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Organic clay-based paint stands stacked in the window at the “Art Shack,” an art studio space owned by Sue Mann, on Friday, May 4, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Mann, who owns the art supply store Artzy Junkin on the lot next to the Maverick Bar, opened the space as a joint studio space for artists to teach classes or make art. It’s been a longtime goal she is starting this year, with classes like a mother and daughter chandelier-making class, mosaic, tie-dye and stained glass. She currently has five artists working on contract, she said. “Really, that’s my heart for this — bringing artists together,” she said.

Art from salvage

The group of old buildings behind the decorative mushrooms and tall spruce alongside the Sterling Highway are all rescued and finding new life with art.… Continue reading

Organic clay-based paint stands stacked in the window at the “Art Shack,” an art studio space owned by Sue Mann, on Friday, May 4, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Mann, who owns the art supply store Artzy Junkin on the lot next to the Maverick Bar, opened the space as a joint studio space for artists to teach classes or make art. It’s been a longtime goal she is starting this year, with classes like a mother and daughter chandelier-making class, mosaic, tie-dye and stained glass. She currently has five artists working on contract, she said. “Really, that’s my heart for this — bringing artists together,” she said.
This still released by Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation and Storyteller Distribution Co. from the film “The Post” shows Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks) and Katharine Graham (Meryl Streep). (Photo by Niko Tavernise)

Even less than his best, Spielberg brings spark to ‘The Post’

The box office silence between “Infinity War” and the rest of the summer has been a little deafening. The only things on offer have been… Continue reading

This still released by Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation and Storyteller Distribution Co. from the film “The Post” shows Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks) and Katharine Graham (Meryl Streep). (Photo by Niko Tavernise)
Assembly still torn on how to plug budget shortfall

Assembly still torn on how to plug budget shortfall

With one meeting left before they have to approve the fiscal year 2019 budget, the members of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly have yet to… Continue reading

Assembly still torn on how to plug budget shortfall
Nikiski resident James Price speaks to members of the Alaska Judicial Council during a public hearing on the applicants seeking to replace retiring Superior Court Judge Anna M. Moran on Wednesday at the Kenai Courthouse. The seven-member Alaska Judicial Council chose to forward the names of Kenai Assistant Attorney General Lance Joanis and Valdez District Court Judge Daniel Schally to Gov. Bill Walker for consideration. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)

Valdez judge, assistant attorney general nominated for Superior Court

The field of potential replacements for retiring Kenai Superior Court Judge Anna M. Moran was winnowed to two Wednesday. After an afternoon of public testimony… Continue reading

Nikiski resident James Price speaks to members of the Alaska Judicial Council during a public hearing on the applicants seeking to replace retiring Superior Court Judge Anna M. Moran on Wednesday at the Kenai Courthouse. The seven-member Alaska Judicial Council chose to forward the names of Kenai Assistant Attorney General Lance Joanis and Valdez District Court Judge Daniel Schally to Gov. Bill Walker for consideration. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)

CINGSA plans backup systems

After losing some capacity in March to a sand-clogged well and failed dehydration unit, Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska (CINGSA) is planning to spend… Continue reading

  • May 16, 2018
  • By By BEN BOETTGER
  • Energy

Northern District king salmon setnetters stay closed

Subsistence fishermen in part of the Susitna River drainage will be able to harvest a few kings, but commercial fishermen in Northern Cook Inlet will… Continue reading

A hooligan pulled from a gillnet lies on the bank of the Kenai River near the Warren Ames Bridge on Monday, May 14, 2018 in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)

Look out for hooligan

Spring brings migratory birds, beluga whales, harbor seals and people to the banks of the Kenai seeking the same thing: hooligan. Hooligan, also called eulachon,… Continue reading

A hooligan pulled from a gillnet lies on the bank of the Kenai River near the Warren Ames Bridge on Monday, May 14, 2018 in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
This selfie photo provided by Nick Steffl was taken in Fairbanks, Alaska, on Tuesday, May 15, 2018. Steffl was on a plane May 14, 2018, flying from Seattle to Anchorage, Alaska, when he confronted a man who had removed his clothes and was running up and down the aisle naked. (Nick Steffl via AP)

Airline passenger helps subdue naked man

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A passenger on an Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle to Anchorage, Alaska, looked up from his audio book to see a naked… Continue reading

  • May 16, 2018
  • By Dan Joling
This selfie photo provided by Nick Steffl was taken in Fairbanks, Alaska, on Tuesday, May 15, 2018. Steffl was on a plane May 14, 2018, flying from Seattle to Anchorage, Alaska, when he confronted a man who had removed his clothes and was running up and down the aisle naked. (Nick Steffl via AP)
Burned trees are shown at the scene of a wildfire in Nikolaevsk, near Ninilchik, on May 15. Killed by invasive beetles, the heavy trees provide potent fuel for wildfires and provide challenges for fire crews. (Photo courtesy of the Alaska Division of Forestry)

