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CLARION P E N I N S U L A
AUGUST 31, 2014 Soldotna-Kenai, Alaska
Vol. 44, Issue 285
Production up in Inlet
Mobile meals
Oil output increases 25 percent in past year By TIM BRADNER Morris News Service-Alaska/ Alaska Journal of Commerce
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Cook Inlet oil producers have boosted output 25 percent in the last year, data from the state Department of Natural Resources indicates. Production averaged of 16,288 barrels per day, compared in the first half of 2014 compared with 13,087 barrels per day in the same period of 2013. Information from the Department of Revenue, which also tracks production, shows a similar growth trend, with an average of 15,800 barrels per day in fiscal year 2014 that ended June 30, compared with 12,200 barrels per day in the previous fiscal year. In fiscal year 2010, production in Cook Inlet was 8,900 barrels per day after five years of decline from 20,300 barrels per day in fiscal year 2005, according to the Revenue Department data. Alaska Natural Resources
50 cents newsstands daily/$1.00 Sunday
‘Increased capital investment in the Cook Inlet fields has yielded higher employment and increased oil royalty revenue.’ — Natural Resources Commissioner Joe Balash Commissioner Joe Balash credited the growth to increased investment by Inlet oil producers, mainly independents Hilcorp Energy and Cook Inlet Energy. The two companies have been drilling new wells and upgrading platforms acquired from others. “Increased capital investment in the Cook Inlet fields has yielded higher employment and increased oil royalty revenue,” See INLET, page A-2
Brown bear hunt on refuge closed Food trucks provide opportunity, challenges Staff report
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Friday announced a temporary closure of sport hunting of brown bears on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The closure is effective Sept. 1 through May 31, 2015. According to a press release from the refuge, the closure is being implemented as a resource protection measure and to ensure consistency with refuge purposes. The Fish and Wildlife Service believes that documented levels of human-caused mortality of brown bears in 2014, combined with those of recent
years, are causing the Kenai brown bear population to decline. Allowing additional mortality through sport hunting on the refuge would conflict with its statutory purposes to conserve all wildlife in their natural diversity and to provide opportunity for visitors to hunt, view and photograph wildlife, according to the refuge release. Notice of the temporary closure and maps will be posted throughout the refuge. Hunters may also contact the refuge office at 907-262-7021 for information. Additional information is available at http://www.fws. gov/refuge/kenai.
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his summer, half a dozen food trucks were established within Soldotna, or tightly hugging the city limits. A renovated RV, open-air utility trailers and carry-on trailers house steaming stuffed waffles, fresh fish tacos, and gourmet burgers. After years of issuing temporary permits to mobile vendors, the city is making the decision to look into the current regulations governing the rising number of migratory businesses.
Top: Kim Goggia and Mario Gomez made their first trip to the Wook Waffaz Waffle Emporium food truck Friday in Soldotna. Above: Dean Bostwick and his dog Buddy stop at the AK Taco Shack food truck while waiting to get tires fixed at Johnson’s Tire Service Friday in Soldotna. Left: Regular Benny Holly makes an afternoon stop at the AK Taco Shack food truck, which is owned by Shannon Lindley and Mike Beals, Friday.
Boom or bust Within the first three hours of its open-
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See FOOD, page A-2
Story and photos by Kelly Sullivan
Upstart challenges congressional veteran for House seat 20 14 By RACHEL D’ORO Associated Press
ANCHORAGE — Alaska’s sole congressman, Don Young, has swatted away many challengers over the decades, and the longest-serving Republican in the U.S. House isn’t looking to leave office anytime soon. The 81-year-old incumbent, seeking his 22nd term in the November general election, has already begun
2014 talking about his 2016 campaign, saying he would like to serve under one more president, said Matt Shuckerow, a congressional spokesman and campaign volunteer. “But I think it’s very important to
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be clear he doesn’t take any election for granted,” Shuckerow said. “It’s very much if the people Alaska are willing to support him, which he believes they will.” Democrats, however, are hoping 29-year-old upstart Forrest Dunbar — crisscrossing the state with a cheeky, social media driven campaign using the tagline “Run, Forrest, Run” — will be able to pull off a political upset.
“We have to get past that mental barrier,” Dunbar said recently, “where people realize this is a real race here, and that he can be defeated.” Young has been the state’s lone representative in the House since 1973 and barely has to campaign for votes despite issues that could have undone lesser politicians. Young has weathered ethical clouds over the years. The latest was an investigation by the House Ethics Com-
5 things to know about the midterm election legalize the recreation use of marijuana during separate ballot measures in November. ANCHORAGE — Legaliz- Washington state already has ing pot, trying to find the Lib- approved the use of pot, as has ertarian candidate for Senate Colorado. and whittling through a growing field for Alaska governor Delayed votes are among the things to watch Alaska’s marijuana measure, ahead of the Nov. 4 election: along with ballot measures on a minimum wage increase and Lighting up requiring legislative approval Residents in both Alaska and for a large-scale metallic sulfide Oregon will decide whether to mining operation in the Bristol By MARK THIESSEN Associated Press
Bay region, were supposed to have been on the primary ballot. But the state Legislature went into extended session in April. Statutory and constitutional provisions require that at least 120 days pass after the regular session adjourns before the day of the election for purposes of initiative placement, pursing the measures to November.
Libertarian mess The Alaska Libertarian Party
may wind up with a U.S Senate candidate that doesn’t want to be on the ballot. Thom Walker won the primary election without campaigning. He works in the Brooks Range, and party officials say he posted his withdrawal from the race on their Facebook site. The problem is, he’s mostly out of contact and only periodically sends messages from a satellite phone. Election officials say posting notice to withdraw on Facebook isn’t See FIVE, page A-2 C
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mittee that recently found he violated House rules by using campaign funds for personal trips and accepting improper gifts. His career also has been marred by verbal blunders, such as using an ethnic slur to describe Hispanic migrant workers last year. In this race and past campaigns, Young also has been criticized for what opponents call a poor congressional attendance record. See HOUSE, page A-2
Today’s Clarion Obituaries..................... A-3 Opinion......................... A-4 Alaska........................... A-5 Nation........................... A-6 World............................ A-8 Police/courts............... A-10 Sports........................... B-1 Community................... C-1 Weddings...................... C-1 Dear Abby..................... C-2 Crossword..................... C-2 Horoscope.................... C-2 Classifieds................... C-3 Mini Page...................... C-9 TV...................... Clarion TV
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