Homer

Evidence argued ahead of Homer murder trial

Evidence argued ahead of Homer murder trial

Lee John Henry is accused of the 2013 killing of Mark Matthews.

Evidence argued ahead of Homer murder trial
Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby winner Jason Schuler, left, of Wahpeton, North Dakota, poses with his 224.2-pound fish on July 12, 2019, in Homer, Alaska. To the right of the fish is Captain Daniel Donich of Daniel’s Personalized Guide Service. Schuler caught the fish on Donich’s boat, the Optimist. (Photo provided)

Homer Chamber of Commerce ends halibut derby

2019 winner will be the last in a long history.

Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby winner Jason Schuler, left, of Wahpeton, North Dakota, poses with his 224.2-pound fish on July 12, 2019, in Homer, Alaska. To the right of the fish is Captain Daniel Donich of Daniel’s Personalized Guide Service. Schuler caught the fish on Donich’s boat, the Optimist. (Photo provided)
Nancy Yeaton of Nanwalek speaks at a Hilcorp meeting on lower Cook Inlet seismic testing on Aug. 23, 2019, at Land’s End Resort in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Hilcorp holds Homer meeting on seismic testing; questions and comments get heated

Some people asked pointed questions and someone blew an air horn.

Nancy Yeaton of Nanwalek speaks at a Hilcorp meeting on lower Cook Inlet seismic testing on Aug. 23, 2019, at Land’s End Resort in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Kachemak Emergency Services Chief Bob Cicciarella provides an update on the North Fork and Caribou Lake fires on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, at a community meeting at McNeil Canyon Elementary School near Fritz Creek, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Officials brief community on Caribou Lake, North Fork fires

Fire officials delivered some positive news about two lower Kenai Peninsula wildfires.

Kachemak Emergency Services Chief Bob Cicciarella provides an update on the North Fork and Caribou Lake fires on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, at a community meeting at McNeil Canyon Elementary School near Fritz Creek, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
This photo of the Caribou Lake fire was taken about 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, 2019, northeast of Homer, Alaska, about two hours after Ian Pitzman texted a message reporting the fire to his wife, Stephanie Pitzman, via an inReach satellite communication device. (Photo by Ian Pitzman)

North Fork Fire nears containment; Ready alert canceled

Caribou Lake Fire continues to grow slowly

This photo of the Caribou Lake fire was taken about 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, 2019, northeast of Homer, Alaska, about two hours after Ian Pitzman texted a message reporting the fire to his wife, Stephanie Pitzman, via an inReach satellite communication device. (Photo by Ian Pitzman)
Michael Armstrong / Homer News A helicopter flies over the North Fork fire as it burns near the south end of the North Fork Road on Sunday evening, Aug. 18, 2019, near Homer, Alaska, as seen from Diamond Ridge Road.

Caribou Lake Fire outside Homer continues to threaten

Swan Lake Fire team will take over fire administration

Michael Armstrong / Homer News A helicopter flies over the North Fork fire as it burns near the south end of the North Fork Road on Sunday evening, Aug. 18, 2019, near Homer, Alaska, as seen from Diamond Ridge Road.
Caribou Lake Fire now at 700 acres; North Fork Fire danger is less

Caribou Lake Fire now at 700 acres; North Fork Fire danger is less

Both fires threaten homes and cabins in areas north and east of Homer.

Caribou Lake Fire now at 700 acres; North Fork Fire danger is less
Country singer Zac Brown’s lawyer Blaine Gillam speaks for his client at the Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Commission meeting, Aug. 12, 2019, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

Effort to vacate Homer easement fails at planning commission

Country musician Zac Brown was one of a handful of people seeking to remove the easement.

Country singer Zac Brown’s lawyer Blaine Gillam speaks for his client at the Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Commission meeting, Aug. 12, 2019, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)
A pickup truck involved in a fatal car crash on July 7, 2019, rests on the side of the road near Mile 142 Sterling Highway, Happy Valley, Alaska. The pickup truck driver survived, but the driver of a second car involved in the crash, Michael Franklin, 18, of Homer, Alaska, died of his injuries. (Photo by Jon Marsh/Anchor Point Fire and EMS)

Man killed in two-vehicle collision near Happy Valley

EMTs and firefighters arrived at about 4:20 p.m. to find the Subaru engulfed in flames.

