. These numbers demonstrate the ongoing need for accessible medical equipment and the vital role the program plays in supporting residents’ health and well-being. The lending program offers a wide range of equipment commonly needed following surgery, injury, illness, or mobility challenges. Available items include wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, cryo coolers, crutches, bathroom safety equipment, shower chairs, and other medical aids designed to improve quality of life and support healing. Availability

varies based on donations and current inventory. In today’s economy, the financial burden of purchasing medical equipment can be overwhelming. A hospital bed can cost thousands of dollars, while wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices often carry price tags that place them out of reach for people already facing medical expenses. Many patients only need these items temporarily, making outright purchase impractical and costly. That is where Valley Charities fills a critical need. By providing equipment loans at no cost, the organization helps families avoid unnecessary expenses while ensuring residents have access to the tools needed for a safe and successful recovery. The program not only saves money but also promotes dignity, independence, and improved health outcomes. The Durable Medical Equipment Lending Program also serves an important environmental purpose. Each year, community members donate gently used wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and other medical devices that might otherwise end up in local landfills. Through cleaning, inspection, refurbishment, and redistribution, Valley Charities gives these items a second life. This reuse model conserves resources, reduces landfill waste, and strengthens community stewardship throughout Mat-Su. Valley Charities also provides free incontinence supplies based on availability. These supplies offer meaningful assistance to individuals and families managing chronic health conditions, disabilities, aging-related needs, or financial hardship. Through donations and community support, the organization works to maintain an inventory of these essential supplies and make them

available at no cost. The success of the lending program would not be possible without strong community partnerships and financial support from the Mat-Su Health Foundation. When the program became separate from turn-A-leaf in October 2022, the foundation provided $54,000 to purchase new equipment and help launch it successfully. The Mat-Su Health Foundation’s continued investment allows Valley Charities to maintain staffing, facilities, inventory management, and program operations while keeping services free to the public. A recent donation from MTA and community members also allowed the organization to purchase 50 new elongated toilet risers, helping fill a critical gap in its inventory. As healthcare costs continue to climb, programs like the Durable Medical Equipment Lending Program demonstrate the power of local partnerships, nonprofit service, and community generosity. For thousands of Mat-Su residents, access to a wheelchair, walker, hospital bed, or other medical device can mean the difference between struggling alone and recovering with confidence. The Durable Medical Equipment Lending Program is located at 1301 S. Seward Meridian Parkway, Suite A, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Valley Charities encourages individuals recovering from surgery, managing a disability, assisting a loved one, or seeking incontinence supplies to contact the organization and learn about available resources. For more information about available equipment and donation opportunities, visit valleycharities.org or call 907-521-1908.

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New Local Business Brings Interactive Party Rentals to the Mat-Su Valley

Contributed by Mariah Alexander, Tide & Tundra Party Rental, LLC Tide & Tundra Party Rental, LLC is a new locally owned business bringing fun, interactive entertainment to families and events across the Mat-Su Valley. Rentals include giant games, yard games, Nerf battle

setups, slumber packages, backdrops, and concession equipment. Owner Mariah Alexander said, “I’ve always loved parties, bringing people together, and making moments feel special. I created Tide & Tundra to help create fun, memorable celebrations while making rentals easy and accessible, so people can

focus on the moments that last long after the party is over.” Tide & Tundra Party Rental is based in the Mat-Su Valley and serves surrounding communities. The business offers flexible setups, from DIY to full-service options, for a customized experience. In addition to private parties, the company is available

for school events, business gatherings, community events, corporate events, and more. Tide & Tundra Party Rental looks forward to serving the Mat-Su Valley and helping make celebrations of all sizes engaging and memorable.

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News From Palmer

Contributed by Dylainie Nathlich The Palmer Museum of History and Art is proud to present News From Palmer: Selected Stories From the First Year of the Matanuska Colony Project, a traveling exhibit celebrating the people, events, and stories from the first year of the Matanuska Colony Project in 1935. Created in conjunction with the 90th anniversary of the 1935 Matanuska Colony Project, News From Palmer draws inspiration from a popular local history blog series written by Palmer Museum researcher and local artist Ruth Hulbert. Through historic photographs, newspaper headlines, personal accounts, and community stories, the exhibit invites visitors to explore Palmer’s past through the news that captured residents’ attention throughout the decades. Rather than focusing on a single moment in history, the exhibit highlights a wide range of stories reflecting the growth and evolution of the Greater Palmer area. Visitors will encounter stories about how the community began and the everyday experiences that transformed a government resettlement project into the thriving Palmer we know today. The exhibit illustrates how

local newspapers and community publications documented extraordinary events and ordinary moments, creating a rich historical record that continues to connect us to our shared past. The exhibit also showcases materials from the Palmer Museum’s extensive collections, including more than 14,000 historical photographs and thousands of artifacts related to Mat-Su Valley history. These collections help preserve and share the stories of those who call the Greater Palmer area home. As a traveling exhibit, News From Palmer will extend beyond the museum walls, bringing local history into schools, libraries, community centers, and other public spaces throughout the region. By sharing these stories with new audiences, the exhibit supports the museum’s mission to inspire, enrich, and cultivate connections to the history and culture of the Greater Palmer area. Interested in learning more about the exhibit or hosting it at your business or in your classroom? Contact Dylainie Nathlich, Executive Director of the Palmer Museum of History and Art, at director@palmermuseum.org.

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Join Us for a Day of Community, Connection, and Celebration Contributed by Sierra Winter, Community Relations Manager There are many things I love about my role at Sunshine Community Health Center, but one of my favorites is watching our communities come together. Every year, our Community Celebration reminds me that healthcare is about much more than appointments and exam rooms. It is about building relationships, creating opportunities, and making it easier for families to access the resources they need to live healthy lives. That is exactly what you will find at our free Community Celebration from 9am to 2pm Saturday, Aug. 1, at our Talkeetna Clinic. Whether you are looking to check a few things off your back-to-school list, complete preventive health screenings, enjoy great food, or simply spend time with friends and neighbors, there is something for everyone. We are excited to offer an incredible lineup of free health services designed to help families stay healthy while checking a few items off their to-do lists. Children can receive free sports physicals from our medical team before the upcoming school year. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Jason Whipple with Dirty Diggers, every child who completes a sports physical will receive a free small ice cream cone from Aloha Blendz. Our dental team will also provide free dental sealants to help protect children’s teeth from cavities. Thanks to Mayor’s Salsa, every child who receives sealants will enjoy a free sweet treat from Renee’s Bakery afterward. Additional free services include blood chemistry panels and A1C screenings sponsored by Advanced Dermatology of Alaska and provided by Alaska Health Fair, Inc.; hearing screenings from Alaska Audiology in collaboration with Alaska Health Fair; vision screenings; and traumatic brain injury screenings aboard the Alaska Brain Bus with Dr. Grove. Speaking of back-to-school, we are

incredibly grateful to the Northern Valley Health Coalition and its many community partners for coordinating what we believe is our largest and most organized Back-toSchool Supply Giveaway yet. Families can also take advantage of free children’s haircuts provided by Tharren with The Hair and Color Bar of Wasilla, helping students head back to the classroom looking and feeling their best. This opportunity is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Bear Paw River Guides, whose support helps make one more back-to-school expense a little easier for local families. Together, these organizations are helping ensure students begin the school year healthy, confident, and ready to learn. Many services are available while supplies last, and several require preregistration, so we encourage families to reserve appointments early. Of course, we could not host a celebration without plenty of fun. This year, we are introducing something new: a dunk tank. Members of the Talkeetna Fire Department, along with several brave community vol-

unteers, have volunteered to become our Splash Seat Heroes. Donations are appreciated but never required, and every dollar helps support Sunshine programs and services not covered by insurance. The Kids Zone will once again feature bouncy houses, carnival games, crafts, and activities, while Tracy Try Photography will capture professional-quality photos throughout the day for families to enjoy after the event. Come hungry. We are thrilled to welcome an incredible lineup of local food vendors, including YKNOT BBQ, The Bruin Den, All About Potatoes, Aloha Blendz, Mayor’s Salsa, and Renee’s Bakery. Whether you are looking for coffee to start your morning or a delicious lunch while you explore, we have you covered. One of my favorite parts of planning this event has been working alongside dozens of organizations, businesses, and talented artisans who are passionate about serving our communities. From public health resources and foster care information to Alzheimer’s support, WIC services, environmental stewardship, assistive technology,

local artists, handmade crafts, and wellness resources, you will have the opportunity to connect with people making a real difference across the Upper Susitna Valley. This event truly belongs to our community. It exists because of the generosity of sponsors, volunteers, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, Sunshine staff, and community members who believe that when we work together, we build healthier, stronger communities. Whether you are joining us for a health screening, bringing your children for school supplies, shopping local vendors, meeting community organizations, or simply enjoying a fun summer day with your family, I hope you will stop by and celebrate with us. On behalf of everyone at Sunshine Community Health Center, thank you for allowing us to be part of your community. We cannot wait to welcome you from 9am to 2pm Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Sunshine Community Health Center Talkeetna Clinic. Admission is free, everyone is welcome, and we look forward to celebrating with you!

Arctic Visions 2026 Brings Mental Health and Psychedelic Research to Anchorage Contributed by Regina Randall

Arctic Visions 2026 will be held Aug. 8-9 at the University of Alaska Anchorage Fine Arts Building, bringing together researchers, clinicians, artists, and community members for two days of dialogue focused on mental health, psychedelic research, and innovative approaches to healing. The conference will explore emerging science and real-world applications in behavioral health, with a focus on expanding access to care and improving outcomes in

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also experiences significantly elevated rates of alcohol-related deaths and substance use disorders, with rural communities facing the greatest barriers to treatment access and continuity of care. Substance use remains a major public health concern, particularly in areas where geographic isolation, limited infrastructure, and workforce shortages restrict access to behavioral health services. These challenges have driven increasing interest in new models of care, including integrated behavioral health systems and emerging

research into psychedelic-assisted therapy as a potential tool for addressing depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders. Whether attendees are healthcare professionals, students, policymakers, artists, or community members, the conference offers an opportunity to engage with the rapidly evolving field of psychedelic science and mental health care. Arctic Visions 2026 will take place Aug. 8-9 at the UAA Fine Arts Building in Anchorage. For more information, visit arctic-visions.com.

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Independence Day in Palmer, Alaska Contributed by Marilyn Bennett What a wonderful day it was! The celebration opened with a flag ceremony and a cannon shot. The community came together to celebrate the rededication of our country’s Declaration of Independence. More than 400 people gathered on the lawn across from St. John Lutheran Church to join their friends and neighbors in celebrating 250 years of independence. The children enjoyed playing a war game based on the Battle of White Plains, New York. They also had flags and eagles painted on their faces. Events like these are part of the many memories that bring a community together. We are grateful for all the businesses and organizations that helped us put this event together. Planning began in mid-March with the goal of providing a milestone

event that appropriately recognized the 250th year of independence. The focus was on genuine American history and the many sacrifices made during the War of Independence. It was significant that the idea of freedom was so deeply seated in the minds of Americans that the British did not seem to understand how far they were willing to go to fight for it. The people of Palmer, like most Alaskans, came here to enjoy the freedom this last frontier offered. We came from all over the country to settle in Alaska. In our midst during this event were the “Daughters of the Revolution” in lovely period outfits, as well as the “Sons of the Revolution” in beards and whatever. The people of our community have roots in literally every state in the union. That is what is wonderful about America. No mat-

The Human Side of Business Contributed by Ema Rose

I love seeing more small businesses being transparent about what happens behind the scenes when they receive cruel, unnecessary reviews or experience ongoing harassment. The truth is, many people don’t realize what it costs to build a small business. Most owners put their names, credit, time, energy, and hearts on the line because they see a need in their community and genuinely want to serve people. Yes, they hope to make a living and create freedom for their families, but most small business owners I

know are constantly giving far more than they receive. As consumers, it’s easy to see a business and assume it’s just about making money. What we often don’t see are the sleepless nights, risks, sacrifices, personal guarantees on loans, missed family time, stress, and emotional weight of carrying other people’s experiences on our shoulders. Years ago, during one of the hardest seasons of my life, I experienced firsthand how damaging public criticism and targeted harassment can be. What started as dissatisfaction from a guest became months of online bullying, public ridicule,

Ten Years TONS of Garden Plastics Recycled Contributed by Sue Wallin Valley Garden Club has been recycling CLEAN USABLE garden plastics in partnership with Valley Community Recycling Solutions for quite some time now! We open to the public April first and gather , sort, stack and store reusable garden plastics until Sept. 30 . We pack and store these pots and flats and six packs throughout the winter. We help meet the needs of small Valley gardeners during the spring seed starting season and beyond. We welcome

all sizes of great, clean pots. We are NOT equipped to handle commercial drop offs. Respectfully, we request that large scale operators band together and ship their plastics by barge for reforming. Contact Faltz landscaping and Nursery for details on how they’ve been doing so for many years. THANKS to MEA Charitable Foundation, we now have a twenty foot conex to over winter garden plastics. THANKS to Spenard Building Supply,

PAGE 6

ter our political differences, we all realize the words of Benjamin Franklin—“We must all hang together, or ... we shall all hang separately”—are as true today as they were 250 years ago. There are many ways politicians, the media, and others try to separate us. We must hold strong in the belief that, no matter what we feel about people who think differently from us, it is important to recognize that in America we are allowed to be individuals. We have freedom of speech and thought, we can worship as we want, and despite our differences, we can still join our neighbors in protecting the rights of those who disagree with us. That is why we thought it was important to read the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights as a reminder of what our founders gave us. The founders rejected the caste system that was prevalent around the world. They rejected the

idea of a king being above or better than a merchant. We are a proud nation and state and have good reason to be so. When I researched Abigail Adams, I saw how important the women of that time were in keeping the home fires burning while their men were away fighting for liberty. Two hundred and fifty years later, women are free to own property and vote, as are the many people who were brought to this country as slaves or indentured servants. We are all now equal before the law. This is still not true in many parts of the world. The world knows this, and that is why so many people want to come to America. This July 4 renewed my love and pride in America, especially after celebrating with my wonderful neighbors and friends in Palmer. I hope to see all of you at the 251st celebration, which will hopefully happen again here in Palmer, Alaska.

and attempts to damage my reputation and relationships with potential clients. I watched people who had once felt like family walk away because of things being said online. It was heartbreaking. What hurt most wasn’t a bad review. It was realizing how quickly people can forget there is a human being on the other side of the business. At the time, I was carrying more than most people knew. I was running multiple businesses, raising children, navigating an extremely difficult season personally, and trying to continue showing up for everyone around me. Looking back, I truly believe the weight of that stress contributed significantly to the health crisis that followed.

