KDLL News - 91.9 FM

Rugby explained; Ben tackled

2011-09-07T16:13:00.000-07:00

A relatively new group is winding down their summer season of an unconventional sport. The Central Kenai Peninsula’s Kenai River Wolfpack Rugby group has been practicing and competing for a couple years now. KDLL's Ben Stanton visited with a few team members, threw a rugby ball around, and tried to avoid getting hit, for this report:

Rugby explained; Ben tackled

Les Brake's Garden

2011-09-07T14:40:00.000-07:00

The Central Peninsula Garden Club is resuming their regular programs. And one upcoming guest speaker is one who has made a name for himself with his garden in Willow. The program will be September 13. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports.

Les Brake's Garden

National Preparedness Month

2011-08-31T14:33:00.000-07:00

September is National Preparedness Month. The annual tradition started after the September 11 terrorist attacks on the U.S. nearly a decade ago. The theme this year is "This September: A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare." KDLL's Ben Stanton reviews some of the preparedness that local officials are reminding residents about.

National Preparedness Month

Connections homeschool

2011-08-29T12:38:00.000-07:00

With the new school year, students are again regularly getting dropped off at school, hopping on school busses, and navigating school hallways and lockers. But at least one-thousand students enrolled in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District are not doing any of those activities. Those students are enrolled in the Connections Home School program. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports:
Connections homeschool

Homeschooling outside the school district

2011-08-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

As the school year gets fully underway, we have another look at one option some parents choose: homeschooling. Today, we hear from the local leadership for the Interior Distance Education of Alaska, or IDEA. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports:
Homeschooling outside the school district

Ski trail expansion

2011-08-27T12:31:00.000-07:00

The people that coordinate a popular cross-country ski trail in the Soldotna area hope to expand their trail system. The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly is considering amending the agreement that leases borough-owned land to the group. KDLL's Ben Stanton outlines the proposal.

Ski trail expansion

Research of local food availability

2011-08-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

An academic research project is underway to examine what access Kenai Peninsula residents have to local food. In particular, the study is looking at access to fish. The faculty and the grad student doing the work are visiting local community, and later will send out a survey in the mail to help understand more about what they call "local food security."

Research of local food availability

Lockers, freshmen, and the roof

2011-08-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

Tuesday is the start of the school year for many students including at Kenai Central High School. Along with new staff, there were some physical changes to the school this summer. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports on the outlook from the school's principal:

Lockers, freshmen, and the roof

Sunday trash

2011-08-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

The Kenai Peninsula Borough's landfills and transfer stations will not be closed on Sunday this winter. The Borough Assembly prevented the follow-through of previous action that would have closed services one day-a-week starting this fall. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports.

Sunday trash

Veto override

2011-08-19T15:33:00.000-07:00

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly has overturned the borough mayor's veto of an assembly ordinance that changes the definition of what an assembly member’s term of service is. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports:

Veto override

Carey vetoes ordinance 2011-24

2011-08-12T17:40:00.000-07:00

Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Dave Carey is vetoing recent assembly action that affects assembly member term limits.
Carey says that he is reluctant to use veto authority. He says he did so in this case because he feels the process that led to the action did not offer enough time for public scrutiny. An original ordinance asking for changes included needing approval of voters, but after several amendments the voter approval requirement was taken out.

The assembly can override Carey's veto with a two-thirds vote. The ordinance was originally approved on an 8 to 1 vote. Assembly Member Brent Johnson voted no.

