Michael Armstrong

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Spit crash that injured tourist also killed her dog

Arkansas woman suffered major injuries when driver veered into her on the Homer Spit Trail

 

Michael Armstrong poses at his desk in February 2015 at the Homer News in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by McKibben Jackinsky)

Out of the Office: So long, and thanks for all the cookies

Like many things in life, I didn’t intend to stay at the Homer News for 23 years and six months. When I first started working… Continue reading

 

Pete Kineen, a neighbor of the proposed Beachcomber LLC gravel pit, stands on his deck and points to where the pit could be, on May 2, 2019, in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)
Pete Kineen, a neighbor of the proposed Beachcomber LLC gravel pit, stands on his deck and points to where the pit could be, on May 2, 2019, in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

Judge upholds denial of Anchor Point gravel pit

Decision affirms decision of KPB Planning Commission to set standards in gravel pit applications.

 

Homer News Editor Michael Armstrong, left, and Senior Reporter Emilie Springer pose for a photo on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, at the paper offices in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Charlie Menke/Homer News)

Homer News editor Armstrong will retire

Armstrong started working at the Homer News in 1999

Homer News Editor Michael Armstrong, left, and Senior Reporter Emilie Springer pose for a photo on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, at the paper offices in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Charlie Menke/Homer News)
Some of the Homer Public Library books a citizens group has asked be removed from the children’s section lie on a table at the meeting of the Library Advisory Board on Nov. 15, 2022, in the Cowles Council Chambers at Homer City Hall in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Testimony on LGQBT+ library books runs 4 hours

Library board will consider issue at its Jan. 17 meeting.

Some of the Homer Public Library books a citizens group has asked be removed from the children’s section lie on a table at the meeting of the Library Advisory Board on Nov. 15, 2022, in the Cowles Council Chambers at Homer City Hall in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Two roses washed up with the tide on the Homer Spit on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Out of the Office: Finding grace on the beach

Last Monday while walking the Homer Spit beach I came across two red roses and a scattering of petals that had washed up on the… Continue reading

Two roses washed up with the tide on the Homer Spit on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Signs in honor of Duffy Murnane were available for people to hold while retracing her last known steps during the memorial walk on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2021. (Photo by Sarah Knapp/Homer News)

Man accused in Homer death extradited to Alaska

Kirby Calderwood is accused of killing Anesha “Duffy” Murnane

Signs in honor of Duffy Murnane were available for people to hold while retracing her last known steps during the memorial walk on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2021. (Photo by Sarah Knapp/Homer News)
The Homer Public Library as seen on Aug. 18, 2021, in Homer, Alaska. (File photo by Sarah Knapp/Homer News)

Library Advisory Board to consider petition to move LGBQT+ children’s books

By Michael Armstrong Homer News Should books with LGBQT+ themes be removed from the children’s and juvenile sections of the Homer Public Library? At its… Continue reading

The Homer Public Library as seen on Aug. 18, 2021, in Homer, Alaska. (File photo by Sarah Knapp/Homer News)
Friends and family of Louie Flora wave signs in support of the candidate for District 6 State House Representative on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, on Pioneer Avenue in Homer, Alaska. From left to right are Chelsea Jones, Jon Flora, Sandy the dog, Sarah Banks and Mikee Flora. Louie Flora’s children Sidney and Rocco are in the tent to the right. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Friends and family of Louie Flora wave signs in support of the candidate for District 6 State House Representative on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, on Pioneer Avenue in Homer, Alaska. From left to right are Chelsea Jones, Jon Flora, Sandy the dog, Sarah Banks and Mikee Flora. Louie Flora’s children Sidney and Rocco are in the tent to the right. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Stevens, Vance lead in preliminary results.

If results hold, incumbents could win on first round of ranked-choice voting.

Friends and family of Louie Flora wave signs in support of the candidate for District 6 State House Representative on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, on Pioneer Avenue in Homer, Alaska. From left to right are Chelsea Jones, Jon Flora, Sandy the dog, Sarah Banks and Mikee Flora. Louie Flora’s children Sidney and Rocco are in the tent to the right. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Friends and family of Louie Flora wave signs in support of the candidate for District 6 State House Representative on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, on Pioneer Avenue in Homer, Alaska. From left to right are Chelsea Jones, Jon Flora, Sandy the dog, Sarah Banks and Mikee Flora. Louie Flora’s children Sidney and Rocco are in the tent to the right. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
A recent photo of Anesha "Duffy" Murnane, missing since Oct. 17, 2019, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo provided, Homer Police Department)
A photo of Anesha “Duffy” Murnane, missing since Oct. 17, 2019, in Homer, Alaska. Kirby Calderwood, 32, of Ogden, Utah, is charged in the murder and kidnapping of Murnane. (Photo provided, Homer Police Department)

Calderwood to be extradited to Alaska

Man accused of killing Anesha “Duffy” Murnane pleads guilty to Utah charges, will come back to Alaska.

