If you’ve been by the Palmer Municipal Golf course recently you probably saw a tall guy among the people getting ready for this season. That would be John Shirack. He’s the new manager of the Palmer Municipal Golf Course.
Opening day arrived last Thursday under less-than-ideal conditions. However, the cold temperatures and strong winds didn’t keep the golfers away. Shirack says turnout was solid and spirits were high. Many were just happy to be back on the course.
Play is limited to walking only as the grounds aren’t ready for carts yet. That could change soon. Drying winds have improved conditions. Shirack and crew expect to reassess the greens this week.
The refreshed clubhouse is a highlight. Feedback has been positive. The space has been cleaned up, repainted, and reorganized.
The pro shop desk moved to the front entrance to improve flow and accessibility. The seating area now has views of the mountains and course. It has become a welcoming spot for golfers to relax.
Shirack brings decades of experience to the position. Originally from Ohio, he began playing golf as a teenager. He became more serious about the game about 20 years ago.
He spent two decades at Settlers Bay Golf Course after retiring from a career in education. Shirack served more than a decade as golf operations manager.
The unusually cool weather this spring delayed the season opening. Grass growth is lagging due to low temperatures. Shirack says the slower start has helped ease his transition into the job.
Staffing is nearly complete. A few positions remained to fill in groundskeeping and concessions as of last week. Shirack expects to be fully operational soon. Looking ahead, the Midnight Sun tournament is scheduled near the summer solstice.
The golf course is under the City of Palmer Community Development Department.
Shirack says he’s been impressed by the support from city staff and leadership as the course transitions to municipal operations.
Shirack invites the community to come out, enjoy the course, and be part of this new chapter at the Palmer Municipal Golf Course.
In other news…
The Mat-Su Master Gardeners meet tonight from 7 to 9 p.m at the Rebarchek Farm on the Fairgrounds. Melissa Lytwyn will discuss greenhouse growing in the Valley.
Bring a donation of a canned good, box of cereal,or boxed/bagged pasta for the Palmer Food Bank. All are welcome.
The Mat-Su Borough Assembly is busy this week. At the special meeting today at 4 p.m. the assembly will do the annual evaluation of the borough manager.
The regular meeting is tomorrow at 6 p.m. We will stream the audio from bigcabbageradio.org.
There’s a special assembly meeting on Thursday at 6 p.m. for budget deliberations and possible adoption. Budget deliberations will continue next Tuesday and Thursday if needed.
The School Board meets on Wednesday night at 6 p.m. in the school board chambers. We will stream the audio from bigcabbageradio.org.
It’s spring cleanup week in Palmer today through Friday. Dumpsters will be stationed at the Palmer Sports Center for yard debris disposal from noon to 6 p.m. The Sports Center was previously name the MTA Ice Rink.
Separate grass/tree trimmings and yard debris from windstorm/construction debris. No household garbage or animal waste will be accepted. The annual city-wide cleanup will be on Saturday.
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This Page Two article was reported by MIke Chmielewski and produced by yours truly, 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 May 4, 2026.
(image from palmerak.org)