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).
Kalifornsky Beach Elementary first-graders Maddi Redder (left) and Brayden Gregory prepare to rig a beam to a shop crane during their class’ field trip to Alaska Crane Consultants on Monday, May 7, 2018 on Kalifornsky Beach road. (Ben Boettger/Peninsula Clarion)

Students try their hands at heavy equipment at Alaska Crane Consultants

Kristi Felchle’s first grade class at Kalifornsky Beach Elementary added a hands-on element to their recent lesson about work and the community: Taking a field… Continue reading

Kalifornsky Beach Elementary first-graders Maddi Redder (left) and Brayden Gregory prepare to rig a beam to a shop crane during their class’ field trip to Alaska Crane Consultants on Monday, May 7, 2018 on Kalifornsky Beach road. (Ben Boettger/Peninsula Clarion)
Smoke rises from the burn area of the East Fork Fire on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on Friday, June 16, 2017 near Sterling, Alaska. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)

Bill toughens punishment for burning violations

Anyone charged with a crime related to setting fires will likely have tougher punishments to face in the future. The Legislature passed a bill, House… Continue reading

Smoke rises from the burn area of the East Fork Fire on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on Friday, June 16, 2017 near Sterling, Alaska. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
In this May 7, 2018 photo, Mount Rainier is seen at dusk and framed by the Murray Morgan Bridge in downtown Tacoma, Wash. The eruption of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii has geologic experts along the West Coast warily eyeing the volcanic peaks in Washington, Oregon and California, including Rainier, that are part of the Pacific Ocean’s ring of fire. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Hawaii volcano raises concerns of eruptions along West Coast

SPOKANE, Wash. — The eruption of a Hawaii volcano in the Pacific “Ring of Fire” has experts warily eyeing volcanic peaks on America’s West Coast… Continue reading

  • May 12, 2018
  • By NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS
In this May 7, 2018 photo, Mount Rainier is seen at dusk and framed by the Murray Morgan Bridge in downtown Tacoma, Wash. The eruption of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii has geologic experts along the West Coast warily eyeing the volcanic peaks in Washington, Oregon and California, including Rainier, that are part of the Pacific Ocean’s ring of fire. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Beginning a new chapter: Kenai River Campus graduates take home diplomas

Beginning a new chapter: Kenai River Campus graduates take home diplomas

There were nerves and smiles, a few tears, some bedazzled caps and a lot of relief in the moments before Kenai Peninsula College’s 2018 River… Continue reading

Beginning a new chapter: Kenai River Campus graduates take home diplomas
Kenai’s non-council work sessions to remain unrecorded

Kenai’s non-council work sessions to remain unrecorded

Kenai’s government will continue to not record work session meetings of its Planning and Zoning Commission and joint work sessions between its other commissions and… Continue reading

Kenai’s non-council work sessions to remain unrecorded

Ruffner drops out of House race

Kasilof resident Robert Ruffner announced in a Facebook post Friday morning that he’s dropping out of the race for the Alaska House of Representatives seat… Continue reading

4-H members test their knowledge of horses during State Contest.

No horsing around at 4-H State Equine contest

Raising horses in Alaska is a lot of hard work, and competing in the 4-H State Horse Contest calls for a lot of hard studying.… Continue reading

4-H members test their knowledge of horses during State Contest.
KRSA Trout pond gave kids a chance to bring home supper.

Play time! KPAR hosts 33 Peninsula Sport, Rec and Trade Show

About eight years ago when the organizers of the annual Sport, Rec and Trade Show were leaving the area, the Kenai Peninsula Association of Realtors… Continue reading

KRSA Trout pond gave kids a chance to bring home supper.