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Death notice: Marvin “Ted” Dale Smith

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

Photo courtesy of the 
Arness Family Collection
L. Keith McCullagh, pictured here aboard a ship in about 1915, was a U.S. Forest Service ranger charged with establishing a ranger station in Kenai, a task that led him to the agricultural experiment station there and into conflict with “Frenchy” Vian and his friends.

Life

The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 7

AUTHOR’S NOTE: After the agricultural experiment station in Kenai closed May 1, 1908, Alaska station supervisor C.C. Georgeson…

These treats are full of fiber and protein and contain less sugar than a Nutri-grain bar, so you can feel good about spoiling yourself a little. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

Life

A treat for a new start

These cosmic brownies are a healthier, homemade version of the usual cafeteria currency.

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Life

Minister’s Message: The longest distance

It is very common today to be able to measure everything. Just my watch can pinpoint where I…

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Life

Weekly events guide: Juneau community calendar for Jan. 12-18

Visit Juneau Arts and Humanities Council at JAHC.org for more details on this week’s happenings.

This twisted pastry is complex and unexpected and a perfect place to practice boldness. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

Life

Going boldly with pastry

All kinds of flavor combinations taste great layered between crispy, buttery phyllo.

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Life

Minister’s Message: Relating to people on a deeper level

One of the real benefits of working with people in ministry is the opportunity to relate to people…

The cover of The Clenched Fist, the memoir by Alice M. Brooks and Willietta E. Kuppler concerning their 1911-14 teaching tenure in Kenai

Life

The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 6

AUTHOR’S NOTE: By 1907, the end of the line had nearly arrived for Kenai’s agricultural experiment station, which…

This yellow split pea curry is mild and rich with coconut milk and spices and makes a complete meal when paired with steamed rice. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

Life

Food to fuel growing minds

This yellow split pea curry, paired with steamed rice, is a complete meal and the perfect fuel for…

Prof. C.C. Georgeson, circa 1910s, inspects an apple tree on one of his Alaska agricultural experiment stations. (Image from the Rasmuson Library historical archives at the University of Alaska Fairbanks)

Life

The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 5

AUTHOR’S NOTE: A presidential executive order in January 1899 had set aside 320 acres of land near Russian…

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Life

Minister’s Message: God’s gift to us

Another Christmas in the bag. Another round of wrapped boxes deconstructed. Another season saturated in the story of…

Community members enjoy skating at Kevin Bell Arena during the Christmas Eve community free skate on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

Life

Out of the Office: A metaphor on ice

I went ice skating for the first time in years last week, during the annual community Christmas Eve…

In his 1903 report to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Prof. Charles Christian Georgeson included this photograph of efforts to break recently cleared ground at Kenai’s agricultural experiment station. The man behind the bull was either station superintendent Hans P. Nielsen or his assistant Pontus H. Ross.

Life

The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 4

AUTHOR’S NOTE: A presidential executive order in January 1899 had set aside 320 acres of land near Russian…

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Life

Minister’s Message: Love born to endure

I spend time with people in the final chapters of their lives. In those moments, people speak with…

This recipe makes a boatload of soft and delicious cookies, perfect for sharing at Christmastime. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

Life

Christmas cookies for a shared tradition

These cookies are so soft and delicious, it’s no wonder they’re part of a family Christmas tradition.

Daniel Craig (right), returning as Benoit Blanc, and Josh O'Connor are seen in this still from "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," released on Netflix on Dec. 12, 2025. (Promotional photo courtesy Netflix)

Life

On the Screen: ‘Knives Out 3’ truly a film for our times

I often feel the need to watch a film twice. The first go-around, I’m just trying to keep…

Orange zest and extract bring this literary-inspired treat to life. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

Life

Whimsy and magic

This literary-inspired treat is perfect for Christmastime festivities.

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Life

Minister’s Message: Traditions should be things that support us

Regardless of how you find yourself this season, know that you’re not alone.

Photo from the Alaska State Library historical collection
In Kenai, circa 1903, this trio was photographed on a well-used trail. Pictured are George S. Mearns, future Kenai postmaster; Kate R. Gompertz, Kenai resident; Hans P. Nielsen, superintendent of Kenai’s agricultural experiment station.

Life

The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 3

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Presidential Executive Order #148, in January 1899, had set aside 320 acres of land near Russian…

Snow-covered trees and peaks are pictured from a frozen pond near the Herbert Glacier trail in Juneau<ins>, Alaska,</ins> on Thursday, Dec. 11<ins>, 2025</ins>. (Chloe Anderson/Peninsula Clarion)

Life

Out of the Office: Breaking the winter cycle

There’s a learning curve to every new season and every new sport.