That experience changed me. It’s one of the reasons my business looks so different today. I became passionate about creating spaces centered around healing, health, kindness, and genuine connection—not just for my clients, but for myself as well. I realized that if I wanted to continue pouring into others, I needed to learn how to protect my own heart too. So, if you love a small business, support it. Leave kind reviews. Communicate concerns directly when possible. Remember there is a person behind the logo, storefront, website, and social media account. Small business owners are not corporations. They’re people. Sometimes a little grace goes much further than we realize.

we have lumber to build free standing shelving. THANKS to Chris Novak, we have a piece of countertop to sort and stack while standing erect! THANKS to Alaska Railroad for the rail ties holding up our unit. THANKS to Alaska Custom Containers for the beautiful craftsmanship insulating and lighting our storage conex. Dear Public, if you’ve not used our service, please DO check us out. Use lane two of the drive through at VCRS. Drive toward the end of the lane. Here you’ll see our banner, table and sorting space. Take a pot or take twenty-five! Leave clean garden plastics with which you are through.

Please take note: no wire, terra cotta, ceramics, or pot carriers please. No mud, water, snow melt or compost please. If you’ve planted in Solo cups or cottage cheese containers, kindly wash them clean and place in #5 recycling bin. Although we have storage space now, we cannot store broken, cracked, or dirty plastics. These are trash. PLEASE take trash to the landfill . Our volunteers are not equipped to deal with trash. Our goal is to reuse these garden plastics many times, keeping the costs down for small growers.Take A Pot or Leave A Pot as needed Apr.1-Sept. 30.

Community Treasure Hunt: Help The Children’s Place Find Cookie Jars This Summer! Contributed by Michelle Sturgeon Summer in the Mat-Su Valley means baby moose, cottonwood snow, yard sales, garage sales, thrift stores, flea markets, and estate sales—and we hope you’ll keep an eye out for a special treasure: cookie jars! The Children’s Place is collecting cookie jars for its annual Soup & Bread Luncheon, one of its favorite community traditions. Each cookie jar becomes part of a fun and

memorable event that helps support the children and families served throughout Mat-Su. We’re looking for cookie jars of all kinds—vintage, whimsical, colorful, unique, collectible, or simply charming. Whether it’s a classic ceramic cookie jar or a fun character design, every donation helps make the event a success. If you find a cookie jar during your

summer treasure hunting, please consider purchasing it and donating it to The Children’s Place. Donations may be dropped off at The Children’s Place, 1021 Lucille Street, Wasilla, AK 99654. The generosity of our community continues to amaze us. Every donated cookie jar represents more than a fun centerpiece—it represents neighbors coming

together to support local children and families during some of life’s most difficult moments. We sincerely appreciate your kindness, generosity, and continued support of The Children’s Place. Thank you for helping us turn simple treasures into meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of children across the Mat-Su Valley. Happy treasure hunting!

Lighting Times July/Aug in Mat-Su: EARLIEST LIGHTING:

REGULAR LIGHTING:

July 17

9:28

10:57

July 24

9:14

10:40

July 31

8:59

10:22

Aug 7

8:43

10:02

Aug 14

8:26

9:41

Blessing: Baruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-hei-nu Melech Ha-olam A-sher Ki-de-sha-nu Be-mitzvotav Ve-tzi-va-nu Le-had-lik Ner Shel Sha-bbat Ko-desh.

Translation: Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the light of the holy Shabbat.

Shabbat candles are lit by Jewish women and girls, as young as the age of three, 18 minutes before sunset or one and a quarter daylight hours before sunset, on Friday afternoon or on the eve of Jewish holidays. They light candles to usher in peace and blessings to their homes and to the world.

For more information, visit chabad.org or contact the Mat-Su Jewish Center Chabad 907-350-1787

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PAGE 7

Alaska Behavioral Health Has Openings for Clients in Mat-Su Contributed by Lora Jae

art group, a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) group, and a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired DBT skills group. With expanded staffing, the Mat-Su clinic is working to improve access to care and connect individuals and families with the support they need. The clinic’s peer

support specialist can also help clients navigate challenges outside of therapy and provide encouragement throughout their mental health journey. To schedule an assessment, call Alaska Behavioral Health at (907) 563-1000.

The Hidden Health Benefits of Regular Vehicle Detailing

overwhelm the brain, contribute to stress and anxiety, drain your energy, and make it harder to focus. When you spend nearly 300 hours a year in your vehicle, that’s a lot of time to spend in an environment that adds unnecessary stress to your day. A clean, organized vehicle creates a very different experience. Whether you’re commuting to work, waiting in the school pickup line, or heading out for a weekend adventure, climbing into a clean vehicle can help you feel calmer, more focused, and ready for whatever the day brings. Regular detailing can help break the clutter cycle. Starting with a professionally cleaned vehicle often makes it much easier to keep it that way. You’re more likely to throw away the coffee cup, bring the gear inside, and wipe up small messes before they become big ones. In the end, professional detailing isn’t just about having a vehicle that looks great. It’s about creating a healthier, more comfortable space for the hundreds of hours you and your family spend in it every year.

Alaska Behavioral Health’s Mat-Su clinic is currently accepting new clients and offers free and low-cost mental health care options for children, teens, and adults. The clinic accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and a

Contributed by Robbie Cardon

The average American spends around 293 hours a year in their vehicle. That’s equivalent to roughly seven 40hour work weeks. Have you ever stopped to think about the toll all that time in your vehicle could be taking on your wellbeing? And it’s not just about the frustration of sitting in slow traffic or construction delays. Let’s take a closer look at how the condition of your vehicle can affect both your physical and mental wellbeing, and why regular detailing is about much more than appearances. The Air You Breathe Matters: What makes up those 293 hours you spend in your vehicle? Driving to and from work, hauling the kids and pets around, and enjoying Alaska adventures like camping, fishing, and hunting. Many of those drives happen on Alaska’s unpaved, dusty roads. That dust doesn’t

wide variety of insurance plans. Services include outpatient therapy, peer support, and therapy groups. These groups are designed to help clients build skills, strengthen connections, and work toward their mental health goals. Recent groups have included a mindfulness-based

just stay outside. It finds its way into your vehicle’s interior, settling on seats, dashboards, carpets, and vents. Every time you turn on your ventilation system, some of those particles can be recirculated throughout the cabin. Of course, most of those drives also include coffee, drinks, and snacks, which inevitably end up between the seats or ground into the floor mats. Over time, leftover food and spills can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and unpleasant odors. And poor cabin air quality doesn’t stop when you’re not driving. Hidden food can attract unwanted pests that leave droppings behind, adding even more allergens to the environment you’re breathing in every day. The average Alaskan doesn’t have a lot of extra time to thoroughly clean the interior of their vehicle. And even if you do, most household vacuums and cleaning tools

POLITICS & OPINION

simply can’t reach the tight spaces where dirt, crumbs, pet hair, and moisture collect. That means you and your passengers may be breathing in dust, allergens, bacteria, and mold every time you get behind the wheel. This is where regular professional detailing can make a real difference. Professional detailers have tools, products, and techniques to remove contaminants from the places most people can’t reach. They know how to locate and remove the hidden dirt, food, pet hair, and debris that contribute to poor cabin air quality. The Mental Weight of Clutter: Our vehicles don’t just affect our physical health. They can influence how we feel, too. Especially when clutter takes over. Before you even start the engine, your eyes land on the empty coffee cups, fast-food wrappers, receipts, pet hair, and scattered gear from your last adventure. That clutter acts as “visual noise.” It can

WRITTEN BY THE COMMUNITY www.makeascene.media

Celebrating Freedom, Community, and Our Future Contributed by Doug Ferguson

On June 14, 2026, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was hospitalized after news outlets reported that D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Traffic Services radio traffic indicated a person at McConnell’s address was found unconscious and required CPR. Newsmax also reported the speculation that McConnell was in grave condition. There have been widely published reports over the past year of unexplained health incidents in public where he appeared to “freeze up” as if having a stroke or something similar. Also, just before June 14, on June 11, he was photographed at the Capital using a wheelchair. There are plenty of reasons to question what is going on here. McConnell, the longestserving Senate leader in U.S. history (from Kentucky), stepped down as Republican leader in January 2025 after having numerous public health problems and was replaced by John Thune, Republican from South Dakota. His term as U.S Senator won’t end until January 2027, however. Due to Kentucky’s laws regarding the Governor’s inability to name a replacement

once a resignation is announced, there is a definite motivation for the current potential person resigning to stay in power while his supporters maneuver to get a “friendly” candidate elected and installed. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., have offered optimistic assessments of McConnell’s recovery, saying they have spoken with him by phone during his hospitalization. They claim they have each spoken with him over the phone in the past month with almost identical conversations about wide range of international and political topics. While there is no way to verify these phone conversations, the possibility does exist that with the current state of “dark web” AI, it’s not out of the question that they were talking to an AI bot of McConnell that was based on past history and conversations. Regardless, the limited information released by McConnell’s office has prompted calls for greater transparency, especially by Kentucky Governor, Andy Beshear. In a letter Wednesday, the Democrat governor urged McConnell to provide an update on his condition. “As public officeholders, we

have made a commitment to our constituents to do our best to represent them and to always be transparent. I believe this requires clear communication about one’s ability to serve,” Beshear wrote. “Allowing speculation to continue in the media is not fair to the Senator or to Kentuckians, and my hope is that this provides him the opportunity to share the information in a transparent manner, direct from the source,” he added. It would seem a physical visit to the ailing Senator would be the obvious way to find out the truth! Why do we tolerate a public official not having to resign when they are physically unable to show up and do their job? There are many other cases of this happening in the past at the local, state and national level. There are other reasons to question the entire career of McConnell as Senate Majority Leader that the average non-political American is probably not informed about. In 1993, after divorcing his first wife, he married Elaine Chau, a former native of Taiwan China, who moved with her family to the U.S. when she was 8 years old. Educated in the U.S., she has held many important

Friends, Countrymen – Lend Me Your Ears Contributed by David Eastman

In 2016, we embarked on the ambitious project of fighting to ensure that you would always be able to count on at least one legislator to stay the course when the political establishment in Juneau (i.e. lobbyists, special interests, and the many politicians tied to them) demanded Wasilla’s vote for the business-as-usual corruption in Juneau. Those in Juneau don’t ask nicely. They don’t often provide good reasons and evidence why their proposals are the best or even make sense. They demand. They bully. They let you know how painful they will make it for you politically (and personally) if you deny them. And unfortunately, they are used to getting their way because so few politicians have the stomach for what Juneau can dish out. Many Alaskans assume that staying the course is not all that ambitious of a project. Aren’t legislators allowed to vote however they want to? Actually, no. My senator was kicked off his committees and had his six legislative employees fired all because he voted with Wasilla against Juneau on an important vote. That was all for just

one vote. Imagine making hundreds of such votes, year after year. We did that. They threatened me and fired my staff, and booted me off of committees, again and again and again. Every time we got back up and stayed the course. My staff can tell you countless stories. They witnessed every vote and the battles leading up to them. After a while the powers that be even stopped demanding that I vote the way they told me to. They came to understand that my vote was going to be what it was going to be, whether they demanded it or not. Ideas I welcome. Demands from someone who lives in Juneau, not so much. If you live in Wasilla, it is your vote that I carried in Juneau after all. I never considered selling it. Of course, if I had accepted the demands I could have had access to many of the “perks” of being in the good graces of the lobbyists and their legislators in Juneau. I could have had better committee assignments, get my name on better parking spaces at the capitol, and even have my own name on a bill that the legislature was going to pass. These are the rewards that

Juneau dishes out…but only to legislators who have already agreed to vote how they are told to. In addition to staying the course, we found ourselves working day in and day out on a second goal, to move Alaska from having one of the most corrupt legislatures in the nation (arguably the most corrupt) closer to the national average of corruption in most legislatures. Again, Alaskans who haven’t walked the halls of the capitol in Juneau may not immediately realize just how ambitious of a call that is today. We didn’t choose it because of how ambitious of a goal it was. My staff and supporters and I chose it because it needed to be done. Twice I have fought to defend your rights in court. Once while I was in the legislature, and a second time after my term of office was over. I prevailed in both cases. Most recently, I was obliged to go to court against the State of Alaska when many of my fellow legislators openly refused to follow the law on SB189. State law required that members of the public be given an opportunity to provide public testimony before legislators voted on the bill. My fellow legislators refused.

