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Snowshoers make fresh tracks on Headquarters Lake on a weekly guided walk at Kenai National Wildlife? Refuge. (Photo by USFWS/Leah Eskelin/USFWS)

Refuge Notebook: Snowshoeing fun in the refuge

Having grown up in New England, I am no stranger to cold winters, lots of snow and season-specific outdoor recreational opportunities. Imagine my surprise while… Continue reading

Snowshoers make fresh tracks on Headquarters Lake on a weekly guided walk at Kenai National Wildlife? Refuge. (Photo by USFWS/Leah Eskelin/USFWS)
This decadent brioche dough is made rich with eggs and warm milk. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

A breakfast baked with love

Rich egg-filled brioche dough makes perfect French toast

This decadent brioche dough is made rich with eggs and warm milk. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Artwork from inside cover of report “Learning to Thrive: Alaska’s next economy in a warming world” by Alyssa Quintyne. (Alaska Climate Alliance)

My Turn: Two visions of Alaska’s future

As the world experiences this unparalleled moment of ecological crises, two competing visions are playing out in public discourse

Artwork from inside cover of report “Learning to Thrive: Alaska’s next economy in a warming world” by Alyssa Quintyne. (Alaska Climate Alliance)
Rex Edwards experimented with many activities, including fencing, for the students at the school in Seldovia. In the 1973-74 school year, he even attempted to coach football, even though the only “field” available was the beach. Here are the “Seldovia Retreaters” as they appeared in the school’s 1974 yearbook.

First in the Pool — Part 2

AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is the second part of a two-part story about former teachers Rex and Beverly Edwards and the advent of a swimming pool… Continue reading

Rex Edwards experimented with many activities, including fencing, for the students at the school in Seldovia. In the 1973-74 school year, he even attempted to coach football, even though the only “field” available was the beach. Here are the “Seldovia Retreaters” as they appeared in the school’s 1974 yearbook.
Nick Varney

Unhinged Alaska: Sorry about that column

Each year our massive staff normally sets aside a few columns to reply to inquiries and comments about Unhinged Alaska subject matters. Sadly, they were… Continue reading

Nick Varney
Skating on Arc Lake. (Ashlyn O'Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Out of the Office: New year, new hobby

As the saying goes, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. I don’t know if the word “can’t” is the best choice for that… Continue reading

Skating on Arc Lake. (Ashlyn O'Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Pastor Meredith Harber

Minister’s message: Shining inner glow of love and life in depths of winter

“It’s very simple. As you grow, you learn more. If you stayed at twenty-two, you’d always be as ignorant as you were at twenty-two. Aging… Continue reading

Pastor Meredith Harber
Kassándra Feltman portrays Pandora and Heather Prisk portrays Cassandra during a rehearsal of “Greece is the Word: The Zeusical” at the Kenai Performers’ Theatre in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

‘Zeusical’ brings Greek mythology, and souvlakis, to Kenai Performers’ stage

The recognizable names and iconic figures of Greek mythology are filling the Kenai Performers’ theater this month as the group prepares to put on “Greece… Continue reading

Kassándra Feltman portrays Pandora and Heather Prisk portrays Cassandra during a rehearsal of “Greece is the Word: The Zeusical” at the Kenai Performers’ Theatre in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
A copy of Jay Hammond's "Diapering The Devil: A Lesson for Oil Rich Nations" is held outside the Peninsula Clarion office on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024 in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O'Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Off the Shelf: Unfinished Hammond manuscript is biting origin story of Alaska Permanent Fund

When, in 2020, I considered moving to Alaska, there was no shortage of online forums, Reddit threads and other resources ready to answer everything I… Continue reading

A copy of Jay Hammond's "Diapering The Devil: A Lesson for Oil Rich Nations" is held outside the Peninsula Clarion office on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024 in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O'Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Poster for 2nd Annual Indigenous Language Film Festival. (Provided by Kenai Peninsula Borough School District’s Indigenous Education Progam)

KPBSD to host 2nd annual Indigenous Language Film Festival

Community submissions will be accepted until Feb. 16

Poster for 2nd Annual Indigenous Language Film Festival. (Provided by Kenai Peninsula Borough School District’s Indigenous Education Progam)
Chicken Katsu Curry. (Photo by Tressa Dale)

