Judge denies motion for mistrial in Heiman case

After more than an hour of questioning jurors about their memories of Monday’s trial proceedings, Kenai Superior Court Judge Charles Huguelet denied the defense team’s… Continue reading

  • Apr 14, 2015
  • By Rashah McChesney
Photo by Rashah McChesney/Peninsula Clarion Shane Heiman, of Soldotna, talks to his public defender on Wednesday April 8, 2015 during the jury selection portion of his trial on charges that he attempted to kidnap and rape a Soldotna woman.

Trial begins for Soldotna man accused of rape, attempted rape

Editor's note: This story has been edited to include information about Heiman's potential jail time. The maximum allowed under Alaska law for his alleged crimes… Continue reading

  • Apr 9, 2015
  • By Rashah McChesney
Photo by Rashah McChesney/Peninsula Clarion Shane Heiman, of Soldotna, talks to his public defender on Wednesday April 8, 2015 during the jury selection portion of his trial on charges that he attempted to kidnap and rape a Soldotna woman.
Clarion file photo In this May 21, 2013 file photo Rose Price, 19, throws her mortarboard into the air in celebration at the close of Kenai Alternative High School's graduation ceremony.

District graduation rates above national average

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is on track to end another year with a high school graduation rate above the national average. The school… Continue reading

  • Apr 15, 2015
  • By Kelly Sullivan
Clarion file photo In this May 21, 2013 file photo Rose Price, 19, throws her mortarboard into the air in celebration at the close of Kenai Alternative High School's graduation ceremony.
Photo by Kelly Sullivan/ Peninsula Clarion Kenai Central senior Allie Ostrander holds up a sign handmade by a friend for encouragement right before signing a National Letter of Intent to run at Idaho's Boise State University Wednesday, April 15, 2015, at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska.
Photo by Kelly Sullivan/ Peninsula Clarion Kenai Central senior Allie Ostrander holds up a sign handmade by a friend for encouragement right before signing a National Letter of Intent to run at Idaho's Boise State University Wednesday, April 15, 2015, at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska.

Soldotna publishes annexation info

By examining annexation, the city of Soldotna is hoping to keep its promise of being more inclusive. Earlier this year, city officials assured the public… Continue reading

  • Apr 15, 2015
  • By IAN FOLEY

Walker calls joint legislative session for appointments

JUNEAU — Gov. Bill Walker signed an executive proclamation Wednesday calling the Alaska House and Senate into joint session to take up consideration of his… Continue reading

  • Apr 15, 2015
  • By Becky Bohrer

House amends, then re-passes bill to create marijuana board

JUNEAU — The Alaska House reconsidered legislation it passed to create a new marijuana control board, tweaking it on the floor Wednesday.The new version of… Continue reading

  • Apr 15, 2015
  • By Molly Dischner
Medical administrators look at implications of health care expansion

Medical administrators look at implications of health care expansion

In addition to making an estimated 5,830 Kenai Peninsula residents eligible for Medicaid, the Medicaid expansion being debated in the state legislature could have behind-the-scenes… Continue reading

Medical administrators look at implications of health care expansion
Photo by Rashah McChesney/Peninsula Clarion  An officer from the Kenai Police Department talks to a woman as she enters Kenai Central High School on Tuesday April 14, 2015 in Kenai, Alaska. Officers responded to the school after a student received a threatening text and the school was put into lockdown mode.

KCHS put on lockdown

Editors Note: This story has been edited to reflect that the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District was the organization responsible for the new lockdown protocol. … Continue reading

  • Apr 14, 2015
  • By IAN FOLEY
Photo by Rashah McChesney/Peninsula Clarion  An officer from the Kenai Police Department talks to a woman as she enters Kenai Central High School on Tuesday April 14, 2015 in Kenai, Alaska. Officers responded to the school after a student received a threatening text and the school was put into lockdown mode.

Conservation groups push back on federal lands transfer idea

CHEYENNE, Wyo.— Stung by a recent vote in Congress, national conservation groups are mustering opposition to the increasing call from many western states to transfer… Continue reading

  • Apr 14, 2015
  • By BEN NEARY
Photo by Kelly Sullivan/ Peninsula Clarion Heather Schaefer puts books away at the Joyce K. Carver Soldotna Public Library Monday, April 13, 2015, in Soldotna, Alaska. She said she noticed there were quite a few books in the book drop that afternoon, but was unsure if it had to do with the Food for Fines program, or that it hadn't been checked yet.

Library collecting food for fines

The Joyce K. Carver Memorial Soldotna Public Library is hoping to relieve hunger and financial stress. For the third year, the library is celebrating National… Continue reading

  • Apr 13, 2015
  • By IAN FOLEY
Photo by Kelly Sullivan/ Peninsula Clarion Heather Schaefer puts books away at the Joyce K. Carver Soldotna Public Library Monday, April 13, 2015, in Soldotna, Alaska. She said she noticed there were quite a few books in the book drop that afternoon, but was unsure if it had to do with the Food for Fines program, or that it hadn't been checked yet.

Assembly OK’s fiscal note measure

The Kenai Peninsula Borough has adopted a permanent policy aimed at making the legislative process more transparent. Ordinances and resolutions up for adoption will require… Continue reading

  • Apr 13, 2015
  • By Kelly Sullivan

Governor: Medicaid reform without expansion unacceptable

JUNEAU — Gov. Bill Walker said Monday that he could not support Medicaid reform legislation without Medicaid expansion.In an interview with The Associated Press, Walker… Continue reading

  • Apr 13, 2015
  • By Becky Bohrer

Panel talks to fish board nominees, asks about salmon plan

JUNEAU — A Senate committee held a hearing Monday on the governor’s nominees for the state Board of Fisheries, but the panel held off on… Continue reading

  • Apr 13, 2015
  • By Molly Dischner

Legislative Information Office teleconference schedule for April 14

Tuesday 3:30 p.m.The Senate Community & Regional Affairs Committee will sponsor a public hearing to discuss HB 75 Marijuana Regulation; Clubs; Municipalities; Local Option Election… Continue reading

  • Apr 13, 2015
Business news

Business news

■ The Soldotna Chamber of Commerce will meet at noon today at Froso’s Restaurant in Soldotna. A presentation on the St. Jude Kid’s Radiothon by… Continue reading

  • Apr 13, 2015
Business news
Peninsula Center Mall hosts Easter Bunny & prize filled egg hunt,

Peninsula Center Mall hosts Easter Bunny & prize filled egg hunt,

For the second year in a row, thanks to the Bias family owners of the Peninsula Center Mall the Easter Bunny made a pre-holiday appearance… Continue reading

Peninsula Center Mall hosts Easter Bunny & prize filled egg hunt,
Conway Seavey films new U-tube release.

Conway Seavey films new U-tube release.

The same formula that has earned Mitch and his son Dallas Seavey international fame as multiple extreme sport champions of the Iditarod Sled Dog race… Continue reading

Conway Seavey films new U-tube release.
Alaska's Senior Senator visits Kenai Peninsula

Alaska’s Senior Senator visits Kenai Peninsula

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski spent Friday, April 3rd on the Kenai Peninsula connecting with a number of constituents from different industries. When the Senate isn’t… Continue reading

Alaska's Senior Senator visits Kenai Peninsula
Kenai Pioneer Ron Malston honored with Melvin Jones award

Kenai Pioneer Ron Malston honored with Melvin Jones award

Long time Kenai resident, Chamber board president and City Mayor Ron Malston was honored at a recent Kenai Chamber of Commerce meeting by the Kenai… Continue reading

Kenai Pioneer Ron Malston honored with Melvin Jones award