A pickup truck involved in a fatal car crash on July 7, 2019, rests on the side of the road near Mile 142 Sterling Highway, Happy Valley, Alaska. The pickup truck driver survived, but the driver of a second car involved in the crash, Michael Franklin, 18, of Homer, Alaska, died of his injuries. (Photo by Jon Marsh/Anchor Point Fire and EMS)
At a change of command ceremony on July 18, 2018 command of the USCGC Hickory is handed from Commander Andrew Passic (left) to Lt. Commander Adam Legget (second to right) at the Homer Boat House in Homer, Alaska. Overseeing the change of command is Capt. Patrick Hilbert (second to left) and Chaplain Lt. Gary Pepper (right). The ceremony took place in the new Homer Boat House at the Homer Harbor. (Photo by PO2 Andrew Keenan, Marine Safety Detachment Homer, United States Coast Guard) At a change of command ceremony on July 18, 2018 command of the USCGC Hickory is handed from Commander Andrew Passic (left) to Lt. Commander Adam Legget (second to right) at the Homer Boat House in Homer, Alaska. Overseeing the change of command is Capt. Patrick Hilbert (second to left) and Chaplain Lt. Gary Pepper (right). The ceremony took place in the new Homer Boat House at the Homer Harbor. (Photo by PO2 Andrew Keenan, Marine Safety Detachment Homer, United States Coast Guard)

Coast Guard, Homer celebrate 50-year continual partnership

If you look way back in Homer’s history, back to last century, back before statehood, back all the way to November 1948, you’d see the… Continue reading

At a change of command ceremony on July 18, 2018 command of the USCGC Hickory is handed from Commander Andrew Passic (left) to Lt. Commander Adam Legget (second to right) at the Homer Boat House in Homer, Alaska. Overseeing the change of command is Capt. Patrick Hilbert (second to left) and Chaplain Lt. Gary Pepper (right). The ceremony took place in the new Homer Boat House at the Homer Harbor. (Photo by PO2 Andrew Keenan, Marine Safety Detachment Homer, United States Coast Guard) At a change of command ceremony on July 18, 2018 command of the USCGC Hickory is handed from Commander Andrew Passic (left) to Lt. Commander Adam Legget (second to right) at the Homer Boat House in Homer, Alaska. Overseeing the change of command is Capt. Patrick Hilbert (second to left) and Chaplain Lt. Gary Pepper (right). The ceremony took place in the new Homer Boat House at the Homer Harbor. (Photo by PO2 Andrew Keenan, Marine Safety Detachment Homer, United States Coast Guard)
Sea Watch: Fed shutdown affects fisheries

Sea Watch: Fed shutdown affects fisheries

While federal fisheries are expected to open on time despite the ongoing partial shutdown of the government, there will be effects on fisheries in Alaska.… Continue reading

Sea Watch: Fed shutdown affects fisheries
From left, Alaska state Sens. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, Lyman Hoffman, D-Bethel, and Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, sit in the House chamber to hear Gov. Bill Walker deliver his annual State of the State address on Jan. 18, 2017. After several years of budgets passing late and forcing education pink slip notices, Stevens, the Senate Education Committee chair, is introducing a bill to mandate an education budget by April 1. (Photo/Mark Thiessen/AP)

Big issues in Legislature will be PFD, budget cuts, Stevens says

Heading into his 19th year as a state senator, Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, has some advice for Homer’s newest legislator, Rep.-elect Sarah Vance. She’s the… Continue reading

From left, Alaska state Sens. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, Lyman Hoffman, D-Bethel, and Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, sit in the House chamber to hear Gov. Bill Walker deliver his annual State of the State address on Jan. 18, 2017. After several years of budgets passing late and forcing education pink slip notices, Stevens, the Senate Education Committee chair, is introducing a bill to mandate an education budget by April 1. (Photo/Mark Thiessen/AP)
Industry Outlook Forum will feature businesses from across the peninsula

Industry Outlook Forum will feature businesses from across the peninsula

The Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District is hosting the upcoming Industry Outlook Forum next month. The Jan. 9 forum is an all-day event that will… Continue reading

Industry Outlook Forum will feature businesses from across the peninsula
Laurie Daniel, left, and Alaska State Parks specialist Eric Clarke, right, discuss the Diamond Creek trails portion of the Kachemak Bay State Park and State Wilderness Park draft management plan at an open house on the plan on Oct. 29, 2018, at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

DNR commissioner rescinds adoption of new Kachemak Bay parks management plan

The new Department of Natural Resources commissioner on Friday rescinded a last-minute adoption of the Kachemak Bay State Park and Kachemak Bay State Park Management… Continue reading

