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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.

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Life

Minister’s Message: Good grief

Grief doesn’t take a holiday, but it can offer you something the holidays can’t.

This 1903 photograph of mostly Kenai residents shows (back, far left) Hans Peter Nielsen, first superintendent of Kenai’s agricultural experiment station. Nielsen began work at the station in 1899 and resigned at the end of the 1903 season. (Photo from the Alaska State Library historical collection)

Life

The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 2

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

Served together on a bed of greens, these pickled eggs and beets make a light but cheerful lunch. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

Life

A wealth of eggs for good health

Pickled along with roasted beets and dill, these eggs have a cheerful hue and bright aroma.

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Life

Minister’s Message: Lifelong learning is a worthwhile goal

Lifelong learning. That’s a worthwhile goal.

This E.W. Merrill photograph shows Charles Christian Georgeson, special agent in charge of all agricultural experiment stations in Alaska, starting in 1898. (Photo from Alaska History Magazine, July-August 2020)

Life

The Experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 1

Individuals deciding to explore Kenai’s historic district might start their journey by turning off the Kenai Spur Highway…

This dish, an earthy and herbaceous vegetarian reimagining of the classic beef wellington, is finished nicely with a creamy maple balsamic sauce. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

Life

A special dish for a special request

This mushroom wellington is earthy and herbaceous, and its preparation comes with much less pressure.

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Life

Minister’s Message: Being ‘thank full?’

As a young dad, I remember teaching my toddler children to say “thank you,” gently reminding them after…

This virgin blueberry margarita made with blueberry flavored kombucha is perfect for sipping while playing cards. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

Life

Sweet fruit for sober fun

Blueberry kombucha gives this virgin margarita complexity in flavor and a lovely purple hue.

John W. Eddy was already a renowned outdoor adventurer and writer when he penned this book in 1930, 15 years after the mystery of King David Thurman’s disappearance had been solved. Eddy’s version of the story, which often featured wild speculation and deviated widely from the facts, became, for many years, the accepted recounting of events.

Life

King Thurman: An abbreviated life — Part 6

AUTHOR’S NOTE: The fate of King David Thurman, a Cooper Landing-area resident, had finally been learned in February…