A recent photo of Anesha "Duffy" Murnane, missing since Oct. 17, 2019, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo provided, Homer Police Department)
A photo of Anesha “Duffy” Murnane, missing since Oct. 17, 2019, in Homer, Alaska. Kirby Calderwood, 32, of Ogden, Utah, is charged in the murder and kidnapping of Murnane. (Photo provided, Homer Police Department)
This artwork placed Sept. 11, 2022, on "Breathe," the 2022 Burning Basket in Homer, Alaska, expressed the author's hope that his prostate surgery would remove the cancer from his body. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Out of the Office: Journey to Cancerland

These Out of the Office columns give the writers of the Homer News and Peninsula Clarion an opportunity to tell of exciting adventures in our… Continue reading

This artwork placed Sept. 11, 2022, on "Breathe," the 2022 Burning Basket in Homer, Alaska, expressed the author's hope that his prostate surgery would remove the cancer from his body. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
A fishing boat passes the Silversea cruise ship Silver Wind as the boat enters the Homer Harbor on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Finding refuge

Silver Wind is one of two cruise ships to visit since pandemic.

A fishing boat passes the Silversea cruise ship Silver Wind as the boat enters the Homer Harbor on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
A recent photo of Anesha "Duffy" Murnane, missing since Oct. 17, 2019, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo provided, Homer Police Department)
A 2019 photo of Anesha “Duffy” Murnane, who went missing since Oct. 17, 2019, in Homer. (Photo provided, Homer Police Department)

Calderwood indicted for murder

Indictment charges man accused of killing Anesha “Duffy” Murnane with first-degree murder, kidnapping and sexual assault.

A recent photo of Anesha "Duffy" Murnane, missing since Oct. 17, 2019, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo provided, Homer Police Department)
A 2019 photo of Anesha “Duffy” Murnane, who went missing since Oct. 17, 2019, in Homer. (Photo provided, Homer Police Department)
Tyler Cordes. (Photo courtesy Homer Police)

Man charged in 2021 vehicle death

Police seek whereabouts of Tyler Cordes, charged with murder, manslaughter in death of Drew Brown.

Tyler Cordes. (Photo courtesy Homer Police)
As about 200 people watch, the 19th annual Burning Basket, "Breathe," catches fire on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, at Mariner Park on the Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Just breathe

Annual Homer Burning Basket lights up the Spit on Sunday night

As about 200 people watch, the 19th annual Burning Basket, "Breathe," catches fire on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, at Mariner Park on the Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
A still from “Jazzfest.” (Photo provided)

DocFest could be the golden year of documentaries — again

Homer Documentary Film Festival returns for 18th year with solid mix

A still from “Jazzfest.” (Photo provided)
Fog rolls in on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022 at the Halibut Campground in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Out of the Office: Rain happens

As I write this Sept. 8, since July 1 Homer has had eight days of clear weather, 30 days of rain and 31 days of… Continue reading

Fog rolls in on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022 at the Halibut Campground in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Soniyae Stephens Reid rehearses for "Dance Moves," one of the Alaska World Arts Festival events for the festival starting Friday. (Photo provided)

Alaska World Arts Festival back for 4th year

Festival includes a mix of live and virtual events

Soniyae Stephens Reid rehearses for "Dance Moves," one of the Alaska World Arts Festival events for the festival starting Friday. (Photo provided)
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Anchor Point man dies of unintentional gunshot wound

An Anchor Point man has died of an unintentional gunshot wound. Kenneth Defrancesco, 80, appeared to have been killed while getting out of his vehicle… Continue reading

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Recover, the 18th annual Burning Basket, starts to burn on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, at Mariner Park on the Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Burning Basket construction starts on Labor Day

The 19th annual Homer Burning Basket 2022 will be held Sept. 11 at Mariner Park on the Homer Spit. This year’s title is “BREATHE -… Continue reading

Recover, the 18th annual Burning Basket, starts to burn on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, at Mariner Park on the Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)