Soldotna

A snowmachine rider takes advantage of 2 feet of fresh snow on a field down Murwood Avenue in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Ice fishing opens on some Kenai National Wildlife Refuge lakes

Snowmachines are permitted for ice fishing access on Hidden, Kelly, Petersen, Engineer and Watson lakes.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.
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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 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

SoHi wrestling wins regional title; 31 wrestlers advance to state

22 boys and nine girls will compete in the state tournament this weekend.

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
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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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The Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center hosts the annual Christmas Comes to Kenai on Nov. 28<ins>, 2025</ins>. The beloved event began over 40 years ago, and this year over 1,000 attendees enjoyed hot chocolate, fireworks, pictures with Santa and shopping. Photo courtesy of the Kenai Chamber of Commerce Photo courtesy of the Kenai Chamber of Commerce The Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center hosted the annual Christmas Comes to Kenai on Nov. 28. The beloved event began over 40 years ago, and this year over 1,000 attendees enjoyed hot chocolate, fireworks, pictures with Santa and shopping.

Kicking off a month of holiday festivities

Last weekend’s holiday events, including the annual Christmas Comes to Kenai and the Soldotna Turkey Trot, drew folks from all over the Kenai Peninsula.

The Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center hosts the annual Christmas Comes to Kenai on Nov. 28<ins>, 2025</ins>. The beloved event began over 40 years ago, and this year over 1,000 attendees enjoyed hot chocolate, fireworks, pictures with Santa and shopping. Photo courtesy of the Kenai Chamber of Commerce Photo courtesy of the Kenai Chamber of Commerce The Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center hosted the annual Christmas Comes to Kenai on Nov. 28. The beloved event began over 40 years ago, and this year over 1,000 attendees enjoyed hot chocolate, fireworks, pictures with Santa and shopping.
On Tuesday, the Kenaitze Indian Tribe unveiled Kahtnu Area Transit, a public transportation service open to the entire Peninsula Borough community. Photo courtesy of Kahtnu Area Transit

Kenaitze Indian Tribe unveils Kahtnu Area Transit

The fixed bus route offers 13 stops between Nikiski and Sterling.

On Tuesday, the Kenaitze Indian Tribe unveiled Kahtnu Area Transit, a public transportation service open to the entire Peninsula Borough community. Photo courtesy of Kahtnu Area Transit
State of Alaska Department of Law logo. Photo courtesy of the State of Alaska Department of Law

Soldotna man sentenced for sexual abuse of a minor

Kris Overlander will serve 25 years in prison, followed by 20 years on felony probation.

State of Alaska Department of Law logo. Photo courtesy of the State of Alaska Department of Law
The Kenai Central High School varsity volleyball team is named the 2025 3A Volleyball State Championship Tournament, held Nov. 13-15, 2025, at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage, Alaska. The Kardinals defeated the Nikiski Bulldogs 3-2 in a "rematch" championship game on Saturday, Nov. 15, securing their third state title in the last four years. Photo courtesy of the Kenai Volleyball Booster Club

Kenai Central takes home 3rd volleyball state title

The Kards defeated Nikiski in a rematch championship game on Saturday during the state tournament in Anchorage.

The Kenai Central High School varsity volleyball team is named the 2025 3A Volleyball State Championship Tournament, held Nov. 13-15, 2025, at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage, Alaska. The Kardinals defeated the Nikiski Bulldogs 3-2 in a "rematch" championship game on Saturday, Nov. 15, securing their third state title in the last four years. Photo courtesy of the Kenai Volleyball Booster Club
The varsity wrestling team is pictured after the Robin Hervey individual tournament in Kodiak on Nov. 22, 2025. Photo courtesy of Pete Dickinson

Sports briefs: Soldotna hockey, wrestling teams secure wins at weekend tournaments

SoHi hockey won the End of the Road tournament in Homer and the wrestling team gained 20 individual wins.

The varsity wrestling team is pictured after the Robin Hervey individual tournament in Kodiak on Nov. 22, 2025. Photo courtesy of Pete Dickinson
Santa Claus greets Gemma Germann during Christmas Comes to Kenai at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

‘The most wonderful time of the year ‘

Christmas is coming to the Kenai Peninsula. Here’s a roundup of upcoming festivities.

Santa Claus greets Gemma Germann during Christmas Comes to Kenai at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Rep. Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna, speaks during a joint luncheon of the Kenai and Soldotna chambers of commerce in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Ruffridge receives national bipartisanship award

The award highlights what’s possible when leaders prioritize their communities over politics.

Rep. Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna, speaks during a joint luncheon of the Kenai and Soldotna chambers of commerce in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna City Hall is seen on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Soldotna council streamlines city election process

The Soldotna City Council last week voted to align city and state election dates and seek additional means of public noticing.

Soldotna City Hall is seen on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna High School wrestlers won six individual championships during the Lancer Smith Memorial wrestling tournament in Wasilla Nov. 14-15. Photo courtesy of SoHi Stars Wrestling on Facebook

SoHi wrestling sweeps Lancer Smith tourney, eyes state title

SoHi girls and boys took first and second place as teams, respectively.

Soldotna High School wrestlers won six individual championships during the Lancer Smith Memorial wrestling tournament in Wasilla Nov. 14-15. Photo courtesy of SoHi Stars Wrestling on Facebook
The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on Monday released maps showing areas open to woodcutting by permit beginning on Nov. 19, 2025.

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge to allow permitted firewood collection

Permitted individuals may gather up to five cords of wood beginning Nov. 19.

The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on Monday released maps showing areas open to woodcutting by permit beginning on Nov. 19, 2025.
Central Peninsula Hospital is seen on June 24, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ben Boettger/Peninsula Clarion)

Central Peninsula Hospital names new CEO

Angela Hinnegan will replace Shaun Keef as CEO following Keef’s retirement in January.

Central Peninsula Hospital is seen on June 24, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ben Boettger/Peninsula Clarion)
Photos courtesy of Lisa Parker Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame inductee Lisa Parker is pictured with Aleut’s Senior Director, Public Policy and Lands Ethan Tyler in during the Kodiak Alaska Municipal League meeting in August 2024.

Soldotna vice mayor inducted to Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame

Vice Mayor Lisa Parker was inducted to the Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame on Oct. 21, making her one of 10 women inducted this year.

Photos courtesy of Lisa Parker Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame inductee Lisa Parker is pictured with Aleut’s Senior Director, Public Policy and Lands Ethan Tyler in during the Kodiak Alaska Municipal League meeting in August 2024.
Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion Soldotna Mayor Paul Whitney speaks during a Soldotna City Council work session<ins> on the Soldotna Field House in Soldotna, Alaska,</ins> on Wednesday, April 9<ins>,</ins> <ins>2025</ins>.

Soldotna mayor recognizes caregivers and veterans during council meeting

Mayor Paul Whitney declared November National Family Caregiver Month and Veterans and Military Families Month in Soldotna during a City Council meeting last Wednesda.

Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion Soldotna Mayor Paul Whitney speaks during a Soldotna City Council work session<ins> on the Soldotna Field House in Soldotna, Alaska,</ins> on Wednesday, April 9<ins>,</ins> <ins>2025</ins>.