Camille Botello

COVID-19. (Image courtesy CDC)

Cases down statewide; uncertainty over omicron looms

On Friday, the state reported 453 new COVID cases, for a seven-day cumulative rolling average of 195 cases per day.

COVID-19. (Image courtesy CDC)
Maria Dixson, left, rings up a purchase by Sarah Pyhala, right, at River City Books in Soldotna, Alaska, on Jan. 2, 2021. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion file)

Last call for $100 shop local vouchers

The Soldotna City Council voted to set aside $350,000 in excess CARES dollars for the shop local program earlier this year.

Maria Dixson, left, rings up a purchase by Sarah Pyhala, right, at River City Books in Soldotna, Alaska, on Jan. 2, 2021. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion file)
Brian Prather sits with Santa at the Nikiski Community Recreation Center on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, in Nikiski, Alaska. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)

Santa comes to town

Nikiski rec center hosts Christmas celebration

Brian Prather sits with Santa at the Nikiski Community Recreation Center on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, in Nikiski, Alaska. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)
Central Peninsula Hospital Pharmacy Technician Jessica Hulet rolls a cart carrying doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine into Central Peninsula Hospital on Wednesday, Dec. 16 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

1 year after vaccine, push against virus continues

A Toyota Sienna minivan delivered the peninsula’s first COVID shots to Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna on Dec. 16 last year.

Central Peninsula Hospital Pharmacy Technician Jessica Hulet rolls a cart carrying doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine into Central Peninsula Hospital on Wednesday, Dec. 16 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Jacquelynn Tomrdle, left, and Nicole Murphy, right, present on behalf of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Students in Transition program at the Kenai Peninsula Association of Realtors award ceremony at Kenai Catering on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)

‘Happiest time’

Realtors donate holiday gifts to at-risk kids.

Jacquelynn Tomrdle, left, and Nicole Murphy, right, present on behalf of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Students in Transition program at the Kenai Peninsula Association of Realtors award ceremony at Kenai Catering on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)
The film “Finding Balance” directed by Santino “Tino” Martirano will be featured in the upcoming Backcountry Film Festival hosted by Tsalteshi Trails Association at the organization’s annual meeting on Saturday. (Courtesy of David Julian and the Winter Wildlands Alliance)

Tsalteshi to feature films from Backcountry Film Festival at meeting

The films range from extreme sports to outdoor winter hobbies, while also promoting sustainable recreation.

The film “Finding Balance” directed by Santino “Tino” Martirano will be featured in the upcoming Backcountry Film Festival hosted by Tsalteshi Trails Association at the organization’s annual meeting on Saturday. (Courtesy of David Julian and the Winter Wildlands Alliance)
Alaska State Troopers logo.

Missing hunter found dead in Whittier

The man and a companion were hunting deer and seals on Esther Island in Prince William Sound, troopers said.

Alaska State Troopers logo.
A truck carries snow recently plowed in Homer, Alaska, on Dec. 7, 2021. (Photo by Sarah Knapp/Homer News)

Another winter storm heads toward peninsula

A winter storm warning was issued Thursday

A truck carries snow recently plowed in Homer, Alaska, on Dec. 7, 2021. (Photo by Sarah Knapp/Homer News)
COVID-19. (Image courtesy CDC)
COVID-19. (Image courtesy CDC)
Alaska State Troopers logo.

1 hunter dead, another missing after boat hits rough seas off Whittier

The pair were reportedly hunting on Wednesday on Esther Island in Prince William Sound.

Alaska State Troopers logo.
Debris from a large natural avalanche that occurred Monday, Dec. 6, can be seen along the Seward Highway. (Photo courtesy Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center)

Winter weather brings hazardous conditions to peninsula

On Tuesday, the Chugach Avalanche Center announced “very dangerous avalanche conditions.”

Debris from a large natural avalanche that occurred Monday, Dec. 6, can be seen along the Seward Highway. (Photo courtesy Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center)
Central Peninsula Hospital is seen in Soldotna on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)

Hospital puts vaccine mandates on hold

A federal lawsuit challenging the ruling has temporarily blocked its enforcement.

Central Peninsula Hospital is seen in Soldotna on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)
Ashlyn O’Hara / Peninsula Clarion
The remains of the Triumvirate Theatre in Nikiski are seen on Feb. 22.

Triumvirate awarded $1 million to replace destroyed building

Triumvirate’s former building burned down Feb. 20.

Ashlyn O’Hara / Peninsula Clarion
The remains of the Triumvirate Theatre in Nikiski are seen on Feb. 22.
Two snowmachine-triggered snow slabs are seen below the weather station of Seattle Ridge in Turnagain Pass on Dec. 3, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Chris Flowers and the Chugach Avalanche Center)

Multiple avalanches in Turnagain Pass reported Friday

The center reported Saturday that current avalanche danger was considerable above 1,000 feet and moderate below 1,000 feet.

Two snowmachine-triggered snow slabs are seen below the weather station of Seattle Ridge in Turnagain Pass on Dec. 3, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Chris Flowers and the Chugach Avalanche Center)
A sign urging COVID-19 mitigation measures hangs at a free vaccination clinic at the Y intersection of the Kenai Spur and Sterling highways, on Tuesday, Nov. 30 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Clarion file)

Omicron variant spurs travel restrictions locally, nationally

It’s still unclear if the omicron strain is more dangerous than other COVID variants.

A sign urging COVID-19 mitigation measures hangs at a free vaccination clinic at the Y intersection of the Kenai Spur and Sterling highways, on Tuesday, Nov. 30 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Clarion file)
Junetta Delong browses the shelves at the Soldotna Library Friends’ book and art sale at the Soldotna Public Library on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)

‘Something for everyone’

Library holds art and book sale fundraiser

Junetta Delong browses the shelves at the Soldotna Library Friends’ book and art sale at the Soldotna Public Library on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)
Danny Dommek takes photos with Santa at Soldotna Creek Park on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)

‘And to all a good night’

Soldotna celebrates Christmas in the Park

Danny Dommek takes photos with Santa at Soldotna Creek Park on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)
Peninsula Clarion file

Merry voices to fill Kenai chamber

Historical society carolling event returns after hiatus

Peninsula Clarion file
COVID-19. (Image courtesy CDC)

State officials urge vaccination as omicron spreads in US

Omicron was first identified as a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization on Nov. 26.

COVID-19. (Image courtesy CDC)
Sockeye salmon. (Photo via Alaska Department of Fish and Game)

Fish and Game seeks comment on 2022 sport fish stocking plan

The Sport Fish Division plans to release approximately 7 million fish into the Alaska water systems over the next five years.

Sockeye salmon. (Photo via Alaska Department of Fish and Game)