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Bear it
Rematch
Use caution when fishing in bear country
CIA, Nikolaevsk meet at state
Tight Lines/A-12
Sports/A-10
CLARION
Sunny 32/9 More weather on Page A-2
P E N I N S U L A
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2014 Soldotna-Kenai, Alaska
Vol. 44, Issue 145
Question Do you think marijuana should be legalized in Alaska? n Yes; or n No. To place your vote and comment, visit our Web site at www. peninsulaclarion. com. Results and selected comments will be posted each Tuesday in the Clarion, and a new question will be asked. Suggested questions may be submitted online or e-mailed to news@peninsulaclarion.com.
50 cents newsstands daily/$1.00 Sunday
Sale of land to gun club OK’d
Bursting at the seams
By KAYLEE OSOWSKI Peninsula Clarion
In the news State, feds to weigh options in Exxon Valdez case
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JUNEAU (AP) — The state and federal governments have told a federal judge they are reviewing information from studies on the lingering effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill and will be deciding how to proceed in a continuing legal case. Lawsuits brought against ExxonMobil Corp. by the governments following the 1989 disaster led to a $900 million settlement and 1991 consent decree that resolved claims related to natural resource damages. The decree, however, included what’s known as a “reopener” clause that would allow the governments to seek additional work for restoration projects. The governments in 2006 demanded payment of $92 million but have not asked a judge to enforce the provision. A Department of Justice spokesman declined comment beyond what the governments said in their status report to the court.
Inside ‘We hurt those who hurt us.’ ... See page A-6
Correction In a story in Wednesday’s Clarion, the spelling of Leif Hansen Memorial Park was incorrect. The Clarion regrets the error.
Index Opinion.................. A-4 Business................ A-5 Nation/World.......... A-6 Sports...................A-10 Tight Lines........... A-12 Arts........................ B-1 Classifieds............. B-3 Comics................... B-6 Check us out online at www.peninsulaclarion.com To subscribe, call 283-3584.
Cinderella’s Closet grows into to new location
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he final, excruciating choice between two prom dress options is a familiar predicament for high school girls every year in early spring. Thought and focus falls on racks of pastels, sequins and lace. Kenai Central High School senior Taylor Burke and her style assistant and father Eric Burke found themselves picking through an eclectic mix of vintage and modern gowns in the theater dressing rooms at Soldotna High School, this year’s new location for Cinderella’s Closet. The source of free, recycled garments, jewelry, purses and shoes, is now in its fifth year, and has so far helped 392 girls find the right outfit for the finale of their high school years. “Without Cinderella’s Closet I probably wouldn’t be going to prom,” said Burke. After some searching online, she Top: Cinderella’s Closet in Soldotna Highschool has so far paired 392 girls found every dress was out of her price with prom dresses over the last four years. range by hundreds of dollars. Middle: Soldotna High School senior Emma Seldon and volunteer Maureen Students in Burke’s situation are the Mokracek examine a vintage-style dresss on Tuesday at Cinderella’s Closet. reason Meggean Bos, SoHi teacher, cre Above: “I think this is the perfect color for me,” said Nicole Kreider after choos- ated the affordable boutique. Originally ing her favorite dress. See CLOSET, page A-9
Story and photos by Kelly Sullivan, Peninsula Clarion
The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly unanimously approved the sale of 77 acres of borough wetlands to the Snowshoe Gun Club at less than half of its assessed market value at its Tuesday meeting. The ordinance states the land was assessed at $34,000 and was negotiated down to $15,000. While it states the additional acreage would be used for a 1,000-yard shooting range and for improved downrange safety, residents neighboring the range raised concerns about safety, loud explosions and the sale at less than market value. Steven Phelps, who lives on the Spencer Homestead adjoining the range, said while he “loves guns,” used to enjoy shooting and watches his son shoot at the range, he has been awoken by fully automatic gunfire at 6 a.m. and exploding targets have rattled the windows of his house and the artwork on the walls. See SALE, page A-9
School standards delay debated By MIKE COPPOCK Associated Press
JUNEAU — The House Education Committee began hearing testimony on a resolution Wednesday to delay implementing new English language and mathematics standards for Alaska. House Resolution 9, sponsored by Rep. Tammie Wilson, R-North Pole, called for the delay because it may force districts to overhaul their existing curriculum. “We visited different schools and their frustration was pretty high,” Wilson said. “They said See SCHOOL, page A-9
Familiar face takes reins of Kenai Fire Department By DAN BALMER Peninsula Clarion
Although the City of Kenai has a new fire chief hired from outside the department, he is a familiar face on the Kenai Peninsula. Nine years since he left Central Emergency Services in Soldotna, Jeff Tucker returned to accept the top job at the Kenai Fire Department, replacing retired chief Mike Tilly. Tucker’s first day was Monday. “I’m happy to be back and excited to be with the department with young energetic folks who really care about the community,” he said. “It has always been a dream of mine to come back to the peninsula.”
Tucker previously served as chief of the North Star Volunteer Fire Department outside of Fairbanks. The North Star District covers 106 square miles with about 25,000 people and 30 volunteer firefighters that handle about 1,200 calls a year. With a smaller, but full-time staff he said he expects the same number of calls in Kenai. The biggest challenge will be dealing with the influx of tourists during the summer months, which have historically had the highest call volume, he said. Having a good working relationship with the Nikiski and Soldotna stations is vital to providing the best service for the community, he said. Tucker said he is the sec-
ond chief the City of Kenai has hired from outside the department. He has 32 years of experience in the emergency service field and has held a leadership role in his last three jobs. He said it would be a transition for his new employees to adjust to his management style, but also a learning opportunity. “I see my role as ensuring they have the tools and capabilities to perform their job,” he said. “I try to empower people and give them authority to carry out a task. It is our responsibility to give the highest quality of service to the residents of Kenai.” Photo by Dan Balmer/Peninsula Clarion Tucker started his emergen- New Kenai Fire Chief Jeff Tucker returns to the Kenai Penincy service career in 1982 as a sula after serving nine years as the chief for the North Star Fire See KENAI, page A-9 Department outside of Fairbanks. C
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