The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District logo. (Photo courtesy of Kenai Peninsula Borough School District)

District superintendent dispels rumors about student construction

Superintendent Clayton Holland said student involvement in Seward High School construction is “based on rumor, not fact.”

 

Anchorage-based singer and songwriter Keeley Boyle is pictured in Anchorage<ins>, Alaska,</ins> on Sept. 26, 2023. Boyle, who was raised on the Kenai Peninsula, will use a $10,000 grant she received from the Rasmuson Foundation to create an album of songs about her grandparents’ home in Nikiski. Photo courtesy of Jovell Rennie

Musician hailing from Kenai receives Rasmuson grant

Keeley Boyle will record an album of songs about her grandparents’ Nikiski home.

 

The waters of Cook Inlet lap against Nikishka Beach in Nikiski, Alaska, where several local fish sites are located, on Friday, March 24, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai asks for fishery economic disaster declaration

The Kenai City Council requested that Gov. Dunleavy declare a disaster and support a recovery plan for the Upper Cook Inlet East Side Set Net fishery.

 

Senior Mason Bock exclaims after winning the state title during the ASAA Division I state championships in Anchorage, Alaska on Dec. 20, 2025. Bock beat No. 2 seed Isaiah Schultz of Colony High School in the final, securing his victory in the 135-pound title as the No. 4 seed. Bock said standing on the podium was the best moment of his life, telling the Clarion that since he had lost to Schultz once earlier in the season, he was “focused and determined to have a different outcome” during the final match. Photo courtesy of Andie Bock/Andie’s Alaskan Adventures Photography

SoHi girls 3-peat at state wrestling championships

The boys team placed second and saw five wrestlers win state titles in the Division I tournament.

Senior Mason Bock exclaims after winning the state title during the ASAA Division I state championships in Anchorage, Alaska on Dec. 20, 2025. Bock beat No. 2 seed Isaiah Schultz of Colony High School in the final, securing his victory in the 135-pound title as the No. 4 seed. Bock said standing on the podium was the best moment of his life, telling the Clarion that since he had lost to Schultz once earlier in the season, he was “focused and determined to have a different outcome” during the final match. Photo courtesy of Andie Bock/Andie’s Alaskan Adventures Photography
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District logo.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District logo.
The sign in front of the Homer Electric Association building in Kenai, Alaska as seen on April 1, 2020. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

Homer Electric Association announces rate increase

The proposed increase, if approved by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, will go into effect Jan. 1.

The sign in front of the Homer Electric Association building in Kenai, Alaska as seen on April 1, 2020. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
A photo of Anesha “Duffy” Murnane, missing since Oct. 17, 2019, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo provided, Homer Police Department)

Calderwood pretrial hearing rescheduled

The omnibus hearing for Kirby Calderwood was continued to Jan. 21. Trial week is currently scheduled for Feb. 17, barring finalization of a plea agreement.

A photo of Anesha “Duffy” Murnane, missing since Oct. 17, 2019, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo provided, Homer Police Department)
Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion
Joseph Miller Jr. and Jason Woodruff, Alaska State Troopers charged with felony first-degree assault, appear with their lawyers, Clinton Campion and Matthew Widmer, for an arraignment at the Kenai Courthouse in Kenai<ins>, Alaska,</ins> on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024.

2 Soldotna troopers indicted on federal civil rights violations

Joseph Miller and Jason Woodruff were charged with federal criminal civil rights violations on Dec. 16.

Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion
Joseph Miller Jr. and Jason Woodruff, Alaska State Troopers charged with felony first-degree assault, appear with their lawyers, Clinton Campion and Matthew Widmer, for an arraignment at the Kenai Courthouse in Kenai<ins>, Alaska,</ins> on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024.
Kevin Ray Hunter is actively sought by Alaska State Troopers on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. Photo courtesy of Alaska State Troopers

Update: Troopers arrest Kenai man accused of sexual abuse of a minor

A judge issued an arrest warrant for Kevin Ray Hunter, who was indicted on Wednesday for allegedly abusing multiple juveniles.

Kevin Ray Hunter is actively sought by Alaska State Troopers on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. Photo courtesy of Alaska State Troopers
Staff at Soldotna Senior Citizens, Inc. are pictured on Dec. 17, 2025 in Soldotna, Alaska, in front of a new 15-passenger van purchased with funds the Rasmuson Foundation and several local businesses donated to the nonprofit organization. Photo courtesy of Soldotna Senior Citizens, Inc.

New van will expand Soldotna senior center’s service capacity

Soldotna Senior Citizens, Inc., recently purchased a 15-passenger van using funds donated by the Rasmuson Foundation and several local businesses.

Staff at Soldotna Senior Citizens, Inc. are pictured on Dec. 17, 2025 in Soldotna, Alaska, in front of a new 15-passenger van purchased with funds the Rasmuson Foundation and several local businesses donated to the nonprofit organization. Photo courtesy of Soldotna Senior Citizens, Inc.
Homer and Soldotna hockey players battle for the puck during the Carlin Cup home varsity game on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at the Kevin Bell Arena in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

SoHi hockey claims 3rd Carlin Cup victory

The Soldotna varsity hockey team defeated Homer 9-1 Saturday at Kevin Bell Arena.

Homer and Soldotna hockey players battle for the puck during the Carlin Cup home varsity game on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at the Kevin Bell Arena in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
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Soldotna chamber lights up the town

Hundreds of folks gathered at the visitor center for the Holiday Christmas Tree Lighting last week.

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The KBBI Public Radio office and studio is on Kachemak Way, as seen in this photo taken July 2, 2019, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Peninsula radio receives ‘stabilization’ funds from national nonprofit

The Public Media Bridge Fund awarded an “initial” round of stabilization grants equaling $26 million to 74 organizations nationwide impacted by the loss of federal funding.

The KBBI Public Radio office and studio is on Kachemak Way, as seen in this photo taken July 2, 2019, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
The Soldotna High School wrestling team is pictured after the Northern Lights regional conference in Wasilla, Alaska, on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. SoHi sent 33 boys and 11 girls to regionals. 22 boys and nine girls will compete in the state tournament at the Alaska Airlines Center this weekend. Photo courtesy of Soldotna High School Athletics
The Soldotna High School wrestling team is pictured after the Northern Lights regional conference in Wasilla, Alaska, on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. SoHi sent 33 boys and 11 girls to regionals. 22 boys and nine girls will compete in the state tournament at the Alaska Airlines Center this weekend. Photo courtesy of Soldotna High School Athletics
A map presented by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources during a virtual meeting on Dec. 11, 2025, shows the location of a potential Kenai Peninsula State Forest. The Division of Forestry and Fire Protection must gather community perspectives before creating a proposal, and so far they’ve received “mixed” input. Screenshot.

DNR receives “mixed” public input on proposed Kenai Peninsula State Forest

The potential proposal would expand the Tanana Valley State Forest by 600,000 acres.

A map presented by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources during a virtual meeting on Dec. 11, 2025, shows the location of a potential Kenai Peninsula State Forest. The Division of Forestry and Fire Protection must gather community perspectives before creating a proposal, and so far they’ve received “mixed” input. Screenshot.
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.

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.
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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.

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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.

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

State of Alaska Department of Law logo. Photo courtesy of the State of Alaska Department of Law
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.

Alaska Department of Natural Resources logo (graphic)