Peninsula Clarion, December 24, 2014 by Sound Publishing

Sweet

Return

Readers share Christmas delights

One more visit to Middle Earth

Food/B-1

Arts & Entertainmnet/B-3

CLARION

Flurries 28/22 More weather on Page A-2

P E N I N S U L A

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2014 Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

Vol. 45, Issue 73

50 cents newsstands daily/$1.00 Sunday

Back on the table

Question How should municipal governments address regulation of commercial marijuana facilities? n Government bodies should enact ordinances. n Proposed regulations should be put to a vote of the people. n Local governments should wait for the state to set regulations.

Soldotna council to take another look at driveways By KELLY SULLIVAN Peninsula Clarion

To place your vote and comment, visit our Web site at www. peninsulaclarion. com.

No paper

The Peninsula Clarion will not publish on Thursday so that employees may spend the Christmas holiday with friends and family. The Clarion office will close at 3 p.m. today, and will reopen Friday at 8 a.m. We wish you and your family a merry Christmas.

In the news Fish and Game official headed to South Dakota PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Dennis Daugaard says a native South Dakotan who works as a hunting and fishing administrator in Alaska will be the state’s next secretary of the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks. Daugaard on Tuesday announced that Deadwood-born Kelly Hepler will replace Jeff Vonk, who will retire in January after serving as the agency’s secretary since 2007. Hepler has worked as an assistant commissioner in the Alaska Department of Fish and Game since 2010. Daugaard says he’s “thrilled” to bring Hepler back to South Dakota. Hepler has worked in the Alaska department since 1979. The governor’s office anticipates Hepler will begin by March 2015, and Parks Division Director Doug Hofer will manage the department in the interim.

Index Opinion.................. A-4 Police reports......... A-5 Nation/World.......... A-6 Sports.....................A-8 Food...................... B-1 Arts........................ B-3 Classifieds............. B-5 Comics................... B-8 Check us out online at www.peninsulaclarion.com To subscribe, call 283-3584.

will introduce the MSA in the new Congress. “He’s excited to make this a priority,” Shuckerow said. Republican Dan Sullivan defeated Begich in the 2014 midterm elections, and while he has been assigned to the Commerce Committee, he won’t have the seniority to chair a Senate subcommittee. The act, or MSA, was first passed in 1976, and most recently updated in 2006. Now it’s up for reauthorization, with amendments likely.

Soldotna’s Planning and Zoning Commission has opposed modifying city code to allow for wider than 24-foot driveways within city limits, but this time around the choice is not up to them. On Jan. 14, the city council will incorporate the commission’s recommendation into their decision of whether or not enact an ordinance that would increase the maximum driveway width to 30 feet. “(Twenty-four feet wide) is widely accepted and serves a valid purpose,” said City Planner John Czarnezki during the commission’s Dec. 17 meeting. Czarnezki said other municipalities, such as Wasilla and Palmer, prefer the 24-foot maximum in relation to pedestrian refuge, safe vehicle movement and street maintenance. The larger the driveway, the more difficult it is to clear snow and to get a vehicle behind it and push it out of the way, he said. However, in a study by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program these issues depended on other factors such as street layout, pedestrian movement and traffic volume, Czarnezki said. “It’s not always a one-sizefits-all for every community,” Czarnezki said. Reports from City Engineer Kyle Kornelis and Maintenance Manager Scott Sunberg show maintenance cost and maintenance time would increase if driveway widths were to be expanded, Czarnezki said. Commission Chair Colleen Denbrock said the commission has been examining driveway width for the past two years and she still hasn’t seen sufficient evidence in support of modifying city code.

See YOUNG, page A-10

See WIDTH, page A-10

Photo by Rashah McChesney/Peninsula Clarion

Rich Bartolowits does some shopping for himself in the days before Christmas on Tuesday at Dan’s TV and Appliance in Kenai.

The day before Christmas Area merchants ready for last-minute shoppers By IAN FOLEY Peninsula Clarion

With a day left before Christmas, businesses and shoppers alike are geared up for the final shopping opportunities. While some expect everything to be calm, others anticipate hectic store environments. Don Bennett, store manager of Fred Meyer in Soldotna, said that he predicts Christmas Eve will be busier than normal. “Everybody is going to be out,” he said. “It will be a pretty exciting time.” Bennett said he has noticed holiday

shoppers have a tendency to wait until the last minute. “I think we’re all procrastinators in some way or another,” Bennett said. “We’ve got other things going on. Priorities change. We need to keep going until we get it done. We’re all busy.” Bennett said that even he hasn’t finished his shopping. “I’ve got things I need to get done, too,” he said. “I’m stressing out trying to get the last things, especially for my wife’s stocking.” Eric Dahlman, store manager at Sportsman’s Warehouse, also says Christmas Eve is typically pretty busy, and this year

will likely be no exception. “We do expect a good final push on the last day,” he said. While Dahlman expects the store to be busy, he said that the lack of snow this year has caused some decline in sales for items like boots, parkas and ice fishing gear. “We just need more snow,” he said. Dahlman said that he thinks the warm weather and clear roads this winter have also allowed people to travel to Anchorage more easily in order to do holiday shopping. Even as some businesses predict a See SALES, page A-10

Young to take lead on fisheries By DJ SUMMERS Morris News Service-Alaska/ Alaska Journal of Commerce

Alaska’s fishing interests will still be well represented in Washington, D.C., despite a recent shuffling of the legislative deck after former Sen. Mark Begich lost his re-election bid and his chairmanship of a key Senate subcommittee. Though Begich is gone, longtime Alaska U.S. Rep. Don Young will take the lead for the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act in the 114th

Congress and continue on the House Natural Resources Committee. Begich was chair of the Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard, and as one of his final acts introduced a reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, or MSA, the law governing federal fisheries. The House Committee on Natural Resources will be restructured in the 114th Congress; all ocean-related issues will be heard in the Water

and Power Subcommittee and redubbed the Water, Power, and Oceans Subcommittee, whose membership will be finalized in January. House members can chair only on subcommittee, and Young will retain his chairmanship of Indian and Alaska Native Affairs. All pending legislation expires at the end of the current Congress, however, and any MSA bill will have to be reintroduced in the new Congress. Although not the chair of the committee, spokesman Matthew Shuckerow said Young

Fairbanks borough forms Walker signs marijuana working group LNG agreement

FAIRBANKS (AP) — A working group will be created in the Fairbanks North Star Borough to guide development of local rules governing commercial marijuana enterprises. Borough Mayor Luke Hopkins is hoping to get regulations developed as early as February, the Fairbanks Daily NewsMiner reported. The group is expected to begin meeting in early January. “I certainly don’t want to sit in my office and say it ought to be this,” Hopkins said. “This is a community effort.” The move follows the passage in November of Ballot

Measure 2, which allows the possession, use and non-sale transfer of marijuana in Alaska, beginning Feb. 24. Marijuana sales aren’t likely to begin until at least May 2016. The measure gives the state many months to develop and implement its own regulations. Communities can opt out of allowing sales, but such bans likely would be politically unpopular, with the measure approved by a wide margin of voters. In the Fairbanks North Star Borough, the working group’s goal is to “develop zoning standards, production

and sales requirements, and determine what other use issues need to be considered for adoption by the assembly and, to the extent needed, city councils.” Hopkins said some real estate organizations in the borough are receiving inquiries about available retail spaces from outside the state. According to Hopkins, possible issues to consider include buffer zones for certain areas, such as schools, halfway houses, day care centers and hospitals. Another issue to consider would be private clubs, where See GROUP, page A-10 C

ANCHORAGE (AP) — Alaska Gov. Bill Walker has signed an agreement with a Japanese energy company formally declaring a commitment to form a partnership in developing Alaska’s liquefied natural gas market. Walker called the action taken Tuesday with Resources Energy Inc. an important first step for the state’s energy future. Under the previous administration, the state and Japanese agencies agreed to keep the lines of communication open over a proposed mega-LNG project.

Resources Energy CEO Shun Shimizu, who also signed the “cooperation agreement” Tuesday, says the company will first focus on a smaller scale LNG project in Cook Inlet and later would like to work on the larger North Slope gas development. Officials say Japanese prefectures have been considering LNG to replace nuclear energy following the massive 2011 earthquake that shut down the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

A-2 Peninsula Clarion, Wednesday, December 24, 2014

CLARION P

E N I N S U L A

(USPS 438-410) Published daily Sunday through Friday, except Christmas and New Year’s, by: Southeastern Newspapers Corporation P.O. Box 3009, Kenai, AK 99611 Street address: 150 Trading Bay Road, Suite 1, Kenai, AK Phone: (907) 283-7551 Postmaster: Send address changes to the Peninsula Clarion, P.O. Box 3009, Kenai, AK 99611 Periodicals postage paid at Kenai, AK Represented for national advertising by The Papert Companies, Chicago, IL Copyright 2014 Peninsula Clarion A Morris Communications Corp. newspaper

Who to call at the Peninsula Clarion News tip? Question? Main number.............................................................................................. 283-7551 Fax............................................................................................................. 283-3299 News email...................................................................news@peninsulaclarion.com General news Will Morrow, editor ............................................ will.morrow@peninsulaclarion.com Rashah McChesney, city editor.............. rashah.mcchesney@peninsulaclarion.com Jeff Helminiak, sports editor........................... jeff.helminiak@peninsulaclarion.com Fisheries, photographer.............................................................................................. ............................ Rashah McChesney, rashah.mcchesney@peninsulaclarion.com Borough, courts..........................Dan Balmer, daniel.balmer@peninsulaclarion.com Education, Soldotna ................ Kelly Sullivan, kelly.sullivan@peninsulaclarion.com Kenai......................................... Ben Boettger, ben.boettger@peninsulaclarion.com General assignment............................... Ian Foley, ian.foley@peninsulaclarion.com Arts and Entertainment................................................ news@peninsulaclarion.com Community, Around the Peninsula............................... news@peninsulaclarion.com Sports............................................ Joey Klecka, joey.klecka@peninsulaclarion.com Page design........ Florence Struempler, florence.struempler@peninsulaclarion.com

Circulation problem? Call 283-3584 If you don’t receive your newspaper by 7 a.m. and you live in the Kenai-Soldotna area, call 283-3584 before 10 a.m. for redelivery of your paper. If you call after 10 a.m., you will be credited for the missed issue. Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday. General circulation questions can be sent via email to circulation@peninsulaclarion.com. The circulation manager is Randi Keaton.

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Classified: Call 283-7551 and ask for the classified ad department between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email classifieds@peninsulaclarion.com. Display: Call 283-7551 and ask for the display advertising department between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Leslie Talent is the Clarion’s advertising director. She can be reached via email at leslie.talent@peninsulaclarion.com. Contacts for other departments: Business office.................................................................................. Teresa Mullican Production................................................................................................ Geoff Long Online........................................................................................ Vincent Nusunginya

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Wildlife groups seek help for California owl By SCOTT SMITH Associated Press

FRESNO, Calif. — Loggers cutting down forests burned in wildfires could bring about the extinction of California spotted owls, wildlife advocates said Tuesday as they sought protection for the birds under the federal Endangered Species Act. The petition says emerging science has shown that the owls thrive in old growth forests that are still living as well as those that have been burned and turned black by high-intensity forest fires. That finding contradicts current common practice of the U.S. Forest Service, which opens up some burned forests

Oil Prices Monday’s prices North Slope crude: $57.38, down from $59.05 on Friday West Texas Int.: $54.96, down from $56.52 on Friday

Tuesday Stocks Company Final Change Agrium Inc............... 95.71 +0.25 Alaska Air Group...... 56.75 +0.02 ACS...........................1.87 +0.01 Apache Corp........... 65.43 +1.69 AT&T........................ 34.03 +0.18 Baker Hughes.......... 56.44 +0.38 BP ........................... 39.12 +0.02 Chevron...................113.95 +1.92 ConocoPhillips..........71.05 +1.53 ExxonMobil.............. 94.59 +1.26 1st Natl. Bank AK...1,590.00 -40.00 GCI.......................... 13.36 -0.46 Halliburton............... 39.88 +0.20 Harley-Davidson...... 65.60 +0.29 Home Depot............103.76 +0.26 McDonald’s.............. 94.22 +0.33 Safeway................... 35.08 +0.32 Schlumberger...........87.32 +0.57 Tesoro...................... 73.52 +1.27 Walmart................... 86.66 +0.28 Wells Fargo.............. 55.47 +0.50 Gold closed............ 1,175.04 +1.41 Silver closed............ 15.71 +0.03 Dow Jones avg..... 18,024.17 +64.73 NASDAQ................ 4,765.42 -16.00 S&P 500................ 2,082.17 +3.63 Stock prices provided by the Kenai Peninsula Edward Jones offices. C

to loggers, the petition states. U.S. Forest Service spokesman John Heil said officials don’t believe the California spotted owl is in danger of extinction. The agency maintains that massive wildfires are the greatest threat to the owls and works to ensure the owl’s habitat is maintained or improved, he said. Spotted owls have declined throughout California by about 40 percent in the past three decades, said Chad Hanson, a forest ecologist at the John Muir Project of Earth Island Institute and one of the petitioners. There are an estimated 1,200 pairs nesting in the state stretching from Lassen National Forest in the north to San Bernardino National Forest in the south, he said. Without federal protection, Hanson said the owls could be gone after another three decades of logging. “You don’t call that a de-

cline,” he said. “Science is telling us loudly that this species is at serious risk of extinction.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which denied protection to the spotted owl in 2006 under a similar request, has three months to decide if there is evidence to support the request and open a deeper discussion. Officials at the U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declined to comment, saying they had not yet seen the 130page petition. Rangers monitor California spotted owls and are currently updating a 1992 study to determine what help is needed. That study should be ready early next year with a conservation strategy complete by 2016, Heil said. Mike Albrecht, a logger and owner of Sierra Resources Management, said removing burned trees creates healthier forests, which benefits spotted

owls and people. Loggers have left large swaths of forests in California untouched, which are open to wildlife, he said. “It’s a little misleading to blame logging or massive fires or any one thing on the demise of the spotted owl,” he said. “We’re all working hard to preserve it.” Monica Bond, a biologist with the Wild Nature Institute and one of the petitioners, said a 400-square-mile area burned in the 2013 Rim Fire is a prime example of the logic in the petition. Spotted owls have flourished a year after the Sierra Nevada’s largest fire in recorded history raced through Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park, she said. Hanson and Bond have taken part in a lawsuit attempting to stop logging in the Rim Fire area. “The fact is that logging is going to hurt owls,” she said. “It’s time to give this owl some help.”

Peninsula Clarion, Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Obituary Robert Joseph ‘Rob’ Maly Robert Joseph Maly, 64, of Soldotna and Austwell, Texas, passed away at his home in Austwell surrounded by family, on Monday, Dec. 22, 2014. Rob, son of the late Robert and Bessie Maly, is survived by his loving wife, Dona, son Michael (Angie) and parents-in-law, Deno and Delores DelMonego. Rob retired from the U.S. Air force and Air National Guard after 22 years and later retired from Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) in Anchorage. During a four year struggle with Multiple Myeloma, he became an inspiration to many for the unwavering way he overcame each obstacle. In the end, he asked that his doctors focus their effort on a cure for children that suffer from this devastating disease. Rob was an avid fisherman who had a knack for finding the only fish that were biting and loved taking friends and family out on his boat on the Kenai River in Alaska. He was very committed to his community and longed for the day that he could give more to them. Rob is also survived by his sisters, Sharon (Dan) Kalicki and Debbie (Bob Sutch) Maly; brother David (Lisa) Maly, grandchildren Kyra, Zion, and Cooper, four nephews and one niece, in-laws, many friends and his beloved dog Angel. Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 501 B Williams Street in Tivoli, Texas on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014. Services will include a Rosary recited at 10:30 a.m.; the funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Avenue, 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851, to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church or to the charity of your choice.

Marcia Marie Cubit Marcia Marie Cubit, born March 12, 1947, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014 in Alaska. Arrangements for a Celebration of Life are pending. Details will be published at a later date.

Peninsula Clarion death notice and obituary guidelines:

The Peninsula Clarion strives to report the deaths of all current and former Peninsula residents. Notices should be received within three months of the death. We offer two types of death reports: Pending service/Death notices: Brief notices listing full name, age, date and place of death; and time, date and place of service. These are published at no charge. Obituaries: The Clarion charges a fee to publish obituaries. Obituaries are prepared by families, funeral homes, crematoriums, and are edited by our staff according to newspaper guidelines. Obituaries up to 300 words are charged $50, which includes a one-year online guest book memoriam to on Legacy. com. Obituaries up to 500 words are charged $100, which also includes the one-year online guest book memoriam. Tax is not included. All charges include publication of a black and white photo. Obituaries outside these guidelines are handled by the Clarion advertising department. How to submit: Funeral homes and crematoriums routinely submit completed obituaries to the newspaper. Obituaries may also be submitted directly to the Clarion, online at www.peninsulaclarion.com, or by mail to: Peninsula Clarion, P.O. Box 3009, Kenai, Alaska, 99611. Pre-payment must accompany all submissions not already handled by a funeral home or crematorium. Deadlines: Submissions for Tuesday – Friday editions must be received by 2 p.m. the previous day. Submissions for Sunday and Monday editions must be received by 3 p.m. Friday. We do not process obituaries on Saturdays or Sundays unless submitted by funeral homes or crematoriums. Obituaries are placed on a space-available basis, prioritized by dates of local services. Copyright: All death notices and obituaries become property of the Clarion and may not be republished in any format. For more information, call the Clarion at 907-2837551.

Around the Peninsula Kenai Historical Society meets for the birds

A-3

guest form on file. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Find a schedule at www.sterlingcommunityclub.com.

The Kenai Historical Society will meet at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 4 at Soldotna library hosts yoga session the Kenai Visitors Center. Guest speaker Ken Tarbox will give Ready to start your weekend off right? Visit the Soldotna a presentation on birding on the Kenai Peninsula. Visitors and Public Library on Friday mornings at 10:15 a.m. for a 45-minnew members are welcome. For more information, call June at ute free “Yoga Strength” session. Set to modern music, this 283-1946. class makes for a perfect introduction to yoga or a fun addition to your existing routine. Bring your own mat! For more information, call 907-262-4227.

Tickets for Hospice wine tasting event

Hospice of the Central Peninsula will be presenting its Winter Wine Taste Event on Feb. 14 at the Fireweed Fellowship Hall at the Catholic Church in Soldotna at 6:30 p.m. Tickets will go on sale Jan. 5 at 10:00 a.m. at the Hospice office. The evening will be filled with many gourmet appetizers and dessert along with paired wines for each course. If you would like to volunteer to help the evening of the event or would like to donate an item for the auctions, contact Hospice. Call Mary Green at 398-1600 or call the Hospice office at 262-0453 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday for more information.

Cinderella’s Closet accepting donations Soldotna High School is collecting gently used formal dresses, shoes, and accessories for 2015 Cinderella’s Closet. This program helps all area high school ladies with prom attire for free. Please email mbos@kpbsd.k12.ak.us for more information. All donations can be dropped off to the front office from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Judo club season under way

The Sterling Judo Club has started a new season. Those who are interested in joining and are ages 13 and up may register at any time. The Sterling Judo Club meets every Tuesday and Thursday, at Sterling Elementary, from 6-8 p.m. For more inNikiski Pool swim lesson registration starts Dec. 29 at noon formation contact Bob Brink at 907-242-9330 or obobo1a@ at the Nikiski Pool. Group Swim Lessons, sets 1-4, start Jan. gmail.com. Information can also be found on the Sterling Judo 7 for Beginners, Advanced Beginners, Intermediates and Tiny Club’s Facebook Page. Tots. Semi-private swim lessons start Feb. 18. American Red Cross Lifeguard Class starts Jan. 20. Please call Nigel at 776Pinochle club has new venue 8800 for more information. The Pinochle Club, formerly from Kasilof, will be playing at Hooligans Bar & Restaurant in Soldotna Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. Bring a partner and come along for some winter fun. QuesSterling Community Center tions? Call Jay Vienup at 907-252-6397.

Swim lessons, lifeguard training at Nikiski Pool

schedules activities

— Zumba is 10:30-11:30 a.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, through December. Zumba involves dance and aerobic elements, incorporating hip-hop, salsa, mambo, and martial arts. Open to the public. Free for SCC members, $3 for non-members. — Gym-Walking at the Sterling Community Center is Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9-10 a.m. Stay active and meet new people; walk 19 laps and you’ve walked a mile! Open to the public. $3 for non-members, free to SCC members). Please wear non-marking shoes. — Regular pickleball play times at the Sterling Community Center are Mondays, 1-2 p.m., and Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. Pickleball is a game played on a badminton-sized court with a low net, whiffle ball, and oversized ping pong paddles. Great for all ages. Open to the public; $3 for non-members, free to SCC members. — The Sterling Community Center has free days Dec. 29 through Dec. 31. Come use the facility for free during these three days! This is a great opportunity to try out a program, use our computers, or just shoot some hoops during open gym. All facility users must fill out or have a completed non-member/

Community Calendar Today 8 a.m. • Alcoholics Anonymous As Bill Sees It Group, 11312 Kenai Spur Highway Unit 71 (Old Carrs Mall). Call 398-9440. 10:30 a.m. • Bouncing Babies Storytime at the Soldotna Public Library. Call 262-4227. 11 a.m. • Redoubt Homemakers at Nikiski Fire Station No. 1.

• Wee Read at the Kenai Community Library. Noon • Alcoholics Anonymous recovery group at 11312 Kenai Spur Highway Suite 71 in the old Carrs Mall in Kenai. Call 262-1917. • TOPS group AK 222 Soldotna meets at Christ Lutheran Church, 128 Soldotna Ave. Call 260-1662. 5:30 p.m. • Weight loss and health

Road to Recovery seeks volunteers The American Cancer Society Road to Recovery program needs volunteer drivers in Kenai and Soldotna, willing to take cancer patients from their home, to their treatment appointments at Central Peninsula Hospital. Call Kathy Archey at 907273-2077 or email: kathy.archey@cancer.org if you are interested in becoming a volunteer driver.

Have a photogenic pet? Send the Clarion a picture Pet photos run on the Pets page every Tuesday. They can be color or black and white and may include people. Limit one photo per household. They may be e-mailed to news@peninsulaclarion.com, dropped off at the Kenai office or mailed to the Clarion at P.O. Box 3009, Kenai, 99611. A brief explanation of the photo, the pet’s and owner’s names, owner’s address and phone number must be included. Photos with an address written on the back will be returned. For more information, call 907-335-1251.

support group, Christ Lutheran Church. Call 362-1340. 7 p.m. • Card games, Funny River Community Center. • Narcotics Anonymous support group “Clean Machine” at Central Peninsula Hospital’s Redoubt Room, 250 Hospital Place, Soldotna. Call 907-335-9456. • Alcoholics Anonymous “Into Action” group, 12X12 study meeting, VFW basement Birch Street, Soldotna, 907-262-0995. 8 p.m. • Al-Anon Support Group at

Central Peninsula Hospital in the Augustine Room, Soldotna. Call 252-0558. The Community Calendar lists recurring events and meetings of local organizations. To have your event listed, email organization name, day or days of meeting, time of meeting, place, and a contact phone number to news@ peninsulaclarion.com.

