Masks, gloves, and other protective supplies are displayed during a visit of Vice President Mike Pence, Thursday, March 5, 2020 to Camp Murray in Washington state. Pence was in Washington to discuss the state’s efforts to fight the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

School district bans out-of-state travel

The district also launched a webpage to inform families and the community about COVID-19.

Masks, gloves, and other protective supplies are displayed during a visit of Vice President Mike Pence, Thursday, March 5, 2020 to Camp Murray in Washington state. Pence was in Washington to discuss the state’s efforts to fight the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Alaska’s chief medical officer, Dr. Anne Zink, speaks to legislators during a briefing on the state’s preparations for the new coronavirus on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, in Juneau, Alaska. Alaska health Commissioner Adam Crum and Zink, briefed state legislators Wednesday on preparations. Zink urged calm and kindness and encouraged people to get flu shots, to help keep the state’s limited capacity health care system from being overwhelmed. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)

Alaska raises preparedness level around new coronavirus

Tests for COVID-19 in Alaska currently are being prioritized for people considered at higher risk.

  • Mar 5, 2020
  • By BECKY BOHRER Associated Press
Alaska’s chief medical officer, Dr. Anne Zink, speaks to legislators during a briefing on the state’s preparations for the new coronavirus on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, in Juneau, Alaska. Alaska health Commissioner Adam Crum and Zink, briefed state legislators Wednesday on preparations. Zink urged calm and kindness and encouraged people to get flu shots, to help keep the state’s limited capacity health care system from being overwhelmed. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)

State prepares for changes in food stamps program

About 5,000 Alaskans could lose food stamp benefits under new rules set to take effect April 1.

  • Mar 5, 2020
  • By BECKY BOHRER Associated Press
Kenai City Hall on Feb. 20, 2020, in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai looking to boost revenue, spur investment

The conversation started with a discussion on the city’s budget.

Kenai City Hall on Feb. 20, 2020, in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)
Ninilchik Fire Chief David Bear moves the fire truck out of the new Ninilchik Emergency Services building on Aug. 9, 2014, to make room for visitors to the open house of the new NES building. (Homer News file photo)

Public hearing on emergency services area for Ninilchik on deck

The borough is hosting the public hearing at 6 p.m. Monday at the Kenai Peninsula Fair Grounds.

Ninilchik Fire Chief David Bear moves the fire truck out of the new Ninilchik Emergency Services building on Aug. 9, 2014, to make room for visitors to the open house of the new NES building. (Homer News file photo)
House bill would drastically reduce PFD

House bill would drastically reduce PFD

20% of ERA draw for PFDs.

House bill would drastically reduce PFD
Peter Segall | Juneau Empire                                From left: House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, and House Finance Committee co-chairs Rep. Neal Foster, D-Nome, and Rep. Jennifer Johnston, R-Anchorage, meet with reporters following a vote of the budget on Tuesday.
Peter Segall | Juneau Empire                                From left: House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, and House Finance Committee co-chairs Rep. Neal Foster, D-Nome, and Rep. Jennifer Johnston, R-Anchorage, meet with reporters following a vote of the budget on Tuesday.
In this March 15, 2009, Jeff King leaves the Kaltag, Alaska, checkpoint on the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Emergency surgery has sidelined the four-time race winner days before he was set to compete in his 30th race. King withdrew Tuesday, March 3, 2020, over concerns for his health, a spokeswoman for the Iditarod told The Associated Press. The race will start Sunday north of Anchorage. (AP Photo/Al Grillo,File)

4-time Iditarod champ sidelined

Jeff King withdrew Tuesday over concerns for his health.

  • Mar 3, 2020
  • By Rachel D’Oro Associated Press
In this March 15, 2009, Jeff King leaves the Kaltag, Alaska, checkpoint on the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Emergency surgery has sidelined the four-time race winner days before he was set to compete in his 30th race. King withdrew Tuesday, March 3, 2020, over concerns for his health, a spokeswoman for the Iditarod told The Associated Press. The race will start Sunday north of Anchorage. (AP Photo/Al Grillo,File)
Damage in a corner on the inside of the middle and high school building of Kachemak Selo School Nov. 12, 2019, in Kachemak Selo, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

School board asks to add bond to ballot

The $30 million bond package would fund capital projects in school buildings across the district.

Damage in a corner on the inside of the middle and high school building of Kachemak Selo School Nov. 12, 2019, in Kachemak Selo, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)
Alaska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink addresses the state’s coronavirus preparedness at a news conference in Anchorage, Alaska Monday, March 2, 2020. Health officials said there are no known cases of the virus in Alaska but they are prepared in case an outbreak occurs in the nation’s largest state. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

State, local officials prepare for virus

Official: It’s “highly likely” Alaska will see its first case soon.

