It’s time for Page Two: news that might not make the front page on Tuesday October 14, 2025.
There’s a new shop in downtown Palmer where NonEssentials used to be. The only catch is that it’s not a shop, it’s an industrial workshop.
TundraTech Alaska has opened a satellite workshop in the former Nonessentials space next to Fireside Books. TundraTech specializes in industrial, Arctic-grade insulated covers. It produces custom fabric solutions built to withstand Alaska’s extreme conditions.
Deanna Hracha is the CFO of Alaska Gear Company and part-owner of TundraTech Alaska. It was looking to expand and the store front was the largest space available in Palmer.
“Industrial space is scarce in the city,” Hracha said.
She also liked the quick turn around the space offered. It only needed upgraded lighting and a rear security gate.
TundraTech Alaska was created in 2019 when Airframes Alaska (now Alaska Gear Company) acquired Alaska Tent and Tarp. It later divested that portion of the business to form TundraTech as a separate entity. TundraTech’s home office is in Fairbanks.
The South Alaska Street storefront “fills a gap right now, but it’s not our forever home,” Hracha said.
TundraTech’s projects have included walkway enclosures for cruise ship passengers in Whittier, pond liners, aviation hangar dividers and even tracking collars for caribou research. All products are custom-made and sold exclusively within Alaska.
The new downtown site for TundraTech Alaska houses one salesperson and two sewers.
Sewers are in short supply statewide. Industrial sewers are skilled technicians who fabricate industrial products using heavy-duty materials. Some items are stitched using specialized machines, while others are chemically welded, depending on the design and material.
“I’d love to inspire people to consider a new career path as an industrial sewer,” Hracha said.
The store front business is not open to the public. Interested individuals can contact TundraTech Alaska directly for information or customer service.
Now for some upcoming events.
The Matanuska Community Farmers Market is holding an indoor market at the log church on South Denali Street on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. This is the next to the last market for the season. The last market will be on Wednesday, November 19, just in time for Thanksgiving.
The Mat-Su Sentinel is holding a Flip the Script Election Connection Night on Thursday, October 16 at 6 p.m. at the Palmer Depot.
From the Mat-Su Sentinel: “Unlike traditional town halls, Flip the Script is structured to be approachable, engaging and focused on public participation. Candidates will provide brief introductions, and then the format will flip, opening the floor for audience-driven conversation and input.”
The Palmer Fire Department celebrates Fire Prevention Month with two events this weekend:
Friday is movie night at Fire Station 32 at 5955 Glenn Highway in Palmer with Disney’s Lilo and Stitch. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 6 p.m. Popcorn is provided. Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on.
On Saturday, stop by Fire Station 31 at 717 Cobb St. in Palmer between 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. There will be an information table, a kids obstacle course, fire extinguisher training, and more.
Page Two articles are written by Emily Forstner and Lee Henrikson.
Page 2 is posted on bigcabbageradio.org and our Facebook page.
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That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Tuesday October 14, 2025.