Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Democracy begins at home
Greetings from Ecuador. I have not been able to keep up to date on the political situation between the United States, Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador.

Shooting range spending triggers reader's response
I just was reading my morning newspaper and I am appalled and heartbroken.

Dinner helps 'Love' grow
The ministry of Love in the Name of Christ would like to express our sincerest thanks to all who made the Love INC Family Hope Center presentation dinner a huge success.

Community effort helps kids succeed in DARE
The Kenai Police Department and the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District have worked cooperatively for the past 15 years to teach fifth-grade students the DARE program at the Mountain View Elementary School in Kenai.

Local club joins the circus
Some people might call trying to occupy 90 to 150 kids a circus, and this week they would be right, as today the "Join Our Circus" event kicks off at the Soldotna Boys and Girls Club.

Photo feature: Red-hot spring
It may still be a little too early for a robin sighting, but the distinct red cap and pink breast of this redpoll are a clear indication spring is in the air.

Photo feature: Spring cleaning
Volunteers pool their efforts to sweep up a season's worth of sand from the parking lot at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Kenai last weekend.

Kenai man out on bail 23-year-old awaits trial in homicide case
Kenai man out on bailA 23-year-old Kenai man charged in the Aug. 13, 2007, shooting death of a Kenai teen was released on bail Friday pending trial in Superior Court.

KPC hosts linguist
In today's world, learning as much about the Middle East as possible is important, even for small communities like Kenai and Soldotna.

Bigfoot sightings confirmed by AWCC
Some call it Sasquatch. Some call it Yeti. Call it whatever you want, Bigfoot has been spotted in Portage.

Cities may qualify for federal aid
When Kenai Mayor Pat Porter asked a federal program director two weeks ago if renewable energy grants are available through his agency for municipal buildings, she was told they are not. But the door was not shut on getting federal help.

Resolution would back bill to raise tax ceiling
Assemblyman Gary Superman has introduced a resolution supporting an Alaska Senate bill that would raise the current optional residential tax exemption from $20,000 to $100,000.

Borough reviews surcharge
That small surcharge on your monthly phone bill imposed by the Kenai Peninsula Borough for operating its enhanced E911 emergency system is generating more revenue than expected, and borough Mayor John Williams has proposed cutting the rate by about 15 percent.

Opal Ruth Robison
Longtime Kenai resident Opal Ruth Robison died Sunday, March 30, 2008, at the Nicholson's Assisted Living Home in Kenai. She was 77.

Nikiski Community News
Nikiski resident Tyler Morrison, a kindergartener at Nikiski North Star Elementary, had his head shaved and raised $265 at the recent St. Baldricks event held on St. Patrick's Day. Tyler raised money for the foundation which raises awareness and funds to cure children's cancer. His mother, Chrissy, said he wanted to participate for the children and he loved the experience.

Sterling Community News
The Soldotna Silver Salmon swimming team has four Sterling members. Micah Sterling is new to swimming this year. Kaydi Marckesano, Kaitlyn Groleske and Christian Carrico are more experienced swimmers who have earned the right to compete at The Speedo Alaska Junior Olympic Championships.

Ninilchik Community News
Did you notice the "Three Little Pigs" artwork at the Ninilchik Health Fair? When I saw Helena Bock and Kristie Hanson creating the artwork to decorate the Carol Bock Hall last week, it looked like they were having a lot of fun.

Kenai Community News
Editor's note: Joan is out of the area. Kenai community members may submit news to news@peninsulaclarion.com for inclusion the Kenai Neighbors section.

Kasilof Community News
Weight restrictions were posted on Kasilof roads as of March 24. A myth has road maintenance men sticking long poles in potholes then when they feel an automobile, weight limits are assigned.

Around the Peninsula
Theft prevention program offered Fair fundraiser planned Saturday Dinner, auction fundraiser planned Racing club to meet Soccer registration schedule to begin Spring bazaar slated Library seeks volunteers

Soldotna Community News
Happy Monday Soldotna Neighbors.

Around the Peninsula
Beekeepers buzzing with activity Garden club set to bloom Caregiver meetings set Counseling group to meet in April Military to be honored Spring bazaar slated

Around the District
Aurora Borealis Charter Connections home-school IDEA home-school Kalifornsky Beach Elementary Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science Kenai Central High Kenaitze Head Start Mountain View Elementary Ninilchik School Nikiski Middle-High Nikiski North Star Redoubt Elementary Sears Elementary Skyview High School Soldotna High Soldotna Elementary Soldotna Middle Sterling Elementary Tustumena Elementary Wings Christian Academy

Teens should focus on others, not themselves
What do teenagers think about? This is something that I wonder myself, even though I am one. At times I feel like I am the only one to feel the way I do until I open my mouth and tell someone. Even then I feel like we are not on the same level and no amount of explaining can make anyone understand what I care about.

A spoonful of life
Students at Kenai Central High School are on a first-name basis with 75 residents of Spoon River, Ill., even though they've been dead for about 90 years now.