A graphic shows the enrollment numbers for the Kenai Peninsula School District from 2016 to 2021. (Graphic by Ashlyn O’Hara)
A graphic shows the enrollment numbers for the Kenai Peninsula School District from 2016 to 2021. (Graphic by Ashlyn O’Hara)
Certified nursing assistant KaDaisjah Roberts, left, and nurse Debbie Aubin, right, work at the “Y” vaccine clinic in Soldotna on Dec. 22, 2021. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)

‘An enormous help’

Alaska’s temporary health care workers head home after COVID surge

Certified nursing assistant KaDaisjah Roberts, left, and nurse Debbie Aubin, right, work at the “Y” vaccine clinic in Soldotna on Dec. 22, 2021. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)
Upper Cook Inlet Exclusive Economic Zone can be seen on this map provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (Image via fisheries.noaa.gov)

Municipalities still working to oppose EEZ closure

The waters in question run from south of Kalgin Island to about Anchor Point

Upper Cook Inlet Exclusive Economic Zone can be seen on this map provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (Image via fisheries.noaa.gov)
This chart in the Dec. 13, 2021, Homer City Manager’s Report shows a general increasing trend for third-quarter sales tax revenues. Revenues declined for 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but set a record for 20201. (Chart by City of Homer Finance Department)

Homer sets record for sales tax revenues

Third-quarter sales taxes are 85% of projected revenues for budget.

This chart in the Dec. 13, 2021, Homer City Manager’s Report shows a general increasing trend for third-quarter sales tax revenues. Revenues declined for 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but set a record for 20201. (Chart by City of Homer Finance Department)
A sign advertising job openings is seen at the Soldotna Post Office on June 27, 2021 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Clarion file)

Region sees some economic recovery; job numbers still lag overall

The Kenai Peninsula reported 500 more jobs in November 2021 compared to November 2020.

A sign advertising job openings is seen at the Soldotna Post Office on June 27, 2021 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Clarion file)
usda.gov

Feds fund peninsula energy efficiency efforts

The initiative is part of the Build Back Better agenda under the Biden-Harris administration.

usda.gov
Drew Slegers, a fourth grader at Soldotna Elementary, snowshoes on Headquarters Lake just outside of Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)

Solstice snowshoe

Celebrating 80 years of refuge

Drew Slegers, a fourth grader at Soldotna Elementary, snowshoes on Headquarters Lake just outside of Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Central Peninsula Hospital is seen in Soldotna on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)

Hospital full as omicron threat looms

The facility was operating at 106% Monday, even without a lot of COVID hospitalizations.

Central Peninsula Hospital is seen in Soldotna on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)
Sara Bieber, Gulf Coast manager of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, speaks to the Central Peninsula Young Professionals at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)

Workforce rep offers insight to young entrepreneurs

The group aims to connect entrepreneurs aged 21 to 39 with the resources they need to build and grow their enterprises.

Sara Bieber, Gulf Coast manager of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, speaks to the Central Peninsula Young Professionals at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)
Homer Volunteer Fire Department firefighters respond to a natural gasline break on Lake Street at the Beluga Lake causeway at about 12:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20, 2021, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Gasline break shuts down Homer street

Road over lake was closed in both directions.

Homer Volunteer Fire Department firefighters respond to a natural gasline break on Lake Street at the Beluga Lake causeway at about 12:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20, 2021, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Kenai City Council members convene for a work session on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021 in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

After delay, Kenai council awards waterfront study contract

The project area runs from the city dock to Millennium Square along the Kenai waterfront.

Kenai City Council members convene for a work session on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021 in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Jessie Duke, of Soldotna, browses books with 7-month-old Danny Dommek on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, at River City Books in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)

Soldotna shop local program ends with funds fully expended

The program was made possible using federal CARES Act funds

Jessie Duke, of Soldotna, browses books with 7-month-old Danny Dommek on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, at River City Books in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Lighted figures are displayed in the yard of Robin and Jim Allemann as part of the couple’s annual Christmas show, in Nikiski on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)

Light in the darkness

Nikiski couple takes Christmas lights to another level

Lighted figures are displayed in the yard of Robin and Jim Allemann as part of the couple’s annual Christmas show, in Nikiski on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the western Kenai Peninsula on Monday. (Screenshot)

Winter weather advisory in place for western peninsula

1 to 4 inches of snow and around one-tenth of an inch of ice buildup is expected.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for the western Kenai Peninsula on Monday. (Screenshot)
The waters of Prince William Sound are seen from Whittier, Alaska, in March 2018. (Peninsula Clarion file)

Grant would boost Alaska, peninsula mariculture

Mariculture refers to marine farming or aquaculture in marine environments.

The waters of Prince William Sound are seen from Whittier, Alaska, in March 2018. (Peninsula Clarion file)
The logo for the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is displayed inside the George A. Navarre Borough Admin Building on Thursday, July 22, 2021 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

COVID hurdles prompt district to expand early release days

In all, the change will result in an additional loss of 4.5 hours of school time.

The logo for the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is displayed inside the George A. Navarre Borough Admin Building on Thursday, July 22, 2021 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Fireweed Academy kindergarteners drum along with Sankofa Dance Theatre during their residency on Thursday, Dec. 9. (Photo by Sarah Knapp/Homer News)

Sankofa Dance Theater teaches Fireweeders traditional African culture

Sankofa Dance Theater Alaska, established in 2017, is an Anchorage-based African dance and drum group.

Fireweed Academy kindergarteners drum along with Sankofa Dance Theatre during their residency on Thursday, Dec. 9. (Photo by Sarah Knapp/Homer News)
State Epidemiologist Dr. Joe McLaughlin speaks during a press briefing by the Alaska State Department of Public Health on Dec. 16, 2021. (Screenshot)

‘Yes, this pandemic will end’

But it’s going to take proactive work, health officials say

State Epidemiologist Dr. Joe McLaughlin speaks during a press briefing by the Alaska State Department of Public Health on Dec. 16, 2021. (Screenshot)
Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion
The Kenai Community Library health section is seen on Oct. 26. After the Kenai City Council postponed a vote to approve a grant funding health and wellness books, community members set up a GoFundMe to support the purchase of materials.

Council OKs library grant at the center of censorship controversy

The new council gave unanimous approval to the legislation on Wednesday.

Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion
The Kenai Community Library health section is seen on Oct. 26. After the Kenai City Council postponed a vote to approve a grant funding health and wellness books, community members set up a GoFundMe to support the purchase of materials.
Rep. Ben Carpenter facilitates a town hall in Nikiski, Alaska, about a new cold weather shelter in the community on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Organizers respond to community concerns over Nikiski shelter

The shelter is located off the Kenai Spur Highway in Nikiski and has been years in the making.

Rep. Ben Carpenter facilitates a town hall in Nikiski, Alaska, about a new cold weather shelter in the community on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)