PAGE 7

positions including Secretary of Labor from 2001 to 2009 under George W. Bush. Two days after McConnell was admitted to the hospital she left for Communist China, although some say she now is back, but now one knows for sure! Her Father, James Chau, was also educated in the U.S and lives in NYC. He founded a shipping company in 1964, “The Foremost Group” that works worldwide for the Communist Government, along with many others! When his daughter Elaine married McConnell in 1993, The New York Times reported that he made a wedding gift of millions of dollars and over time as donated “millions of dollars” to the Chao-McConnell family. Chao’s extended family has given more than a million dollars to McConnell’s campaigns and is also a top contributor to the Republican Party of Kentucky, giving it approximately $525,000 over two decades ! Considering this and all the other information reported above, who knows what damage has been done by this man and his supporters to our United States? Where are our true American congress patriots? Doug Ferguson is a retired engineer who moved to Alaska in 2017 to be with family. His interests include science, gardening, history, and, of course, politics!

State law required that a bill in the legislature couldn’t be thrown together at the last minute, contain multiple bills on all manner of subjects, remove the public from the process, and then be voted on fifteen minutes before midnight when voters had already gone to sleep. The constitution even explicitly forbids this from happening. Legislators did it anyway. Fifty of my fellow legislators from both parties (well over 80% of the entire legislature) voted to pass the bill, in the face of state law and the constitution explicitly saying they could not. After a 7-month lawsuit the court declared what we (and all of my fellow legislators) already knew…you can’t do that. We’ve had victories and we’ve had defeats. My staff and I couldn’t have done any of it without your support, just like I will not be able to prevail in my current race to represent Wasilla in the legislature without your support. Please join us! Rep. David Eastman represented the Mat-Su Valley in the Alaska House of Representatives after serving in the Arctic Military Police Battalion on JBER. Visit davideastman.org to help us tamp down corruption and abuse in our state government.

Contributed by Amy Bushatz

This article was reported by Mat-Su Sentinel and reprinted for you in partnership with The People’s Paper.

www.matsusentinel.com

Books from Shuttered Mat-Su School Get Second Life Through Free Book Program Hundreds of books removed from one of Mat-Su’s permanently shuttered schools are on their way to local children through a summerlong literacy project in Palmer instead of being sent to the discard pile. About 100 boxes of books removed from the now-closed Meadow Lakes Elementary School and left behind by school families, teachers, and the district’s other librarians were given to Bright Lights Book Project volunteers earlier this month, said district spokesman John Notestine. They were immediately integrated into the organization’s new Summer in the Parks effort, Bright Lights officials said. The effort is part of a partnership between Bright Lights and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District that began last year and keeps books out of the shredder and in the community after they are no longer needed in schools, Notestine said. Glacier View School and Larson and Meadow Lakes elementary schools were permanently closed at the end of the school year as part of sweeping district budget cuts. Glacier View’s books will likely remain at the school and be repurposed as part of a new community center there, officials said. Notestine said Big Lake Elementary School received books from Larson to update its collection and replace wellworn or little-used material. About 85 boxes of books pulled from Big Lake’s shelves were sent to Bright Lights, he said. The Big Lake and Meadow Lakes elementary school collections are already well on their way to Mat-Su homes, said Bright Lights Executive Director Alys Culhane. Volunteers immediately added selections to kits created for the new summerlong literacy program, which meets from noon to 2 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at Bugge Park on Cobb Street in Palmer and Tuesdays

and Thursdays at Palmer’s A-Moosement Park through Aug. 15, she said. A related program is hosted at the weekly Friday Fling in Palmer. The program’s educators, including longtime Cottonwood Creek Elementary School kindergarten teacher Mike Purcell, host storytimes and activities centered on daily themes such as worms, dinosaurs, and butterflies. Culhane said the locations were chosen because of their proximity to Bright Lights’ Palmer headquarters. Staying close this year allows organizers to test the pilot program before possibly expanding it to other regional locations next year, she said. The effort hosted more than 75 preschool- and early elementary school-age children during just its first five days, handing out dozens of books tied to each day’s theme. Volunteers at a June 4 stop at A-Moosement Park helped about a dozen children learn about plants and pot a small plant before browsing a wagon of books. The near-daily park gatherings are paired with visits by Kids Kupboard, which provides about 1,000 free lunches to Mat-Su children each day during summer break. The joint effort is a natural fit, said outreach coordinator Hally Marshall. “It works hand in hand,” she said. “We want to provide nourishment not only with food, but also for the brain.” Local donations and grants from the Mat-Su Health Foundation, the city of Palmer, the Palmer Lions Club, and the Rasmuson Foundation support the project, she said. When the Summer in the Parks program ends just before school resumes in August, volunteers will shift to a free book distribution project at the Alaska State Fair, likely near the equestrian area, Culhane said. That effort will include a public art project converting discarded Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman

POLITICS & OPINION

Choices

newspaper boxes into Little Free Libraries in partnership with The People’s Paper and Mat-Su Sentinel. ‘Serendipitous’ books Books from Big Lake and Meadow Lakes not handed out this summer will be added to Bright Lights’ overall collection and given out through one of the organization’s many programs, placed on free book shelves throughout Mat-Su, or shipped to remote Alaska villages for distribution, Culhane said. What started in 2019 as a way to repurpose books headed to the shredder at the Valley Recycling Center has grown into a large operation housed in two first-floor rooms at the Eagle Hotel in Palmer. About 60,000 children’s and adult books on topics ranging from “Albania” to “Zoo” are shelved in nearly 1,000 cardboard boxes and awaiting distribution. Other recently donated titles are stacked near the door, ready for cleaning and categorization. The process includes carefully examining each book for binding problems, shaking out loose papers tucked between the pages, wiping down the covers, and adding a “Bright Lights Book Project” stamp. Culhane, a self-described bibliophile who holds a doctorate in composition and rhetoric, said she tries to assign volunteers to books in genres or subjects they enjoy so they can form a small connection with each one they handle before sending it back into the community. Bright Lights Executive Director Alys Culhane shows boxes of categorized books at the Bright Lights Book Project facility in Palmer on June 3, 2026. (Amy Bushatz/Mat-Su Sentinel)

“It’s a little serendipitous,” she said. “I used to be very grounded, but now I think the serendipity is in the whole community. We’re going to be known as a community with a lot of readers.” Like many book lovers, titles also have a way of making their way to Culhane’s home before going out into the world, she said. “That’s a little problem,” she said. “The house is full—we need a bigger house.” Bright Lights Book Project accepts donations year-round but requires titles to fall within certain parameters. For example, it does not accept erotica, textbooks, or encyclopedias, according to its website. Books that ultimately cannot be distributed because of their condition are turned into art projects by the program’s artist in residence or recycled, Culhane said.

WRITTEN BY THE COMMUNITY www.makeascene.media

PAGE 8

decisions and takes action on our behalf. More information is needed, not less. Governance is a complex, weighty process. We must choose our representatives carefully. We need knowledgeable, thoughtful, experienced, and strategic-thinking people to lead all of us, especially through storms of rapid change, downturns, windfalls, and often unseen pressures that impact our lives. My general decision-making process is simple: If things are going well, stay the course. If things are not going well, well-considered changes must be made. My opinion is that things are not going well for Alaska. Alaska in 2019 was already under fiscal and demographic pressures. Alaska in 2026 has those same pressures, plus significant declines in education rankings across all metrics, increased housing and fuel costs, workforce shortages, and institutional distrust. In other words, the challenge of improving the well-being of Alaska has not been met. Certainly, there are multiple factors and variables to consider, but to greatly oversimplify, an “extraction mindset” has been in play for several decades. Alaska exports its resources, imports its labor, and favors tax breaks and special deals for corpora-

tions. The results, in my view, have been devastating for Alaska’s people: school closures, significant declines in education metrics, rising housing, transportation, and fuel costs, distrust in institutions, and frustration with local, state, and federal decisions that are evident in local assemblies, school boards, and community meetings. The extraction mindset focuses on profits for others at the expense of Alaskans. The people know we’re not headed in the right direction, but many do not have sufficient knowledge about why these things are happening or what potential solutions are available. The good news is that we have a range of thoughtful, strategic-thinking, knowledgeable, and experienced candidates who have stepped up to offer Alaska’s people choices in how to tackle these critical issues. The mindset here is different: investment in Alaska’s future through investment in its people. Focusing on education, from early childhood through postsecondary, building a stable workforce pipeline, developing renewable energy resources, and creating a more equitable tax structure will reap the benefits Alaska’s people need and deserve. Stay the course or change? The task of

voters is to educate themselves on what each candidate is offering: their vision and their strategic plans for Alaska’s future. As good citizens, we have an obligation to find and elect people who will find ways to do better. We can move from an extraction mindset to an investment mindset by focusing on solutions: education, a mindful transition toward renewable energy sources, and a fair tax system. I want each candidate to clearly state their vision and plans for a better future for Alaska’s people, and I want my right to vote protected so I can make my own choices. Bottom line: As American citizens, we have rights, privileges, and responsibilities in choosing our representatives. As informed Alaskan citizens, we have the ability to make informed choices. We must take those responsibilities seriously, investigate the issues ourselves, listen to the various solutions offered by the candidates, and then vote accordingly. Now is the time to listen, talk to the candidates, make your vision for a better Alaska known, and then vote for the people you believe can best make that vision a reality.

The McConnell Scandal – What Gives?

his condition. “As public officeholders, we have made a commitment to our constituents to do our best to represent them and to always be transparent. I believe this requires clear communication about one’s ability to serve,” Beshear wrote. “Allowing speculation to continue in the media is not fair to the Senator or to Kentuckians, and my hope is that this provides him the opportunity to share the information in a transparent manner, direct from the source,” he added. It would seem a physical visit to the ailing Senator would be the obvious way to find out the truth! Why do we tolerate a public official not having to resign when they are physically unable to show up and do their job? There are many other cases of this happening in the past at the local, state and national level. There are other reasons to question the entire career of McConnell as Senate Majority Leader that the average non-political American is probably not informed about. In 1993, after divorcing his first wife, he married Elaine Chau, a former native of Taiwan China, who moved with her family to the U.S. when she was 8 years old. Educated in the U.S., she has held many important positions including Secretary of Labor from

2001 to 2009 under George W. Bush. Two days after McConnell was admitted to the hospital she left for Communist China, although some say she now is back, but now one knows for sure! Her Father, James Chau, was also educated in the U.S and lives in NYC. He founded a shipping company in 1964, “The Foremost Group” that works worldwide for the Communist Government, along with many others! When his daughter Elaine married McConnell in 1993, The New York Times reported that he made a wedding gift of millions of dollars and over time as donated “millions of dollars” to the Chao-McConnell family. Chao’s extended family has given more than a million dollars to McConnell’s campaigns and is also a top contributor to the Republican Party of Kentucky, giving it approximately $525,000 over two decades ! Considering this and all the other information reported above, who knows what damage has been done by this man and his supporters to our United States? Where are our true American congress patriots? Doug Ferguson is a retired engineer who moved to Alaska in 2017 to be with family. His interests include science, gardening, history, and, of course, politics!

Contributed by Irene Waggoner

Lots of political signs are popping up. People are advertising their opinions about how they believe the good people of Alaska should be governed. The primary is set for Aug. 18, and the general election is Nov. 3, 2026. Before then, we must prepare ourselves to make informed decisions about our voting choices. One prominent sign reads, “Vote Yes to End Ranked Choice Voting.” What that says to me is that someone believes I should vote against an opportunity to vote for the people I believe are the best candidates. I determine my choices by getting to know the candidates: how they interact with the local community, what they claim to want for Alaska’s future, and what their strategic plans are for making life better for Alaska’s people, now and in the future. Alaska is known for its independent thinkers. Just the label of an “R,” a “D,” or an “N” is not sufficient for people who know it is the person behind that letter who makes

Contributed by Doug Ferguson

WWW.MAKEASCENE.MEDIA | 907-373-2698

Volume VI - Issue VII

July 2026

Alaska

Acts of Service To A Higher Purpose gather. A media company can serve the public square. Advertising can serve local culture when it funds the channels that allow that culture to exist. Profit is not the highest purpose. But profit can make the purpose sustainable. If local media and local culture depend entirely on grants, donations, or government funding, they remain dependent on whoever controls those resources. But when they are sustained through voluntary exchange, they can remain more independent, more responsive, and more connected to the people they serve. That is the goal. Not to build a company for its own sake. Not to make myself important. Not to turn community into a brand. The goal is to build useful instruments of liberty.

