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Minister’s Message: Cleanin’ out my…

Through a series of events, an opportunity arose for me to do something that I have dreaded for…

Back in his younger days (the late 1940s), Willard Dunham drove a tour bus full of steamship passengers out of Seward to the Cooper Landing area, including a stop at what was then called Mud Lake. (Photo from his online 2019 obituary)

Life

‘What’s in a name?’: Reviving a forgotten past — Part 1

AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is the first of a series of articles concerning places and landmarks on the Kenai…

These snickerdoodles are soft and chewy, and as sweet as a happy childhood. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

Life

The taste of a happy childhood

My son pulled his shirt on for school this morning, and I was shocked to see exposed wrists…

Life

Death notice: Kathy Gardner

Kathy Gardner, 77, of Sterling, Alaska, passed away on Jan. 28, 2026. Born May 16, 1948, to August…

John P. Holman poses with his first Dall sheep ram, shot in 1917 while being guided by Ben Swesey in the Kenai Mountains. (Photo from Holman’s 1933 hunting memoir)

Life

Ben Swesey: More to the story — Part 4

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Seven years after his friend William Weaver nearly drowned in Kenai Lake while returning from guiding…

These stuffed cabbage rolls are a wholesome and traditional dish. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

Life

A wholesome tradition

These cabbage rolls can be made with ground meat or extra-firm tofu as a vegan substitute.

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Life

Minister’s Message: Who Jesus illuminates

In John 9, Jesus makes the astonishing claim, “I am the light of the world,” then backs it…

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Life

Minister’s Message: Search me and know me

I have a brilliant friend who was a former archaeologist. She recalled the meticulous and painstakingly slow process…

This image is the only confirmed photograph of guide Ben Swesey discovered by the author. The photo, from John P. Holman’s 1933 hunting memoir, “Sheep and Bear Trails,” shows Swesey working to remove the cape from a Dall sheep ram shot by Holman in 1917.

Life

Ben Swesey: More to the story — Part 3

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Danger was inherent in the job. Although his fellow hunting guide, William Weaver, had narrowly escaped…

Sesame seed buns made from scratch elevate a meal. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

Life

A taste of Americana

Like all great things familiar and traditional, these sesame seed buns were born of a woman’s labor.

Historic Elwell Lodge Guest Cabin is seen at its new spot near the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge’s Visitor Center. (USWS)

Life

Around the peninsula

Local events and happenings coming soon.

Nián gāo is a traditional Lunar New Year treat enjoyed in China for over two thousand years. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

Life

A Lunar New Year’s treat

This sweet, steamed rice cake is chewy, gooey and full of positivity.

This excerpt from a U.S. Geological Survey map shows the approximate location of Snug Harbor on lower Kenai Lake. It was in this area that William Weaver nearly drowned in 1910.

Life

Ben Swesey: More to the story — Part 2

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Michigan’s hard-luck Swesey clan sprang into existence because of the misfortunes of the Basom clan. All…

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Life

Minister’s Message: Rhythms and routines

Your habits are already forming you.

This screenshot from David Paulides’s “Missing 411” YouTube podcast shows the host beginning his talk about the disappearance of Ben Swesey and William Weaver.

Life

Ben Swesey: More to the story — Part 1

More than a hundred years after Ben Swesey and Bill Weaver steered an outboard-powered dory out of Resurrection…

This dish is creamy, rich and comforting, and gets dinner time done fast. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

Life

Full of mother’s love

This one-pot dish is creamy, rich and comforting, and can be ready in 30 minutes.

Photo by Clark Fair
This 2025 image of the former grounds of the agricultural experiment station in Kenai contains no buildings left over from the Kenai Station days. The oldest building now, completed in the late 1930s, is the tallest structure in this photograph.

Life

The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 8

Over the past 50 years or more, the City of Kenai has attempted on several occasions to capitalize…

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Life

Minister’s Message: So your life story can be better

Last month the Christmas story was displayed in nativity scenes, read about from the Bible and acted out…

These gyros make a super delicious and satisfying tofu dish. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

Life

A new addition to the menu

Tofu gyros with homemade lentil wraps are so surprisingly satisfying and add extra fiber and protein to a…

Life

Death notice: Marvin “Ted” Dale Smith

Marvin “Ted” Dale Smith passed on Dec. 27, 2025 in his home. There will be a celebration of…