News

Potholes are seen on Wildwood Drive on Thursday, April 22, 2021, in Kenai<ins>, Alaska</ins>. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai moves to purchase rights-of-way from Kenai Native Association

The Kenai City Council last week authorized $200,000 for the Wildwood Drive Rehabilitation Project.

 

Jake Dye / Peninsula Clarion Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche speaks during a meeting of the Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

Assembly will ask state legislature for authority to enact caps on real property tax assessments

Mayor Peter Micciche said a 34% increase over three years has created “real financial hardships” for many in the borough.

 

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Soldotna artist awarded Rasmuson Foundation grant

Lester Nelson-Gacal will use the funds to create a handmade, illustrated book about his father’s final year.

 

Ryan Tunseth speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Assembly accepts state funding for community assistance program

The funding will be disbursed to unincorporated communities in the Kenai Peninsula Borough for projects under the state Community Assistance Program.

Ryan Tunseth speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
State of Alaska Department of Law logo. Photo courtesy of the State of Alaska Department of Law

Kenai man sentenced for sexual abuse of minor, possession of child pornography

Joshua Aseltine was sentenced on Dec. 4 to serve 28 years in prison.

State of Alaska Department of Law logo. Photo courtesy of the State of Alaska Department of Law
Alaska Department of Natural Resources logo (graphic)

State proposes changes to material sales regulations

The Department of Natural Resources is proposing changes to regulations related to material sales and conveyances to state agencies.

Alaska Department of Natural Resources logo (graphic)
A map depicts the Cook Inlet Area state waters closed to retention of big skates through Dec. 31, 2025. Photo courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Cook Inlet area closed to big skate bycatch retention

The closure is effective in Cook Inlet Area state waters through Dec. 31.

A map depicts the Cook Inlet Area state waters closed to retention of big skates through Dec. 31, 2025. Photo courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game
A diagram presented by Seward City Manager Kat Sorenson during a Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meeting on Dec. 2, 2025, shows the expected timeline for the Port of Seward Vessel Shore Power Implementation Project. Screenshot

Seward shore power project moves into preliminary design phase

The project will create jobs, reduce cruise ship emissions and provide a backup power grid.

A diagram presented by Seward City Manager Kat Sorenson during a Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meeting on Dec. 2, 2025, shows the expected timeline for the Port of Seward Vessel Shore Power Implementation Project. Screenshot
The U.S. Forest Service Porcupine Campground offers gorgeous views of the Kenai Mountains and Turnagain Arm, as seen here on July 20, 2020, near Hope, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Department of Natural Resources seeks public input on proposed Kenai Peninsula State Forest

DNR is gathering community perspectives during several meetings this week.

The U.S. Forest Service Porcupine Campground offers gorgeous views of the Kenai Mountains and Turnagain Arm, as seen here on July 20, 2020, near Hope, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
David Ross is sworn in as Kenai Police Chief on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at Kenai City Hall. The Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police named Ross the 2025 Police Chief of the Year, recognizing over two decades of service. Photo by Megan Pacer/Peninsula Clarion

Kenai police chief named 2025 Police Chief of the Year

The Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police recognized David Ross for his more than two decades of leadership.

David Ross is sworn in as Kenai Police Chief on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at Kenai City Hall. The Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police named Ross the 2025 Police Chief of the Year, recognizing over two decades of service. Photo by Megan Pacer/Peninsula Clarion
The cast of Nikiski Middle School’s upcoming performance of “Alice in Wonderland” is pictured on Dec. 2, 2025. The upperclassmen-directed play opens on Friday, with additional showtimes Saturday and next weekend. Photo courtesy of Carla Jenness

Nikiski Middle School debuts student-led “Alice in Wonderland”

The show opens on Friday, with additional showtimes this weekend and next.

The cast of Nikiski Middle School’s upcoming performance of “Alice in Wonderland” is pictured on Dec. 2, 2025. The upperclassmen-directed play opens on Friday, with additional showtimes Saturday and next weekend. Photo courtesy of Carla Jenness
The Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center hosts the annual Christmas Comes to Kenai on Nov. 28<ins>, 2025</ins>. The beloved event began over 40 years ago, and this year over 1,000 attendees enjoyed hot chocolate, fireworks, pictures with Santa and shopping. Photo courtesy of the Kenai Chamber of Commerce Photo courtesy of the Kenai Chamber of Commerce The Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center hosted the annual Christmas Comes to Kenai on Nov. 28. The beloved event began over 40 years ago, and this year over 1,000 attendees enjoyed hot chocolate, fireworks, pictures with Santa and shopping.