Here is the ordinance that was vetoed:
http://t.co/O2HwuM5

Escopeta's jack-up rig

2011-08-10T15:25:00.000-07:00

Kachemak Bay sees all manner of strange vessels large and small, but the appearance this week of an enormous jack-up drilling rig caught many local residents by surprise. Some folks are wondering if the rig's owner – Escopeda Oil and Gas – is violating federal and state law by moving it into the bay. KBBI's Aaron Selbig has more:

Escopeta's jack-up rig

--
Escopeta's Spartan 151 jack-up rig with Grewingk Glacier in background, Kachemak Bay, Cook Inlet. (photo submitted by Escopeta's Steve Sutherlin via Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Dave Carey)

State Troopers report about fatal Seward Highway crash

2011-08-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

The following is the Alaska State Trooper's report:

On 8/4/11 at approximately 1342 hours Alaska State Troopers
Girdwood Post and Bureau of Highway Patrol responded to mile 104.2 of
the Seward Highway for a 3 vehicle crash. Investigation revealed a Ford
11-passenger van was traveling North on the Seward Highway. The van was
driven by Lewis Hayes, age 72 of Anchorage. The van crossed the center
line and struck a Ford F-150 pickup nearly head-on that was traveling
South and being driven by Jason Small, age 39 of Girdwood. The van
continued in the South bound lane and struck a Chevrolet Suburban
head-on that was traveling South and being driven by Dorota Balaban, age
43 of Anchorage. The van contained a total of 8 people, the Suburban
contained a total of 8 people, and the truck contained only the driver.
After the collision and the people in the Suburban exited it, the
Suburban caught on fire. The van had two people entrapped and was
against the Suburban. Bystanders were able to locate chain and used a
pickup to move the van away from the burning Suburban saving the lives
of the two entrapped people inside the van. The pickup continued on and
struck a rock wall adjacent to the highway. The driver of the pickup
was entrapped. Anchorage Fire Department and Girdwood Fire Department
arrived on scene with multiple apparatus. The entrapped people were
extricated and the Suburban was extinguished. The driver of the pickup
died on scene. The driver of the van was flown by LifeMed helicopter to
Providence Medical Center for treatment of life threatening injuries.
All other persons in the van were transported by ground ambulance for
various serious injuries. The occupants of the Suburban were all
treated on scene for minor injuries and released on scene. Additional
responding agencies included Alaska State Parks Law Enforcement and
Alaska Railroad Law Enforcement. All the vehicles involved in the crash
were a total loss. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Dip-net procrastination

2011-08-03T15:07:00.000-07:00

The annual influx of people to the city of Kenai had come to a close. The personal-use dip-net fishing at the mouth of the Kenai River ended at midnight Sunday night. A few people were fishing right up to the closing time. KDLL's Ben Stanton went to the river to find out who they are.

Dip-net procrastination
--
See the mostly vacant Kenai north beach in photos below:

Kenai beach cleanup

2011-08-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

The Kenai River personal use dipnet fishery has closed for the season. It ended at midnight Sunday night. But for the city of Kenai, the cleanup takes a few more days. KDLL's Ben Stanton has this quick look at what's involved with raking the beach with a talk with one person who does that job.

Kenai beach cleanup

HEA makes agreement to buy power plant

2011-07-27T11:38:00.000-07:00

The local electric cooperative is awaiting state regulatory approval on an agreement made to purchase a power plant in Nikiski. Homer Electric Association is prepared to purchase the Bernice Lake power plant from Chugach Electric Association for $11.8 million. As KDLL's Ben Stanton reports, it's part of a larger effort to secure local power production in the long term.

HEA makes agreement to buy power plant

Gas storage project prepared to start drilling

2011-07-19T17:36:00.000-07:00

The company that's constructing a natural gas storage facility in Kenai is getting prepared to start drilling. The storage will use a depleted reserve far underneath the Kenai River to store the gas, and they hope to start using the system in about a year. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports.

Gas storage project prepared to start

--

Below is the facility footprint plan:

Motor oil spill clean-up

2011-07-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

The main thrust of cleanup has wrapped up at a pond where motor oil was dumped. About 50 gallons of used oil was found earlier this month near Quartz Creek in Cooper Landing. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation responded to the spill and has been monitoring the clean-up. KDLL's Ben Stanton has this update:

Motor oil dump clean-up
--
See photos of the spill shortly after it occurred.
Submitted by Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.

KPB mayor history

2011-07-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Dave Carey has said he is not seeking reelection. Who else has served as KPB mayor or chairman?