A-4 Peninsula Clarion, Wednesday, December 24, 2014

E N I N S U L A

Serving the Kenai Peninsula since 1970 VITTO KLEINSCHMIDT Publisher

WILL MORROW �� Editor Teresa Mullican............... Controller/Human Resources Director LESLIE TALENT................................................... Advertising Director GEOFF LONG.................................................... Production Manager VINCENT NUSUNGINYA.................................... New Media Director Daryl Palmer.................................... IT and Composition Director RANDI KEATON................................................. Circulation Manager A Morris Communications Corp. Newspaper

What Others Say

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus Editor’s note: For several years on Christmas Eve, the Peninsula Clarion has reprinted this famous editorial written by Francis P. Church. It first appeared in the New York Sun on Sept. 21, 1897. We take pleasure in answering at once and thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun. Dear Editor: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says “if you see it in The Sun it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus? — Virginia O’Hanlon Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehended by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to our life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childish faith then, no poetry, no romance, to make tolerable this existence. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only fancy, poetry, love, romance can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory behind. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood. — New York Sun editorial

Classic Doonesbury, 1979

Opinion

CLARION P

By GARRY TRUDEAU

Christmas Eve at Bastogne

“What’s merry about all this, you ask?” Thus began a Christmas Eve message from Gen. Anthony McAuliffe to his troops besieged at the Belgium town of Bastogne. Adolf Hitler had launched a desperate counteroffensive against the allies in the West in December 1944. As described in the book “No Silent Night: The Christmas Battle for Bastogne,” the town became a linchpin of the Battle of the Bulge. Hitler hoped to split the Allied armies and retake the crucial harbor at Antwerp. His attack through the Ardennes forest, accompanied by a withering artillery barrage, caught the Allies by surprise and met with initial success. But he needed Bastogne, a crossroads that Gen. Dwight Eisenhower quickly decided must be held. The American general rushed the 101st Airborne (the “Screaming Eagles”) to the town, together with other units. Seventy years ago, the heroes of Bastogne, or, as they were fondly dubbed, “the battered bastards of Bastogne,” spent Christmas breaking the advance of the German army in one of the most storied fights in American history. It is Bastogne that gives us some of the great statements of American military defiance. When the Germans demanded surrender of his forces, Gen. McAuliffe shot back with his famous rejoinder, “NUTS!” A soldier’s quip captured the spirit of the American defenders: “They’ve got us surrounded, the poor bastards.” The bravado shouldn’t obscure the dire conditions. The Americans were undersup-

plied and outnumbered. The weather was miserable, frigid and snowy, with cloud cover denying the Allies their advantage in the air. This had been the case for weeks, leading to Gen. George Rich Lowry Patton’s famous prayer, reading in part: “Grant us fair weather for Battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call upon Thee that, armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory, and crush the oppression and wickedness of our enemies.” When the weather cleared on Dec. 23, Allied planes attacked the German forces on the ground and dropped supplies to the besieged at Bastogne. As Christmas approached, the Americans scratched out what cheer they could. On Christmas Eve, an American officer wrote “Merry Christmas” on a map showing the Americans surrounded. There was a Christmas service, appropriately enough, in a stable, and one at an ancient chapel. But they were still under mortal threat, and many Americans assumed, as the Germans prepared another assault, that they wouldn’t survive Christmas. Germans launched a bombing raid on Christmas Eve that hit an American aid station. Among the casualties was the local woman Renee Lemaire, whose tender care for the wounded Americans had earned

her the sobriquet the “Angel of Bastogne.” Then German armor and infantry massed for an attack early on Christmas morning that punched through American lines and came within a mile and a half of Gen. McAuliffe’s headquarters. But it was blunted and ferociously chewed up, leaving a devastated landscape of dead bodies and burned-out German tanks, the wreckage of the Germans’ last chance to take the town. With the worst seemingly past, Gen. McAuliffe enjoyed a makeshift Christmas dinner of canned salmon and biscuits, complete with a Christmas tree fashioned from spruce branches. The next day, Gen. Patton finally arrived to relieve Bastogne. The siege had been broken, and so had the Ardennes offensive. Hitler’s grand gambit had failed. In his message on Christmas Eve, Gen. McAuliffe had continued: “We’re fighting — it’s cold — we aren’t home. All true.” But when the Germans had surged ahead at the start of the Battle of the Bulge, “the Eagle Division was hurriedly ordered to stem the advance. How effectively this was done will be written in history; not alone in our Division’s glorious history but in world history.” “We are giving,” it concluded, “our country and our loved ones at home a worthy Christmas present and being privileged to take part in this gallant feat of arms are truly making for ourselves a merry Christmas.” Rich Lowry can be reached via e-mail: comments.lowry@nationalreview.com.

Applause Unocal retirees enjoy Christmas lights The Alaska Unocal Retirees’ Association has been judging the Kenai Christmas lights for the past several years, and did again this year. We want to thank all the people who decorated their homes this year, as it appeared many more were lighted than in years past. They were absolutely beautiful. It is unfortunate not all of you can win the HEA prizes, but to us, you are all winners. Also, the City of Kenai deserves special recognition for the fantastic lights at both of the Hansen parks, the fire/police departments, the airport, city hall, senior center, visitors center and the playground on South Forest Drive. If you haven’t seen them, it is worth your while to take a drive around. City Parks and Recreation staff have done an amazing job, along with many other city employees. Thank you one and all. The retirees really do appreciate all of it. Merry Christmas to all. We love Kenai. your generosity and heartfelt contribution, Alaska Unocal Retirees’ Association and support of Soldotna area seniors. George Parks President Soldotna seniors

thankful for support

Soldotna Senior Center would like to thank First National Bank Alaska for their very generous contribution to the Center’s Endowment Trust Fund. First National Bank Alaska is a vital partner and contributor to the Center’s Endowment Trust Fund since its inception, and is truly appreciated. Again, thank you very much for

Generosity makes holidays bright On behalf of the 11 recipient families of our Soldotna Elementary Christmas Kindness program, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the following community contributors for their very generous giving: Soldotna Elks Lodge 2706; Frater-

nal Order of Eagles; Bridges; JH Electric Inc.; Toys ofr Tots; Soldotna Elementary Parent Pack; The Bread Store, Adam Barrett, manager; IGA and Country Foods, Gordon, manager; and foster grandparent Estelle Parks. Also, I would like to thank our many individual contributors (staff, parents and community members). Your generosity has allowed these families to enjoy the true spirit of the Christmas season. Tammy Dudley Christmas Kindness Program, Soldotna Elementary School

‘Tis the beltway around Christmas ‘Tis the time around Christmas and throughout the White House, No one is stirring, not the Prez, kids or spouse. They are hiding away, and trembling with fear, As the GOP Senate prepares for a new year. It’s going to be unrelenting bad news, Mitch McConnell, of course, but also Ted Cruz. Not only that, but even insaner, Will be the House hard-liners running over John Boehner. But now on the north lawn there arises a clatter, Still another fence-jumper, but only much fatter. This one wears red, has a beard, doesn’t jog, Which is a mistake, ‘cause he’s mauled by a dog. He shouts “Ho Ho Ho,” though his treatment is rough, And it isn’t too long before he’s handcuffed. Sharp agents soon notice he’s got a big sack, So they call off their dog, who’s in midattack. “What’s in it?” they scream; he says, “Gifts, got a lot,” And that’s when they call in the bombsquad robot. But what do they find when they rifle his bag? Only presents, wrapped up, none with a price tag. For Hillary, Ted and the rest who’ll be running, C

The very same book, called “Campaigning for Dummies.” But POTUS steps out, says Santa’s a hoarder, And demands his release, by executive order. So Claus slips away and looks for his sleigh, But Parking Enforcement has towed it away. Not only that, but his deer are hell-raisers, So they’re drinking and eating at a bunch of fundraisers. Imagine St. Nick, he can’t move, he’s just stuck, Still another poor victim of Washington gridlock. Just forget the North Pole, he’ll stay in D.C., Like everyone else here, a lobbyist he’ll be. So shut down his old gig of handing out presents, At least to the common folk; no more for the peasants It’s just politicians who’ll be getting his gifts, He’ll do fundraisers, raise cash, give campaigns a big lift. He’ll have plenty of clients, Big Pharma and Uber, If he schmoozes with Castro, he might just land Cuba. And once he’s established as a Washington fixture, He might get the big prize, represent Sony Pictures. No more elves, no more reindeer, he’ll get paid much more bread,

With a new chauffeured limo he can get rid of his sled. So he shouts and pulls out in his big Cadillac, “Merry Christmas to all, and never look back!” Bob Franken is a longtime broadcast journalist, including 20 years at CNN.

Letters to the Editor:

E-mail: news@peninsulaclarion.com Write: Fax: Peninsula Clarion 907-283-3299 P.O. Box 3009 Questions? Call: Kenai, AK 99611 907-283-7551

The Peninsula Clarion welcomes letters and attempts to publish all those received, subject to a few guidelines: n All letters must include the writer’s name, phone number and address. n Letters are limited to 500 words and may be edited to fit available space. Letters are run in the order they are received. n Letters that, in the editor’s judgment, are libelous will not be printed. n The editor also may exclude letters that are untimely or irrelevant to the public interest. n Applause letters should recognize public-spirited service and contributions. Personal thank-you notes will not be published.

Peninsula Clarion, Wednesday, December 24, 2014

n On Dec. 11 at about 11:30 a.m., Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Seward Post, issued a summons to Rolf Baird Bardarson, 55, of Seward, for operating excavating equipment in Salmon Creek near Seward, a listed anadromous stream, without first obtaining a permit to do so. Investigation revealed that Bardarson used a front end loader to remove about 10 cubic yards of gravel from the banks and creek bed of Salmon creek to use in a construction project without first obtaining a permit from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to do so. Arraignment is scheduled in Seward District Court for Dec. 23. n On Dec. 11 at 3:48 p.m., the Alaska Bureau of Highway Patrol, Kenai Peninsula Team, stopped a green 1997 Chevrolet pickup on the Sterling Highway in Soldotna for failing to stop when approaching a school bus that was stopped, with its red lights flashing and in the process of offloading children. The driver, a 17-year-old male, of Sterling, was issued a misdemeanor citation for failure to stop for school bus. n On Dec. 12 at 12:16 a.m., Soldotna Dispatch received a report of a single-vehicle rollover in front of Bear Creek Fire Department at about Mile 5.3 of the Seward Highway. The complainant reported seeing two people crawl out of the vehicle, who left the scene on foot. Crown Point Alaska State Troopers were unable to locate the individuals in the vehicle after the accident. On Dec. 12 at about 3:50 p.m., Crown Point troopers were able to locate the driver and passenger of the vehicle. The driver was identified as Darren Lackey, 28, Seward. Investigation revealed that Lackey lost control of the vehicle, causing the vehicle to collide with a culvert. This resulted in the vehicle rolling and coming to a rest on the hood of the vehicle. There were minor injuries to Lackey and the passenger. Lackey was issued a misdemeanor citation for failing to report a motor vehicle collision and a citation for no proof of liability insurance. The vehicle was towed from the scene. n On Dec. 12 at 4:25 p.m., the Bureau of Highway Patrol, Kenai Peninsula Team, con-

Police reports ducted a traffic stop on a silver 1999 Ford Taurus for a moving violation near Mile 9 of Funny River Road. Investigation revealed that Dominic E. Allen, 36, of Funny River, was operating the vehicle with a suspended operator’s license for failure to carry liability vehicle insurance. Allen was arrested for driving while license suspended and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility on $500 bail. n On Dec. 13 at 11:44 a.m., Soldotna police responded to the Sportsman’s Warehouse for a shoplifter. Brett Ruger, 33, of Kenai, had removed $220.42 worth of merchandise from the store without payment. Investigation also showed that Ruger had removed $154.97 worth of merchandise from the store on Dec. 4. Ruger was arrested for two counts of two counts of fourth-degree theft and taken to Wildwood Pretrial on $500 bail. n On Dec. 13 at 12:41 a.m., Soldotna police stopped a vehicle on the Sterling Highway near On Par Lane. Darryl Stepien, 29, of Soldotna, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and taken to Wildwood Pretrial on $500 bail. n On Dec. 13 at 3:31 p.m., Soldotna police responded to Safeway for a shoplifter. Derek T. Lincecum, 44, of Kasilof, had removed $257.07 worth of merchandise from the store without payment. Lincecum was arrested for third-degree theft and taken to Wildwood Pretrial on $500 bail. n On Dec. 14, troopers contacted Reavyn Heneghen, 24, of Kenai, near the Day Lodge in Girdwood. A records check revealed that she had an arrest warrant for failing to appear in court on an unrelated case. She was arrested and taken to the Anchorage Jail on $500 bail. n On Dec. 14 at 8:53 a.m., Kenai police received a report of men fighting at a residence on Beaver Loop Road. Officers responded and arrested Kyle L. Ray, 20, of Wasilla, who was taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility on a charge of fourthdegree assault (domestic violence). n On Dec. 14 at 2:39 p.m.

Kenai police were called to Walmart on the report of a shoplifter fleeing from security. Officers responded and investigation led to the arrest of Warren C. Belford, 29, of Anchorage, on charges of fourth-degree theft and fourth-degree assault. Belford was taken to Wildwood Pretrial. n On Dec. 14 at 6:46 p.m., the Alaska State Troopers Bureau of Highway Patrol, South Central Team, stopped a 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX, after the vehicle was observed speeding on Sterling Highway near Mile 80, traveling southbound. Investigation revealed that Mathew Bell, 28, of Soldotna, was a passenger in the vehicle and on conditions of release for a previous driving under the influence charge charge. Bell was found to have consumed alcohol, and his conditions of release stated he was not to consume alcohol. Bell was arrested and taken to Wildwood Pretrial Facility without bail for violating conditions of release. n On Dec. 14 at 1:17p.m., Alaska State Troopers with the Bureau of Highway Patrol, Girdwood Team, responded to a single-vehicle rollover near Mile 51 of the Seward Highway. Investigation revealed that Misti Rose Giddens, 28, of Soldotna, was driving a 2004 Dodge pickup southbound, when she lost control, and the vehicle slid into the ditch, where it rolled. Giddens and her passenger, David Lee Kampstra, 30, of Soldotna, both received minor injuries and were taken by Cooper Landing Emergency Medical Services to Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna. All occupants were wearing their seat belts. The pickup was a total loss. Alcohol was not a factor. n On Dec. 14 at 1:57 p.m., Soldotna police responded to the Sterling Highway and Devin Drive for a traffic collision with injuries. A 1991 Subaru, driven by 56-year-old female, of Kenai, was southbound on the Sterling Highway and rearended a 2006 Ford pickup being driven by 66-year-old male, of Sterling. Both drivers were taken via Central Emergency Services ambulance to the Central Peninsula Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Al-

cohol was suspected as a cause of the collision, and the case is still under investigation. n On Dec. 14 at 10:51 p.m., Soldotna police responded to the parking lot of Hooligan’s Saloon for an assault. Joseph Miranda, 33, of Anchorage, was arrested for second-degree assault (domestic violence) and taken to Wildwood Pretrial without bail. n On Dec. 15, Anchor Point Alaska State Troopers were notified of an ATV that was stolen from the Ninilchik Tribal Council Office in Ninilchik. The ATV is identified a red 1986 Honda TRX 250 with a tan seat. Troopers ask anyone with information on the location of the ATV to contact Anchor Point Troopers at 907235-8239. n On Dec. 15, troopers contacted Arthur Moonin, 36, of Soldotna, on a traffic stop near Mile 96 of the Seward Highway. Moonin was found to be driving with a revoked license and was issued a misdemeanor citation on that charge. A licensed driver drove the vehicle from the scene. n On Dec. 15 at about 11:30 a.m., Alaska State Troopers stopped a red 1999 Mercury Mountaineer for a moving violation near Mile 72.0 of the Seward Highway. The driver was identified as Logan Webb, 23, of Seward. A records check revealed Webb’s driver’s license was in suspended status. Webb was issued a misdemeanor citation for driving while license suspended and released. A valid licensed driver responded to pick up Webb and the vehicle. n On Dec. 15, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Soldotna Post, arrested Curtis Larrow, 39 of Sterling, on an Alaska State Troopers warrant for failure to appear in court. Larrow was taken to Wildwood Correctional Center on $250 bail. n On Dec. 15 at 12:43 a.m., Soldotna police responded to the Caribou Restaurant for a disturbance involving an intoxicated male. Garrett White, 28, of Anchorage, was issued a criminal citation for disorderly conduct and released.

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Police investigate home invasion ANCHORAGE — Anchorage police say they are questioning a suspect in a home invasion early Tuesday morning in Eagle River. Police say two intruders just before 3:30 a.m. entered a home on Caribou Street, where three adults and two children were sleeping. The intruders demanded money. Police say one a man inside was hit in the head with an object and shot in the leg. He was taken to a hospital. The intruders fled after the robbery. Police using a dog tracked one suspect and found him after about 15 minutes. Police say a second suspect may have fled in a 2007 silver Ford Escape with Alaska license plate FTX326. Police are asking for a call if the compact sport utility vehicle is spotted.

Fire, looters add up to bad day for store FAIRBANKS — A fire and would-be looters added up to a bad day for a Fairbanks outdoors retailor. Fairbanks police say a fire broke out early Sunday morning inside The Prospector store, forcing a temporary closure. Fire officials speculate a boiler malfunction caused the fire. The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reported smoke from the fire initiated the sprinkler system, which doused the fire. Then, as employees were cleaning up the mess, KTUU reports three looters tried to sneak in a back door, which had been propped open.

2 vehicles sink on ice stretch used as a shortcut FAIRBANKS — At least two vehicles recently sank into the Chena River on a section long used as an ice-covered shortcut between Airport Way and Chena Small Tracts Road. Bob Weaver, the owner of Ron’s Towing, said a rented SUV driven by an out-of-state motorist sank Dec. 15 after making a left turn onto the river from Pike’s Waterfront Lodge. No one was hurt. The tow company was being followed by a camera crew, but Weaver told the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner the incident was not staged. Alaska State Troopers helped rescue the driver of another vehicle on Tuesday. Sgt. Brian Wassmann said two troopers found a 20-year-old woman standing on the roof of the vehicle and helped her to shore. A dog trapped in the vehicle died. Mitch Osborne, an ice diver who helped recover that vehicle, said he is typically called to help recover two or three cars vehicles each winter in that area. The ice-covered river between Airport Road and Chena Small Tracts is not a state designated road. The boat launch at Pike’s Landing is one place used to access the river. But Pike’s Landing owner Jay Ramras said the archway above the boat launch with the words “ice bridge” is a piece of artwork — a replica of the Santa Monica, California, pier sign — and not intended to be a direction or to endorse driving on the river. — The Associated Press

A-6 Peninsula Clarion, Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Nation & World

Fierce battle to free IS-held town By DALTON BENNETT Associated Press

MOUNT SINJAR, Iraq — The road to the battlefront plunges straight down the steep face of Mount Sinjar, whipped by a fierce wind. It is littered with trucks and cars that couldn’t get up that incline, abandoned by their owners months ago as they fled the rampage of Islamic State group extremists. Clothes lie piled on the side of the road, left behind by fleeing families unable to carry them. Over the past week, Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga fighters have descended the mountain, battling to liberate the town of Sinjar, a tiny desert community in northern Iraq that the gunmen overran in August, massacring and enslaving hundreds of its residents. An Associated Press correspondent was with the Kurds. This is his report. nnn The fighting, which is still ongoing, has been fierce. One day this week, a Chevy Tahoe rushed up to a Kurdish position

on the edge of town, blaring its horn and flashing its lights. The peshmerga fighters inside piled out with the body of a fellow Kurdish fighter hit by a militant sniper’s bullet. “We don’t know his name,” said the driver of the vehicle as the dead man’s body was put into a plastic body bag, then draped with a flag of Iraqi Kurdistan. “They fight like Rambo and have nothing to lose,” the driver said of the Islamic State militants, pointing to a chink in his flak jacket where the same sniper had shot him. “This saved my life.” He and other peshmerga said they had met heavy resistance from the extremists near a strategic grain silo in the center of Sinjar. There was no opportunity to get the driver’s name, before he and the others rushed back to the front line. The body of the slain Kurdish fighter was driven back up the dizzying road to the summit of Mount Sinjar. nnn The Islamic State group swept into Sinjar and surrounding villages as part of their

summer blitz across northern Iraq. The advance of the extremists struck particular fear here. Much of the population belongs to the minority Yazidi religious community, a tiny sect that the Sunni Muslim radicals consider heretics. Hundreds were killed, and hundreds more Yazidi women and girls were taken captive by the militants, turned into sex slaves or forcibly “married” to Islamic State supporters in Syria and Iraq. Thousands of other Yazidis fled into Mount Sinjar, a long, steep mountain range that erupts from the flat desert landscape and looms over the town. There they languished for weeks with little food or protection until they were rescued, many by Syrian Kurds who freed a corridor to reach them. Now, Iraqi Kurdish fighters are on an offensive to push back the Islamic State in this corner of Iraq near the Syrian border. They have erected a makeshift command center on top of the mountain: a ring of tents set up around a series of cell phone towers. From there they plan their assault on the besieged town below.

On the serpentine road down the mountain face, a Kurdish team was parked on one of the switchbacks as the sun began to set Sunday. Peering through binoculars, one fighter barked into a satellite phone, calling out coordinates for airstrikes. Drones buzzed overhead as warplanes from the U.S-led international coalition carried out strikes on Islamic State positions in Sinjar. Plumes of black smoke poured up constantly from the town, spewed by tireand oil-fires set by militants trying to hide their movements from the air campaign. nnn Kurdish casualties appear to be heavy, though officials could not give firm numbers. Earlier Sunday, the president of Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish zone, Massoud Barzani, visited the mountaintop command center, vowing to his fighters that they would crush the Islamic State militants wherever they find them. As he spoke a young fighter from the front lines was rushed into a makeshift clinic with a bullet through his torso. A comrade gripped his hand as an el-

derly bearded Yazidi man held an IV bottle over his head. Catching sight of Barzani, the wounded man said to his doctor, “Tell my president, I will die for Kurdistan.” Soon afterward, he was shipped off on the five-hour drive to the Kurdish city of Duhok. nnn The assault on Sinjar comes after the Kurds battled their way for days through Islamic State-held territory to reach the mountain. One by one, the peshmerga took back the rural farming hamlets that dot the landscape, most of them once home to several hundred people — now largely driven away when the Islamic State tide swept through last summer. The villages, now in Kurdish hands, are scarred and vacant. In some, strips of red tape put up by the peshmerga mark houses that have been rigged with explosives by fleeing extremists. Roads are cratered from explosions during fighting. Many walls are covered with graffiti praising the leader of the Islamic State group, Abu Bakr

al-Baghdadi, and the “caliphate” he declared last summer in the broad swath of Syria and Iraq that is under his group’s control. The Kurdish fighters spoke of foreign fighters among the Islamic State forces they were battling. Many showed off photos on their cell phone of the bodies of slain jihadis with red beards, believed to be Chechens, and of bloody European passports taken off dead militants. One peshmerga fighter named Mirwan helped liberate his hometown near Zumar, north of Sinjar, fighting off militants who had occupied his family home. He said the battle took two hours. The last Islamic State fighter, when he ran out of bullets, blew himself up with explosives, though the Kurdish fighters were unscathed by the blast. “All we found was his head and we buried it in the backyard,” said Mirwan, who spoke on condition he be identified only by his first name because he wasn’t authorized to talk to reporters. “I don’t want him to stink up the place.”

