News

Peninsula Clarion file photo Tugs pull the Spartan 151 jack-up drilling rig up Cook Inlet in August 2011. New oil and gas development in the inlet, along with major projects planned for the area, could mean a boom for the Kenai Peninsula economy.

Energy industry projects expected to bring economic boom to area

In the fall of 2013 a wave of announcements for development in the Nikiski industrial area began making its way to shore.With Nikiski as the… Continue reading

  • Feb 16, 2014
  • By KAYLEE OSOWSKI
Peninsula Clarion file photo Tugs pull the Spartan 151 jack-up drilling rig up Cook Inlet in August 2011. New oil and gas development in the inlet, along with major projects planned for the area, could mean a boom for the Kenai Peninsula economy.
Clarion file photo Dr. Craig Humphreys talks about how the O-arm takes the 3D images it produces as a spine surgery aid in late July 2011 at Central Peninsula Hospital. Health care is one of the fastest growing sectors of the Kenai Peninsula economy.

Kenai Peninsula economic outlook slowed, but steady

While job growth has risen steadily that past few years, a state economist predicts a slight decrease in job growth for the Kenai Peninsula in… Continue reading

  • Feb 16, 2014
  • By DAN BALMER
Clarion file photo Dr. Craig Humphreys talks about how the O-arm takes the 3D images it produces as a spine surgery aid in late July 2011 at Central Peninsula Hospital. Health care is one of the fastest growing sectors of the Kenai Peninsula economy.

Support businesses see growth, need laborers

Alongside the increased oil and gas exploration and production in the Cook Inlet, support companies on the Kenai Peninsula have been growing, creating a strong… Continue reading

  • Feb 16, 2014
  • By KAYLEE OSOWSKI
Illustration of proposed mini roundabout at Binkley Street and Wilson Lane. Rendering provided by the City of Soldotna.

Soldotna residents talk roundabouts with city officials

The City of Soldotna invited the public to an open house on Tuesday night to discuss road rehabilitation plans for Binkley Street. Questions and comments… Continue reading

  • Feb 15, 2014
  • By KAYLEE OSOWSKI
Illustration of proposed mini roundabout at Binkley Street and Wilson Lane. Rendering provided by the City of Soldotna.
Photo by Jeff Helminak Soldotna High School's Addison Downing climbs a big hill near the start of Friday's boys five-kilometer freestyle at the Region III Nordic Ski Championships at Tsalteshi Trails.

Photo: Making tracks

… Continue reading

  • Feb 15, 2014
Photo by Jeff Helminak Soldotna High School's Addison Downing climbs a big hill near the start of Friday's boys five-kilometer freestyle at the Region III Nordic Ski Championships at Tsalteshi Trails.

Former territorial governor dies at age 94

ANCHORAGE — A man who lobbied congressional members for Alaska statehood and served as one of the state’s last territorial governors has died.Mike Stepovich died… Continue reading

  • Feb 15, 2014
  • By Mark Thiessen

House education panel delves into vo-tech credits

JUNEAU — The House Education Committee on Friday took up funding aspects of an education bill by Gov. Sean Parnell that would allow vocational credits… Continue reading

  • Feb 15, 2014
  • By MIKE COPPOCK

State LNG take could be $3 billion

JUNEAU — State legislators are continuing their review of the state’s proposed deal with North Slope producers and TransCanada Corp. on a major natural gas… Continue reading

  • Feb 15, 2014
  • By TIM BRADNER Morris News Service-Alaska

Kenai boy dies after pool accident

A 6-year-old Kenai boy has died after an accident in a pool at an Anchorage hotel.Floyd Murphy, the son of Tim and Raelynne Murphy of… Continue reading

  • Feb 15, 2014

LIO schedule for Feb. 17-21

Monday 8:00 a.m.The House Education Committee will sponsor a public hearing to discuss HB 278 Education: Funding / Tax Credits / Programs Discussion on Tax… Continue reading

  • Feb 15, 2014
Assistant Professor of Process Technology, Henry Haney, teaches a class at Kenai Peninsula College's Kenai River Campus on Feb. 13, 2013 in the new Career and Technical Education Center. Photo by Kaylee Osowski/Peninsula Clarion

The right combination of educators and technology produces quality graduates

While the newly opened Career and Technical Education Center at Kenai Peninsula College’s Kenai River Campus provides students with state-of-the-art technology students learn to proficiently… Continue reading

  • Feb 14, 2014
  • By KAYLEE OSOWSKI
Assistant Professor of Process Technology, Henry Haney, teaches a class at Kenai Peninsula College's Kenai River Campus on Feb. 13, 2013 in the new Career and Technical Education Center. Photo by Kaylee Osowski/Peninsula Clarion
Photo by Dan Balmer Peninsula Clarion Arctic Motorsports owner Lane Giesler stands next two pro model Arctic Cat snowmobiles in his Soldotna shop Feb. 5. Giesler said the entire snow machine industry in Alaska has suffered due to the lack of snow this winter.

