News

All chairs for minority members of the Alaska State House except for Minority Leader Calvin Schrage are empty during Wednesday’s floor session after absent members fled the Alaska State Capitol over a dispute with the majority about an increase in education funding. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Education funding fight prompts House minority walkout

Republican-led majority revokes funding increase as minority threatens to withhold CBR vote

All chairs for minority members of the Alaska State House except for Minority Leader Calvin Schrage are empty during Wednesday’s floor session after absent members fled the Alaska State Capitol over a dispute with the majority about an increase in education funding. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Kenai City Manager Terry Eubank (right) and Kenai Mayor Brian Gabriel (left) present the annual “State of the City” address at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai officials report back in ‘State of the City’

Bump in taxable city sales, momentum on bluff erosion project discussed at annual address

Kenai City Manager Terry Eubank (right) and Kenai Mayor Brian Gabriel (left) present the annual “State of the City” address at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Graphic shows communities affected by the emergency order extending studded tire removal deadline. (Graphic provided by Department of Public Safety)

Studded tires allowed for 15 extra days in Kenai, Soldotna

Studded tires will be allowed on all parts of the Sterling Highway until the May 15 deadline

Graphic shows communities affected by the emergency order extending studded tire removal deadline. (Graphic provided by Department of Public Safety)
The children’s book “You Are Home With Me,” illustrated by Mitchell Thomas Watley, is shown at a bookstore in Portland, Ore. in this April 5, 2023 photo. Publisher Sasquatch books, owned by Penguin Random House, said Wednesday, April 5, 2023, it has ended its publishing relationship with Watley after he was arrested on allegations of leaving violent, transphobic notes in stores around Juneau, Alaska. Watley told police he was motivated by fear following a deadly school shooting in Nashville that sparked online backlash about the shooter’s gender identity, court records show. (AP Photo/Claire Rush)

Publisher drops children’s illustrator for anti-trans notes

The text on the notes read: “Feeling Cute Might Shoot Some Children.”

  • Apr 5, 2023
  • By Mark Thiessen and Becky Bohrer Associated Press
  • State News
The children’s book “You Are Home With Me,” illustrated by Mitchell Thomas Watley, is shown at a bookstore in Portland, Ore. in this April 5, 2023 photo. Publisher Sasquatch books, owned by Penguin Random House, said Wednesday, April 5, 2023, it has ended its publishing relationship with Watley after he was arrested on allegations of leaving violent, transphobic notes in stores around Juneau, Alaska. Watley told police he was motivated by fear following a deadly school shooting in Nashville that sparked online backlash about the shooter’s gender identity, court records show. (AP Photo/Claire Rush)
Visitors look at a peace crane statue unveiled as part of the grand opening and dedication of the Kenai Peninsula Peace Crane Garden Trails on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Peace crane garden organizers share update at assembly

The trail network is part of a Community Trail Management Agreement with the borough

Visitors look at a peace crane statue unveiled as part of the grand opening and dedication of the Kenai Peninsula Peace Crane Garden Trails on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
The Soldotna High School hockey team is recognized for winning the 2023 Division II state hockey championship during a Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meeting on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Soldtona, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

SoHi hockey team commended for Division II championship win

The resolution passed Tuesday was co-sponsored by Assembly Vice President Tyson Cox

The Soldotna High School hockey team is recognized for winning the 2023 Division II state hockey championship during a Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meeting on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Soldtona, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
COVID-19. (Image courtesy CDC)

COVID-19: Borough cases hit low not seen in years

Only 12 cases were reported this week, down from 22 last week

COVID-19. (Image courtesy CDC)
A map shows the location of the Willow oil field project in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, where more than 200 drills are scheduled to be drilled during a 30-year period if approved. (The Associated Press)

Oil plan foes lose 1st fight over Willow project

The court’s decision means ConocoPhillips Alaska can forge ahead with cold-weather construction work

A map shows the location of the Willow oil field project in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, where more than 200 drills are scheduled to be drilled during a 30-year period if approved. (The Associated Press)
Kenai Parks and Recreation Laborer Charlotte Thurman dresses up as a rabbit at an Easter event at Kenai Municipal Park on Friday, April 2, 2021 in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Easter brings egg hunting and seasonal feasts to the central peninsula

There will be several opportunities for children to chase eggs and families to partake in some seasonal eating

Kenai Parks and Recreation Laborer Charlotte Thurman dresses up as a rabbit at an Easter event at Kenai Municipal Park on Friday, April 2, 2021 in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire Rep. Justin Ruffridge works in the Alaska State Capitol building on March 28 in Juneau. Rep. Justin Ruffridge works in the Alaska State Capitol building on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 in Juneau, Alaska. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire) Rep. Justin Ruffridge works in the Alaska State Capitol building on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in Juneau, Alaska. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire)

