Alaska Star - Briefs:

Standard & Poor's tells city bond rating safe
The municipality of Anchorage's "AA" bond rating is safe despite some questions surrounding the state of city finances when the national bond rating agency last evaluated the state of municipal finances.

Nature Center forum set for future development
The Eagle River Nature Center will host a community forum today at 6 p.m. The Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation will present alternative concepts for development of a new facility at site location B. For information or inquiries about the forum call Lucille Baranko at 269-7506 or visit http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks.

Mayor pitches priorities to Legislature
Mayor Dan Sullivan spent three days in Juneau last week meeting with state lawmakers about Anchorage's legislative priorities. During his stay in the capital he met with the entire Anchorage legislative caucus.

Astronaut is speaker at 'Night with the Stars'
Friends of Eagle River Nature Center's invites the community to join them for the fifth annual "Night with the Stars" March 19. The annual event will feature a special presentation by astronaut William "Bill" Oefelein.

First Lady to honor outstanding volunteers
First Lady Sandy Parnell invites Alaskans to recognize their fellow citizens who have performed extraordinary volunteer service, by nominating them for the First Lady's Volunteer of the Year Awards.

Chugiak-Eagle River Food Pantry expands its hours
The Chugiak- Eagle River Food Pantry is expanding its hours to better serve its clients. The new hours are: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays.

Dahlstrom seeks recognition of Purple Heart day
Rep. Nancy Dahlstrom has led the charge to create Purple Heart day in Alaska, to honor soldiers who were wounded in battle. On August 7, 1782, Gen. George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit to honor military enlisted men and noncommissioned officers. This badge was only awarded to three Revolutionary War soldiers and then fell to the wayside after the war.

Sen. Fred Dyson returns to work after brief hospitalization
State Parks announces anniversary photo contest
Draft Chugach State Park Plan ready for review
Municipality recruiting election workers
Public hearing set for library naming
Legislative town hall meeting Feb. 13
State affairs committee considers webcams
Eagle River traffic study subject of public meeting
Municipality recruiting election workers