KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH NEWS
KMTA NHA Meetings
Moose Pass and East Peninsula Neighbors,I am inviting you to Moose Pass on April 7th, for the introduction of the “Kenai Mountain Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area”.This Heritage Area is essentially the Seward Highway from Seward to Anchorage. The National Heritage program works to preserve the historical record of significant development in areas that helped [...]
Murder Conviction in Seward Cold Case
Jimmy Eacker, 56, has been convicted by a Kenai jury of murdering Toni Lister, of Seward, 1982, and leaving her body in the woods near the city dump. The verdict was announced Thursday, March 4, almost 28 years to the night it happened on March 6. 1982. Lister's body was discovered at the Seward [...]
Seward Silvers take SILVER in the KPBSD Middle...
The SWMS volleyball teams competed at the KPBSD Middle School Volleyball Tournament in Homer on Saturday.Seeded in second place with a 4 win, 1 loss record, the Silvers met Kenai Middle School in an 11:00 AM match.  The competitive levels of both teams were apparent and really good volleyball was witnessed by both [...]
KPB Flood Plain Task Force Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the Kenai Peninsula Borough "Flood Plain Task Force" will hold a meeting on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, to review the accomplishments of the Flood Plain Task Force.The Task Force will be making a final recommendation to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly regarding the following:Ordinance 2009-09 (Long) Substitute: Creating a Flood [...]
Coordinated Transportation Plans Meeting- Seward,...
The project team will be in Seward on Tuesday, March 9; in Homer on Wednesday, March 10; and Kenai/Soldotna on Thursday, March 11. Details follow.Coordinated transportation plans will identify the transportation needs and seek ways to coordinate transportation for efficiencies that better address transportation for three groups of people sometimes identified as "transportation disadvantaged" These [...]
February 2010 Weather Summary
February was both warmer and wetter than the long-term average for the month. As measured at the Seward airport weather station, February’s average temperature in Kenai Fjords NP was 31.6 degrees F (4.4 degrees F above the 30-year February average temperature). Total rainfall (and melted snow) for February was 7.57 inches, 1.75 inches more (wetter) [...]
Kenai Peninsula Borough Flood Plain Task Force...
Notice is hereby given that the Kenai Peninsula Borough "Flood Plain Task Force" will hold a meeting on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, to review the accomplishments of the Flood Plain Task Force.The Task Force will be making a final recommendation to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly regarding the following:Ordinance 2009-09 (Long) Substitute: Creating a Flood [...]
Seward Highway Closure
We've been advised by Soldotna Public Safety Communications Center that the Seward Highway is closed at milepost 86 (which is about 4 miles south of Girdwood) due to a complete avalanche blockage. This is expected to take 4 -5 hours to clear, making the earliest opening of the Seward Highway at 5 p.m. today. [...]
Seward Bear Creek Flood Board Hears From Borough...
By Heidi Zemach for SCNThe Seward//Bear Creek Flood Service Area Board voted Monday Feb. 16 to spend $84,000 of its FY2011 budget on a new project at the flood-prone Salmon Creek Road/Nash Road intersection, pending approval by the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly. The board already has been promised a matching grant of $60,000 from the [...]
"Adventure Racing in the Last Frontier"
Seward Winter Film Series presentJoin Darren Hullfounder of the Alaska Adventure Racing Club, as he shares photos of past races and adventures. Hear about his plans for a 24-hour race in our own back yard, here on the Kenai Peninsula.You need not be a racer to enjoy this show,just bring your love of adventure, and enjoy!The [...]
Garrett Hansen makes Team Alaska 2010 at Arctic...
On January 31, 2010 Garrett Hansen, while competing at the Regional Native Youth Olympic competition in Kenai, was asked to join Team Alaska as an athlete in Arctic Sports Junior Men's division in Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada.  Garrett will be traveling with Team Alaska to compete in the Arctic Winter Games. Some of the games [...]
January 29th thru 31st - Qutekcak JNYO and NYO...
This past weekend 12 members of the Qutekcak Junior and Senior Native Youth Olympic teams traveled to Kenai to compete in the Peninsula Winter Games. There were twelve teams from the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage, and the Mat-Su Valley in 1st grade thru 12th grade that came together. Our team had the honor of earning 16 [...]
January weather summary
January was both warmer and drier than the long-term average for the month. As measured at the Seward airport weather station, January’s average temperature in Kenai Fjords NP was 29.1 degrees F (2.9 degrees F above the 30-year January average temperature). Total rainfall (or melted snow) for January was 1.45 inches, nearly 5.75 inches less [...]
2-02-10 Borough Assembly Report
Borough Assembly Meeting Report from 2-02-10Sue McClureI'm back from another meeting in Soldotna. On the way I spoke with folks in Cooper Landing and was able give them the good news that the State will keep their school open this coming year, and that the KPB School Board as decided to reconfigure it to [...]