I am liberal, but I do not mean that as a political label. For me, classical liberalism is philosophical first. It begins with the individual: the individual conscience, the individual voice, the individual right to speak, publish, gather, trade, create, cooperate, dissent, and build. The politics come after that. The politics are downstream from the philosophy. The central idea is simple: you are only truly free when you use your liberty. Freedom is not only something written into law. It is something practiced. A person can technically have freedom of speech and still never speak, or have freedom of the press and still never publish. A community can have freedom of assembly and still fail to gather, or have economic liberty and still wait for institutions to solve every problem for them. Unused liberty becomes weak. Practiced liberty becomes real. This is the purpose behind much of my work.

“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” - Frederick Douglas “Employ your time in improving yourself by other men’s writings so that you shall come easily by what others have labored hard for.”- Socrates “You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.” - Ray Bradbury “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” - Dr. Seuss

The newspaper, the radio station, the magazine, the events, the music promotion, the videos, the public notice ideas, the partnerships, and the business itself may look like separate projects. But to me, they are connected by the same underlying philosophy. If people have something to say, create a place where they can say it. If local musicians have songs, create a way for those songs to be heard. If citizens are supposed to be informed, make the information understandable. If artists need support, build a model that supports them without owning them. The point is not to wait for permission. It is not to wait for a grant, a nonprofit board, a government program, a corporate platform, or an algorithm to decide that local people matter. Local people already matter. Local voices already matter. Local music already matters. Local culture already matters. The question is whether we will build the practical infrastructure that allows those

“Reading brings us unknown friends” - Honoré de Balzac “The person who deserves most pity is a lonesome one on a rainy day who doesn’t know how to read.” - Benjamin Franklin “My alma mater was books, a good library... I could spend the rest of my life reading, just satisfying my curiosity.” Malcolm X “Man reading should be man intensely alive. The book should be a ball of light in one’s hand.” Ezra Pound

things to be seen, heard, supported, and sustained. That is where the free market matters. I do not see the free market only as a mechanism for profit. At its best, the free market is a system of voluntary cooperation. It allows free individuals to exchange value, support one another, amplify one another, and build things together without being forced. That is the part that matters to me. The market can be used selfishly. It can be used extractively. But it can also be used in service of something higher. It can become a practical way for free people to build local culture, support local speech, and strengthen local community. This is why I do not see business and service as opposites.

The People’s Paper is one of those instruments. It gives ordinary people a place to publish. 95.5 The Pass is one of those instruments. It gives local musicians a signal. Events are instruments. They give people a place to gather. Artist services are instruments. They help musicians move forward without surrendering ownership or identity. All of these things are acts of service to the same higher purpose. That purpose is liberty made practical. A free people should not live as passive consumers inside systems built by others. We should build our own systems. We should speak through them, publish through them, gather through them, trade through them, and cooperate through them. That is how liberty becomes visible. A community is not made free by theory alone. A community becomes free when free people act freely, and when they create the channels that allow others to do the same.

A business can be an act of service if it is built around helping people use their freedom. A newspaper can serve free speech. A radio station can serve local music. A stage can serve the freedom to

Freedom unused is freedom diminished.

“The man who does not read ... is no better than the man who can’t.” - Mark Twain

me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.” - James Baldwin

“To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.” - Victor Hugo “Show me a family of readers, and I will show you the people who move the world.” - Napoléon Bonaparte “It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.” - Oscar Wilde “You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught

Freedom practiced is freedom made real. And the work, at its best, is an act of service to that higher purpose.

“Words can be like X-rays if you use them properly – they’ll go through anything. You read and you’re pierced.” - Aldous Huxley “I read books and talked to people. I mean that's kind of how one learns anything. There's lots of great books out there and lots of smart people.” - Elon Musk “Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren’t very new after all.” - Abraham Lincoln

From the Journal of Joshua Fryfogle

Liberty, Liberally

www.LibertyLiberally.com

You can respond to what you’ve read, or write what matters to you.

From the Journal of Joshua Fryfogle

WWW.MAKEASCENEAK.COM

Liberty, Liberally

From the Journal of Joshua Fryfogle

www.LibertyLiberally.com

By Joshua Fryfogle

Written April 2022 To speak in the vernacular One must know the words And master the vocabulary And adjectives and verbs To engage one’s civic interest Cannot be avoided It happens automatically And this can be exploited To who so lacks the wit and will Of their own design Still has words and words to say But how did these they find?

By Joshua Fryfogle Written March 2022 When I see a stack of pages, perfectly cut and bound, And know that knowledge lies within, waiting to be found All those symbols stacked in lines of letters written down Written for the willing soul that’s seeking the profound

To be sure one’s thoughts are pure And not from someone else One must think and think some more Thinking for oneself

I’m inspired by the effort someone had to make And how they were not wary of the time that it would take Writing what they had to say, for our futures’ sake Risking ridicule and rancor, knowing what’s at stake In those paper pieces pieced together for this time Blessed are we with knowledge now of their paradigm Philosophy to be reasoned, poetry to rhyme Timeless wisdom hidden there, subtle and sublime

You can respond to what you’ve read, or write what matters to you. WWW.MAKEASCENEAK.COM

By Joshua Fryfogle Written March 2022 If I could go back and do things differently I would Not because it’s the smart thing to do, but because of regret We all look back at the past and wish that we could Redo what we did and then see what we get But who is to say that any other way would be good Never has anyone successfully changed the past We’d all like to think that we’d have done what we should Revisiting those decisions that happened so fast Because it’s the human condition, a falsehood No one is smart enough to always make the right call We’ve all always had this condition since childhood Reliving our mistakes, since the fruit and the fall

ABOUT: “Joshua Fryfogle, the owner of The People’s Paper, Make A Scene Magazine, and Liberty, Liberally, is heavily involved in the local community. In addition to creating a monthly paper that prints what community members submit, he also owns 95.5 The Pass, KNLT, one of the only stations in the nation to play local music in regular rotation! Josh is a lifelong singer/songwriter, and serves as booking agent and sound engineer for countless other Alaskan musicians.”

Volume VI - Issue VII

July 2026

You can respond to what you’ve read, or write what matters to you. WWW.MAKEASCENEAK.COM

Alaska

POLITICS & OPINION The Ostracon Contributed by George Wilkinson II

War between Zip and Wip started, as so many wars do, over something at once simple, and simply stupid. Wip hadn’t bothered to work out a treaty. History showed they had never relied on treaties. So, when Zip rejected the oh so obvious needs of Wip, shallow thinking limited the multidimensional conceptualization necessary to achieve a win-win agreement. Actually, history reveals that all of the several planets in our sector were habitual attackers. Wip would attack Zip to fulfil some need, Zip would attack Nip to fill a hole, then Nip would attack Wip… Well, you get the drift. So, let’s say that none relied on treaties, none were very mature. Old societies? Yes. Mature societies? No. In full disclosure I admit I was child of one of those immature, over-ripe peoples. My planet, Zip, was a member of the First Galactic Group. Confederacies are founded on agreements, which makes the whole

situation more absurd. The Galaxy is, and I know this is an understatement, large. Too large for any group of planets to know they are first. However, the size of the galaxy also meant that if there was another confederacy calling itself first, a great deal of time would go by before we would be found out and accused of plagiarism. And then, of course, we’d go to war over it. I am very principled person, fetched up by people who take pride in calling themselves a principled people, while also claiming to be a people of law, as though principle and law were the same things. Principles are simple; complications come when applying them. I had not contemplated that law without principle is chaos, and principle without law is just philosophical argument. A law is the application of principle to a situation. I didn’t have to be a philosopher to get this, I just had to think about it. But people don’t like to think. And I’m a people. And this pretty much described the entire Group. All I thought about was that law without sanction is mere suggestion, and

Fraternal Club Violence Contributed by Andrew J. Fierro

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, currently headquartered in Chicago, Illinois was founded in 1868 as a charitable service organization dedicated to practice virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity. However, despite this declaration, the organization openly tolerates and condones member-on-member violence. This is not a situation of a bar fight or minor scuffle between members. Rather, despite the Club’s own law and procedure regarding criminal acts, a brutal and violent attack by a member against another, concluding in an assault conviction, results in the attacker being permitted to remain a Club member in good standing and such violence is not considered “Conduct Unbecoming an Elk.” The Elks Club statutes and judicial guide make it clear that a criminal assault conviction is a crime of moral turpitude as that term is defined by state civil law. Conviction of a crime of moral turpitude requires

that the member be expelled from the organization. The incident involved here took place in Eagle River, Alaska when a female Elks member who was intoxicated pinned another female member half her size up against a bathroom wall and strangled her neck and bit her face. The unprovoked attack resulted in a criminal conviction for assault. Following the conviction an inquiry took place by an Elks Club official who intentionally ignored the directives of the organization’s own law and found that the Alaska criminal conviction was not a crime of moral turpitude and consequently not conduct unbecoming an Elk member. The assailant had a long history of violence to include a prior assault conviction and domestic violence protective and stalking orders issued to several individuals. The application for Elks Club membership requires disclosure of any court convictions for crimes of moral turpitude, to include assault. In such a case, the applicant can-

Historical Theories Contributed by Alexander Harmon, Nature’s Remedies

Throughout history, our understanding of health has evolved as science has uncovered new discoveries. Two ideas that continue to generate discussion are Germ Theory and Terrain Theory. While Germ Theory forms the foundation of modern infectious disease medicine, Terrain Theory emphasizes the importance of the body’s internal environment. Rather than dismissing either perspective outright, it is valuable to examine both through careful scientific investigation and an open, evidence-based mindset. Germ Theory, developed during the 19th century through the work of scientists such as Louis Pasteur and Robert

Koch, proposes that certain microorganisms—including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—can cause disease. This theory has led to many advances in medicine, including improved sanitation, vaccines, antibiotics, and infection control, all of which have contributed to longer life expectancy and reduced deaths from infectious diseases. Terrain Theory, associated with French scientist Antoine Béchamp, focuses on the body’s “terrain”—the overall condition of our internal environment. According to this view, factors such as nutrition, sleep, stress, exercise, environmental exposures, and overall wellness influence how resilient our bodies are when faced with illness. Although Terrain Theory is

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Zip was good at sanctions. To this end I incepted The Ostracon Project. The emphasis of the ship was speed and survival, not weapons; stealth and shields, not cannon; harassment, not destruction. The point of the Ostracon was to deliver a message, “Zip has voted you out. Fie on you, and the ship you rode in on.” The planetary government built the ships of destruction, but the entire fleet was dreadnaughts. When I suggested a fast, light ship, the admirals relayed the government’s reasoning that if, in negotiations, we reached an impasse, we had also reached the point of just kill ‘em all and get it over with. But the other planets also had dreadnaughts, so slugfests ensued. Eventually none of us could recruit crews to man our suicidal missions so the ships were entirely automated. Destruction could occur without interruption until one side ran out of resources, or simply grew tired, and ceded. Without admiralty approval financing was not a happening thing. We had to construct the ship from bits and pieces of

broken ships, stolen code, and new technology dreamed up on the spot. Everyone involved in the project thought it was the most fun possible. The shields were unbelievably strong, allowing cheaper hull material. Because propulsion, up, down, sideways, even reverse, was so unbelievably fast, we had to design new navigation software. Pros and cons are entertainment for engineers. Once the Ostracon was built and tested, the crew took it up and tried harassing Wip ships. It worked beautifully. We could fire on engines and be gone before the Wips knew what hit them. Demoralizing Wips was actually more fun than destroying them. And all this fun was in person. We were laughing and preparing to return to base when they just appeared. One ship, easily five times the size of our largest, bristling with cannon, antennae, and other stuff we had no idea of. It reflected no light from surrounding suns. I thought, “That is Death”. When it spoke, it did so on every frequency, “This is the first First Galactic Group. Knock it off or we vote you out.”

