Kenai Peninsula Borough

Member Tom Tougas speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Tourism Industry Working Group in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Tourism Industry Working Group holds 1st meeting

The group organized and began to unpack questions about tourism revenue and identity

 

Assembly President Peter Ribbens speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Assembly considers cutting an open public comment period from its meetings

There are two opportunities for open public comment during meetings of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly — one taking place toward the middle and one… Continue reading

 

Evan Frisk calls for full-time staffing of the Central Emergency Services’ Kasilof station during a meeting of the CES Joint Operational Service Area Board on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at Soldotna Prep School in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Kasilof residents ask for full staffing at fire station

Public testimony centered repeatedly on the possible wait times for an ambulance

 

Duane Bannock speaks to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Borough’s tourism industry working group takes shape

The group will explore the effects of a potential bed tax

Duane Bannock speaks to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Assembly Member Peter Ribbens speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Ribbens, Cooper named new heads of borough assembly

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly reorganized during their Oct. 22 meeting

Assembly Member Peter Ribbens speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
The Alaska Board of Fisheries hears public testimony at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex in Soldotna, Alaska, on Feb. 18, 1999. (M. Scott Moon/Peninsula Clarion file)

Board of Fisheries again declines to hold Upper Cook Inlet meeting on Kenai Peninsula

The State Board of Fisheries this week rejected calls from the Kenai Peninsula Borough and the cities of Kenai, Soldotna, Homer, Seward, Seldovia and Kachemak… Continue reading

The Alaska Board of Fisheries hears public testimony at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex in Soldotna, Alaska, on Feb. 18, 1999. (M. Scott Moon/Peninsula Clarion file)
Borough Clerk Michele Turner administers oaths of office to Cindy Ecklund and James Baisden during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. Ecklund was reelected and Baisden was elected to the assembly during the Oct. 1 election. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Borough assembly certifies election; Baisden and Ecklund are sworn in

Cindy Ecklund won reelection; James Baisden was newly elected

Borough Clerk Michele Turner administers oaths of office to Cindy Ecklund and James Baisden during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. Ecklund was reelected and Baisden was elected to the assembly during the Oct. 1 election. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Well over 50 people enjoy the Nikiski Pool during a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the North Peninsula Recreation Service Area in Nikiski, Alaska, on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Assembly adds funds to project to replace Nikiski Pool water line

Increased complexities stem from a lack of information about how the pool’s water systems are put together

Well over 50 people enjoy the Nikiski Pool during a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the North Peninsula Recreation Service Area in Nikiski, Alaska, on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
”Miss Rosey,” a pink fire engine dedicated to raising awareness about cancer prevention and screening, is seen after her unveiling at Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

‘Early detection saves lives’

CES fire engine made pink to raise awareness of cancer, screenings

”Miss Rosey,” a pink fire engine dedicated to raising awareness about cancer prevention and screening, is seen after her unveiling at Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Assembly Vice President Tyson Cox speaks during a Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly work session in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Applications open for working group tasked with exploring bed tax

Of the group’s seven voting members, four will be members of the public and three will be representatives of the tourism industry

Assembly Vice President Tyson Cox speaks during a Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly work session in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
A Kenai Peninsula Borough Voter Information Pamphlet rests on a desk in the Peninsula Clarion’s newsroom in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Election 2024: When, where to vote Tuesday

City council, borough assembly, school board seats on the ballot

A Kenai Peninsula Borough Voter Information Pamphlet rests on a desk in the Peninsula Clarion’s newsroom in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
A map shows the original property boundary (in red) of Nikiski North Star Elementary and the boundary of the new property (in yellow) the borough is set to purchase. (Courtesy Kenai Peninsula Borough)

Borough to buy property adjacent to Nikiski North Star for possible development

Nikiski North Star is on a 28-acre parcel bounded by private land and Salamatof Lake

A map shows the original property boundary (in red) of Nikiski North Star Elementary and the boundary of the new property (in yellow) the borough is set to purchase. (Courtesy Kenai Peninsula Borough)
City Council Member James Baisden speaks during a work session of the Kenai City Council in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Election 2024: Assembly candidate James Baisden talks budget, industry, vision

He is running for the District 1 seat representing Kalifornsky

City Council Member James Baisden speaks during a work session of the Kenai City Council in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Assembly Vice President Tyson Cox speaks during a Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly work session in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Assembly OKs new Tourism Industry Working Group

Another resolution was considered in June that would have added a bed tax question to the October ballot

Assembly Vice President Tyson Cox speaks during a Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly work session in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche speaks to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly during their work session in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Assembly gets update on 2022 bond package projects

Voters approved a $65.55 million bond package to address a list of 10 critical maintenance projects around the school district

Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche speaks to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly during their work session in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Homer City Hall. (Homer News file photo)

Homer council supports statute change to include web-based public noticing

Resolution 24-088 requests that the Alaska Municipal League take up the issue

Homer City Hall. (Homer News file photo)
Kenai Peninsula College Director Cheryl Siemers speaks at a celebration of the 60th anniversary of Kenai Peninsula College in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai Peninsula College celebrates 60 years of instruction

The college celebrated its anniversary during its annual open house last week

Kenai Peninsula College Director Cheryl Siemers speaks at a celebration of the 60th anniversary of Kenai Peninsula College in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
A voting booth for the Kenai Peninsula Borough and City of Homer elections at Cowles Council Chambers on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022 in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Charlie Menke/ Homer News)

Election 2024: Here’s who’s running in local races

The candidate filing period closed Thursday, Aug. 15

A voting booth for the Kenai Peninsula Borough and City of Homer elections at Cowles Council Chambers on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022 in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Charlie Menke/ Homer News)
Samantha Springer receives the Outstanding Individual in Tourism award at Industry Appreciation Day in Kenai, Alaska, on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Individuals and businesses recognized at Industry Appreciation Day

The Kenai Softball Greenstrip was packed on Saturday, Aug. 17, as hundreds gathered to recognize local industries and also enjoy free food and games. The… Continue reading

Samantha Springer receives the Outstanding Individual in Tourism award at Industry Appreciation Day in Kenai, Alaska, on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Supporters of Rep. Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna, and Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, wave signs on the side of the Sterling Highway in Soldotna, Alaska, during the Alaska Primary Election Day on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Bjorkman, Ruffridge, Vance lead in primary election results

House District 8 candidates Elam and Hillyer in close contention

Supporters of Rep. Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna, and Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, wave signs on the side of the Sterling Highway in Soldotna, Alaska, during the Alaska Primary Election Day on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)