Sabine Poux, KDLL - Soldotna
Dunleavy proposes opening part of Kachemak Bay to subsurface gas leasing
Legislation proposed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy would allow the state to sell subsurface gas-only leases in part of Kachemak Bay so oil and gas companies could drill into undersea reservoirs from miles away.
New airline arriving in Kenai this spring
This spring, a new airline will offer daily flights from Kenai to Anchorage and back. Rambler Air will join Ravn Alaska and Grant Aviation as early as next month, pending approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Tower could bring cell service to Summit Lake on Seward Highway
The Kenai borough’s planning commission already approved the lease agreement by a unanimous vote. Now, it’s up to the borough assembly to give Vertical Bridge the go-ahead.
Cooper Landing committee crafts trap setback proposal
Cooper Landing dog owners are hoping to implement setback regulations for trappers traps for fur-bearing animals in order to reduce risks of dogs getting caught.
Peninsula lawmakers introduce bill to block vaccination requirements
Legislators from the Kenai are working to bar businesses and organizations from using vaccination status as a factor in determining employment and access to public areas, services, or benefits.
Peninsula lawmakers introduce bill to block vaccination requirements
Alaska’s proposed bill would also block businesses and public entities from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination to access public areas, services or benefits. That includes public schools and University of Alaska campuses.
Widow of Gary Knopp files cross complaint against charter company
Rep. Gary Knopp’s widow, Helen Knopp, has filed a counter-complaint against High Adventure Air Charters, the Soldotna company whose plane collided with Knopp’s last summer in a crash that killed seven people.
Kenai Borough mayor attacks school district’s mask policy
With five weeks remaining before summer break, the Kenai Peninsula Borough mayor is publicly challenging the school district on its COVID-19 mitigation protocols.
Hilcorp ordered to replace gas pipeline with history of leaks
The last time the pipe leaked, in 2017, Hilcorp didn’t complete repairs for three months, citing danger from ice in the inlet. Sea ice is again a problem.
Hilcorp gas pipeline springs another leak in Cook Inlet
Oil company Hilcorp is reporting another undersea natural gas leak near one of its platforms in Cook Inlet, about six miles offshore from Nikiski.
Study says Alaska is underfunding maintenance of schools
“Right now, our level of funding is not sustainable,” said the study's author. “And our schools will degrade if we spend the money we’re spending now. We need to spend more.”
Court rejects Hilcorp permit over possible harm to Cook Inlet belugas
Oil and gas company Hilcorp applied in 2018 for authorization from the National Marine Fisheries Service for activities related to an exploratory drilling program in Cook Inlet through 2024 that could disrupt beluga whales and other marine mammals with loud noise.
Monday avalanche buries highway near Summit Lake
The avalanche closed down the only route to the Kenai Peninsula for over four hours.
Hilcorp gas wells near Anchor Point get green light
As early as Thursday, the company could start construction on a gravel exploration pad for the company’s Whiskey Gulch prospect.
Senior aide to Alaska Senate president recovering from severe case of COVID-19
Konrad Jackson's case was particularly bad. It started with a scratchy throat, but soon he could hardly breathe. He was sent to the critical care unit at Juneau’s Bartlett Hospital on March 8.
Hilcorp seeks permit to survey offshore geology of Cook Inlet
Hilcorp purchased several blocks of federal leases in Cook Inlet in 2017, but before it can even think about exploring for oil and gas there, the company has to do a geohazard survey to gauge potential geological hazards in the area.
Without the Alaska Moose Federation, roadkill salvage falls to charity
Moose didn’t stop crossing the road when the Alaska Moose Federation closed up shop late last year. And there are still hungry families that can use the roadkill meat.
NTSB: Rep. Gary Knopp, who piloted plane involved in fatal crash, had impaired vision
Rep. Gary Knopp had impaired vision caused by glaucoma when his private plane collided with a charter plane last summer, according to a medical report released Monday by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Beloved Moose is Loose bakery in Soldotna to reopen under new ownership
Niko Nikolich will take over the bakery that has been closed since 2019, and add new options like 16 ice cream flavors, an assemblage of coffee gadgets and a pizza oven.
Families of Soldotna plane crash victims sue estate, widow of former Alaska Rep. Gary Knopp
The National Transportation Safety Board later found that Knopp was denied a medical certification from the Federal Aviation Administration in 2012 because of vision problems. FAA regulations require a medical certificate to fly.
Knopp was piloting a private plane involved in a mid-air collision that killed seven people.