In an online release, the Alaska Department of Transportation noted that the meeting presentation and handouts will be available for viewing at everyone’s own individual pace, with questions being submitted through an online open house.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Drug Take-Back Day is an annual event, both on the Kenai and throughout the U.S. Last year’s Take-Back Day collected over 440 tons of unused prescription drugs throughout the nation. UPDATE 11:06 a.m.: Soldotna Police Lieutenant Duane Kant told KSRM that vape pens and e-cigarettes will be accepted this year, but that the batteries must be removed prior to disposal. If it is a vape pen with a battery that cannot be removed, he recommends those be disposed at a hazardous material day at the landfill or something of that nature.

The City of Soldotna adopted a similar policy back in August when their City Council unanimously approved a resolution to move to a late-fee-free policy at Soldotna’s Joyce K. Carver Memorial Public Library.

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake occurred just before 1:00 p.m. 55 miles southeast of Sand Point. It triggered a Tsunami Warning including the coastal areas of the state from Kennedy Entrance, which is 40 miles southwest of Homer, to Unimak Pass, which is located 80 miles Northeast of Unalaska. That warning has since been cancelled, having been downgraded to a Tsunami Advisory.

For early voters on the Kenai Peninsula, in-person absentee ballots will be allowed until November 2, as the general election begins on November 3. E-mailed or faxed ballots are allowed until 5:00 p.m. on November 2, as well.

The shift to 100% Remote Learning begins on Tuesday, October 20. Remote Learning in the Southern Kenai Peninsula will be in effect for a minimum of this week.

UPDATE 2:37 p.m.: Dan Nelson of the Office of Emergency Management has told KSRM News that the tsunami threat has passed. A magnitude 7.5 earthquake occurred just before 1:00 p.m. 55 miles southeast of Sand Point. It triggered a Tsunami Warning.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough’s unemployment rate for September was 5.9%, which was the highest rate in the Gulf Coast Region.

Those in-need of counseling services can receive the assistance without worrying about insurance coverage, deductibles, or co-pays.

The Valdez PORTS will consist of an existing NOAA National Water Level Observation Network station at Valdez and two new meteorological-ocean buoys, operated and maintained by the council, that measure tidal currents, wind, air temperature, water temperature and barometric pressure.