Peninsula snowmachine shops waiting for more snow

While a lack of snow this winter has put a damper on snowmachiners’ enthusiasm, local Kenai Peninsula sled dealers remain optimistic that business will return,… Continue reading

  • Feb 14, 2014
  • By DAN BALMER
Photo by Dan Balmer Peninsula Clarion Arctic Motorsports owner Lane Giesler stands next two pro model Arctic Cat snowmobiles in his Soldotna shop Feb. 5. Giesler said the entire snow machine industry in Alaska has suffered due to the lack of snow this winter.
Photo by Rashah McChesney/Peninsula Clarion, file A crowded dining room at Odie's Deli September 24, 2013 in Soldotna, Alaska. The restaurant will be opening a second location in the Kenai Municipal Airport in January. Local officials say the Kenai Peninsula is open for business.

Kenai Peninsula open for business

The overall theme from local mayors to oil and gas companies during a recent forum: the economic outlook on the Kenai Peninsula is strong and… Continue reading

  • Feb 14, 2014
  • By DAN BALMER
Photo by Rashah McChesney/Peninsula Clarion, file A crowded dining room at Odie's Deli September 24, 2013 in Soldotna, Alaska. The restaurant will be opening a second location in the Kenai Municipal Airport in January. Local officials say the Kenai Peninsula is open for business.
Photo by Rashah McChesney/Peninsula Clarion Runners take off June 9, 2013 during the annual Run for the River sponsored by the Kenai Watershed Forum as part of the Kenai River Festival in Soldotna, Alaska. Part of the city's plan to support local business is to help publicize the area's many events.

Soldotna works with community members to develop economy

While Soldotna has various, strong industries in its community — medical, education, retail, construction, recreation — City Manager Mark Dixson noticed the city lacked a… Continue reading

  • Feb 14, 2014
  • By KAYLEE OSOWSKI
Photo by Rashah McChesney/Peninsula Clarion Runners take off June 9, 2013 during the annual Run for the River sponsored by the Kenai Watershed Forum as part of the Kenai River Festival in Soldotna, Alaska. Part of the city's plan to support local business is to help publicize the area's many events.

Fish board gets to the point

King salmon will soon find it easier to slip a hook on the Kenai River. During the 14th and final day of the Alaska Board… Continue reading

  • Feb 13, 2014
  • By Rashah McChesney

Board passes 44 proposals

The Alaska Board of Fisheries approved 44 of the 236 proposals on the table at its triennial Upper Cook Inlet finfish meeting, Jan. 31 to… Continue reading

  • Feb 13, 2014
Photo by Dan Balmer Peninsula Clarion A Kenai firefighter examines the damage to a Jeep Grand Cherokee following a two-vehicle accident on Bridge Access Road Thursday morning. The driver was rushed to Central Peninsula Hospital.

Collision closes Bridge Access Road

… Continue reading

  • Feb 13, 2014
Photo by Dan Balmer Peninsula Clarion A Kenai firefighter examines the damage to a Jeep Grand Cherokee following a two-vehicle accident on Bridge Access Road Thursday morning. The driver was rushed to Central Peninsula Hospital.

Looking for answers

The Kenai Peninsula Borough has joined forces with other government agencies in the state examine potential impacts of the Alaska Pipeline Project.At its Tuesday meeting,… Continue reading

  • Feb 13, 2014
  • By KAYLEE OSOWSKI

Soldotna council changes city code

The Soldotna City Council talked city codes at its Wednesday night meeting.Of the two ordinances up for public hearing, the council postponed one and adopted… Continue reading

  • Feb 13, 2014
  • By KAYLEE OSOWSKI
Photo by Dan Balmer Peninsula Clarion Debbie Morris (front) and Tonya Gilmore prepare ordered flower arrangements at Tammy's Flowers and Gifts in Soldotna Thursday. Morris runs the Candy Botique in the shop with the help of her husband Mike. The two have been married for 42 years and met in high school when she used to work at a flower shop in Oregon, Morris said.

Valentine’s Day frenzy

For all those last minute shoppers, it is not too late to pick out a gift for your valentine.Kim Mariman, owner of Tammy’s Flowers and… Continue reading

  • Feb 13, 2014
  • By DAN BALMER
Photo by Dan Balmer Peninsula Clarion Debbie Morris (front) and Tonya Gilmore prepare ordered flower arrangements at Tammy's Flowers and Gifts in Soldotna Thursday. Morris runs the Candy Botique in the shop with the help of her husband Mike. The two have been married for 42 years and met in high school when she used to work at a flower shop in Oregon, Morris said.