Racers get ready at the starting gate with race director Scott Hamann during the Kenai Rotary Club's Soap Box Derby, held on Spruce Street in Kenai on May 10.

Racers get ready at the starting gate with race director Scott Hamann during the Kenai Rotary Club's Soap Box Derby, held on Spruce Street in Kenai on May 10.

Soap Box Derby rolls into Kenai

The Kenai Rotary Club hosted its annual Soap Box Derby competition May 10 on Spruce Street in Kenai. Superstock participants ages 9-18 built their own cars from kits with adult supervision. Local winners have the opportunity to represent Kenai and Alaska at the All American Soap Box Derby Championship in Akron, Ohio.

The top finishers were: 1st place — Matthea Boatright, sponsored by Walters and Associates; 2nd place — Jakobee Anderson, sponsored by FNBA; 3rd place — Kalvin Drake, sponsored by Stanley Ford; Sportsmanship Trophy — Grant Gliden; Best Pit Crew — The Smardo Family.

Soap Box Derby rolls into Kenai
Kenai Soap Box Derby winners show off their hardware.

Kenai Soap Box Derby winners show off their hardware.

Previous
News and notes
Next
Here’s the Thing: Have an A+ summer

More in Life

Fika co-owners Sierra Moskios-Schlieman and Tyler Moskios-Schlieman pose for a photograph with their Taste of Homer plaque at the 2025 HarborFest in June. (Photo courtesy of Fika Coffee Roasters)
Local coffee roastery to compete in ‘Great Alaska Coffee Roaster Competition’

The competition will take place on Sunday, Aug. 17 at the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer.

A vintage KBBI mug, repurposed and filled with various office supplies, rests in the Homer News office window on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
KBBI seeks art submissions for annual membership mugs

The mugs will be released in October, as an incentive for the fall membership drive.

In September 1946, the Alaska Sportsman Magazine published “Moose Ranch,” an article by Mamie “Niska” Elwell. The story describes Steve Melchior’s moose-ranching operation from the 1920s and features two photographs of Melchior.
Steve Melchior: Treasured peninsula pioneer with a sketchy past — Part 5

In June 1913, a peninsula game warden informed the governor that Melchior was raising a moose calf on his mining property.

Liam Neeson is Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. in “The Naked Gun.” (Promotional image courtesy Paramount Pictures)
On the Screen: Profoundly dumb, deeply hilarious

‘Naked Gun’ brings back the goofball comedy.

These scones are an easy treat and feature locally-grown fruit. Photo provided by Tressa Dale
Family meals and memories

These easy scones feature fresh cherries, grown locally.

Freshly caught fish lay at the author’s feet. (Photo by Meredith Harber/courtesy)
Minister’s Message: Fishing together

We, despite our differences, are one human population, attempting to make life each day.

Team Seaweed presents their research on Monday, July 28, 2025 in Pioneer Hall at Kachemak Bay Campus. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
‘Girls on the Water’ expedition presents on summer adventures and research

The program, run through UAF, helps expose young women to coastal ecosystems

A community member works with clay on a wheel in the ceramics studio at Homer Council on the Arts in Homer, Alaska. Photo provided by Homer Council on the Arts
Homer’s art scene heads into fall

Homer Council on the Arts’ activities are bursting onto the scene for all to enjoy.

Salmonfest-goers crowd in front of the Ocean Stage during Blackwater Railroad’s performance on Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Kenai Peninsula Fairgrounds in Ninilchik. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Celebrating salmon, art and culture

Salmonfest was held in Ninilchik last weekend, featuring music, community and advocacy.

Most Read