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Soldotna City Council members thank outgoing council member Justin Ruffridge for his years of service to the city during a council meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. Ruffridge was elected last month to the Alaska Legislature. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Soldotna salutes Ruffridge at his final council meeting

Ruffridge was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives last month

Soldotna City Council members thank outgoing council member Justin Ruffridge for his years of service to the city during a council meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. Ruffridge was elected last month to the Alaska Legislature. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna Public Works Director Kyle Kornelis, left, talks about the Soldotna field house project during a Soldotna City Council meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Soldotna to finish field house design with COVID relief funds

Voters in October approved a proposition allowing the city to incur up to $15 million in debt to build the field house

Soldotna Public Works Director Kyle Kornelis, left, talks about the Soldotna field house project during a Soldotna City Council meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Swimmers gather at the wall to receive their next workout set from Coach Angie Brennan during a Top of the World Swimming practice on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Back in the water

Top of the World Swimming hosts adult swim team practices, adult swimming lessons

Swimmers gather at the wall to receive their next workout set from Coach Angie Brennan during a Top of the World Swimming practice on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, left, speaks to reporters during a news conference on his proposed budget, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, in Juneau, Alaska, with members of his Cabinet also pictured. Dunleavy called the budget a starting point for discussions with lawmakers, who convene for a new legislative session in January. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)

Dunleavy gives 1st look at next state budget

The budget proposal comes as statewide revenue projections have gone down an estimated $1.8 billion

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, left, speaks to reporters during a news conference on his proposed budget, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, in Juneau, Alaska, with members of his Cabinet also pictured. Dunleavy called the budget a starting point for discussions with lawmakers, who convene for a new legislative session in January. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)
Alaska state Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla, sits in the House on April 29, 2022, in Juneau, Alaska. Eastman, accused of violating the state constitution’s disloyalty clause over his lifetime membership in Oath Keepers, has not condemned the organization in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S Capitol. “No, I generally don’t condemn groups,” Eastman, a Wasilla Republican, said during his bench hearing on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, his second day on the witness stand. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)

Eastman won’t condemn Oath Keepers in Capitol riot

It was his second day on the witness stand in a case that challenges his eligibility to hold office

Alaska state Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla, sits in the House on April 29, 2022, in Juneau, Alaska. Eastman, accused of violating the state constitution’s disloyalty clause over his lifetime membership in Oath Keepers, has not condemned the organization in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S Capitol. “No, I generally don’t condemn groups,” Eastman, a Wasilla Republican, said during his bench hearing on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022, his second day on the witness stand. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)
People assemble Narcan kits on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, at Freedom House in Soldotna, Alaska. The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly during their Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, meeting accepted another $30,000 payment as part of a nationwide opioid settlement, which will be put toward opioid remediation in the borough. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Assembly accepts 2nd round of opioid settlement funds

The money comes from a nationwide settlement agreement involving major pharmaceutical companies

People assemble Narcan kits on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, at Freedom House in Soldotna, Alaska. The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly during their Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, meeting accepted another $30,000 payment as part of a nationwide opioid settlement, which will be put toward opioid remediation in the borough. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Pete Kineen, a neighbor of the proposed Beachcomber LLC gravel pit, stands on his deck and points to where the pit could be, on May 2, 2019, in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion) Pete Kineen, a neighbor of the proposed Beachcomber LLC gravel pit, stands on his deck and points to where the pit could be, on May 2, 2019, in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

Judge upholds denial of Anchor Point gravel pit

Decision affirms decision of KPB Planning Commission to set standards in gravel pit applications.

Pete Kineen, a neighbor of the proposed Beachcomber LLC gravel pit, stands on his deck and points to where the pit could be, on May 2, 2019, in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion) Pete Kineen, a neighbor of the proposed Beachcomber LLC gravel pit, stands on his deck and points to where the pit could be, on May 2, 2019, in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)
Alaska State Troopers logo.

