News

Homer’s first marijuana cultivator granted license

Almost two years after it first applied for a standard cultivation permit, Alaska Loven It — the first operation to apply for a license to… Continue reading

 

South Peninsula Hospital welcomes new general surgeon

South Peninsula Hospital has hired Dr. Jeffrey Larsen, board certified general surgeon, to be on its active medical staff, the hospital announced in a press… Continue reading

 

Bay Welding receives small business award

Bay Welding Services of Homer received the Alaska Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 Bill Bivin Small Business of the Year award, the Homer Chamber of Commerce… Continue reading

 

AP Photo/Mark Thiessen Alaska marijuana grower Dane Wyrick poses for photos at his Danish Gardens cultivation and retail location in Anchorage, Alaska, Monday, Aug. 26, 2019. Wyrick said the future of his business is hazy, in part because of the tax the state of Alaska places on cultivators, which bear the burden of the taxation in the market.

Alaska’s licensed marijuana growers cite tax concerns

Alaska marijuana grower Leif Abel considers his business successful but still feels like he’s living “paycheck to paycheck” much of the time. A greenhouse expansion… Continue reading

AP Photo/Mark Thiessen Alaska marijuana grower Dane Wyrick poses for photos at his Danish Gardens cultivation and retail location in Anchorage, Alaska, Monday, Aug. 26, 2019. Wyrick said the future of his business is hazy, in part because of the tax the state of Alaska places on cultivators, which bear the burden of the taxation in the market.
Kenai Joe’s Taphouse serves their first patrons under new ownership on Monday, July 1, 2019, in Old Town Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

Kenai Joe’s Taphouse opens in Old Town

Right now the bar is open and offering small appetizers, beer on tap and specialty cocktails.

Kenai Joe’s Taphouse serves their first patrons under new ownership on Monday, July 1, 2019, in Old Town Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

Aspen Hotel gets grand opening

Though already in use, Homer’s new Aspen Suites Hotel got a grand opening celebration last week while local elected officials celebrated bringing the business chain… Continue reading

Alaska Salt Company finds new home

Local Homer business Alaska Salt Company has settled into its new home on the Homer Spit, and celebrated on Friday with a grand opening ceremony.… Continue reading

The Kenai Peninsula Borough building, pictured Sept. 12, 2018, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

Borough introduces bed tax ordinance

The 12% bed tax would affect temporary lodging across the borough

The Kenai Peninsula Borough building, pictured Sept. 12, 2018, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)
In March, Bear Creek Winery and Lodging founders Bill and Dorothy Fry, left, officially signed the business over to their son-in-law and daughter Louis and Jasmine Maurer, shown here with their two daughters, Maggie, 4, and Aurora, six months. They posed for a photo on April 17, 2019, at the winery in Kachemak City, Alaska. (Photo by McKibben Jackinsky)

Bear Creek passes on ownership to next generation

Fifteen years ago, Bill and Dorothy Fry were piecing together a back-up plan for their lives. The result of that forward thinking and hard work,… Continue reading

In March, Bear Creek Winery and Lodging founders Bill and Dorothy Fry, left, officially signed the business over to their son-in-law and daughter Louis and Jasmine Maurer, shown here with their two daughters, Maggie, 4, and Aurora, six months. They posed for a photo on April 17, 2019, at the winery in Kachemak City, Alaska. (Photo by McKibben Jackinsky)
Members of the Anchor Point community and surrounding areas flock to the new SVT Health and Wellness center located on the corner of Sterling Highway and Milo Fritz Avenue for the grand opening ceremony and reception at noon Friday, March 8, 2019, in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Photo by Delcenia Cosman)

Anchor Point celebrates new community health center

After months of anticipation, the brand new SVT Health and Wellness Anchor Point Clinic is finally open for business on the corner of Sterling Highway… Continue reading

Members of the Anchor Point community and surrounding areas flock to the new SVT Health and Wellness center located on the corner of Sterling Highway and Milo Fritz Avenue for the grand opening ceremony and reception at noon Friday, March 8, 2019, in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Photo by Delcenia Cosman)
File photo

Alaska approves regulations for marijuana consumption in retail shops

But don’t expect an influx in smoking cafes.