NORAD tracks when Santa Claus is comin’ to town By DAN ELLIOTT Associated Press

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Volunteers at the North American Aerospace Defense Command are getting ready to monitor Santa Claus as he makes his storybook Christmas Eve flight. Technology and social media have become an important part of the U.S. and Canadian military tradition, and NORAD Tracks Santa has already attracted a record 1.5 million Facebook “likes.” The volunteers will spend Wednesday answering phone calls and emails from children wondering when Santa Claus is comin’ to town. The

helpers also post updates on the fabled journey to Facebook, Twitter and www.NORADSanta.org. The 59-year-old program now has a control center at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, and it generates enough statistics, anecdotes and stories to fill a sleigh: — HOW IT STARTED: A December 1955 newspaper ad invited kids to call Santa, but the phone number it listed was for the Continental Aerospace Defense Command, the predecessor to the North American Aerospace Defense Command. The officers on duty played along and began passing along reports on Santa’s progress.

— HOW IT WORKS: Kids call 877-HI-NORAD or email noradtrackssanta@outlook. com starting at 4 a.m. MST on Christmas Eve. A volunteer checks a big-screen computer monitor and passes along Santa’s location. Updates are posted at noradsanta.org, facebook.com/noradsanta and twitter.com/NoradSanta. Hundreds of volunteers work for 23 hours on the day — and the night — before Christmas. — SO FAR THIS YEAR: NORAD Tracks Santa had 1.5 million Facebook likes by Monday afternoon and the total was growing by about 100 an hour. Twitter followers stood at 136,000. Initial website vis-

its weren’t available, and the phone lines and email accounts weren’t live yet. — AND LAST YEAR: The website attracted more than 19.5 million unique visitors in December, the Facebook page drew 1.45 million “likes” and the Twitter feed had 146,000 followers. Volunteers took 117,000 phone calls and answered 9,600 emails. Another 800 inquiries came in via OnStar. The Facebook likes, Twitter followers, phone calls and OnStar questions were all record highs for NORAD Tracks Santa. — GROWING FAST: Visits to the website, which was launched in 1997, peaked at

22.3 million in 2012 before dropping to about 19.6 million last year. The reason isn’t clear, but Maj. Beth Castro, a NORAD spokeswoman, said the website might not have been able to accommodate all the traffic. — PHONE CALLS: Phone calls rose from about 74,000 in 2009 to more than 117,000 in 2013. — SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook “likes” grew from 1 million in 2011 to 1.45 million last year; Twitter followers were up from 101,000 to more than 146,000. — NEW THIS YEAR: The website has an animated elf named Radar. “Radar” was the

favorite in a vote on Facebook, beating out “DARON,” which is NORAD spelled backward, and “Echo L. Foxtrot,” which uses the military phonetic alphabet to spell out “elf.” NORAD Tracks Santa also has a new mobile version of its website for smartphones. — WHAT’S NORAD? The joint U.S.-Canada command is responsible for defending the skies and monitoring the sea approaches for both nations. Its control room was originally inside Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs in a shelter designed to withstand a nuclear attack. The control room is now at Peterson Air Force Base, also in Colorado Springs.

Peninsula Clarion, Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Proposal seeks gun permits for pot users

Around the World Sony re-gifts ‘The Interview’ in limited Christmas Day release NEW YORK — “The Interview” was put back into theaters Tuesday when Sony Pictures Entertainment announced a limited Christmas Day theatrical release for the comedy that provoked an international incident with North Korea and outrage over its cancelled release. Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton said Tuesday that Seth Rogen’s North Korea farce “will be in a number of theaters” beginning Thursday. He said Sony also is continuing its efforts to release the film on more platforms and in more theaters. “We have never given up on releasing ‘The Interview,’” Lynton said in a statement Tuesday. “While we hope this is only the first step of the film’s release, we are proud to make it available to the public and to have stood up to those who attempted to suppress free speech.” For Sony, the decision was the culmination of a gradual about-face: After initially saying it had no plans to release the movie, the company began softening its position after it was broadly criticized. Moviegoers celebrated the abrupt change in fortune for a film that appeared doomed as “The Interview” began popping up in the listings of independent theaters across the country Tuesday, from Atlanta to Los Angeles. The film is set to open in dozens of theaters on Thursday, the day it was originally set for wide release.

US economy grew at fast 5 % annual rate in Q3, best in 11 years WASHINGTON — A surge in U.S. economic growth lifted stocks Tuesday to record highs and showed that the United States is putting distance between itself and struggling economies around the world. Fueled by hiring gains, cheaper gas and rising confidence, consumers and businesses drove growth to a sizzling 5 percent annual rate last quarter. Though the economy is likely cooling a bit, its solid pace is brightening hopes for 2015. The economic strength could also shape the Federal Reserve’s timetable for raising interest rates from record lows. The government’s third and final estimate of growth for the July-September period was the strongest for any quarter in 11 years. The result cheered investors. The Dow Jones industrial average ended the day up about 64 points to 18,024, the first time it’s surpassed 18,000. In its report Tuesday, the government sharply upgraded third-quarter growth from its previous 3.9 percent estimate. Much of the increase came from consumer spending on health care and business spending on structures and software.

When it comes to raising money from the very rich, Democrats led the way in 2014

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WASHINGTON — For as often as Democrats attack the conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch for their heavy spending on politics, it’s actually the liberal-minded who shelled out the most cash on the just completed midterm elections. At least, that is, among those groups that must disclose what they raise and spend. Among the top 100 individual donors to political groups, more than half gave primarily to Democrats or their allies. Among groups that funneled more than $100,000 to allies, the top of the list tilted overwhelmingly toward Democrats — a group favoring the GOP doesn’t appear on the list until No. 14. The two biggest super PACs of 2014? Senate Majority PAC and House Majority PAC — both backing Democrats. In all, the top 10 individual donors to outside groups injected almost $128 million into this year’s elections. Democratic-leaning groups collected $91 million of it.

Obama administration says health care signups encouraging; ‘a lot of work’ needed WASHINGTON — The second sign-up season under President Barack Obama’s health care law is off to a good start but there is a way to go to make it a success, administration officials said Tuesday. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell said 1.9 million new customers have picked a plan as of Dec. 19 through the federal insurance market that serves 37 states. Another 4.5 million have renewed existing coverage, with most automatically re-enrolled. The numbers don’t include states running their own insurance exchanges, including California and New York. The administration will release a full 50-state report next week, Burwell said. “We still have a lot of work to do,” she said. “But this is an encouraging start.” At her year-end news conference, Burwell dodged questions about a Supreme Court case seen as the most serious threat left to Obama’s law. The case, King v. Burwell, will be argued in early March.

By IVAN MORENO Associated Press

DENVER — Colorado was the first state to legalize recreational marijuana sales. Now the state’s voters may consider a ballot measure to allow pot smokers to carry a concealed firearm. The “Colorado Campaign for Equal Gun Rights” is working to put a question on the November 2016 ballot to have Colorado ignore guidelines from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives about firearms and pot. The measure would change state law to prevent sheriffs from denying concealed carry permits because of marijuana use. It’s a new frontier in the marijuana wars, and one that has divided gun-rights activists. “It’s just ridiculous,” said Edgar Antillon, one of the campaign organizers, who argues that firearms aren’t kept from alcohol drinkers. “Somebody can get extremely drunk — Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and all week if they want — and they can still get a concealed carry permit.” He said he and his campaign partner, Isaac Chase, who run a firearm training business called “Guns For Everyone,” are reaching out to gun rights groups for support, including those involved in last year’s recall of two state senators who supported stricter firearm laws. Colorado organizers need more

‘It’s going to be that initial battle of educating people. The challenge is people thinking that we’re allowing people who are high to possess handguns.’ Edgar Antillon, company provides firearm training than 86,100 signatures to send the question to voters, and it’s unclear whether Antillon’s campaign will get enough support to launch. The campaign would put Colorado again in direct conflict with federal guidelines about the drug. In 2011, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives sent states a directive to keep guns away from marijuana users. Earlier this year, Democratic Sen. John Walsh of Montana tried to change that, suggesting an amendment to bar federal prosecution of medical marijuana patients who own firearms. The amendment failed. The matter divides gun enthusiasts. The president of the Colorado State Shooting Association said his members would oppose letting pot users carry guns. “Federal law prohibits the possession and use of marijuana and its derivatives, and therefore its possession and use is incompatible with legal, responsible firearms ownership,”

said Tony Fabian, president of the Colorado State Shooting Association. The County Sheriffs of Colorado are lining up against the idea, too. But it’s an open debate whether marijuana-using gun owners are more dangerous than others — or even how many people lose gun rights over pot. Colorado keeps no data on the question. And the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, which runs background checks for applicants and gun buyers, doesn’t track how many are denied concealed carry permits because of pot. Neither does the County Sheriffs of Colorado. People are asked, under oath, 14 questions on Colorado’s concealed carry application, including whether the person has a restraining order, has been convicted of a felony, or has been treated for alcoholism within the past 10 years. They’re also asked if they’re “an unlawful user of” marijuana “or any other controlled

substance.” The application is processed by county sheriffs. The conflict has surfaced in other states that allow medical or recreational marijuana use, including Washington and Oregon. In Washington state, forms for concealed weapons permits also ask if someone is an “unlawful user” of marijuana, without differentiating between state or federal law. In 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from an Oregon sheriff who had been prohibited from denying a concealed handgun license to a medical marijuana user. The decision meant the woman and other medical marijuana cardholders could obtain concealed handgun licenses. Antillon, whose company provides the firearm training required for concealed carry applicants, said several students have told him they’ve been denied a permit because they use marijuana, either medically or recreationally. He said it’s unjust that marijuana users are being “punished and can’t defend their lives.” He argues that marijuana users can also be responsible firearm owners. “It’s going to be that initial battle of educating people. The challenge is people thinking that we’re allowing people who are high to possess handguns,” he said.

Belfast leaders strike deal to save power-sharing By SHAWN POGATCHNIK Associated Press

DUBLIN — Northern Ireland leaders reached agreement to sustain their troubled Catholic-Protestant government Tuesday following all-night Belfast talks that reduced some negotiators to bleary-eyed exhaustion. British Prime Minister David Cameron in London heralded a deal that became possible when his government offered an extra 2 billion pounds ($3.2 billion) over the coming decade to Northern Ireland. Cameron said the financial boost, largely loans from the British Treasury, “opens the way for more prosperity, stability and economic security for Northern Ireland.” It will allow Northern Ireland to avoid cutting welfare payments as sharply as in the rest of the United Kingdom. Sinn Fein, the major Irish nationalist party representing the Catholic minority, had thrown power-sharing into turmoil over the past year by refusing to enact London-ordered cuts — and said Cameron’s offer had vindi-

‘Sinn Fein as a party has a duty and responsibility to stand up for the most disadvantaged and disabled people in our society.’ — Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness cated its stubborn stand. “Sinn Fein as a party has a duty and responsibility to stand up for the most disadvantaged and disabled people in our society,” said Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, the former Irish Republican Army commander who since 2007 has jointly led the government alongside British Protestant politicians. Reflecting a giddy mood after a 30-hour negotiating marathon, McGuinness cracked jokes about how his fellow IRA veteran and Sinn Fein negotiator, Gerry Kelly, had ended up snoring away in his office. “Has anybody got a disposable razor?” McGuinness asked journalists, smiling as he rubbed his stubbly chin. The British and Irish gov-

— The Associated Press

ernments jointly presented a 75-point plan for progress to local leaders Tuesday afternoon at Stormont, the power-sharing center in east Belfast. It represented all that could be agreed following 11 weeks of negotiations. All five parties in Northern Ireland’s coalition officially reserved judgment but signaled

that formal support was inevitable once their party executive boards could meet. Crucially the major Protestant-backed party, the Democratic Unionists, lauded the package as better than expected. “On the eve of Christmas Eve, Northern Ireland stands in a much better place today than it did yesterday,” said Democratic Unionist deputy leader Nigel Dodds. “The budget catastrophe that was coming full speed toward all of us has been averted.” Failure would have meant that the Northern Ireland Assembly was dissolved and Britain would have resumed sole responsibility for running the government.

A-8 Peninsula Clarion, Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Sports

Broncos headline Pro Bowl list with 9 players Manning gets nod for 14th time in career, will join fellow QB’s Brady, Rodgers and Roethlisberger By SIMMI BUTTAR AP Sports Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — The AFC West champion Denver Broncos led the NFL with nine players selected for the Pro Bowl on Tuesday. Quarterback Peyton Manning was picked for the 14th time. Joining Manning from the Broncos will be Ryan Clady, Chris Harris, Von Miller, Aqib Talib, Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, T.J. Ward and DeMarcus Ware. Denver also led the league with five defensive players selected. The NFC East champion Dallas Cowboys were second with six selections for the Jan. 25 game in Glendale, Arizona, site of the Super Bowl. Tony Romo will be going for the fourth time. Dez Bryant, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, DeMarco Murray and Tyron Smith were also honored.

Dallas led the NFL with six offensive players chosen. Other notable players selected included Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks New England’s Tom Brady (10th selection), Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers (fourth), and Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger (third). Roethlisberger’s teammate, wide receiver Antonio Brown, was picked for the third time. Other receivers include Detroit’s Calvin Johnson and Atlanta’s Julio Jones. And joining Brady from the AFC East champion Patriots are cornerback Darrelle Revis, tight end Rob Gronkowski, special teamer Matthew Slater and kicker Stephen Gostkowski. Among the players earning first selections are wide receivers T.Y. Hilton of the Colts and Jordy Nelson of the Packers; Steelers running back

Le’Veon Bell; and Eagles special teams star Darren Sproles. “I think this year the difference has just been the amount of opportunities,” Nelson said. “There have been more opportunities for Randall (Cobb) and myself and we have just been trying to make the most of them. I think for the most part we have been successful and just tried to help the offense put up as many yards and points as possible.” Martin, Aaron Donald of St. Louis and C.J. Mosley of Baltimore were the rookies selected. Arian Foster was one of two Houston Texans honored, along with defensive end J.J. Watt. “It is kind of the league’s elite,” Foster said. “It’s a place where you can meet the best in the business and learn from their experiences. It’s a place where the league’s elite are selected and it’s an honor.”

Panthers tight end Greg Olsen was pleased with his selection. “It’s a tremendous honor to be selected to the Pro Bowl and be recognized by your peers, the coaches and the fans,” Olsen said. “It’s something that every player thinks about at one point in time. I’m very thankful and feel very fortunate to be a part of it.” The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks were one of six teams with five players. Not enough, according to one of their stars. “It’s kind of frustrating because you sometimes feel like your teammates are getting punished for being on a good team,” defensive back Richard Sherman said. “Your linebackers are getting punished for not having a D-line that allows them to make 130, 140 tackles. Your D-line is being punished because everybody is not going to get 10 sacks

or one guy is not going to get 14, 15 sacks — that’s difficult to get on a team like this. You just feel for guys.” Among the players not selected were Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, Packers running back Eddie Lacy and Giants rookie receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who has 1,120 yards. In fact no members of the Giants were selected. Three other teams: the Vikings, Titans and Jaguars were also shut out. For the second consecutive season, players will be selected without regard to conference in voting by fans, coaches and players. Hall of Famers Cris Carter and Michael Irvin will serve as alumni team captains for their Pro Bowl teams. The Pro Bowl will be held prior to the Super Bowl for the sixth consecutive year.

Arizona falls to UNLV in upset By The Associated Press

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, right, puts up a shot as Los Angeles Lakers forward Ed Davis defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Kobe-less Lakers topple Warriors Bryant sits out while teammates take down NBA-leading team By JOE RESNICK Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Carlos Boozer scored 18 points in his new role off the bench, and the Los Angeles Lakers shocked the leagueleading Golden State Warriors 115-105 on Tuesday night without Kobe Bryant. The NBA’s No. 3 career scorer sat out for the first time this season to rest his tired legs, a decision made by coach Byron Scott. The 36-year-old shooting

guard, averaging 35.5 minutes through the first 27 games of his 19th NBA season and shooting just 37.2 percent, was 3 for 15 in a one-point loss to Oklahoma City last Friday and 8 for 30 with nine turnovers in a seven-point defeat at Sacramento on Sunday. Bryant, who passed Michael Jordan on the career points list Dec. 14 at Minnesota, missed 76 games last season because of a torn Achilles and a fractured left knee. Scott said the two-time scoring champ was “on board” with the decision,

adding that Bryant would be evaluated before Thursday’s nationally televised Christmas Day game at Chicago. Wayne Ellington made his first start for the Lakers in Bryant’s place and 36th in 333 career NBA games. He scored 12 points in 25 minutes, one of seven Lakers in double figures. Stephen Curry had 22 points and six assists for the Warriors, who lost for only the fourth time in their first 27 games. They also have lost to Phoenix, Memphis and the

NBA champion San Antonio Spurs. CAVALIERS 125, TIMBERWOLVES 104 CLEVELAND (AP) — Kevin Love scored 20 points in his first game against Minnesota, Kyrie Irving added 29 and the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled away in the second half for a victory over the Timberwolves on Tuesday night. Love’s reunion with the team he spent six frustrating seasons with before a summer blockbuster trade was overshadowed See NBA, page A-9

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Christian Wood had 24 points and 10 rebounds, Rashad Vaughn added 21 points and UNLV pulled off one of its biggest wins in recent years by knocking off No. 3 Arizona 71-67 Tuesday night. UNLV (8-3) refused to back down, playing more aggressively most of the game to end Arizona’s regular-season nonconference winning streak at 39 games. Trailing by five with 2:19 left, Arizona (12-1) fought its way back, pulling within 68-67 on T.J. McConnell’s putback with a minute left. The Wildcats had a couple of chances in the final minute, but Brandon Ashley’s jumper bounced out and Stanley Johnson was stripped by Patrick McCaw in the open court. McCaw, who had 13 points, hit two free throws, sending the fans rushing onto the court after the buzzer sounded. STANFORD 74, No. 9 TEXAS 71, OT

en shots en route to a career-high 31 points that helped Louisville rout Cal State Northridge. After a five-point effort Saturday at Western Kentucky, Blackshear made four 3-pointers en route to scoring 16 of Louisville’s first 21 points. The senior matched his previous career best of 23 points by halftime of a game the Cardinals (11-0) played without suspended junior forward Montrezl Harrell.

No. 7 VILLANOVA 92, NJIT 67 VILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) — Dylan Ennis scored 17 points, Ryan Arcidiacono matched a season high with 16 and Villanova shot 54 percent from the field to survive an early upset scare with a win over NJIT. Daniel Ochefu added 13 points C and 10 rebounds for the Wildcats (12-0), who remained perfect on Y the season to match their second best start in program history.

No. 11 WICHITA STATE 80, HAWAII 79 HONOLULU (AP) — Rashard Kelly grabbed a rebound and put back a short bank shot with 3.8 seconds left Tuesday night as No. 11 Wichita State overcame a sloppy night to beat Hawaii in overtime and reach the final of the Diamond Head Classic. Ron Baker led the Shockers (10-1) with 17 points on another horrid shooting night, though he came up with a key block to send the game into overtime.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Anthony Brown scored a season-best 25 points and Chasson Randle added 22 to help Stanford knock off Texas. The victory was Stanford’s first on the road against a top-10 team since 2008. Brown gave Stanford (7-3) a one-point lead by making a driving shot with 1:08 left in the extra No. 14 UTAH 80, period. After Texas (10-2) guard SOUTH DAKOTA ST. 66 Javan Felix missed a 3-point shot, Randle made a jumper with 10 SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — seconds left for the final margin of Freshman Brekkott Chapman scored victory. a career-best 22 points to help Utah cruise past South Dakota State. Delon Wright added 17 points, No. 4 LOUISVILLE 80, CAL ST. NORTHRIDGE 55 10 assists and six rebounds for the Utes, who used a four-minute LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — first-half run to take command and Wayne Blackshear hit his first sev- never looked back.

Lightning snap lengthy losing skid to Penguins with win By The Associated Press

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tyler Johnson scored three goals and the Tampa Bay Lightning snapped a 10-game losing streak to the Pittsburgh Penguins with a 4-3 win Tuesday night. Tampa Bay, 3-5-1 in the last nine games, also got a goal and two assists from Nikita Kucherov. Ondrej Palat had three assists in the Lightning’s first win over Pittsburgh since Nov. 17, 2011. Johnson scored twice in the first and extended the Lightning’s lead to 4-0 at 2:37 of the second with a 2-on1 goal against Jeff Zatkoff, who replaced Marc-Andre Fleury earlier in the period. Patric Hornqvist, Chris Kunitz and Kris Letang scored for the Eastern Conference-leading Penguins, who have 13 players out due to illness or injury. It was Pittsburgh’s first regulation loss to an Atlantic Division team (16-1-5) since a 5-1 defeat Jan. 20 against Florida. RANGERS 4, CAPITALS 2 NEW YORK (AP) — Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis each scored twice, Henrik Lundqvist made 30 saves and New York extended its winning streak to seven games with a victory over Washington.

The game matched two of the NHL’s hottest teams in their final outing before the Christmas break. Washington had won three in a row, picking up points in nine straight games (7-0-2). Mats Zuccarello and Derick Brassard had two assists apiece for the Rangers.

BRUINS 5, PREDATORS 3 BOSTON (AP) — Loui Eriksson and Brad Marchand scored two goals apiece and Patrice Bergeron had three assists for Boston in a win over Nashville. David Krejci also scored for the Bruins, who held the Predators to 10 shots through the first two periods. Tuukka Rask made 22 saves for Boston. Calle Jarnkrok and Taylor Beck each had a goal and an assist for Nashville. Beck’s goal 6:48 into the third period pulled the Predators to 4-3, but Rask didn’t let anything else by him as Boston won for the third time in four games.

CANADIENS 3, ISLANDERS 1 UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP) — Carey Price made 37 saves, and Andrei Markov and Brendan Gallagher scored secondperiod goals as Montreal cooled off New York. Markov, in his 800th NHL game, and Gallagher beat backup goalie Chad Johnson 5:17 apart to erase a 1-0 deficit. Montreal has won five of six, with Price

allowing two goals or fewer in each game ing that stretch and Hainsey’s appeared to during that span. go in off his leg on a night when Carolina David Desharnais scored with 1:11 fired 33 shots at Cory Schneider. left to make it 3-1 for the Canadiens, who mustered only 21 shots.

JETS 5, BLACKHAWKS 1 CHICAGO (AP) — Mathieu Perreault scored two goals while extending his point streak to eight games, and Winnipeg routed the listless Chicago Blackhawks. Bryan Little also had his team-best 13th goal as Winnipeg stopped Chicago’s eight-game home winning streak. The Jets are responsible for two of the Blackhawks’ four regulation home losses, also winning 1-0 at the United Center on Nov. 2 in their first meeting of the season. Winnipeg (18-10-7), one of the NHL’s biggest surprises, won for the third time in four games, bouncing back from an overtime loss to Philadelphia on Sunday.

