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Ani DiFranco performs as the headliner at Salmonfest on Friday, Aug. 2, 2019 in Ninilchik, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)

Salmonfest returns with renewed vigor over things to fight for, and against

Festival organizers and volunteers brought activist and advocacy workers to the stage as well.

Ani DiFranco performs as the headliner at Salmonfest on Friday, Aug. 2, 2019 in Ninilchik, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
The Kenai Peninsula Borough building, pictured Sept. 12, 2018, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

Borough to vote on sales tax cap increase

Ordinance would increase the maximum amount subject to borough sales tax from $500 to $1,000.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough building, pictured Sept. 12, 2018, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)
Members of the Inland Boatmen’s Union of the Pacific picket in front of the Auke Bay Terminal in Juneau, Alaska, Thursday, July 25, 2019. The union called a strike on Wednesday over failed negotiations with Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration. State officials said Thursday more than $580,000 in fares has been refunded to passengers affected by striking ferry workers. (Michael Penn/The Juneau Empire via AP)

Striking ferry workers, state reach tentative deal

DOA: Both sides made concessions and compromises on wages, health care, length of the contract.

  • Aug 3, 2019
  • By Mark Thiessen Associated Press
Members of the Inland Boatmen’s Union of the Pacific picket in front of the Auke Bay Terminal in Juneau, Alaska, Thursday, July 25, 2019. The union called a strike on Wednesday over failed negotiations with Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration. State officials said Thursday more than $580,000 in fares has been refunded to passengers affected by striking ferry workers. (Michael Penn/The Juneau Empire via AP)
John Davies, chairman of the University of Alaska Board of Regents, speaks at a regents meeting, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Anchorage, Alaska. Facing severe budget cuts, regents voted 8-3 to authorize UA President Jim Johnsen to immediately reduce administrative costs and prepare a plan for a transition from three accredited institutions to one. (AP Photo/Dan Joling)

With budget cuts looming, local university programs consider options

“We really want answers, but we’re being patient with the processes.”

John Davies, chairman of the University of Alaska Board of Regents, speaks at a regents meeting, Tuesday, July 30, 2019, in Anchorage, Alaska. Facing severe budget cuts, regents voted 8-3 to authorize UA President Jim Johnsen to immediately reduce administrative costs and prepare a plan for a transition from three accredited institutions to one. (AP Photo/Dan Joling)
The east entrance of the Upper Kenai River Trail is photographed on Sunday, June 23, 2019, in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)

Trails, campgrounds and cabins reopen as Swan Lake Fire dies down

As fire crews wrap up their containment efforts for the Swan Lake Fire, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and the Chugach National Forest have reopened… Continue reading

The east entrance of the Upper Kenai River Trail is photographed on Sunday, June 23, 2019, in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
The Nikiski Fire Department’s dive team poses for a photo at the Nikiski Fire Station #1 in Nikiski, Alaska on July 29, 2019. From left: Angie Smith, TJ Cox, Kassidy Stock, Bryan Crisp, Stephen Robertson, Tyler Smith and Matt Quiner. Not present: Kole McCaughey. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

Always ready, proud to dive

The Nikiski Fire Department’s dive team talks training and recent operations

The Nikiski Fire Department’s dive team poses for a photo at the Nikiski Fire Station #1 in Nikiski, Alaska on July 29, 2019. From left: Angie Smith, TJ Cox, Kassidy Stock, Bryan Crisp, Stephen Robertson, Tyler Smith and Matt Quiner. Not present: Kole McCaughey. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
Clarion file photo (Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

Election stakeholders group publishes recommendations

The group was established Jan. 8, and tasked with researching ways to increase voter participation.

Clarion file photo (Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)
Michael Penn | Juneau Empire                                A ridicule pole carved by Sitka artist Tommy Joseph stands in front of the Planet Alaska Gallery on Ferry Way on Wednesday, in Juneau. The pole includes likenesses of Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy and President Donald Trump.

Group seeks to oust Dunleavy

The group will need to gather 28,501 signatures.

  • Jul 31, 2019
  • By Becky Bohrer Associated Press
Michael Penn | Juneau Empire                                A ridicule pole carved by Sitka artist Tommy Joseph stands in front of the Planet Alaska Gallery on Ferry Way on Wednesday, in Juneau. The pole includes likenesses of Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy and President Donald Trump.
Brian Mazurek / Peninsula Clarion                                Brock Van Eaton lines up his shot on July 24 at the Compass in Nikiski, Alaska.

Empowering kids, teaching life skills

Shop Talk: The Compass Youth Center

Brian Mazurek / Peninsula Clarion                                Brock Van Eaton lines up his shot on July 24 at the Compass in Nikiski, Alaska.
Alaska Governor Michael J. Dunleavy announced changes to his senior staff: Tuckerman Babcock will assume the role of Senior Policy Advisor for Strategic Affairs and Ben Stevens will become the Governor’s new Chief of Staff, Wednesday, July 31, 2019 in Anchorage, Alaska. (Photo courtesy of Matt Shuckerow/State of Alaska)

Babcock moves from chief of staff to senior policy advisor

Babcock said he’s excited to serve in his new role.

