News and Notes

Kathryn Knackstedt and Austin Daly, both of Kenai, and Alex Weeks, of Soldotna, have been named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2016 Semester… Continue reading

Tips for traveling in bear country

ANCHORAGE — A basic rule on what to do when encountering a bear in the wilderness is so common, it’s long been a mantra: “If… Continue reading

Labels lose something in translation

My wife bought me a big bottle of multivitamins the other day. I didn’t take that as an insult, but simply as an early warning.… Continue reading

Church News

Church begins Perpetual Garage Sales Our Lady of Perpetual Help will begin Perpetual Garage Sales through July/August for various ministry outreaches: Prison Ministry, Haiti Housing… Continue reading

Close-up view of a tardigrade's claws that can range from two small 'Y' shaped points to oddly-shaped barbed fish hooks depending on the species. (Photo by Rebekah Brassfield, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge)

Refuge Notebook: Moss piglets? More common than you think on the Kenai

Mosses and lichens are among the most abundant plants on the Kenai Peninsula, both of which contribute to the ecosystem on a large scale. But… Continue reading

Close-up view of a tardigrade's claws that can range from two small 'Y' shaped points to oddly-shaped barbed fish hooks depending on the species. (Photo by Rebekah Brassfield, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge)

An Outdoor View: Saving the kings

Unless you’ve been in a coma for the past several years, you’ve heard that the so-called early run of Kenai River king salmon is in… Continue reading

In this undated photo, the white bracts of a kousa dogwood make the tree a beautiful sight to behold in summer and are shown here in New Paltz, NY. (Lee Reich via AP)

Dogwoods’ beauty continues into summer

The last of the “hounds of spring” is in its glory. Dogwood.The flamboyant show began back in late winter when cornelian cherry (Cornus mas), a… Continue reading

In this undated photo, the white bracts of a kousa dogwood make the tree a beautiful sight to behold in summer and are shown here in New Paltz, NY. (Lee Reich via AP)

Voices of Faith: Stop being a spectator, get involved

Early one morning, I found myself thanking the Lord that I live in a land that is filled with churches. Then I thought of the… Continue reading

FILE - This image released by Disney shows Ruby Barnhill and the Big Friendly Giant from Giant Country, voiced by Mark Rylance, in a scene from"The BFG." "The Legend of Tarzan" and "The BFG" were both dwarfed by "Finding Dory" over the July 4th weekend, as the Pixar sequel led the box office for the third straight weekend. (Disney via AP, File)

Reeling it in: ‘BFG’ a beautiful film, but falls flat

“The Big Friendly Giant” Walt Disney Motion Pictures 1 hour, 57 minutes   I’m at a bit of a loss at how to approach Steven… Continue reading

FILE - This image released by Disney shows Ruby Barnhill and the Big Friendly Giant from Giant Country, voiced by Mark Rylance, in a scene from"The BFG." "The Legend of Tarzan" and "The BFG" were both dwarfed by "Finding Dory" over the July 4th weekend, as the Pixar sequel led the box office for the third straight weekend. (Disney via AP, File)
Your dog is a hero

Your dog is a hero

To you, your dog is a hero.Nobody else protects you from spiders and shadows. Nobody does a better job of warning you about summer storms… Continue reading

Your dog is a hero

Poet’s Corner: Silent Wounded

Silent WoundedBy Bonnie Playle, SoldotnaThose innocent, soft souls,full of guilt, shame and heartaches untold.They can be both young and old,but fall victim to lives that… Continue reading

The fresh tomato sandwich

Near where I live, I find excellent tomatoes at our local farmers markets and at nearby Dempsey Farms on St. Helena Island. (To see “What’s… Continue reading

  • Jul 5, 2016
  • By Sue Ade
  • Food

Pioneer Potluck: About our 10,000 mile trip

Our 10,000 mile trip Heading for Torrington, Wyoming On to Sturgis, South Dakota October 16, 2000   We sadly said goodbye to Regina and Rex,… Continue reading

  • Jul 5, 2016
  • By Grannie Annie
  • Food

Business News

■ The Kenai and Soldotna Chambers of Commerce will host a joint luncheon at noon on Wednesday at the Kenai Visitors Center. A legislative session… Continue reading

SOLDOTNA Senior Center

Soldotna Senior Center197 W. Park Ave Phone: 262-2322JULY 2016Weekly Activities: Mondays: Art class 10-3:00, line dancing 10:30-11:30, clogging 11:30-12:00Tuesdays: Board games 1:00Wednesdays: Sewing, quilting ,… Continue reading

Unhinged Alaska: It’s all relative

The last few weeks have been amazing for numerous fishing buffs pursuing fins on the lower peninsula. Especially if they were able to drag their… Continue reading

Community News and Notes

Kristopher Smalley of Kenai was among the students graduating from Perry Technical Institute in Yakima, Washington on June 22. Smalley graduated from the Electrical Technology… Continue reading

Learning for Life: Keep an eye out for invasive plants

Did you know that invasive species negatively impact Alaskan Wildlife Habitat, Fisheries, Food Production and more in an economic way? That’s why June 20-25 was… Continue reading

This sawyer beetle found its way into an excavated pit on day two.  A camper's trowel helped it find a safe way out. (Photo courtesy Kenai National Wildlife Refuge)

Refuge Notebook: Kenaitze youth dig into their past at Susten Archaeology Camp

There is a subtle little path leading into the woods off of a quiet dirt road deep in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. It whispers… Continue reading

This sawyer beetle found its way into an excavated pit on day two.  A camper's trowel helped it find a safe way out. (Photo courtesy Kenai National Wildlife Refuge)

Church briefs

Star of the North welcomes new minister Star of the North Lutheran Church welcomes new minister Noel Koss. Services are Sunday at 10 a.m. Star… Continue reading