HURRICANES 2, DEVILS 1, SO NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Chris Terry scored the only goal of the shootout and Anton Khudobin came up big late in winning for the first time this season as the goal-starved Carolina Hurricanes defeated New Jersey. Ron Hainsey scored in the third period to tie the game for Carolina, which won for only the second time in 10 games (2-71). The Hurricanes have just 13 goals durC

victory over Buffalo. Tatar’s 13th goal of the season gave the Red Wings the lead for good with 8:20 to play. Johan Franzen scored a few minutes later to pad the lead for Detroit, which FLYERS 5, WILD 2 hadn’t won since Dec. 7. Tatar’s second ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Wayne Sim- goal came in the final minutes. monds scored the go-ahead goal late in the second period, lifting Philadelphia over COYOTES 5, OILERS 1 Minnesota for its third straight win. EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Sam Vincent Lecavalier, Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier and Michael Raffl also Gagner had two goals and two assists scored for the Flyers, who have won the against his former team as Arizona handed first three games of an eight-game road Edmonton its eighth consecutive defeat and 19th in 20 games. trip that spans 15 days. Martin Erat, Keith Yandle and BranMarco Scandella and Charlie Coyle scored for Minnesota, losers of four in a don Gormley also scored for the Coyotes, who won for the third time in their last row. 13 games — with all three victories coming against Edmonton. Arizona (12-18-4) MAPLE LEAFS 4, STARS 0 swept the five-game season series. DALLAS (AP) — Jonathan Bernier made 43 saves for his second shutout of AVALANCHE 5, BLUES 0 the season as Toronto beat Dallas. DENVER (AP) — Semyon Varlamov James van Riemsdyk had a goal and two assists for the Maple Leafs, who returned from an injury and stopped 26 shots in his second shutout of the season, snapped a three-game losing streak. The Stars’ four-game winning streak leading Colorado past slumping St. Louis. Jarome Iginla, Alex Tanguay and Ryan ended when they were shut out for the first O’Reilly each had a goal and an assist for time since Jan. 9 at New Jersey. Colorado, which has won three in a row and is 4-0-2 in its last six games. The AvaRED WINGS 6, SABRES 3 lanche (13-13-8) reached .500 for the first DETROIT (AP) — Tomas Tatar had a time this season. Erik Johnson and fellow defenseman pair of power-play goals in the third period and Detroit ended a six-game slide with a Zach Redmond also scored for Colorado.

M K

Peninsula Clarion, Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Scoreboard basketball

hockey

NBA Standings

NHL Standings

EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Toronto 22 7 Brooklyn 12 15 Boston 10 16 New York 5 25 Philadelphia 4 23 Southeast Division Atlanta 21 7 Washington 19 8 Miami 13 16 Orlando 11 20 Charlotte 10 19 Central Division Chicago 19 9 Cleveland 17 10 Milwaukee 14 15 Indiana 10 19 Detroit 5 23

Pct GB .759 — .444 9 .385 10½ .167 17½ .148 17 .750 — .704 1½ .448 8½ .355 11½ .345 11½ .679 .630 .483 .345 .179

— 1½ 5½ 9½ 14

WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division Memphis 21 7 Houston 20 7 Dallas 20 10 San Antonio 18 11 New Orleans 14 14 Northwest Division Portland 23 7 Oklahoma City 13 16 Denver 12 17 Utah 9 20 Minnesota 5 22 Pacific Division Golden State 23 4 L.A. Clippers 19 10 Phoenix 16 14 Sacramento 12 16 L.A. Lakers 9 19

.750 — .741 ½ .667 2 .621 3½ .500 7 .767 — .448 9½ .414 10½ .310 13½ .185 16½ .852 — .655 5 .533 8½ .429 11½ .321 14½

Tuesday’s Games Chicago 99, Washington 91 Orlando 100, Boston 95 Indiana 96, New Orleans 84 Cleveland 125, Minnesota 104 Atlanta 107, L.A. Clippers 104 Philadelphia 91, Miami 87 Brooklyn 102, Denver 96 Portland 115, Oklahoma City 111, OT Charlotte 108, Milwaukee 101 Phoenix 124, Dallas 115 L.A. Lakers 115, Golden State 105 Wednesday’s Games No games scheduled

Top 25 College Teams

1. Kentucky 2. Duke 3. Arizona 4. Louisville 5. Virginia 6. Wisconsin 7. Villanova 8. Gonzaga 9. Texas 10. Kansas 11. Wichita State 12. Iowa State 13. Washington 14. Utah 15. Maryland 16. Notre Dame 17. St. John’s 18. West Virginia 19. Oklahoma 20. North Carolina 21. Ohio State 22. Baylor 23. Northern Iowa 24. Colorado State 25. TCU

(12-0) (10-0) (12-1) (11-0) (11-0) (11-1) (12-0) (11-1) (10-2) (9-2) (10-1) (9-1) (11-0) (9-2) (11-1) (12-1) (10-1) (11-1) (8-3) (8-3) (10-2) (10-1) (10-1) (12-0) (12-0)

EASTERN CONFERENCE GP Pittsburgh 34 Montreal 35 N.Y. Islanders 34 Tampa Bay 36 Detroit 35 N.Y. Rangers 32 Toronto 35 Washington 34 Boston 35 Florida 32 Philadelphia 34 Ottawa 34 Columbus 33 New Jersey 36 Buffalo 35 Carolina 34

W 22 22 23 21 18 18 20 17 18 15 14 14 14 12 13 10

L OT Pts 7 5 49 11 2 46 11 0 46 11 4 46 8 9 45 10 4 40 12 3 43 11 6 40 14 3 39 9 8 38 14 6 34 14 6 34 16 3 31 17 7 31 19 3 29 20 4 24

WESTERN CONFERENCE Anaheim 36 23 8 5 Chicago 35 23 10 2 Nashville 33 22 9 2 San Jose 35 19 11 5 St. Louis 34 21 10 3 Vancouver 33 20 11 2 Winnipeg 35 18 10 7 Los Angeles 35 17 11 7 Calgary 36 18 15 3 Minnesota 32 16 13 3 Colorado 34 13 13 8 Dallas 33 14 14 5 Arizona 34 12 18 4 Edmonton 35 7 21 7 NOTE: Two points for a win, point for overtime loss.

51 48 46 43 45 42 43 41 39 35 34 33 28 21 one

Tuesday’s Games Carolina 2, New Jersey 1, SO Boston 5, Nashville 3 Montreal 3, N.Y. Islanders 1 N.Y. Rangers 4, Washington 2 Philadelphia 5, Minnesota 2 Toronto 4, Dallas 0 Detroit 6, Buffalo 3 Tampa Bay 4, Pittsburgh 3 Arizona 5, Edmonton 1 Colorado 5, St. Louis 0 Winnipeg 5, Chicago 1 Wednesday’s Games No games scheduled

football College Bowl Glance

MARSHALL 52, N. ILLINOIS 23 Marshall 14 10 14 14 —52 N. Illinois 7 6 7 3 —23 First Quarter NIU — Brescacin 19 pass from Hare (Hagan kick), 7:33. Mar — Reaves 93 kickoff return (Haig kick), 7:19. Mar — Cato 5 run (Haig kick), 3:42. Second Quarter Mar — FG Haig 28, 11:51. NIU — FG Hagan 19, 7:30. Mar — D.Johnson 2 run (Haig kick), 5:29. NIU — FG Hagan 30, :07. Third Quarter Mar — Shuler 6 pass from Cato (Haig kick), 6:39. NIU — Stingily 24 run (Hagan kick), 4:50. Mar —Jean-Louis 11 pass from Cato (Haig kick), 2:06. Fourth Quarter Mar — McManus 27 pass from Cato (Haig kick), 11:48. NIU — FG Hagan 31, 8:39. Mar — Cato 4 run (Haig kick), 4:10.

A — 29,419. Mar NIU First downs 28 25 Rushes-yards 38-224 50-200 Passing 281 225 Comp-Att-Int 25-37-0 15-28-0 Return Yards 0 0 Punts-Avg. 3-34.3 6-41.0 Fumbles-Lost 0-0 0-0 Penalties-Yards 6-60 4-41 Possession 29:18 30:42 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING — Marshall, D.Johnson 15-131, Watson 4-25, Cato 10-25, Butler 5-17, Pittman 2-14, Foster 2-12. N. Illinois, Bouagnon 1382, Stingily 18-76, Hare 14-50, A.Daniels 2-7, Turner 2-(minus 5), Team 1-(minus 10). PASSING — Marshall, Cato 2537-0-281. N. Illinois, Hare 15-27-0225. Team 0-1-0-0. RECEIVING — Marshall, Shuler 18-185, McManus 2-47, JeanLouis 2-26, Frohnapfel 2-16, Yurachek 1-7. N. Illinois, Da’.Brown 4-63, Turner 4-55, Brescacin 2-40, A.Daniels 1-29, Blake 1-15, Eakes 1-13, Stingily 1-8, Bouagnon 1-2. NAVY 17, SAN DIEGO ST. 16 Navy 7 0 7 3 —17 San Diego St. 10 3 3 0 —16 First Quarter Navy — Reynolds 1 run (Grebe kick), 7:35. SDSU — Pumphrey 5 run (Hageman kick), 5:35. SDSU — FG Hageman 43, 2:51. Second Quarter SDSU — FG Hageman 37, 6:34. Third Quarter Navy — Reynolds 6 run (Grebe kick), 8:28. SDSU — FG Hageman 30, 4:16. Fourth Quarter Navy — FG Grebe 24, 1:27. A — 33,077. Navy SDSU First downs 13 Rushes-yards 58-254 Passing 17 Comp-Att-Int 3-7-0 Return Yards 52 Punts-Avg. 4-42.8 Fumbles-Lost 4-4 Penalties-Yards 5-45 Possession 30:27

18 33-186 141 11-27-2 0 3-34.3 1-1 5-34 29:33

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING — Navy, C.Swain 8-72, Williams-Jenkins 8-67, N.Copeland 12-63, Sanders 4-24, Whiteside 6-20, Reynolds 19-9. Team 1-(minus 1). San Diego St., Pumphrey 21-112, Price 11-69, Kaehler 1-5. PASSING — Navy, Reynolds 3-70-17. San Diego St., Kaehler 1127-2-141. RECEIVING — Navy, Dudeck 2-15, Whiteside 1-2. San Diego St., Pumphrey 4-42, Clark 3-45, Price 2-9, Judge 1-32, Favreau 1-13. Wednesday, Dec. 24 Bahamas Bowl At Nassau Western Kentucky (7-5) vs. Central Michigan (7-5), Noon (ESPN) Hawaii Bowl At Honolulu Rice (7-5) vs. Fresno State (6-7), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Friday, Dec. 26 Heart of Dallas Bowl Illinois (6-6) vs. Louisiana Tech (8-

4), 1 p.m. (ESPN) Quick Lane Bowl At Detroit Rutgers (7-5) vs. North Carolina (6-6), 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) St. Petersburg (Fla.) Bowl UCF (9-3) vs. N.C. State (7-5), 8 p.m. (ESPN) Saturday, Dec. 27 Military Bowl At Annapolis, Md. Virginia Tech (6-6) vs. Cincinnati (9-3), 1 p.m. (ESPN) Sun Bowl At El Paso, Texas Duke (9-3) vs. Arizona State (9-3), 2 p.m. (CBS) Independence Bowl At Shreveport, La. Miami (6-6) vs. South Carolina (66), 4 p.m. (ESPN2) Pinstripe Bowl At Bronx, N.Y. Boston College (7-5) vs. Penn State (6-6), 4:30 p.m. (ESPN) Holiday Bowl At San Diego Nebraska (9-3) vs. Southern Cal (8-4), 8 p.m. (ESPN)

Transactions BASEBALL COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE С Suspended N.Y. Mets 2B L.J. Mazzilli (St. Lucie-FSL) 50 games for a second positive test for a drug of abuse in violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. American League BALTIMORE ORIOLES С Claimed C Ryan Lavarnway off waivers from the Chicago Cubs. Released OF Quintin Berry. HOUSTON ASTROS С Assigned INF Gregorio Petit outright to Fresno (PCL). OAKLAND ATHLETICS С Assigned RHP Fernando Rodriguez outright to Nashville (PCL). SEATTLE MARINERS С Assigned RHP Logan Bawcom outright to Tacoma (PCL). TEXAS RANGERS С Announced RHP Ben Rowen cleared unconditional waivers and is a free agent. TORONTO BLUE JAYS С Claimed LHP Scott Barnes off waivers from Texas and RHP Preston Guilmet from Pittsburgh. National League CHICAGO CUBS С Agreed to terms with C David Ross on a two-year contract. Assigned RHP Donn Roach and INF Logan Watkins outright to Iowa (PCL). Claimed LHP Mike Kickham off waivers from San Francisco. LOS ANGELES DODGERS С Assigned OF/1B Kyle Jensen outright to Oklahoma City (PCL). MIAMI MARLINS С Claimed RHP Preston Claiborne off waivers from the N.Y. Yankees. MILWAUKEE BREWERS С Claimed 1B Shane Peterson off waivers from the Chicago Cubs. ST. LOUIS CARDINALS С Agreed to terms with RHP Jordan Walden on a two-year contract. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS С Assigned 1B Angel Villalona outright to Sacramento (PCL). Agreed to terms with RHP Jake

Peavy on a two-year contract. BASKETBALL National Basketball Association PHILADELPHIA 76ERS С Signed F Malcolm Thomas. Released F Ronny Turiaf. FOOTBALL National Football League ATLANTA FALCONS С Placed S William Moore on injured reserve. Signed S Sean Baker from the practice squad and RB Ronnie Wingo to the practice squad. CAROLINA PANTHERS С Placed WR De’Andre Presley on injured reserve. CHICAGO BEARS С Placed DE Willie Young on injured reserve. Signed DE Austen Lane. CLEVELAND BROWNS С Released FB Ray Agnew. Signed QB Tyler Thigpen. Re-signed DT Christian Tupou to the practice squad. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS С Released LB Darin Drakeford from the practice squad. MINNESOTA VIKINGS С Released RB Ben Tate. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS С Released DB Daxton Swanson from the practice squad. Signed DL Cameron Henderson to the practice squad. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS С Released TE Gator Hoskins and DT Jimmy Staten from the practice squad. Signed TE RaShaun Allen, S Dion Bailey and WR Douglas McNeil to the practice squad. TENNESSEE TITANS С Signed CB Ri’Shard Anderson to the practice squad. WASHINGTON REDSKINS С Placed LB Trent Murphy on injured reserve. Signed OL Rishaw Johnson from the N.Y. Giants practice squad and WR Colin Lockett to the practice squad. HOCKEY National Hockey League ARIZONA COYOTES С Assigned F Alexandre Bolduc to Portland (AHL). CAROLINA HURRICANES С Assigned F Brendan Woods to Charlotte (AHL). CALGARY FLAMES С Assigned D Corey Potter to Adirondack (AHL). DALLAS STARS С Assigned D Jamie Oleksiak to Texas (AHL). NEW JERSEY DEVILS С Activated F Michael Cammalleri from injured reserve. SOCCER Major League Soccer NEW YORK RED BULLS С Named Ali Curtis sporting director. SEATTLE SOUNDERS С Completed the transfer of D DeAndre Yedlin to Tottenham Hotspur (England-Premier). SPORTING KANSAS CITY С Signed G Tim Melia. COLLEGE GOLDEN STATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE С Announced Menlo College will become a member for the 2015-16 academic year. FLORIDA A&M С Named Alex Wood football coach. MISSOURI С Named Barry Odom defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.

A-9

. . . NBA

13-point deficit to beat Los Angeles for its fifth straight victory.

Continued from page A-8

76ERS 91, HEAT 87

by an injury to Cleveland center Anderson Varejao, who had to be helped off the floor in the third quarter. Varejao was unable to put any weight on his left leg as he was assisted to the locker room.

MIAMI (AP) — Michael Carter-Williams scored 20 points, Luc Mbah a Moute added 19 and Philadelphia erased a 23-point, secondhalf deficit.

SUNS 124, MAVERICKS 115

PHOENIX (AP) — Eric Bledsoe got his second career tripledouble and Phoenix won its fourth OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — in a row in its highest-scoring Damian Lillard scored 40 points, game of the season. making a tying 3-pointer with three seconds left in regulation, and NETS 102, NUGGETS 96 Portland rallied from a 13-point, NEW YORK (AP) — Joe Johnfourth-quarter deficit to beat Oklason scored 27 points, Mason Plumhoma City. Lillard’s 40-point outing was lee added 19 points and a careerhis second in Portland’s last four high 13 rebounds, and Brooklyn games, following a 43-point out- rallied in the fourth quarter to beat burst against San Antonio on Fri- Denver. day. He also had 11 assists.

TRAIL BLAZERS 115, THUNDER 111, OT

BULLS 99, WIZARDS 91

MAGIC 100, CELTICS 95

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Tobias Harris scored 19 points and WASHINGTON (AP) — Derrick Rose scored 25 points and Pau Orlando hung on to beat Boston. Gasol had 18 as Chicago won its fourth straight. PACERS 96, PELICANS 84 After Washington scored 12 INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — straight — 10 by John Wall — to George Hill scored 15 points in 21 take an 87-86 lead with 3:44 remaining, Chicago steadied and minutes after missing the first 28 scored eight straight, six by Rose, games with a left knee injury, leaving Indiana over New Orleans. to lead 94-87 with 1:48 to play.

HAWKS 107, CLIPPERS 104

HORNETS 108, BUCKS 101

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Kemba Walker scored 27 points and Gerald ATLANTA (AP) — DeMarre Henderson added 16 as Charlotte Carroll scored a career-high 25 held off Milwaukee for its seasonpoints and Atlanta rallied from a high fourth straight victory.

Sports Briefs Lions center loses suspension appeal DETROIT (AP) — Lions center Dominic Raiola lost his appeal of a one-game suspension for stepping on Chicago Bears defensive tackle Ego Ferguson. Appeals officer Derrick Brooks, the Hall of Fame linebacker appointed by the NFL and the players’ union, upheld the suspension Tuesday. Raiola stepped on Ferguson’s right ankle Sunday while the Chicago lineman was on the ground early in the third quarter. Raiola said after the game it was not intentional.

Florida St. gives Fisher 8-year extension TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher has been rewarded with a contract extension to keep him with the program through the 2022 season. The school announced the deal Tuesday, less than a year after Fisher’s last contract extension. The No. 3 Seminoles are 58-10 since Fisher replaced Bobby Bowden before the 2010 season. Florida State won the national championship last year and quarterback Jameis Winston became the third Heisman winner in school history.

A-10 Peninsula Clarion, Wednesday, December 24, 2014

. . . Sales Continued from page A-1

tend to buy vehicles on Christmas Eve. “There are a few people that will buy a car for a Christmas present, but the average family doesn’t do that,” he said. “That’s just probably not in their Christmas budget.” As for local residents, many have already finished their shopping this year. Joe Demaree of Kenai said he finished shopping three weeks ago. He said he likes to shop early so he can send his gifts in time to arrive by Christmas. Vickie Graham of Kalifornsky Beach said that she starts shopping for the holidays in January and finishes by October. Not only does shopping early allow her to avoid the crowds, she can also find good post-holiday deals. “All the pajamas and stuff like that are on sale (after the holidays),” she said.

boost in holiday sales, some think it will be a slow day. Scott Sheldon, manager of Dan’s TV and Appliance, said that his store has been busy and sales have been steady. Despite the good foot traffic so far, Sheldon thinks that Christmas Eve won’t be unusually hectic. “Typically Christmas Eve isn’t super busy,” Sheldon said. “(In the morning) we’ll have a few dads rush in.” Matt Hopson, general manager of Stanley Ford in Kenai, said that December is a slow time for car sales. Despite being open on Christmas Eve, Hopson doesn’t anticipate an unusual boost in car sales. “I think people are buying Christmas presents instead of cars,” he said. “It’s hard to compete with Santa Claus.” Hopson said that he might Reach Ian Foley at Ian.foget a few people to come in and ley@peninsulaclarion.com. buy a car, but most people don’t

. . . Width Continued from page A-1

the commission, where it has been consistently turned down. He said the persistence is due to a matter of “safety and convenience.” Council member Linda Murphy proposed the ordinance that will go before the council in January. She said she was disappointed in the commission’s most recent decision to deny the variance. In addition to Farrington’s two driveway variance requests, the city has received 22 other applications for variances since 2008. Nineteen of them were approved including five so far this year, Czarnezki said.

Commissioner David Hutchings said maintenance costs vary between winters depending on how much snow the city receives. He said he sees an issue in that properties with three cars have to park a third in the right of ways. “Ninety percent of people are not going to go for the variance,” Hutchings said. “Ninety percent of people are going to be happy with a 24-foot driveway.” Resident Jerry Farrington began the push for expansion in 2012. He has taken his request Reach Kelly Sullivan at kelly. for an extra six feet to the coun- sullivan@peninsulclarion.com. cil, Board of Adjustment and

. . . Group Continued from page A-1

people could bring marijuana to smoke. The use of marijuana is prohibited in public places, but it’s unclear how the rules would

apply to businesses and clubs, Hopkins said. The Anchorage Assembly has formed a committee to look at marijuana sales, with committee members including two who supported an unsuccessful proposal for a blanket ban on sales.

