Risk levels

Schools status continues to be high risk

All students at 34 peninsula schools continue to operate 100% remotely through at least Nov. 25

Risk levels
Santa Claus lights up the Christmas tree in front of an audience Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, at the Christmas in the Park Celebration at Soldotna Creek Park in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Joey Klecka/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai and Soldotna adapt winter activities to COVID-19

Modifications will be made in response to growing COVID-19 case numbers

Santa Claus lights up the Christmas tree in front of an audience Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, at the Christmas in the Park Celebration at Soldotna Creek Park in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Joey Klecka/Peninsula Clarion)
The entrance to the Kenai Courthouse in Kenai, AK as seen on February 26, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
The entrance to the Kenai Courthouse in Kenai, AK as seen on February 26, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
A sign instructing patients and visitors on the current screening process is seen here in the River Tower of Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna, Alaska on April 7, 2020. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

CPH moves into surge space; state hits 25,000 cases

CPH opened nine surge beds on Tuesday, eight of which are occupied

A sign instructing patients and visitors on the current screening process is seen here in the River Tower of Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna, Alaska on April 7, 2020. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
The sign outside Soldotna City Hall is seen here on July 16, 2020. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai and Soldotna looking to fill council vacancies

The cities of Kenai and Soldotna are still looking to fill a vacancy on their city councils.

The sign outside Soldotna City Hall is seen here on July 16, 2020. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
This September photo shows a sign in downtown Juneau encouraging people to get tested for COVID-19. Recent analysis shared by Alaska Department of Health and Social Services shows the majority of Alaskans have at least one underlying health condition that increases risk of serious illness from COVID-19. (Ben Hohesntatt / Juneau Empire File)

Report: Most Alaska adults have conditions that increase risk for serious illness from COVID-19

Obesity, smoking and diabetes among common health issues, according to health officials.

This September photo shows a sign in downtown Juneau encouraging people to get tested for COVID-19. Recent analysis shared by Alaska Department of Health and Social Services shows the majority of Alaskans have at least one underlying health condition that increases risk of serious illness from COVID-19. (Ben Hohesntatt / Juneau Empire File)
Risk levels

Risk levels remain high at all peninsula school districts

The earliest in-person learning could resume for schools currently operating remotely is Nov. 30.

Risk levels
Caribou graze on the greening tundra of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in northeast Alaska in June, 2001. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Trump administration takes steps toward refuge lease sale

The Gwich’in people have opposed development within the refuge, citing concerns on the impacts to the Porcupine Caribou Herd on which they have relied for subsistence.

  • Nov 16, 2020
  • By Becky Bohrer Associated Press
Caribou graze on the greening tundra of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in northeast Alaska in June, 2001. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
In this March 12, 2020 file photo, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks during a news conference in Anchorage, Alaska. Dunleavy faces criticism for his handling of COVID-19, from those who think he’s not doing enough to address rising case counts to those who think he’s been overreaching. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File)

Dunleavy defends virus approach amid criticism

He issued a new disaster declaration, which took effect Monday, despite questions from some lawmakers about its legal underpinnings.

  • Nov 16, 2020
  • By Becky Bohrer Associated Press
  • Coronavirus
In this March 12, 2020 file photo, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks during a news conference in Anchorage, Alaska. Dunleavy faces criticism for his handling of COVID-19, from those who think he’s not doing enough to address rising case counts to those who think he’s been overreaching. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File)
A “Vote Here” sign is seen at the City of Kenai building on Monday, Sept. 21 in Kenai, Alaska.

With remaining votes counted, local outcomes remain unchanged

All ballots for state house districts 29, 30 and 31 have been counted as of Monday

A “Vote Here” sign is seen at the City of Kenai building on Monday, Sept. 21 in Kenai, Alaska.
Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum speaks in a Zoom meeting on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, in Anchorage, Alaska. (Screen capture)

CPH at capacity as cases rise statewide

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services reported 563 new COVID-19 cases on Monday.

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum speaks in a Zoom meeting on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, in Anchorage, Alaska. (Screen capture)
Jessie Duke, of Soldotna, browses books with 7-month-old Danny Dommek on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, at River City Books in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)

Perks of shopping local

Program encouraging local spending goes live

Jessie Duke, of Soldotna, browses books with 7-month-old Danny Dommek on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, at River City Books in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Central Peninsula Hospital as seen March 26, 2020, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

Soldotna approves new round of CARES grants

Money will go to the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank, Central Peninsula Hospital and Freedom House

Central Peninsula Hospital as seen March 26, 2020, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)
Risk levels

Risk levels: Nov. 16

All students at 34 peninsula schools are operating 100% remotely through at least Nov. 25.

Risk levels
Kenai Peninsula Borough Superintendent John O’Brien (courtesy photo)

District opens superintendent search

Applications will be accepted through Dec. 2020, with a selection planned for Feb. 1.

Kenai Peninsula Borough Superintendent John O’Brien (courtesy photo)
The sign outside Soldotna City Hall is seen here on July 16, 2020. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

Citing virus, Soldotna adjusts operations

The changes are effective as of 7 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 13

The sign outside Soldotna City Hall is seen here on July 16, 2020. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
Image via Kenai Peninsula School District

KPBSD says all students will learn remotely at 34 schools

Pre-K, Kindergarten and special education intensive needs students were allowed to attend school in-person on Friday but will start remote learning on Monday.

Image via Kenai Peninsula School District
Kenai City Hall on Feb. 20, 2020, in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai announces closures, limited operations due to COVID-19

The city is closingseveral facilities in response to growing COVID-19 case counts.

Kenai City Hall on Feb. 20, 2020, in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)
Thunder Mountain High School was used as a polling place on Election Day, Nov. 3, 2020. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Thunder Mountain High School was used as a polling place on Election Day, Nov. 3, 2020. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Risk levels
This graphic shows the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District risk levels associated with different numbers of new COVID-19 cases. (Image courtesy Kenai Peninsula Borough School District)

Remote learning extended for 34 KPBSD schools

34 schools will continue 100% remote learning through at least Nov. 25.

Risk levels
This graphic shows the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District risk levels associated with different numbers of new COVID-19 cases. (Image courtesy Kenai Peninsula Borough School District)