It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Monday March 23, 2026.
The City of Palmer is planning two road projects in the downtown area this summer to improve safety and accessibility. The new library construction will start this summer, too.
Improvements on East Evergreen Avenue beside the Depot will mirror the East Fireweed improvements made last year. The railroad tracks will be removed. The road will be leveled.
A sidewalk will be added to the south side of the street. And flashing stop signs will be placed on Valley Way at the T-intersection when the project is done. This project begins after school ends and will finish before the next school year starts.
Temporary road closures and detours near the Depot are expected during construction. The city will coordinate with local events like Friday Fling and keep the public informed.
East Cedar Avenue will be extended across the rail trail corridor to Valley Way. Sidewalks and bike path connections will be added. This project is expected to have minimal impact because the area sees little traffic. The new road will allow the police quicker access to the downtown area and points west. It may relieve congestion at the Valley Way – East Evergreen intersection.
The road projects will improve traffic flow, walkability, bike access, and pedestrian safety in the downtown area.
The City of Palmer awarded the contract for the construction of the new library to H5 Construction. H5 began moving heavy machinery to the site before seasonal weight restrictions for roads take effect. The restrictions make it harder to transport the heavy machinery needed for construction.
The library parking lot will be closed to the public when construction starts. H5 will use it for equipment, materials, and operations. Control of the site has been handed over to H5 for safety and efficiency.
The presence of the equipment signals that the long-awaited project is underway. Residents can expect to see visible progress when the construction starts in May.
Preseason sales of Palmer Golf Course passes are available. See palmerak.org for the rate sheet and information.
The Mat-Su chapter of the Alaska Farm Bureau meets tonight at 6 p.m. at the Depot. All are welcome. More info at alaskafb.org.
The Borough Parks, Recreation and Trails Advisory Board also meets tonight at 6 p.m. at the borough building. The public is welcome to attend.
The Palmer City Council meets tomorrow at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers. On the agenda is a resolution to add the positions of Golf Course Manager and Facilities Operations – Pro Shop Lead to the city pay plan. Both positions are posted on the City website.
You can listen to or watch the meeting at bigcabbageradio.org. Just click the streamed meetings button.
The Mat-Su Employer Expo is on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Menard Center in Wasilla. The Mat-Su Job Center can help you prepare for the Expo with resume assistance and more. Contact the Mat-Su Job Center at 352-2500 for more information.
The Mat-Su Middle College is hosting a family information night on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Mat-Su College. The Middle College is for juniors and seniors in the Mat-Su Borough School District interested in attaining college credit while attending high school.
Page 2 airs weekdays at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:50 a.m., and 6 p.m.Tune in at 89.7 in Palmer, 89.5 in Sutton, 88.3 in Chickaloon and Glacier View or online at bigcabbageradio.org.
Please support Page 2 News. Please Pick.Click.Give to Big Cabbage Radio when you file online for your PFD.
This Page Two article was written by Mike Chmielewski 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 March 23, 2026.