News

Salmon fellows program includes 4 with peninsula connections

As beloved as salmon are across Alaska, they’re also the focus of tense disagreements. The Alaska Humanities Forum is convening a group of people to… Continue reading

University of Alaska Anchorage student Julie Polasik peers over the Kenai flats through a birding scope during the 24-Hour Midnight Sun Big Sit on Saturday, May 19. Dozens of volunteer bird watchers turned out to the Kenai Wildlife Viewing Platform for the sit, which aimed to tally the dozens of species of birds coming and going from the estuary. Data gathered by bird watchers will be posted to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology eBird website, which collects data on bird species around the world. Organized by the Keen Eye Bird Club, the event was part of the Kenai Birding Festival, which took place over the weekend and offered guided hikes, float trips, trail walks, workshops and educational talks. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)

A Keen Eye for detail: Birders turn out to take annual tally

By Erin Thompson Peninsula Clarion… Continue reading

University of Alaska Anchorage student Julie Polasik peers over the Kenai flats through a birding scope during the 24-Hour Midnight Sun Big Sit on Saturday, May 19. Dozens of volunteer bird watchers turned out to the Kenai Wildlife Viewing Platform for the sit, which aimed to tally the dozens of species of birds coming and going from the estuary. Data gathered by bird watchers will be posted to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology eBird website, which collects data on bird species around the world. Organized by the Keen Eye Bird Club, the event was part of the Kenai Birding Festival, which took place over the weekend and offered guided hikes, float trips, trail walks, workshops and educational talks. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
A cow moose browses in the trees near the Homer Electric Association building on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 in Kenai, Alaska. In the spring, female moose give birth to their calves, and are eating what they can after a long, lean winter, leading them to be somewhat defense and aggressive. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game warns people to stay away from moose this time of year. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)

Watch out for moose

… Continue reading

A cow moose browses in the trees near the Homer Electric Association building on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 in Kenai, Alaska. In the spring, female moose give birth to their calves, and are eating what they can after a long, lean winter, leading them to be somewhat defense and aggressive. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game warns people to stay away from moose this time of year. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
Organic clay-based paint stands stacked in the window at the “Art Shack,” an art studio space owned by Sue Mann, on Friday, May 4, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Mann, who owns the art supply store Artzy Junkin on the lot next to the Maverick Bar, opened the space as a joint studio space for artists to teach classes or make art. It’s been a longtime goal she is starting this year, with classes like a mother and daughter chandelier-making class, mosaic, tie-dye and stained glass. She currently has five artists working on contract, she said. “Really, that’s my heart for this — bringing artists together,” she said.

Art from salvage

The group of old buildings behind the decorative mushrooms and tall spruce alongside the Sterling Highway are all rescued and finding new life with art.… Continue reading

Organic clay-based paint stands stacked in the window at the “Art Shack,” an art studio space owned by Sue Mann, on Friday, May 4, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Mann, who owns the art supply store Artzy Junkin on the lot next to the Maverick Bar, opened the space as a joint studio space for artists to teach classes or make art. It’s been a longtime goal she is starting this year, with classes like a mother and daughter chandelier-making class, mosaic, tie-dye and stained glass. She currently has five artists working on contract, she said. “Really, that’s my heart for this — bringing artists together,” she said.
Assembly still torn on how to plug budget shortfall

Assembly still torn on how to plug budget shortfall

With one meeting left before they have to approve the fiscal year 2019 budget, the members of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly have yet to… Continue reading

Assembly still torn on how to plug budget shortfall
Nikiski resident James Price speaks to members of the Alaska Judicial Council during a public hearing on the applicants seeking to replace retiring Superior Court Judge Anna M. Moran on Wednesday at the Kenai Courthouse. The seven-member Alaska Judicial Council chose to forward the names of Kenai Assistant Attorney General Lance Joanis and Valdez District Court Judge Daniel Schally to Gov. Bill Walker for consideration. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)

Valdez judge, assistant attorney general nominated for Superior Court

The field of potential replacements for retiring Kenai Superior Court Judge Anna M. Moran was winnowed to two Wednesday. After an afternoon of public testimony… Continue reading

Nikiski resident James Price speaks to members of the Alaska Judicial Council during a public hearing on the applicants seeking to replace retiring Superior Court Judge Anna M. Moran on Wednesday at the Kenai Courthouse. The seven-member Alaska Judicial Council chose to forward the names of Kenai Assistant Attorney General Lance Joanis and Valdez District Court Judge Daniel Schally to Gov. Bill Walker for consideration. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)

