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(From left) Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education candidates Patti Truesdell, Virgil Gattenby, Virginia Morgan, Ryan Culbertson and Zen Kelly participate in a candidate forum at the Soldotna Public Library on Monday, Sept. 20, 2022 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

School board hopefuls talk education at forum

Among topics discussed include bond proposition, teacher retention and federal funding

(From left) Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education candidates Patti Truesdell, Virgil Gattenby, Virginia Morgan, Ryan Culbertson and Zen Kelly participate in a candidate forum at the Soldotna Public Library on Monday, Sept. 20, 2022 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Wood is piled near the entrance to Centennial Park on Thursday, May 26, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

More state money rolls in for Soldotna spruce bark beetle mitigation

The $200,000 accepted by council members Wednesday comes from the Alaska Division of Forestry

Wood is piled near the entrance to Centennial Park on Thursday, May 26, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Pollworkers Carol Louthan, center, and Harmony Bolden work at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Absentee in-person voting starts Monday for Oct. 4 election

The Soldotna Prep School building has ballot styles for all Kenai Peninsula Borough precincts

Pollworkers Carol Louthan, center, and Harmony Bolden work at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Alaska lieutenant governor candidates Jessica Cook (left) and Edie Grunwald (right) participate in a forum at the Kenai Chamber of Commberce and Visitor Center on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022 in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O'Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Grunwald, Cook split on state issues at Wednesday forum

Lieutenant governor candidates Heidi Drygas and Nancy Dahlstrom did not attend Wednesday’s forum

Alaska lieutenant governor candidates Jessica Cook (left) and Edie Grunwald (right) participate in a forum at the Kenai Chamber of Commberce and Visitor Center on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022 in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O'Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna Public Works Director Kyle Kornelis, right, answers questions from Jeff Dolifka, left, regarding the Soldotna Field House on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Supporters look to boost field house project ahead of vote

A different bond proposition to fund the field house failed by 18 votes

Soldotna Public Works Director Kyle Kornelis, right, answers questions from Jeff Dolifka, left, regarding the Soldotna Field House on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
A “Vote Here” sign is seen at the City of Kenai building on Monday, Sept. 21, 2020, in Kenai, Alaska. (Clarion file)

Special election for mayor could take place as early as January

A special election is necessitated by Charlie Pierce’s resignation — as his current term does not expire until the end of next year

A “Vote Here” sign is seen at the City of Kenai building on Monday, Sept. 21, 2020, in Kenai, Alaska. (Clarion file)
From left, Kenai Peninsula Borough assembly candidates Tyson Cox and Brent Johnson listen to Don Boston speak during a forum at the Soldotna Public Library on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Assembly candidates talk borough issues

3rd Clarion/KDLL forum features candidates for Soldotna, central peninsula

From left, Kenai Peninsula Borough assembly candidates Tyson Cox and Brent Johnson listen to Don Boston speak during a forum at the Soldotna Public Library on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai Peninsula Borough assembly members convene for a special meeting on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Assembly statement: Borough investigated harassment complaint against Pierce

The allegations were found to be ‘credible’, the borough said Sunday

Kenai Peninsula Borough assembly members convene for a special meeting on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
From left, Soldotna City Council candidates Lisa Parker, Dave Carey, Garrett Dominick and Erick Hugarte participate in a candidate forum at the Soldotna Public Library on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

3rd Clarion/KDLL forum is Monday

Monday’s forum will spotlight some candidates running for seats on the assembly

From left, Soldotna City Council candidates Lisa Parker, Dave Carey, Garrett Dominick and Erick Hugarte participate in a candidate forum at the Soldotna Public Library on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai Peninsula Peace Crane Garden Trails Secretary Matthew Pyhala provides remarks at the grand opening and dedication of the trails on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Community celebrates opening of peace crane garden trails

The Kenai Peninsula Peace Crane Garden Trails are located on Marydale Avenue near Soldotna High School

Kenai Peninsula Peace Crane Garden Trails Secretary Matthew Pyhala provides remarks at the grand opening and dedication of the trails on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy stands at a lectern in a Three Bears Alaska store in Palmer, next to a giant, covered check containing this year’s Alaska Permanent Fund dividend amount on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022. Behind him stand Alaska resident Miranda Wagoner, left, and Jessica Viera, executive director, Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, who gave speeches at the event. (Faceboook live screenshot)