Alaska Governor Michael J. Dunleavy announced changes to his senior staff: Tuckerman Babcock will assume the role of Senior Policy Advisor for Strategic Affairs and Ben Stevens will become the Governor’s new Chief of Staff, Wednesday, July 31, 2019 in Anchorage, Alaska. (Photo courtesy of Matt Shuckerow/State of Alaska)
Joel Isaak’s installation, “Unforgotten,” is photographed at the Kenai Fine Art Center on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 in Kenai, Alaska. The exhibit will be on display for the month of August. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

‘Unforgotten’ installation explores history of Native education in Alaska

Rather than dwelling on the darkness of the past, Isaak hopes to bring a healing element.

Joel Isaak’s installation, “Unforgotten,” is photographed at the Kenai Fine Art Center on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 in Kenai, Alaska. The exhibit will be on display for the month of August. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
Emergency medical technicians help victims of a boat capsizing up the Homer Harbor load and launch ramp on Tuesday afternoon, July 30, 2019, in Homer, Alaska. Crews in three Good Samaritan boats, from front to back, the Torega, the Grotta Nove, and the Seabird, rescued five people from an overturned skiff near China Poot Bay. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Five survive boat capsize near Gull Island

The victims either treaded water in the ocean or clung to the keel of the overturned boat.

Emergency medical technicians help victims of a boat capsizing up the Homer Harbor load and launch ramp on Tuesday afternoon, July 30, 2019, in Homer, Alaska. Crews in three Good Samaritan boats, from front to back, the Torega, the Grotta Nove, and the Seabird, rescued five people from an overturned skiff near China Poot Bay. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Kenai Public Health hosts measles clinic Wednesday

Kenai Public Health hosts measles clinic Wednesday

The clinic is in response to a recent case of measles that was identified in Soldotna.

Kenai Public Health hosts measles clinic Wednesday
As portions of the Swan Lake Fire continue to smolder in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, new forest growth has already started sprouting near Watson Lake as seen here on July 24, 2019. (Courtesy Eastern Area Incident Management Team)

No further growth expected for Swan Lake Fire

Significant drying would have to occur before any increase in fire activity could take place.

As portions of the Swan Lake Fire continue to smolder in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, new forest growth has already started sprouting near Watson Lake as seen here on July 24, 2019. (Courtesy Eastern Area Incident Management Team)
Clarion file photo (Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

Borough candidate filing period begins Aug. 1

Several positions will be up for election this year on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly.

Clarion file photo (Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)
In this May 29, 2019 file photo U.S. Attorney General William Barr, standing, greets participants at a roundtable discussion at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium in Anchorage, Alaska. Alaska Native villages are receiving almost $5 million from the U.S. Justice Department to combat numerous public safety problems, including no law enforcement presence in some communities. The announcement Tuesday, July 30, 2019, comes nearly two months after Barr met with tribal representatives during a visit to the state who detailed slow response times from authorities, violence against women and abuse of alcohol and drugs, including opioids. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File)

Alaska Native villages get $5M to combat rural violence

The award comes nearly two months after AG William Barr met with tribal representatives.

  • Jul 30, 2019
  • By Rachel D’Oro Associated Press
In this May 29, 2019 file photo U.S. Attorney General William Barr, standing, greets participants at a roundtable discussion at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium in Anchorage, Alaska. Alaska Native villages are receiving almost $5 million from the U.S. Justice Department to combat numerous public safety problems, including no law enforcement presence in some communities. The announcement Tuesday, July 30, 2019, comes nearly two months after Barr met with tribal representatives during a visit to the state who detailed slow response times from authorities, violence against women and abuse of alcohol and drugs, including opioids. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File)
Visitors to the Levitt AMP Soldotna Music Series dance to the music at Soldotna Creek Park on July 3, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

Colorado soul band headlining this week’s music in the park

The Burroughs are a nine-person soul group that play classical soul standards with modern flair.

Visitors to the Levitt AMP Soldotna Music Series dance to the music at Soldotna Creek Park on July 3, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
Board of Regents votes to consolidate UA system

Board of Regents votes to consolidate UA system

UA regents move to bring universities under one roof.

Board of Regents votes to consolidate UA system
Erin Irwin / Education Week                                The East Anchorage High and Scammon Bay students gather at a home in the Native Village to learn how to comb fur from a musk ox hide using special combs and common forks. The fur can later be spun into yarn.

Unforgettable experiences

On the snowy tundra, Alaska students bridge differences and eat moose snout

Erin Irwin / Education Week                                The East Anchorage High and Scammon Bay students gather at a home in the Native Village to learn how to comb fur from a musk ox hide using special combs and common forks. The fur can later be spun into yarn.
Kenai peninsula Borough School District administration, members from the Kenai Peninsula Education Association and the Kenai Peninsula Education Support Association meet at a collective bargaining session to continue contract negotiations for employees who have been without contracts for a year, on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

School district, employees to resume contract talks

After contract negotiations hit a standstill, peninsula educators and staff voted May 22 to strike.

Kenai peninsula Borough School District administration, members from the Kenai Peninsula Education Association and the Kenai Peninsula Education Support Association meet at a collective bargaining session to continue contract negotiations for employees who have been without contracts for a year, on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)