News

Voters take up oil tax debate before August referendum

The public was encouraged to participate in an oil tax discussion last week during a debate between current and former state government officials broadcast across… Continue reading

  • Jul 22, 2014
  • By ELWOOD BREHMER
Photo by Kelly Sullivan/ Peninsula Clarion Jonas Vikstrom and Sebastian Gabriel watch Nels Anderson cut up a pork dish inside a Dutch oven, Saturday, July 19, in Soldotna.

A look into what it takes to prepare for the dutch oven state championship

In the weeks leading up to the 55th annual Soldotna Progress Days, the Anderson household circulates competitors of all ages for the Alaska State Dutch… Continue reading

  • Jul 22, 2014
  • By Kelly Sullivan
Photo by Kelly Sullivan/ Peninsula Clarion Jonas Vikstrom and Sebastian Gabriel watch Nels Anderson cut up a pork dish inside a Dutch oven, Saturday, July 19, in Soldotna.
Sybille Castro untangles three of her five dachshunds - Fritz, Franz and Hans - before walking in the "Weenies on Parade" at the Soldotna Progress Days parade in Soldotna on July 27, 2013.

Central Kenai Peninsula Residents talk about what Progress Days mean to them

On a bright, but windy Saturday afternoon Peninsula residents noted the continuous evolution of Soldotna’s central business district. Each took a moment to reflect on… Continue reading

  • Jul 22, 2014
  • By Kelly Sullivan
Sybille Castro untangles three of her five dachshunds - Fritz, Franz and Hans - before walking in the "Weenies on Parade" at the Soldotna Progress Days parade in Soldotna on July 27, 2013.
From left: Eagle Scout Daniel Lewis, Air Force veteran Ray Freeborn, Alaska Army National Guard staff Sgt. Jason Stokes and Soldotna Mayor Nels Anderson open the box releasing the healed eagle into the wild at the Eagle Release at Soldotna Progress Days in Soldotna July 27, 2013.

A preview of this year’s Progress Days

As the 55th annual Soldotna Progress Days celebrates the evolving hub of the central Kenai Peninsula, the event continues to adapt and add activities to… Continue reading

  • Jul 22, 2014
  • By Kelly Sullivan
From left: Eagle Scout Daniel Lewis, Air Force veteran Ray Freeborn, Alaska Army National Guard staff Sgt. Jason Stokes and Soldotna Mayor Nels Anderson open the box releasing the healed eagle into the wild at the Eagle Release at Soldotna Progress Days in Soldotna July 27, 2013.

Rhines Road residents wary of improvements

This construction season, Rhines, Fishermans and Capryl roads in North Kenai made it to the top of the Kenai Peninsula Borough’s list for road improvements.… Continue reading

  • Jul 21, 2014
  • By KAYLEE OSOWSKI
Photo by Dan Balmer/Peninsula Clarion Reagan Graves,9, carries the ball while Noah Harper, 10 attempts to pull his flag during a football scrimmage Monday at Soldotna High School. Nearly 50 kids participated in the Kenai Peninsula Youth Football Camp, led by Soldotna High football coach Galen Brantley. The camp, open to kids through eighth grade, runs through Wednesday.

Photos: Ready for some football?

… Continue reading

  • Jul 21, 2014
Photo by Dan Balmer/Peninsula Clarion Reagan Graves,9, carries the ball while Noah Harper, 10 attempts to pull his flag during a football scrimmage Monday at Soldotna High School. Nearly 50 kids participated in the Kenai Peninsula Youth Football Camp, led by Soldotna High football coach Galen Brantley. The camp, open to kids through eighth grade, runs through Wednesday.

Busy weekend sees increase in accidents

With the increase of motorists on land and water across the central Kenai Peninsula this weekend, first responders saw a steady rise in accidents.From Friday… Continue reading

  • Jul 21, 2014
  • By DAN BALMER

JBER soldier attacked by bear

ANCHORAGE — An Alaska Army National Guard soldier was wearing a combat helmet and other protective gear when he was attacked by a bear while… Continue reading

  • Jul 21, 2014
  • By Rachel D'oro

TAPS moves17 billionth barrel

JUNEAU (AP) — The trans-Alaska pipeline has moved its 17 billionth barrel of oil.The operator of the 37-year-old pipeline, Alyeska Pipeline Service Co., announced the… Continue reading

  • Jul 21, 2014

LNG consortium files application for export license

The consortium planning the big North Slope gas pipeline and liquefied natural gas export project has taken another big step. An application was filed Friday… Continue reading

  • Jul 21, 2014
  • By Tim Bradner
Artist John Coyne is working on a raven sculpture at his studio in Iowa City for the Dena?ina Wellness Center in Kenai, Alaska. Through his research of Dena?ina culture, Coyne chose to combine the iconic birds with the tribe?s words. Benjamin Roberts / P-C A finished raven sculpture completed by artist John Coyne at his studio in Iowa City, IA, on Thursday, May 22, 2014. Coyne, a native of Fairbanks, AK, is currently crafting a series of metal sculptures resembling a Raven, a bird iconic to Alaska and the DenaÕina people, where the bird has a strong influence the culture's songs and poetry.