1963-1966 Harold Pomeroy
1966-1972 George Navarre
1972-1975 Stan Thompson
1975-1980 Don Gilman
1980-1987 Stan Thompson
1987-1996 Don Gilman
1996-1999 Mike Navarre
1999-2005 Dale Bagley
2005-2008 John Williams
2008-now David Carey

The next municipal election is October 4.

Who's served on KPB Assembly?

2011-07-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

It's likely that people you know have served on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly. Here's a list of them:
Assembly Member PDF list

Nikiski Senior Center project

2011-07-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

The Nikiski Senior Center is planning to construct a new facility at a new location. The Alaska Legislature included 5-million dollars in their budget this year to pay for the new building. It will help the senior center to continue offering senior meals and activities. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports:

Nikiski Senior Center project

Mount Marathon on July 4th

2011-07-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

At the 84th running of the Mount Marathon race in Seward runners from Anchorage placed in the top two spots for men and women. Eric Strabel came in about 20 seconds ahead of Brenton Knight. In the ladies race, Kikkan Randall came in about 20 seconds before Holly Brooks. In this story we find about a little about two other runners. They are in their mid-fifties, and each has done the race for more than a decade. Neither was expecting to come in first, but hoped to enjoy themselves and push themselves physically and mentally. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports:

Mount Marathon on July 4th
--

See photos of the event below:

King Salmon restrictions on Kenai River

2011-07-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

Starting Wednesday, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game has new restrictions on the rules for catching King Salmon coming up the Kenai River. Department biologists say the escapement of kings is on the low end of the scale. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports:

King Salmon restrictions on Kenai River

Dairy Queen Fire

2011-06-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

FROM Soldotna 911 Communications Center:

Central Emergency Services is fighting a fire at the Soldotna DairyQueen. Soldotna Police Department is moving traffic through the southbound and turning lanes. If you have to travel this morning expect some delays in the area. Smoke is heavy in the area and we are getting multiple calls from the public asking about the origin of the smoke.

Weed Smackdown

2011-06-28T16:14:00.000-07:00

An invasive weed on the Kenai Peninsula has been targeted by local agencies who arranged an uncommon event. Among other weeds, the Common Tansy was being pulled up Saturday by a group of residents in Kenai. The event was called the "Weed Smackdown." KDLL's Ben Stanton reports:

Weed Smackdown
--

Preparing to weigh the hundreds of pounds of weeds pulled.

Not everything pulled out of this field is weeds.

What debris will be removed?

2011-06-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

The Kenai Peninsula Borough has accepted more federal money to pay for removal of debris in and around waterways. Previously, the borough had accepted 50-thousand dollars as part of the Coastal Impact Assistance Program, now they’ve added 25-thousand dollars to that number. And it's a long list of objects to remove. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports:

What debris will be removed?
--
Photos of debris submitted by the River Center's John Czarnezki.

Restrictions to Borough Mayor's outside employment

2011-06-24T09:26:00.001-07:00

The Kenai Peninsula Borough has a new rule in place for the borough Mayor position. An ordinance approved Tuesday prevents a borough mayor from holding a position with an entity that receives financial benefit from the borough. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports:

restrictions to Borough Mayor's outside employment

Anadromous stream protection

2011-06-24T09:25:00.000-07:00

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly has approved a dramatic increase to the number of waterways that are protected under the already existing anadromous stream habitat protection ordinance. During a committee meeting Tuesday, the assembly talked through it a little with borough administration. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports:
Anadromous stream protection

Why don't people visit the GIS dept anymore?

2011-06-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

The recent work to draw new maps for the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly districts, called attention to the borough's GIS Department. That's the Geographic Information System. For a little more about what the department does, and what it looks like, KDLL's Ben Stanton took a quick tour with the department head for this report:

Why don't people visit the GIS dept anymore?

No Tsunami

2011-06-24T00:03:00.000-07:00

From borough emergency management:
A 7.3 earthquake occurred in the Aleutian chain. No tsunami was generated. An accidental activation of the All-Hazard Alert Broadcast siren system occurred at 8:30 pm. There is no tsunami and no further action is necessary.

