Smoke can be seen on the horizon at sunset on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019, from Cooper Landing, Alaska. High temperatures and dry conditions have caused the 102,548-acre Swan Lake Fire burning in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge east of Sterling and north of the Sterling Highway to flare up. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)

Dry conditions bolster Swan Lake Fire

Smoke from the fire is visible from the Sterling Highway between Mileposts 65 and 75.

Smoke can be seen on the horizon at sunset on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019, from Cooper Landing, Alaska. High temperatures and dry conditions have caused the 102,548-acre Swan Lake Fire burning in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge east of Sterling and north of the Sterling Highway to flare up. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
Ian McEwan (left) acts out a scene with Yvette Tappana during a rehearsel for Blazing Guns at Roaring Gulch held Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, at the Kenai Performer’s stage in Soldotna. (Photo by Joey Klecka/Peninsula Clarion)

‘Blazing Guns’ opens new Kenai Performers theater season

The show is a classic western melodrama.

Ian McEwan (left) acts out a scene with Yvette Tappana during a rehearsel for Blazing Guns at Roaring Gulch held Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, at the Kenai Performer’s stage in Soldotna. (Photo by Joey Klecka/Peninsula Clarion)
Clarion reporters Brian Mazurek, left, and Victoria Petersen interview Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, at the Peninsula Clarion in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. Murkowski discussed issues such as the Alaska Permanent Fund dividend, the Pebble Mine project and Alaska-related legislation. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)

A conversation with the senator

Lisa Murkowski talks PFD, Pebble and what’s happening in the Senate.

Clarion reporters Brian Mazurek, left, and Victoria Petersen interview Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, at the Peninsula Clarion in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. Murkowski discussed issues such as the Alaska Permanent Fund dividend, the Pebble Mine project and Alaska-related legislation. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and two employee associations — The Kenai Peninsula Borough Education Association and the Kenai Peninsula Borough Education Support Association — negotiate for a new contract on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019, at the Soldotna High School Library, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

No deal reached in district contract negotiations

Negotiations between school district and associations have snagged on rising cost of health care.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and two employee associations — The Kenai Peninsula Borough Education Association and the Kenai Peninsula Borough Education Support Association — negotiate for a new contract on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019, at the Soldotna High School Library, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)
Pigs run through a circular course, chased by a young volunteer, during the pig races at the Kenai Peninsula Fair, on Aug. 18, 2018 at the fairgrounds in Ninilchik, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)

Kenai Peninsula Fair returns with family fun

Our peninsula fair is a great peninsula fair.

Pigs run through a circular course, chased by a young volunteer, during the pig races at the Kenai Peninsula Fair, on Aug. 18, 2018 at the fairgrounds in Ninilchik, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
A plume of smoke rises from the Swan Lake fire area as vehicles head south on the Sterling Highway on July 18, 2019, near Skilak Lake, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Kenai Peninsula suffering moderate drought

Kenai has seen a nearly 40% decrease in the average rainfall for the area from June to August.

A plume of smoke rises from the Swan Lake fire area as vehicles head south on the Sterling Highway on July 18, 2019, near Skilak Lake, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
A construction crew excavates along the Kenai Spur Highway in Kenai, Alaska on June 4, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

Summer road projects nearing completion

Beaver Loop Road, Sterling Highway undergoing construction.

A construction crew excavates along the Kenai Spur Highway in Kenai, Alaska on June 4, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
The musical group Rose’s Pawn Shop will perform week 12 of the Levitt AMP Soldotna Music Series Wednesday evening at Soldotna Creek Park. (Photo by Bree Ellsworth)

Rose’s Pawn Shop to bring the energy

Week 11 of the series will features band playing ‘Americana’ bluegrass, folk and rock.

The musical group Rose’s Pawn Shop will perform week 12 of the Levitt AMP Soldotna Music Series Wednesday evening at Soldotna Creek Park. (Photo by Bree Ellsworth)
Dunleavy reverses decision to veto early education funds

Dunleavy reverses decision to veto early education funds

Dunleavy says he won’t veto Head Start, Pre-K from HB 2001

Dunleavy reverses decision to veto early education funds
Dunleavy signs ‘step-down’ compact with University of Alaska

Dunleavy signs ‘step-down’ compact with University of Alaska

Plan will introduce cuts over three years rather than one

Dunleavy signs ‘step-down’ compact with University of Alaska
Courtesy photo                                Soldotna Realtor Febra Hensley

Soldotna Realtor Febra Hensley named Realtor of the Year

Hensley has been a realtor for nearly two decades.

Courtesy photo                                Soldotna Realtor Febra Hensley
Court reports for Aug. 14, 2019

Court reports for Aug. 14, 2019

Read the latest reports.

Court reports for Aug. 14, 2019
Public safety briefs for Aug. 14
Public safety briefs for Aug. 14
Filing ends Thursday for potential candidates

Filing ends Thursday for potential candidates

Those interested in running can contact their local city clerk to file for candidacy.

Filing ends Thursday for potential candidates
Alaska Department of Fish and Game                                Beluga whales arch their backs through the surface of the water in September 2017. Of Alaska’s five distinct beluga whale populations, only Cook Inlet’s is listed as endangered.

Researchers receive federal funds to study Cook Inlet belugas

The grant program supports management, research and outreach campaigns for conservation of wildlife.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game                                Beluga whales arch their backs through the surface of the water in September 2017. Of Alaska’s five distinct beluga whale populations, only Cook Inlet’s is listed as endangered.
Brewery to Bathroom .5K winner? The fight against cancer

Brewery to Bathroom .5K winner? The fight against cancer

The Brewery to Bathroom .5K “The race for the rest of us” is the perfect satire of the typical fundraising 5K, right down to organizer… Continue reading

Brewery to Bathroom .5K winner? The fight against cancer
This 1991 photo provided by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game shows spawning pink salmon in Anan Creek, near Wrangell, Alaska. In 2019, wild populations of pink salmon are flourishing. Their numbers are enhanced by the annual release of 1.8 billion fish from Alaska hatcheries and critics say they’re having an effect on other species. (ADF&G via AP)

Pink salmon numbers may threaten other North Pacific species

Researchers say the voracious eaters are thriving at the expense of higher-value sockeye, seabirds.

  • Aug 12, 2019
  • By Dan Joling Associated Press
This 1991 photo provided by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game shows spawning pink salmon in Anan Creek, near Wrangell, Alaska. In 2019, wild populations of pink salmon are flourishing. Their numbers are enhanced by the annual release of 1.8 billion fish from Alaska hatcheries and critics say they’re having an effect on other species. (ADF&G via AP)
Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska

Senator Sullivan visits Juneau

Sullivan stops by the Empire to talk bills

Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska
‘Molly of Denali’ drums up fun, cultural pride

‘Molly of Denali’ drums up fun, cultural pride

Cartoon tells Native stories with Native voices.

‘Molly of Denali’ drums up fun, cultural pride
Stocking up for school

Stocking up for school

Kids learn about health and safety while collecting back-to-school swag.

Stocking up for school