Students smile from atop a mountain peak while engaged in KMTA’s Pathfinders program. The program fosters environmental literacy and lifelong learning using an experiential, inquiry-based teaching model and helps expose students to the rich histories, environments and recreation opportunities available in the KMTA. (Photo courtesy of KMTA)

Kenai Peninsula heritage area faces uncertain future

Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area is known for its expansive program offerings for Alaska youth.

 

In an undated photo provided by Wyatt Mayo/Alaska Volcano Observatory shows Mount Spurr, in October, which is being monitored for signs that it is moving closer to erupting. A spending freeze could disrupt systems that warn communities when eruptions appear imminent. (Wyatt Mayo/Alaska Volcano Observatory, U.S. Geological Survey via The New York Times)

Spurr in spotlight as volcano shows signs of possible eruption

The volcano erupted in 1992 and 1953.

  • Mar 27, 2025
  • By Chloe Pleznac Homer News and Jake Dye Peninsula Clarion
  • Local NewsVolcano

 

The Naushon sits in the Homer Harbor during its decommissioning ceremony on Friday, March 21, 2025, on Freight Dock Road on the Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)

Former USCG cutter Naushon decommissioned in Homer

A ceremony in its honor was held Friday, March 21.

 

John Raymond accepts his tenth place trophy during the 2025 Homer Winter King Salmon Tournament on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Deep Water Dock on the Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

Weimann wins fishing tournament championship

The 31st annual Homer Winter King Tournament saw high turnout Saturday.

John Raymond accepts his tenth place trophy during the 2025 Homer Winter King Salmon Tournament on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Deep Water Dock on the Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Students and hosts stand for a photo during a luncheon at the end of SoHi’s first Job Shadow Day, Wednesday at Soldotna Prep School. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Soldotna High launches 1st Job Shadow Day

SoHi students spread across community on Wednesday to try out professions.

Students and hosts stand for a photo during a luncheon at the end of SoHi’s first Job Shadow Day, Wednesday at Soldotna Prep School. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Delana Green teaches music to kindergarteners at Tustumena Elementary School in Kasilof on Friday, March 21. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Bringing back music education

Tustumena Elementary students get lessons from Artist-in-residence Delana Green.

Delana Green teaches music to kindergarteners at Tustumena Elementary School in Kasilof on Friday, March 21. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Cars drive past the building where the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. is headquartered on Sept. 21, 2023. (Clarise Larson/Juneau Empire file photo)

Deadline approaches to apply for PFD

Applications can be filed online through myAlaska, or by visiting pfd.alaska.gov.

Cars drive past the building where the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. is headquartered on Sept. 21, 2023. (Clarise Larson/Juneau Empire file photo)
“Salmon Champions” present their ideas for projects to protect salmon habitat during the Local Solution meeting at the Cook Inletkeeper Community Action Studio in Soldotna, Alaska, on Thursday, March 20, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Cook Inletkeeper program to focus on salmon habitat awareness

The project seeks local solutions to environmental issues.

“Salmon Champions” present their ideas for projects to protect salmon habitat during the Local Solution meeting at the Cook Inletkeeper Community Action Studio in Soldotna, Alaska, on Thursday, March 20, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
The three survivors of a Sunday afternoon plane crash are found atop the wing of their plane near Tustumena Lake in Kasilof, Alaska, on Monday, March 24, 2025. (Photo by Dale Eicher)

All occupants of Sunday evening plane crash rescued

Troopers were told first around 10:30 p.m. Sunday that a Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser was overdue.

The three survivors of a Sunday afternoon plane crash are found atop the wing of their plane near Tustumena Lake in Kasilof, Alaska, on Monday, March 24, 2025. (Photo by Dale Eicher)
Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer, participates in a candidate forum hosted by the Peninsula Clarion and KBBI 890 AM at the Homer Public Library in Homer, Alaska, on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Vance calls on board of fish to clarify stance on Cook Inlet commercial fisheries

One board member said he wanted to see no setnets or drifters operating in the inlet at all.

Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer, participates in a candidate forum hosted by the Peninsula Clarion and KBBI 890 AM at the Homer Public Library in Homer, Alaska, on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
The Sterling Highway crosses the Kenai River near the Russian River Campground on March 15, 2020 near Cooper Landing, Alaska. (Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)

Russian River Campground closed until June

The construction is part of an ongoing project that has seen the campground sporadically closed in recent years.

The Sterling Highway crosses the Kenai River near the Russian River Campground on March 15, 2020 near Cooper Landing, Alaska. (Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
View of the crown on March 23, 2025, the day following the fatal avalanche in Turnagain Pass, Alaska. Some snow had blow into the crown overnight, which had accumulated around a foot deep at the crown by the time this photo was taken. (Photo by Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center)

Soldotna teen killed in Saturday avalanche

In recent weeks, the center has reported several avalanches triggered in that area by snowmachines and snowboarders.

View of the crown on March 23, 2025, the day following the fatal avalanche in Turnagain Pass, Alaska. Some snow had blow into the crown overnight, which had accumulated around a foot deep at the crown by the time this photo was taken. (Photo by Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center)
An Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection vehicle stands among trees in Funny River, Alaska, on Oct. 2, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Early fire season begins with 2 small blazes reported and controlled

As of March 17, burn permits are required for all state, private and municipal lands.

An Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection vehicle stands among trees in Funny River, Alaska, on Oct. 2, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
A table used by parties to a case sits empty in Courtroom 4 of the Kenai Courthouse in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Strigle named new Kenai district attorney

Former District Attorney Scot Leaders is leaving for a new position in Kotzebue.

A table used by parties to a case sits empty in Courtroom 4 of the Kenai Courthouse in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
A researcher points out fragments of elodea found in the upper stretches of Crescent Creek caught on tree branches and down logs. (Emily Heale/Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association)

Homer conservation district feels impacts of federal funding freeze

Programs related to invasive species, habitat and trails, native plants and agriculture have all been negatively impacted.

A researcher points out fragments of elodea found in the upper stretches of Crescent Creek caught on tree branches and down logs. (Emily Heale/Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association)
Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche presents the findings of the Southcentral Mayors’ Energy Coalition during a luncheon hosted by the Kenai Chamber of Commerce in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Micciche reports back on Southcentral Mayors’ Energy Coalition

The group calls importation of natural gas a necessity in the short-term.

Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche presents the findings of the Southcentral Mayors’ Energy Coalition during a luncheon hosted by the Kenai Chamber of Commerce in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
The Kahtnuht’ana Duhdeldiht Campus on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninula Clarion)

State board approves Tułen Charter School

The Kenaitze Indian Tribe will be able to open their charter school this fall.

The Kahtnuht’ana Duhdeldiht Campus on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninula Clarion)
Christine Cunningham, left, and Mary Bondurant, right, both members of the Kenai Bronze Bear Sculpture Working Group, stand for a photo with Kenai Mayor Brian Gabriel and a small model of the proposed sculpture during a luncheon hosted by the Kenai Chamber of Commerce in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Model of bronze bears debuted as airport display project seeks continued funding

The sculpture, intended for the airport exterior, will feature a mother bear and two cubs.

Christine Cunningham, left, and Mary Bondurant, right, both members of the Kenai Bronze Bear Sculpture Working Group, stand for a photo with Kenai Mayor Brian Gabriel and a small model of the proposed sculpture during a luncheon hosted by the Kenai Chamber of Commerce in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Alaska State Troopers logo.

Homer Middle School teacher arrested on charges of sexual assault and burglary

Charles Kent Rininger, 38, was arrested March 12 by Alaska State Troopers.

Alaska State Troopers logo.
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski raises her right hand to demonstrate the oath she took while answering a question about her responsibility to defend the U.S. Constitution during her annual address to the Alaska Legislature on March 18, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)

Murkowski embraces many of Trump’s goals, but questions his methods

Senator addresses flood concerns, federal firings, Medicaid worries in annual speech to Legislature.

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski raises her right hand to demonstrate the oath she took while answering a question about her responsibility to defend the U.S. Constitution during her annual address to the Alaska Legislature on March 18, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)