As his wife Bernice looks on, 43-year-old Clarence Hiram “Poopdeck” Platt poses atop a road sign welcoming him to Alaska. This 1947 photograph from the Huebsch Family Collection memorializes Platt’s first trip to Alaska, which became his home for the next 53 years.

Life

Poopdeck: Nearly a century of adventure — Part 4

In 1947, their correspondence led to wedding bells, and the magazine subscription led them to make a new…

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Life

Minister’s Message: With spring approaching, a reminder to shed earthly weights

The Bible tells us to lay aside the weights that may restrict us from doing what the Lord…

This chili uses ground turkey, light and dark red kidney beans, and plenty of cumin and ground chili. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Life

Hearty chili to lighten the heart

This chili uses ground turkey, light and dark red kidney beans, and plenty of cumin and ground chili.

A sign points to the Kenai Art Center. Photo taken on Sunday, May 9, 2021. (Camille Botello / Peninsula Clarion)

Life

Kenai Art Center opens juried show Friday

“Infusion” will be juried by Stephanie Cox, Marco Mendoza and Jason Notter.

Soldotna Elementary School students perform in the halls during an art show and music fundraiser at Soldotna Elementary School in Soldotna, Alaska, on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Life

Halls of song and art

a combined art show and band fundraiser.

Students and families create puppets during a family art night hosted by Artist in Residence Shala Dobson at Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science in Kenai, Alaska, on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Life

Kids bring puppets to life

Kaleidoscope students make puppets during artist-in-residence program.

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Life

Minister’s Message: Throttles and old carpet

Dysfunctional means that the abnormal has become normal.

Poopdeck Platt, in western Montana circa 1946, packs out a deer after a successful day of hunting. (Photo courtesy of the Huebsch Family Collection)

Life

Poopdeck: Nearly a century of adventure — Part 3

“For a while,” said Poopdeck, “we were eating guinea pigs.”

Virginia Walters (Courtesy photo)

Life

Life in the Pedestrian Lane: Eggs and taxes

The days are a little longer, the temperatures a few degrees warmer.

tease

Life

Quick bread for every meal

This foolproof soda bread is a recipe that’s great for breakfast.

Writer Tom Kizzia shares his latest story with community members during his presentation on Thursday, Feb. 20 at Kachemak Bay Campus in Homer, Alaska. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)

Life

Homer author Tom Kizzia shares ‘Josie’s Story’

The story highlights the complexity of Jewish-Alaskan history.

In the 1990s, Poopdeck Platt enjoys some sunshine in front of The Saltry, in Halibut Cove. (Photo courtesy of Ken Moore)

Life

Poopdeck: Nearly a century of adventure — Part 2

The story of Poopdeck Platt, who lived in Homer for nearly half a century, began in the American…

Nick Varney

Life

Unhinged Alaska: Winter ya gotta be kidding me

When is this erratic weather going to chill with the schizoid act?

Beef empanadas are served with mixed greens and corn. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Life

Empanadas for the inquisitive

These savory beef empanadas are filling and flavorful, perfect fuel for a growing mind.

Ben Whishaw voices Paddington in "Paddington in Peru." (Promotional image courtesy Sony Pictures)

Life

Paddington returns with Peruvian quest

The film follows Paddington’s “Indiana Jones”-style adventure to find the lost city of El Dorado.

The cast of the Kenai Performers’ “Little Shop of Horrors” rehearse at the Kenai Performers Theater near Soldotna on Saturday, Feb. 15. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Life

Chewing scenery

Blood-thirsty plant takes center stage in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’.

Jackson Hooper, Oshie Broussard, Belle Morris and Kincaid Jenness perform “Shakespeare Abridged” during the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Drama, Debate and Forensics Invitational at Soldotna High School on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Life

‘Theater for theater kids who want to take it a bit more seriously’

Peninsula students compete at Soldotna DDF invitational.

Brewers from Turnagain Brewery hand a freshly filled cup to an attendee at the 10th Annual Frozen River Fest in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Life

Frozen RiverFest marks 10 years celebrating brews

Brewers from the Kenai Peninsula and beyond could be seen filling cups and sharing their craft.

Poopdeck Street, in Homer, became a reality in 1996, honoring Clarence Hiram “Poopdeck” Platt. (Clark Fair photo)

Life

Poopdeck: Nearly a century of adventure — Part 1

Clarence Hiram Platt — who preferred to have people call him Poopdeck — may have been slowing down,…

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Life

Minister’s Message: Is it worth the risk?

What good is momentary fame, wealth, or admiration if it ultimately costs us what matters most — our…