. . . Young Continued from page A-1

As a longtime Alaska representative, Young has more history with fisheries than his recently elected Senate counterpart and seen much of the most important Alaska fisheries legislation pushed through Congress. In the 1970s on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, he worked on the 200-mile fishing limit, or exclusive economic zone, which was critical to ending foreign fishing off Alaska’s coast. Begich had a solid reputa-

tion for good relationships with fishing interests: he vocally opposed the Pebble Mine, opposed a farm-raised and genetically-modified salmon, pushed for federal ocean monitoring for the effects of climate change and ocean acidification on lucrative species, passed legislation working toward a federal crackdown on illegal fishing, and had the endorsement of several commercial fishing trade groups like United Fishermen of Alaska. Sullivan, though formerly Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources commissioner under former Gov. Parnell, has less working experience with

the commercial fishing industry and less clout. Young chaired the House Resources Committee in the 104th, 105th, and 106th Congresses, and served as its ranking Republican member since 2007, a year after Congress last reauthorized the MagnusonStevens Act. In 2013, Young pushed the Port States Measures Agreement Act of 2014, which placed extensive limitations on foreign fishing vessels in an effort to combat illegal, unregulated, and undeclared fish from entering the U.S. market. In May 2014, Young added amendments to the MSA ask-

ing for greater subsistence representation in the federal management of Alaska fisheries, proposing that a subsistence member be added to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, which oversees nearly all fishing in federal Alaska waters. The proposal has seen mixed approval so far, as the council currently has six Alaska delegates out of 11 voting seats. Non-Alaska seats might resent one more Alaskan vote on the council. DJ Summers can be reached daniel.summers@alaskajournal.com.

ed training facilities for more than a decade, in part because of restrictions for the use of facilities at Joint Base ElmendorfRichardson. The city’s state funding request describes the project UAF to host New Year’s Eve as a dedicated outdoor shooting facility, with four tactical shooting ranges. A small-arms shooting range would fireworks show mimic a city environment for training in forced entry and FAIRBANKS — The University of Alaska Fairbanks is other tactics. hosting a New Year’s Eve fireworks show. People who live nearby have expressed worries about noise. The 25th annual “Sparktacular Celebration” by the Fair- Jill Flanders Crosby, co-chair of the Birchwood Community banks Curling Lions is set to begin at 8 p.m. Wednesday, with Council, said she’d like to hear a municipality representative the fireworks launched from UAF’s West Ridge area. address concerns. UAF officials say roads and ski trails near the staging area will be closed at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Free cookies and hot cocoa will be served by the University Minimum wage measure of Alaska Museum, whose galleries will be open between 7 could boost bus driver pay p.m. and 9 p.m. at no charge. FAIRBANKS — Voter approval of a ballot measure increasThe fireworks show is organized by University Chevron owner Mike Thomas and sponsored by various local groups ing the Alaska minimum wage could increase earnings of Alaska school bus drivers. and businesses. A state law passed in 1989 requires school bus drivers to be paid at least twice the minimum wage and minimum compenAnchorage negotiates sation for them could increase by $4 per hour by Jan. 1, 2016, the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reported. for police shooting range Bus drivers would not see an immediate increase when the ANCHORAGE — The city of Anchorage will negotiate minimum wage increases. The law does not force employers to with Eklutna Corp. for 34 acres that could be used for police increase driver pay midway through a contract. training grounds, including firing ranges. Alaska voters by a margin of more than 2-1 approved Ballot The site for the planned South Central Law Enforcement Measure 3 on Nov. 4. Tactical Range is a parcel next to the Birchwood Shooting The state minimum wage has been $7.75 per hour since Range north of Eagle River, the Alaska Dispatch News re- 2009. That meant minimum bus driver wage was $15.50 for the ported. past five years. The project is estimated to cost about $13 million, and the Approval of the ballot measure increases the state minimum Alaska Legislature already has allocated about $8.3 million for wage by $1 on Feb. 24 and by another $1 on Jan. 1, 2016, up it. to $9.75 per hour. Eklutna had proposed a long-term lease for the property. The base pay for school bus drivers will increase by $2 The municipality wants to buy the land, concluding a purchase per hour for each increase to the minimum wage, climbing to would save “a significant amount of money,” spokesman Bryce $19.50 per hour in 2016. Hyslip said. The statute requiring bus driver wages at double the miniEklutna CEO Curtis McQueen said the company, which is mum wage was part of the 1989 Alaska School bus Safety the largest landholder in the Anchorage Bowl, prefers long- Act. term leases. The Native corporation supports the project, he The change could eventually add several hundred thousand said, and a decision will be made that supports shareholders. dollars annually to the Fairbanks North Star Borough School Sale terms might include a future buy-back option, McQueen District transportation costs. said. The Anchorage Police Department has been seeking expand— The Associated Press

Around Alaska

Food Y

SECTION

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

About Christmas Eve on the Farm

At the Mcclure Home Northern Colorado 1940s and 1950s

he tree was in the corner of the living room, lights showing off all the decoration that were careful places on the branches. Some were old treasured ornaments, but usually every year Mom bought a dozen new pretty up-to-date ornaments just to keep up with the times. My Grandma and Grandpa Cogswell had a tree between the kitchen and living room in their warm basement house. The earliest memories I have of that tree is the very old ornaments that were shaped like birds - I loved the red cardinals. There were blue birds, robins and yellow-black medowlarks scattered on the branches. But the most interesting of all were all the small candles, setting in gold holders, clipped to the branches of the tree. The candles were never lit. My 4 year old eyes starred and my hands lightly touched all the beautiful ornaments intertwined with gold rope. I still think Grandma’s tree was the prettiest tree I have ever seen in my 70-some years! I can remember all the Christmas Eve’s at our farm home with presents under the tree, creating excitement in the minds of my brothers and sisters. I tried to guess what was under the tree for me - and even pinched and shook a few when Mom was not looking! The tradition at our house (I tried to carry this on with my family) was Christmas gift exchange to every one on Christmas Eve. Grandma and Grandpa Cogswell, Uncles, Les and Marvin, Moms sister, Aunt Ruth and Uncle Norman (before kids) would arrive around 3 in the afternoon at our house, loaded down with gifts. They were stacked under the tree. I could not keep my eyes off all the beautifully wrapped, hand tied bow, packages. Commercial bows and scotch tape was not available. Can you imagine having to wrap a gift today without those conveniences? Grandma and Mom were very good at wrapping gifts the old fashioned way. The different smells coming from Moms big kitchen was mouth watering. Mom was making her famous home made chicken noodle soup. Noodles were made the day before and dried on dish towels, laid out on the table top. Mom made the very best noodles!! She made Chili from the hamburger that was ground at the meat lockers where Dad took one of his cows to be butchered. The beans were from his field, thrashed, sacked to be sold or bartered for groceries. My sisters and I had the job of sorting out the rocks, dirt, sticks in the beans. Mom would be so embarrassed if someone got a rock in her Chili! AND it was usually our Uncle Guy, Dads brother, that stayed

n Also inside Arts Classifieds Comics

B-3 B-5 B-8

A merry, sharing Christmas to all Readers’ ‘over-the-moon’ recipes for holiday treats

D Grannie Annie

uring Christmastime, two years ago, I introduced you to Caroline Kennedy’s “over the moon” Cranberry-Coconut Balls Dipped in White Chocolate. Caroline recipes have appeared many times in this column, and if you’ve tried them, you already know that any recipe that comes from Caroline is a keeper. Her cranberry-coconut confection recipe has become such a favorite, that I’ve selected it to be one of just two treats that will be left at my house for Santa this year, with the other being Barbara Freitag’s Double Chocolate Peppermint Biscotti. Barbara, who is also from Bluffton and an excellent baker, shares a recipe for biscotti that is baked with the flavors of cocoa and bittersweet chocolate chips and is then dipped in vanilla white candycoating and covered with crushed peppermint candies. (For a “real chocolate fix,” Barbara recommends dunking the biscotti into hot cocoa, so you ‘ll find a favorite recipe of mine for hot cocoa here, too.) Barbara’s biscotti is as visually attractive as it is addicting, so if you plan to give some away, be sure to have ex-

Kitchen Ade Sue Ade

Photos by Sue Ade unless otherwise indicated

tra copies of the recipe on hand – believe me, folks will ask for it. Treats like these, made from the recipes of others, reminds us that the true spirit of the holidays lies in the delight of giving and sharing. May your heart and home be filled with all the joys of a sharing season. Merry Christmas and happy holidays, one and all. Sue Ade is a syndicated food writer with broad experience and interest in the culinary arts. She has worked and resided in the Lowcountry of South Carolina since 1985 and may be reached at kitchenade@yahoo.com.

Says Barbara Freitag of her Double Chocolate Peppermint Biscotti, “For a real chocolate fix, dunk in cup of hot cocoa!”

Double Chocolate Peppermint Biscotti

On Christmas Eve, and through the rest of the holiday season, enjoy “over the moon” treats such as “Double Chocolate Peppermint Biscotti” and “Cranberry-Coconut Balls Dipped in White Chocolate,” – a cross between a no-bake cookie and a candy-like fruit and nut confection.

Hot Cocoa

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa coa with sugar and salt; gradually stir ½ cup sugar in water. Bring mixture to a boil and Pinch salt boil for one minute, stirring constant½ cup water ly. Lower heat and add milk (again 3½ cups milk stirring constantly), until mixture is ½ teaspoon vanilla extract well combined and heated to serving Sweetened whipped cream, for temperature. (Do not allow mixture topping to boil.) Remove from heat. Whisk in Crushed peppermint candies, for vanilla, whisking until foamy. Serve garnish (optional) topped with sweetened whipped cream and crushed peppermint canIn a 2-quart saucepan, combine co- dies, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

Hot cocoa, topped with a cloud of whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies, is even better when enjoyed with a side of Double Chocolate Peppermint Biscotti.

Recipe courtesy Barbara Freitag, Bluffton, S.C. “This cookie freezes well.” – Barbara Frietag

For biscotti ½ cup butter, softened 2/3 cup sugar ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon peppermint extract 1¾ cups all-purpose flour 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

For dipping 8 ounces vanilla-flavored candy coating, melted ¼ cup crushed peppermint candies Lightly grease two cookie sheets or one extra-large cookie sheet. In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Beat until combined. Beat in eggs and peppermint extract until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Use a wooden spoon to stir in remaining flour and bitter-

sweet chocolate. Divide dough into four portions. Wrap each in plastic wrap or waxed paper. Chill for 30 to 60 minutes or until dough is easy to handle. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Unwrap each dough portion and shape into a 7-inch roll. On two cookie sheets place rolls 4 inches apart (Note: On extra-large cookie sheet, I staggered all four portions on one sheet.) Flatten each roll until about 2 inches wide. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until toothpick inserted near centers comes out clean. Cool cookie sheets on wire rack for 1 hour. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Using a serrated knife, cut loaves diagonally into ½-inch slices. Place slices, cut side down, on cookie sheets. Bake for 5 minutes. Turn slices over and bake 5 to 7 minutes more. Transfer to wire rack. Cool. Dip one side into melted vanilla candy coating or frost top of biscotti and place on waxed paper. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy while frosting is still wet. Let stand until coating is set. Makes about 42 cookies.

See B-2 for Divinity ingredients for last week.

See ABOUT, page B-2

Cranberry-Coconut Balls Dipped in White Chocolate Recipe courtesy Caroline Kennedy, Bluffton “You don’t have to bake these.” – Caroline Kennedy 4 cups finely chopped dried cranberries or cherries (chop in food processor) 4 cups shredded coconut 2 cups chopped toasted pecans 1 (14-ounce) can fat free sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)

White Dipped Balls 1 (12-ounce) package white va- “I’ve had this recipe in my files for nilla chips (Hershey’s Premier White years, from my dear friend Betty Chips) Mansfield in Nashville, Tenn. I sub2 teaspoons canola oil stituted the dried apricots for cranberries, or cherries, and added Line rimmed baking sheets with dipping in white chocolate — to the parchment paper; reserve. Chop cran- moon!” – Caroline Kennedy berries or cherries by pulsing in food processor until finely chopped. In a all of the chips are melted — there large bowl, combine cranberries, co- should be a few chunks left. Stir until conut, pecans and condensed milk; it is smooth and chips are completely mix well. Shape mixture into 1-inch melted. (Approximately 60 seconds balls; reserve on baking sheet while total.) Be careful not to overcook. preparing white vanilla chips. Put Working quickly, dip balls in melted white vanilla chips in a microwave- mixture with a fork to coat, allowing safe bowl with canola oil. Microwave excess coating to drip off before placon HIGH power checking at 20 sec- ing on prepared sheet. Let stand until ond intervals, stirring each time. coating is set. Store in refrigerator. Stop heating when most, but not Yield: 8 to 10 dozen balls.

Coming soon to United States: Cuba Libre, with real Cuban rum By JENNIFER KAY Associated Press

MIAMI — U.S. rum aficionados are abuzz over the possibility of mixing a Cuba Libre with authentic Cuban rum, now that they will be able to bring home liquor distilled in the communist nation. Relaxed limits on what licensed U.S. travelers can bring home mean that Americans will be able to enjoy small quantities of the liquor at home. But, with the embargo still in place, the rum won’t be flooding bars or the market. And it’s unclear what the AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File news means for industry tiIn this Aug. 7, 2009 photo, a bottle of Havana Club rum, center, sits on a shelf for sale at Pantry tan Bacardi, which was driven II Liquors in Miami. U.S. rum aficionados are abuzz over the potential for making Cuba Libres from its Cuba headquarters by with Cuban rum, now that Americans visiting the Caribbean island will be allowed to bring home the 1959 Castro revolution. In rum distilled there for the first time since the embargo took effect 55 years ago. the past, Bacardi has left the C

door open for a return to its homeland. But company representatives wouldn’t give details when asked Thursday what, if any, plans it has if the more than 50-year-old embargo on Cuban goods ends, now that President Barack Obama is working to normalize relations with the country. “We hope for meaningful improvements in the lives of the Cuban people and will follow any changes with great interest,” the company said in a statement. Bacardi said it’s waiting to see what effects thawing U.S.-Cuba relations may have. In 1997, Bacardi bought the legal rights to the recipe and name of Havana Club, a popular rum created in 1935 by a Cuban family who eventually fled the

Castro revolution. Bacardi used the recipe and name for a rum it distilled in Puerto Rico. But the name would become tangled in a long-running U.S. trademark fight with French wine and spirits maker Pernod Ricard. Pernod Ricard, in partnership with state-owned Cubaexport, already had been selling Havana Club rum, distilled in Cuba, in other countries. Nearly 20 years of legal arguments followed. Ultimately, a court ruled that Bacardi would be allowed to continue selling its Havana Club in the U.S. In 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review that decision, giving Bacardi’s Havana Club rum its final green light See RUM, page B-2

B-2 Peninsula Clarion, Wednesday, December 24, 2014 This is the correct recipe for Twice-Cooked Divinity by Sue Ade. Ingredients were mistakenly omitted Wednesday.

Grannie Annie is the author of the Grannie Annie Cookbook series, featuring Alaskan recipes and stories

MOM’S COCONUT DAINTIES Beat: 3 egg whites until very stiff Add: 1 cup of sugar Continue to beat for one minute. Fold in with a wooden spoon: 3 cups of corn flakes 1 cup of coconut 1/2 teaspoon Lemon extract A pinch of salt

Fold and mix lightly until corn flakes are well coated Drop from teaspoon onto a well greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350° for 8 to10 minutes, until they are a delicate brown. I do not have much success in Alaska baking these cookies, because of the moisture we have, but Colorado’s high and dry air is ideal. Much like Divinity - do not make on a rainy day!!

POOR MAN’S COOKIES I would like to have a penny for all the times my Mom and I made this! Me, not having many pennies when my kids were little, this sure satisfied the sweet tooth! Cook 1 cup of raisins in two cups of water A pinch of salt until only 1 cup of water is left. 2 cups of flour. When juice is still warm add: Mix well together. Pour into a flat pan, like 1 cup sugar a small half cookie sheet with short sides, 1/2 1 egg inch thick. Bake 350° for 30 minutes. Test 1/2 cup butter middle for doness. 1 teaspoon each cloves, cinnamon, allspice Cool and spread with powdered sugar icand soda. ing, cut in squares. Keeps a long time.

CINNAMON ORANGE SWEET ROLLS We all have a cinnamon roll recipe - this one is a little different and very tasty. I will be making these again for Christmas morning For the dough: walnut In a large bowl combine: Beginning at the long side, roll tightly into 1 cup very warm water - 120 ° a long log. 3 1/2 cups of flour Place seam side down and with a serrated 6 tblsp melted butter knife. 1 pkg of dry yeast, Cut into 2 inch rolls. 1/4 cup dry milk Place in a buttered round 10 inch baking 2 tblsp orange zest pan or a well butter 10 inch cast iron skillet. ( Beat on low with electric mixer fitted with I use a skillet, warmed very slightly.) a dough hook until well combined. Place the pan of rolls, covered, in a warm Place dough in large butter bowl. Cover place for 1 hour. and let rise in a warm draft free place until Preheat oven to 350° and bake until light doubled, about one hour. brown, about 35 minutes. On a lightly floured counter top, knead dough until smooth about 5 mintues. Frost with Cream Cheese Icing Roll dough into a 20 x 12 rectangle about 4 oz of room temp cream cheese 1/4 inch thick. 4 tablsp soft butter In a small bowl, while dough is rising 2 cups of powdered sugar place: Mix in mixer until combined, fluffy and 1/2 cup to 1 cup of orange marmalade smooth. 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger Frost on warm rolls. Serve from the cast 1 teaspoon cinnamon iron skillet. Stir to combine. Don’t forget the cup of hot cocoa or cofSpread orange mixture evenly, over rectfee. ange of dough. Sprinkle with: 1/2 cup Craisins or raisins, and chopped

Twice-Cooked Divinity - Sue Ade 2½ cups sugar ½ cup light corn syrup ½ cup water Dash salt 2 large egg whites, stiffly beaten in a large bowl 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ cup finely chopped pecans

Make divinity and other candies when the weather is clear and dry. Rainy, humid days may increase cooking times and adversely alter how your candy sets up.

Combine sugar, syrup, water and salt in a medium saucepan; stir constantly, over medium heat, until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to a boil. Attach a calibrated candy thermometer to sides of pan, making sure not to let bulb rest on the bottom or sides of the pan. (To calibrate thermometer, see directions following recipe for Walnut Fudge.) Boil to medium-ball

stage (240 degrees). Beating constantly on medium speed of an electric mixer, slowly pour 1/3 of the syrup on beaten whites until combined. Cook remaining syrup to very hard-ball stage (265 degrees). Pour syrup over egg white mixture in a fine stream , beating until mixture is stiff and holds its shape, losing its gloss. By hand, stir in vanilla and pecans. Drop by buttered

teaspoonfuls on waxed paper and swirl each piece to a peak. (Or, force mixture through a pastry bag, fitted with a wide star tip.) Let stand at room temperature, turning candies over once, until outside of candy is firm, at least 12 hours. Store in airtight container between sheets of waxed paper. Makes about 18 pieces, depending on size of drop.

. . . Rum

tunnel, the beginning of the end of this invisibility” in the U.S. marketplace, Burr said. Licensed U.S. travelers to Cuba will be able to bring home merchandise worth up to $400, of which $100 can be spent on alcohol and tobacco products combined. Like the rest of the eased trade, travel and currency restrictions announced Wednesday, the rum rules will take effect when official revise and publish the regulations — perhaps weeks away. And U.S. law still prohibits Americans from circumventing the limits by buying rum — or cigars or other liquor — in other countries and bringing them home. Rum is a growing market in the United States. Imports have grown to $98.4 million in 2013 from $72.5 million in 2009, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. Sales increased slightly last year to 25.6 million cases, with flavored and spiced rums accounting for more than half of those sold. Aside from their allure as forbidden fruit, Cuban rums are known for their lighter color and more delicate expression

than the dark, heavy rums produced elsewhere in the Caribbean, Burr said. Rum is a popular export — it seems every Caribbean island and Central and South American country has its own — and consumers often remain loyal to brands even when far from home. “In Miami, the rum market is partially ethnic-based, with Colombians drinking Colombian rum and Venezuelans drinking Venezuelan rum,” Burr said. “Well, there are a lot of Cubans here, aren’t there? Some may say that if they drink Cuban rum, they’re just giving money to Castro, but I think some will say, ‘Finally, we can enjoy the rums of Cuba.’” In 2012, Bacardi Ltd. board chairman Facundo Bacardi, great-great-grandson of the company’s founder, told Cigar Aficionado that “offering the world a Cuban-sourced Bacardi rum — it will happen.” “A lot of companies will look at Cuba as a commercial opportunity, but we don’t necessarily look at it that way,” he said. “We see it from the perspective of Cuban exiles returning home.”

Continued from page B-1

for American sales. To differentiate its rum — and anticipating an eventual lifting of the embargo — Pernod Ricard then announced it had registered the brand name Havanista in the U.S. to someday sell Cuban-distilled rum on American soil. Today, Bacardi’s Havana Club, still distilled in Puerto Rico, is an exclusive, hardto-find bottle, sold in limited quantities in Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan and Colorado. Bacardi, with global headquarters in Bermuda, sells more than 18 million cases of rum worldwide each year. The trickle of bottles that will soon come home in travelers’ luggage won’t offer much competition. Still, the new policy is an encouraging sign for Cuban distillers, said Robert A. Burr, founder of the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival. “It’s not a green light yet, but it’s a light at the end of the

AP Photo/Dunkin’ Donuts

This undated product image shows the chain’s seasonal coffee drinks, from left, Snikcerdoodle Latte, Sugar Cookie Latte, and Iced Peppermint Mocha coffee. Dunkin’ Donuts is one of many businesses that roll out a number of limited-time flavors around the holidays.

he series is written by a 47 year resident of Alaska, Ann Berg of Nikiski. Ann shares her collections of recipes from family and friends. She has gathered recipes for more that 50 years. Some are her own creation. Her love of recipes and food came from her Mother, a self taught wonderful cook. She hopes you enjoy the recipes and that the stories will bring a smile to your day. Grannie Annie can be reached at anninalaska@gci.net

Cookbooks make great gifts! The “Grannie Annie” Cook Book Series includes: “Grannie Annie’s Cookin’ on the Woodstove”; “Grannie Annie’s Cookin’ at the Homestead”; “Grannie Annie’s Cookin’ Fish from Cold Alaskan Waters”; and “Grannie Annie’s Eat Dessert First.” They are available at M & M Market in Nikiski.

. . . About Continued from page B-1

with us off and on through the years!! She simmered the beans the day before and on Christmas Eve morning she browned the hamburger with lots of onions. She stired it into the pot of beans along with a “brick of chili con carne” she bought at the grocery store in “bricks.” It had all the seasonings and ingredients that made great Chili. She also added home canned tomatoes, a couple shakes of chili powder, salt and pepper. The big pot sat on the back of the stove to simmer all day. I can smell that now!! She also made a small pot of oyster stew for Grandpa Cogswell. He is the reason I learned to make this and enjoy it as much as he did. Her homemade chickennoodles were the big event of Christmas Eve. She went to a lot of work to make this soup so flavorful that you had to have a second bowl! She made loaves of bread that we slathered with real butter. She had Saltine Crackers to go with the Chili. Slices of different

types,of cheese, my favorite being “Longhorn,” my Grandpa’s favorite. We cannot forget the home canned dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, the little sweet pickles and the cinnamon apple rings. She baked pies starting the week before. The home canned mincemeat pie was Dad’s and my favorite. She cooked down venison, raisins, apples and spices in the fall and canned it. She added apples to the minced meat and baked it in her pie crusts made with lard. No store bought pie crust that I now use. I mastered the pie crust making a long time ago - but I love the store bought kind for the ease of baking pies now. She also made apple, cherry, lemon meringue and chocolate pies. Her Christmas cookie making is carried on by my little sister, Elaine Oster’s, daughter Amy Oster. She follows all of “her Grandma’s” recipes and puts out heaping amounts of cookies. Then she follows up by making “Grandma’s fudge.” Mom started the first of November with her cookie making, carefully wrapping and storing then in the gigantic freezer located on the porch. She made oatmeal with raisins, great tat-

sting chocolate chip, Date-Nut Goodies, tons and tons of sugar cookies and Ginger Molasses Cookies. Poor Mans Cookies were iced and cut in bars. Can’t forget the peanut butter cookies! Coconut Dainties-that took egg whites beaten into fluffy peaks. I loved these! Then the pans and pans of brownies and fudge. Later years she made pan upon pan of Rice Crispy’s Bars. She should have owned the Rice Crispy and marshmallow companies. Her grandkids always had one of these in their hands when they came to visit Grandma! Soups eaten and bowls empty, buttered bread gone, pickles and cheese disappeared, pies topped with old fashioned whipped cream with a touch of Watkins Vanilla, eaten - dishes washed and put away, it was time to gather in the living room and open presents. When we were smaller, Dad passed out the presents, one at a time, reading very loud to who it was for and who it was from. After you opened your gift and everyone ooohed and awwed over it, usually something homemade and lovingly created, Dad would get another package from under the tree

and deliver it to the next anxiously awaiting person . The wrapping paperoff the packages was sometimes folded neatly and the ribbons and bows were always saved! In early years I always got home sewn dresses and doll clothes that Grandma made. One year Grandpa made me a doll house out of a wooden orange create. Grandma made little curtains and a hand braded rug for the floor. Grandpa made a table, chairs and a bed. Grandma made the little quilt on the bed. It was so special and I played with that for many many years. I wish I had it now!! The last gift exchanged and everyone sleepy and tired. it was time for our guests to go home, so Santa could come Christmas morning. Grandpa and Dad made made sure gifts were packed for each family and the cars started to warm up. Everyone putting coats, boots, scarves and gloves on, we all got big, big hugs from them as they stepped out in the cold, dark, snowy night, into their warm cars. Grandpa did not have far to drive, about a mile away, but Uncle Norman had to drive to his wheat farm in Pierce, Colorado, some 20 miles away. I of-

ten thought of them driving in the cold darkness, while I was snug in my warm bed. Our living room cleaned up and our presents displayed neatly under the tree, it was time to get our jammies on and jump in bed so Santa could come and leave presents for us to open in the morning. Dad went to great lengths and detail to make Santa very believable! “Well, of course there is a Santa - you better get in bed or he will just fly over and you will not get any presents at all.” We pulled the covers up over our chins and closed our eyes tightly! I have no idea where Mom and Dad kept bicycles, tricycles, scooters, wagons, big dolls and clothes for Santa to put under the tree. It was magic when we woke up in the morning to a pile of beautiful toys. Each one of us had our own pile of presents so we could sit under the tree, look and play with. I got dolls and new church clothes each year. On my 12th birthday I finally got a big blue, girls Schwinn bicycle. Learning to ride a bike in the snow does not work!! And in the spring the gravel driveways were not so friendly ei-

ther! After beggin and begging, I finally was allowed to ride my bike to school, two miles away, in the spring sun shine. And yes, on gravel roads. Lots of spills, scrapped knees and elbows were involved in the determination of proudly riding my bicycle to school. The smell of cinnamon rolls coming out of the oven and hot chocolate was Christmas breakfast. The rest of the day we played with our toys as Mom and Dad finally relaxed in the living room, most of the time Mom would be just staring in the distance, as she rarely sat down. Dad would be in his big green over stuffed chair fast asleep, occasionally letting out a big loud snore. And that is MY Christmas story. I hope you all have made lots of memories and stored them in your memory bank, as they are more precious as the years go by - just ask me!! Merry Christmas, God Bless your family and may God Bless our great United States of America. We need to say double prayers each night for Peace On Earth and Good Will To ALL Men!!

