It’s time for Page Two: news that might not make the front page on Friday, September 26, 2025.
Every Borough Assembly meeting agenda includes Community Council reports. With only seven assembly members representing a borough 25,000 square miles in size, Community Councils are vital to making sure neighborhoods from Glacier View to Trapper Creek are heard. They provide residents with a direct voice to the Assembly on local issues. There are 26 community councils in the Mat-Su.
Christian Hartley, a freelance writer in Big Lake, writes about Community Councils in his Understanding Government column for the Frontiersman newspaper. He said since Community Councils aren’t official government bodies, they can be more flexible and responsive to the needs of the community.
The councils are independent, not-for-profit groups that advise borough officials. They are not government agencies and have no power to make laws or enforce rules. Instead, they influence decisions by sharing community concerns on topics like land use, safety, and new developments.
The Mat-Su Borough provides Community Councils with yearly funding of a base amount plus a per-voter allocation. Councils must meet borough requirements.
Some councils have formal membership and can charge up to $10 per year for membership. However, anyone who lives in a community council area may attend council meetings. Meetings are meant to be open to public participation.
A full list of Community Councils and meeting times are the Mat-Su Borough website.
Here are some events today:
- The Big Social at the Matanuska Brewery from 6:00 to 8:00 PM is a networking event with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska. Learn about mentoring youth in Alaska and socialize with Bigs and friends of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
- The Balcao Company is playing at the Palmer Ale House from 7:00 to 10:00 PM
- And if you need a laugh, Mike Glazer is doing a comedy show at Everett’s Restaurant at 7:30 PM.
Here are some events tomorrow:
- Vintage Retro is playing at the Palmer Ale House tonight from 7 to 10. It’s the last concert of the season and wear your 70s garb to celebrate
- There’s a fall harvest festival at Alaska Addiction Rehab Rehabilitation Services from 11 AM to 3 PM at 26731 West Point McKenzie Road
- Puski Pickers plays Bluegrass at the A Frame from 4 to 7pm
- The first freestyle chess tournament in the Mat-Su is on Saturday from noon to 6pm at Turkey Red. It is sponsored by Anthony Irsik and the Palmer Chess Club
- The Walk For Recovery is from noon to four on Saturday. Join the walk to raise awareness and provide support for all experiencing addiction. It starts at the Target parking lot and ends at True North Recovery. Call 907-373-4357 for more information.
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That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Friday, September 26, 2025.