It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Monday, November 17, 2025.
If you missed the brilliant auroras last week, you probably didn’t miss the colder weather and snow that came with them. It’s winter. And, with winter comes a higher risk of house fires.
Wood stoves and space heaters are the leading cause of house fires in Alaska. Cooking is second, and Thanksgiving is the peak day for cooking-related fires nationwide.
The Governor’s Office reported more than 1,300 residential fires in Alaska last year. Those fires caused 23 deaths, 31 injuries, one firefighter injury, and more than 91 million dollars in property damage. Nearly a quarter of deadly fires in Alaska occurred in homes without working smoke alarms.
The American Red Cross wants to reduce those numbers. They remind us to test our smoke alarms monthly and to practice a 2-minute fire drill with our families twice a year. For more information and to sign up for a free smoke alarm, visit Red Cross Alaska Home Fire Campaign.
Community members are invited to the Palmer Depot tonight from 5 to 8 p.m. for “Building the Alaska We Want.” It’s an evening designed to bring residents together to help shape our future in the Mat-Su and Alaska.
A light meal with casual conversation is followed by small-group discussions. Topics include the positive vision people share for Alaska, the challenges that stand in the way, and practical steps to move forward.
The event concludes with a community showcase of local organizations from 7 to 8 p.m. A walk-through exhibit highlights projects already helping to build a stronger Alaska.
Everyone is welcome and the event is free. For more information visit the facebook event.
The Valley Fiber Arts Guild hosts a weekly gathering toning for anyone interested in fiber arts at Vagabond Blues from 5-8 p.m. Even if you’re new to fiber arts, it’s a chance to learn something, pick up an old project, or work together on something in progress.
Why are all those churches so close to each other on Fireweed Avenue in Palmer? Find out tonight. Joe Lawton will discuss the Matanuska Colony’s designated church area at 7 p.m. at the Palmer Historical Society monthly meeting at the Moose Lodge.
Home to Roost airs at 5:30 p.m. tonight on Big Cabbage Radio. Rachel Levitt and John Robertson discuss SNAP chaos in Alaska, shortened public comment periods, and ICE enforcement. They also discuss the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause and play public policy pursuit. Episodes are archived on our website and available on Spotify, Apple, and other podcast platforms.
The Palmer City Council and the Borough Assembly meet tomorrow night at 6 p.m. The School Board meets on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
On the agenda for the Palmer City Council is the swearing in of the new City Council member. Ordinance no. 25-006 (a), prohibiting sleeping on public sidewalks, streets, alleys or within doorways, is also on the agenda.
The Willow Trail Committee reminds us that lakes are still not safe due to warm or dark areas in the ice. These areas will be harder to identify with the projected snow. They urge extreme caution on all lakes.
Page Two articles are written by Emily Forstner and Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
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That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Monday, November 17, 2025