Arts & Entertainment Y

B-3 Peninsula Clarion, Wednesday, December 24, 2014

What’s Happening Best Bets n The Triumvirate Theatre on the Kenai Spur Highway just north of Kenai presents “A Charlie Brown Christmas” shows at 7 p.m. on Friday, and 3 p.m. on Saturday. For tickets visit www.triumviratetheatre.org.

Events and Exhibits n The Soldotna Bible Chapel will be having a Christmas concert on Christmas Eve at 7:00 p.m. The concert will feature the adult choir, as well as, hand bells, a children’s choir, and instrumental music. Soldotna Bible Chapel is located at 300 W. Marydale, Soldotna. n A exhibition of work by students Sue Covich, Jessica Isenman-Bookey, Alisah Kress, Chelsea Springer and Sandra Sterling is on display in the Gary Freeburg Gallery at Kenai Peninsula College through Jan. 1. The gallery is open from 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday.

Entertainment n A community choir, The Kenai Peninsula Singers, is open to everyone who wants to be there, whether it is their first time singing or they sang at The Met. The choir will rehearse every Tuesday night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Kenai Central High School choir room. Call or email for more details: 907283-2125 or simjnissen@gmail.com. n A Clam Gulch Community Christmas Day Potluck will take place at 4 p.m. Thursday at the Que’ana Bar, mile 122.5 Sterling Highway. The Que’ana is ringing in the New Year with a chocolate fountain, snacks, a few fireworks, and a champagne toast at midnight. Call 907-567-3454. n The Flats Bistro on Kalifornsky Beach Road has live music with Garrett Mayer on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Raymond Machen-Gray on Mondays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. n Join Steve and Fern Holloway for karaoke every Saturday night at the Kenai Moose Lodge. Singing starts at 9 p.m. and everyone is welcome. n An all acoustic jam takes place every Thursday. The jam is at Christ Lutheran Church in Soldotna on the first Thursday of the month, and at the Kenai Senior Center during the rest of the month. Jam starts at 6:30 p.m. n AMVETS Post 4 is open to all military veterans and their families for support and camaraderie. Join us for Friday night tacos, or Saturday night steaks with Karaoke. Sunday afternoon its super hamburgers. Not a member? Stop by and we can show you how to become a part of this special veteran’s organization. AMVETS is located in the Red Diamond Center next door to IDEA Schools. n Sharpen your dart skills with a fun tournament every Sunday during the season at the AmVets in the Red Diamond Center. The number of players will determine the game. Sign See ARTS, page B-4

Poet’s

Corner

I’m Just a Man (Dedicated to my Sparrow) By Daniel H. Kartchner

Often men are clueless and you’d seldom disagree, Men seldom understand women right, from when they were probably three. However you want to call it, absent minded or just plain dumb, Men have upset their queens, asking questions when they should’ve run. Bearing this in mind, it should help, to direct a better path , Understanding a better way, one doesn’t need science nor math. Loving, listening and kindness, are the ways to redemption for man, Understanding is a feeling; not necessarily spoken, but better if you can... I’ve always wanted to help you, when you were sick and down, When I don’t know what to do, to ease a troubled frown. But knowing that I’m willing, should help to ease the pain, That seems to come from this life, from time to time and again. Subliminal thought would be a blessing, I wouldn’t have to guess, How nice it would be, from time to time, to know you’d like a rest… You should know your work for the family, doesn’t ever go unseen, And although you get uptight sometimes, you’re never, ever mean. There are times, when I’m sure you wish, your mind could just be read, When others would do the washing; hungry mouths already fed. When messes didn’t happen, when naps could last for hours, When sickness lived somewhere else, and you could take 60 minute showers. When money was plentiful, because employment was steady and good, When everybody kicked in and helped, just as often as they should. These things I know, although oft times, my actions don’t speak, “I can,” And do better, to understand you, even though, I’m just a man. Poems must include the writer’s name, phone number and address. They should be kept to no more than 300 words. Submission of a poem does not guarantee publication. Poems may be e-mailed to news@peninsulaclarion. com, faxed to 283-3299, delivered to the Clarion at 150 Trading Bay Road or mailed to P.O. Box 3009, Kenai, AK 99611.

AP Photo/Warner Bros. Pictures, Mark Pokorny

In this image released by Warner Bros. Pictures, Martin Freeman appears in a scene from “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.”

“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” New Line Cinema 2 hours, 24 minutes After watching the final scenes of an almost nine-hour trilogy, crammed with stuff most movie-goers agree could have easily been left on the cutting room floor, I was surprised to be left with a sense that it was incomplete. Not that I wanted more, mind you, but I was surprised that after all that, director Peter Jackson leaves a handful of threads from his “Hobbit” films hanging. I know people complained that the last “Lord of the Rings” movie ended something like nine times, but couldn’t this series at least wrap it all up? “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” begins immediately after the previous film so abruptly ended, with the rain of destruction on Laketown by the dragon Smaug. I’m bewildered by both this beginning and the previous ending because it means neither movie can ever be looked at as a stand-alone film. Smaug, as a charac-

R eeling It In C hris J enness ter, is barely in this film, but it all starts out with him. After he’s killed (spoiler alert) by Bard, the people of Laketown start looking around for a.) someone to blame, and b.) somewhere to stay. Both answers are the same, in fact, pointing to the dwarves now hold up in the Misty Mountain with all of Smaug’s gold. Thorin, previously grumpy but basically honorable, has now become a real tool, lusting for gold and berating his fellows for being unable to find the Arkenstone, a pointless maguffin that I’ve yet to understand the importance of. It’s no wonder they can’t find it, however, because Bilbo Baggins, hired as a thief,

after all, has stolen it and is now carrying it around in his coat. Back outside the mountain, with little or no foreshadowing, an army of Woodland Elves from the forest of Mirkwood have arrived to challenge the dwarves. Apparently they are very anxious to retrieve some ancient jewelry that no one has ever mentioned before. Because Thorin is now a jerk, he refuses to help the humans or to barter with the elves and basically resigns himself to war. Elsewhere, because orcs are forever on the march from somewhere to somewhere else, an army of orcs is on their way to capture the mountain and its treasure. If you’re counting, we’re up to four armies (later, for no real reason, the giant eagles show up and join the fray, though they’re barely mentioned.) I was pretty frustrated with the way this is all set up and the fact that one battle has an entire movie devoted to it, but there were a few interesting things going on elsewhere. In the frightening castle of See REEL, page B-4

‘Frozen’ the entertainer of the year By MARK KENNEDY AP Entertainment Writer

AP Photo/Disney

This image shows a teenage Elsa the Snow Queen, voiced by Idina Menzel, in a scene from the animated feature “Frozen.” Although the animated film opened late in 2013, the story of Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven easily outpaced other vote-getters like “Sherlock” star Benedict Cumberbatch, TV guru Shonda Rimes, musicians Beyonce and Pharrell Williams for entertainer of the year. “Frozen” has earned Disney more than $1.27 billion at the box office worldwide, becoming the most successful animated movie of all time. Its signature song “Let It Go” won an Oscar and a national touring live version on ice has been a huge draw.

NEW YORK — If you have children, or know someone who does, or just listened to one recently, the choice of Associated Press Entertainer of the Year won’t come as much of a shock: It’s “Frozen,” and in 2014, we just couldn’t let it go. Although the animated film opened late in 2013, the story of Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven easily outpaced other vote-getters like “Sherlock” star Benedict Cumberbatch, TV guru Shonda Rimes, musicians Beyonce and Pharrell Williams, and even an entry for the culture’s fixation on the female rear. In 47 ballots submitted by members and subscribers of the AP, “Frozen” won 12 votes. See ELSA, page B-4

‘The Silent Sister’ has plenty to say Bookworm Sez Sometimes, you find the strangest things in the oddest places. How, for example, did that thing you spent months searching for suddenly appear right in front of you, as if it were there all along? You quit hunting eons ago. You figured the darn thing was gone forever but no — there it was. Some findings come as nice surprises. Others can make you regret the whole search. In “The Silent Sister” by Diane Chamberlain (c.2014, St. Martin’s Press, $26.99, 346 pages), a daughter wishes she’d stopped looking… Riley MacPherson knew the task ahead wouldn’t be a pleasant one. After her father died unexpectedly, it fell to her to clean his house and sell his assets; she was, after all, his estate’s executrix. Still, it might’ve been nice to get some help from her brother, Danny, who really only wanted to be left alone. And

their older sister, Lisa…? Well, that was a sore subject. When Riley was just two years old, Lisa disappeared, an assumed suicide. Her kayak had been found in a half-frozen river; her body had never been recovered. Riley barely remembered the teenager who drowned herself, but Danny did — and for some reason, he had nothing good to say about Lisa. Her suicide had scarred their family and Danny had a troubled childhood. That, perhaps, was why Riley was the one going through their father’s belongings. Each item she found in his messy office stabbed at her heart. Everything held memories, until she opened his checkbook register. Why had her father been writing out $500 checks to Tom Kyle, a longtime renter? It wasn’t as though they were friends. And why, when she tried to talk to the Kyles, did Mrs. Kyle insist that Riley had been adopted? See SEZ, page B-4

B-4 Peninsula Clarion, Wednesday, December 24, 2014

West Virginia eye doctor’s art exhibit appeals to the touch is so in danger for them, that I appreciate every pixel of light,” Skolik said. “It just warms my heart every time I see ink coming out of the pen or paint on the end of the paintbrush. The vividness and the specific way that I see that is maybe not what someone else sees, but I really want to share that with somebody.” Thousands have so far, including busloads of children from area schools who gleefully touch the 3-D versions and listen to the accompanying verbal narratives with their eyes closed. “This is the first time these children have ever maybe even considered what it must be like to lose a sense or to be considered as someone else who can’t see,” Skolik said. Skolik became hooked on art at age 12 after going to a

Huntington store to buy an oil paint set. What she produced is a still-life fruit painting that’s included in her show. The next few summers were spent hanging out in the back of the room in fine arts classes at Marshall University, even though she never registered or paid a dime. She even got to take home leftover paint and etching material. “All the teachers kind of knew me: ‘Oh yeah, that girl showed up again,’” Skolik said. “I’m just a little kid, but they let me stay.” Eventually, she had to find a career path. Medicine won, but the artist bug eventually bit again. She took two years off from her medical work to paint before realizing in the late 1980s that there wasn’t enough human interaction — or money

— in painting. She finished an ophthalmology residency and retina fellowship and returned to Huntington, where she’s been in private practice for the past 15 years. Yet her office became her gallery. One year, she recalled painting a family portrait for Valentine’s Day. “In between patients I would run to the office, I’d paint the nose, go back and see two or three patients,” she said. “I’d go back and paint some ears. I’d say to the nurse, ‘go look at the nose. What do you think?’” Some finished paintings made it onto the walls of her practice, and a few patients who happened to be on the museum’s board of directors suggested she show them off to a wider audience. The museum even changed its bylaws to

make it happen. Sixty paintings for the exhibit were chosen from among 750 at Skolik’s home. During one meeting with museum officials, Skolik was told about the strong support system locally for people with little or no vision. Skolik then got an idea to use a local firm to make a 3-D computer image of a painting that people could touch. But that proved to be costly, so she decided to try it herself with clay — something she had never worked with. “In the beginning it was a little difficult,” Skolik said. “I took my shoe off and I’m flattening it with my heel.” Frustrated, Skolik turned to Kathleen Kneafsey, the museum’s visual artist in residence, who gave her a tutorial. Skolik then produced 13 12-by-12

pieces, carving images of paintings into the clay with raised and lowered edges. These works, along with the 3-D computer image, Braille labels and bar codes that can be scanned by smartphones to hear audio narratives, were mounted next to the paintings at the museum. Kneafsey, who has held clay sculpting classes for the visually impaired at the museum, said the 3-D idea was ideal. “She’s bringing the twodimensional painting into the three-dimensional realm,” Kneafsey said. “When they take the tours, especially with kids, they love to be able to touch things. Clay, for me, is all about touch. Not only can you see that someone’s hands were on it from the maker, but they can put their hands on it.”

. . . Arts

. . . Reel

Continued from page B-3

up begins at 1:00 p.m. For more information call 262-3540. n Odie’s Deli in Soldotna has live music Friday from 6-8 p.m. and Pub Quiz night every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. n The Bow bar in Kenai has karaoke at 9 p.m. Thursdays and live music Fridays, Saturdays at 10 p.m. n Hooligans Saloon in Soldotna has poker Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 5:30 p.m. and live music Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. n The Duck Inn on Kalifornsky Beach Road has karaoke at 9 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and DJ Arisen on Saturdays. n Mykel’s in Soldotna has live music Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. with Robb Justice, and Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m. with Bob Ramponi and Dave Unruh. n The Duck Inn will have live music from 7 to 10 p.m. every Wednesday with Robb Justice and Trio. n The Pinochle Club, formerly from Kasilof, plays at Hooligans Bar & Restaurant in Soldotna Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. Questions? Call Jay Vienup at 907-252-6397.

Barad Dur (or something like that — to be honest, all these names are starting to run together) Gandalf is being held prisoner by some other evil orcs. He has discovered that the evil Sauron, soon to be the big bad in “Lord of the Rings,” is attempting a return to both power and corporeality. Luckily the Lady Galadriel, along with the wizard Saruman and the elf king Elrond arrive to rescue him, fighting both the ring wraiths and eventually Sauron himself, Cate Blanchett as Galadriel getting to be the biggest bad-ass of the entire trilogy. In the meantime, elves Legolas and Tauriel are flitting around Middle Earth knocking

off orcs and bearing witness to the futility of war. I like these two characters, as well, and their part of the film was pretty gripping, if ultimately unsatisfying. When it’s all said and done, “Battle of the Five Armies” feels both slight and too long at the same time. Most of the film involves the titular battle, but abruptly the action leaves the battle to focus on the fates of Thorin, and fellow dwarves Fili and Kili, and never returns. Much is made of the character of Dain, Thorin’s cousin and a fierce warrior, but after a few witticisms by Billy Connolly, the character is never heard from again. I was somewhat interested in the fate of Thorin, but by completely abandoning the rest of the company for the majority of the film, Jackson and co. are basically saying

none of the other dwarves matter and the fact that you couldn’t remember who was who isn’t a story problem, but rather is a consequence of those characters being inconsequential. I’m particularly frustrated because the previous two films in this trilogy have been passable but not great. I was hoping this would be the moment they nailed it, but this feels to me like the weakest in the series. Most frustrating of all, however, is how Jackson, after Thorin’s story is finished, abandons the rest of the plot points he’d spent the last two films setting up. The Arkenstone? Who knows what that thing was ever supposed to be. Tauriel? I don’t know — she’s not in the “Lord of the Rings” films, so something must have happened to her. Bard and the people of Laketown? I’m assuming some of

them survived, not that we ever bother checking back in with them. We never even find out what happens with the mountain and everything inside, even after Gandalf makes a point to tell us how vitally important it is as a strategic stronghold in the troublesome days to come. Bilbo does get to finally finish his journey, and the film does, as expected, end at the same moment the original films start, but compared to the later adventures of Frodo and his merry men, this visit to Middle Earth is a mess. Grade: C+ “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” is rated PG13 for fantasy violence and battle sequences.

No. 1 on the holiday wish lists of girls, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation. Barbie had been the queen for 11 years in a row, but felt a chill this year from the kingdom of Arendelle. The Oscar-winning story about how the sisters Anna and Elsa overcome Elsa’s terrible power to turn everything into ice and snow has songs by the husband-and-wife songwriting team Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. It features the voices of Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad and Santino Fontana. One Entertainer of the Year voter said the film had layers of magic: “’Frozen’ has become nearly unavoidable. Before seeing the movie, I knew the names of each main character as well as the theme song. But it’s more than that. Sisterhood is something so important to little girls whether they are an only child or have 10 siblings,” wrote Jill Harry of The Derrick and The News-Herald of Oil City, Pennsylvania. “The movie takes that theme, that feeling and perfectly matches it with the magic Disney is known to produce. The end result is a movie that has become an obsession. And now snowflake blue is the new black.”

While the nation fell hard for the film, one famous actor was positively tongue-tied. John Travolta butchered the pronunciation of Menzel’s name at the Oscar ceremony. What came out was something that sounded like “Adele Dazeem,” but it only helped Menzel sell more tickets to her Broadway show “If/Then.” “Frozen” translated into cold, hard cash at the box office. Apple said the animated film’s soundtrack was the year’s top selling album on iTunes, and “Frozen” merchandise accounted for nine of the top 10 best-selling items in Disney stores. There were “Frozen” sing-alongs on Disney cruises to the Caribbean, a book series was published and some of the characters made it onto the fourth season of ABC fantasydrama “Once Upon a Time.”

Its creators are still coming to grip with its power. “We have tried to figure it out or define it and dissect it to figure out what it all was,” said Buck. “We call it lightning in a bottle. There is something there and I can’t really describe it.” Parody and tribute videos never slowed down in 2014, and boys and girls continued to spontaneously belt out “Let It Go” on playgrounds or cite its memorable quotes like, “The cold never bothered me anyway,” ‘’I’m Olaf and I like warm hugs!” and “Some people are worth melting for.” Lee said she and Buck were raised on the classic Disney films and they wanted to do “a sincere, modern fairy tale” that “spoke to this generation.” The music was classic but also fresh, and they tried to make the characters three-dimensional.

By JOHN RABY Associated Press

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Touching the art is a no-no at most museums. At Dr. Stephanie Skolik’s exhibit, it’s encouraged. At the Huntington Museum of Art, Skolik melds oil, pastel, watercolor, charcoal and other types of paintings into a multisensory approach, including 3-D clay interpretations for visitors, especially blind and visually impaired people, to experience. Skolik combines her fourdecade love of painting with her long career as an ophthalmologist for her first major exhibit “Inner and Outer Vision” on display through Jan. 25. “I live in such a visual world, because the people I see, vision is so precious and

Films n Call Orca Theaters at 262-7003 for listings and times. n Call Kambe Cinemas at 283-4554 for listings and times.

Down the Road

. . . Elsa Continued from page B-3

n The Pratt Museum in Homer is open Tuesday-Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information and a schedule of events, Taylor Swift had 8. Matthew McConaughey and Jimmy visit www.prattmuseum.org. Submissions may be emailed to news@peninsulaclarion.com. The deadline is 5 p.m. Mondays.

. . . Sez Continued from page B-3

I have to admit that I had The Big Secret figured out early, but author Diane Chamberlain kept me around anyhow with great characterization, an excellent amount of taut suspense, and enough fast-paced movement to hold my interest. I liked how Chamberlain told this story, moving between sisters and through time. My only complaint: the ending comes too coincidentally, too conveniently, too abruptly. And yet, even if it does finish with a sense of mid-air suspension, I think the richness and thrill of this novel’s plot overcomes its flaws. If you’re a whodunit fan, in fact, you might find “The Silent Sister” to be perfect.

That was an odd thing — but there was a lot odd going on. Her father, for instance, had apparently been dating an old family friend for years and Jeannie Lyons seemed to know more than she was saying — especially about Lisa. But Riley didn’t need Jeannie. She’d discovered a few shocking family secrets all on her own: before she went missing, Lisa had been charged with murder. And there were reasons to believe that she was very much alive… Like many people, I keep a pile of books on the table beside my bed. “The Silent Sister” was The Bookworm is Terri at the top of the pile, and it kept Schlichenmeyer. Email her at me up for quite a few nights. bookwormsez@yahoo.com.

Fallon were tied for third with 7 votes each. Voters were asked to consider who had the most influence on entertainment and culture in 2014. “Frozen” has earned Disney more than $1.27 billion at the box office worldwide, becoming the most successful animated movie of all time. Its signature song, “Let It Go,” won an Oscar, and a national touring live version on ice has been a huge draw. The lines of girls wearing sparkly dresses waiting for a chance to see Elsa and Anna at Disneyland are staggering. “Frozen” was the most searched movie in 2014, according to Google. “It’s amazing,” said Chris Buck, who co-directed and cowrote the film with Jennifer Lee. “A year later, it’s still crazy.” Asked if they had managed to get their heads around the film’s popularity, Lee replied: “I don’t know if it’s possible. I kind of hope it’s not possible because this is a really great feeling.” The film’s gravitational pull has now supplanted Barbie as

Chris Jenness is a freelance graphic designer, artist and movie buff who lives in Nikiski.

CLASSIFIEDS C

Peninsula Clarion, Wednesday, December 24, 2014 B-5

www.peninsulaclarion.com classifieds@peninsulaclarion.com

Classified Index EMPLOYMENT Agriculture Computing & Engineering Construction & Trades Domestics, Childcare, Aides Drivers/ Transportation Education Finance & Accounting General Employment Healthcare Hospitality & Food Service Manufacturing & Production Oil & Refinery Office & Clerical Personal Care/Beauty Professional/ Management Real Estate, Leasing, Mortgage Retail Sales & Marketing Schools/Training Tourism Work Wanted

Drivers/Transportation NOW HIRING

FOR ALASKA LICENSE EXPERIENCE SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS: Hiring Bonus of $1,000. First Student 907-260-3557

General Employment

REAL ESTATE RENTALS Apartments, Unfurnished Apartments, Furnished Cabins Condominiums/ Town Homes Duplex Homes Lots For Rent Manufactured/Mobile Homes Misc. Rentals Office Space Out of Area Rentals Rental Wanted Retail/Commercial Space Roommate Wanted Rooms For Rent Storage Rentals Vacation Rentals

FINANCIAL Auctions Business for Sale Financial Opportunities Mortgage/Loans

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

C Y

M K

Antiques/Collectibles Appliances Audio/Video Building Supplies Computers Crafts/Holiday Items Electronics Exercise Equipment Firewood Food Furniture Garage Sales Heavy Equipment/ Farm Machinery Lawn & Garden Liquidation Machinery & Tools Miscellaneous Music Musical Instructions Office/Business Equipment Vacations/Tickets Wanted To Buy

RECREATION Aircrafts & Parts All-Terrain Vehicles Archery Bicycles Boat Supplies/Parts Boats & Sail Boats Boat Charters Boats Commercial Campers/Travel Trailers Fishing Guns Hunting Guide Service Kayaks Lodging Marine Motor Homes/RVs Snowmobiles Sporting Goods

BECOME AN OCEAN RANGER Help protect Alaska's environment and its people! Be an observer onboard cruise ships for the summer, monitoring State environmental and marine discharge requirements and identifying any potential safety, sanitation, and/or health risks. Compensation includes both salary and benefits. Minimum Qualifications: 1.) Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) or Third Assistant Engineer (3 A/E) or degree in marine safety and environmental protection from accredited maritime institution. 2.) American Maritime Officers (AMO) Union member. 3.) Pass criminal background check, able to enter Canada. 4.) Of sound physical condition and able to pass post-offer physical examination. 5.) Successful completion of Ocean Ranger training. To Apply: 1.) Online at www.Crowley.com/oceanrangers by 02/15/15. 2.) Email: marinejobs@crowley.com with questions. Alaska residents are encouraged to apply!

