government

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Superintendent Clayton Holland, center, addresses the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly during a budget work session on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Assembly OKs max school funding

The borough will contribute $54.8 million to the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District for fiscal year 2024

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Superintendent Clayton Holland, center, addresses the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly during a budget work session on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Renovations made to the Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers are seen on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Borough assembly to resume meeings in Homer, Seward

The decision came after residents in those communities asked to be included in the body’s meeting schedule

Renovations made to the Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers are seen on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Snow falls on a “vote here” sign outside of Seward City Hall on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, in Seward, Alaska. Residents voted in a special election to determine whether or not to sell the city’s electric utility and to change the city’s residency requirements for city manager. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Voters weigh in on future of Seward electric utility

This story has been updated with the latest results. A majority of Seward residents on Tuesday voted in favor of the city selling its electric… Continue reading

Snow falls on a “vote here” sign outside of Seward City Hall on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, in Seward, Alaska. Residents voted in a special election to determine whether or not to sell the city’s electric utility and to change the city’s residency requirements for city manager. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, left, addresses constituents during a town hall event on Saturday, April 15, 2023 in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Bjorkman lumber bill heads to governor’s desk

Senate Bill 87 aims to make locally milled lumber more widely available for the construction of housing in Alaska

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, left, addresses constituents during a town hall event on Saturday, April 15, 2023 in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai City Council members Deborah Sounar, left, and Teea Winger review budget documents during a work session on Saturday, April 29, 2023 in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai council makes headway on draft city budget

Kenai City Manager Terry Eubank and Kenai Controller Lana Metcalf presented to city council members

Kenai City Council members Deborah Sounar, left, and Teea Winger review budget documents during a work session on Saturday, April 29, 2023 in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai City Hall on Feb. 20, 2020, in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai to kick off budget process with Saturday work session

Infrastructure is a key theme of the City of Kenai’s draft budget

Kenai City Hall on Feb. 20, 2020, in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche (fifth from left) celebrates the receipt of extrication equipment alongside staff from Kenai Peninsula fire departments and the Girdwood Fire Department during a press event at the Girdwood Fire Department on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in Girdwood, Alaska. (Photo courtesy Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor’s Office)

Fire departments celebrate arrival of new equipment

The extrication equipment was donated to fire stations in Girdwood, Bear Creek, Homer, Cooper Landing, Soldotna, Kenai, Seward, Hope, Fritz Creek and Ninilchik

Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche (fifth from left) celebrates the receipt of extrication equipment alongside staff from Kenai Peninsula fire departments and the Girdwood Fire Department during a press event at the Girdwood Fire Department on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in Girdwood, Alaska. (Photo courtesy Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor’s Office)
A sign welcomes employees and visitors at the Kenai Peninsula Borough administration building on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

Assembly to get first crack at proposed budget Tuesday

Lower property taxes and full funding for education are included in a draft version of the budget

A sign welcomes employees and visitors at the Kenai Peninsula Borough administration building on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna City Manager Stephanie Queen is recognized for her contributions to the city during a council meeting on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

‘A privilege to do this work’

Stephanie Queen closes out term as Soldotna city manager in emotional council meeting

Soldotna City Manager Stephanie Queen is recognized for her contributions to the city during a council meeting on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
The Soldotna City Council convenes on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Bump in sales tax revenue, raises for city employees elements of Soldotna draft budget

The document will be Soldotna’s second biennial budget

The Soldotna City Council convenes on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai City Hall on Feb. 20, 2020, in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai seeks to boost city workers

A work session is set to brainstorm ways to increase the number of people applying for vacant positions with the City of Kenai

Kenai City Hall on Feb. 20, 2020, in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)
Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion Soldotna Public Works Director Kyle Kornelis speaks during a Soldotna City Council meeting in December 2022.

Soldotna to consider Kornelis as interim city manager

If appointed, Kornelis would officially serve from April 29 to May 14

Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion Soldotna Public Works Director Kyle Kornelis speaks during a Soldotna City Council meeting in December 2022.
Apayauq Reitan, the first transgender woman to participate in the Iditarod, tells the House Education Committee on March 30, 2023, why she opposes a bill restricting sex and gender content in schools. A second meeting for public testimony is scheduled Thursday. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire)

Peninsula voices among ‘parental rights’ debate in Juneau

People who spoke in opposition outnumbered those who spoke in support by three to one

Apayauq Reitan, the first transgender woman to participate in the Iditarod, tells the House Education Committee on March 30, 2023, why she opposes a bill restricting sex and gender content in schools. A second meeting for public testimony is scheduled Thursday. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire)
Peter Micciche (second from left) is sworn in as mayor of the Kenai Peninsula Borough on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Micciche reflects on taking helm at ‘rudderless’ borough

Micciche cruised to victory in the Feb. 14 Kenai Peninsula Borough mayoral special election

Peter Micciche (second from left) is sworn in as mayor of the Kenai Peninsula Borough on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Acting Kenai Peninsula Borough Clerk Michele Turner, left, accepts a ballot from Richard Derkevorkian during an assembly meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Assembly considers resuming annual meetings in Homer, Seward

The assembly currently meets at the George A. Navarre Administration Building in Soldotna

Acting Kenai Peninsula Borough Clerk Michele Turner, left, accepts a ballot from Richard Derkevorkian during an assembly meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
The plans for the Triumvirate Theater’s new building are seen in this mockup. (Courtesy of Joe Rizzo)

Assembly backs Triumvirate rebuild

Assembly backs Triumvirate rebuild

The plans for the Triumvirate Theater’s new building are seen in this mockup. (Courtesy of Joe Rizzo)
Kenai City Council member Henry Knackstedt (left), Kenai Vice Mayor James Baisden (center) and Kenai City Council member Teea Winger (right) debate a resolution that would have voiced the city’s support for a legislative increase in school district funding during a city council meeting on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

After heated debate, Kenai council kills — then postpones — resolution calling for school funding increase

Resolution would have called for BSA increase

Kenai City Council member Henry Knackstedt (left), Kenai Vice Mayor James Baisden (center) and Kenai City Council member Teea Winger (right) debate a resolution that would have voiced the city’s support for a legislative increase in school district funding during a city council meeting on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai City Manager Terry Eubank (right) and Kenai Mayor Brian Gabriel (left) present the annual “State of the City” address at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai officials report back in ‘State of the City’

Bump in taxable city sales, momentum on bluff erosion project discussed at annual address

Kenai City Manager Terry Eubank (right) and Kenai Mayor Brian Gabriel (left) present the annual “State of the City” address at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Alaska Gubernatorial candidate Charlie Pierce speaks at a campaign event at Paradisos restaurant in Kenai on Saturday, March 5, 2022. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)

Borough assembly to discuss Pierce harassment lawsuit

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly will meet Tuesday in executive session to discuss a sexual harassment claim filed last year against former Mayor Charlie Pierce… Continue reading

Alaska Gubernatorial candidate Charlie Pierce speaks at a campaign event at Paradisos restaurant in Kenai on Saturday, March 5, 2022. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)
The Kenai Peninsula Borough administration building is seen on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

Borough looks to mitigate flooding around Big Eddy Road

The Kenai Peninsula Borough wants to better mitigate flooding around Big Eddy Road near Soldotna that stems from gravel pit operations. Kenai Peninsula Planning Director… Continue reading

The Kenai Peninsula Borough administration building is seen on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)