Radio Free Palmer

In this week’s show, Rachel and John discuss how federal changes might effect fisheries and vaccinations and what the Constitution says about Congress’s authority over federal and state armed forces.

Leah Corbin and Kelly Marciales from Spring Creek Farm join host Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters. They discussed some of the programs run at the farm. The Tilth program helps farmers by buying 2nds and “ugly vegetables” that are then distributed to local food banks or food programs. Food Forest takes food that grows and […]

Palmer Mayor Steve Carrington talks about the Palmer City Council Meeting of June 10th. Items discussed were a pathway from S. Chugach Street to behind Spenard Builders, and an update on the library rebuild. The manager updated the status of openings for the chief of police, the director of human resources, and the director of […]

Police Department Dispatch Supervisor Whitney Daw joins Mike Chmielewski on Inside the City. What happens when you call 911 if you live in Palmer? The call is answered by MAT-COM in Wasilla. If you need the fire department or emergency medical services, they will send the first responders to you. If you need the Palmer […]

Mike Chmeielewski talks with international bestselling author Ava Miles about her new book “The Hockey Experiment”. Dr. Valentina Hargrove is on a mission to prove once and for all that hockey players are modern-day cavemen. Her problem? Brock “The Rock” Thomson, captain of the Alexandria Eagles, who's as infuriatingly charming as he is undeniably intelligent. […]

Jeff Curtis, CEO of the Alaska State Fair, joins Mike Chmielewski on Valley Edition. Jeff Curtis’s first impression of the Alaska State Fair. What he noticed most was that, despite the not-so-perfect weather, the community’s response and love for the fair were overwhelming. This year will be Jeff’s third fair, and he talks to Mike […]

Peter House from Deep Tree talks with Mike Chmielewski about current cybersecurity threats. Peter House just returned from a trip to Chicago. He was there for a “Hacker Mini-Camp,” basically a week of presentations and learning. There were two presentations that he thought were relatable to us here in the valley. One was that three […]

Mike Chmielewski and Emily Forstner are discussing the school board meeting Wednesday, June 4th. The adoption of the budget was discussed at the meeting. Unfortunately, little can be decided until June 19th, when decisions will be made about House Bill 57. The governor has the potential to veto, delete, or reduce the education funding. Durham […]

City Manager, Kolby Hickel Zerkel joins Mike Chmielewski on Inside the City. Kolby and Mike talked about the timetable for the library. Bids for the demolition of the building must be received by June 11th at 2 pm. The plan is to have the demolition finished by the end of July, and new construction can […]

Nelson Crone gives the monthly update on the UAF Farm and Extension Center, along with his sage advice. Planting at the farm has included various grains, cabbage, and the research plots. The wind has been an issue for the last couple of weeks. Everyone’s hanging plants have taken a beating. Be careful moving your seedlings […]

Dr. Jill shares the fourth and last segment about Muscular/Skeletal issues with Lee Henrickson. Concentrating on lower body issues. That stretching is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Stretch before all exercise or activities.

Rachel Levitt and John Robertson review current Federal actions with an impact on Alaska.

Host Ken Hoffman talks with , Paul Cook, owner of the Northern Lights Elk Ranch on Ag Matters Paul Cook bought the ranch 4 years ago. They have 125 acres for hunting, 11 pastures, for a total of 315 acres.  All hunts are guided, and you won’t need a hunting license.  You are guaranteed an […]

Tom Begich, former Alaska Senator Minority leader, reviews the just-completed session of the Alaska legislature with Mike Chmielewski on the Valley Edition. The session ended one day early this year, Mr. Begich attributed this to a high level of communication and cooperation between both sides of the House. Other topics mentioned include educational funding and […]

Scott Blair from My Favorite Realty gives his opinion of the real estate market while talking to Mike Chmielewski. Scott mentioned that commercial real estate is growing along the Palmer-Wasilla Highway. They also discussed the growth in the Fishhook area. Half of the area is considered Wasilla and half is considered Palmer. So be sure […]

Mayor Steve Carrington discusses the City Council, Tuesday, May 27, night meeting with Mike Chmieleski. Votes are collected from three places: Election Day, during Early Voting, and through Absentee Ballots. Once all the ballots are counted, that process is finished, the election is certified. The process of adding to the agenda was explained. The work […]

Sarah Birdsall, an Alaskan writer, lives in Talkeetna. Sarah talked to Mike Chmielewski about the Curry area and how she blends true history with her imagination to create this story. In 1974 young Californians Thomas Findlay and Emily Wells dig post holes for a cabin on that very hill and unearth a human bone. The […]

Judy Gette, Seina Bell, and young readers Wren and Milo will discuss Wings of Fire, the 14th book written in the Dragonet Series by Tui T. Sutherland. Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy is about the five young Dragonets of Destiny: Clay, Glory, Sunny, Tsunami, and Starlight, and how they escaped from the guardians assigned to […]

Rachel Levitt and John Robertson review current Federal actions with an impact on Alaska.