Dunleavy: PFD payments will be $3,284

PFD payments will be coming earlier than usual

Gov. Mike Dunleavy stands at a lectern in a Three Bears Alaska store in Palmer, next to a giant, covered check containing this year’s Alaska Permanent Fund dividend amount on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022. Behind him stand Alaska resident Miranda Wagoner, left, and Jessica Viera, executive director, Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, who gave speeches at the event. (Faceboook live screenshot)
Alaska gubernatorial candidates Bill Walker, left, and Les Gara participate in a candidate forum hosted by the Kenai and Soldotna chambers of commerce at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Gara, Walker face off at chamber forum

The two, who found common ground on some issues, took aim at Dunleavy

Alaska gubernatorial candidates Bill Walker, left, and Les Gara participate in a candidate forum hosted by the Kenai and Soldotna chambers of commerce at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
From left, Soldotna City Council candidates Lisa Parker, Dave Carey, Garrett Dominick and Erick Hugarte participate in a candidate forum at the Soldotna Public Library on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Soldotna candidates talk city issues, council bids

The forum was the second of nine forums being hosted by The Peninsula Clarion and KDLL 91.9 FM

From left, Soldotna City Council candidates Lisa Parker, Dave Carey, Garrett Dominick and Erick Hugarte participate in a candidate forum at the Soldotna Public Library on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Mike Navarre testifies before the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Mike Navarre to step in as interim borough mayor

Navarre will take over from sitting Borough Mayor Charlie Pierce, who resigned on Aug. 26

Mike Navarre testifies before the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Graphic by Ashlyn O’Hara.

Alaska primary certified; local results are unchanged

Results were made official on Sept. 2

Graphic by Ashlyn O’Hara.
Fishers set out equipment a short distance from shore in the Tongass National Forest. The federal government on Friday announced it is awarding a $49 million grant to Alaska Mariculture Cluster, which is seeking to develop a $100 million a year sustainable seafood program in Southeast Alaska and other parts of the state. (U.S. Forest Service)

Alaska mariculture gets $49 million boost from feds

The coalition behind the project includes the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District

Fishers set out equipment a short distance from shore in the Tongass National Forest. The federal government on Friday announced it is awarding a $49 million grant to Alaska Mariculture Cluster, which is seeking to develop a $100 million a year sustainable seafood program in Southeast Alaska and other parts of the state. (U.S. Forest Service)
From left, Kenai city mayoral candidates Brian Gabriel and Teea Winger, as well as council candidates Victoria Askin, Alex Douthit and Glenese Pettey participate in a candidate forum at the Soldotna Public Library on Monday, Aug. 29, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. The Peninsula Clarion and KDLL 91.9 FM, in partnership with the Central Kenai Peninsula League of Women Voters are hosting a series of election forums Mondays from 6-7 p.m. through Oct. 31 at the Soldotna library. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

2nd Clarion/KDLL forum is Tuesday

The forum will spotlight candidates running for seats on the Soldotna City Council

From left, Kenai city mayoral candidates Brian Gabriel and Teea Winger, as well as council candidates Victoria Askin, Alex Douthit and Glenese Pettey participate in a candidate forum at the Soldotna Public Library on Monday, Aug. 29, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. The Peninsula Clarion and KDLL 91.9 FM, in partnership with the Central Kenai Peninsula League of Women Voters are hosting a series of election forums Mondays from 6-7 p.m. through Oct. 31 at the Soldotna library. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
A state employee changes speed limit signs along the Sterling Highway. (Photos courtesy Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities)

State ups speed limit on 20-mile stretch of Sterling Highway

The stretch of highway runs roughly between the two entrances of Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area

A state employee changes speed limit signs along the Sterling Highway. (Photos courtesy Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities)
A school bus advertises driver positions outside of Kenai Central High School on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, in Kenai, Alaska. Multiple Kenai Peninsula Borough School District bus routes will be consolidated beginning next week as it faces rising prices and a labor shortage. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

School district further changes bus routes

Changes were shared in a Friday post to the district’s Facebook page

A school bus advertises driver positions outside of Kenai Central High School on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, in Kenai, Alaska. Multiple Kenai Peninsula Borough School District bus routes will be consolidated beginning next week as it faces rising prices and a labor shortage. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna Police Chief Dale “Gene” Meek stands in his office on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

‘Mugging’ with the chief

Soldotna’s new police head brings experience, enthusiam for community outreach

Soldotna Police Chief Dale “Gene” Meek stands in his office on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)