Join Dr. Jill Valerius and host Lee Henrikson as they have a discussion on ovarian cancer screening.

Image Credit: Southern Cancer Center

Palmer Fire and Rescue Chief John Prevost will be stepping down from his position this week after 28 years with the department. He began his fire service work as a Fire Department Explorer while in high school.

He started his career with the City of Palmer in the Public Works Department. He became a paid on-call fire department member. Prevost was promoted to Assistant Chief and accepted a full-time position with Palmer Fire & Rescue as the Training Coordinator in 2021. He was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief in 2023. Prevost was promoted to Fire Chief of Palmer Fire & Rescue last August after serving as Interim Chief for about 8 months.

He gave his final interview as Fire Chief on Big Cabbage Radio last Friday.

Prevost talked about the landfill fire that sent a large plume of black smoke across the Mat-Su Valley last Monday. He noted that the fire occurred in the construction and demolition pit. It required a regional response. The fire had grown to approximately 150 by 150 feet by the time firefighters arrived.

Palmer crews supplied personnel and water tenders. Neighboring departments assisted with water shuttle operations throughout the night.

Prevost emphasized that no official cause of the fire has been determined. He declined to speculate on the cause. Many have guessed that a lithium-ion battery may have been responsible.

Prevost explained that fires at the landfill occur about once a year and that this was one of the largest. He reminded residents to dispose of hazardous materials in the hazardous waste collection area. This includes lithium batteries. Never put them in the construction debris pit.

The discussion turned to fire safety. Chief Prevost explained the purpose of Knox Boxes. These secure key boxes are mounted outside many commercial buildings. They allow firefighters quick access during emergencies without forcing entry.

He also described how monitored fire alarm systems work. Signals go to central monitoring companies before local dispatch is notified. These systems don’t just send alerts due to fires. They also alert responders to sprinkler malfunctions that could cause flooding.

Chief Prevost then corrected a misconception about sprinklers. In most sprinkler systems, only the individual sprinkler head exposed to heat is activated, rather than every sprinkler in the building. Only specialized deluge systems are designed to release water from all heads simultaneously.

Chief also urged everyone to remain vigilant about wildfire danger. Although recent rains have helped, grasses and other light vegetation dry quickly. This leaves favorable conditions for fast-moving wildland fires. He pointed to a recent fire near the new visitor center as a reminder that caution remains necessary.

He also covered everyday fire safety. Chief advised residents to transport gasoline and propane outside the passenger compartment of vehicles whenever possible to reduce the risks associated with leaks, fumes, and collisions.

He also encouraged homeowners who heat with wood to have chimneys cleaned and inspected annually. Creosote can build up and ignite. This creates dangerous chimney fires that can spread into walls or attics if hidden structural problems exist.

Chief reflected on his career at the close of the interview. He admitted he never truly wanted to become fire chief. He expressed deep pride in the department and gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community. While stepping down from leadership, he hopes to remain involved as an on-call firefighter.

Thank you, Chief Prevost, for your dedication, years of service, professionalism, and good humor. We wish you the very best in the next chapter of your life.

You can listen to the full interview on bigcabbageradio.org in Inside the City under Podcasts.

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

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

Please support Page 2 News and Big Cabbage Radio. Become a member: Donate today at bigcabbageradio.org.

This Page Two article was summarized from last week’s episode of Inside the City by Mike Chielewski and produced by yours truly, Lee Henrikson.

If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.

That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Monday June 29, 2026.

Image credit: palmerak.org

This week, we take a break from analyzing how the federal government affects Alaska in order to review some relevant American history, especially the Dred Scott decision, the problem of judicial supremacy, and the election shenanigans of 1876 and 1877.

Join host Mike Chmielewski and his guest, Senator Joe Paskvan, as they discuss the history of the oil pipeline and the future of the planned gas pipeline.

Senator Joe Paskvan

Image Credit: akleg,gov

Photo Credit: Big Cabbage Radio

Join host Judy Gette and her guests as they discuss the novel “Yesteryear”, the debut novel by Caro Claire Burke.

A traditional American woman, a “tradwife” influencer, suddenly awakens in the brutal reality of 1855—where she must unravel whether this living nightmare is an elaborate hoax, a twisted reality show, or something far more sinister in this sensational debut novel.

Caro Claire Burke

Join host Mike Chmielewski and his guest, John Prevost, Palmer’s Fire Chief, as they discuss the Palmer Fire and Rescue Department.

Image Credit: City of Palmer

Every summer a fleet of teenagers spreads out across the Mat-Su Borough School District. They mow lawns, trim trees, paint hallways, and tackle small repairs. It’s part of the district’s Student Worker Program. And it saves the district a lot of money.

This year, the work includes something unusual: helping with the behind-the-scenes work as the district consolidates three schools this summer.

Crews helped Birchtree Charter School move into the empty Larson Elementary building. Those same crews are now packing up Glacier View School. It will become a community center.

Behind all this work is Tony Weese. His job has a long title: Capital Planning and Construction Manager for the District’s Operations and Maintenance Department. He laughs about the title and says he wears many hats. One of those hats is overseeing the decades-old Student Worker Program.

The idea is simple: students do real maintenance work, and in exchange, they earn money, gain job experience, and get credit through the district’s CTE program. 120 hours of work earns a one-half CTE credit.

The savings to the district are dramatic. Two years ago, student crews painted the interior of Wasilla Middle School for about a fifth of what it would have cost to hire the job out.