On this month's episode of Voices of the Mat-Su titled“Braver Than We Believe,” we hear from two people who pulled themselves up out of crisis and chaos. Stories of finding strength and hope through belonging and friendship..

This week's episode of Home to Roost features a discussion of the Valley’s Ukrainian refugees, how tariff uncertainly is affecting local businesses, and the origin and importance of habeas corpus.

Fore! Palmer Golf Course Manager George Collum joins Mike Chmielewski on Big Cabbage Radio

Whitney and Tiffany from Ag West Farm Credit talk with host Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters. Ag West is cooperative costumer owned lending institution chartered by the Federal government, Ag West can help farms, fisheries, aquatic, flowers and matter other catagories with loans or insurance.

Dr. Jill discusses muscular and skeletal issues for when activity increases as spring and summer arrive. Part 1

Palmer Mayor Steve Carrington talks with Mike Chmielewski about the Palmer City Council meeting on Tuesday the 13th. Police Chief Dwayne Shelton announced that he would be retiring on May 31st. Then Commander, Dwayne Shelton was made chief in December of 2019.

David Cheezem talks with Mike Chmielewski about his bicycle trip and Dunkirk, New York. Walking around Lake Erie as the area gets ready for the summer tourist season. Join David and Mike all summer as he travels through Western New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, the Dakotas and more.

Police Commander Luke Szipszky talks with Mike Chmielewski about how and why people come to the attention of the police. Comparing direct observations versus complaint driven calls.

Nelson Crone joins Mike Chmielewski to give the monthly update on the UAF Farm and Extension Service along with his sage advice. This spring the lack of snow has allowed the fields to dry up and work can start earlier.

Three representatives from the Alaska Commission on Aging described the wide range of information and support available from the Commission.

Palmer’s new City Manager, Kolby Zerkel discusses her impressions of Palmer after one week on the job.

Join Dr. Jill to learn about food allergies and microbiomes.

Karianne Smith, new owner of Bushes Bunches joins host Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters.

Palmer mayor Steve carrington discusses this week’s Special City Council meeting.

April is the Month of the Military Child. In“We Serve Too”, this month's episode of Voices of the Mat-Su, we learn a little more about the challenges and the pride in being a military child. L

Real Estate Agent, Scott Blair from My Favorite Realty, talks about the realities of buying and selling property in the valley.

Mayor Steve Carrington

Emily summarizes the school board meeting

Deputy Fire Chief John Prevost joins Mike Chmielewski on Inside the City

Deputy Fire Chief John Prevost joins Mike Chmielewski on Inside the City

Author Binnie Kirshenbaum “Counting Backwards” A middle-aged couple struggles with the husband’s descent into early-onset Lewy Body dementia in this profound and deeply moving novel.

Lisa Sauder from the Alzheimer's Resources of Alaska joins Mike Community Health Connections features programs and opportunities from the Mat-Su Health Foundation

Brothers Sean & Ammon Walker of First Colony Farms join host Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters

Tune in to the audio of the Palmer City Council meeting

David Cheezem did a 90-day NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) trip 45 years ago. Jaxson Lee just came back from a 60-day NOLS trip. They discuss the impact of their experiences with Mike on Valley Edition.

Peter House from Deep Tree talks about current cybersecurity threats

Emly Forstner interviews Superintendent Dr. Trani on Inside the District

Interim Museum Director Pat Chesbro https://www.bigcabbageradio.org/2025/04/23/inside-t

Looking back and looking forward: David Cheezem and Jaxson Lee reflect on experiences with two different NOLs outdoor experiences, David in 1980 in Kenya, Jaxson in 2025 in Patagonia.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/y92aztyrjczdldbq1f07a/Fromthefarm2025-4-1.mp3?rlkey=d8w36ah9ntfyh9cxgb0mfafts&st=13qidi77&raw=1 Nelson Crone gives the monthly update on the UAF Farm and Extension Service along with his sage advice

Denise Hardy from the Reindeer Farm joins host Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters

https://www.bigcabbageradio.org/2025/04/17/ag-matters-the-matanuska-farm-marke