Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, speaks during a joint luncheon of the Kenai and Soldotna Chambers of Commerce in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Bjorkman reports back on legislative session

Highlights included education funding, budget woes and bills on insurance regulations, fishing.

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, speaks during a joint luncheon of the Kenai and Soldotna Chambers of Commerce in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai City Hall is seen on a sunny Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai approves annual budget

The city expects to generate around $74.7 million in revenue next year while spending $85.7 million.

Kenai City Hall is seen on a sunny Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
The Homer Public Library. File photo

Alaska libraries may see federal funding restored

Alaska State Libraries, Archives and Museums department notified Alaska libraries on June 3 that grant funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services may soon be awarded.

The Homer Public Library. File photo
Lisa James holds up a book containing Nikolavesk History in the Nikolavesk School on Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Nikolavesk, Alaska. She said the book, along with trophies, photographs, and other school items will be boxed up and relocated to Homer Middle School upon Nikolavesk School’s closing on June 30. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)

Nikolaevsk School prepares for June 30 closure

The school serves a primarily Russian Old Believer community located about 19 miles outside of Homer.

Lisa James holds up a book containing Nikolavesk History in the Nikolavesk School on Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Nikolavesk, Alaska. She said the book, along with trophies, photographs, and other school items will be boxed up and relocated to Homer Middle School upon Nikolavesk School’s closing on June 30. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
Borough Mayor Peter Micciche speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Borough Mayor Peter Micciche speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
A harbor seal pup found May 31, 2025, on a beach in Homer, Alaska, is photographed after being taken into custody by Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program. (Photo courtesy of Kaiti Grant, Alaska SeaLife Center)

SeaLife Center rescues 3 seal pups, including female found on Homer beach

The recent rescues come after the discovery and recovery of a premature harbor seal pup and an orphaned northern sea otter pup earlier this spring.

A harbor seal pup found May 31, 2025, on a beach in Homer, Alaska, is photographed after being taken into custody by Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program. (Photo courtesy of Kaiti Grant, Alaska SeaLife Center)
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Inspiring a multitude of imaginings

June First Friday invites viewers to encounter multimedia art experiences.

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Señor Panchos in Soldotna, Alaska, is closed on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Detention of Soldotna restaurant owner violates his rights, lawyer says

Francisco Rodriguez-Rincon is facing federal charges for accusations that he is in the U.S. illegally.

Señor Panchos in Soldotna, Alaska, is closed on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Project Manager Jason Graf points to a map while answering questions from attendees on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, at the Soldotna Riverfront Redevelopment Open House at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Soldotna delays riverfront rezoning measures

The two ordinances being considered would establish a new “Riverfront Mixed-Use District.”

Project Manager Jason Graf points to a map while answering questions from attendees on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, at the Soldotna Riverfront Redevelopment Open House at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Snow blankets Homer City Hall on April 10, 2025, in Homer, Alaska. (Homer News file photo)

Homer halts pursuit of building code

The decision was finalized after a federal grant application to adopt the 2021 International Building Code was canceled.

Snow blankets Homer City Hall on April 10, 2025, in Homer, Alaska. (Homer News file photo)
John Krohn, general manager at KBBI AM 890, prepares to go on the air on Friday, May 30, 2025, in the Gary Thomas Studio at the KBBI station in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

‘We’ve never felt a threat like this before’

Federal cuts to public broadcasting funding could devastate Alaska public radio stations, including on the Kenai Peninsula.

John Krohn, general manager at KBBI AM 890, prepares to go on the air on Friday, May 30, 2025, in the Gary Thomas Studio at the KBBI station in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Fireweed blooms along the Homer Spit walking path by the Homer Harbor on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023 in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting

HarborFest to debut in Homer with music, boat show, arts and culinary competition

The event will also feature a chef competition, return of Wooden Boat Society.

Fireweed blooms along the Homer Spit walking path by the Homer Harbor on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023 in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting
Josiah Kelly, right, appears for a superior court arraignment at the Kenai Courthouse in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Change of plea hearing for man accused of shooting at Homer clinic reset for July

Josiah Kelly is accused of shooting at buildings used by Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic and Kachemak Bay Recovery Connection.

Josiah Kelly, right, appears for a superior court arraignment at the Kenai Courthouse in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, speaks to Anchor Point residents during a community meeting held at the Virl “Pa” Haga VFW Post 10221 on Friday, May 30, in Anchor Point. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

Sullivan visits Homer during weeklong Alaska tour

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, sat down for an interview with Homer News.

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, speaks to Anchor Point residents during a community meeting held at the Virl “Pa” Haga VFW Post 10221 on Friday, May 30, in Anchor Point. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Jets from the U.S. Air Force’s 3rd Air Expeditionary Wing are staged at Kenai Municipal Airport in Kenai, Alaska, as part of Exercise Tropic Tundra on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Air Force jets launch from Kenai airport as part of weeklong training exercise

The jets are part of U.S. Air Force’s 3rd Air Expeditionary Wing’s Exercise Tropic Tundra.

Jets from the U.S. Air Force’s 3rd Air Expeditionary Wing are staged at Kenai Municipal Airport in Kenai, Alaska, as part of Exercise Tropic Tundra on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Board President Zen Kelly speaks during a special meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Board of Education in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

KPBSD facing ‘paralyzing’ financial uncertainty

The district is waiting both to see how the governor will exercise his veto rights and for the borough to finalize its contribution.

Board President Zen Kelly speaks during a special meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Board of Education in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Borough Mayor Peter Micciche speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Borough Assembly approves new ‘Land Affordability Program’

The program will help qualifying buyers purchase borough land at 25% discount.

Borough Mayor Peter Micciche speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Hanna Stormo applauds during her 102nd birthday party at Aspen Creek Senior Living in Soldotna, Alaska, on Friday, May 30, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

‘Entwined with the story of Alaska’

Aspen Creek Senior Living resident Hanna Stormo celebrated her 102nd birthday Friday.

Hanna Stormo applauds during her 102nd birthday party at Aspen Creek Senior Living in Soldotna, Alaska, on Friday, May 30, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
A sockeye salmon rests atop a cooler at the mouth of the Kasilof River on Monday, June 26, 2023, in Kasilof, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Northern Kenai fishing report: Local lakes stocked; Kenai River opens June 11

Some fishers are finding success on the Kasilof and in stocked local lakes.

A sockeye salmon rests atop a cooler at the mouth of the Kasilof River on Monday, June 26, 2023, in Kasilof, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
A room full of community members pack the audience during the 2025 Mary Epperson Day celebration on May 30 at Pier One Theatre on the Spit. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)

‘Well worth remembering’

Community gathers to celebrate Mary Epperson.

A room full of community members pack the audience during the 2025 Mary Epperson Day celebration on May 30 at Pier One Theatre on the Spit. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)

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