It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Monday, January 19, 2026.
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday. Schools, government buildings, and banks are closed. Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Glenn Massay from 1 to 4 p.m. Learn about the history of the Alcan Highway construction during WWII, the first official example of racial integration in the U.S. Army.
MEA and the other Railbelt utilities face a shortage of natural gas from Cook Inlet. Natural gas powers the facilities that generate electricity. MEA is working on providing inexpensive electricity after contracts with Hillcorp Alaska for Cook Inlet gas end in 2028.
For instance, the MEA Board of Directors approved a one-year extension of its natural gas supply agreement with Hillcorp and a new gas storage agreement. The extension secures the supply of Cook Inlet natural gas through March of 2029.
The expanded gas storage capacity allows MEA to store gas for use during the winter or other periods of high electricity demand. This improves reliability and energy security.
The negotiated gas prices in the agreement remain lower than other recently approved Cook Inlet gas contracts. However, MEA estimates electric rates will increase by about 5% per year because of the extension.
MEA CEO Tony Izzo said the agreement prioritizes affordability and reliability for members. Hilcorp Alaska Senior Vice President Luke Saugier said the extension supports increased investment and accelerated gas production in Cook Inlet.
Both contracts have been filed with the Regulatory Commission of Alaska. The RCA is expected to review the filings in early this year.
The extension provides MEA additional time to implement a long-term energy plan to provide affordable and reliable electricity for its members going forward.
MEA’s power generation facilities can operate on diesel as well as natural gas. Diesel is more expensive. It can serve as a bridging solution as new methods of electricity generation are brought online after 2029.
LNG import and storage projects, an in-state gas pipeline, additional regional gas supplies, and expanded renewable energy are all being explored.
We will stream the audio of the Borough Assembly meeting on Tuesday Jan 20 at 6 p.m on bigcabbageradio.org.
We will stream the audio of the School District meeting on Wednesday at 6 p.m. on bigcabbageradio.org.
The third Public Meeting on the Jonesville Shooting Range and Park master planning is on Wednesday between 5 and 7 p.m. The two sessions are at 5 p.m. and at 6 p.m.
Borough and Department of Natural Resources staff will provide project background. The project team will provide a presentation of the preferred alternative for the development of the shooting range area.
Attendees are then invited to interact with the project team and provide input. The meeting will be in the Sutton Elementary School Gym, 11672 Wright Way, Sutton.
The MASCOT Arts January Script Club talks about Thornton Wilder and acts out favorite scenes of his work. All are welcome at 6 p.m. at the Trinity Barn, 10355 E Palmer Wasilla Hwy. #118.
Also on Wednesday is an information night for the Mat-Su Middle College at 6:30 p.m. at the Glenn Massay Theater at Mat-Su College. Middle College high school juniors and seniors can earn high school and college credit at the same time.
Here are a few things on the radio this Wednesday:
Tandy Hogate from Common Ground Alaska joins host Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters on Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. repeating at 5:30 p.m.
Peter House from Deep Tree talks about current cybersecurity threats on Wednesday. at 8 a.m. repeating at 5 p.m.
Page 2 airs weekdays at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:55 a.m., and about 6 p.m.
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This Page Two article was written and read by 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, January 19, 2026.