Judy Gette and friends discuss “Etta and Otto and Russell and James” by Emma Hooper on Radio Book Club.

Otto Vogel wakes before dawn on his farm in rural Saskatchewan, Canada, to find a letter from his wife, Etta. She will return if she can; she has never seen water and has gone in search of the ocean.

Judy, Judy, and Melissa discuss the symbolism throughout the novel: the color blue from the sea and the ink Etta uses to write her letters. James, the talking coyote —is he just a part of Etta’s dementia, or more? You will have to listen to the Radio Book Club and read the book to find out.

Dan Bigley, Chief Executive Officer/President of Denali Family Services, joins Mike Chmielewski on Valley Edition.

Dan Bigley has spent sixteen years at Denali Family Services. Denali Family Services helps children living with serious emotional disturbance or trauma. Thier clients range in age three to twenty-one. The goal is to provide Alaska’s youth and families the support and healthy connections needed to be resilient, flourish, and thrive.

If you, your family, or someone you know might need help. You can contact Denali Family Services at 907-274-8281, on Facebook, or on their website.

Mayor Cooper and Mike Chmielewski discussed issues from the October 14th City Council meeting.

Three actions were approved: authorizing the City Manager, Kolby Zerkel, to award the Airport Lighting Project to Granite Construction; awarding a contract to HDL Engineering Consultants for the Survey, Final Design, and Bidding Assistance for the Evergreen Avenue Improvements Project; and developing a Design Study Report for the Headworks Rehabilitation Project at the City of Palmer’s Wastewater Treatment Plant.

There were two ordinances aimed at restricting camping on public land and sleeping on the sidewalk. It was decided to postpone action so that the new council members could become familiar with the ordinances.

Mike Chmielewski welcomes Herb Bischoff back from Bhutan.

When asked about Bhutan, Herb said they don’t have a GNP; they have a Gross National Happiness Scale. This scale includes environmental conservation, cultural preservation, good government, and sustainable development. Bhutan has only been open to tourists since September 2022. Most of the population lives in Thimphu, the capital city. Herb traveled southern and central Bhutan and saw no police, but he did see rangers moving a juvenile leopard to a rehabilitation facility.

Frank Bell from Palmer Brewing Company joins host Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters.

Palmer Brewing Co. is located in Palmer’s Industrial Park, where Arkose Brewery used to be. Frank got his start in home brewing and enjoyed not just the science but also the art of creating beer, as well as the camaraderie he has found with other brewers. Frank and his brewer, Jeremiah Boone, are hoping for 13 or 14 brews on tap for the opening. The opening will be in December or February. Keep tuned to the brewery’s Facebook page for more news.

Mike Chmielewski visits with Carol Dorman, Director of Youth Arc-hive.

Carol explained what Youth Arc-hive stands for: Youth Arc stands for Youth Amusement Recreation Center and Hive stands for Hope, Integrity, Veriitas, and Education. To join the children sign an insurance waiver and a conduct pledge. It is located in the basement of the Eagle Hotel. The basement is set up for many uses and has a stage, a dance floor, a music room, a movie area, a food court, two pool tables, two foosball tables, and so much more. They also rent out the space to other groups. You can reach Carol and have a look at the space via their website.

Scott Blair from My Favorite Realty talks with Mike Chmielweski about the real estate market.

Scott notes there is a slight seller’s advantage this month. Mike and Scott compared Palmer’s market to Wasilla’s market. In Palmer, you get a bigger house but less land. In Wasilla, you get a smaller home with half an acre to a full acre. The median list price of a home in Palmer is $569,000, and in Wasilla it is $495,000.

Mike Chemielewski talked to Norman Woolworth about his second novel, The Bolden Cylinder.

Norman talked about why he writes historical novels set in New Orleans and why he is fascinated by the city. Quirky New Orleans antiques dealer Bruneau Abellard is the protagonist in his two books. In The Bolden Cylinder, Bruneau listens to a vintage phonograph cylinder he found in the secret compartment of a sideboard and wonders if he has stumbled upon an essential piece of musical history.

Airport Superintendent John Diumenti joins Mike Chmielewski on Inside the City

Airport Superintendent John Diumenti describes the history of the purchase of the land for both the Palmer Airport and the golf course. Both entities have become bigger and more useful to the city. There is a potential collision in the near future that involves the grant under which the FAA first provided funds to the city to the purchase the underlying property of both the airport and the golf course. It’s important to note that this is not something that will not be immediately resolved. The City Council is looking into how to deal with the changing relationships and increased costs, particularly for the golf course. Stay tuned.

Emily Forstner chats with School District Superintendent Dr. Randy Trani on Valley Edition.

Emily and Dr. Trani discussed Mat-Su Central School and hybrid learning. Then noted that home school high school students tend to take core curriculum classes, such as math, while elementary students tend to take enrichment classes, such as music and art. Dr. Trani also explained the connection between enrollment and dollars per student.

Dr. Trani believes that being good is not enough; good is the enemy of great. You have to keep moving, keep innovating, keep striving for greatness.