Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, when the community has been suffering more than usual, Kenai residents stepped up to dig a little deeper.

Senate Bill 56, also known as the extension of the state’s Disaster Declration by Governor Mike Dunleavy, has been a subject of much dispute on social media and water coolers in Alaska. Is it necessary? Is there an ulterior motive? Will it forcibly close local businesses? Does it aim to increase the fear of Alaskans about the pandemic, or is it more sensible than that?   Senate President Peter Micciche of Soldotna spoke to KSRM earlier this week to offer details on the bill: “We are evaluating Senate Bill 56. We are not sure that we need an extension, and what I’ve asked my team is not to make any mistakes. If there’s part of the extension that we need, first of all, we’re not going to give an extension ’til September 30. We’re just not. If there’s something Dunleavy needs right now, we’ll consider it, but what we’re tryin to do is find a way to give it in another statue that does not actually extend the COVID-19 Disaster Emergency.”   He added: “We believe, right now, that it looks like we can give similar authority in a separate bill that expires that is not a ‘technical’ Disaster Emergency,…

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An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew launched from Forward Operating Location Cold Bay and hoisted the man who was suffering from appendicitis.

Alaska has ranked top in vaccination rate per-capita, 7th in positive testing rate, 2nd in hospitalization rate, 10th in death rate, and 17th in transmission rate.

The House, around an hour after the Senator’s comments, named Independent Representative Josiah Patkotak of Utqiaġvik as the speaker pro tempore.

Dr. Kathleen Hicks: “I think what’s in the interests of the United States is to ensure it is not dependent on outside capabilities, but I also believe that growing out alternative uses for alternative energy sources is vital if we’re going to manage the challenges of the future”

Mayor Brian Gabriel expressed concern at Wednesday’s meeting of the Kenai City Council towards one member of the council that he feels may have been spreading misleading information about a failed attempt to expand the program.

The school board is requesting $53.4 million from the borough for Fiscal Year 2022, but the borough is countering with around a $43 million proposal.