General Employment

PETS & LIVESTOCK Birds Cats Dogs Horses Livestock Livestock Supplies Pet Services Pet Supplies

SERVICES Appliance Repair Auction Services Automotive Repair Builders/Contractors Cabinetry/Counters Carpentry/Odd Jobs Charter Services Child Care Needed Child Care Provided Cleaning Services Commercial Fishing Education/Instruction Excavating/Backhoe Financial Fishing Guide Services Health Home Health Care Household Cleaning Services House-sitting Internet Lawn Care & Landscaping Masonry Services Miscellaneous Services Mortgages Lenders Painting/Roofing Plumbing/Heating/ Electric Satellite TV Snow Removal Tax Services Travel Services Tree Services Veterinary Water Delivery Well Drilling

NOTICES/ ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements Card of Thanks Freebies Lost/Found Personals/Notices Misc. Notices/ Announcements Worship Listings

PUBLIC NOTICES/ LEGAL ADS Adoptions Articles of Incorporation Bids Foreclosures Government Misc. Notices Notice to Creditors Public Notices Regulations

Health FIVE STAR REALTY Property Management Experts with more than 25 year experience.

Organized, energetic and creative person to positively assist women and children residing in transitional / supportive housing. Excellent understanding of or working experience in domestic violence/sexual assault, and related victim issues. Must promote and model non-violent behavior, empowerment philosophy, positive parenting and direct communication. HS diploma or equivalent required, degree in related field preferred. Valid driver's license required. Resume, cover letter and three references to:

GRAND OPENING

Available in the Office Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00 Diane Melton, Owner/Broker We provide 24 hour emergency service. Five Star Realty Always reach for the Stars Phone: 262-2880

Executive Director, The LeeShore Center, 325 S. Spruce St., Kenai, AK 99611 by December 24th, 2014. EOE.

www buyfivestarak.com

Apartments, Unfurnished

URAI TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE *RELAXING THAI MASSAGE* Located in the Red Diamond Center on K-Beach Rd. Open: Monday - Saturday 11:00a.m. - 6:00p.m. Call for your appointment today! (907)395-7315, (907)740-1669

Health Office & Clerical

CLASSIFIED INSIDE SALES REPRESENTATIVE

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES AVAILABLE FOR RENT:

The Peninsula Clarion newspaper has an opening for a Classified Inside Sales Representative. Experience in a business office environment, excellent customer service skills, knowledge of PC and Mac platforms as well as proper grammar and spelling skills are a must. The ideal candidate must dress professionally, be able to multitask, meet deadlines, do data entry and have a positive attitude. This person will answer incoming and make outgoing calls and must be able to work individually and as part of a team. This is a full-time position with benefits. Interested parties can submit an application by mailing it to: Peninsula Clarion Attn: Leslie Talent PO Box 3009 Kenai, AK 99611 E-mail resumes to: leslie.talent@peninsulaclarion.com

ALASKA 1st REALTY 44045 Kalifornsky Beach Rd., Soldotna www.Alaska1stRealty.com, e-mail; Alaska1stRealtyInc@gmail.com, phone: (907)260-7653

Apartments, Unfurnished

ASIAN MASSAGE HAPPY HOLIDAYS Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Open! Call Anytime! (907)398-8896 (907)741-0800

ALL TYPES OF RENTALS

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH Platting Technician, Soldotna, AK. Under the direction and supervision of the Planning Director or designee, the PLATTING TECHNICIAN is responsible for routine platting functions such as report preparation, maintenance of files and maps, analysis of property deeds and patents, and subdivision plat review. The platting technician must strictly conform to deadlines for publishing agenda items and mailing notices for platting actions per KPB Code. This is a full time classified position; salary, $23.34/hr. + benefits. A detailed position description, summary of benefits, and instructions for applying on-line can be found at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/kenaiak/default.cfm. Job closing: 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 9, 2015

General Employment

TRANSPORTATION Autos Classic/Custom Financing Motorcycles Parts & Accessories Rentals Repair & Services Sport Utilities, 4x4 Suburbans/Vans/ Buses Trucks Trucks: Commercial Trucks: Heavy Duty Trailers Vehicles Wanted

Homes DIRECT SERVICE ADVOCATE Transitional Living Center Part Time

BUS ATTENDANTS & NON-EXPERIENCE SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS: hiring bonus of $250.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Commercial Property Condominiums/ Town Homes Farms/Ranches Homes Income Property Land Manufactured Mobile Homes Multiple Dwelling Out of Area for Sale Steel Building Vacation Property Wanted To Buy Waterfront Property

Healthcare

To place an ad call 907-283-7551

KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH Resource Planner Donald E. Gilman River Center, Soldotna, AK. Under the general direction of the River Center Director or his/her designee, the RESOURCE PLANNER is responsible for administering the provisions of ordinances and regulations that control the use of lands and rights-of-way within the borough. This is a full time classified position; salary, $28.59/hr. + benefits. A detailed position description, summary of benefits, and instructions for applying on-line can be found at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/kenaiak/default.cfm. Job closing: 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 16, 2015

General Employment

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES Responsible for the Kenai/Soldotna network of Hope services, including planning, organizing, coordinating and monitoring division activities. Su pervises and manages the network, its service delivery and its employees. Qualifications: 5 years work experience in social services, supported employment services, or other services in the developmental disability field. Bachelors Degree in human services with a concentration in special education or DD sciences. Contact Hope at (907)561-5335 or apply online at www.hopealaska.org

Buyers & Sellers Are Just A Click Away www. peninsulaclarion.com

The Peninsula Clarion is an equal opportunity employer. Applications are available at our office on 150 Trading Bay Road in Kenai.

Employment Agriculture Computing & Engineering Construction & Trades Domestics, Childcare, Aides Drivers/Transportation Education Finance & Accounting General Employment Healthcare Hospitality & Food Service Manufacturing & Production Oil & Refinery Office & Clerical Personal Care/Beauty Professional/ Management Real Estate, Leasing, Mortgage Retail Sales & Marketing Schools/Training Tourism Work Wanted

Real Estate For Sale Commercial Property Condominiums/Town Homes Farms/Ranches Homes Income Property Land Manufactured Mobile Homes Multiple Dwelling Out of Area for Sale Steel Building Vacation Property Wanted To Buy Waterfront Property

Rentals Apartments, Unfurnished Apartments, Furnished Cabins Condominiums Town Homes Duplex Homes Lots For Rent Manufactured/Mobile Homes Misc. Rentals Office Space Out of Area Rentals Rental Wanted Retail/Commercial Space Roommate Wanted Rooms For Rent Storage Rentals Vacation Rentals

Apartments, Unfurnished REDOUBT VIEW Soldotnaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best value! Quiet, freshly painted, close to schools. 1-Bedroom from $625. 2-Bedroom from $725. 3-Bedroom, 2-bath, from $825. No pets. (907)262-4359.

Subscribe Today!

283-3584

Property Management and Oversight Division 170 N. Birch Suite 101, Soldotna (907)262-2522 Mary.Parske@century21.com www.Century21FreedomRealty.com

Apartments, Unfurnished KENAI DUPLEX apartment for rent on Walker Lane. Private fenced yard, one stall garage, w/d in unit. 2 bedroom 1 bath. $1250 per month includes gas, water, and trash. $600 deposit. Pets on approval with $200 deposit and $50 month. Prorated rent for December. Call Ryan

Recreation Aircrafts & Parts All-Terrain Vehicles Archery Bicycles Boat Supplies/Parts Boats & Sail Boats Boats Charter Boats Commercial Campers/Travel Trailers Fishing Guns Hunting Guide Service Kayaks Lodging Marine Motor Homes/RVs Snow Mobiles Sporting Goods

907.394.1764.

SOLDOTNA 1-Bedroom, 1-bath, apartment, washer/dryer No smoking/ pets. $750. plus electric & tax. (907)252-7355.

Transportation Autos Classic/Custom Financing Motorcycles Parts & Accessories Rentals Repair & Services Sport Utilities, 4x4 Suburbans/Vans/ Buses Trucks Trucks: Commercial Trucks: Heavy Duty Trailers Vehicles Wanted

Homes SOLDOTNA 2BDR, 1BA, 1 car garage, near hospital. Newly remodeled. $1,150 per month, plus utilities. No pets, no smoking 398-1707

Pets & Livestock Birds Cats Dogs Horses Livestock Livestock Supplies Pet Services Pet Supplies

Financial Auctions Business for Sale Financial Opportunities Mortgages/Loans

Merchandise For Sale

Services Appliance Repair Auction Services Automotive Repair Builders/Contractors Cabinetry/Counters Carpentry/Odd Jobs Charter Services Child Care Needed Child Care Provided Cleaning Services Commercial Fishing Education/Instruction Excavating/Backhoe Financial Fishing Guide Services Health Home Health Care Household Cleaning Services House-sitting Internet Lawn Care & Landscaping Masonry Services Miscellaneous Services Mortgages Lenders Painting/Roofing Plumbing/Heating/ Electric Satellite TV Services Snow Removal Tax Services Travel Services Tree Services Veterinary Water Delivery Well Drilling

Notices/ Announcements Announcements Card of Thanks Freebies Lost/Found Personals/Notices Misc. Notices/ Announcements Worship Listings

Dogs

Antiques/Collectibles Appliances Audio/Video Building Supplies Computers Crafts/Holiday Items Electronics Exercise Equipment Firewood Food Furniture Garage Sales Heavy Equipment/ Farm Machinery Lawn/Garden Liquidation Machinery & Tools Miscellaneous Music Musical Instructions Office/Business Equipment Vacations/Tickets Wanted To Buy

The early stages of communication disorders are easier to spot when you know the signs.

Freebies KITTENS! Free to good homes Very cute. (907)252-4460

KENAI KENNEL CLUB

Pawsitive training for all dogs & puppies. Agility, Conformation, Obedience, Privates & Rally. www.kenaikennelclub.com (907)335-2552

Public Notices/ Legal Ads Adoptions Articles of Incorporation Bids Foreclosures Government Misc. Notices Notice to Creditors Public Notices Regulations

Classifieds Work! C

Early detection can improve treatment and quality of life. For more information visit IdentifyTheSigns.org.

M CC M

B-6 December 24, 2014 B-4 Peninsula Peninsula Clarion, Clarion, Wednesday, Monday, December 8, 2014

Peninsula Clarion Display Advertising

(907) 283-7551

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Automotive Insurance Walters & Associates Located in the Willow Street Mall

130 S. Willow St. #8 Kenai............................. 283-5116

Bathroom Remodeling AK Sourdough Enterprises Residential/Commercial Construction & Building Maintenance *Specializing in custom finish trim/cabinets* 35 yrs experience in Alaska

Kenai ................................335-0559 Cell....................................350-0559

GOT JUNK?

Sell it in the Classifieds

283-7551

Boots Sweeneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Clothing 35081 Kenai Spur Hwy. Soldotna .......................262-5916

Business Cards Full Color Printing PRINTERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INK alias@printers-ink.com

150 Trading Bay Road, Suite 2 Kenai

283-4977

Carhartt Sweeneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Clothing 35081 Kenai Spur Hwy. Soldotna .......................262-5916

Every Day in your Peninsula Clarion â&#x20AC;˘ www.peninsulaclarion.com

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dentistry Cook Inlet Dental James Halliday, DMD Extractions, Crowns, Bridges Root Canals, Dentures, Partials Emergency appts. available DKC/Medicaid

Contractor AK Sourdough Enterprises Residential/Commercial Construction & Building Maintenance *Specializing in custom finish trim/cabinets* 35 yrs experience in Alaska

908 Highland Ave. Kenai............................. 283-0454

Kenai ................................335-0559 Cell....................................350-0559

Computer Repair

Dentistry

Walters & Associates Located in the Willow Street Mall

130 S. Willow St. #8 Kenai............................. 283-5116

Need Cash Now?

Place a Classified Ad.

283-7551

ZZZ peninsulaclarion FRP

Cook Inlet Dental James Halliday, DMD Extractions, Crowns, Bridges Root Canals, Dentures, Partials Emergency appts. available DKC/Medicaid

908 Highland Ave. Kenai............................. 283-0454

Family Dentistry Cook Inlet Dental James Halliday, DMD Extractions, Crowns, Bridges Root Canals, Dentures, Partials Emergency appts. available DKC/Medicaid

908 Highland Ave. Kenai............................. 283-0454

Insurance Walters & Associates Located in the Willow Street Mall

130 S. Willow St. #8 Kenai............................. 283-5116

Outdoor Clothing Sweeneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Clothing

Funeral Homes

35081 Kenai Spur Hwy. Soldotna .......................262-5916

Peninsula Memorial Chapels & Crematory Kenai........................................283-3333 Soldotna ..................................260-3333 Homer...................................... 235-6861 Seward.....................................224-5201

Print Shops Full Color Printing PRINTERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INK alias@printers-ink.com

150 Trading Bay Road, Suite 2 Kenai............................. 283-4977

Rack Cards Full Color Printing PRINTERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INK alias@printers-ink.com

150 Trading Bay Road, Suite 2 Kenai............................. 283-4977

Remodeling AK Sourdough Enterprises Residential/Commercial Construction & Building Maintenance *Specializing in custom finish trim/cabinets* 35 yrs experience in Alaska

Kenai ................................335-0559 Cell....................................350-0559

The weatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right to hit the streets in hot new wheels! Count on the classifieds for easy at-home auto shopping. Check out the

listings from dealers and private owners, then make a smart move to a smooth new ride. www.peninsulaclarion.com

Call 283-7551 For more safety tips visit SmokeyBear.com

Peninsula Clarion, Wednesday, December 24, 2014 B-7 Peninsula Clarion

www.peninsulaclarion.com • 150 Trading Bay Road, Suite #1, Kenai, Alaska 99611 • 283-7551 • FAX 283-3299 • Monday - Friday 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.

Classified Ad Rates Number of Days Run

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON/EVENING A

(8) CBS-11 11 (9) FOX-4

(10) NBC-2

(12) PBS-7

4:30

Justice With Judge Mablean ‘PG’ The Insider (N)

(3) ABC-13 13 (6) MNT-5

4 PM

Supreme Justice

5 PM News & Views (N)

5:30 ABC World News

Inside Edition Family Feud Family Feud (N) ‘PG’ ‘PG’ ‘PG’

The Ellen DeGeneres KTVA 5 p.m. Show ‘G’ First Take Mike & Molly Entertainment Anger Man‘14’ Tonight (N) agement ‘14’ 4 The Dr. Oz Show ‘PG’

Channel 2 News 5:00 2 Report (N) Wild Kratts ‘Y’ Wild Kratts ‘Y’ BBC World News Ameri7 ca ‘PG’

CABLE STATIONS

A = DISH

CBS Evening News Two and a Half Men ‘14’ NBC Nightly News (N) ‘G’ Alaska Weather ‘G’

6 PM

6:30

7 PM

B = DirecTV

7:30

DECEMBER 24, 2014

8 PM

8:30

9 PM

Wheel of For- The Middle The GoldModern Fam- (:31) blackish blackish ‘PG’ blackish tune (N) ‘G’ “The Walk” bergs ‘PG’ ily ‘PG’ ‘PG’ “Crazy Mom” ‘PG’ ‘PG’ Celebrity Celebrity The Walking Dead “Hounded” The Walking Dead The gov- Everybody Everybody Name Game Name Game Michonne makes a deciernor seeks information. ‘14’ Loves Ray- Loves Ray‘PG’ ‘PG’ sion. ‘14’ mond ‘PG’ mond ‘PG’ Magnificent MIle Lights I Love Lucy Christmas Madam Secretary “Another Scorpion A nuclear reactor Festival Special Benghazi” ‘PG’ becomes unstable. ‘14’ The Big Bang The Big Bang Bob’s Burg- Bob’s Burg- Brooklyn Brooklyn Fox 4 News at 9 (N) Theory ‘14’ Theory ‘14’ ers “Full Bars” ers “Nude Nine-Nine ‘14’ Nine-Nine ‘14’ ‘PG’ Beach” ‘14’ Channel 2 Newshour (N) “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946, Comedy-Drama) James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore. A guardian angel strengthens a man ruined by a miser. PBS NewsHour (N)

Nature “The Himalayas” Habi- NOVA “Building the Great tats of Himalayan mountain Cathedrals” Gothic cathesystem. ‘G’ drals. ‘G’

NOVA “Great Cathedral Mystery” Experimental miniDuomo. ‘G’

(30) TBS

(3:00) “Love at the Christ108 252 mas Table” (2012) Danica McKellar. ‘PG’ Law & Order: Special Vic105 242 tims Unit “Shadow” ‘14’ Friends ‘PG’ Friends ‘PG’ 139 247

(31) TNT

138 245

(28) USA

(34) ESPN 140 206 (35) ESPN2 144 209 (36) ROOT 426 687 (38) SPIKE 241 241 (43) AMC 131 254 (46) TOON 176 296 (47) ANPL 184 282 (49) DISN 173 291 (50) NICK 171 300 (51) FAM

180 311

(55) TLC

183 280

(56) DISC 182 278 (57) TRAV 196 277 (58) HIST 120 269 (59) A&E

118 265

(60) HGTV 112 229 (61) FOOD 110 231 (65) CNBC 208 355 (67) FNC

205 360

(81) COM 107 249 (82) SYFY 122 244

^ HBO2 304 505 + MAX 311 516 5 SHOW 319 546 8 TMC

329 554

December 21 - 27, 2014

Channel 2 (:34) Christmas Eve Mass (N) News: Late Edition (N) A Grand Mercer Christmas Charlie Rose (N) Classical Christmas selections. ‘G’

Rules of En- Rules of En- Raising Hope Raising Hope 30 Rock ‘14’ gagement gagement ‘PG’ ‘PG’

Clarion TV

• Carpentry • General Handyman Work • Sheetrock • Painting • Woodwork • Tree Removal • Hauling • Cleanup & Repairs • Decks • Kitchen Remodels • Bath • Siding • Remodels • Unfinished Projects?

ROOFING 252-3965

35 Years Construction Experience Licensed, Bonded & Insured

Custom Christmas Lighting We are your complete Christmas Decoration Service Lights • Wreaths • Nativity Scenes • Tree Wraps Call for more details and FREE Estimate

262-6327

Licensed • Bonded • Insured Locally Owned & Operated

Notice to Consumers

Dollar Symbol-

Electric-

Firecracker-

For Sale Sign-

Heart-

Look-

Magnet-

New-

Pot of Gold-

Star-

Wow! Stamp-

Just tell us which graphic you like! An affordable way to grab people’s attention

Classified Ad Specials Private Party Only - Prices include sales tax. NO REFUNDS on specials. Cannot be combined with any other offer

Garage Sale - $26.00* 2 Days - 30 words

Includes FREE “Garage Sale” Promo Kit

Wheel Deal

Selling a Car - Truck - SUV? Ask about or wheel deal special

Monthly Specials!

Ask about our seasonal classified advertising specials. For items such as boats, motorcycles, RVs and snowmachines

Information

Important Classified Advertising Information

• In the event of typographical errors, please call by 10 A.M. the very first day the ad appears. The Clarion will be responsible for only one incorrect insertion. • Prepayment or credit card required. • Ads can be charged only after an approved credit application has been filed. • Ads may also be charged to a current VISA or MasterCard • Billing invoices payable on receipt. • No refunds under $5.00 will be given. • Minimum ad is 10 words. • One line bold type allowed. Additional bold text at $1.00 each word. • Blind Box available at cost of ad plus $15.00 fee. • The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement deemed objectionable either in subject or phraseology or which is considered detrimental to the newspaper.

Place your ad online at ShopKenaiPeninsula.com

Ad Deadlines Line Ads

Corrections

10 A.M. The Previous Day Monday - 11 A.M. Friday Sunday - 10 A.M. Friday

In the event of typographical errors, please call by 10 A.M. the very first day the ad appears. The Clarion will be responsible for only one incorrect insertion.

Faxed ads must be recieved by 8:30 A.M. for the next day’s publication

Computer Problems Call Today ( 9 0 7 ) 2 8 3 - 5 1 1 6

Computer Repair, Networking Dell Business Partner Web Design & Hosting 130 S Willow Street, Suite 8 • Kenai, AK 99611

R ep a ir or R ep la c em en t of R oofin g, Sid in g,Sh eetroc k ,D ec k s,W in d ow s, D oors & M ost B u ild in g C om p on en ts. C lea n -u p & H a u lin g. & Insured 690-3490 776-3490 Licensed Lic.# 952948

24/7 PLUMBING AND

HEATING

No matter how old your system is we can make it more efficient. FREE Kenai: 283-1063 Text us at: ESTIMATES Nikiski: 776-8055 394-4017 email us at: linton401@gmail.com Soldotna: 262-1964 394-4018 UNLIMITED MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS License # 34609

– Based in Kenai & Nikiski – Long Distance Towing

Small Engine Repair

Slide Backs • Winch Out Services • Auto Sales Vehicle Storage • Roll Over Recoveries

Reddi Towing & Junk Car Killers Towing

Seamless Gutters

www.rainproofroofing.com

Checkmark-

Do you look forward to your gas bill each month? If not, you should call

Plumbing & Heating

Notices

The State of Alaska requires construction companies to be licensed, bonded and insured before submitting bids, performing work, or advertising as a construction contractor in accordance with AS 08..18.011, 08.18.071, 08.18.101, and 08.15.051. All advertisements as a construction contractor require the current registration number as issued by the Division of Occupational Licensing to appear in the advertisement. CONSUMERS MAY VERIFY REGISTRATION OF A CONTRACTOR . Contact the AK Department of Labor and Workforce Development at 907-269-4925 or The AK Division of Occupational Licensing in Juneau at 907-4653035 or at www.dced.state.ak.us/acc/home.htm

Our professionals install the highest quality decorations available to ensure your holidays stay bright for years.

fax 907-262-6009

Member of the Kenai Peninsula Builders Association

Best Stamp-

O N E AL ASK AN H AN DYM AN SERV ICE

AlAskAn seAmless Gutters

LLC

Exterior Decorating

Construction

283-3362

Computer Repair

262-4338

Tim Wisniewski, owner • Residential & Commercial • Emergency Water Removal • Janitorial Contracts • Upholstery Cleaning

Handyman

Installation Services LLC

Lic #39710

907-260-roof (7663)

Banner-

Roofing

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • All Repairs Guaranteed

Cleaning

Chimney Cleaning

Sales, Installation, Repairs, & Sweeps Rock and Tile Come see our new show room.

