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We would like to thank all the wonderful people and organizations that made our First Annual Military Appreciation Picnic such a rousing success. The Young Marines for the help setting up, directing parking and of course clean up. The Kenai Peninsula Republican Women for sponsoring the event as well as being involved in every aspect from planning to clean up! A special thanks to Jane and Will Madison. We would also like to thank Lt. Gov. and Mrs. Sean Parnell, KPB Mayor Dave Carey, and Rep. Kurt Olson for attending and supporting the brave military and their families who came to the picnic.

I would like to take a moment to weigh in on the issue of having a strong, elected Borough Mayor that is hired by the voters, or a manager that is appointed by the Borough Assembly.

Even though the wind blew hard, it did not rain, and a good time was had by people at the Summer Solstice Party at the Diamond M Ranch on June 21. A special hit was the 40-by-80-foot kayak pool built by John Steckel. Kids and adults enjoyed the kayaks and paddle boats, and although a little chilly, several kids competed in the triathlon, where they inner-tubed, biked and ran. The Kenai Peninsula Bed and Breakfast Association, for which the party was a fundraiser, would like to thank our major sponsors -- Coca Cola, Atigun Inc., Printer's Ink, R & R Auto, Metalizing Inc., Doors/Windows, Dino Jump, Gamas Designs and Grant Aviation.