Jessica Clarkson, Director of R.O.C.K. Mat-Su, joins host Mike Chmielewski to discuss R.O.C.K. Mat-Su and the work the organization does here in the Mat-Su valley.

Palmer Municipal Airport is entering its busy season according to Airport Superintendent John Diumenti in an interview on Big Cabbage Radio last Friday.

The airport has seen an increase in aviation activity with the arrival of summer weather. Aircraft that spent much of the winter and spring parked are now in use. Forestry operations are at full strength for the wildfire season. Local flight schools are busy, and recreational pilots are taking advantage of favorable flying conditions.

The unusual aircraft currently operating from Palmer is the fleet of Single Engine Air Tankers, or SEATs. These firefighting planes are equipped with floats that skim lakes, rivers, and other water sources. They collect water through a system that uses the aircraft speed and aerodynamic principles to fill onboard tanks.

The smaller size of the SEATs allows them to access water sources that larger firefighting aircraft cannot use. This means faster turnaround times when fighting wildfires. Larger aircraft such as the Q400 airtankers must return to tanker bases like Palmer to refill with water or fire retardant.

Diumenti also provided updates on airport development projects. Mat-Su Valley Avionics is expanding its operations. It plans to construct a new hangar. However, a new federal review process requires environmental and historic preservation analyses before airport development can proceed.

The new process adds time and complexity. However, the Federal Aviation Administration is working to move the project forward.

Another project is the airport lighting system. Construction is scheduled to begin this week and will occur in three phases of about 45 days each. The project will replace the aging lighting infrastructure with modern equipment, including LED technology. The completion is scheduled for December. However, Diumenti acknowledged that weather conditions and equipment changes could push the work into next year.

The most significant development on the horizon is the long-awaited Palmer Airport Master Plan. The FAA grant needed to launch the planning effort has been submitted. City officials expect to receive funding approval soon. The planning process could begin before the end of summer after the grant is approved by the City Council.

The master plan includes public participation. Initial work will focus on assessing existing airport conditions and identifying future needs. Community members, airport users, and local stakeholders will be invited to share their perspectives on how the airport should develop in the coming years. The resulting plan will guide future investments, infrastructure projects, and operational improvements.

Diumenti noted that Palmer is in a unique position because both the airport master plan and the city’s comprehensive plan are being developed around the same time. He encouraged residents to participate, emphasizing that this is an important opportunity to help shape the future of both the airport and the community.

Looking at current airport activity, Diumenti says overall traffic appears steady, though there has been an increase in larger turboprop aircraft such as King Airs and Caravans. He attributes this to expanded maintenance services and increased aviation business activity on the airport’s south apron.

Airport officials are focused on balancing current operational needs with long-term planning. They want to ensure that the airport remains a valuable transportation and economic asset for the region as the aviation sector of Palmer continues to grow.

The full interview with Diumenti is on bigcabbageradio.org under Inside the City in 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 reported by Mike Chmielewski and produced by yours truly, Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.

That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Tuesday June 23, 2026.

Image credit: Air Tractor Inc.

It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Monday Jun 22, 2026.

A moose calf was stranded on a gravel bar in the middle of the Matanuska River at milepost 71 of the Glenn Highway last Thursday. Cars stopped at the pullout. People were looking at the calf. The river was rushing by on both sides. The current was fast enough to make anyone think twice about jumping in.

One person said the mother had made it to the highway side of the river earlier. She called for the calf, but it was spooked by the people and traffic. Another reported the calf had been crying and trying to cross.

On Friday morning the calf was still there. Only now the river was higher. An adjacent gravel bar was under water. It had been visible Thursday. There was less dry land for the calf to move around on.

It was resting. Observers worried that it would get too weak to swim to shore. They wondered how to help. Rafters were camped on the opposite bank a few miles upstream. No one knew how to reach them to see if they could help.

Who helps wild animals in trouble?

Calls went out to NOVA Alaska Guides. They operate a river rafting business in Glacier View. Calls went out to the Mat-Su Borough rescue divers, the Mat-Su Borough Animal Control, the Chickaloon Village Tribal police, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and colleagues that might have a raft.