not become a member. In the present case the perpetrator failed to disclose her prior assault conviction. The member victim made numerous requests for a copy of the internal decision and determination that the assailant would not be expelled from the Club. The victim was referred by the Grand Secretary’s Office to the area Judiciary Chairman who then sent the matter to the Alaska State Sponsor. The referral to the State Sponsor was met with open hostility and no regard or empathy for the assault victim who like him was a fellow Elks member. The repeated requests for a copy of the decision which clearly disregarded Elk’s law was ignored. Although Elks Club procedure allows for review and appeal of such decisions, it would stand to reason that a member must first see the written determination to competently proceed with an appeal. A final effort in this matter was made to the Grand Lodge Secretary, Bryan Klatt, to review the decision not to expel a member convicted of assaulting another Elks member. There was no response from Mr. Klatt and although he has recently been

appointed the Grand Exalted Ruler, the Elks Club refuses to acknowledge a brutal and vicious act of member-on-member violence. No regard was given by the Elks Club to the fact that the person who assaulted another member would be allowed to remain physically present at the Elks Lodge and nothing in place to prevent a subsequent attack on the victim. Although beyond ludicrous, the Club even went so far as to give the perpetrator a seat on the House Committee: a group of Elk members who oversee prohibited member actions and enforce the Club’s disciplinary process. In a world beset by violence and cruelty, revenue from Alcohol sales and membership dues should not take priority over membership safety and peace of mind, especially in an organization that promotes itself as providing service to the Alaska community. All service clubs and fraternal groups have a duty to police their own and expel those members who are violent and dangerous. The Elks Club should do no less.

not accepted as an alternative explanation for infectious disease by mainstream medical science, modern research strongly supports the idea that immune function, nutrition, the microbiome, and lifestyle all affect how the body responds to infections and recovers from illness. Perhaps the most productive approach is not to frame these theories as enemies, but as an opportunity to continue asking good scientific questions. Science advances by testing ideas, gathering evidence, and remaining willing to revise conclusions when new data emerge. Healthy skepticism and honest inquiry have always been essential to medical progress. Nature has long played an important role in supporting human health. Long before modern pharmaceuticals, people relied on plants for nourishment and healing. Today, many medications are derived from compounds originally discovered in nature, and herbs continue to be studied

for their potential to support wellness. Anything considered as “Medicine” should complement a healthy lifestyle when used responsibly and with reliable guidance. Whether one is most interested in preventing illness, supporting recovery, or simply living a healthier life, many of the fundamentals remain the same: eat wholesome foods, stay active, manage stress, prioritize sleep, spend time outdoors, and nourish the body with quality nutrition. These habits strengthen overall well-being regardless of which theory one finds most compelling. For those interested in learning more about herbs and natural wellness, Nature’s Remedies in Wasilla offers educational resources and a variety of herbal products. The goal is not to choose sides in a debate, but to remain informed, continue learning, and appreciate the many ways nature can support a healthy lifestyle alongside sound scientific understanding.

Our Mother, Our Mentor, Our Representative Contributed by Jackson & Logan Wall

Gina Wall: our mother, our mentor, and our representative. Throughout our entire lives, our mother has shown an unwavering commitment to faith, family, and a better future. She’s instilled in us our faith, our love, and our hope for a better tomorrow. As young men living in the Eagle River/ Chugiak area, we know Gina will fight to bring more love, peace, and prosperity to the community we call home. Growing up with Gina as our mother has been undoubtedly one of the greatest blessings the Lord has given us. She is always loving and generous with her time, talents, and abilities. She’s a strong advocate for necessary change and doesn’t shy away from productive conflict - which is exactly what we need in our representatives: someone who will truly advocate for Eagle River and Chugiak’s best interests. She always listens thoughtfully and weighs both sides of any argument; whether she agrees or not is secondary to understanding. No person’s beliefs or opinions should go unheard, and that’s one reason Gina will stand up to advocate for all. If you were to ask anyone who knows our mother,

they’d tell you exactly who she is and her deep love for her community. “Gina is one of the most compassionate, thoughtful, and community-minded people I know. She listens, cares deeply about others, and consistently puts the needs of our community first. I truly can’t imagine anyone we would trust more to advocate on behalf of our district. Her integrity, dedication, and genuine commitment to people make her an outstanding candidate and exactly the kind of representative our community deserves.” (Erin Day). That same character is exactly why she’s running, and therefore it is worth explaining what got her to where she is today. One of the things most people wonder at the start of any political campaign is, “Why?” Politicians are often associated with slow-moving bureaucracy that leaves people feeling unheard, and frankly, like none of it matters anyway. How often have you heard someone talk about the value of their vote? It is far too easy to find people who think their voices don’t matter. Who they vote for is a box to check with little impact on their lives. This, particularly in local elections, could not be further from the truth. The first time we voted

as 18-year-olds, it was something to look forward to: our chance to speak our minds via ballot and attempt to cultivate change within our community. This strong sense of community and contributing within was most assuredly instilled by many of our friends and family, especially our mom. That same reasoning is the “why” behind her campaign. She wants you, yes, you, to have your voice heard and represented better than we have been. One of the things we most appreciated (and still appreciate) about our mom growing up was how she taught us to advocate for ourselves. She used to say, “If you don’t advocate for yourself, who is going to?” The irony is, she did. There was never a time she failed to advocate for the betterment of her children and those around her. While it should be commonplace for mothers to advocate for the needs of their children, our mom has gone far beyond that. She has spent nearly two decades helping the youth of our community battle one of the most chaotic periods in early life, high school. She has helped kids arrange their class schedules, a nod to her organizational abilities. More than that, she is the listening ear, the peaceful presence, and the

advocate who guides our next generation through some of the toughest and most stressful mental battles they’ve faced. The number of first-hand accounts reflecting this exact scenario is honestly baffling. From friends, coworkers, peers, and colleagues, the conversation is always the same: “Wall? Is your mom Gina Wall?” “Yes, she is.” “No way, she was my counselor!” “I love her!” “She’s the best!” This is a lot of talk from the candidate’s children, and people can try to dismiss it as such. Our message remains, nonetheless. Don’t vote for our mom because we think she’s awesome (she is, not sure if we mentioned that yet). Vote for her because you and your family deserve someone committed to the betterment of our community. Vote for her because you and your family deserve to have someone advocate for you the way our mom has advocated for us. There isn’t anyone else we would rather have had represent us growing up, and that is the same passion, the same drive, and the same hard work that Gina Wall will bring to the table as the next representative of the 24th District of Alaska.

Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins Brings New Energy, Experience and Respect to the Office of Governor Contributed by Jim Sykes

Our next Governor will face a long list of daunting tasks from education funding to better health and energy security along with many other important needs. Among the large array of candidates for Governor this year, we have a real standout problem-solver.

Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, also known as JKT, became interested in politics at 13 years of age and was involved in two campaigns while he was still a student at Sitka High. At 18, he filed for State House against a well-known incumbent and won and continued to serve the wide spectrum of voters in his Southeast district for four consecutive terms.

JKT understands and respects Alaskans’ the many different needs and invites people’s’ variety of ideas to find remedies, and how to move them through the legislature. JKT has the vision of a Jay Hammond and the determination of a Wally Hickel, and he fully understands how an active Governor listens carefully to Alaskans and works effectively with

legislators. JKT, understands our difficult times and has the experience, boundless energy and respect to help Alaskans move forward to our best possible future for our children and grandchildren. I trust Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, and heartily recommend casting your firstchoice vote for JKT on August 18th.

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POLITICS & OPINION Destry Payne for Governor Contributed by Destry Payne

Destry Payne is a welder-fabricator working for a large trucking company out of Fairbanks. Destry often pilots load from Valdez to Deadhorse in a service truck. With years of hands-on experience in one of Alaska’s toughest industries, Destry understands the real challenges facing working families across our state. Destry is not a politician. Destry is a systems engineer who is fed up with politics Destry is fed up with getting the short end of the stick! Destry focuses on issues and problems to implement solutions. Through in-depth study of America’s history—from the colonial era through the founding of our Republican form of Constitutional government. Destry brings a strong appreciation for our nation’s principles of freedom and self-governance. Destry is tired of the empty promises made by corporate bureaucrats who are not

Fair Elections Contributed by Nancy Racek

Those sneaky Dumocrats—did you know dumb is spelled with a b? —are trying to steal the election with RCV. It’s always something isn’t it? Just what have they been up to. Well, there was the call to a Secretary of State to “find” 11,780 votes.

qualified to get elected to an office, then delivering the same old story that leaves a sour taste in Alaskan’s mouths and wallets. As your next Governor, Destry will fight to ensure Alaska’s vast resources directly benefit the Alaskan people—creating jobs, supporting families and defending our independence from unconstitutional federal overreach. Destry will reestablish the explicit voice of we the people in the local communities in the structure of bottom-up form of government. The communities, according to the founders, are supposed to instruct the elected, appointed and hired state government officials and not the other way around. Alaskans should be able to communicate their desires and grievances directly with their governor. Destry understands the power Donald Trump is returning to the people and wants to help the Alaskan people to learn how to use that power to self-govern in the local

The concerted pushing for the voter repression act, euphemistically known as the SAVE Act, which would make it more difficult for married women, indigenous people and trans to register to vote. Oh, and they have been busy purging voter rolls, curbing mail in voting, limiting early voting. The most recent, and insidious attempt is to make USPS the election gatekeeper, deciding who they will and will not deliver

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communities. To return to original jurisdiction as the founders framed during the 1700’s. A minimal government that serves and fears the people is the best. Joe Vogler would be proud. Destry is absolutely disgusted with the current system run by pedos! The whole system must be obliterated! But what do we do when the system is finally gone? Or what can Alaskans do to get rid of it? Simple! As per the Declaration of Independence, it is not only our right to dissolve the bonds and institute a new government, it is our duty! Our founders in 1776 - 1791 created a Republican form of Constitutional Government. This form of government is the only form compatible with mankind. Unfortunately, this form of government was vacated March 14th, 1861, when the South walked out of Congress. Abraham Lincoln issued General Order 100 in 1863: Until the people return, the states are to be run by the military placing the states under liber code and martial law. In 1871 the people failed to return. So, the Crown owned Virginia Company

changed its name to UNITED STATES and was contracted through the organic Act of 1871 to provide 19 essential services until the people return. That is the system today! Destry has thoroughly studied the Republican form and has been involved in reassembling states since 2011. Alaska is one of the several states that has reassembled, settled the land and published notices abroad with no rebuttals. Alaska has the original form of Government as intended by the founder’s interim. All the public information on this interim government is located at alaskadejure.org and all who read this are encouraged to visit the website. If Alaskans so choose to step up and make this happen, we will have a convention of state and the Alaskan people will have the right to modify, adapt, alter or simply adopt what has been created so far. Trump said he is returning the power back to the people. This is how the Alaskan people take and use that power. Trump said we will have a new government controlled by you the people and this is it!

ballots to. How about eliminating a black congressional Rep’s district or removing a candidate’s name from the ballot. Then there’s sitting on HR 14, the John R. Lewis Voting Right Advancement act. Add to these a vote to end protection for minority voters and you get an idea of what’s going on behind the scenes and in some cases right in front of us! Well, as it turns out this was and is at

the hands of the orange felon and/or his Trumplicans. Back off! Just let people vote, it’s our right. Try winning voters over not blocking them. Contrary to the orange man’s motto, “winning at all costs” is not the answer. Try developing policies that address the people’s needs instead of catering to corporations and the wealthy! Then maybe you won’t have to cheat to win!

Chapter #14: Is Alaska Governor Candidate Matt Claman Corrupt to the Core? You Decide. Contributed by David Haeg 6-2-26

Greenstein and those who covered up for her and (2) in releasing the sealed Kenai Grand Jury’s report and recommendation, written during their two-year investigation into all the above. The State Troopers were also given the complaint and certified evidence against Ms. Greenstein. This resulted in a letter from Chief Assistant Attorney General Clint Campion, stating that an investigation was not warranted. (Letter at alaskastateofcorruption.com) Because of this, the derailed 2022 Kenai Grand Jury investigation (where Ms. Greenstein lawyered up and refused to testify after being subpoenaed) and innumerable other puzzling events that have all thwarted an investigation into Ms. Greenstein and the Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct, Alaskans now seek a public investigation by an independent commission – as was needed to expose and address similar corruption in New York City: New York City’s 1994 Mollen Commission (appointed by Mayor Dinkins to publicly investigate): “To cover up their corruption, officers created even more: they falsified official reports and perjured themselves to conceal their misdeeds. In the face of this problem, the Department allowed its systems for fighting corruption virtually to collapse. It had become more concerned about the bad publicity that corruption disclosures generate than the devastating

consequences of corruption itself. As a result, its corruption controls minimized, ignored and at times concealed corruption rather than rooting it out. Such an institutional reluctance to uncover corruption is not surprising. No institution wants its reputation tainted – especially a department that needs the public’s confidence and partnership to be effective. Since no entity outside the Department was responsible for reviewing the Department’s success in policing itself, years of self-protection continued unabated until this Commission commenced its independent inquiries.” A growing number of good, strong, and true Alaskans are determined to figure out exactly what is going on. Our first action will be a peaceful sit-in at noon on December 11, 2026 (just after new Governor takes office) in Anchorage’s Atwood Building (Governor’s office), until the new Governor appoints an independent “Mollen” type commission to publicly investigate. And pledges to take all action necessary to make public the Kenai Grand Jury report on corruption in Alaska’s judicial system – corruption that may have harmed countless citizens. Those willing to join us, please text/email your name, phone number, and email to (907) 398-6403 or haeg@alaska.net Additional chapters at alaskastateofcorruption.com

Ready for Positive State-Level Change in Palmer? Vote for Me

targeted policy to meet Alaskans where they are should always be the goal. And how to pay for it all? Cuts and revenue and a long-term fiscal plan. While I think substantive budget cuts already have been made over the years, there is always room for efficiencies across all agencies. As for revenue, it’s the same old cycle: sweating the price of oil to scratch out a surplus or stare down billion-dollar deficits that take dividend adjustments and savings draws to balance the budget. We need a revenue mix that is durable, predictable and fair. It is an oft-repeated sentiment, but Alaska is genuinely different, unlike any other state. When my wife and I moved here 30 years ago, we wanted to be a part of a broader community that not only valued individual rights and freedoms but also recognized a shared ethos of collective responsibility toward all Alaskans. That sentiment has gotten a little off course in recent years, and the cracks are showing. I will work to maintain that community ethos in all I do. Steven Merritt is a State House District 25 candidate who lives in Palmer.