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Members of the Kachemak Bay Masonic Club presented Hospice of Homer with a check for $1,668.08 on Feb. 12, 2019, at the Homer Elks Lodge in Homer, Alaska. From left to right are Michael Hawfield, Vern Miller, Jessica Golden, Beth Graber, Barry Haynes, Grady Svoboda, Erik Groves, Joshua Riley and Tom Stroozas. (Photo provided)

Masons raise funds for hospice

Kachemak Bay Masonic Club, in cooperation with Homer Elks #2127, held its 4th Annual Masonic Awareness Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser on Jan. 26 to benefit Hospice… Continue reading

Members of the Kachemak Bay Masonic Club presented Hospice of Homer with a check for $1,668.08 on Feb. 12, 2019, at the Homer Elks Lodge in Homer, Alaska. From left to right are Michael Hawfield, Vern Miller, Jessica Golden, Beth Graber, Barry Haynes, Grady Svoboda, Erik Groves, Joshua Riley and Tom Stroozas. (Photo provided)

Dunleavy eyes repeal of alcohol, pot boards

JUNEAU — Gov. Mike Dunleavy wants to repeal the boards tasked with regulating alcohol and marijuana in Alaska, according to documents from state officials. The… Continue reading

The new Ramp 2 restrooms on the Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska, as seen on Feb. 8, 2019. The restrooms opened on Feb. 2. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer New

New Ramp 2 restrooms open

Well in advance of the summer tourist season, the city of Homer last week opened its latest new restrooms on the Homer Spit. Built on… Continue reading

The new Ramp 2 restrooms on the Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska, as seen on Feb. 8, 2019. The restrooms opened on Feb. 2. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer New
Jeff Hayden poses at the Homer News on Feb. 12, 2019, in Homer, Alaska. Hayden has been named publisher of the Kenai Peninsula Clarion and the Homer News. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Hayden named publisher of Homer News, Clarion

Sound Publishing Inc. has appointed Jeff Hayden publisher of the Homer News and the Kenai Peninsula Clarion. Hayden started his new position on Monday, Feb.… Continue reading

Jeff Hayden poses at the Homer News on Feb. 12, 2019, in Homer, Alaska. Hayden has been named publisher of the Kenai Peninsula Clarion and the Homer News. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
The Alaska State Capitol. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

No-bid contract for psychiatric institute raises questions

A previous report advised against privatizing the institute.

The Alaska State Capitol. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Marijuana industry testifies against governor’s control board nominee

“There’s this undercurrent of trying to push back the marijuana industry.”

Mayor Charlie Pierce speaks at a Kenai Peninsula Borough meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)

Borough Mayor Charlie Pierce casts doubt on LNG project

Pierce said that the mayor’s office is still looking through all the impacts to the Kenai Peninsula

Mayor Charlie Pierce speaks at a Kenai Peninsula Borough meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
One of several beer label submissions sits on display Friday, Feb. 1, 2019 at a First Friday event at Grace Ridge Brewery in Homer, Alaska. The Brackish Brown ale, bottled with the winning label, was available at the event. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)

Kachemak Bay Research Reserve unveils winning beer label

Who says science and suds don’t mix? In celebrating its upcoming 20th anniversary, the Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve decided to put a little… Continue reading

One of several beer label submissions sits on display Friday, Feb. 1, 2019 at a First Friday event at Grace Ridge Brewery in Homer, Alaska. The Brackish Brown ale, bottled with the winning label, was available at the event. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)

US Senator questions Facebook over policies surrounding ivory sales

He worked with Alaska Native artists to resolve an issue with Etsy last year.

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