Northern District king salmon setnetters stay closed

Subsistence fishermen in part of the Susitna River drainage will be able to harvest a few kings, but commercial fishermen in Northern Cook Inlet will… Continue reading

Pioneer Potluck: About getting ready for visitors

Our summer visitors from the “Lower 48” get a peek at our home-style Alaskan living. We are always glad to see and greet them as… Continue reading

Burned trees are shown at the scene of a wildfire in Nikolaevsk, near Ninilchik, on May 15. Killed by invasive beetles, the heavy trees provide potent fuel for wildfires and provide challenges for fire crews. (Photo courtesy of the Alaska Division of Forestry)

Wildfires sweep southern peninsula

Back-to-back wildfires kept emergency response teams busy on the southern peninsula Monday. Firefighters were called out to the scene of a 3.5-acre wildfire along Misty… Continue reading

Burned trees are shown at the scene of a wildfire in Nikolaevsk, near Ninilchik, on May 15. Killed by invasive beetles, the heavy trees provide potent fuel for wildfires and provide challenges for fire crews. (Photo courtesy of the Alaska Division of Forestry)
Study reviews potential climate impacts on Kenai River salmon

Fish board denies petition on hatcheries

The members of the Board of Fisheries agree that Pacific salmon hatchery impacts on wild salmon stocks are concerning, but they aren’t clear on what… Continue reading

Study reviews potential climate impacts on Kenai River salmon
Mother, son face armed robbery charges

Mother, son face armed robbery charges

Nikiski mother and son face charges of armed robbery A mother and son are due in court on charges of armed robbery and assault following… Continue reading

Mother, son face armed robbery charges
An Arctic tern swoops in search of fish on the banks of the Kenai River near the Warren Ames Bridge on Monday, May 14, 2018 in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai Peninsula Birding Fest to take off Thursday

As flocks of birds settle on the central Kenai Peninsula this spring, flocks of people will be following them with cameras and binoculars this weekend.… Continue reading

An Arctic tern swoops in search of fish on the banks of the Kenai River near the Warren Ames Bridge on Monday, May 14, 2018 in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
Going for a ride: Bikers learn safety tips at community event

Going for a ride: Bikers learn safety tips at community event

Top 10 Bicycling Safety Tips 1. Always wear a helmet. 2. Wear brightly colored clothing. 3. Check air, breaks and chain. 4. Stop. Look left,… Continue reading

Going for a ride: Bikers learn safety tips at community event
Supt. Sean Dusek and Wendy Lindskoog of BP congratulate Robanne Stading 2018 BP Teacher of the Year.

Top teachers lauded

Graduates across the Kenai Peninsula have been celebrating the hard work they’ve put into their classes, and May 10, BP honored the educators who make… Continue reading

Supt. Sean Dusek and Wendy Lindskoog of BP congratulate Robanne Stading 2018 BP Teacher of the Year.
Claudia Browning flips the flap jacks during community dedication open house.

New CES fleet dedicated for service

Central Emergency Services (CES) fire fighters know how to respond to emergency situations with incredible flexibility and resourcefulness. Thanks to a $4.4 million bond measure… Continue reading

Claudia Browning flips the flap jacks during community dedication open house.

CIAA to move controversial nets back into Tutka Bay Lagoon

The much-debated net pens in the main part of Tutka Bay won’t be there this summer after all. Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association will move its… Continue reading

1 dies in plane crash near Whittier

1 dies in plane crash near Whittier

1 dies in plane crash near Whittier Alaska State Troopers say a pilot has died after a small plane crashed near Whittier. The Alaska Rescue… Continue reading

1 dies in plane crash near Whittier
Smoke rises from the burn area of the East Fork Fire on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on Friday, June 16, 2017 near Sterling, Alaska. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)

Bill toughens punishment for burning violations

Anyone charged with a crime related to setting fires will likely have tougher punishments to face in the future. The Legislature passed a bill, House… Continue reading

Smoke rises from the burn area of the East Fork Fire on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on Friday, June 16, 2017 near Sterling, Alaska. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
Beginning a new chapter: Kenai River Campus graduates take home diplomas

Beginning a new chapter: Kenai River Campus graduates take home diplomas

There were nerves and smiles, a few tears, some bedazzled caps and a lot of relief in the moments before Kenai Peninsula College’s 2018 River… Continue reading

Beginning a new chapter: Kenai River Campus graduates take home diplomas
4-H members test their knowledge of horses during State Contest.

No horsing around at 4-H State Equine contest

Raising horses in Alaska is a lot of hard work, and competing in the 4-H State Horse Contest calls for a lot of hard studying.… Continue reading

4-H members test their knowledge of horses during State Contest.