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Mouhcine Guettabi, Associate Professor of Economics at the Institute of Social and Economic Research at the University of Alaska Anchorage, speaks to the Senate Finance Committee at the Capitol on Thursday, March 7, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Draining state savings? Lawmakers, economists criticize governor’s budget

Dunleavy’s budget takes state savings to the limit.

Mouhcine Guettabi, Associate Professor of Economics at the Institute of Social and Economic Research at the University of Alaska Anchorage, speaks to the Senate Finance Committee at the Capitol on Thursday, March 7, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Victoria Petersen / Peninsula Clarion                                 Rick McGlasson bought Kassik’s Brewery in Nikiski with his wife, Michelle.

Community meets Kassik’s Brewery new owners

15 years after they started their brewery, the Kassiks are set to retire to be closer to family.

Victoria Petersen / Peninsula Clarion                                 Rick McGlasson bought Kassik’s Brewery in Nikiski with his wife, Michelle.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy announces his state budget during a press conference at the Capitol on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy announces his state budget during a press conference at the Capitol on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
This Dec. 3, 2019 photo shows Santa Claus arriving in Napakiak, Alaska, on an Alaska National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The Guard brought its Operation Santa Claus to the western Alaska community, which is being severely eroded by the nearby Kuskokwim River. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

Santa, soldiers bring joy to Alaska village

The Alaska National Guard gave folks a reason to smile, thanks to its “Operation Santa Claus” program.

  • Dec 14, 2019
  • By MARK THIESSEN Associated Press
This Dec. 3, 2019 photo shows Santa Claus arriving in Napakiak, Alaska, on an Alaska National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The Guard brought its Operation Santa Claus to the western Alaska community, which is being severely eroded by the nearby Kuskokwim River. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)
Pete Sprague, left, and Charlene Tautfest, right, are seen here at the Soldotna Mayoral Candidate’s Forum at Froso’s Restaurant in Soldotna, Alaska on Dec. 4, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

Soldotna mayoral election Tuesday

After the death of Mayor John Nels Anderson, the city council declared the mayor’s seat vacant.

Pete Sprague, left, and Charlene Tautfest, right, are seen here at the Soldotna Mayoral Candidate’s Forum at Froso’s Restaurant in Soldotna, Alaska on Dec. 4, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
Students from Kenai Central and Nikiski Middle/High School are recognized as Students of the Month at the Kenai and Soldotna Chambers of Commerce Luncheon at the Kenai Visitor and Cultural Center on Dec. 4, 2019. From left: Kenai Central High School Principal Briana Randle, Hunter Beck, Scott Cunningham, Damaris Severson, Tucker Mueller, Bryan McCollum, Kaycee Bostic, Kaitlyn Johnson and Nikiski Middle/High School Principal Dan Carstens. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

Schools briefs for the week of Dec. 15-22

What’s happening this week

  • Dec 14, 2019
Students from Kenai Central and Nikiski Middle/High School are recognized as Students of the Month at the Kenai and Soldotna Chambers of Commerce Luncheon at the Kenai Visitor and Cultural Center on Dec. 4, 2019. From left: Kenai Central High School Principal Briana Randle, Hunter Beck, Scott Cunningham, Damaris Severson, Tucker Mueller, Bryan McCollum, Kaycee Bostic, Kaitlyn Johnson and Nikiski Middle/High School Principal Dan Carstens. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
Nikiski man killed in collision

Nikiski man killed in collision

The man was traveling northbound on the Kenai Spur Highway on Friday.

Nikiski man killed in collision
Newman Court in Diamond Ridge, Alaska. (Photo courtesy of Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management)

Assembly approves disaster funds, extends emergency declaration

Assembly voted to appropriate $280,000 to make necessary repairs to public infrastructure.