No one could help. Either it wasn’t their jurisdiction or they couldn’t spare the people, or no one answered the phone on the holiday. State and Federal offices were closed for Juneteenth.

The Borough Animal Control was sympathetic. If it was the calf of a domestic cow they could get it. But not a wild moose calf. A State Wildlife Trooper was loading up a truck in Palmer. He was asked about helping. He was heading out the Glenn past mile 71. He said, “We just let nature take its course.”

The Matanuska River is eating towards the highway at mile 71. The bank is steep with big rocks. The calf would have had to swim at least a half mile downstream before there was a place to get up on shore. It wasn’t looking good for the little guy.

The water level had come down by about 2 p.m. on Friday. A resident said, “The calf walked upriver in the middle of the river, then tried to get to the woods on the highway side. Got caught in the currents and swam right past me. It ended up on an island downstream.”

Rumor has it that the calf may have been rescued by people with a red raft. A raft on a trailer was parked at the pullout Friday afternoon. A few hours later, the raft and trailer were seen heading towards Palmer and the calf was gone from the gravel bar.

If the rafters did rescue the calf, they must have quite a story to tell. If they, or anyone who witnessed the rescue, would like to tell it, they can reach out to us at manager@radiofreepalmer.org.

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 Kendra Zamzow- 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 22, 2026.

(Photos: 1. View of the gravel bar across the river. The calf is the small dot below and to the left of the notch in mountains and to the right of a washed-up log. 2. Closer view of calf. 3. Calf caught in current. 4. Calf heading for a gravel bar. Photos by K. Zamzow and F. Barker)

This week, we review Trump’s plan to require grants and scientific research to pass his political litmus tests, we discuss the dismantling of Ocean Station Papa, the most sophisticated deep-sea monitoring system off Alaska’s coast, and we consider the Constitutional basis for federal funding of science.

Join host Emily Forstner as she interviews Mat-Su School Superintendent Dr. Randy Trani for Inside the District. Together, they discuss the June 3rd. Mat-Su Borough School Board meeting.

Mat-Su School Borough Superintendent Dr. Randy Trani

Photo Credit: Mat-Su School Borough

Join host Mike Chmielewski and his guest, John Diumenti, Superintendent of the Palmer Municipal Airport, as they discuss several types of aircraft at the airport and provide updates on the Airport Masterplan.

Image Credit: Mat-Su Sentinel

Today is a Federal Holiday. That means federal and state offices, the U.S. Postal Service, and major financial institutions are closed. Borough and city offices are open.

Palmer Public Works starts work on the East Cedar Avenue Improvement Project this week. The plan began nearly two and a half years ago.

Public Works Director Jude Bilafer summed up the mood at the Department of Public Works. He says, “We are just as excited about this project as the residents who we have heard from.”

The East Cedar Avenue Improvement Project spans 500 feet, running from Alaska Street, crossing the railroad tracks and bike path to connect with South Valley Way.

The improved corridor will provide better access to downtown Palmer for both the Palmer Police Department and the Alaska State Troopers.

HDL Engineering Consultants designed the project. Dirtworks is carrying out the construction work.

The project has a $680,000 budget. It expects to be completed by September 21. A thirty-day review period follows to wrap up any remaining punch list items.

Those who walk, bike, or drive through that corridor can expect upgrades once the dust settles.

A new sidewalk will be constructed along the south edge of the road. It is designed to connect with the existing bike path network.

Bilafer was clear on that point. He said, “There will be no loss of connectivity for bikers or walkers.”

In addition to the sidewalk, a street light will be added to the corridor.

Eight decorative garden planters along the bike path on South Valley Way will be relocated south of East Cedar Avenue and aligned with the other community planters.

The work is not expected to disturb the garden plot north of East Cedar.

The railroad tracks that cross East Cedar will be cut. The grade will be reduced. Bilafer says this work will make the crossing safer for all users and easier to maintain.

The city worked closely with the Alaska Railroad to make this possible.

Bilafer noted that the city collaborated with the railroad last year to improve the rail road crossing on East Fireweed Avenue. The East Evergreen Avenue railroad crossing upgrades started this week.

Sections of track on either side of East Cedar will remain in place for historical purposes as with the East Fireweed and East Evergreen projects.