In 2010 evidence surfaced that Marla Greenstein is falsifying official investigations to keep corrupt judges on the bench and ruling over We-The-People. Ms. Greenstein is the Executive Director of the Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct and to this day is still the only investigator of Alaska’s judges since 1989 – 37 years and counting. Over 8000 judge investigations so far. The evidence that first impugned Ms. Greenstein was and is: (1) Tape-recordings of her stating that she had exonerated Judge Margaret Murphy because none of the four named witnesses she contacted had seen Judge Murphy having an out-of-court relationship with Trooper Brett Gibbens - during a trial she presided over in which Trooper Gibbens was the primary witness. (2) Sworn affidavits from all four named witnesses stating that Ms. Greenstein had never contacted any of them and stating that they each had personally seen Judge Murphy having an out-of-court relationship with Trooper Gibbens during the trial in question. (Recordings and affidavits at alaskastateofcorruption.com) Since Ms. Greenstein is an attorney licensed by the Alaska Bar Association, the above evidence and a complaint were submitted to the Bar. In response, Ms. Green-

Contributed by Steven Merritt

stein wrote a certified response, stating that in addition to the four named witnesses, she had also contacted Arthur Robinson – who was one of the attorneys during the trial. Mr. Robinson was questioned about this and was tape-recorded stating that Ms. Greenstein had never contacted him either and that he personally remembered seeing Judge Murphy and Trooper Gibbens having an out-of-court relationship during the trial. Mr. Robinson was deposed and swore to this while under oath. The Bar was provided Mr. Robinson’s tape-recorded statement and sworn testimony as it seemed to indicate Ms. Greenstein had committed perjury. Apparently in an attempt to provide at least one witness willing to back up her story that no one had seen Judge Murphy having an out-of-court relationship with a witness during trial. Despite the evidence of Ms. Greenstein’s wrongdoing and subsequent cover up, Bar investigators claimed there was not enough evidence to open an investigation. So, during the next Bar Board of Governors meeting, the evidence and complaint were given to the Bar’s president. The Bar president did nothing. The Bar president at that time was Matthew Claman, who is now running for Governor. And numerous citizens have asked for the Governor’s help (1) in obtaining a public investigation into Ms.

economic opportunity or another summer with low salmon numbers in the Valley. The state has a role in tackling all these issues, and we must encourage the political will to get results. I will work with others to address all these concerns in a bipartisan manner that benefits the most Alaskans. Right now, energy costs and the future of power generation for Railbelt utilities are looming issues for our region. MEA bills are already on the rise this summer. Facing these challenges will involve putting an array of generation options on the table with a forward-thinking plan, while also continuing ongoing state and federal efforts to upgrade transmission infrastructure and natural gas storage in upper Cook Inlet. Statewide, the current cost of fuel for rural Alaska communities is crippling. The state can encourage and help fund regional projects for these communities to develop their own local, diverse resources to create lower-cost options that will mean less need for state subsidies. After listening to heart-wrenching

testimony on school closures this spring, I am committed to getting off the school funding merry-go-round and ensure adequate and equitable funding for all education delivery models. It was an understandable sentiment to hear folks ask the Mat-Su Borough Assembly to fund to the cap on education, but that isn’t realistic; the state continues to put more and more financial responsibility onto municipalities each year. I also support expanding state funding for vocational and technical education programs and will work to promote and expand apprenticeships. I have heard the term “pre-K through UA” with regard to supporting our kids, and it certainly rings true. It came as no surprise in an economic report this spring that revealed the Mat-Su continues to grow at a steady pace. The state should recognize this metric in every decision made with regard to Trooper staffing, road and Port MacKenzie infrastructure investment, and timely delivery of state services, to name a few. Lifting up all regions of the state with prudent and

We are the Teachers: Choose the Children

accept lying from their children? We teach other lessons with our actions. We bemoan Alaska’s “failing” educational system but are happy when funding for schools has mostly stagnated in the last ten years. We are happy that our Borough Assembly thinks our kids’ educations are only worth $.75 of each possible dollar we could provide. We say Bravo! when the governor cuts over $20 million in programs that support vital early learning opportunities. We expect children in third grade to excel despite the teacher’s attempts to care

Looking for a nonpartisan, no-nonsense choice for State House in the greater Palmer area? Someone who will put working families first and work for bipartisan solutions in Juneau. I’m Steven Merritt and I am running for the House District 25 seat to provide just that: A big-picture vision for the Mat-Su Valley and the state that will always ask the question: “Are Alaskans being served?” I am running because, like a lot of nonpartisans, undeclared and even party-registered voters I have spoken to in District 25, I don’t feel represented. For too long, this area has been treated as a reliable vote bank — a place to harvest political energy every election cycle without real engagement. Well, I am engaged. While knocking on doors in the district and listening to residents share what’s on their minds, I have heard concerns over schools, public safety, affordability in housing and healthcare, and the cost of energy. Others worry about

Contributed by Patricia Chesbro, Candidate for Senate Seat M Does anyone else remember the story about George Washington and the cherry tree? When confronted by the chopped down tree, George is said to have replied, “I cannot tell a lie. I cut down the cherry tree.” Turns out this was just a story. But this story, along with many others we tell our children, contains a message. Parents tell the kid who broke grandma’s vase, “Tell the truth. Whatever you did, it is important

to be honest.” In scripts of interviews on screen, police often remind suspects that the law will go easier on them if they tell the truth. We used to think it was uncool to lie. We used to think it was an important message for our children. Apparently, no more. Prominent people seem to lie with impunity. It appears that some make up improbable stories to indict others to distract attention from the real issues. Such tactics are lessons for our children. Do parents

for the needs of all 30 children in the class. We teach high school students the music program, their passion, isn’t very important. It’s time for Alaskans to recognize that the lessons we are teaching do not help build better citizens. Our actions do speak louder than our words. When elected, I will tell the truth. I will not denigrate others to make myself seem larger than life. I will apologize for errors in judgment. I will work toward being a positive model for all our children. I will choose children in every decision.

FAITH & RELIGION Palmer, Alaska: A College Town Contributed by Justin Archuletta, Alaska Bible College

Most people in the Greater Palmer community are aware of Mat-Su College, University of Alaska Anchorage, whose campus sits just off Trunk Road, almost halfway between Palmer and Wasilla. But how many know that within Palmer city limits stands a fully accredited college offering four-year and graduate programs

that is 57 years young and growing? Alaska Bible College is located next to the Palmer Visitor Center. Some background is in order. In the mid-1900s, countless Alaskans lived in communities without a trained pastor. Burdened by this need, Rev. Vincent Joy envisioned a Bible college that would prepare Alaskans to reach Alaska with the hope of Christ. After years of prayer and perseverance, that vision became reality

POLITICS & OPINION What Would No Political Parties Look Like? Contributed by Lela Ryterski What unites us is good. What divides us is evil. Think about it. If instead of Parties, we empower the Department of Elections to vet candidates? What would that look like? I’m imagining five or six employees whose job it is to review candidates’ applications and adhere to a list of requirements which all five or six employees review, discuss and approve.

Those approved (maybe even ten or twenty--there should be some limit) can then present their platform on government-sponsored or owned media (radio and TV, etc.) equally, plus engage in debates with each other (each given the same topic questions) so the public can decide who they want to represent them. Who is doing the hiring of these employees, one might ask? The criteria for hiring

Empty Promises Don’t Pay Dividends Contributed by Senator Shelley Hughes

I’ve heard the criticism that my position on the Permanent Fund Dividend means I am giving up. Nothing could be farther from the truth. No governor candidate has fought for the PFD like I have for the last ten years, and I bear the scars to prove it. There is no way I’d give up. I am being honest with Alaskans, not surrendering and not pandering. Unlike candidates who are making glib promises they can never deliver, I’m zeroing-in on the legal and fiscal framework to deliver what I say. Instead of refusing to tell the truth, as other candidates seem to be doing, I’m charting the best course forward so the PFD can be paid, committing to deliver results, not empty promises. As governor, I will introduce a full statutory PFD as my duty requires—to follow the law as it is written—then fight for the largest PFD the legislature will pass. I will make that outcome achievable by addressing the root problems: non-sustainable state spending and our relatively small private sector. We can fund a strong PFD without broad based taxes if we are willing to make responsible decisions. That means eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse. It means establishing an inspector general’s office and a sunset audit commission to ensure programs are effective and accountable. It means modernizing state services, so they cost less and deliver more. It means a full focus on developing an energy portfolio, so we finally achieve low-cost energy, and

on releasing government lands so private ownership increases, both necessary so our economy diversifies along with our revenue streams. Until then, under the Alaska Constitution, the legislature may rewrite the law, and they effectively do that each year when they pass the budget bill. The budget each new fiscal year is the law. This legislative authority means the legislature is not bound by previously passed appropriations. That includes the PFD – whether we like it or not. Promising to veto the entire state budget over and over and over again until the legislature, supposedly, would approve a full PFD might sound bold, but it’s a fool’s errand. It’s not a plan; it won’t work. The governor has no constitutional authority to add a penny to the PFD that the legislature passes. There is no legislative majority supporting a full PFD, and the legislature hasn’t hesitated to override the governor’s vetoes lately. In addition, to expect that the governor could bully the legislature into axing the equivalent of thirteen departments of state government at the end of a session, without deliberation or precision, in order to balance the budget to give the governor the win, is magical thinking. Not to mention, it would trigger economic chaos, lawsuits, and a recall petition. Now don’t get me wrong. A veto pen is a powerful tool and can be used to play hardball, and I won’t hesitate to use it when there’s leverage. In this situation, the leverage is not there; it is counter weighted.

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in 1966 with the founding of Alaska Bible College (ABC). Since then, ABC has grown from a small Bible-training institute into a Christ-centered college offering certificates and accredited undergraduate and graduate programs that equip students for ministry, education, and Christian leadership. ABC also offers a fully certified undergraduate degree in elementary education. That’s right—right here in Palmer, Alaska! The Fall 2026 semester for the 2026-27 academic year begins Aug. 10. Check out ABC’s offerings at akbible.edu. You may be

My name is Matt Tristan Atcherian, and my case proves corruption in Alaska’s judicial system. There is no oversight in superior courts, which allows them to violate the Due Process Clause and the rights of thousands of Alaskans. They no longer defend the Constitution that judges and attorneys swore to uphold, break the laws as they stand, and are no longer fit to hold public office and require disbarment. See Alaska Constitution, Article XII, Sections 4 and 5. Prior to my coerced plea on March 11, 2022, I told the court my name is not Matthew, and they did not believe me. They failed to dismiss with prejudice according to Marks v. State, 496 P.2d 66. The prior proceedings became invalid and flawed, and allowing such a tainted proceeding to stand violates the Fourteenth Amendment and Article I, Section 7 of the Alaska Constitution. Coercion is forbidden. See Cole v. State, 923 P.2d 820; Leyra v. Denno, 347 U.S. 556; Payne v. Arkansas, 356 U.S. 560; Chambers

v. Florida, 309 U.S. 227; and Arizona v. Fulminante, 499 U.S. 279. For invalid and flawed indictments and procedures, see Arlo v. State, 506 P.3d 777; Wassillie v. State, 411 P.3d 595; and Taggard v. State, 500 P.2d 238. The Alaska Court of Appeals recognized coercion violating my fundamental rights, and my plea was withdrawn Aug. 19, 2024. In Baxter v. Palmigiano, 425 U.S. 308, 335, the court states in part: “One of the most important functions of the privilege is to protect all persons, whether accused of crime or not, from abuse by the government of its powers of investigation, arrest, trial and punishment.” Compare with Gideon v. Wainwright, 372 U.S. 335, Footnote 1: “Justices Bradley, Swayne and Field emphasized that the first eight amendments granted citizens of the United States certain privileges and immunities that were protected from abridgement by the States by the Fourteenth Amendment.” Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479, Footnote 1, holds: “But the Court has held

Bang for Your Educational Buck Contributed by Ken McCarty, State House Representative Candidate for District 24

A wise saying “you get what you pay for” applies to many things, including your education. Some have interpreted the saying to imply if you pay more money, you’ll get more product. Another interpretation is “buyer beware of what you’re purchasing to know you’re getting ‘the most bang for your buck.’”

