This is the memorial plaque that since 2001 has adorned the grave of James William Johnson, also known as “The Screaming Swede.” Photo courtesy of Peggy Arness.

The heroic rise and tragic fall of ‘The Screaming Swede’ — Part 1

AUTHOR’S NOTE: I would like to thank Peggy Arness for access to her history files and the Resurrection Bay Historical Society for access to its… Continue reading

This is the memorial plaque that since 2001 has adorned the grave of James William Johnson, also known as “The Screaming Swede.” Photo courtesy of Peggy Arness.
Will Morrow (courtesy)

Bringing it to the house

For pure hypnotic value, it’s hard to beat curling.

Will Morrow (courtesy)
Nick Varney

Unhinged Alaska: Hey Julius, the Ides of January are topping the suckometer, too

The unremitting inundation set a record for our little cabin by the sea.

Nick Varney
The spruce-covered cliffs behind Cliff House were the inspiration for the cabin’s name. (Photo courtesy of the Fair Family Collection)

Twists and turns in the history of Cliff House — Part 3

So many oddities. So many contradictions. So many holes in the story.

The spruce-covered cliffs behind Cliff House were the inspiration for the cabin’s name. (Photo courtesy of the Fair Family Collection)
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Minister’s Message: What unites? Being one in Christ

It seems everywhere you look and on every level people are gridlocked

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Virginia Walters (Courtesy photo)

Life in the Pedestrian Lane: Downtime

Now here we are, two-thirds of the way through the longest month of the year

Virginia Walters (Courtesy photo)
Robert “Bob” Huttle, posing here next to Cliff House, spent the night in this cabin in April 1934 and mused about a possible murder there. (Photo courtesy of the Huttle Collection)

Twists and turns in the history of Cliff House — Part 2

How much of the doctor’s actions Bob Huttle knew when he stayed in Cliff House 10 years later is difficult to know.

Robert “Bob” Huttle, posing here next to Cliff House, spent the night in this cabin in April 1934 and mused about a possible murder there. (Photo courtesy of the Huttle Collection)
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This 1940s-era image is one of few early photographs of Cliff House, which once stood near the head of Tustumena Lake. (Photo courtesy of the Secora Collection)

Twists and turns in the history of Cliff House — Part 1

Here, then, is the story of Cliff House, as least as I know it now.

This 1940s-era image is one of few early photographs of Cliff House, which once stood near the head of Tustumena Lake. (Photo courtesy of the Secora Collection)
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Minister’s Message: What’s in a name?

The Scriptures advise, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.”

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Minister’s Message: A prayer pulled from the ashes

“In that beleaguered and beautiful land, the prayer endures.”

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Minister’s Message: What if Christ had not been born?

It is now time to look at the work and life of Jesus Christ.

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Peninsula Crime: Bad men … and dumb ones — Part 2

Here, in Part Two and gleaned from local newspapers, are a few examples of the dim and the dumb.

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Peninsula Crime: Bad men … and dumb ones — Part 1

Gleaned from local newspapers, are a few examples of the dim and the dumb.

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Meredith Harber (courtesy)

Minister’s Message: Take time for a Stille Nacht this holiday season

“My English-speaking brain always reads those words ‘Stille nacht’ as ‘Still night.’”

Meredith Harber (courtesy)
Will Morrow (courtesy)

Let it snow

I would like it to snow, but I would appreciate it if it would do so at a time that’s convenient for me.

Will Morrow (courtesy)
Nick Varney

Unhinged Alaska: Enough is enough

Ole Mother Nature must have misplaced her backup box of vintage dregs from a Cold Duck wine vat.

Nick Varney
Virginia Walters (Courtesy photo)

Life in the Pedestrian Lane: ‘Tis the Season

The Kenai Community Library has always been one of the stars in the crown of the community.

Virginia Walters (Courtesy photo)
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Minister’s Message: Keep in step

Sometimes it takes going half way around the world to learn how to “keep in step” as I journey.

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Will Morrow (courtesy)

The Great Thanksgiving dessert debate

Our holiday gathering is going to be smaller than it sometimes is, and it was argued that we didn’t need two desserts.

Will Morrow (courtesy)