Laurie Daniel, left, and Alaska State Parks specialist Eric Clarke, right, discuss the Diamond Creek trails portion of the Kachemak Bay State Park and State Wilderness Park draft management plan at an open house on the plan on Oct. 29, 2018, at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
From left to right: Public Works Director Carey Meyer, Water and Sewer Superintendent Todd Cook, City Manager Katie Koester, Richard Klopp, lead water distribution and wastewater collection operator, and Mayor Ken Castner celebrate Klopp being named Wastewater Operator of the Year award by the Alaska Rural Water Association during the Monday, Nov. 26, 2018 Homer City Council meeting at Homer City Hall in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)

City worker named wastewater operator of the year

Homer’s lead water distribution and wastewater collection operator has earned a top honor for his work with the city. Richard Klopp was named Wastewater Operator… Continue reading

From left to right: Public Works Director Carey Meyer, Water and Sewer Superintendent Todd Cook, City Manager Katie Koester, Richard Klopp, lead water distribution and wastewater collection operator, and Mayor Ken Castner celebrate Klopp being named Wastewater Operator of the Year award by the Alaska Rural Water Association during the Monday, Nov. 26, 2018 Homer City Council meeting at Homer City Hall in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
A car belonging to Homer resident Tom Sulczynski is trapped on a collapsed section of the offramp of Minnesota Drive in Anchorage, Friday, Nov. 30, 2018. Sulczynski and passenger Bekah Taylor escaped the car without injury. Back-to-back earthquakes measuring 7.0 and 5.8 rocked buildings and buckled roads Friday morning in Anchorage, prompting people to run from their offices or seek shelter under office desks, while a tsunami warning had some seeking higher ground. (AP Photo/Dan Joling)

Homer residents abandon vehicle in quake chasm

Homer residents got a rough wake up call Friday morning in the form of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that rattled the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage, and… Continue reading

A car belonging to Homer resident Tom Sulczynski is trapped on a collapsed section of the offramp of Minnesota Drive in Anchorage, Friday, Nov. 30, 2018. Sulczynski and passenger Bekah Taylor escaped the car without injury. Back-to-back earthquakes measuring 7.0 and 5.8 rocked buildings and buckled roads Friday morning in Anchorage, prompting people to run from their offices or seek shelter under office desks, while a tsunami warning had some seeking higher ground. (AP Photo/Dan Joling)
In this December 2016 photo, cannabis plants grow in a standard cultivation space inside Croy’s Enterprises near Soldotna, Alaska. (Peninsula Clarion file photo)

Manufacturing license for new Homer pot shop gets OK from council

A new cannabis operation in Homer is another step closer to having all the licensing it needs in order to open. 420 on Main, if… Continue reading

In this December 2016 photo, cannabis plants grow in a standard cultivation space inside Croy’s Enterprises near Soldotna, Alaska. (Peninsula Clarion file photo)
Bird’s eye view: Homer man releases Kenai River aerial photography book

Bird’s eye view: Homer man releases Kenai River aerial photography book

From a Homer man’s passion for flying comes a book for those passionate about the Kenai River. Last weekend, Ian Reid of Eagle Eye Gallery… Continue reading

Bird’s eye view: Homer man releases Kenai River aerial photography book
Troopers and others stand near the spot where a black SUV crashed into the front of the Anchor Point Post Office on Friday, Oct. 5, 2018 in Anchor Point, Alaska. In this photo, the vehicle has been moved out of the building, leaving behind a large hole in the front of the post office. (Photo by Yvonne Prucha)

Motorist drives into Anchor Point Post Office

The Anchor Point Post Office got an unanticipated remodel when a motorist drove through the front of the building Friday afternoon. An employee and someone… Continue reading

Troopers and others stand near the spot where a black SUV crashed into the front of the Anchor Point Post Office on Friday, Oct. 5, 2018 in Anchor Point, Alaska. In this photo, the vehicle has been moved out of the building, leaving behind a large hole in the front of the post office. (Photo by Yvonne Prucha)
Children prepare glow sticks to walks with before a Light the Night march Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 at WKFL Park in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)

Light the Night marchers bring addiction and recovery into the light

A few dozen residents and their children worked to shine a little brighter light on substance abuse Saturday at Homer’s first Light the Night march.… Continue reading

Children prepare glow sticks to walks with before a Light the Night march Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 at WKFL Park in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)