Kicking off a month of holiday festivities

Last weekend’s holiday events, including the annual Christmas Comes to Kenai and the Soldotna Turkey Trot, drew folks from all over the Kenai Peninsula.

The Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center hosts the annual Christmas Comes to Kenai on Nov. 28<ins>, 2025</ins>. The beloved event began over 40 years ago, and this year over 1,000 attendees enjoyed hot chocolate, fireworks, pictures with Santa and shopping. Photo courtesy of the Kenai Chamber of Commerce Photo courtesy of the Kenai Chamber of Commerce The Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center hosted the annual Christmas Comes to Kenai on Nov. 28. The beloved event began over 40 years ago, and this year over 1,000 attendees enjoyed hot chocolate, fireworks, pictures with Santa and shopping.
On Tuesday, the Kenaitze Indian Tribe unveiled Kahtnu Area Transit, a public transportation service open to the entire Peninsula Borough community. Photo courtesy of Kahtnu Area Transit

Kenaitze Indian Tribe unveils Kahtnu Area Transit

The fixed bus route offers 13 stops between Nikiski and Sterling.

On Tuesday, the Kenaitze Indian Tribe unveiled Kahtnu Area Transit, a public transportation service open to the entire Peninsula Borough community. Photo courtesy of Kahtnu Area Transit
Starting Dec. 2, Aleutian Airways will offer roundtrip flights between Anchorage and Unalakleet every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.

Aleutian Airways to offer roundtrip flights between Anchorage and Unalakleet

Starting Dec. 2, Aleutian Airways will offer three roundtrip flights per week.

Starting Dec. 2, Aleutian Airways will offer roundtrip flights between Anchorage and Unalakleet every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.
The Trump administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill” act requires the Bureau of Ocean Energy management to hold at least six offshore oil and gas lease sales in Alaska between 2026-2028 and 2030-2032. The first of these sales — known as “Big Beautiful Cook Inlet 1,” or BBC1— is scheduled for March 2026. Photo courtesy of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

Cook Inletkeeper launches petition against federal government

The organization is calling for transparency in Cook Inlet offshore oil and gas sales.

The Trump administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill” act requires the Bureau of Ocean Energy management to hold at least six offshore oil and gas lease sales in Alaska between 2026-2028 and 2030-2032. The first of these sales — known as “Big Beautiful Cook Inlet 1,” or BBC1— is scheduled for March 2026. Photo courtesy of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
Winter dining has always carried more weight than the menu might suggest. In the off-season, eating out isn’t just about comfort food or convenience; it’s a way of supporting local businesses as they hold steady through the slower months. Photo credit: Canva.

The ripple effect: How local spending builds stronger communities on the Kenai Peninsula

From cozy cafés to fine-dining bistros, purchases made close to home sustain local jobs and services

Winter dining has always carried more weight than the menu might suggest. In the off-season, eating out isn’t just about comfort food or convenience; it’s a way of supporting local businesses as they hold steady through the slower months. Photo credit: Canva.
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Kenai man sentenced for sexual abuse of a minor

Jeremiah Barton was sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty.

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State of Alaska Department of Law logo. Photo courtesy of the State of Alaska Department of Law

Soldotna man sentenced for sexual abuse of a minor

Kris Overlander will serve 25 years in prison, followed by 20 years on felony probation.

State of Alaska Department of Law logo. Photo courtesy of the State of Alaska Department of Law
Homer public health nurse Emily Sears demonstrates tools in her vehicle emergency supply kit during a presentation on winter storm preparedness at the Anchor Point Senior Center on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

Homer public health talks winter emergency preparedness

A representative from the Homer Public Health Center discussed emergency preparation during the winter with Anchor Point residents last Thursday.

Homer public health nurse Emily Sears demonstrates tools in her vehicle emergency supply kit during a presentation on winter storm preparedness at the Anchor Point Senior Center on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Clarion Sports Editor Jeff Helminiak harvests a newsroom Christmas tree from the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge near Arc Lake outside of Soldotna, Alaska, on Dec. 3, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

State opens land for Christmas tree harvesting

Alaskan families will have the opportunity to harvest a live tree from unrestricted state lands for Christmas this year, the state Department of Natural Resources… Continue reading

Clarion Sports Editor Jeff Helminiak harvests a newsroom Christmas tree from the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge near Arc Lake outside of Soldotna, Alaska, on Dec. 3, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)