Borough Assembly districts to change

2011-06-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

After the new numbers from the 2010 US Census, the Kenai Peninsula Borough has declared itself malapportioned. That has meant a committee formed to design new districts for borough assembly members. The committee is considering redesigning part of the Sterling area to be included in the same district as Seward. They also are considering increasing the size of the assembly from 9 to 11 members. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports.

Borough Assembly districts to change

Economic effects of the school district

2011-06-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is the largest employer in the borough, and a new study puts some numbers to the economic effects of the district's payroll. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports:

Economic effects of the school district

Listen online to Kenai Peninsula public radio

2011-06-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

While KDLL remains off the air, enjoy similar programming on KBBI AM 890 from Homer. If you can't receive that signal, listen online here:

your browser does not support IFRAMEs

Reapportionment maps

2011-06-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

A committee has proposed possible changes to the assembly district maps:Here are links to proposed maps:
http://tinyurl.com/4xdkufc

Kenai as finalist for "All-America City" competition

2011-06-16T13:30:00.000-07:00

Representatives from Kenai are in Kansas City Missouri this week making their case for a special recognition given to 10 cities per year. Kenai is one of 26 finalists for the designation, the recipients will be announced Friday evening. The National League of Cities has given the award for more than 60 years.

Here is the video of the presentation made to judges early Thursday morning.

Listen to local public radio online

2011-06-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

While KDLL is fixing equipment, please tune in to KBBI AM 890 (which reaches many areas of the central peninsula) or online right here : http://kbbi.org/Streaming/KBBIPlayer.htm

Homer Electric Association reps are on the air now on Coffee Table, and taking your questions.

Reapportionment needs public input

2011-06-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly district lines are being redrawn. The committee needs public input. The Kenai meeting and the Sterling meeting had low attendance. Two meetings remain:

Seward (East Peninsula)                                     K.M. Rae Building
Wednesday, June 15, 2011, at 7:00 p.m.            125 Third Ave., Seward

Homer (South Peninsula)                                    Best Western BidarkaInn
Thursday, June 16, 2011, at7:00 p.m.                 575 Sterling Hwy., Homer

Dave Carey is not seeking reelection

2011-06-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Dave Carey says he will not seek another term in office. Carey made his announcement Tuesday morning. He says it would be unfair of him to try to do his job as mayor while also campaigning.

Carey says, "My oath of office was to spend 36 months, not 32, representing the people of the Borough. I could not do both at the same time fairly. I would have to resign as Borough Mayor if I was to ethically keep my oath to the people and to God."

"I have no intention of resigning to run for re-election," he adds.

With Carey deciding not to run, it leaves the current field of borough mayoral candidates at four: Dale Bagley of Soldotna, Ron Long of Seward, Debbie Brown of Kasilof, and Fred Sturman of Soldotna.

Carey outlines some of his priorities for his remaining four months in office. He says he will be implementing the 2012 budget that was recently approved by the assembly, he will be opposing the proposed change in assembly member term limits from two to three terms. The assembly has an ordinance up for public hearing that would put that question to voters in October.

Carey also says he wants to reach to connect with younger borough residents.

"Young people do not come to our meetings because we are not user friendly. We are dinosaurs when it comes to technology and social networking. I will be working during the next four months to get Borough meetings electronically on-line and saving paper."

Carey also recently completed a one-year "discernment" training through the Catholic Church. That has led to his application to a four-year program to become ordained as a deacon.

Carey says, "I can think of no better way to spend the rest of my life than as a member of the Christian clergy. I hope people will pray for me during the next four years and that the next four months as Borough Mayor will include my most productive work for resident taxpayers and the great people who work for the borough. I will certainly be praying for them."

He says he plans to apply for the program this week.