Chicken Katsu Curry brings back memories

Sometimes all it takes is a plate of food to transport you to the past. Just the sight of a familiar dish can whisk you… Continue reading

Chicken Katsu Curry. (Photo by Tressa Dale)
The village of Seldovia had to push hard to make sure that a pool was included when plans for the Susan B. English School were being finalized. Here, participants in the summer swim program pose in 1998. (Image courtesy of Rex and Beverly Edwards)

First in the Pool — Part 1

AUTHOR’S NOTE: A slightly modified version of this two-part story about former teachers Rex and Beverly Edwards and the advent of a swimming pool in… Continue reading

The village of Seldovia had to push hard to make sure that a pool was included when plans for the Susan B. English School were being finalized. Here, participants in the summer swim program pose in 1998. (Image courtesy of Rex and Beverly Edwards)
A donation box for used calendars is displayed at M&M Market in Nikiski, Alaska, on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. (Photo courtesy Toni Loop)

Recycling for ‘a better day’

Nikiski resident turns used calendars into homemade greeting cards

A donation box for used calendars is displayed at M&M Market in Nikiski, Alaska, on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. (Photo courtesy Toni Loop)
Barry Keoghan portrays Oliver Quick in “Saltburn.” (Promotional photo courtesy MGM Studios)

On the Screen: ‘Saltburn’ weird and fun, not as sharp as Fennell’s first outing

Since “Saltburn,” the second film by director Emerald Fennell, came to streaming last month, I’ve seen a lot of conversation about the film on social… Continue reading

Barry Keoghan portrays Oliver Quick in “Saltburn.” (Promotional photo courtesy MGM Studios)
A snowmachine at rest in front of the Snag Lake public use cabin. (Photo by credit Scott Slavick/USFWS)

Refuge Notebook: Preparedness is key to staying safe in the backcountry

If you spend any time in the backcountry, it’s bound to happen: an ankle sprain halfway into a day hike; afternoon wind unexpectedly turns a… Continue reading

A snowmachine at rest in front of the Snag Lake public use cabin. (Photo by credit Scott Slavick/USFWS)
This sweet rice dessert, yaksik, is traditional for New Year’s Day in Korea (specifically, the lunar new year) and is often made as a gift for friends and neighbors. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Gifting health on the New Year

This dish is packed with dried fruits and nuts and makes a delicious breakfast, snack or dessert

This sweet rice dessert, yaksik, is traditional for New Year’s Day in Korea (specifically, the lunar new year) and is often made as a gift for friends and neighbors. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
A copy of Judy Johnson’s “Alaskan Pioneer Girl” rests in the snow on Sunday, December 24, 2023 near Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Off the Shelf: Small town girl weaves tales of home

Local memoir is an engaging window into what life on the central peninsula looked like in the second half of the 20th century

A copy of Judy Johnson’s “Alaskan Pioneer Girl” rests in the snow on Sunday, December 24, 2023 near Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
In about 1948, after he and brother Alex had proven up on his homestead and were in the process of proving up on Alex’s, Marcus Bodnar poses here with his cabin along the Kenai River near the site of the bridge, which was just being built at this time. (Photo courtesy of the Bodnar Family Collection)

The Bodnar Brothers: Early to Arrive, Early to Depart — Part 2

Although their time on the peninsula was brief, they made an impact

In about 1948, after he and brother Alex had proven up on his homestead and were in the process of proving up on Alex’s, Marcus Bodnar poses here with his cabin along the Kenai River near the site of the bridge, which was just being built at this time. (Photo courtesy of the Bodnar Family Collection)
Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion
Artwork by Lynne O’Connor set for exhibition in the Kenai Art Center’s January show, “Feels Like Home,” awaits hanging at the Kenai Art Center in Kenai on Dec. 22.

Kenai Art Center looks to 2024, wants to make more people into artists

The lineup includes open call shows, a fundraiser, artist features, an exhibition for tattoo artists and the annual mural show

Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion
Artwork by Lynne O’Connor set for exhibition in the Kenai Art Center’s January show, “Feels Like Home,” awaits hanging at the Kenai Art Center in Kenai on Dec. 22.
File

Opinion: Is there a Santa Claus who can deliver education funding?

Santa could you please include something in your pack to raise the Base Student Allocation?

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