Life

Refuge Notebook – Thanksgiving: Remembering those who trusted, encouraged and inspired us

This Thanksgiving I recalled and was thankful that so many helped me on my way to become a (now-retired) professional wildlife biologist. These are folks… Continue reading

In this image released by Lionsgate, Jennifer Lawrence portrays Katniss Everdeen, right, and Liam Hemsworth portrays Gale Hawthorne in a scene from "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1." (AP Photo/Lionsgate, Murray Close)

Reeling it in: ‘Mockingjay’ proves to be worth the wait

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1” Lionsgate 2 hours, 3 minutes   I have to say I’m off my game when it comes to… Continue reading

In this image released by Lionsgate, Jennifer Lawrence portrays Katniss Everdeen, right, and Liam Hemsworth portrays Gale Hawthorne in a scene from "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1." (AP Photo/Lionsgate, Murray Close)

Christmas Comes to Kenai

It’s that time of year again. While the day after Thanksgiving is now known for sales and frantic shopping, another tradition will take place in… Continue reading

What’s Happening

Best Bets ■ Christmas Comes to Kenai on Friday, starting with Santa’s arrival at the Kenai Visitors Center at 11 a.m. and includes the Electric… Continue reading

The Bookworm Sez: Take a look behind the scenes at a funeral home

The Bookworm Sez: Take a look behind the scenes at a funeral home

Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust.That’s supposedly what we are, and what we’ll end up being: just a few pounds of powdered remains that a… Continue reading

The Bookworm Sez: Take a look behind the scenes at a funeral home

Pioneer Potluck: About getting ready for Thanksgiving

1940’s and 1950’s on a farm north of Fort Collins, Colorado The hustle-bustle of getting ready for the big Thanksgiving Day was anticipated by my… Continue reading

  • Nov 25, 2014
  • By Grannie Annie
  • Food

Lean, filling beans help you behave during holiday parties

Parties can be tricky territory for the healthy eater. If you host, you want to serve guests something tasty enough to make the occasion feel… Continue reading

  • Nov 25, 2014
  • By MELISSA D'ARABIAN
  • Food
Save those leftovers for turkey pie and hearty soup

Save those leftovers for turkey pie and hearty soup

If you find yourself with a surplus of turkey after Thanksgiving, that’s a good thing. You can put those leftovers to good use by making,… Continue reading

  • Nov 25, 2014
  • By Sue Ade
  • Food
Save those leftovers for turkey pie and hearty soup

Business news

Chamber set schedules ■ The Soldotna Chamber of Commerce meets at noon today at Froso’s Restaurant. A presentation on “Four Generations in the Workplace and… Continue reading

The Chess family of Kenai shared this photo of Chelsea Chess their dog Billy. They write that Chelsea and Billy were "inseparable lifelong buddies until Heaven called for the greatest companion and protector of all." (Photo by Kelly Reilly Photography)

Pet photo: Forever besties!

… Continue reading

The Chess family of Kenai shared this photo of Chelsea Chess their dog Billy. They write that Chelsea and Billy were "inseparable lifelong buddies until Heaven called for the greatest companion and protector of all." (Photo by Kelly Reilly Photography)
Brandi Peterson, manager of Alaska Industrial Hardware in kenai, has this message for veterans on her license plate: Alaska thanks you. (Submitted photo)

Photo: Thanks

… Continue reading

Brandi Peterson, manager of Alaska Industrial Hardware in kenai, has this message for veterans on her license plate: Alaska thanks you. (Submitted photo)

Unhinged Alaska: A call from Cuz

I just got off the phone with a slightly deranged cousin who lives back east where the snow is roaring out of the sky in… Continue reading

News and Notes

Has a new addition to your family just arrived? Where in the world is your military person and what are they up to? Got a… Continue reading

Learning for Life: Cockroaches, the ultimate unwanted visitor

Here in Alaska we are free of many pests common to warmer climates, but as with all things in life, change is inevitable. Cockroaches are… Continue reading

Are you ‘THANK FULL’?

I volunteer on a regular basis at an elementary and high school serving breakfast to students. It is a joyful time of serving hungry folks… Continue reading

Church news

Kenai Methodists host guest speaker The congregation of the Kenai United Methodist Church will have a guest speaker in their pulpit on Sunday. Janice Nightingale… Continue reading

Luke DeCicco photographed the first Kenai Peninsula record of this Cape May Warbler in Seward on November 2, 2014. (Photo by Luke DeCicco)

Refuge Notebook: Birders flock after ‘fowl’ weather events

It was like a scene out of the movie “The Big Year” starring Steve Martin, Owen Wilson, and Jack Black. Several hotshot birding friends decided… Continue reading

Luke DeCicco photographed the first Kenai Peninsula record of this Cape May Warbler in Seward on November 2, 2014. (Photo by Luke DeCicco)
This undated image provided by Beaver Creek Resort shows Trappers Cabin at Beaver Creek near Avon, Colo. Five nights at the cabin, with a concierge and chef, is part of a $50,000 white-glove package for four offered by the resort that includes season passes to 22 mountains owned by or partnered with Vail Resorts, first-class airfare from within the U.S., a private helicopter from the airport to the resort, and ski equipment and lessons. (AP Photo/Beaver Creek)

Ski packages for the 1 percent – and for the rest

NEW YORK — Private ski lessons are so passe. The latest on-mountain perk for those with seemingly unlimited funds is spending the day with an… Continue reading

This undated image provided by Beaver Creek Resort shows Trappers Cabin at Beaver Creek near Avon, Colo. Five nights at the cabin, with a concierge and chef, is part of a $50,000 white-glove package for four offered by the resort that includes season passes to 22 mountains owned by or partnered with Vail Resorts, first-class airfare from within the U.S., a private helicopter from the airport to the resort, and ski equipment and lessons. (AP Photo/Beaver Creek)
ADVANCE FOR USE MONDAY, NOV. 17 - This photo taken on Oct. 29, 2014, shows a selection of Smith helmets and earphones in Bend Ore. They come in nearly every color scheme imaginable, from camouflage to bright pink. Most skiers and snowboarders on the slopes are wearing them, and if you're not, well, you are not just reckless, you are … GASP! … unfashionable. (AP Photo/The Bulletin, Andy Tullis)

Helmets have become commonplace on the slopes

BEND, Ore. — They come in nearly every color scheme imaginable, from camouflage to bright pink. Most skiers and snowboarders on the slopes are wearing… Continue reading

ADVANCE FOR USE MONDAY, NOV. 17 - This photo taken on Oct. 29, 2014, shows a selection of Smith helmets and earphones in Bend Ore. They come in nearly every color scheme imaginable, from camouflage to bright pink. Most skiers and snowboarders on the slopes are wearing them, and if you're not, well, you are not just reckless, you are … GASP! … unfashionable. (AP Photo/The Bulletin, Andy Tullis)

Enjoy water fixtures all year by winterizing

For many people with backyard ponds, fountains and other water-garden fixtures, the arrival of cold weather means draining the pipes and pulling the plug.But water… Continue reading