Peninsula Clarion Contributor

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)
File

Minister’s Message: Becoming stewards of attention

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

File
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)
A fishing boat can be seen in the summer of 2017. (Photo courtesy of Axel Kopun)

Alaska Voices: A tale of two salmon

By MARY CATHARINE MARTIN THE SALMON STATE Bristol Bay’s sockeye run began breaking records in 2018. The same year, Chignik, which is on the other… Continue reading

A fishing boat can be seen in the summer of 2017. (Photo courtesy of Axel Kopun)
File

Minister’s Message: Face change with Grace

All of us must deal with change in this ever-changing world. It is inescapable.

File
The use of birding apps and iPhones to play songs has become a popular way to locate target species. (Photo by L. Eskelin/USFWS)

Refuge Notebook: Play that song one more time

Imagine hearing unrecognized voices in your backyard. Immediately, your heart rate shoots up, and you begin planning on whether to call 911 or go out… Continue reading

The use of birding apps and iPhones to play songs has become a popular way to locate target species. (Photo by L. Eskelin/USFWS)
Doug Vincent-Lang is commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. (Courtesy Photo)

What is the state doing to address bycatch?

Gov. Mike Dunleavy has established the Alaska Bycatch Review Task Force

Doug Vincent-Lang is commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. (Courtesy Photo)
File

Minister’s Message: Overcoming impossible odds in Ukraine

From the Bible, we know that it is God who fights for us and wins battles

File
The author unloading helicopter H551 on Mt. Hoffman, Yosemite National Park. (Photo by NPS)

Learning the ropes on the Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program

It’s a sunny day in May 2020 at the Crane Flat Helibase. Myself and four other “rookie” (new) rappelers have undergone days’ worth of ground… Continue reading

The author unloading helicopter H551 on Mt. Hoffman, Yosemite National Park. (Photo by NPS)
A vote-by-mail ballot box is photographed at the Kenai Peninsula Borough Administration building in Soldotna, Alaska, in October 2020. (Peninsula Clarion file)

Voices of the Peninsula: Sockeyes and voting

As sure as there are jumpers on the Kenai, candidate signs will be popping up. So, get ready!

A vote-by-mail ballot box is photographed at the Kenai Peninsula Borough Administration building in Soldotna, Alaska, in October 2020. (Peninsula Clarion file)
U.S. Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, is seen in this 2021 Empire file photo. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire file)

Alaska Voices: Project American leadership and resources to defend global democracy

We need to end our reliance on foreign fossil fuels TODAY.

U.S. Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, is seen in this 2021 Empire file photo. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire file)
Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Corri A. Feige.

Revisiting Ambler decision contradicts White House clean energy targets

The Ambler Mineral District was known even in 1980 as one of the richest mineral districts in the world

Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Corri A. Feige.
Mt. Chiginagak on Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge 30 miles southeast of Ugashik. (Photo by B. Wishnek/USFWS)

Refuge Notebook: Protecting Alaska from invasive species: A common goal near and far

Many regard Alaska for its wild and free landscapes and its importance to fish, wildlife, plants and people. However, while most Alaska landscapes are wild… Continue reading

Mt. Chiginagak on Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge 30 miles southeast of Ugashik. (Photo by B. Wishnek/USFWS)
File

Opinion: Ukraine and the American divide that Putin inflamed

Those using aggression to divide are playing into Putin’s hand

File