As a passionate parent advocating for my children, I instructed them over and over not to settle for “an education experience” rather to expect quality in whatever educational institution they attend and make the most of it. Be mindful of the reputation of the teachers, instruction, and alumni of that institution. The success of an institution is not in the number of graduates rather its recognition by professional industries and alumni accomplishments.

pleasantly surprised and possibly motivated to “dip your toe into the water” and take a course. If so, be prepared for an engaging ride. As the needs of the church continue to grow, Alaska Bible College continues to expand its academic offerings, preparing men and women with the biblical knowledge, practical skills and abilities, and Christlike character needed to serve faithfully wherever God calls them to advance the gospel throughout Alaska, across the nation, and around the world.

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eight employees to the Department of Elections could be: They have a college education. Each is from a different background: White, Black, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Asian, Native, African, European. There should be an equal amount of women and men. Ideally, many religious faiths represented: Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, etc. What interesting conversations they would have! America is a melting pot, although here in Alaska not so much so. However, we are all human

beings with the same longing for freedom and equal rights and to live our lives in peace. Ranked choice voting works here. Each is allowed to spend the same amount of money on advertising. Campaign finance reform is crucial. No more foreign entities influencing our elections. No more dark money from unknown sources. No more corporations as people. Let’s kick out corruption and come together. May the best man or woman win, not the richest.

A governor being “tough” with repeated full-budget vetoes would not just have a tumultuous remainder of their 4-year term but the harm to our state would be immense. Not only full-stop stagnation, but it would also roil the bond market, tank the Alaska economy, and halt every other effort the governor would attempt. One-line slogans aren’t recipes for governing; they are invitations to disaster. A sweeping and repeated veto approach is not leadership. It is a wrecking ball, a tornado. We must also be honest about – and not ignore – the political consequences of such an approach. Legislators who disagree would quickly highlight every service impacted and hold the governor responsible. That would not strengthen the governor’s position. It would weaken it and hobble the administration on every front. Alaska would be without the strong leader our state needs. Leadership means understanding what is possible and then working relentlessly to achieve it. As Alaskans, we must all remember how close we came this year to a very different outcome. Without the changing economic conditions from the war in Iran, broad based taxes loomed in the legislature along with a very small to no PFD at all. We were lucky this time: a temporary, war-driven oil spike papered over the deficit. That reprieve is already fading though — which is exactly why structural fiscal discipline, not luck, is the only durable answer. I get that what I am saying isn’t pleasant. When honesty isn’t pleasant, some people think telling the truth is a political blunder. They’re convinced telling people what they

want to hear is a better recipe for political success and power. But I’m not running for political success or power, I’m running to build a strong Alaska. I’m running to ensure fiscal stewardship. I’m running so Alaskans won’t lose their PFDs or critical state services. I will not promise something I cannot deliver. My commitment is to work as hard as I can to rebuild the PFD by ensuring transparent, accountable, efficient state government and laying the foundation for a robust and diversified economy with diversified revenue streams. There’s nothing more that I’d like to see when it comes to the PFD than a return to the days when the dividend was a direct transfer of the funds and simply paid, not a political football in the budget process. This will take hard work. I’m ready to tackle the problem, and no other gubernatorial candidate has any better plan or ability to solve it. That is not giving up. That is leadership. Thank you for your vote August 18. Senator Hughes, Republican Candidate for Governor is teamed with Lt. Governor Candidate General Blake Gettys (Ret.). Hughes, a 50-year Alaskan, has lived in communities throughout the state, spent 30 years in the private sector, and served in the State House 4 years and 8+ years in the State Senate, including as Senate Majority Leader and Judiciary Chair. General Gettys (Ret.), a 32-year resident, served as the 176th Wing Commander and Director, Joint Staff - AK Joint Force Headquarters, Alaska National Guard, JBER. To see the Hughes/ Gettys action plan and solutions, visit www.AlaskansforHughes.com.

A Prisoner’s Challenge to Alaska’s Judicial Process Contributed by Matt Tristan Atcherian

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that many of the provisions of the first eight amendments are fully embraced by the Fourteenth Amendment as limitations upon state action, and some members of the Court have held the view that the adoption of the Fourteenth Amendment made every provision of the first eight amendments fully applicable against state action.” On Feb. 4 and 13, I asserted my right under Rule 45, Alaska’s rule governing speedy trials, stating, “I no longer toll or waive time under Rule 45.” This meant that, under Alaska’s speedy trial rule, they had until mid-August 2025 to take my case to trial. A bench trial did not occur until March 2026. Alaska speedy trial cases include Rutherford v. State, 486 P.2d 946; Glasgow v. State, 469 P.2d 682; and Peterkin v. State, 543 P.2d 418. On May 6, 2025, I fell under Alaska Supreme Court Order 2038, which held that superior courts should address cases from 2023 and earlier relatively quickly due to speedy trial rights. My case was from 2020. The order also included dismissing the

School Choice is simply allowing free market to compete for recognition of student enrollment through successful instructional protocol and quantified outcomes. Public education is to affirm that public funds are being applied to expected quality and student outcome standards which expeditiously lead to respectful workforce development. When society accepts entitlement education it loses competitive qualities toward best practice and compromise prevails. Governance that fails to protect the educational standards for a community or state succumb to nothing more than a

affected charges. In August, I told the court there was a Brady violation because the prosecution and attorney were withholding exculpatory and material evidence proving innocence and discrediting the allegations against me. Lab Results No. 20-03626. See United States v. Williams, 504 U.S. 36, 60-62, for intolerable misconduct. It includes: 1. Use of perjured testimony; 2. Suppression of evidence favorable to the accused; 3. Misstatements of law; and 4. Failing to inform grand jurors of their investigative power to call witnesses, request the production of evidence, and decline to return a true bill when there appears to be no evidence or insufficient evidence to support the charges. On the first day, March 18, I had my attorney cite United States v. Calandra, 414 U.S. 338, 359: “Courts which sit under our Constitution cannot and will not be made party to lawless invasions of the constitutional rights of citizens.” I also had him cite Dennis v. United States, 341 U.S. 494, 571-572: “One may not counsel or advise others to violate the law as it stands. Words are not only the keys of persuasion, but the triggers of action.”

bureaucratic existence which can be easily manipulated by supposed educational institutions. I’m honored to say that my children adhered to my advice and obtained quality education that has led them into great careers (e.g. International corporate consultant and neurologist). The same expectation of instruction for my children and grandchildren I have for you and your children. I promise to advocate for you and our teachers who desire best practice for our students to get the most bang for their educational buck.

POLITICS & OPINION

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Carol “Kitty” Hafner’s Foreign Policy: Military Neutrality & Privacy Rights at Home Contributed by Carol “Kitty” Hafner

Some of my greatest personal heroes are the Founding Fathers and World War II veterans whom I have known and considered dear, close personal friends. World War II veterans will always be the greatest generation, and I have broken down in tears at Arlington National Cemetery during our final goodbyes. The Founding Fathers of the United States warned against becoming involved in foreign entanglements. For many years, this wisdom protected America from falling victim to the endless and bloody conflicts that historically plagued Europe and other parts of the world. The Vietnam shadow that clouded my high school and college years has now reemerged in the newest forever money drain entanglement, Iran. Skyrocketing gas prices are overwhelming America’s economy with Alaska especially hard hit. Additionally, budget lines for vital domestic services are now deflected to the Pentagon’s trillion-dollar mystery projects. “Guns or butter” was the term my high school economics teacher explained was the determining factor in allocating our financial resources. Available family food sources, quality healthcare, educating our children, warm safe

housing, transportation infrastructure, a first world standard of living including access to developing technology, or… funding another bloody war? Switzerland has demonstrated that, even in modern times, a foreign policy of military neutrality and a domestic security policy that respects the privacy rights of citizens can be a successful model for a strong country that maintains security, a high standard of living, and international respect. Our soldiers are fellow Americans who have devoted themselves to serving our nation. As policymakers, we must humbly ensure that those who enlist to defend our country are placed in harm’s way only when absolutely necessary. Participation in unnecessary foreign conflicts has led to the inexcusable deaths and disabilities of countless patriotic Americans who enlisted in our armed forces while trusting elected officials to make responsible decisions. Sadly, special interests have too often abused this trust. And it continues today. As U.S. Senator for Alaska, I will work to ensure that we maintain a strong defense for America while respecting the civil liberties of United States citizens. If we act responsibly on the world stage, avoid unnecessary foreign conflicts, and

focus on diplomatic and trade relations, our military can concentrate on defending America. During peacetime, military resources can also support public-service projects and domestic disaster relief while our forces remain trained and equipped to repel any attempted attack by a hostile foreign power. American military bases overseas cost taxpayers enormous sums of money while often failing to serve the immediate needs of our citizens. The Orwellian surveillance state that has turned inward to monitor the private communications of law-abiding and patriotic Americans is contrary to the United States Constitution, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. American citizens must be able to communicate and travel privately without being subjected to indiscriminate surveillance or unnecessary physical intrusions at airports. These freedoms are central to the way of life that generations of heroic patriots fought and died to protect. The intrusions into the private lives of Americans that have been justified in the name of security resemble the same kinds of oppressive acts that led the Founding Fathers to rebel against the King of En-

gland and enact the Constitution. Military neutrality abroad, combined with a strong national defense, civil liberties, and protected privacy rights at home, can help create the America of personal freedom that the Constitution envisioned and that the world can again admire. Instead of wasting the hard-earned taxpayer dollars of our citizens on counterproductive wars, we can invest that money in education, health care, infrastructure, and other priorities that raise our standard of living. This approach will honor the legacy of all those who fought for our freedoms while helping future generations avoid the lasting horrors of war. For decades, my work ethic and integrity have been irreproachable. I show up, I work until the task is completed and take pride in exceeding expectations. I’ve traveled the world, challenged myself to experience life when provided the opportunities to reach for the stars. I’ve witnessed breathtaking beauty and at the opposite spectrum, seen the unspeakable horror and the ugly of hate. Voting for Carol “Kitty” Hafner for U.S. Senate is voting for the continuing commitment and values of our Greatest Generation.

Why Did Our Legislators Vote to Make Mat-Su Beg Juneau for Its Own Money? Contributed by Dana Raffaniello On June 12, 2026, House Bill 381 passed the Alaska House 34 to 5, with the support of Mat-Su’s own delegation. That vote deserves a direct question from every resident of this borough: why did our delegation vote to convert this borough’s own tax authority into something we now have to ask the legislature for? HB 381 replaces the standard 20-mill property tax on the AKLNG pipeline with a throughput-based Alternative Volumetric Tax. Section 1(b) declares the new structure won’t serve as precedent for taxing other property. That declaration won’t survive a real legal challenge, and this borough is most exposed when it fails. The Alaska Constitution’s Uniform Application Clause, Article VIII, Section 17, requires laws governing natural resources apply equally to similarly situated parties. Courts decide who is similarly situated, not the legislature, and under the equal protection framework from State v. Erickson (1978), applied in State v. Enserch Alaska Construction (1989), a legislature cannot declare its own statute off-limits as precedent and expect that to survive review. TAPS and Red Dog Mine would each have a strong argument for the same tax tier as AKLNG, since both meet the standard, this bill uses to justify the pipeline’s treatment. Some point to AKLNG’s project labor

agreement as proof the pipeline is legally unique. It isn’t. TAPS was built under a broad project labor agreement in 1974, credited with its on-time completion, and Glenfarne’s own PLA framework with Alaska’s building trades this June cited that history as precedent. A labor practice the developer’s own materials call a longstanding norm can’t also be the feature that makes this project legally unique. If a court agrees that other operators are similarly situated, the AVT doesn’t disappear. It expands into this borough’s own long-term industrial tax base, the revenue Port MacKenzie and West Susitna are supposed to generate for our roads, schools, and emergency services for decades. The mismatch shows up clearest in the money. Under standard property tax law, DOR’s own May 2026 modeling projects Mat-Su’s pipeline corridor alone generating $116 million a year by 2033. HB 381 replaces that with a developer-funded municipal impact grant fund capped at $80 million total, split among six “impacted municipalities,” not allocated to Mat-Su specifically, and distributed at department discretion based on need and severity of effects, not on how much tax base any one borough is actually giving up. And this isn’t a shortterm swap. The sections that would revert this borough to standard 20-mill taxation don’t take effect until January 1, 2060,

locking this arrangement in place for more than three decades. Nothing in the public record shows anyone raised this specific risk before the vote. During the July conference committee, Senator Stedman flagged a different constitutional concern, that Alaska can’t permanently surrender its taxing power under Article IX, proof the category wasn’t unthinkable to at least one legislator. But nowhere in the floor debate or committee hearings does anyone ask whether TAPS or Red Dog could claim the same tax tier AKLNG just received. Either the delegation understood that risk and voted for it without bringing the borough into the conversation, or the one theory that actually threatens this borough’s tax base never got tested. Both explanations are bad, and both point to the same missing step: the borough should have been at the table before this vote, not after. This raises a conservative governance question as much as a legal one. Keeping government close to the people is a core principle, not a slogan. HB 381 does the opposite with this borough’s own revenue, taking a levy we collect as a matter of right and turning it into an allocation we have to petition for. House members sit closer to their constituents than anyone else in Juneau. Our delegation voted to hand a piece of local authority upward instead.