Foundations Statement for Kenai Fjords National...
The park is pleased to announce the release of the Foundation Statement for Kenai Fjords National Park. The document can be accessed through the Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov.The Foundation Statement clearly and concisely articulates the purposes for which the park unit was established and identifies what is most important about that [...]
December 2009 Weather Summary
December was certainly an interesting month with some wonderful snow in town early in the month followed by a lengthy warm spell.  As measured at the Seward airport weather station, December temperature in Kenai Fjords NP was average-28.1 degrees F (equal to the 30-year December average temperature).  Total rainfall (or melted snow) for October was [...]
Second Installment: KWF's Seward Connection
The Kenai Watershed Forum (KWF) is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to maintaining the health of the watersheds on the Kenai Peninsula. KWF is recognized as the regional watershed organization of the Kenai Peninsula. KWF is building strong Seward relationships and is working on several projects in the local Seward area. KWF's mission is working [...]
Kenai Watershed Forum - First Installment: Who We...
The Kenai Watershed Forum (KWF) is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to maintaining the health of the watersheds on the Kenai Peninsula. KWF is recognized as the regional watershed organization of the Kenai Peninsula, successfully identifying and addressing the needs of the region by providing high quality education, restoration, and research programs. KWF's mission is [...]

Another Barnwell skis her way into top 10
Another Seward standout named Barnwell tasted success at the Region III cross-country skiing championships.Except this time it was Mackenzie Barnwell.With older sister and accomplished skier Allison Barnwell on a student exchange in Portugal, the younger Barnwell seized the opportunity to make a name for herself.She was the only Seward skier to earn a top-10 finish en route to placing 19th overall in the two-day championships at Skyview High, putting her on track for a solid result at the ASAA state championships this week in Fairbanks.Barnwell was the biggest bright spot for the Seahawks. She was 10th in Friday’s 5-kilometer classical race in 18 minutes, 33 seconds. Overall, she finished with a 10-K combined time of 40:32. Soldotna’s Kailey Mucha won the girls title in 35:03.Seward captain Meghan O’Leary was 32nd in 43:05, followed by teammates Samantha Feemster 35th in 43:48 and Amanda Olsen 56th in 54:06. The team finished 11th.The Seward boys fared a little better, placing eighth and beating fellow small schools Susitna Valley, Grace Christian and Valdez.Captain Mike Zweifel bagged the top result, crossing the line with a combined two-day time of 48:31 to place 33rd overall. Andrew Ferkinoff was 36th in 48:44, Joe Nyholm 46th in 51:30, Gabe Esposito 56th in 58:35 and James Logan 62nd in 1:28:39.Lars Arneson of the Cook Inlet Academy won the boys crown in 40:34.The ASAA state championships begin Thursday with individual classical races (7.5-K for boys, 5-K for girls). The meet continues Friday with individual skate races (10-K for boys, 7.5-K for girls) and wraps up Saturday with 4x3-K relays for boys and girls.Van Williams can be reached at 907-348-2452 or 800-770-9830, ext. 452.
A splash of thanks
The Seward Tsunami Swim Club hosted the Candy Cane Splash, our first swim meet in Seward in more than 10 years on Dec. 13. Various swim clubs from Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula participated, and the event was considered to be very successful—good competition and good fun.We received financial help from 16 local businesses. The generosity of our local sponsors was overwhelming. To each one represented by the following businesses, on behalf of the Seward Tsunami swimmers, our sincere...
New joint sales tax return forms and training
The Kenai Peninsula Borough will hold public training on the new Joint Sales Tax Return Form in the Soldotna, Seward and Homer areas.A sign-up sheet will be available, and after a brief presentation representatives of the sales tax and audit department will be available to work one-on-one with individuals seeking tax help.The dates and locations are as follows: Seward: 7-9 p.m. Feb. 18 and 10 a.m.-noon Feb. 19, Seward Community Library, 238 Fifth Ave. Soldotna: 2-4 p.m. Feb. 24 and 7-9 p.m....
Tax-Aide site saves time and money
Residents befuddled by tax return options can find free help at two Tax-Aide sites around town.Volunteers with IRS training will be on hand to calm nerves and prepare basic tax returns for most low- and middle-income taxpayers from Feb. 9-April 15. Emphasis will be on senior citizens and disabled taxpayers. According to Nancy Osborne, local Tax-Aide coordinator, Seward area residents saved $25,000 in tax preparation fees by having their returns prepared by Tax-Aide volunteers.In 2007, Tax-Aide...
