Renee Gross, KBBI - Homer
Homelessness among KPBSD students on the rise
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District has seen a 10 percent spike in homeless students since this time last year. While it’s difficult to pinpoint a specific reason for the increase, administrators think lack of affordable housing is a factor.
What happened to Kachemak Bay shellfish?
Kachemak Bay was once abundant with crab, shrimp and other shellfish species. But by the early 1990s, populations hit rock bottom. Now a scientist and a college student are hoping to find out more about what happened.
For Kachemak City residents, DIY roadwork beats higher taxes
Kachemak City in the southern Kenai Peninsula offers grants to residents to fix roads themselves. Some residents say DIY roadwork beats higher taxes.
Lawsuit challenges state’s Medicaid policy denying transgender-related health care coverage
A transgender woman is suing the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services commissioner for denying transition-related health care coverage under Medicaid. The suit argues that prohibiting coverage for gender reassignment surgery and hormone therapy is discriminatory and illegal.
Homer rallies around deceased Coast Guard member’s family
Homer residents and the local Coast Guard community are rallying around Kozloski’s family. He is survived by his wife and four children.
Coast Guard crew member dies in accident on Homer Spit
A U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hickory crew member died in an accident on the Homer Spit on Thursday.
Shutdown puts strain on some Alaska Native tribes and tribal organizations
Some Alaska Native tribes and tribal organizations are dipping into reserves in order to pay for services that the federal government usually covers.
New management plan for Kachemak Bay State Park adopted and then rescinded
The draft management plan, which has been in the works for roughly seven years, will shape recreation and commercial uses in both parks as well as state recreation sites on the southern Kenai Peninsula.
Health care price transparency law may be helpful but it’s unlikely to make care cheaper
Beginning next year, a new law will require all health care providers in Alaska to be more transparent about their prices. Some hope it will give consumers the tools to shop around, boosting competition and subsequently lowering prices. Listen now
Organizations step up to address growing homeless and poverty needs around Homer
The Homelessness Action Group began recently as a way to address the lack of shelters in the area and the Homer Community Food Pantry is expanding, in part because the number of clients it serves is growing.
Needle exchange hopes to install sharp disposal boxes in Homer bathrooms
The volunteer-run organization provides free sterile syringes, lifesaving Narcan kits and on-site HIV and Hepatitis C testing, among other services.
VA wants more veterans to register for healthcare
The Department of Veterans Affairs in Alaska, or VA, wants to provide Homer veterans with more health services and a larger clinic. But there’s a hang up. Listen now
LGBTQ mayoral proclamation causes controversy in Homer
The Homer City Council’s meeting was canceled Monday after a mayoral proclamation celebrating the LGBTQ community in Homer caused some controversy. Listen now
Number of complaints against South Peninsula Hospital dept. manager grows
Several women have brought forth allegations against a South Peninsula Hospital department manager in Homer, describing an environment of bullying and sexual harassment. Listen now
Kenai Peninsula’s last bowling alley closes after nearly 60 years of operation
Homer bowlers had their final chance to throw 10 frames Saturday at Kachemak Bowl before the building was turned over to Regent Life Church. That’s left several bowlers in Homer unsure about what they’ll do without the sport. Listen now
Octopus eggs hatch at Alaska SeaLife Center
Alaska SeaLife Center’s family of octopuses is growing. A giant Pacific octopus, named Gilligan, laid thousands of eggs about a year ago. Less than a hundred hatched this month. Aquarium curator Richard Hocking expects the remaining eggs to hatch by the end of May. Listen now
Valdez woman run over by drunk driver, police say
Valdez police say a drunk driver ran over and killed a woman Sunday morning outside of a local bar.
Kachemak Selo makes progress toward a new school but the project isn’t guaranteed
Kachemak Selo, a small Russian Old Believer village at the head of Kachemak Bay, is desperate for a new school building. Deteriorating infrastructure and limited space has plagued the community for years. However, progress toward a new school is happening. Listen now