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Milli Martin (left), the Homer Society of Natural History, Inc. Board Vice President, and Santa George Cutting III pose for a photo in the Pratt Museum Harrington Cabin on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in Homer, Alaska. Photo provided by Whitney Harness

Community

Best Bets

Only a few more sleeps until Christmas! While you’re out there in the holiday hustle and bustle, finishing…

Science is a female Djungarian hamster. Photo courtesy of Homer Animal Shelter

Community

Pet of the Week: Science

This little hamster enjoys a nice pumpkin seed treat right from your hand.

Community members enjoy a cookie and hot cocoa bar at the VFW Post 10221 after the Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

Community

Best Bets

The Betster hopes folks are staying safe and warm out there these cold, icy winter days. If you’re…

Results from the 2025 Best of Homer are printed in the Homer News on Dec. 4, 2025, in Homer, Alaska.

Community

Best of Homer 2025

See the results from this year’s contest, as voted by members of the Homer community.

The sun shines through snow-covered trees on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

Community

Best Bets

Is it beginning to look like Christmas yet? It’s certainly cold and snowy — perhaps all we need…

Freddy, 5-year-old male. Photo courtesy of Homer Animal Shelter

Community

Pet of the Week: Freddy

This gentle soul is looking for his furever home.

Freddy, 5-year-old male. Photo courtesy of Homer Animal Shelter

Community

Pet of the Week: Freddy

There’s no way you won’t fall in love with this sweet guy.

Autumn leaves blanket the ground beneath a tree on Heath Street on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

Community

Best Bets

Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate! The Betster hopes that everyone has a warm, safe place this cold,…

Bags of dog and cat food, toys and resources were made available by the local animal shelter, AK Mindful Paws, at the annual Community Resource Connect event at the SPARC building in Homer on January 28, 2025. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)

Community

Pet of the Week: You make a difference

Donations and community support make a real difference in our small shelter.

A large spruce tree stands near Homer City Hall, at the corner of Pioneer Avenue and Kachemak Way, on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, in Homer, Alaska. The tree was removed Tuesday, Nov. 18, to facilitate replacement of a fire hydrant. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

Community

Best Bets

The holiday hustle and bustle is quickly approaching, but the Betster also hopes folks take a bit of…

Paco, 9-year-old male cockatiel, and Curly, 30-year-old male cockatiel. Photo courtesy of Homer Animal Shelter

Community

Pets of the Week: Paco and Curly

These two would benefit greatly from a home they can call their own.

A South Peninsula Hospital employee mans the table for blood test results during the Rotary Health Fair on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at Christian Community Church in Homer, Alaska. Photo provided by South Peninsula Hospital

Community

Best Bets

Bundle up Homer, it’s c-c-cold out there! Don’t let that stop you from getting out and taking part…

Rainy, 15-year-old female. Photo courtesy of Homer Animal Shelter

Community

Pet of the Week: Rainy

This sweet ol’ gal prefers the quieter side of life.