###

Assembly funds and transfer site closings

2011-06-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

It was another late night Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meeting Tuesday night...and it continued Wednesday morning. The assembly recessed at midnight, and reconvened in the morning at 9 a.m. They were in the middle of discussing the budget ordinance last night, and then approved it Wednesday morning. First, several amendments were made to the mayor's proposal. His budget zeroed out some so-called "non-departmental" funding. The mayor already included funding for Kenai Peninsula College. And the assembly has reinstated funding for some of the other organizations.
They have included $25,000 for CARTS, the Central Area Rural Transit System, $300,000 for Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council, $40,000 for the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District, and $105,000 for the Small Business Development Center.
Those items had moments of contention, but one new item was not debated at all and passed unanimously: the idea of saving money by closing landfills and transfer facilities one day-a-week in the winter. The assembly heard briefly about that idea during a committee meeting Tuesday. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports.

Assembly funds and transfer site closings

Possible expansion of local habitat protection

2011-06-09T13:30:00.000-07:00

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly has postponed an ordinance that would expand the number of waterways protected in the borough's anadromous stream regulations. That law is designed to protect habitat along rivers where fish like salmon spawn. At Tuesday and Wednesday's meeting, the assembly heard public comment from people supporting the changes and others who are skeptical. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports:

Possible expansion of local habitat protection

Tustumena Deaths

2011-06-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

After an 18-foot boat sank on Tustumena Lake two people died Friday night while trying to swim ashore. But three teenaged girls survived the high winds and cold water. They made their way to a public use cabin to recover before being found by an air search. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports:

Tustumena Deaths

4-H members prepare for fair

2011-06-06T12:22:00.000-07:00

The Kenai Peninsula Fair is months away, but 4-H members prepare all year for the event. The projects include raising livestock, presenting them to judges, and selling them. But right now, youngsters are making presentations to local businesses about their work. 4-H member Mikaela Pitsch gave her sales presentation at the KDLL studio. Ben Stanton reports:

4-H members prepare for fair

Local state legislators discuss session

2011-06-03T11:00:00.000-07:00

A joint luncheon of the Kenai and Soldotna Chambers of Commerce included a report from local state legislators. They spoke about specific bills they were proud of that either passed, or stalled. KDLL’s Ben Stanton reports:

Local state legislators discuss session

--
See photos below of Senator Tom Wagoner, House Speaker Mike Chenault, and Representative Kurt Olson.

Rockin' the River Music Festival

2011-06-03T09:57:00.000-07:00

KDLL has teamed up with Kenai Watershed Forum again for the Kenai River Festival and Rockin' the River Concert.
It's a week away!
Here's the music line-up:

FRIDAY JUNE 10
5-5:45 pm ....................... Nancy Saylor
6-6:45 pm .................. Food for the Soul
7-8:15 pm ........................ The Couzins
8:30-10 pm .................... Baked Alaskans

SATURDAY JUNE 11
11-11:45 ..........................Holly Wiley
12-12:45 ........................ Hank Roesing
1-1:45 ................ Die Alaska Blaskapelle
2-2:45 ................ Dan “Dirty D” Pascucci
3-3:45 ................... Charmer’s Daughters
4-4:45 ........................ Sarah Superman
5-5:45 ....... Kelsey Shields & Andy Schaafsma
6-6:45 ........... Gary Sloan with Jim Lasiter
7-7:45 .................... Sourdough Biscuits
8-9:45 ........... Army Alaska Arctic Warriors
10-12 ..................... Alaska Thunderfunk

SUNDAY JUNE 12
11-11:45 ....................... Joe Ray Skrha
12-12:45 .................... Bunny Swan Gease
1-1:45 ............................... Fingers
2-2:45 ................................. 60/40
3-5:00 .. Army Alaska "Chill Factor" Show Band

Fence goes up in Kasilof

2011-06-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

At the mouth of the Kasilof River, work is finishing on installing a fence on the beach. The idea is to keep vehicles and people off of delicate habitat. About 3-thousand feet of fence is up now, with about half that much yet to go. The goal is similar to a recent effort at the mouth of the Kenai River. But as KDLL’s Ben Stanton reports, the Kasilof fence, made out of used guard rails, looks very different.

