Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic staff (left to right) Angie Holland, RN; Jane Rohr, Sonja Martin Young, CNM; Robin Holmes, MD; and Cherie Bole, CMA provide an array of reproductive and sexual health services. (Photo provided by KBFPC)

Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic releases report on STI trends on the Kenai Peninsula

The report pulls from data gathered from 2024 to early 2025.

 

Pool manager and swim coach Will Hubler leads a treading water exercise at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Swimmers, parents call on Kenai to support Kenai Central pool

The KPBSD Board of Education last week said communities will need to step up and take over administration of pools within the next year.

 

Traffic passes by South Spruce Street in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai drops effort to rename South Spruce Street

The resolution would have changed the name to make it clear which road led to North Kenai Beach

 

Gov. Mike Dunleavy compares Alaska to Mississippi data on poverty, per-pupil education spending, and the 2024 National Assessment of Education Progress fourth grade reading scores during a press conference on Jan. 31, 2025. Alaska is highlighted in yellow, while Mississippi is in red. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)

Dunleavy calls special session for August

Lawmakers on Wednesday said they were surprised by the move.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy compares Alaska to Mississippi data on poverty, per-pupil education spending, and the 2024 National Assessment of Education Progress fourth grade reading scores during a press conference on Jan. 31, 2025. Alaska is highlighted in yellow, while Mississippi is in red. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
A makeshift coffin decrying the risks of Medicaid funding cuts is seen on Thursday, June 26, in front of the Blazy Mall in Soldotna. The cuts were included in legislation passed by the U.S. Senate early Tuesday morning. (Photo by Jonas Oyoumick/Peninsula Clarion)

Ahead of Senate vote, Soldotna protesters defend Medicaid funding

Cuts to the program were included in legislation passed by the U.S. Senate early Tuesday morning.

  • Jul 1, 2025
  • By Jonas Oyoumick For the Peninsula Clarion
  • Local News
A makeshift coffin decrying the risks of Medicaid funding cuts is seen on Thursday, June 26, in front of the Blazy Mall in Soldotna. The cuts were included in legislation passed by the U.S. Senate early Tuesday morning. (Photo by Jonas Oyoumick/Peninsula Clarion)
Board President Zen Kelly speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District’s Board of Education in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai Peninsula Borough school board to finalize budget

The new budget designed by the committee will be considered at a public hearing during the full board meeting on Monday evening.

Board President Zen Kelly speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District’s Board of Education in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
The Russian River Sanctuary Area is seen in the area labeled B in this map provided by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. (courtesy)

Strong sockeye run prompts early open of Russian River Sanctuary

In regulation, the confluence is expected to be open from July 15 to Aug. 20.

The Russian River Sanctuary Area is seen in the area labeled B in this map provided by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. (courtesy)
The Swan Lake Fire can be seen from above on Monday, Aug. 26 on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. (Photo courtesy Alaska Wildland Fire Information)

Burn suspension lifted for Kenai Peninsula and Kodiak

The public is asked to remain vigilant while burning due to minimal available resources.

The Swan Lake Fire can be seen from above on Monday, Aug. 26 on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. (Photo courtesy Alaska Wildland Fire Information)
Commanding Officer Corey Engel, Rear Adm. Megan Dean, and former ASPEN Commanding Officer Shea Winterberger smile for a photograph during the Change of Command ceremony on Thursday, June 26, 2025, on the Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)

USCG ASPEN changes command

Commanding Officer Corey Engel will be in charge of the cutter’s operations and crew.

Commanding Officer Corey Engel, Rear Adm. Megan Dean, and former ASPEN Commanding Officer Shea Winterberger smile for a photograph during the Change of Command ceremony on Thursday, June 26, 2025, on the Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
Volunteers repair the trails at Erik Hansen Scout Park in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Volunteers revitalize Kenai scout park

Kenai’s Erik Hansen Scout Park overlooks the mouth of the Kenai River in Old Town.