Newman Court in Diamond Ridge, Alaska. (Photo courtesy of Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management)
Volunteers for the Kenai Peninsula emergency cold-weather shelter participate in a training session on trauma-informed care at Soldotna United Methodist Church in Soldotna, Alaska, on Dec. 14, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

Volunteers train for cold-weather shelter

The shelter will operate on nights where the temperature in Kenai drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Volunteers for the Kenai Peninsula emergency cold-weather shelter participate in a training session on trauma-informed care at Soldotna United Methodist Church in Soldotna, Alaska, on Dec. 14, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
Redoubt Chamber Orchestra Conductor Tammy Vollom-Matturro leads the Kenai Peninsula Singers during a rehearsal on Dec. 11, 2017. The choir and orchestra will perform together in the 2019 Evening of Christmas on Friday, Dec. 15. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)

“Evening of Christmas” concert returns for 17th year

The evening features the Redoubt Chamber Orchestra and the Kenai Peninsula Singers.

Redoubt Chamber Orchestra Conductor Tammy Vollom-Matturro leads the Kenai Peninsula Singers during a rehearsal on Dec. 11, 2017. The choir and orchestra will perform together in the 2019 Evening of Christmas on Friday, Dec. 15. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
Mud and debris is washed up at Bear Creek near East End Road on Monday afternoon, Dec. 9, 2019, in Homer, Alaska. Bear Creek crosses East End Road near Bear Creek Drive and overflowed the creek banks. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Borough to hold special meeting to consider funding for winter storm damage

Storms caused power outages, late-starts for schools, landslides and flooding in some areas.

Mud and debris is washed up at Bear Creek near East End Road on Monday afternoon, Dec. 9, 2019, in Homer, Alaska. Bear Creek crosses East End Road near Bear Creek Drive and overflowed the creek banks. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy announces his state budget during a press conference at the Capitol in Juneau, Alaska, on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (Michael Penn/Juneau Empire via AP)

Budget provides challenges, opportunities for local lawmakers

Dunleavy wants the Legislature to pass laws changing how much programs are funded.

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy announces his state budget during a press conference at the Capitol in Juneau, Alaska, on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (Michael Penn/Juneau Empire via AP)
North Peninsula Recreation Service Area                                Nikiski residents pose with Santa Claus during Christmas Comes to Nikiski at the Nikiski Community Recreation Center on Dec. 9.

Christmas comes to Nikiski

Santa will be making a stop at the Nikiski Community Recreation Center.

North Peninsula Recreation Service Area                                Nikiski residents pose with Santa Claus during Christmas Comes to Nikiski at the Nikiski Community Recreation Center on Dec. 9.
The Tsalteshi Trails, seen here on Dec. 3, 2019, are open for nordic skiing only, with most of the trail system groomed. (Photo by Joey Klecka/Peninsula Clarion)

Winter trails report

Snowfall, rainstorm transform ski, walk, bike trails

The Tsalteshi Trails, seen here on Dec. 3, 2019, are open for nordic skiing only, with most of the trail system groomed. (Photo by Joey Klecka/Peninsula Clarion)
The entrance to the Kenai Courthouse in Kenai, AK as seen on February 26, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

Dunleavy appoints nominees to Homer, Kenai Court vacancies

The two were chosen from a list of applicants put forward by the Alaska Judicial Council.

The entrance to the Kenai Courthouse in Kenai, AK as seen on February 26, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
Troopers on alert for dangerous driving

Troopers on alert for dangerous driving

Troopers: Plan to have a designated driver, stay the night, or call a cab.

Troopers on alert for dangerous driving

Tustumena Elementary School recognized nationally

Every year, two schools are chosen to represent each state.

Kathy and Dan Gensel accept their award for Honorary Lifetime Soldotna Chamber Membership at the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex on Dec. 11, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

People who make Soldotna great

The chamber honors community members at its 61st annual Awards Luncheon.

Kathy and Dan Gensel accept their award for Honorary Lifetime Soldotna Chamber Membership at the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex on Dec. 11, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
Dunleavy backs off cuts, looks to Legislature to rework state spending

Dunleavy backs off cuts, looks to Legislature to rework state spending

Governor calls budget a ‘starting point’ for discussions.

Dunleavy backs off cuts, looks to Legislature to rework state spending
Terry Allen rides his jet ski at Auke Lake near Juneau on Monday, Aug. 19, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Fish and Game proposes repeal of ban on personal watercraft in areas of Kachemak Bay

There is a 30-day public comment period open until 5 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2020.

Terry Allen rides his jet ski at Auke Lake near Juneau on Monday, Aug. 19, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

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