Alaska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink addresses the state’s coronavirus preparedness at a news conference in Anchorage, Alaska Monday, March 2, 2020. Health officials said there are no known cases of the virus in Alaska but they are prepared in case an outbreak occurs in the nation’s largest state. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)
Michael Dinneen / Associated Press                                2018 champion Joar Lefseth Ulsom runs his team down Fourth Ave during the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Anchorage on March 2, 2019. Alaska Airlines announced Monday that it will drop its sponsorship of the event.

Alaska Airlines drops sponsorship of Iditarod

Alaska Airlines spokesman said in an email that “PETA did not play a role in our decision.”

  • Mar 2, 2020
  • By Mark Thiessen Associated Press
Michael Dinneen / Associated Press                                2018 champion Joar Lefseth Ulsom runs his team down Fourth Ave during the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Anchorage on March 2, 2019. Alaska Airlines announced Monday that it will drop its sponsorship of the event.
Public safety briefs for Feb. 28, 2020
Public safety briefs for Feb. 28, 2020
File

Schools briefs for the week of March 1-7

What’s happening this week

  • Feb 29, 2020
File
Dr. Jim Johnsen, president of the University of Alaska, speaks to the Juneau Chamber of Commerce at the Moose Lodge on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Johnsen gives optimistic State of the University address

“It wasn’t the best deal ever, but it was a lifesaver.”

Dr. Jim Johnsen, president of the University of Alaska, speaks to the Juneau Chamber of Commerce at the Moose Lodge on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
In this Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 photo, Stephan Patterson poses for a photo in Anchorage, Alaska. Patterson and other U.S. Census takers are reporting problems when conducting first-in-the-nation counts in rural parts of Alaska, including lack of communication about assignments, frustration with a smartphone app for filing time sheets and disappointment when they find out they are not being reimbursed for purchasing cold-weather gear. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

Census hiccups in Alaska may offer preview for rest of US

Starting in May, hundreds of thousands of census takers will be sent to homes nationwide.

  • Feb 29, 2020
  • By MIKE SCHNEIDER and MARK THIESSEN Associated Press
In this Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 photo, Stephan Patterson poses for a photo in Anchorage, Alaska. Patterson and other U.S. Census takers are reporting problems when conducting first-in-the-nation counts in rural parts of Alaska, including lack of communication about assignments, frustration with a smartphone app for filing time sheets and disappointment when they find out they are not being reimbursed for purchasing cold-weather gear. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)
Soldotna’s Megan Youngren competes in the California International Marathon in Sacramento on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019. (Photo provided by Megan Youngren)

Soldotna’s Youngren set for U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials

A race that Soldotna’s Megan Youngren, 28, once described as a victory lap now is being viewed as a chance for the race of her… Continue reading

Soldotna’s Megan Youngren competes in the California International Marathon in Sacramento on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019. (Photo provided by Megan Youngren)
Photo courtesy of Christina Whiting                                Tins with blue ribbons were placed on Feb. 26, 2020, around Homer, Alaska, for people to wear as part of an awareness campaign for a missing Homer woman, Anesha “Duffy” Murnane, missing since Oct. 17, 2019.

Blue ribbons put out for missing Homer woman

Anesha “Duffy” Murnane has been missing since Oct. 17.

Photo courtesy of Christina Whiting                                Tins with blue ribbons were placed on Feb. 26, 2020, around Homer, Alaska, for people to wear as part of an awareness campaign for a missing Homer woman, Anesha “Duffy” Murnane, missing since Oct. 17, 2019.
New report shows felony sex offenses on the rise in Alaska

New report shows felony sex offenses on the rise in Alaska

The report indicates an increase in number of incidents and victims from 2017 to 2018.

New report shows felony sex offenses on the rise in Alaska
The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meets on Tuesdays inside in the Kenai Peninsula Borough Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers, on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula

Assembly modifies residency rules for candidates

The ordinance also provides clarification on what the borough can do if residency is challenged.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meets on Tuesdays inside in the Kenai Peninsula Borough Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers, on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula
The Alaska Marine Highway ferry Malaspina heads up Lynn Canal towards Haines and Skagway from Juneau in 2008. (Juneau Empire File)

Ferry reshaping group has first meeting

First meeting was brief.

The Alaska Marine Highway ferry Malaspina heads up Lynn Canal towards Haines and Skagway from Juneau in 2008. (Juneau Empire File)