The Sterling Highway crosses the Kenai River near the Russian River Campground on March 15, 2020 near Cooper Landing, Alaska. (Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)

Russian River Campground closed to public use beginning next week

The area is expected to reopen Oct. 12.

The Sterling Highway crosses the Kenai River near the Russian River Campground on March 15, 2020 near Cooper Landing, Alaska. (Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Jakob Kooly, vice chair of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe’s tribal council, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. secretary of health and human services, speak during a press conference at the Dena’ina Wellness Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Tribal health, nutrition discussed during U.S. Health Secretary Kennedy’s visit to Kenai

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. toured the Dena’ina Wellness Center on Thursday.

Jakob Kooly, vice chair of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe’s tribal council, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. secretary of health and human services, speak during a press conference at the Dena’ina Wellness Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
This map shows the location of a magnitude 4.0 earthquake that hit about 8 miles east of Ninilchik, Alaska on Thursday, Aug. 7, at 3:45 p.m. The map also shows the intensity of the quake as reported by observers. (Map by U.S. Geological Survey)
This map shows the location of a magnitude 4.0 earthquake that hit about 8 miles east of Ninilchik, Alaska on Thursday, Aug. 7, at 3:45 p.m. The map also shows the intensity of the quake as reported by observers. (Map by U.S. Geological Survey)
The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly gathers before the beginning fo the Aug. 5, 2025, KPB Assembly meeting at the Porcupine Theater in Homer, Alaska. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)

Borough puts proposal for seasonal sales tax on hold

The proposal would increase the sales tax during summer months and reduce it during winter months.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly gathers before the beginning fo the Aug. 5, 2025, KPB Assembly meeting at the Porcupine Theater in Homer, Alaska. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
Gary Hollier and other east side setnetters offload sockeye salmon on a beach in Kalifornsky, Alaska, on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

‘Be safe, catch fish, have fun’

Setnetters see first opening since 2022.

Gary Hollier and other east side setnetters offload sockeye salmon on a beach in Kalifornsky, Alaska, on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Dick Hawkins speaks during a community meeting about the proposed Ninilchik Recreation Service Area at the Ninilchik Community Center in Ninilchik, Alaska, on Thursday, July 17, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Ninilchik voters to decide on levying tax to support pool, rec services

A “yes” vote would support establishment of the Ninilchik Recreational Service Area with an emphasis on funding the pool at Ninilchik School.

Dick Hawkins speaks during a community meeting about the proposed Ninilchik Recreation Service Area at the Ninilchik Community Center in Ninilchik, Alaska, on Thursday, July 17, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
David Meyer. Photo courtesy of Chantrelle Meyer

Remains of missing kayaker recovered

David Meyer, 62, of Happy Valley was reported missing on June 11.

David Meyer. Photo courtesy of Chantrelle Meyer
President Zen Kelly speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

KPBSD responds to restored state, federal funding

After a successful vote of the Alaska Legislature reversed Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of $50 million education funding on Saturday, the Kenai Peninsula Borough School… Continue reading

President Zen Kelly speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, July 7, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna Elementary School on Friday, May 13, 2022 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

School board OKs plan to combine Soldotna schools

The vacated Redoubt Elementary facility would house Soldotna Montessori Charter School and River City Academy.

Soldotna Elementary School on Friday, May 13, 2022 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Students stand during a protest against the possible closure of Sterling Elementary School along the Sterling Highway in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, May 3, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

KPBSD board starts talking 2026 school closures

This year, the district closed Nikolaevsk School and very nearly closed Sterling Elementary School.

Students stand during a protest against the possible closure of Sterling Elementary School along the Sterling Highway in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, May 3, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
The badge for the Kenai Police Department

Kenai man arrested after allegedly stealing truck and camper

Police were called shortly after 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

The badge for the Kenai Police Department
Aspen trees offer a spot of red on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at the Hidden Lake Campground in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge near Sterling, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Mystery Creek Access Road to open Friday

The road is usually closed in the fall as weather causes road conditions to deteriorate.

Aspen trees offer a spot of red on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at the Hidden Lake Campground in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge near Sterling, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
The joint House and Senate majorities of the Alaska Legislature hold a press availability after the adjournment of the Legislature’s special session in Juneau, Alaska, on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. (Screenshot courtesy Gavel Alaska/KTOO)

Alaska Legislature adjourns after overriding governor vetoes

Gov. Mike Dunleavy railed against the Legislature’s adjournment as being opaque.

The joint House and Senate majorities of the Alaska Legislature hold a press availability after the adjournment of the Legislature’s special session in Juneau, Alaska, on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. (Screenshot courtesy Gavel Alaska/KTOO)
Alaska Senate President Gary Stevens, a Kodiak Republican, left, talks with House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, a Dillingham independent, before Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s State of the State speech on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, at the Alaska State Capitol. (Klas Stolpe/Juneau Empire)

Legislature overrides veto of bill aimed at increased legislative oversight of state oil tax revenue

Lawmakers have said the somewhat obscure policy is significant in the face of missing oil tax information.

Alaska Senate President Gary Stevens, a Kodiak Republican, left, talks with House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, a Dillingham independent, before Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s State of the State speech on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, at the Alaska State Capitol. (Klas Stolpe/Juneau Empire)
The Alaska Legislature’s vote tally shows 45-14 in favor of overriding Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of education funding in the state budget during a joint session in Juneau, Alaska, on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. (Screenshot courtesy Gavel Alaska/KTOO)

Legislature narrowly votes to override education funding veto

The increase in funding from Saturday’s veto override will represent a roughly $3 million increase to the KPBSD.

The Alaska Legislature’s vote tally shows 45-14 in favor of overriding Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of education funding in the state budget during a joint session in Juneau, Alaska, on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. (Screenshot courtesy Gavel Alaska/KTOO)
A man fishes in the Kenai River on July 16, 2018, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Peninsula Clarion/file)
A man fishes in the Kenai River on July 16, 2018, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Peninsula Clarion/file)
Silver salmon hang in the Seward Boat Harbor during the 2018 Seward Silver Salmon Derby. (Photo courtesy of Seward Chamber of Commerce)

Seward Silver Salmon Derby opens for 70th year on Saturday

There will also be 10 tagged fish with their own prizes, mystery weight prizes, and a guessing game for non-fishers.

Silver salmon hang in the Seward Boat Harbor during the 2018 Seward Silver Salmon Derby. (Photo courtesy of Seward Chamber of Commerce)
Parents show their kids how to cast their fishing lines during the youth-only coho salmon fishery on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023 at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon on the Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

Youth coho fishery opens Saturday in Homer

A portion of the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon will be reserved for youth anglers on Aug. 2.

Parents show their kids how to cast their fishing lines during the youth-only coho salmon fishery on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023 at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon on the Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Nathan Erfurth testifies in his own defense during his trial at the Kenai Courthouse in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Judge grants motion for acquittal on 5 charges in Erfurth trial

Nathan Erfurth, 37, is facing another 50 charges in the case.

Nathan Erfurth testifies in his own defense during his trial at the Kenai Courthouse in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Rep. Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna, speaks during a joint luncheon of the Kenai and Soldotna chambers of commerce in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Ruffridge reports back on legislative progress ahead of special session

He recapped the monthslong effort to get education funding and policy legislation across the finish line.

Rep. Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna, speaks during a joint luncheon of the Kenai and Soldotna chambers of commerce in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)