News

COVID-19. (Courtesy the CDC)

Anchor Point man dies out of state from COVID-19

A resident of Anchor Point has died from COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, but the person was not in the state of… Continue reading

 

Anna Worster, RN, the Director of Surgical Services at South Peninsula Hospital in Homer, Alaska, stands in the surgery waiting room, which has been converted into a three-person inpatient room. The surgery department will be the area for patients hospitalized with other medical needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo courtesy South Peninsula Hospital)

Capacity expands at South Peninsula Hospital while Homer Public Health tracks down case contacts

With two Homer residents confirmed to have COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-Cov-2, South Peninsula Hospital staff and public health nurses are… Continue reading

 

Homer residents, businesses, organizations step up to help amid pandemic

Last week, Homer saw its first positive case of a resident living in the community. As the number of COVID-19 cases climbs daily statewide and… Continue reading

 

Special investigator starts work on Murnane case

A new investigator with the Homer Police Department hired to help find missing woman Anesha “Duffy” Murnane has put out an appeal for anyone who… Continue reading

Nathan Simpson of Dutch Boy Landscaping on Nov. 14, 2019, installs colored lights on the tree by Homer Electric Association in Homer, Alaska. The big tree by HEA is one of Homer’s landmark holiday decorated trees. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Candidates announced for HEA board elections

Completed mail-in ballots must be received by 5 p.m. on May 6, 2020 in order to be counted.

Nathan Simpson of Dutch Boy Landscaping on Nov. 14, 2019, installs colored lights on the tree by Homer Electric Association in Homer, Alaska. The big tree by HEA is one of Homer’s landmark holiday decorated trees. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Anglers return in their boats to the Homer Harbor from Kachemak Bay at the end of the Homer Winter King Salmon Tournament held March 23, 2019 in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)

Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival, Homer Winter King Salmon Tournament canceled

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, two major Homer events scheduled for this spring have been canceled. The 27th annual Homer Winter King Salmon Tournament,… Continue reading

Anglers return in their boats to the Homer Harbor from Kachemak Bay at the end of the Homer Winter King Salmon Tournament held March 23, 2019 in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Megan Pacer/Homer News)
Signs on Saturday, March 28, 2020, at the main entrance to South Peninsula Hospital in Homer, Alaska, warn visitors not to enter until they have been met by hospital staff. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Local closures and event cancelations

Editor’s note: As a public service to keep people informed on the COVID-19 pandemic, the paywall for the News section of the Homer News website… Continue reading

Signs on Saturday, March 28, 2020, at the main entrance to South Peninsula Hospital in Homer, Alaska, warn visitors not to enter until they have been met by hospital staff. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Second Homer resident tests positive for COVID-19

This is Homer’s first case within the city; state total climbs to 102

The Homer Public Library is closed on March 16, 2020, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)

Local closures and event cancelations

Editor’s note: As a public service to keep people informed on the COVID-19 pandemic, the paywall for the News section of the Homer News website… Continue reading

The Homer Public Library is closed on March 16, 2020, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
The Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska. (Homer News file photo)

Local businesses alter hours, services for residents

Alaska’s small business economy was thrown into upheaval when Gov. Mike Dunleavy released a mandate that closed all food and drink establishments across the state… Continue reading

The Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska. (Homer News file photo)
This 2014 photo shows the South Peninsula Hospital campus in Homer. (Photo courtesy South Peninsula Hospital)

Local hospital update: 37 COVID-19 tests have been performed

19 tests have come back negative; hospital further restricts building access

This 2014 photo shows the South Peninsula Hospital campus in Homer. (Photo courtesy South Peninsula Hospital)
The Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska. (Homer News file photo)

Homer announces first case of COVID-19 in resident who has isolated in Anchorage

Homer resident contracted illness while traveling, has not returned to Homer

The Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska. (Homer News file photo)
FILE - In this illustration provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in January 2020 shows the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). This virus was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. A woman in the San Francisco Bay Area who became ill after returning from a trip to China has become the ninth person in the U.S. to test positive for a new virus, health authorities said Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020. (CDC via AP, File) In this illustration provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in January 2020 shows the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). (CDC via AP, File)

SBA offers loans for struggling businesses in wake of COVID-19

Business owners encouraged to take peninsula-wide survey

FILE - In this illustration provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in January 2020 shows the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). This virus was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. A woman in the San Francisco Bay Area who became ill after returning from a trip to China has become the ninth person in the U.S. to test positive for a new virus, health authorities said Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020. (CDC via AP, File) In this illustration provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in January 2020 shows the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). (CDC via AP, File)

Playing the waiting game in Peru

Homer High grad one of 19 Alaskans stranded when Peru closed its borders due to coronavirus

An aerial photo taken in 2014 shows the current South Peninsula Hospital campus. (Photo submitted)

South Peninsula Hospital has tested 25 people for COVID-19

No cases yet, but hospital is preparing for coronavirus patients

An aerial photo taken in 2014 shows the current South Peninsula Hospital campus. (Photo submitted)
Homer City Hall. (Homer News file photo)

Council approves interim city manager contract, takes steps to curb spread of COVID-19

Homer City Manager Katie Koester served at her very last Homer City Council meeting on Monday before she takes off for a new job with… Continue reading

Homer City Hall. (Homer News file photo)
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy announces the state of Alaska has its first positive case of the new coronavirus, during a news conference Thursday, March 12, 2020, in Anchorage, Alaska. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

1 new case in Sterling as governor expands mandates

5 total new cases Monday bring Alaska count to 37

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy announces the state of Alaska has its first positive case of the new coronavirus, during a news conference Thursday, March 12, 2020, in Anchorage, Alaska. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy announces the state of Alaska has its first positive case of the new coronavirus, during a news conference Thursday, March 12, 2020, in Anchorage, Alaska. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

COVID-19 reaches central Kenai Peninsula; Alaska’s total rises to 22

State closes schools through May 1, issues business restrictions for Fairbanks, Ketchikan

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy announces the state of Alaska has its first positive case of the new coronavirus, during a news conference Thursday, March 12, 2020, in Anchorage, Alaska. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

Homer News closes to walk-in traffic

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Homer News office will be closed to walk-in traffic starting today, March 19, until further notice. Office staff may… Continue reading

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

Emergency preparedness plan launched

“We’re asking you to help us by staying home if at all possible.”

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