Kate’s Flowers and Gifts florist Kate Mastres arranges a bouquet at the shop on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Wednesday was a busy day for the shop, with the Valentine’s Day holiday. Mastres said she had been at the shop until 3:30 a.m. Wednesday morning preparing for the next day and arrived at 10 a.m. The shop does custom bouquets as well as some pre-designed ones, she said. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)

Kate’s Flowers and Gifts florist Kate Mastres arranges a bouquet at the shop on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Wednesday was a busy day for the shop, with the Valentine’s Day holiday. Mastres said she had been at the shop until 3:30 a.m. Wednesday morning preparing for the next day and arrived at 10 a.m. The shop does custom bouquets as well as some pre-designed ones, she said. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)

Roses are red, violets are blue

Wednesday was a busy day for Kate’s Flowers and Gifts in Soldotna. Florist Kate Mastres, who started the shop with the help of her parents in 2016 after the owner of Tammy’s Flowers and Gifts decided to close, said she had been at the shop until 3:30 a.m. Wednesday morning preparing for the next day and arrived at 10 a.m. The shop does custom bouquets as well as some pre-designed ones, she said.

Prepared bouquets of pink roses wait for customers to pick them up at Kate’s Flowers and Gifts on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Wednesday was a busy day for the shop, with the Valentine’s Day holiday. Florist Kate Mastres said she had been at the shop until 3:30 a.m. Wednesday morning preparing for the next day and arrived at 10 a.m. The shop does custom bouquets as well as some pre-designed ones, she said. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)

Prepared bouquets of pink roses wait for customers to pick them up at Kate’s Flowers and Gifts on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Wednesday was a busy day for the shop, with the Valentine’s Day holiday. Florist Kate Mastres said she had been at the shop until 3:30 a.m. Wednesday morning preparing for the next day and arrived at 10 a.m. The shop does custom bouquets as well as some pre-designed ones, she said. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)

Kate’s Flowers and Gifts florist Kate Mastres arranges a bouquet at the shop on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Wednesday was a busy day for the shop, with the Valentine’s Day holiday. Mastres said she had been at the shop until 3:30 a.m. Wednesday morning preparing for the next day and arrived at 10 a.m. The shop does custom bouquets as well as some pre-designed ones, she said. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)

Kate’s Flowers and Gifts florist Kate Mastres arranges a bouquet at the shop on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Wednesday was a busy day for the shop, with the Valentine’s Day holiday. Mastres said she had been at the shop until 3:30 a.m. Wednesday morning preparing for the next day and arrived at 10 a.m. The shop does custom bouquets as well as some pre-designed ones, she said. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)

Previous
State begins transfer of child welfare services to tribal communities
Next
Humphreys to lead state Medical Board

More in News

Potholes are seen on Wildwood Drive on Thursday, April 22, 2021, in Kenai<ins>, Alaska</ins>. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai moves to purchase rights-of-way from Kenai Native Association

The Kenai City Council last week authorized $200,000 for the Wildwood Drive Rehabilitation Project.

Jake Dye / Peninsula Clarion Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche speaks during a meeting of the Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
Assembly will ask state legislature for authority to enact caps on real property tax assessments

Mayor Peter Micciche said a 34% increase over three years has created “real financial hardships” for many in the borough.

Ryan Tunseth speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Assembly accepts state funding for community assistance program

The funding will be disbursed to unincorporated communities in the Kenai Peninsula Borough for projects under the state Community Assistance Program.

tease
Soldotna artist awarded Rasmuson Foundation grant

Lester Nelson-Gacal will use the funds to create a handmade, illustrated book about his father’s final year.

State of Alaska Department of Law logo. Photo courtesy of the State of Alaska Department of Law
Kenai man sentenced for sexual abuse of minor, possession of child pornography

Joshua Aseltine was sentenced on Dec. 4 to serve 28 years in prison.

Alaska Department of Natural Resources logo (graphic)
State proposes changes to material sales regulations

The Department of Natural Resources is proposing changes to regulations related to material sales and conveyances to state agencies.

A map depicts the Cook Inlet Area state waters closed to retention of big skates through Dec. 31, 2025. Photo courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Cook Inlet area closed to big skate bycatch retention

The closure is effective in Cook Inlet Area state waters through Dec. 31.

A diagram presented by Seward City Manager Kat Sorenson during a Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meeting on Dec. 2, 2025, shows the expected timeline for the Port of Seward Vessel Shore Power Implementation Project. Screenshot
Seward shore power project moves into preliminary design phase

The project will create jobs, reduce cruise ship emissions and provide a backup power grid.

The U.S. Forest Service Porcupine Campground offers gorgeous views of the Kenai Mountains and Turnagain Arm, as seen here on July 20, 2020, near Hope, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Department of Natural Resources seeks public input on proposed Kenai Peninsula State Forest

DNR is gathering community perspectives during several meetings this week.

Most Read