None of this argues against getting Alaska’s gas to market. Throughput-based taxation can be a legitimate tool for capital-intensive infrastructure, though the pipeline’s own $16 per Mcf price already runs several times the state’s break-even estimate for in-state gas, so tax structure and affordability are separate problems here. A version phased in broadly across every similarly situated operator under one standard would avoid this problem. HB 381 instead handed the treatment to one pipeline first and hoped a disclaimer would hold up against a constitutional clause the legislature can’t waive on this borough’s behalf. The Legislature moves fast when it wants to. In 2024, a Mat-Su legislator’s bill to fix Cook Inlet’s own gas shortage passed the House 34 to 5 and died in the Senate the next day for lack of review time. HB 381 got two special sessions and a dedicated conference committee. This borough can ask why one Valley fix got a single day and the other got the institution’s full weight. Our delegation owes this borough a straight answer: why wasn’t Mat-Su in the room before it voted away pieces of its own tax authority, and what happens to our roads, our schools, and our emergency services if a court later agrees with the argument nobody in Juneau bothered to test?

We’re more than a community paper! We also run 95.5 The Pass KNLT-FM, and offer other media services too! now your vote counts toward your second and not treat voting like a horse race Ranked Choice Voting heart betting on the one you think will win. Rank choice. You don’t lose your vote. And, you Contributed by Lela Ryterski The Election Pamphlet explains Ranked Choice Voting, and how to fill in the ballot. However, some people think they have to rank all the candidates, which is not true. Only vote (rank) the one or ones you want. This way, if you really like someone who may not be popular, you can still vote your

your first choice first. Then, the one you like second best can be ranked second, and so on. If you don’t want someone to win, DON’T rank them! It’s OK just to vote for one person and not rank the others. Let’s say you voted for the one you like best and your second choice. (You ranked two people.) If your first choice only gets a few votes, he/she may be eliminated, but

from Jekyll Island, the modern Constitutional Money Creature fiat monetary system has allowed govContributed by Alexander Harmon For decades, economists, historians, and constitutional scholars have debated whether America’s monetary system has drifted from the intentions of the nation’s founders. Among the most recognizable voices in this discussion are G. Edward Griffin, Ron Paul, and Peter Schiff. While each approaches the issue differently, they share a common belief: sound money is essential to a free society. Article I, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution states, “No State shall... make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts.” Recently, several states have passed legislation recognizing gold and silver as legal tender. Supporters applaud these laws, but they also raise an important question: If the Constitution already contains this language, are states creating new rights or simply acknowledging existing constitutional principles? According to Griffin, author of The

ernment debt and inflation to expand far beyond what would have been possible under a commodity-backed currency. He argues that when money is no longer tied to something tangible, its supply can be increased more easily, reducing the purchasing power of each dollar over time. Former Congressman Ron Paul has spent decades advocating for monetary reform and greater transparency at the Federal Reserve. He has consistently argued that inflation functions as a hidden tax, disproportionately affecting working families and savers. His proposals have included restoring competition in currency, reducing barriers to the use of precious metals, and encouraging Americans to study the Constitution’s monetary provisions for themselves. Economist Peter Schiff has similarly argued that inflation is an inevitable consequence of prolonged monetary expansion. He maintains that gold has historically

don’t have to worry about splitting the vote if you like two candidates from the same party. For instance, if 60% of people vote for Republican candidates and there are two running, they can vote for both, one first, one second, one of which will win. The 40% of Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, etc., vote for their candidates. However, in this case, the majority will rest

served as a reliable store of value during periods of declining purchasing power and economic uncertainty. While critics dispute aspects of his economic forecasts, his central message has remained consistent: Currencies derive lasting confidence from fiscal discipline and sound monetary policy. Supporters of constitutional money contend that gold and silver cannot be created at the stroke of a keyboard. Their scarcity naturally limits expansion of the money supply, making inflation less likely than under a purely fiat system. They believe this protects savings, encourages responsible government spending, and preserves individual purchasing power over time. Critics respond that modern economies require flexible monetary policy to respond to financial crises, stabilize employment, and support economic growth. They argue that a strict return to a gold-backed monetary system could limit policymakers’ ability to respond during recessions and periods of financial stress. These compet-

with the Republicans even if the others’ second choices are not Republican. The Democrat or anyone only wins when more than 50% of people rank (vote for) that person. Votes are confidential. Vote with your heart. Vote for who you think is the best person. Maybe other people really want that person, too. And wouldn’t it be great if that person won?

ing viewpoints continue to shape one of the most important economic debates in America. Regardless of where one stands, renewed interest among states in recognizing gold and silver as legal tender has revived a conversation that reaches back to the founding of the Republic. Rather than relying solely on headlines or political rhetoric, citizens should read the Constitution, examine America’s monetary history, and explore the research of thinkers across the spectrum, including G. Edward Griffin, Ron Paul, Peter Schiff, and economists who disagree with them. The strength of a constitutional republic depends on an informed citizenry willing to ask difficult questions. Whether one favors fiat currency, precious metals, or a combination of both, understanding the history and philosophy behind America’s monetary system is an exercise in civic responsibility. An educated public is ultimately the best safeguard of both economic freedom and constitutional government.

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A Vehicle with Purpose: Conoco Phillips Alaska Helps Deliver Hope Contributed by Marlene Munsell Thanks to the generous support of ConocoPhillips Alaska, Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. (WASI) was able to purchase a dedicated Meals on Wheels delivery vehicle that has become an essential part of serving seniors throughout the Mat-Su Valley, from Wasilla to Willow and surrounding communities. Each weekday, Aaron Bremmer begins his day at WASI at 8:00 a.m., loading the vehicle with nutritious meals prepared for seniors who depend on this vital service. From there, he begins a route that stretches across miles of Alaska roads, averaging 170 miles each day as he delivers approximately 60 meals to homebound seniors throughout the Valley. For these seniors, the arrival of the Meals on Wheels vehicle means much more than a hot meal. It represents a familiar and friendly face, a wellness check, and the reassurance that someone cares. Many recipients look forward to Aaron’s visit as the highlight of their day, knowing they can count on a nutritious meal, a brief conversation, and a meaningful connection to

the community. After completing his long route, Aaron returns to the WASI center around 3:00 p.m., having spent the day ensuring seniors receive the support they need to remain healthy and independent in their homes. The new vehicle has improved the reliability and efficiency of deliveries, allowing WASI to safely navigate long distances, changing weather conditions, and rural roads while ensuring meals arrive fresh and on time. With Aaron traveling 170 miles each day, dependable transportation is critical to maintaining uninterrupted service for seniors who may otherwise face barriers to accessing nutritious meals. ConocoPhillips Alaska’s investment is helping seniors remain healthy, nourished, and connected. This vehicle is more than transportation—it is a lifeline that carries meals, compassion, and hope across the Mat-Su Valley. Every mile driven and every meal delivered is a reminder that strong community partnerships make a lasting difference in the lives of older adults.

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learn more at alaskasaferiders.org

MAKE A SCENE Media is your trusted locally-owned partner in Alaskan media, in business since 2007.

makeascene.media / 907 - 373 - 2698

Need Help Staying Independent At Home? Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. Chore Services Can Help! Daily household tasks can become difficult with age. Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. (WASI) offers Chore Services to help seniors remain independent in their own homes. If you are a senior, family member, or caregiver looking for support, we are here to help. WASI’s trained staff can assist with routine household tasks such as: ; Light housekeeping ; Bathroom and kitchen cleaning ; Laundry and linen changes ; Organizing and decluttering ; Trash removal pathways for safety ; Vacuuming and floor care

To learn more or request services, contact

Wasilla Area Seniors at 907-206-8800 Supporting seniors throughout the Mat-Su Borough. Payment Options: TriWest for Veterans, Medicaid Chore Waiver, or Private Pay

HAPPY HOUR Wed-Fri 4–6 PM and after 8PM Sat-Sun 3–6 PM and after 8PM QUESTIONS? visit www.mat-suresort.com or call 907-357-5000

FINE DINING WINE CELLAR SPORTS BAR POOL & PING-PONG

CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS OR PROMOTIONS. VALID THRU 12/30/26

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CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS OR PROMOTIONS. VALID THRU 12/30/26

PETS & ANIMALS raceak.com

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Calling all animal shelters, rescues, and vet clinics — Paws for Justice, a local community initiative sponsored by Crowson Law, wants to partner with you! We’re building a community campaign to help local pets find loving homes. Local organizations will feature the adoptable pets in the pages of The People’s Paper and on the airwaves of 95.5 The Pass KNLT-FM—and we’ll help coordinate free adoption events, promote them, and cover adoption costs or other services to help our furry friends find forever homes. To learn more about Paws for Justice or to sign up to help today - call (907) 373-2698. That’s 373-2698. Brought to you by Crowson Law Group—defending the injured and giving Alaska’s rescue pets a voice.

Visit crowsonlaw.com to learn more. MON-WED 10-6, THUR-SAT 10-7, SUN 12-6

Creekside Plaza 1830 E Parks Highway, Wasilla

907-376-5403 www.northerncomfortwear.com

Contributed by Kelleigh Orthmann

Adoptable Cats Looking for Loving Homes Meet a few of the wonderful adoptable cats currently looking for their perfect homes through Clear Creek Cat Rescue.

Adopt Castle

I am searching for my kingdom. I will be a great companion for many years to come. I am about 3-4 years old. I am an affectionate, playful, and intense wand toy competitor. I am tall, dark, handsome, and check out my muscles! But I’m not all good looks; I’ve got smarts too. I can carry on a meowy nice conversation. I need to be the only pet in the home. I am not good at sharing my space and want my domain all to myself. I would probably be okay with nice older children who will respect my space. With summer having officially arrived, I will need a nice outdoor yard to spend time with my family and search the blades of grass for caterpillars and other bugs you don’t want around.

Adopt Kupara

I just may be the perfect cat. I’m between 2 and 3 years old. I’m cuddly, playful, curious, quiet, gentle, and friendly with everyone. I love four-legged friends of all kinds and would like to be best friends with every cat and dog in the home. As for humans, I enjoy playing with your shadow and following you from room to room as you go about your day. I’ll politely ask for love but am also happy to just hang out nearby. When I’m not supervising my humans, I enjoy looking out the window and playing with toys. I didn’t have an easy start in life. When I came into rescue, I was wary of humans. That still shows from time to time. I may startle when you pet me or back away from your hand after asking for pets. Not to worry, though. Once I remember that your hand gives ear scratches, I’m all in for love. I’m also quickly becoming an expert cuddler and even enjoy being held. I expect I’ll love those things even more the longer I’m in a safe and loving home. Once I’m settled in, I’ll need a safe space to explore outdoors. I would do well in a home with other cats, friendly dogs of all sizes, and children. I’m still full of silly kitten energy, so I’ll need a kitty best friend to follow around, cuddle with, and play with in my new home.

Adopt Terra and Sparrow

Terracotta and Sparrow are the perfectly matched yin and yang of the cat world. Terra, who is black and white, is sweet, outgoing, curious, playful, and snuggly.

Sparrow, who is mostly black, is quiet, reclusive, introverted, and not particularly fond of snuggles or pets. Although they seem like complete opposites, they found each other in their foster home, became best friends, and are now looking for a forever home together. Terra came into foster care from a cat overpopulation situation. He was skinny, scared, and a matted mess. His nickname early on was “Little Snail” because he would curl into a tight little ball when he saw people or was petted. With a full belly and gentle love, he uncurled from his shell and started asking for attention. Now he loves being petted and snuggled. Sparrow came into foster care as a tiny, sick kitten who lost one eye to an infection. It was a tough start in life. Even though she is now healthy and happy in a loving home, she has little interest in snuggling or being friends with people. She also showed little interest in other cats and seemed to have shut the world out until she met Terracotta. It was love at first sight! We know Terra could easily find a loving family and Sparrow could be sent to a barn home, but we want to give them a chance to be adopted together. Terra will be a loving house cat, and Sparrow will be his devoted friend. She will be content in a home as long as she has her beloved Terra. Sparrow has nothing against people. She is not aggressive or angry, does not hiss or swat, and will tolerate a little affection from her people. It just is not really her thing. Terracotta has so much love to give to his forever family and his forever friend that he can easily provide the love of two cats. Together, they make the purrfect pair. They are not recommended for homes with small children, but both cats do well with calm dogs and are comfortable around other cats. Once they feel safe and settled in their new home, they will need a secure yard where they can enjoy some summer sunshine.

To meet us, please call or text 907-980-8898. To see other adoptable kitties, visit clearcreekcatrescue.org or facebook.com/clearcreek.catrescue.