Pay boost may follow vice-mayor's higher profile
Vice-mayor Willard Dunham may soon be in for a pay raise.Council member Marianna Keil introduced a resolution at the Jan. 12 Seward City Council meeting to temporarily increase Dunham’s stipend.According to non-code Ordinance 2009-001, the vice-mayor would assume additional mayor responsibilities during the upcoming year due to current medical and other issues impacting the mayor’s availability. Mayor Clark Corbridge co-sponsored the ordinance.“Vice-mayor Dunham has gone above...
Lottery includes bonanza for ticket vendors
What organizers billed as the state’s first $500,000 lottery didn’t just benefit the lucky winner. Groups and individuals around the state made money by selling the tickets. Sellers also had a chance to win $20,000 if they sold the winning ticket, which was announced last Friday. Nobody won the $20,000 prize. Lottery organizer Abe Spicola sold the winning ticket out of his business, Lucky Times Pull Tab in Anchorage. As the event organizer, he won’t collect the vendor’s...
Beals finishes third in Clam Shell sled dog race
Seward musher Travis Beals recently placed third at the Clam Shell 36 race on Jan. 3 in Kasilof.Beals, 17, covered the first leg of the two-day, 80-mile race in just over three hours.He ran with eight dogs.“Everybody (his dogs) looked good on the first day,” he said. The second day, however, one of his dogs, a 60-pounder named Zeus, had to be picked up.“His attitude was off,” he said. “He just wasn’t having fun and you have to make it fun for...
Foundation well on its way to $50,000 goal
The Seward Community Foundation is $10,000 richer, thanks to a contribution approved by the Seward City Council at the Dec. 8 budget meeting. Fifty percent of the funding will be endowed; the remainder will be made available for granting to local nonprofits later this year.The foundation promotes philanthropy through the support and growth of permanent endowment, according to its new mission statement. It also assists local needs and works to enhance Seward area quality of life.The 11-member...
Donation gives Sea View a $7,500 holiday boost
The Sea View Community Center is $7,500 richer, thanks to a holiday contribution by Frank Dahl, owner of the Pit Bar in downtown Seward.The funds will be used to help needy families through the center’s quality of life department.Dahl, who owns the Ale House plus Blues Central up in Anchorage, feels it’s his duty to help support the community.“We’re very fortunate that our businesses are profitable and successful and we are able to live a good life, which is why we feel...
Seventh-grader knows her way around the world
Rachel Tougas, a seventh-grader at Seward Middle School, won the school-level competition of the national geography bee on Dec. 16, along with an opportunity to compete for a $25,000 college scholarship. The school-level bee, at which students answered oral questions on geography, was the first round in the 21st annual National Geographic Bee sponsored by the National Geographic Society.Rachel knew the answers to such questions as: “Which U.S. state bordered on the east by the Connecticut...
Legion's 'Old Bar' opens with a new floor
American Legion members and guest can cozy up at 7 p.m. Saturday for Christmas Cabaret at the legion’s Post 5.Local musician and recording artist Steve Lemme will be backed by Arlene Carpenter on piano. Jo Ellen Abbott, also of Seward, will provide additional guitar and vocals. Port City Players cast members will be on hand to perform holiday mini-sketches.“The Cabaret will give those attending a chance to see the recently remodeled ‘Old Bar,’ where much of...
Christmas Open House at Museum
The Resurrection Bay Historical Society will hold its annual Christmas open house from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Seward Museum, Third Avenue and Jefferson Street. With Christmas decorations throughout the museum, the traditional model train running around the Christmas tree, refreshments, numerous door prizes, friendly conversation and the ever-popular “Count the Teddy Bears Contest,” the open house provides fun for the whole family.There will be a program of traditional...
Like it was Yesterday
It’s Dec. 5, 1974, and there’s a lot of happening.Hank Aaron breaks Babe Ruth’s home run record. Anne Sexton commits suicide.Serial killer Ted Bundy is on the loose.A skeleton from the hominid species is discovered and named Lucy.Stephen King publishes his first novel, “Carrie.”Impeachment hearings are opened against President Richard Nixon; he later resigns.Things in Seward, however, were a little less bleak. In fact, the town was almost giddy after the appointment...
Seward historic landmark listed as endangered...
The Alaska Association for Historic Preservation recently included the Jesse Lee Home as one of the state’s Most Endangered Historic Properties for 2008.The home is in the midst of a $13 million renovation.The list is intended to bring public awareness to Alaska’s threatened historic properties. Heightened awareness can lead to increased support for conservation of endangered properties, which offer tourism, economic development and cultural heritage to Alaska.Other properties on the...
Seems like yesterday
It was 1989, and the country was reeling from the San Francisco earthquake that killed 67 people and injured over 3,000.Alaska reeled from the after shocks the 11 millions gallons of crude oil Exxon Valdez dumped in Prince William Sound.Bette Davis died.The Berlin Wall came down.And the top record was “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerin.In Seward, a lot was happening, at least according to the Nov. 22, 1989 Log.The 1986 rape and kidnapping conviction of Chris N. Nelson was...