Incoming art

It has been almost two years since local artist John Coyne crafted six aluminum alloy caribou, boxed up the 16 sculpture pieces and transported them… Continue reading

  • Jul 20, 2014
  • By MITCHELL SCHMIDT
Artist John Coyne is working on a raven sculpture at his studio in Iowa City for the Dena?ina Wellness Center in Kenai, Alaska. Through his research of Dena?ina culture, Coyne chose to combine the iconic birds with the tribe?s words. Benjamin Roberts / P-C A finished raven sculpture completed by artist John Coyne at his studio in Iowa City, IA, on Thursday, May 22, 2014. Coyne, a native of Fairbanks, AK, is currently crafting a series of metal sculptures resembling a Raven, a bird iconic to Alaska and the DenaÕina people, where the bird has a strong influence the culture's songs and poetry.
Photo by Rashah McChesney/Peninsula Clarion Putting a boat into the Kenai River at the Eagle Rock boat launch can be an easier proposition than some - the area forms a natural slough, sheltering boats from the swift currents of the river. Here, a boat puts in and motors through the calm water Friday July 18, 2014 in Kenai, Alaska.

State takes ownership of Eagle Rock Boat Launch

Twice a day, at least during the fishing season, Tracy Poore leaves his house, walks to he end of his driveway and then down the… Continue reading

  • Jul 20, 2014
  • By Rashah McChesney
Photo by Rashah McChesney/Peninsula Clarion Putting a boat into the Kenai River at the Eagle Rock boat launch can be an easier proposition than some - the area forms a natural slough, sheltering boats from the swift currents of the river. Here, a boat puts in and motors through the calm water Friday July 18, 2014 in Kenai, Alaska.
Photo by Dan Balmer/Peninsula Clarion Jake Wilkinson, 26, of Kenai tries to get past his niece Hailey Wilkinson, 14 in a friendly soccer match Sunday at the Kenai Middle School field. Kids from the Boys and Girls Club took on adults in the soccer game.

Photo: Just for kicks

… Continue reading

  • Jul 20, 2014
  • By DAN BALMER
Photo by Dan Balmer/Peninsula Clarion Jake Wilkinson, 26, of Kenai tries to get past his niece Hailey Wilkinson, 14 in a friendly soccer match Sunday at the Kenai Middle School field. Kids from the Boys and Girls Club took on adults in the soccer game.

Scores dead in first major ground battle in Gaza

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The first major ground battle in two weeks of Israel-Hamas fighting exacted a steep price Sunday: It killed 65 Palestinians… Continue reading

  • Jul 20, 2014
  • By KARIN LAUB and TIA GOLDENBERG

Sitka project makes grocery store trip easier

SITKA — A trip to the grocery store can be a big ordeal for parents of children with disabilities.“It can be challenging, because I have… Continue reading

  • Jul 20, 2014
  • By SHANNON HAUGLAND

Man found dead after barn fire

Central Emergency Services firefighters found a dead man after putting out a fire in a barn on Olivia Street in Kenai.  Alaska State Troopers identified… Continue reading

  • Jul 19, 2014
  • By By Rashah McChesney

Southeast Alaska bat tests positive for rabies

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — State officials have confirmed rabies in a bat in southeast Alaska. The state health department said biologists on Prince of Wales… Continue reading

  • Jul 19, 2014
  • By Associated Press
Photo by Kelly Sullivan/ Peninsula Clarion Kenai Civil Air Patrol Cadet Bradley Walters holds the photograph of the owner of the maintained World War II Advanced Trainer he flew in Saturday, at the Civil Air Patrol hanger.

Kenai cadets fly WWII-era plane

Sitting in the rear cockpit of a gleaming metallic Advance Trainer Aircraft Kenai Civil Air Patrol Cadet Lucas Cragg adjusted the white World War II… Continue reading

  • Jul 19, 2014
  • By Kelly Sullivan
Photo by Kelly Sullivan/ Peninsula Clarion Kenai Civil Air Patrol Cadet Bradley Walters holds the photograph of the owner of the maintained World War II Advanced Trainer he flew in Saturday, at the Civil Air Patrol hanger.
Photo by Rashah McChesney/Peninsula Clarion Margo Bouchard checks the price of a hanging basket at the new Swank Street Antiques & Art Market Saturday July 19, 2014 in Soldotna, Alaska.

‘Swank’ shopping debuts in Soldotna

The incessant noise of the crowded Sterling Highway faded quickly in a gravel lot behind Pizza Boys and the Shops Around the Corner Saturday where… Continue reading

  • Jul 19, 2014
  • By Rashah McChesney
Photo by Rashah McChesney/Peninsula Clarion Margo Bouchard checks the price of a hanging basket at the new Swank Street Antiques & Art Market Saturday July 19, 2014 in Soldotna, Alaska.
Lodge owners consider proposed bed tax

Lodge owners consider proposed bed tax

Some say it’s time, others say it’s not the way to go.But it’s up to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly whether the voters will decide… Continue reading

  • Jul 19, 2014
  • By KAYLEE OSOWSKI
Lodge owners consider proposed bed tax