Weese notes that the program saves the district money. But more importantly, he says it gets things done.

He said, “We would not be able to do the stuff we’re doing without the students.”

That value matters even more because the department runs lean. Operations and Maintenance covered 47 schools this year with fewer than one maintenance staff member per building. Weese says the ratio is among the leanest in the state.

The student worker program is smaller this year because of budget cuts. A typical summer brings 50 to 60 student workers and 10 supervisors.

There are 30 students and 7 supervisors this year. Three ground crews cover the district’s east, west, and central regions, and one tree crew handles windstorm cleanup. Fewer workers mean no construction crew this year. Two crews are working consolidation instead.

Crews work 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students earn slightly above federal minimum wage of $11.73 an hour. Weese says he’d like to see the budget allow for Alaska’s minimum wage.

Hiring supervisors from district staff happens almost entirely through word of mouth. There’s a waiting list for the positions. The supervisor job is seasonal and hourly.

Student workers jobs are advertised at the district’s high schools and at a spring job fair. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and pass an interview.

Year-to year turnover is low. Most supervisors return every summer. About a quarter of student workers return for at least one additional summer.

Weese says he’s impressed by how prepared most students are on day one. Discipline is rarely an issue. Two unexcused absences mean dismissal and firings are rare.

Some students stick with it well beyond high school. Weese remembers one student who worked two summers, came back as a district employee, and is now a lead maintenance worker.

This summer carries personal weight for Weese. He graduated from Glacier View School. His niece was a Larson Elementary student. She’ll move to Tanaina because of the consolidation.

In the meantime, the grass is mowed on all the fields, boxes are getting packed, and students are learning job skills, building their resumes and earning money.

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

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

Please support Page 2 News and Big Cabbage Radio. Become a member: Donate today at bigcabbageradio.org.

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

That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Friday June 26, 2026.

Image: Mat-Su Borough School District summer workers help box up Glacier View School. Credit: Amy Fisher

Joe Paskvan talks about the proposed Alaska LNG pipleline with Mike on Valley Edition on Friday at 5 p.m., repeating Sat. at noon.

Image credit: alaskabeacon.com

And another week bites the dust. The rainy days of Summer are upon us. You can still get your umbrella and get out of the house. And, the rain should keep the dust down.

Celtic fans rejoice! Palmer Alehouse has the fix for you if you’re missing Irish music. Tonight it hosts an Irish Music Festival featuring Solas and Reverie Road. Tickets and information can be found at palmeralehouse.com.

The Palmer Museum of History and Art features artist Susan Burkett at Friday Fling tomorrow. Her exhibit showcases a variety of subjects through vibrant pastels, rich oil paintings, and expressive watercolors. Stop by the museum and check out the exhibit.

Speaking of Friday Fling, get ready to enjoy great music as Baker takes the stage. He is known for his howling southern-grit vocals and soulful blending of vintage electric guitar. He plays from noon until 3 p.m. tomorrow.

The Scottish Highland Games are on the State Fairgrounds this weekend. This is the 45th year of the games and it’s always a great time.

Palmer Alehouse kicks off the festivities on Friday night with The Harp Twins, the Volfgang Twins, and the Screaming Orphans. This high energy Celtic music show goes from 7 to 10 p.m. This is a free, all ages show. Attendees under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The Games begin on Saturday. This is a journey into the heart of Scotland, with pipes and drums, athletic competitions, the gathering of the clans, and more. The gates open at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Events will run throughout the day on both days. Information about tickets, concerts, games and the tasty Scottish food is at AlaskanScottish.org.

And for something completely different, the Hussy Hicks return to the Musk Ox Farm for a high-energy outdoor concert on Saturday. The Hussy Hicks are known for their killer live shows, tight harmonies, big energy, and musical versatility.

Acclaimed folk-pop singer-songwriter Natalie Gelman opens the evening. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the show kicks off at 7 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and maybe a picnic to get comfortable and enjoy the show. Tickets and information are at muskoxfarm.org.

Have a need to knock over the ten pins? North Bowl will host the Bowl for Hope fundraiser on Sunday. Come out for an afternoon of bowling, silliness, and fundraising. All proceeds help students in residential recovery programs in Alaska.

Bowling starts at 2 p.m. North Bowl is at 3250 East Palmer Wasilla Highway. Registration information is on the Bowl for Hope Facebook page.

There’s lots of music up at Hatcher Pass Lodge this weekend.

Truce and the Triple Black Diamonds play tomorrow from 2 to 5 p.m. This is a benefit for MS. Katy Guillen and the Drive play at the Lodge on Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. Eel Sallad finished the weekend on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m.

Celts, Scotts, Musk Oxen, lots of music, and bowling. Now that’s a nifty weekend to be had in the Greater PalmerMetroPlex. Get out and have some fun.

In other news, a lithium battery probably triggered the fire at the landfill earlier this week. Crews had compacted the construction and debris cell Monday evening according to the matsusentinel.com.

Lithium batteries are highly flammable if damaged.

Landfill rules require lithium batteries to be disposed of in the hazardous waste section. There is no charge for the disposal.

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

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

Please support Page 2 News and Big Cabbage Radio. Become a member: Donate today at bigcabbageradio.org.

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

That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Thursday June 25, 2026.

Scott Blair with My Favorite Reality

Image Credit: My Favorite Reality