This project traces its roots back to a citizen request submitted roughly two and a half years ago.

Every submission to the Palmer Department of Public Works undergoes a review. This includes analysis of utility conflicts, right-of-way considerations, and soil suitability. Much of the analysis happens quietly behind the scenes.

The East Evergreen Bike Path next to the airport is another example of a project that began with one resident’s idea becoming a community asset.

In Palmer, it turns out, speaking up works.

Map is from Cedar Avenue Improvements. Addendum 01.

A red flag warning is in effect from 1 p.m. today through 1 p.m. tomorrow due to possible thunderstorms from Palmer north along the Parks Highway to Chultina, along the Denali Highway and western Susitna Valley including Skwenta. See weather.gov/anchorage for the map.

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.

Photo by Emily Forstner for Big Cabbage Radio: Donnie Yancey with Premier Construction Surveys locates lines and elevation for the East Cedar Avenue Improvement Project.

That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Friday June 19, 2026.

Last weekend is a hard act to follow. A giant tip of the hat to all those that came out and made Colony Days 2026 one to remember. And we have plenty more summer to enjoy, so let’s move on to this weekend.

The See You Next Door music series at the Bleeding Heart Brewery and the Palmer Alehouse start tonight. It’s a collaborative event with live music at Bleeding Heart in the afternoon and finishing off at the Alehouse in the evening.

The Scooter Brown Band starts the festival tonight at 7 p.m. at the Alehouse. On Friday the Schaefer Mueller Band plays at Bleeding Heart from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Then go “next door” to the Alehouse to hear the Roland Roberts Band play from 7 to 10 p.m. For all the bands and showtimes check events on palmeralehouse.com.

The Palmer Museum of History and Art welcomes this week’s featured artist Palmer artist Jessica Steele. She will be at the museum during Friday Fling to chat with folks about her work. Her work is on display at the museum today through next Wednesday.

On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas the news was delivered that the Civil War had ended. The state’s 250,000 enslaved Black Americans were finally free. June 19 is now a federal holiday called Juneteenth.

Celebrate Juneteenth tomorrow at the Palmer Museum. The event includes a reenactment of the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation and other stories from Black history, a car show, food trucks, and live music. It runs from 2 to 7 p.m. Find more information on the Palmer Museum of History and Art Facebook page.

Soul Society of Alaska plays at the Musk Ox Farm on Saturday at 7 p.m. Find ticket and show information at muskoxfarm.org.

The Summer Solstice Boozy Book Fair returns to the Railcar Tasting Room at Moonstone Farm on Saturday. Browse a curated selection of books, meet local authors, imbibe various beverages, and enjoy the views between 2 and 8 p.m.

Braided River provides music from 5 to 7 p.m. Moonstone Farm is at 2141 Church Street off the Parks Highway. Event information is available on the Moonstone Farm Railcar Tasting Room Facebook page. Fireside Books and Moonstone Farm host the event.

Celebrate the Summer Solstice on Saturday. Join TrailMates on a hike of the Butte and catch the sunset from the top. Hikers meet at 10:30 p.m. Hike and registration information available at trailmates.online.

Fathers rejoice for Sunday is your day! Mom had her day, now it’s Dad’s turn. Make Dad extremely happy and treat him to Drag Racing at Alaska Raceway Park.

The Top Eliminator Series take over the drag strip for a day of horsepower and speeds of 200 miles per hour. The races start at 11 a.m. at 5599 South Race Way off the Old Glenn Highway. Information is at raceak.com.

This is a taste of some of the events and celebrations in the GreaterPalmer MetroPlex for this weekend. Get out there and get some fresh air into your lungs. Have a great day and a better tomorrow.

Lastly, Evergreen Avenue is closed beside the Depot, between South Alaska Street and Valley Way for road and sidewalk improvements.

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 18, 2026.

Join host Mike Chmielewski and his guest, Michelle Church of Moonstone Farm, as they discuss the farm’s history

photo credit: Moonstone Farm

Join host Mike Chmielewski with Peter House from Deep Tree as they discuss current cybersecurity threats and international travel dangers.

Image Credit: DeepTree