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COVID-19. (Image courtesy CDC)

DHSS: 75 new peninsula cases

DHSS reported 505 new cases in Alaska Thursday.

COVID-19. (Image courtesy CDC)
Risk levels

Risk levels: Nov. 19

34 schools are operating 100% remotely until Nov. 25

Risk levels
Yearling brown bear cubs near the Russian River Ferry. (Photo by Matt Conner/Kenai National Wildlife Refuge)

Judge delivers victory for opponents of brown bear trapping in refuge

U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason ruled against proposed changes to the refuge’s public use regulations

Yearling brown bear cubs near the Russian River Ferry. (Photo by Matt Conner/Kenai National Wildlife Refuge)
Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Charlie Pierce addresses constituents in a YouTube video posted on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020 in Alaska. (Screenshot)

Mayors Pierce and Gabriel respond to COVID-19 in separate videos

Gabriel voiced his concern regarding Central Peninsula Hospital, which reached capacity on Monday.

Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Charlie Pierce addresses constituents in a YouTube video posted on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020 in Alaska. (Screenshot)
Bob Letson, former CEO of South Peninsula Hospital. (Homer News file photo)

Former South Peninsula Hospital CEO dies of COVID-19

Bob Letson led several expansions, improvements in nearly 10 years in Homer

Bob Letson, former CEO of South Peninsula Hospital. (Homer News file photo)
A resident casts their vote in the regular municipal election Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020 at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds in Ninilchik, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)

Ballot Measure 2 approved

The measure would end party primaries and institute ranked-choice voting in general elections.

  • Nov 18, 2020
  • By Becky Bohrer Associated Press
A resident casts their vote in the regular municipal election Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020 at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds in Ninilchik, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
COVID-19. (Image courtesy CDC)

551 new COVID-19 cases reported

Wednesday was the fifth day in a row that the state has recorded a daily case increase of more than 550.

COVID-19. (Image courtesy CDC)
Risk levels

Schools status continues to be high risk

All students at 34 peninsula schools continue to operate 100% remotely through at least Nov. 25

Risk levels
Santa Claus lights up the Christmas tree in front of an audience Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, at the Christmas in the Park Celebration at Soldotna Creek Park in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Joey Klecka/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai and Soldotna adapt winter activities to COVID-19

Modifications will be made in response to growing COVID-19 case numbers

Santa Claus lights up the Christmas tree in front of an audience Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, at the Christmas in the Park Celebration at Soldotna Creek Park in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Joey Klecka/Peninsula Clarion)
A sign instructing patients and visitors on the current screening process is seen here in the River Tower of Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna, Alaska on April 7, 2020. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

CPH moves into surge space; state hits 25,000 cases

CPH opened nine surge beds on Tuesday, eight of which are occupied

A sign instructing patients and visitors on the current screening process is seen here in the River Tower of Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna, Alaska on April 7, 2020. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
The sign outside Soldotna City Hall is seen here on July 16, 2020. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai and Soldotna looking to fill council vacancies

The cities of Kenai and Soldotna are still looking to fill a vacancy on their city councils.

The sign outside Soldotna City Hall is seen here on July 16, 2020. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
This September photo shows a sign in downtown Juneau encouraging people to get tested for COVID-19. Recent analysis shared by Alaska Department of Health and Social Services shows the majority of Alaskans have at least one underlying health condition that increases risk of serious illness from COVID-19. (Ben Hohesntatt / Juneau Empire File)

Report: Most Alaska adults have conditions that increase risk for serious illness from COVID-19

Obesity, smoking and diabetes among common health issues, according to health officials.

This September photo shows a sign in downtown Juneau encouraging people to get tested for COVID-19. Recent analysis shared by Alaska Department of Health and Social Services shows the majority of Alaskans have at least one underlying health condition that increases risk of serious illness from COVID-19. (Ben Hohesntatt / Juneau Empire File)
Risk levels

Risk levels remain high at all peninsula school districts

The earliest in-person learning could resume for schools currently operating remotely is Nov. 30.

Risk levels
Caribou graze on the greening tundra of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in northeast Alaska in June, 2001. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Trump administration takes steps toward refuge lease sale

The Gwich’in people have opposed development within the refuge, citing concerns on the impacts to the Porcupine Caribou Herd on which they have relied for subsistence.

  • Nov 16, 2020
  • By Becky Bohrer Associated Press
Caribou graze on the greening tundra of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in northeast Alaska in June, 2001. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
In this March 12, 2020 file photo, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks during a news conference in Anchorage, Alaska. Dunleavy faces criticism for his handling of COVID-19, from those who think he’s not doing enough to address rising case counts to those who think he’s been overreaching. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File)

Dunleavy defends virus approach amid criticism

He issued a new disaster declaration, which took effect Monday, despite questions from some lawmakers about its legal underpinnings.

  • Nov 16, 2020
  • By Becky Bohrer Associated Press
  • Coronavirus
In this March 12, 2020 file photo, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks during a news conference in Anchorage, Alaska. Dunleavy faces criticism for his handling of COVID-19, from those who think he’s not doing enough to address rising case counts to those who think he’s been overreaching. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File)
A “Vote Here” sign is seen at the City of Kenai building on Monday, Sept. 21 in Kenai, Alaska.

With remaining votes counted, local outcomes remain unchanged

All ballots for state house districts 29, 30 and 31 have been counted as of Monday

A “Vote Here” sign is seen at the City of Kenai building on Monday, Sept. 21 in Kenai, Alaska.
Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum speaks in a Zoom meeting on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, in Anchorage, Alaska. (Screen capture)

CPH at capacity as cases rise statewide

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services reported 563 new COVID-19 cases on Monday.

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum speaks in a Zoom meeting on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, in Anchorage, Alaska. (Screen capture)
Jessie Duke, of Soldotna, browses books with 7-month-old Danny Dommek on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, at River City Books in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)

Perks of shopping local

Program encouraging local spending goes live

Jessie Duke, of Soldotna, browses books with 7-month-old Danny Dommek on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, at River City Books in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Central Peninsula Hospital as seen March 26, 2020, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

Soldotna approves new round of CARES grants

Money will go to the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank, Central Peninsula Hospital and Freedom House

Central Peninsula Hospital as seen March 26, 2020, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)
Risk levels

Risk levels: Nov. 16

All students at 34 peninsula schools are operating 100% remotely through at least Nov. 25.

Risk levels