Fence goes up in Kasilof

--
See photos of the work below:

Memorial Day Kenai 2011

2011-06-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

During the annual holiday to remember U.S. military members who have died, ceremonies in Kenai brought thoughts of respect and sacrifice. The day started at the Kenai City Cemetery with a color guard marching with the American flag, and it lead to ceremonies in downtown Kenai. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports:

Memorial Day Kenai 2011

--
See photos of the ceremonies below:

Special use at Kasilof

2011-05-31T10:10:00.000-07:00

A division of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources has designated land near the mouth of the Kasilof River as “special use lands.” The decision creates the Kasilof River Special Use Area. The problems outlined are insufficient sanitation facilities, ongoing damage to the dunes and wetlands, and maintenance of public access. KDLL’s Ben Stanton highlights what the decision will mean:

Special use at Kasilof

--
Below: trails and navigational marker at the mouth of the Kasilof River.

Chamber Changeover

2011-05-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

The Kenai Chamber of Commerce will have a new Executive Director starting this summer. Overlap between the outgoing director and the incoming director will allow both to be involved in planning some summer events like the annual parade on Independence Day. KDLL's Ben Stanton filed this report:

Chamber Changeover

Pike problem at Stormy Lake

2011-05-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is looking into how to go about combating a invasive species of fish on the Kenai Peninsula. Several public meetings were held to gather information and opinions about the presence and possible mitigation of pike. One was held during the day Wednesday at the Challenger Learning Center in Kenai. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports.

Pike problem at Stormy Lake

--
Below: Alaska Department of Fish and Game Fisheries Technician Jerry Strait holds up an invasive northern pike captured in Stormy Lake on the Kenai Peninsula. Photo courtesy Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Sport Fisheries.

Pike

Kenai Birding Festival

2011-05-25T09:22:00.000-07:00

The annual Kenai Birding Festival was last weekend. Events were held in several central peninsula locations. One event was for kids Saturday morning in Kenai. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports:

Kenai Birding Festival
--

See photos from the day below:

Clam Slurry

2011-05-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

At this time of the year it's normal to find a lot of people gathering on the Ninilchik beach digging for clams. But you don't always see a small water pump on a cart attached to a fire hose that’s getting stabbed into hole in the sand. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has teamed up with Alaska Pacific University to study razor clam abundance. KDLL's Ben Stanton starts his report with a long walk north from Ninilchik village.

Clam Slurry
--

See photos below including Alaska Pacific University Assistant Professor of Marine Biology Brad Harris, and students: Tamara Buckman, Johanna Gertsch, Becky Harris, Lindsey Kinion, Holley Mitchell, Matt Naschak, Laura Peggs, Sarah Woods.

Alaska vs. Texas

2011-05-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

Alaskans sometimes like to boast that their state is twice the size of Texas. But surely Texas can always brag about their cowboy heritage. Well, at least for one day recently, some Kenai Peninsula residents got a taste of that as well. With, what else, but a cattle drive on horseback outside Soldotna. KDLL's Ben Stanton tried to follow along and capture the story of the eight mile round trip:

Alaska vs. Texas
--

See photos of the cattle drive below.

Borough Assembly meeting ends abruptly

2011-05-18T18:47:00.000-07:00

Nothing beats a five-hour long assembly meeting. Except a legislative deadline. By statute, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly cannot continue a meeting past midnight, but Tuesday night as they tried to wrap up, it did go over, but it was a little confusing about what could be done. KDLL's Ben Stanton sat through it all and files this report:

Borough Assembly meeting ends abruptly

Twitter

2011-05-18T00:10:00.000-07:00

Track back through some of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meeting decisions from Tuesday night. Follow us on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Pickle_Hill

Borough funds for non-departmentals

2011-05-17T21:31:00.000-07:00

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly now has next year's budget to amend and approve. One item of contention yet is how much money will be spent on several independent organizations, sometimes called non-departmentals. As KDLL’s Ben Stanton reports, it's still unclear what the amounts will be.