1 dead after vehicle strikes moose in Sterling Highway crash

One man died and two others were hospitalized in a motor vehicle collision Tuesday outside Soldotna on the Sterling Highway. The Alaska State Troopers and… Continue reading

Alaska State Troopers logo.
Promotional flyer for the Indigenous Language Film Festival (Image courtesy KPBSD Title VI)

Title VI seeks community submissions for Indigenous Language Film Festival

The purpose of the festival is to promote and increase the visibility of Indigenous languages

Promotional flyer for the Indigenous Language Film Festival (Image courtesy KPBSD Title VI)
Jon Iannaccone waves an American flag while wearing a medal after completing the World Triathlon Championships in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 26, 2022. (Photo courtesy Jon Iannaccone) Jon Iannaccone waves an American flag while wearing a medal after completing the World Triathlon Championships in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 26, 2022. (Photo courtesy Jon Iannaccone)

Preparation pays off for Kenai triathlete in World Championship

Jon Iannaccone delivers strong performance in the Middle East contest

Jon Iannaccone waves an American flag while wearing a medal after completing the World Triathlon Championships in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 26, 2022. (Photo courtesy Jon Iannaccone) Jon Iannaccone waves an American flag while wearing a medal after completing the World Triathlon Championships in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 26, 2022. (Photo courtesy Jon Iannaccone)
The Kenai Peninsula Borough Regular Municipal Election informational pamphlet for the Oct. 4, 2022, election is pictured. The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly is considering an ordinance that would end distribution of hard copies of the pamphlet to borough box holders. (Peninsula Clarion file)

Assembly mulls nixing voter pamphlet mailers

Mailing a borough to every box holder in the Kenai Peninsula Borough costs about $30,000 each regular election

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Regular Municipal Election informational pamphlet for the Oct. 4, 2022, election is pictured. The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly is considering an ordinance that would end distribution of hard copies of the pamphlet to borough box holders. (Peninsula Clarion file)
A sockeye salmon’s tail protrudes above the edge of a bin on a setnet site July 11, 2016, near Kenai, Alaska. (Peninsula Clarion file photo)

Assembly asks state for east side setnet disaster declaration

The Kenai River drainage was closed to king salmon fishing this summer due to low king counts

A sockeye salmon’s tail protrudes above the edge of a bin on a setnet site July 11, 2016, near Kenai, Alaska. (Peninsula Clarion file photo)
Plowed snow is piled high near the intersection of Main Street Loop and Kenai Spur Highway, Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, in Kenai, Alaska. The area received several feet of snow over the weekend. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)

Another snowstorm expected Wednesday

The advisory is in effect from 9 p.m. Wednesday to 9 a.m. Thursday.

Plowed snow is piled high near the intersection of Main Street Loop and Kenai Spur Highway, Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, in Kenai, Alaska. The area received several feet of snow over the weekend. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
COVID-19. (Image courtesy CDC)

COVID-19 cases drop; hospital data delayed

The state reported no new resident deaths from COVID-19 this week

COVID-19. (Image courtesy CDC)
Jesse Bjorkman speaks at a borough work session on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, in Soldotna, Alaska. Bjorkman submitted a letter of resignation to the assembly after being elected to represent the northern Kenai Peninsula in the Alaska State Senate. (Photo by Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Assembly looks to fill Bjorkman’s seat

Bjorkman has represented Nikiski on the assembly since 2019 and was elected to the Alaska Senate

Jesse Bjorkman speaks at a borough work session on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, in Soldotna, Alaska. Bjorkman submitted a letter of resignation to the assembly after being elected to represent the northern Kenai Peninsula in the Alaska State Senate. (Photo by Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Buddy prepares to leap from Santa Claus’ lap during Bark, Block and Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, at the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Santa pics for furry friends

Food Bank fundraiser auctions legos, sells soup bowls, provides Santa photo op for pets

Buddy prepares to leap from Santa Claus’ lap during Bark, Block and Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, at the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
A snowmachine rider takes advantage of 2 feet of fresh snow on a field down Murwood Avenue in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

2 feet of snow bring much of central peninsula to a halt

More snow is on the way

A snowmachine rider takes advantage of 2 feet of fresh snow on a field down Murwood Avenue in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Alaska State Troopers logo.

Troopers arrest man in Seward for possession of drugs, firearm

The man was taken to the Seward City Jail

Alaska State Troopers logo.
Alaska State Troopers logo.

Pedestrian killed after being hit by a truck during snowstorm

18 inches of snow were on the ground at that time

Alaska State Troopers logo.
Alaska State Rep. David Eastman, a Wasilla Republican, is shown seated on the House floor on April 29 in Juneau. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer File)

Case against lawmaker with Oath Keepers ties moves to trial

Superior Court Judge Jack McKenna denied a request by Republican Rep. David Eastman to dismiss the lawsuit

  • Dec 9, 2022
  • By Becky Bohrer Associated Press
  • State News
Alaska State Rep. David Eastman, a Wasilla Republican, is shown seated on the House floor on April 29 in Juneau. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer File)