Learn your states

Welcome to the Augusta area. Whether you are a visitor to our area or a local golf fan just now awakened from your hibernation by… Continue reading

Church news

Kenai New Life to simulcast Priscilla Shirer event LifeWay Christian Resources is slated to simulcast Bible teacher and best-selling author Priscilla Shirer live from New… Continue reading

Spraying downward and in front of a charging bear is good technique for using bear deterrent spray.  Bear spray only works if you keep it handy so wear the holster on your belt or attached to a pack shoulder strap, but don't stuff it in a pack. (Photo courtesy Kenai National Wildlife Refuge)

Refuge Notebook: Tips for using bear spray

Bear spray is a weapon. Just like any weapon, you’ve got to know how to use it so it stops what you want it to… Continue reading

Spraying downward and in front of a charging bear is good technique for using bear deterrent spray.  Bear spray only works if you keep it handy so wear the holster on your belt or attached to a pack shoulder strap, but don't stuff it in a pack. (Photo courtesy Kenai National Wildlife Refuge)

An Outdoor View: Fish board

I was disappointed Sunday when state legislators voted against confirming Soldotna resident Robert Ruffner’s appointment to the Alaska Board of Fisheries. It would’ve been so… Continue reading

Young swimmers and their teachers swim in a pool during a swim lesson in the Bronx borough of New York, Wednesday, April 15, 2015. They are in swim swim swim I SAY, one of 65 programs around the country to receive grants from the nonprofit Autism Speaks to provide the personal attention and patience if often takes to help children on the autism spectrum learn to swim. Many are prone to wander and many are drawn to water.(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Autism Speaks offers grants for lifesaving swim lessons

NEW YORK — “Ian, Ian, Ian,” squeals 8-year-old Anna as she spots her friend across a pool in the South Bronx. She splashes with excitement… Continue reading

Young swimmers and their teachers swim in a pool during a swim lesson in the Bronx borough of New York, Wednesday, April 15, 2015. They are in swim swim swim I SAY, one of 65 programs around the country to receive grants from the nonprofit Autism Speaks to provide the personal attention and patience if often takes to help children on the autism spectrum learn to swim. Many are prone to wander and many are drawn to water.(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
In this April 8, 2013 photo, these old hard-sided suitcases at the Ball Horticultural Co.'s field trials near Ventura, Calif., make an innovative plant bed idea for space-starved gardeners. They also can be moved from one location to another, even if it's just to follow the sun across a balcony or patio. Adaptable planters with wheels or handles can be inexpensive yet attractive and capable of being used indoors or out. (Dean Fosdick via AP)

Gardeners on the move make their plants portable

People on the move often spurn gardening as a hobby because they have to leave their plants behind. But new innovations and creative ideas are… Continue reading

In this April 8, 2013 photo, these old hard-sided suitcases at the Ball Horticultural Co.'s field trials near Ventura, Calif., make an innovative plant bed idea for space-starved gardeners. They also can be moved from one location to another, even if it's just to follow the sun across a balcony or patio. Adaptable planters with wheels or handles can be inexpensive yet attractive and capable of being used indoors or out. (Dean Fosdick via AP)

You have to clear a lot of brush before you cut down a tree

Just a few weeks ago I had the opportunity to help some people clear some land. Now, I understand this is pretty normal, mundane experience… Continue reading

What’s Happening

Events and Exhibits ■ The Kenai Peninsula College annual Juried Student Exhibition runs through May 8 in the Gary Freeburg Gallery on the Kenai River… Continue reading

Photo courtesy Disneynature A group of monkeys are featured in the Disneynature film "Monkey Kingdom."

“Monkey Kingdom” provides a lot of entertainment, little substance

“Monkey Kingdom” Disney 1 hour, 21 minutes   You really have to hand it to Walt Disney. Despite being a massive corporate monolith, their Disneynature… Continue reading

Photo courtesy Disneynature A group of monkeys are featured in the Disneynature film "Monkey Kingdom."
Book helps readers fall in love with the night sky

Book helps readers fall in love with the night sky

Nighttime is absolutely your favorite time. Some people choose to hang out with friends after dark. Some go to movies, listen to music, or just… Continue reading

Book helps readers fall in love with the night sky

Pioneer Potluck: About the first driving lessons

On a farm in a pasture in Northern Colorado About 1947 We were herding cows from the pasture to the corral to feed them, with… Continue reading

American recipes flourish in Midwestern-flavored cookbooks

American recipes flourish in Midwestern-flavored cookbooks

Colby and Megan Garrelts are the husband and wife chef-owners of two critically acclaimed Midwestern establishments – the Bluestem fine-dining restaurant in Kansas City, Missouri,… Continue reading

American recipes flourish in Midwestern-flavored cookbooks
Sweet corn soup, Maryland blue crab

Sweet corn soup, Maryland blue crab

“Sweet corn is just about as abundant in the Midwest in the summer as blue crabs are along the Eastern coast of the United States.… Continue reading

Sweet corn soup, Maryland blue crab

Business news

Chambers set schedules ■ The Soldotna and Kenai Chambers of Commerce will meet at noon today at Froso’s Restaurant in Soldotna. Nicole Schuh, Alaska Business… Continue reading

Community News and Notes

Community News and Notes

Bryan and Lacy Ledahl of Kenai announce the birth of their son, Ottar Noble Ledahl, at 8:07 a.m. on Feb. 20, 2015 at home surrounded… Continue reading

Community News and Notes

Here’s The Thing: Four years of change

I’m happy to say that for four years I’ve had the privilege of writing my silly column for you all! Thank you Peninsula Clarion! Once… Continue reading

Mama used more than aspirin to treat her kids

When I was laid up recently, all the infections, medicines and bad mojo led to something called thrush in my mouth, which amounted to fungal… Continue reading

Church news

Kenai New Life to simulcast Priscilla Shirer LifeWay Christian Resources is slated to simulcast Bible teacher and best-selling author Priscilla Shirer live from New Orleans… Continue reading

This undated photo shows an electric set of smart hearing protection for hunters, from Sound Gear in Spokane, Wash. But technology has erased the shortcomings of the standard ear plug. Excuses for neglecting hearing protection in the field are obsolete. (AP Photo/The Spokesman-Review, Jesse Tinsley)  COEUR D'ALENE PRESS

Hunters often overlook hearing protection

SPOKANE, Wash. — While most shooters would never walk onto an active gun range without ear plugs or muffs in place, hunters who use firearms… Continue reading

This undated photo shows an electric set of smart hearing protection for hunters, from Sound Gear in Spokane, Wash. But technology has erased the shortcomings of the standard ear plug. Excuses for neglecting hearing protection in the field are obsolete. (AP Photo/The Spokesman-Review, Jesse Tinsley)  COEUR D'ALENE PRESS
Poking things with a stick is a rite of passage for kids as they learn about Mother Earth. (Photo by Matt Conner)

Refuge Notebook: Poking at Earth Day with a stick

Earth Day is next Wednesday. It reminds me of a program I taught last year to a fourth-grade class in Minnesota before transferring to the… Continue reading

Poking things with a stick is a rite of passage for kids as they learn about Mother Earth. (Photo by Matt Conner)