Borough funds for non-departmentals

Senior nutrition conference

2011-05-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

In about a week, a conference in Kenai will focus on Senior Citizen Nutrition. KDLL's Ben Stanton has this preview of that event.

Senior nutrition conference

Here is the link mentioned in KDLL's local news. The senior nutrition conference is May 23-24 at Kenai's Challenger Learning Center.

It's through the Trust Training Cooperative (TTC) Learning Management System, which is a collaboration with the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.
https://www.ttclms.org/

Facebook

2011-05-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

Help KDLL enhance its online presence by "liking" our Facebook page.

Locals are sharp on business skills

2011-05-13T09:49:00.000-07:00

Every year, statewide awards are given to highlight businesses that are doing well, doing things right, or doing something special that deserves recognition. The Small Business Administration has chosen two Kenai business owners as the Alaska Small Business Persons of the Year. KDLL's Ben Stanton stopped by Sharp's Billiards to hear their story:

Locals are sharp on business skills

Secret fishing spot & sportfishing preview

2011-05-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

With the return of warmer weather comes the return of busy waterways on the Kenai Peninsula and the popular fishing season. It's still very early in the season, but KDLL's Ben Stanton has this talk with the Kenai River Sportfishing Association about how the summer looks for fishing.

Secret fishing spot & sportfishing preview

Alaska Native Oratory

2011-05-11T14:47:00.000-07:00

Local native languages become more challenging to preserve as fluent speakers grow older. But one competition in the state is inspiring some natives to explore their heritage and oral tradition, whether it is in native languages or in English. KDLL's Ben Stanton reports on the Native Oratory Society event held in Soldotna last weekend.

Alaska Native Oratory

Turning wood in Kenai

2011-05-11T14:42:00.000-07:00

A new chapter of the American Association of Woodturners is now meeting regularly in Kenai. The local group is a mix of newcomers and those with decades of experience using a lathe to shape wood. At this month's meeting Kenai Peninsula Woodturners, KDLL's Ben Stanton captured some of the sounds of woodturning and found that the process can be a mix of art and science.

Turning wood in Kenai

Soldotna Chamber considers new location

2011-05-11T14:37:00.000-07:00

The City of Soldotna has begun a study to see whether Soldotna Chamber of Commerce and visitor's center might move to a more prominent location. The study also will see if it's a good idea to have the chamber also run a convention center. KDLL's Ben Stanton visited the current space to report on why they want to move.

Soldotna Chamber considers new location

Kenai art opening

2011-05-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

Tonight, the Kenai Visitor's and Cultural Center opens their new summer exhibit called "Intersecting Journeys." It's a juried show, which means many artists submitted work, and a juror determined which art would be included in the exhibit. KDLL's Ben Stanton looks at a couple pieces from the show with the juror. Both of the pieces show intersections. One is literally an intersection of lines. Another is an intersection of style. He files this report:

Kenai art opening

Kasilof Library open house

2011-05-11T14:28:00.000-07:00

The Kasilof public library is housed within Tustumena Elementary School in Kasilof. The library board and staff are looking to get the word out about the combined school and community library, their collection, and regular programs they offer. They held an open house on Friday hoping to do just that. KDLL’s Ben Stanton stopped by and files this report.

Kasilof Library open house

Kenai changing employee health coverage

2011-05-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

Like other municipalities, the annual budget for the city of Kenai is looking include changes to health insurance provided to employees. The administration has outlined an approach to dealing with the rising health care costs. It includes increasing the monthly premium and the annual deductible for employees that add their family to the plan. KDLL’s Ben Stanton reports:

Kenai changing employee health coverage

Kenai Central High School Track and Field

2011-05-09T18:40:00.000-07:00

The Alaska State High School track and field meet is fast approaching, and teams are getting ready. Along the way several regional meets are held. Last weekend was the Kenai Peninsula Borough competition. It was held at Nikiski High School and Middle School. KDLL’s Ben Stanton spoke with the Kenai Central High School Coach. He files this report:

