Peninsula Clarion Contributor

Installation of culverts in Kelly Lake Road. (Photo provided by FWS)

Refuge Notebook: More than fins, feathers and fur

In the fall of 2010, I found a job opening listed through USAJobs, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at a location in Soldotna,… Continue reading

Installation of culverts in Kelly Lake Road. (Photo provided by FWS)
An orange-crowned warbler is one of the bird species that likes to nest in slash and wood piles. (Photo by Colin Canterbury/FWS)

Refuge Notebook: Nesting birds can use our help

It’s that time of year when spring cleaning, yardwork and some much-needed sprucing up around our homes and properties are upon us. Likewise, there continue… Continue reading

An orange-crowned warbler is one of the bird species that likes to nest in slash and wood piles. (Photo by Colin Canterbury/FWS)
This photo shows a stack of pocket constitutions at the Alaska State Capitol. (Peter Segall/Juneau Empire file)

Alaska Voices: We should be proud and thankful for Alaska’s constitution

Why is our constitution such a good one?

This photo shows a stack of pocket constitutions at the Alaska State Capitol. (Peter Segall/Juneau Empire file)
Larry Persily (Peninsula Clarion file)

Alaska Voices: Santa may be on the ballot, but Palin more of a joke

Just what Alaska needs in Congress: Another set of Twitter thumbs to hitch a ride to likes and followers and trending

Larry Persily (Peninsula Clarion file)
Ellis Auto won the A League championship Friday in Kenai. From left to right are Nate Gerke, Miles Jorgensen, Kyle Kornelis, Casey Ellis, Erik Lehmann, Noah Litke and Mike Miller. (Photo courtesy of Vaughn Johnson)

Ellis Auto, Frames and Things win city league finals

After a two-year hiatus, city league basketball returned to the Kenai Recreation Center with two championship games Friday night that closed the books on the… Continue reading

Ellis Auto won the A League championship Friday in Kenai. From left to right are Nate Gerke, Miles Jorgensen, Kyle Kornelis, Casey Ellis, Erik Lehmann, Noah Litke and Mike Miller. (Photo courtesy of Vaughn Johnson)
Alex Koplin is a founding member of Kenai Peninsula Votes. (courtesy photo)

Voices of the Peninsula: Everyone has a right to vote

It’s important that anyone who wants to vote be able to get that opportunity.

Alex Koplin is a founding member of Kenai Peninsula Votes. (courtesy photo)
YCC Enrollees harvest beetle-killed spruce for a facility enhancement project. (Photo by Nick Longobardi/FWS)

Refuge Notebook: Youth Conservation Corps: A legacy of hard work and good times

Do you know a local high school student who likes to work hard in the outdoors, doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty, and is looking… Continue reading

YCC Enrollees harvest beetle-killed spruce for a facility enhancement project. (Photo by Nick Longobardi/FWS)
Alex Koplin is a founding member of Kenai Peninsula Votes. (courtesy photo)
Alex Koplin is a founding member of Kenai Peninsula Votes. (courtesy photo)
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Minister’s Message: Trophies of grace on display

The greatest “trophy” my life can live out, is to be a testimony of God’s grace working to bless Him and other

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A brown bear on the refuge captured on a trail camera, an example that den entrance and emergence varies and you can expect to see bears at any time of the year. (Image by Colin Canterbury/FWS)

Refuge Notebook: Sharing the landscape as bears wake up this spring

Snow and extreme cold were early this year. The conditions made for fantastic cross-country skiing, and the early deep snow turned icy with repeated warming… Continue reading

A brown bear on the refuge captured on a trail camera, an example that den entrance and emergence varies and you can expect to see bears at any time of the year. (Image by Colin Canterbury/FWS)
Les Gara, left, is running for Alaska governor; Jessica Cook is running for lieutenant governor in the 2022 gubernatorial race. (Photo provided)
Les Gara, left, is running for Alaska governor; Jessica Cook is running for lieutenant governor in the 2022 gubernatorial race. (Photo provided)
Shown is a primary demonstration ballot at the Alaska Division of Elections office in Anchorage, Alaska, on Jan. 21, 2022. Alaska elections will be held for the first time this year under a voter-backed system that scraps party primaries and sends the top four vote-getters regardless of party to the general election, where ranked choice voting will be used to determine a winner. No other state conducts its elections with that same combination. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

Voices of the Peninsula: It’s a very special election

This is an open primary meaning all party and unaffiliated candidates will be on one ballot.

Shown is a primary demonstration ballot at the Alaska Division of Elections office in Anchorage, Alaska, on Jan. 21, 2022. Alaska elections will be held for the first time this year under a voter-backed system that scraps party primaries and sends the top four vote-getters regardless of party to the general election, where ranked choice voting will be used to determine a winner. No other state conducts its elections with that same combination. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)
Jason Grenn (courtesy photo)

Opinion: Alaskans are ready for our new election system

This is an opportunity to take advantage of the benefits of the system

Jason Grenn (courtesy photo)
Charlie Pierce stands in his home on Thursday, March 11, 2022 in Sterling, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Voices of the Peninsula: Alaska fishing resources should be supported equally

We are Alaskans and fishing is an Alaska resource. It is time to recognize commercial and sport as one.

Charlie Pierce stands in his home on Thursday, March 11, 2022 in Sterling, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
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Minister’s Message: Becoming stewards of attention

Maybe stewardship is a good way to think about our attention?

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A snow bunting on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. (Photo by Colin Canterbury/USFWS)

Refuge Notebook: Spring equinox marks change from smallest to largest species on the Kenai

It is spring, and after my first year in Alaska, I have witnessed that spring moves to another level. As many of you know, everything… Continue reading

A snow bunting on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. (Photo by Colin Canterbury/USFWS)
Kris Inman speaks to a young girl, age 7, who hopes to be a veterinarian at the #IfThenSheCan-The Exhibit showcasing the Smithsonian Institute Womenճ Future Month. (Photo by Kim Spectre)

Seeing STEM: Science career ambassador in a national spotlight

What do you want to be when you grow up … Do you remember the first time you heard that question? What was your answer… Continue reading

Kris Inman speaks to a young girl, age 7, who hopes to be a veterinarian at the #IfThenSheCan-The Exhibit showcasing the Smithsonian Institute Womenճ Future Month. (Photo by Kim Spectre)
Landon Colburn takes a shot against Metlakatla’s Shayne Anderson during the 2A state basketball championship game at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage, Alaska on Saturday, March 19, 2022. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)

Ninilchik’s Colburn is POY again

Last year, Ninilchik standout Landon Colburn was named the top player in the Class 1A boys. During the offseason, Ninilchik was bumped to 2A. Different… Continue reading

Landon Colburn takes a shot against Metlakatla’s Shayne Anderson during the 2A state basketball championship game at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage, Alaska on Saturday, March 19, 2022. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)
Image via dps.alaska.gov

Opinion: Rethinking the Village Public Safety Officer program

We must rethink the limitations to realize the program’s full potential

Image via dps.alaska.gov
A “Vote Here” sign is seen at the City of Kenai building on Monday, Sept. 21, 2020, in Kenai, Alaska. (File)

Voices of the Peninsula: Let’s talk about why we vote

Democracy can hang by a thread and some political analysts write that today in the U.S. it may be shredding

A “Vote Here” sign is seen at the City of Kenai building on Monday, Sept. 21, 2020, in Kenai, Alaska. (File)