It’s time for Page Two, news that might not make the front page for Thursday January 22, 2026.
The Mat-Su Borough will repay almost $6 million in federal transit grants by 2029 according to an article in the Mat-Su Sentinel. This repayment resolves issues tied to the failed Knik Arm ferry project. Payments begin with $1.5 million by March. The borough will make annual payments of the principal only. No interest or penalties have been assessed.
The borough received $12.3 million in federal grants between 2002 and 2008 for the M/V Susitna project. The project was abandoned amid political disputes and funding shortfalls. The ferry was sold for $1.8 million.
Federal officials renewed their demand for repayment last year after years of silence. A final agreement was reached this month.
Shuffle and country style dance lessons include couples 2- step, swing, and line dancing on Friday from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Palmer Senior Center.
The Magician’s Nephew wraps up this weekend at Valley Performing Arts. Digory and his friend Polly set forth on a series of magical adventures with his uncle’s magic rings in this classic C.S. Lewis story. Get your tickets online at VPAalaska.org. The play runs Friday and Saturday night with its final performance at the Sunday matinee.
Aladdin Junior continues at the Glenn Massay theater. Step into a world of adventure, laughter, and unforgettable music. It runs Friday and Saturday nights and a Saturday matinee this weekend and next. Buy tickets at glennmassaytheater.com.
The Palmer Arts Council will hold its Annual Meeting at Lekker Coffee House tomorrow at 6 p.m. Rogues and Wenches will perform Irish music, sea shanties, and “pirate music” after the brief business meeting. The cost is $50 per person. Dinner is included and seating is limited. Register at palmerarts.org.
Harp Daddy meets Jesse James and the Unlikely Gentleman at the Silver Fox on Friday from 7 to 11 p.m. Shake off that winter chill on the dance floor! Doors open at 4 p.m. The music starts at 7 p.m.
Hot Dish plays Hatcher Pass Lodge on Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. Enjoy Bluegrass music in the beautiful mountain setting.
Denali Destroyer Dolls Roller Derby takes on Fairbanks Roller Derby in their opening home game of the season at Raven Hall on Saturday. Doors open at 6 p.m. First whistle blows at 7 p.m. Prepurchase tickets or reserve a table online. Link is at the bottom of this post. Triple Soul Food will be serving up delicious eats. This Denali Destroyed Dolls bout will support Best Friends Animal Rescue.
Catch Jamie Hanson in concert at the Musk Ox Farm on Sunday at 4 p.m. She is one of the up-and-coming talented musicians in the west with her original ‘backcountry pop’ sound. Link to tickets at muskoxfarm.org.
On the radio tomorrow Palmer Police Student Resource Officers Calvert & Barkwood join Mike Chmielewski on Inside the City at 8 a.m., repeating at 5:30 p.m.
And Mat-Su Borough Community Development Director Jillian Morrissey talks about the borough’s online reservation system for use of the pools. She also explains the signed waivers required for people volunteering at and using the borough’s pools on Valley Edition at 5 p.m. repeating Sat. at noon.
Page 2 airs weekdays at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:55 a.m., and about 6 p.m.
Please support Page 2 News. Pick.Click.Give to Big Cabbage Radio when you file online for your PFD.
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 Thursday January 22, 2026.