Life

Historic Elwell Lodge Guest Cabin is seen at its new spot near the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge’s Visitor Center. (USWS)

Around the peninsula

Local events and happenings coming soon.

 

Nián gāo is a traditional Lunar New Year treat enjoyed in China for over two thousand years. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

A Lunar New Year’s treat

This sweet, steamed rice cake is chewy, gooey and full of positivity.

 

This excerpt from a U.S. Geological Survey map shows the approximate location of Snug Harbor on lower Kenai Lake. It was in this area that William Weaver nearly drowned in 1910.

Ben Swesey: More to the story — Part 2

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Michigan’s hard-luck Swesey clan sprang into existence because of the misfortunes of the Basom clan. All those trials and tribulations, however, led Benjamin… Continue reading

 

This screenshot from David Paulides’s “Missing 411” YouTube podcast shows the host beginning his talk about the disappearance of Ben Swesey and William Weaver.

Ben Swesey: More to the story — Part 1

More than a hundred years after Ben Swesey and Bill Weaver steered an outboard-powered dory out of Resurrection Bay and were never seen again, an… Continue reading

This screenshot from David Paulides’s “Missing 411” YouTube podcast shows the host beginning his talk about the disappearance of Ben Swesey and William Weaver.
This dish is creamy, rich and comforting, and gets dinner time done fast. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

Full of mother’s love

This one-pot dish is creamy, rich and comforting, and can be ready in 30 minutes.

This dish is creamy, rich and comforting, and gets dinner time done fast. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
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Minister’s Message: Rhythms and routines

Your habits are already forming you.

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Photo by Clark Fair This 2025 image of the former grounds of the agricultural experiment station in Kenai contains no buildings left over from the Kenai Station days. The oldest building now, completed in the late 1930s, is the tallest structure in this photograph.

The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 8

Over the past 50 years or more, the City of Kenai has attempted on several occasions to capitalize on its long history, particularly on the… Continue reading

Photo by Clark Fair This 2025 image of the former grounds of the agricultural experiment station in Kenai contains no buildings left over from the Kenai Station days. The oldest building now, completed in the late 1930s, is the tallest structure in this photograph.
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Minister’s Message: So your life story can be better

Last month the Christmas story was displayed in nativity scenes, read about from the Bible and acted out in church pageants. The excitement of the… Continue reading

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These gyros make a super delicious and satisfying tofu dish. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

A new addition to the menu

Tofu gyros with homemade lentil wraps are so surprisingly satisfying and add extra fiber and protein to a meal.

These gyros make a super delicious and satisfying tofu dish. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

Death notice: Marvin “Ted” Dale Smith

Marvin “Ted” Dale Smith passed on Dec. 27, 2025 in his home. There will be a celebration of life at the Anchor Point Church in… Continue reading

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Minister’s Message: The longest distance

It is very common today to be able to measure everything. Just my watch can pinpoint where I am globally while also calculating my steps… Continue reading

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Photo courtesy of the Arness Family Collection L. Keith McCullagh, pictured here aboard a ship in about 1915, was a U.S. Forest Service ranger charged with establishing a ranger station in Kenai, a task that led him to the agricultural experiment station there and into conflict with “Frenchy” Vian and his friends.

The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 7

AUTHOR’S NOTE: After the agricultural experiment station in Kenai closed May 1, 1908, Alaska station supervisor C.C. Georgeson had to decide the fate of the… Continue reading

Photo courtesy of the Arness Family Collection L. Keith McCullagh, pictured here aboard a ship in about 1915, was a U.S. Forest Service ranger charged with establishing a ranger station in Kenai, a task that led him to the agricultural experiment station there and into conflict with “Frenchy” Vian and his friends.
These treats are full of fiber and protein and contain less sugar than a Nutri-grain bar, so you can feel good about spoiling yourself a little. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

A treat for a new start

These cosmic brownies are a healthier, homemade version of the usual cafeteria currency.

These treats are full of fiber and protein and contain less sugar than a Nutri-grain bar, so you can feel good about spoiling yourself a little. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
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Weekly events guide: Juneau community calendar for Jan. 12-18

Visit Juneau Arts and Humanities Council at JAHC.org for more details on this week’s happenings.

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This twisted pastry is complex and unexpected and a perfect place to practice boldness. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

Going boldly with pastry

All kinds of flavor combinations taste great layered between crispy, buttery phyllo.

This twisted pastry is complex and unexpected and a perfect place to practice boldness. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
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Minister’s Message: Relating to people on a deeper level

One of the real benefits of working with people in ministry is the opportunity to relate to people on a deeper level. When I entered… Continue reading

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The cover of The Clenched Fist, the memoir by Alice M. Brooks and Willietta E. Kuppler concerning their 1911-14 teaching tenure in Kenai

The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 6

AUTHOR’S NOTE: By 1907, the end of the line had nearly arrived for Kenai’s agricultural experiment station, which had begun operation just north of the… Continue reading

The cover of The Clenched Fist, the memoir by Alice M. Brooks and Willietta E. Kuppler concerning their 1911-14 teaching tenure in Kenai
This yellow split pea curry is mild and rich with coconut milk and spices and makes a complete meal when paired with steamed rice. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

Food to fuel growing minds

This yellow split pea curry, paired with steamed rice, is a complete meal and the perfect fuel for any kind of marathon.

This yellow split pea curry is mild and rich with coconut milk and spices and makes a complete meal when paired with steamed rice. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
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Minister’s Message: God’s gift to us

Another Christmas in the bag. Another round of wrapped boxes deconstructed. Another season saturated in the story of a baby born in a manger all… Continue reading

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Prof. C.C. Georgeson, circa 1910s, inspects an apple tree on one of his Alaska agricultural experiment stations. (Image from the Rasmuson Library historical archives at the University of Alaska Fairbanks)

The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 5

AUTHOR’S NOTE: A presidential executive order in January 1899 had set aside 320 acres of land near Russian Orthodox Church property in the village of… Continue reading

Prof. C.C. Georgeson, circa 1910s, inspects an apple tree on one of his Alaska agricultural experiment stations. (Image from the Rasmuson Library historical archives at the University of Alaska Fairbanks)