It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Friday February 20, 2026.
The Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services allocated $272 million dollars to the State of Alaska to update the state’s healthcare systems according to Speech Language Pathologist Mary Dooher.
Dooher spoke to the Mat Su School Board during the Persons to be Heard section of their meeting on Wednesday. She explained that the Rural Health Transformation Program has several goals.
These include maternal and child health; expanding access to essential services closer to home; promoting healthy communities and preventative care; advancing value-based care and fiscal sustainability; strengthening the health care workforce; and modernizing technology infrastructure.
Dooher notes that Alaska’s healthcare systems are interconnected. Funds could be awarded to groups associated with both the rural and urban areas. And she asked the School Board to support School District staff who submit projects that would meet the criteria of the program.
The first step in the grant process is to file a letter of intent via the Alaska Department of Health website. Scroll down on the home page to the Press Release for information and the link. Organizations may submit a letter of intent through March 11.
The Alaska State Fair is seeking candidates to serve on its seven-member Board of Directors. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 23. Three board seats for three-year terms are open. Voting will take place at the Fair’s annual meeting on May 20. Eligible voters include current annual and lifetime members.
Candidates must be Alaska residents, at least 18 years old, current Fair members, and meet specific employment and family eligibility requirements. Application packets are available online at alaskastatefair.org or at the Fair’s main office. Contact Administrative Services Manager Jerry Baker at jerry@alaskastatefair.org for more information.
Learn about the Sun and Space Weather at the Depot on Monday. The sun affects more than the weather. Its solar flares, winds and magnetic storms create what scientists call Space Weather. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The presenter starts at 7 p.m. This event is free and no registration needed. It is sponsored by the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation and Revel Treks and Tours.
The annual Mat-Su Transportation Fair is next Wednesday at Raven Hall on the Fairgrounds from 3 to 7 p.m. There are going to be over 100 projects and programs to review. They represent millions of dollars in public funds and decades of community impact. Come see the current plans and provide feedback to the design teams.
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This Page Two article was written by David Cheezem 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 Friday February 20, 2026.