Kenai Central High School Track and Field

HEA annual meeting held

2011-05-06T18:34:00.000-07:00

The annual meeting of Homer Electric Association brought out hundreds of co-op members, also awards and special recognitions, and food. KDLL's Ben Stanton has this look at the HEA election results.
HEA annual meeting held

Homer Electric Association Election Results

2011-05-06T12:12:00.000-07:00

Final votes are tallied after Homer Electric Association's annual meeting and board of directors election. Kelly Bookey beats incumbent David Thomas in district 1, Dick Waisanen wins unopposed for district 2, and Mike Wiley beats Malcolm Gaylord for district 3

Dipnet parking and camping fees increase

2011-05-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

During the Kenai River personal-use dipnet fishery this July, if you want to park at the beach or camp on the beach, you'll have to pay more to do so. On Wednesday, the Kenai City Council approved a resolution that raises the fees for parking and camping from 15-dollars each to 20-dollars each.

Kenai City Manager Rick Koch estimates that the change will bring in an additional $31-thousand. The increased revenue from the change will help offset costs of installing some fish cleaning stations on the beach, and what Koch calls the city's increased management of fish waste. The cleaning stations are part of a larger effort by the city to reduce the levels of certain bacteria found by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation during the dipnet fishery last year.

City council members Mike Boyle, Bob Molloy, and Ryan Marquis voted against the changes. Marquis says he wants to see a discount on the fees for City of Kenai residents. Boyle says he is preparing an ordinance for that purpose.

Soldotna cemetery opening anticipated

2011-05-05T18:32:00.000-07:00

The City of Soldotna expects to be able to open a new memorial park cemetery this summer. Soldotna Mayor Peter Micciche spoke to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly this week to update them on the progress.

They have a design, and most of primary site clearing is complete. The type of gate and sign need to be made final, but the Community Memorial Park Policy Committee has completed a policy for review by the Soldotna City Council.

Micciche said, "A very prominent paragraph explains that it is a borough facility and that borough residents will receive the same treatment, the same pricing as any other user of that facility."

Micciche said the project would not be possible without support from the Borough Assembly. The city had already owned land at the proposed site, but they desired the ability to expand. Ten acres of adjacent borough land was sold to Soldotna for $2. Micciche said that the former agreement is not forgotten.

He said, "Still have my two dollars, and that will probably be part of the dedication celebration as well."

Soldotna does not currently operate a cemetery. The issue has been contentious for years. Some of the debate centered on picking a location for the cemetery. The final choice was a spot on West Redoubt near the Kenai River. They expect a dedication celebration for the the opening in mid- to late-July.

Borough defeats tax cap increase bill

2011-05-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly has unanimously blocked an ordinance that would have raised the maximum taxable value of a purchase. In public testimony, most people spoke against the idea. KDLL’s Ben Stanton has this report.
Borough defeats tax cap increase bill
--

Kevin Austin of Soldotna speaks opposing the ordinance. May 3, 2011. Soldotna, AK. (Ben Stanton/KDLL)

Borough Assembly considers public vote waivers

2011-05-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly is considering two ordinances this week that would waive requirements of a public vote. One ordinance relates to funding for the Homer transfer site. The other relates to possible changes to borough sales tax requirements. KDLL’s Ben Stanton reports:

Borough Assembly considers public vote waivers

HEA breaks ground in Nikiski

2011-04-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

Homer Electric Association is celebrating after the ceremonial groundbreaking of a new production facility at the H-E-A generation plant. HEA event on Thursday was not just for the traditional kick-off to a construction project, but also, the symbolic beginning to the move towards more locally produced energy---what they call “independent light.” KDLL’s Ben Stanton reports.

HEA breaks ground in Nikiski

Soldotna nurse gets state-wide recognition

2011-04-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

A school nurse in Soldotna is recognized as the Nurse of the Year by a state nurse’s organization. Betty Miller has worked for the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District since 1984. She has worked in several schools in the district. And as we hear, when KDLL’s Ben Stanton walked into Miller’s office to talk with her about the award, there was some initial reluctance…

Soldotna nurse gets state-wide recognition