Volunteers repair the trails at Erik Hansen Scout Park in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
A sockeye salmon rests atop a cooler at the mouth of the Kasilof River on Monday, June 26, 2023, in Kasilof, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
A sockeye salmon rests atop a cooler at the mouth of the Kasilof River on Monday, June 26, 2023, in Kasilof, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Traffic passes by South Spruce Street in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Planning commission withholds support for Spruce Street name change

A city council proposal would change the name to Kenai Beach Street.

Traffic passes by South Spruce Street in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Council member Jordan Chilson speaks during a Soldotna City Council work session on the Soldotna Field House in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Soldotna council rejects effort to change meeting times

A resolution calling for meetings to bumped up from 6 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Council member Jordan Chilson speaks during a Soldotna City Council work session on the Soldotna Field House in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
The Cowles Council Chambers are seen in Homer City Hall on Pioneer Avenue in April 2025 in Homer, Alaska. (Homer News file photo)

Homer mayor recognizes Parks and Recreation Month, ADA Awareness Day

Parks and recreation areas are fundamental to the environmental well-being of the community, the proclamation said.

The Cowles Council Chambers are seen in Homer City Hall on Pioneer Avenue in April 2025 in Homer, Alaska. (Homer News file photo)
A line of antique cars proceeds down Pioneer Avenue during the Fourth of July parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
A line of antique cars proceeds down Pioneer Avenue during the Fourth of July parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
KBNERR Education and Harmful Species Monitoring Program staff host McNeil Canyon Elementary School students at Pier One Beach in May 2025 to monitor for invasive European green crabs. Students assisted with checking traps and recording data of native crab and fish species caught and released. Photo courtesy of Katherine Schake

Proposed funding cuts threaten research reserve

A “pre-decisionary” memo on budgetary cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows no federal funding for National Estuarine Research Reserves.

KBNERR Education and Harmful Species Monitoring Program staff host McNeil Canyon Elementary School students at Pier One Beach in May 2025 to monitor for invasive European green crabs. Students assisted with checking traps and recording data of native crab and fish species caught and released. Photo courtesy of Katherine Schake
Swimmers and parents protest the proposed closure of Kenai Peninsula Borough School District pools outside of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Administration Building in Soldotna, Alaska, on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Pool funding OK’d as district looks to hand off facilities to communities

School pools have repeatedly been raised as a possible option for closure and then saved at the last minute.

Swimmers and parents protest the proposed closure of Kenai Peninsula Borough School District pools outside of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Administration Building in Soldotna, Alaska, on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Students stand during a protest against the possible closure of Sterling Elementary School along the Sterling Highway in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, May 3, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Students stand during a protest against the possible closure of Sterling Elementary School along the Sterling Highway in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, May 3, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Seal pup PV2511 poses for a photograph on June 14, 2025 at the Alaska Sealife Center in Seward, Alaska. She was rescued by the site of a "popular fishing spot" in Homer on June 12, 2025. (Photo courtesy of ASLC)

SeaLife Center urges public to leave seal pups alone, after a recent uptick in admits

If you see a hurt or disabled pup, call the Stranded Marine Animal Hotline at 1-888-774-SEAL (7325).

Seal pup PV2511 poses for a photograph on June 14, 2025 at the Alaska Sealife Center in Seward, Alaska. She was rescued by the site of a "popular fishing spot" in Homer on June 12, 2025. (Photo courtesy of ASLC)
Aspen Creek Senior Living residents, dressed as the Statue of Liberty and Uncle Sam, roll down the Kenai Spur Highway in Kenai, Alaska, during the Fourth of July Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai to celebrate Independence Day with annual parade

The Kenai Fourth of July parade is set to start at 11 a.m. on Trading Bay Road.

Aspen Creek Senior Living residents, dressed as the Statue of Liberty and Uncle Sam, roll down the Kenai Spur Highway in Kenai, Alaska, during the Fourth of July Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)