Wildfires sweep southern peninsula

Back-to-back wildfires kept emergency response teams busy on the southern peninsula Monday. Firefighters were called out to the scene of a 3.5-acre wildfire along Misty… Continue reading

Burned trees are shown at the scene of a wildfire in Nikolaevsk, near Ninilchik, on May 15. Killed by invasive beetles, the heavy trees provide potent fuel for wildfires and provide challenges for fire crews. (Photo courtesy of the Alaska Division of Forestry)
A sign outside the Soldotna Blockbuster advertises a close-out sale. The video rental store will shutter its doors this week after more than two decades in operation. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)

Soldotna Blockbuster to shut down after 24 years

Editor's note: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of Justin Trickel's name. Tourists from the Lower 48 who come to Soldotna to… Continue reading

A sign outside the Soldotna Blockbuster advertises a close-out sale. The video rental store will shutter its doors this week after more than two decades in operation. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
Study reviews potential climate impacts on Kenai River salmon

Fish board denies petition on hatcheries

The members of the Board of Fisheries agree that Pacific salmon hatchery impacts on wild salmon stocks are concerning, but they aren’t clear on what… Continue reading

Study reviews potential climate impacts on Kenai River salmon
Mother, son face armed robbery charges

Mother, son face armed robbery charges

Nikiski mother and son face charges of armed robbery A mother and son are due in court on charges of armed robbery and assault following… Continue reading

Mother, son face armed robbery charges
An Arctic tern swoops in search of fish on the banks of the Kenai River near the Warren Ames Bridge on Monday, May 14, 2018 in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai Peninsula Birding Fest to take off Thursday

As flocks of birds settle on the central Kenai Peninsula this spring, flocks of people will be following them with cameras and binoculars this weekend.… Continue reading

An Arctic tern swoops in search of fish on the banks of the Kenai River near the Warren Ames Bridge on Monday, May 14, 2018 in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
Going for a ride: Bikers learn safety tips at community event

Going for a ride: Bikers learn safety tips at community event

Top 10 Bicycling Safety Tips 1. Always wear a helmet. 2. Wear brightly colored clothing. 3. Check air, breaks and chain. 4. Stop. Look left,… Continue reading

Going for a ride: Bikers learn safety tips at community event
Supt. Sean Dusek and Wendy Lindskoog of BP congratulate Robanne Stading 2018 BP Teacher of the Year.

Top teachers lauded

Graduates across the Kenai Peninsula have been celebrating the hard work they’ve put into their classes, and May 10, BP honored the educators who make… Continue reading

Supt. Sean Dusek and Wendy Lindskoog of BP congratulate Robanne Stading 2018 BP Teacher of the Year.
Claudia Browning flips the flap jacks during community dedication open house.

New CES fleet dedicated for service

Central Emergency Services (CES) fire fighters know how to respond to emergency situations with incredible flexibility and resourcefulness. Thanks to a $4.4 million bond measure… Continue reading

Claudia Browning flips the flap jacks during community dedication open house.
Conference Committee members Rep. Steve Thompson, R-Fairbanks, left, shakes hands with Sen. Donald Olson, R-Golovin, after the committee finished its work on the budgets at the Capitol on Thursday, May 10, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Legislature will dodge record for fewest bills

In the final days of the two-year legislative session, lawmakers were making up for lost time. At the end of their first year, the 30th… Continue reading

Conference Committee members Rep. Steve Thompson, R-Fairbanks, left, shakes hands with Sen. Donald Olson, R-Golovin, after the committee finished its work on the budgets at the Capitol on Thursday, May 10, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

CIAA to move controversial nets back into Tutka Bay Lagoon

The much-debated net pens in the main part of Tutka Bay won’t be there this summer after all. Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association will move its… Continue reading

1 dies in plane crash near Whittier

1 dies in plane crash near Whittier

1 dies in plane crash near Whittier Alaska State Troopers say a pilot has died after a small plane crashed near Whittier. The Alaska Rescue… Continue reading

1 dies in plane crash near Whittier
Alexander Van De Grift races in the Kenai Rotary Club’s 12th anual Soapbox Derby on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at the Challenger Learning Center in Kenai, Alaska. Van De Grift won a craftsmanship trophy for his car, which was sponsored by Outlaw Body and Paint. (Ben Boettger/Peninsula Clarion).

Kenai Rotary holds 12th soapbox derby

By BEN BOETTGER Peninsula Clarion… Continue reading

Alexander Van De Grift races in the Kenai Rotary Club’s 12th anual Soapbox Derby on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at the Challenger Learning Center in Kenai, Alaska. Van De Grift won a craftsmanship trophy for his car, which was sponsored by Outlaw Body and Paint. (Ben Boettger/Peninsula Clarion).