Vaccination practice arms for future
Ninety-four volunteers from the community were on hand to ensure that the 350 participants made it through the various vaccine stations. The exercise was intended to test first-responders’ ability to handle a large influx of people, such as you’d find during a health emergency or natural disaster. “Unfortunately, the system was never really taxed,” said event organizer Eddie Athey, Seward’s deputy fire chief. “We had hoped to see this many people per hour....
A shot in the arm for emergency preparation
What is all this talk about a mass dispensing exercise and why is it important to you? First let’s talk about what it is not. This is not about the Seward Fire Department, nor is it exclusive to the City of Seward. This exercise is all about you. That’s right: You, the Seward area residents. This exercise will demonstrate how we (the emergency responders in the Eastern Kenai Peninsula) can better prepare you and our responders for an emergency or disaster. The purpose of this...
Parents recognized for playground
Parents Advocating Recreational Kids Stuff (PARKS) received the Golden Apple Award on Oct. 20 from the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District board. KPBSD bestows Golden Apple Awards to district employees, volunteers and community organizations that go to extra lengths to support and advance education.The award reads: PARKS believes that every child deserves a playground that engages muscles and minds, and that every child deserves to live in a community that will build one for them. PARKS made...
Rep. Seaton presents flag to Seward
With the approach of the 50th anniversary of this great state, it is a time for celebrations and speeches, gifts and commemorations.It was in this spirit of unity that state Rep. Paul Seaton arrived at the Seward Community Library on Oct. 19 to present to the citizens of Seward a beautifully framed, 49-star flag in honor of Irwin L. Metcalf, Seward’s delegate to the Alaska Constitutional Convention.The 49-star flag has a history of its own, as one of thousands originally purchased by J.C....
Fire Department gets grant
The Bear Creek fire service has received a Public Safety Interoperable Communications grant in the amount of $233,110 from the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.The grant focuses on three areas: development of a communications plan and standard operating procedures for interagency communication on the Eastern Kenai Peninsula; implementation of the National Incident Management Systems; and inter-operational communication equipment including portable radios, mobile...
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is time for...
Providence Seward Medical Center proudly recognizes October as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” Early detection and education is our best defense against breast cancer. Our goal is to work with our patients and physicians to help detect this disease in its earliest stages. Digital mammography, the newest technology, is recommended for women age 50 and under with fibrocystic dense breasts. With advancement in technologies and if we all work together, we can fight breast cancer.Here...
Voters add new face, alter budget
Jean Bardarson, Marianna Keil and Willard Dunham snagged Seward City Council seats in Tuesday’s municipal elections.Bardarson led the charge, with Keil close behind, followed by Dunham. John French, the fourth candidate, lost by a margin of approximately 50 votes.In other results, Proposition 1 was shot down by just over 15 percent. The proposition would have exempted municipal officials from the requirements of the state financial disclosure laws while establishing new forms and...
Musical kids club starts meeting at Seward...
God’s Heroes and Daughters of the King club started last week in the Seward Elementary School music room.According to Ada Sparks of Marathon Ministries, the clubs offer a fun and engaging atmosphere for children to learn how to apply the principles from Bible stories to their own lives.God’s Heroes, led by Dustin Boeshart and Ada and Daniel Sparks, is for boys ages 8-10 and focuses on learning about how God’s power can help build them into strong leaders. God’s Heroes...
Simulation to test Seward readiness for flu...
Whether it’s a pandemic flu or a flood disaster, preparedness requires practice. The City of Seward is planning a pandemic flu vaccination exercise that will include community members. How fast can we dispense vaccines, food, or medication? The goal is 500 people per hour. Anchorage did it. Valdez did it. Kodiak did it. Can Seward?Get information about disaster preparedness and receive a free flu shot while supplies last. If a flu strain develops into a pandemic, a large percentage...
Seward Site Council for schools wants help
Are you interested and fervent about educational decisions?Do you want to be more involved in Seward’s schools?If so, please consider placing your name on the ballot for Site Council.The council is made up of teachers, school support staff, parents and community members who are committed to the improvement of student learning and believe that student achievement can be enhanced through increased involvement with community. Site Council activities include interviews and recommendations for...
New director tunes school's sound of music
The Seward High School Music Department has some exciting offerings this year for students of all levels. Most of it is thanks Kyle Schneider, the new director of music at the high school.Schneider received his bachelor’s degree in music education in 2007 from Illinois State University, with focuses in voice performance and ethnomusicology. His primary instrument these days (and throughout college) is voice, with initial focus in choir and later in performance. “Prior to my studies...
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