House bill aims to boost Alaska Performance Scholarship use

The scholarship is awarded to support education after high school graduation

Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire Rep. Justin Ruffridge works in the Alaska State Capitol building on March 28 in Juneau. Rep. Justin Ruffridge works in the Alaska State Capitol building on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 in Juneau, Alaska. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire) Rep. Justin Ruffridge works in the Alaska State Capitol building on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in Juneau, Alaska. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire)
Community members participate in the Kenai Peninsula Job and Career Fair at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex on Thursday, April 7, 2022. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)

Job fair to spotlight opportunities and tools for career development

50 vendors together to connect with job seekers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Community members participate in the Kenai Peninsula Job and Career Fair at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex on Thursday, April 7, 2022. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)
The aftermath of a small grass fire off East Hill Road near Homer, Alaska is seen here on April 8, 2020. The fire was started by a discarded cigarette. (Photo by Matt James/Alaska Division of Forestry)

Wildland fire season starts; burn permits now required

Burn permits are available from the Division of Forestry Fire Prevention

The aftermath of a small grass fire off East Hill Road near Homer, Alaska is seen here on April 8, 2020. The fire was started by a discarded cigarette. (Photo by Matt James/Alaska Division of Forestry)
The Kenai/Soldotna Fish and Game Advisory Committee meets on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, at Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Advisory Committee to make proposals to change fishing regulation

The Kenai/Soldotna Fish and Game Advisory Committee will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex to hold an election and discuss… Continue reading

The Kenai/Soldotna Fish and Game Advisory Committee meets on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, at Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Students place pinwheels in snow painted a vibrant blue at The Study in Soldotna, Alaska, as they commemorate Go Blue Day on Friday, March 31, 2023, to kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

‘Go Blue Day’ kicks off Child Abuse Prevention Month

“There’s no excuse for child abuse.”

Students place pinwheels in snow painted a vibrant blue at The Study in Soldotna, Alaska, as they commemorate Go Blue Day on Friday, March 31, 2023, to kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol. (Clarise Larson/Juneau Empire File)

School staff eye retirement reform

S.B. 88, sponsored by Sen. Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, would establish a new defined benefit system

This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol. (Clarise Larson/Juneau Empire File)
A spectator throws a ball lost in the snow back down to Bridger Beck during a soccer game at Ed Hollier Field in Kenai, Alaska, on Thursday, March 30, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Clear it, and they will come

The Kardinals boys soccer team played and won their first match Thursday against Dimond High School on a field neighbored by feet of snow. The… Continue reading

A spectator throws a ball lost in the snow back down to Bridger Beck during a soccer game at Ed Hollier Field in Kenai, Alaska, on Thursday, March 30, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Signs direct visitors at Seward City Hall on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021 in Seward, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Seward mulls sale of electric utility to HEA

Voters will get the final say during a special election on May 2

Signs direct visitors at Seward City Hall on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021 in Seward, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
The deadline for the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend, which comes from the fund managed by the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, is coming up fast, landing on March 31, 2022. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

PFD application deadline is Friday

Today is the deadline for Alaskans to file for their 2022 Alaska Permanent Fund dividend. The Alaska Department of Revenue has already received nearly 600,000… Continue reading

The deadline for the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend, which comes from the fund managed by the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, is coming up fast, landing on March 31, 2022. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
Jonathan Parducho, a pharmacist, removes a tray of vials of of the Jynneos vaccine for monkeypox from a box containing 20 doses, in the vaccine hub at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital on Friday, July 29, 2022, in San Francisco. (Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

Only 5 cases of mpox detected in Alaska

An epidemiology bulletin released by the State Department of Health on Wednesday provides a summary of Alaska’s public health response to the 2022 outbreak of… Continue reading

Jonathan Parducho, a pharmacist, removes a tray of vials of of the Jynneos vaccine for monkeypox from a box containing 20 doses, in the vaccine hub at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital on Friday, July 29, 2022, in San Francisco. (Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)
Owners Suwannasa Piwon and Phatcharin Apaipak sit for a photo at the new location of their Siam Noodles and Food in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo provided by Siam Noodles and Food)

Siam Noodles and Food to hold Grand Opening of new location

Siam Noodles and Food will open in its new location next weekend, starting with a grand opening on Saturday, April 8, at 11 a.m. The… Continue reading

Owners Suwannasa Piwon and Phatcharin Apaipak sit for a photo at the new location of their Siam Noodles and Food in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo provided by Siam Noodles and Food)