HaveGENERAL ToolsCONTRACTING Will Travel

35158 KB Drive Soldotna, aK 99669

Arrow -

Tim’s

Best pricing is from February to June!

260-4943

Angle Arrow -

Advertise “By the Month” or save $ with a 3, 6 or 12 month contract. Call Advertising Display 283-7551 to get started!

CHIMNEY’S WE DO IT ALL!

Full or Partial Bathroom Remodels

Licensed • Bonded • Insured •License #33430

Call 283-7551

in the Clarion Classifieds!

Advertise in the Service Directory today! - Includes Dispatch. 283-7551

• Experienced • Trustworthy • Dependable • Attention to detail Serving the Kenai Peninsula for over 11 years

$10 - With your classified Line ad.

You Can Find

Bathroom Remodeling

Add - A - Graphic

(:35) Christmas at the Cathe- (:35) Joy to dral -- Holy Family (N) the World Two and a TMZ (N) ‘PG’ Entertainment Tonight Half Men ‘14’

SATELLITE PROVIDERS MAY CARRY A DIFFERENT FEED THAN LISTED HERE. THESE LISTINGS REFLECT LOCAL CABLE SYSTEM FEEDS.

63¢ 44¢ 36¢ 29¢

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The Wendy Williams Show ‘PG’

(3:15) “Kicking & Scream- “Grudge Match” (2013, Comedy) Robert De Niro, Sylvester “Black Nativity” (2013) Forest Whitaker. A (:45) “The Best Man Holiday” (2013, Comedy-Drama) Morris Chestnut, (:05) “Grudge Match” (2013, ing” (2005, Comedy) Will Stallone, Kevin Hart. Retired boxing rivals return to the ring for teen goes to New York to spend Christmas Taye Diggs, Regina Hall. Longtime friends reunite over the Christmas holi- Comedy) Robert De Niro. Ferrell. ‘PG’ ‘PG-13’ one last fight. ‘PG-13’ with relatives. ‘PG’ days. ‘R’ (:10) “Behind Enemy Lines” (2001, Action) Owen Wilson, “Tapia” (2013, Documen“The LEGO Movie” (2014, Adventure) (:45) The Comeback “Valerie “The Internship” (2013, Comedy) Vince Vaughn, Owen Taxicab ConGene Hackman. An American flight navigator is stranded in tary) ‘NR’ Voices of Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Morgan Faces the Critics” Val gets a Wilson, Rose Byrne. Old-school salesmen finagle internships fessions war-torn Bosnia. ‘PG-13’ Freeman. ‘PG’ surprise. ‘MA’ at Google. ‘PG-13’ (3:15) “Jack the Giant (:15) “R.I.P.D.” (2013, Action) Jeff Bridges, Ryan Reynolds, “Deck the Halls” (2006, Comedy) Danny (:45) “Red 2” (2013, Action) Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, (:45) “Eve’s Secret” (2014, Adult) A beautiful Slayer” (2013) Nicholas Kevin Bacon. A slain cop joins a team of spirit lawmen. ‘PG- DeVito. Neighbors clash over decoration Mary-Louise Parker. Retired operatives return to retrieve a woman reveals her intimate desires. ‘NR’ Hoult. ‘PG-13’ 13’ glare. ‘PG’ lethal device. ‘PG-13’ (3:30) “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” (2013, Biogra- (5:55) “Silver Linings Playbook” (2012, Comedy-Drama) Homeland “Long Time Com- The Affair Detective Jeffries Inside the NFL ‘PG’ “Delivery Man” (2013, Comphy) Idris Elba, Naomie Harris. Based on the life of South Bradley Cooper. A man intends to rebuild his life and reunite ing” ‘MA’ makes progress. ‘MA’ edy) Vince Vaughn. ‘PG-13’ Africa’s Nelson Mandela. ‘PG-13’ with his estranged wife. ‘R’ (3:30) “Perfect Sisters” (2014, Suspense) (:20) “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints” (2013, “Four Brothers” (2005, Crime Drama) Mark Wahlberg, “Judge Dredd” (1995, Action) Sylvester (:40) “Double Jeopardy” (1999) Tommy Abigail Breslin. Teenage siblings plot to kill Drama) Rooney Mara, Casey Affleck, Ben Tyrese Gibson, André Benjamin. Siblings seek revenge for Stallone. A futuristic lawman battles a fiend- Lee Jones. Jailed for her husband’s murder, a their alcoholic mother. ‘NR’ Foster. ‘R’ their adoptive mother’s murder. ‘R’ ishly clever criminal. ‘R’ woman learns he lives.

Construction

The Office ‘PG’

“All About Christmas Eve” (2012, Comedy) Haylie Duff, Chris Carmack, Connie Sellecca. Evelyn lives out two possible futures in parallel. ‘14’ Law & Order: Special Vic- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit ‘14’ tims Unit ‘14’ Seinfeld “The Seinfeld “The Seinfeld “The Seinfeld “The Note” ‘PG’ Truth” ‘PG’ Dog” ‘PG’ Library” ‘PG’

Installation

Roofing

How I Met Your Mother ‘14’ KTVA Nightcast Anger Management ‘14’

“Christmas With the Kranks” (2004, Comedy) Tim Allen, “Holiday Switch” (2007, Comedy) Nicole Eggert, Patricia (:02) “Christmas With the Jamie Lee Curtis, Dan Aykroyd. A couple scramble to asMayen-Salazar, Bret Anthony. A married woman encounters a Kranks” (2004) Tim Allen, semble a holiday celebration. former boyfriend. ‘PG’ Jamie Lee Curtis. Law & Order: Special Vic- Law & Order: Special Vic- Law & Order: Special Vic- Modern Fam- Modern Fam- Chrisley Chrisley tims Unit ‘14’ tims Unit ‘14’ tims Unit ‘14’ ily ‘PG’ ily ‘PG’ Knows Best Knows Best “A Christmas Story” (1983, Comedy) Peter Billingsley, “A Christmas Story” (1983, Comedy) Peter Billingsley, “A Christmas Story” (1983, Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillon. A boy tries to convince his Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillon. A boy tries to convince his Comedy) Peter Billingsley, parents to get him a BB gun. parents to get him a BB gun. Darren McGavin. Castle Beckett’s ex-partner is Castle “Knockout” ‘PG’ “A Christmas Story” (1983) Peter Billingsley. A boy tries to “A Christmas Story” (1983) Peter Billingsley. A boy tries to “A Christmas Story” (1983) Peter Billingsley. A boy tries to murdered. ‘PG’ convince his parents to get him a BB gun. convince his parents to get him a BB gun. convince his parents to get him a BB gun. College Football Sheraton Hawaii Bowl -- Fresno State vs. Rice. From Aloha Stadium in Honolulu. (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter SportsCenter College Football: Sheraton Hawaii Bowl The Grantland Basketball 30 for 30 SportsCenter NFL Live (N) Mike and E:60 Profile NFL Live Mike and SportsCenter (N) Hour (N) Mike Mike Mark Few Graham Seahawks High School Football WIAA 3A Championship: Bellevue vs. Eastside Catholic. Mariners All Seahawks Seahawks All High School Football WIAA 3A Championship: Bellevue vs. Show (N) Bensinger Press Pass Access Press Pass Access Eastside Catholic. Cops ‘PG’ Cops ‘14’ Cops ‘14’ Jail ‘14’ Cops ‘14’ Cops ‘14’ Cops ‘PG’ Cops ‘PG’ Cops ‘14’ Cops ‘PG’ Cops ‘PG’ Cops ‘PG’ Cops ‘14’ Cops Sting. iMPACT Wrestling (N) ‘14’ ‘14’ (3:30) “The Santa Clause 2” (2002, Comedy) Tim Allen. “Big Jake” (1971, Western) John Wayne, Richard Boone, Maureen O’Hara. “Rio Bravo” (1959, Western) John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson. Sheriff and deputies “CahillSanta must get married in order to keep his job. An estranged father returns to find his kidnapped grandson. try to hold rancher’s brother in jail. Marshal” King of the King of the The Cleve- The Cleve- American American Family Guy “Road to the Robot Chick- Aqua Teen The Boon- American American Family Guy “Road to the Eric’s AweHill ‘PG’ Hill ‘PG’ land Show land Show Dad ‘14’ Dad ‘14’ North Pole” ‘14’ en ‘14’ Hunger docks ‘MA’ Dad ‘14’ Dad ‘14’ North Pole” ‘14’ some Show Too Cute! “Big Jobs Little Too Cute! “Kittens in Wonder- Too Cute! Baby animals play Too Cute! Baby animals play Too Cute! Baby animals play (:01) Too Cute! “Merry Cute- (:01) Too Cute! “Merry Cute- (:01) Too Cute! “Merry CutePaws” ‘PG’ land” ‘PG’ for the holidays. ‘PG’ for the holidays. ‘PG’ for the holidays. ‘PG’ ness” ‘PG’ ness” ‘PG’ ness” ‘PG’ Austin & Girl Meets I Didn’t Do “Home Alone: The Holiday Heist” (2012, (:10) “Home Alone 3” (1997, Comedy) Alex D. Linz. A clever Girl Meets Dog With a Austin & Jessie ‘G’ “’Twas the Night” (2001) Ally ‘G’ World ‘G’ It ‘G’ Comedy) Malcolm McDowell. ‘PG’ 8-year-old boy defends his home from spies. World ‘G’ Blog ‘G’ Ally ‘G’ Bryan Cranston. ‘G’ SpongeBob SpongeBob ReactToThat SpongeBob SquarePants SpongeBob Full House ‘G’ Full House ‘G’ Full House ‘G’ Full House ‘G’ Fresh Prince Fresh Prince Friends ‘PG’ (:36) Friends (:12) How I Met Your Mother (N) ‘G’ “Truth or Square” ‘Y7’ ‘14’ ‘14’ “Home Alone” (1990) Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci. A left“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989, Comedy) “Elf” (2003, Comedy) Will Ferrell, James Caan. A man leaves The 700 Club ‘G’ “Scrooged” (1988) Bill Murbehind boy battles two burglars in the house. Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo. Santa’s workshop to search for his family. ray, Karen Allen. Santa Sent Me to the ER ‘14’ The Secret Santa Christmas miracles across the country. The Secret Santa Christmas miracles across the country. The Secret Santa Christmas miracles across the country. The Secret Santa ‘PG’ ‘PG’ ‘PG’ ‘PG’ Alaska: The Last Frontier Alaska: The Last Frontier Alaska: The Last Frontier Alaska: The Last Frontier Alaska: The Last Frontier Alaska: The Last Frontier (:01) Alaska: The Last Fron- (:01) Alaska: The Last Fron“Loaded for Bear” ‘14’ Containing the herd. ‘14’ ‘14’ ‘14’ ‘14’ “Christmas Kaboom!” ‘14’ tier ‘14’ tier ‘14’ Man v. Food Man v. Food Man v. Food Man v. Food Man v. Food Man v. Food Bizarre Foods America “The Bizarre Foods Foods with a Food Paradise A beef, duck, Food Paradise “BBQ Para- Bizarre Foods Foods with a Nation ‘PG’ Nation ‘PG’ Nation ‘PG’ Nation ‘PG’ Nation ‘PG’ Nation ‘PG’ Ozarks” ‘PG’ strong smell. ‘PG’ pork dork. ‘PG’ dise 3” ‘PG’ strong smell. ‘PG’ American Pickers “You Bet- American Pickers “London American Pickers “Home- American Pickers “Where’s American Pickers “Plymouth American Pickers “The More (:03) Swamp Christmas ‘PG’ (:01) American Pickers cha” ‘PG’ Calling” ‘PG’ town Pickin”’ ‘PG’ Aldo?” ‘PG’ Rocks” ‘PG’ You No” ‘PG’ “Where’s Aldo?” ‘PG’ Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty Duck Dynasty The family Duck Dynasty The Robert- Duck Dynasty (:31) Duck Dy- (:02) Duck Dynasty Surprise (:01) Duck Dynasty The fam‘PG’ ‘PG’ ‘PG’ ‘PG’ ‘PG’ ‘PG’ gears up for Christmas. ‘PG’ sons rehearse the Nativity. ‘PG’ nasty ‘PG’ wedding for Phil and Kay. ‘PG’ ily gears up for Christmas. ‘PG’ ‘PG’ Beachfront Lakefront Lakefront Lakefront Lakefront Lakefront Property Brothers “Kari & Property Brothers “Sandy & House Hunt- Hunters Int’l Property Brothers “Christine Property Brothers “Sandy & Bargain Bargain Bargain Bargain Bargain Bargain Boris” ‘G’ Susy” ‘G’ ers ‘G’ and Mathieu” ‘G’ Susy” ‘G’ The Pioneer Southern at Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Cutthroat Kitchen “Cutthroat Diners, Drive-Ins and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Kitchen Inferno “Fired Up” Cutthroat Kitchen “Hakuna Diners, Drive-Ins and Woman ‘G’ Heart ‘G’ Kiddy Kitchen” ‘G’ Dives ‘G’ (N) ‘G’ (N) ‘G’ Frittata” ‘G’ Dives ‘G’ Shark Tank Aromatherapy Shark Tank ‘PG’ Shark Tank A modern-day Shark Tank ‘PG’ The Filthy The Car The Car The Car Paid Program Paid Program Paid Program Paid Program sprays. ‘PG’ slip business. ‘PG’ Rich Guide Chasers Chasers Chasers The O’Reilly Factor (N) The Kelly File (N) Hannity (N) The O’Reilly Factor The Kelly File Hannity On the Record With Greta Red Eye (N) Van Susteren Jeff Dunham’s Very Special Jeff Dunham’s Very Special Jeff Dunham’s Very Special Jeff Dunham: All Over the Gabriel Iglesias: Aloha Fluffy The comic Gabriel Iglesias: I’m Not (:33) Gabriel Iglesias: Hot Jeff Dunham Christmas Special Christmas Special Christmas Special Map ‘14’ discusses his family. ‘14’ Fat... I’m Fluffy ‘14’ and Fluffy ‘14’ Christmas Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Wizard Wars “Spam-Tastic!” Wizard Wars “Puppy Love” Wizard Wars Tarot cards and Wizard Wars Competition us- Wizard Wars “Battle of the Wizard Wars Illusions with a “The Prestige” (2006, Challenge ‘PG’ ‘PG’ ‘PG’ a pirate costume. ‘PG’ ing a leaf blower. ‘PG’ Vegas Strip” ‘PG’ confetti shooter. ‘PG’ Drama) Hugh Jackman.

PREMIUM STATIONS ! HBO 303 504

ABC News at (:35) Jimmy Kimmel Live ‘14’ (:37) Nightline (N) ‘G’ 10 (N)

SATELLITE PROVIDERS MAY CARRY A DIFFERENT FEED THAN LISTED HERE. THESE LISTINGS REFLECT LOCAL CABLE SYSTEM FEEDS.

(:15) “The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause” (2006, Comedy) Tim Allen. (:20) “The Family Man” (2000) Nicolas Cage, Tea Leoni. A Wall Street play- Parks and (8) WGN-A 239 307 Jack Frost wants to freeze Santa out of the North Pole. boy wakes to an alternate suburban existence. Recreation (12:00) Season’s Greetings ‘G’ Season’s Greetings ‘G’ (20) QVC 137 317 (23) LIFE

9:30 10 PM 10:30 11 PM 11:30

Jeopardy! (N) ‘G’

Price Per Word, Per Day*

1 .............................. 6 .............................. 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

We don’t want your fingers,

just your tows!

907. 776 . 3967

B-8 Peninsula Clarion, Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Crossword

Wife of transgender husband searches for ways to cope Spouse Network, a group that was started by Amity Pierce Buxton, Ph.D., in the ‘80s. It offers peer support, as well as an online (worldwide) network of support groups. Just knowing you’re not alone with this problem should be comforting. Find it at www.straightspouse.org.

DEAR PUZZLED: By now it should be obvious that you are carrying on a conversation with someone who doesn’t keep his word. He may be married or have misrepresented himself in some other way. If you want a real, flesh-and-blood relationship with someone, stop wasting your time with this person. Move on and don’t look back.

DEAR ABBY: I have been communicating for three Abigail Van Buren months with a gentleman I met on an online dating site. He says he wants to meet me in person, but every time we get close to setting a time and place, something comes up and he can’t keep the date. We live in the same city, so traveling isn’t the problem. When I ask why he’s canceling our date, the answer is different every time. I am beginning to think he just wants to communicate via email or chat. We have web-cammed and know what each other looks like, so that is probably not the issue, either. Should I keep waiting him out or just end it? — PUZZLED IN INDIANA

DEAR ABBY: With Christmas almost here, I’m wondering how much it would cost today for all of the gifts in the carol “The 12 Days of Christmas”? — JUST CURIOUS IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA DEAR JUST CURIOUS: According to an Associated Press story published this year quoting the annual analysis by PNC Wealth Management, those 364 items — purchasing them each time they are mentioned in the song — would set the giver back $116,273. Not to belittle those birds, trees, golden rings and various musical artists, perhaps the money could be better spent? Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

A baby born today has a Sun in Capricorn and a Moon in Aquarius. HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014: This year you will be true to yourself. You will demonstrate unusual financial savvy. Curb a tendency to invest or spend when feeling frustrated. You have a unique style of communicating that seems to express your exact thoughts and feelings. If you are single, you might meet someone of significance anywhere from summer on. This person could be very different from anyone else you have met before. If you are attached, the two of you struggle over making a major investment, perhaps in a home. Trust your judgment. AQUARIUS has a greater understanding of you than you might think. The Stars Show the Kind of Day You’ll Have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult ARIES (March 21-April 19) HHHHH You will act in a most unexpected way with a friend. You might not be totally cognizant of your behavior. Pressure seems to build between you and someone else. You could find this person to be too clingy and controlling, at least verbally. Tonight: Where you want to be. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) HHHH Others will be waiting for you to take the lead. You could be so busy handling last-minute details that you might not even be aware of their eyes on you. Someone older could be very temperamental, and you will need to deal with him or her. Tonight: A must appearance. GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

Rubes

HHHHH Your mind seems to drift to distant places and people. A conflict could occur around travel and/ or with someone at a distance. Relax and know that it will work out given some time and space. Tonight: Help others get into the holiday spirit. CANCER (June 21-July 22) HHHH Reach out to a loved one.This person loves your attention, even if you are not aware of it. In any case, this moment is not the right time to pull away. Make a point of swapping gifts in a quiet moment. Tonight: Light the tree, and enjoy this once-a-year happening. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) HHHH Others seem only too happy to please. No matter what you do, you’ll feel valued and as if you can do no wrong. Don’t forget to say thank you! Someone you care about deeply suddenly could become irate; you’ll need to find out why. Tonight: Go along with plans. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) HHHHYou might be overworked and tired. What a time to get cranky! Try to take a nap — not only for you, but also for others. Otherwise, you will be a terror to deal with. A conversation with a loved one could be difficult. Tonight: Enjoy every last minute of tonight. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) HHHHHYour imagination seems to find a solution for every last-minute hassle you have to deal with. A partner or loved one could act in a most unexpected way. You might be surprised, though by now, you might be used to this person’s unusual behavior. Tonight: Let the fun begin! SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

By Leigh Rubin

Ziggy

Hints from Heloise

Jacqueline Bigar’s Stars HHHH Make your focus your family and those around you. You might want to take your time with the last-minute details. Unfortunately, you won’t have that luxury. Maintain a sense of humor. Tonight: Invite a friend and/or neighbor over for some eggnog. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) HHHH You might be taking a situation a little too seriously. Lighten up, and know this, too, will pass. Your sense of humor will kick in and help you gain perspective with this matter. Try to keep your focus when running around. Tonight: Enjoy your out-of-town company. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) HHHH You’ll get past a problem with ease. Be careful with spending and last-minute details; otherwise, you might have regrets. Retreat into your usually astute self, and don’t feel pressured. Be aware of a possessive streak between you and someone else. Tonight: Make it easy. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) HHHHHYoumightbetakenabackby the general spontaneity and unpredictability of others. Your instincts regarding a particular interaction could push you to initiate a conversation. Do not make someone feel as if you are trying to control him or her. Tonight: Beam in what you want. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) HHH You might want some time away from the holiday celebrations. Know that you will have it soon enough. Curb a tendency to go overboard when expressing your feelings. A friend could do a sudden reversal and surprise you. Go with the flow. Tonight: Make it a low-key evening.

Shopping skills put to the test Dear Readers: It’s Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2014, and many of you are settled in, maybe opening a present or two, enjoying family. Some are preparing to cook. But some are frantically doing lastminute shopping! I love the stories about people who have a tradition and always shop at the last minute — sometimes really last-minute, arriving at a store only an hour or so before closing time! Others shop all year long, finding just the right gift for the right person and keeping it until it’s time to wrap and give. Hanukkah ends today, so to all of my friends who celebrate, a big old Heloise hug. My best to all of my dear readers and to everyone you care about. — Heloise Stale marshmallows Dear Heloise: I really enjoy marshmallows, but they get stale quickly. I don’t remember reading this in your column, but here is my hint: Store them in a home-canning jar. I’ve kept them for months this way, and they are still fresh. — Linda D., via email How do they last that long in your household? Keeping air out is the key, so putting them in any container that won’t allow air in (or out) works just fine. — Heloise

Send a great hint to: Heloise P.O. Box 795000 San Antonio, TX 78279-5000 Fax: 210-HELOISE Email: Heloise(at)Heloise.com

SUDOKU

By Tom Wilson

By Dave Green

5 1 8 2 3 9 6 7 4

2 3 9 7 6 4 5 1 8

6 4 7 5 1 8 9 2 3

1 7 3 4 2 6 8 9 5

8 2 6 9 5 1 3 4 7

4 9 5 3 8 7 2 6 1

9 8 2 1 7 5 4 3 6

7 5 4 6 9 3 1 8 2

Difficulty Level

3 6 1 8 4 2 7 5 9

2014 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Conceptis Sudoku increases from Monday to Friday.

12/23

Previous Puzzles Answer Key

B.C.

Tundra

By Johnny Hart

Garfield

Shoe

By Jim Davis

Take It from the Tinkersons By Bill Bettwy

7 5 1 9 6 8 7 6 1 6 9 4 8 5 3 9 5 8 2 1 4 3 7 6 9 1 3 4 7 9 1 6 Difficulty Level

By Chad Carpenter

By Chris Cassatt & Gary Brookins

Mother Goose and Grimm

12/24

By Michael Peters

2014 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

DEAR ABBY: A year ago, my husband of four years disclosed to me that he’s transgender. We have a 3-year-old who has medical problems, which has resulted in numerous surgeries. Our lives have changed beyond belief, and I’m afraid our marriage has been damaged beyond repair. He has come out of the closet, and I have gone into one to protect his secret and hide my heartache and devastation. The pain I feel is mostly for the lifelong struggles my husband has endured, but now I’m feeling the loss of my husband and our happy future together because I can’t be the wife he needs. How do I know that I’ve tried every option to make this work, especially when I am the only one regularly seeking therapy? When do I resign myself to the fact that my expectations of our marriage will never be achievable? And how do I say I want out without risking his (her) well-being? — LAST STRAW IN THE MIDWEST DEAR LAST STRAW: It would be helpful for you to get emotional support in addition to the counselor you have been seeing. There are no “magic words” to tell your husband you can no longer live with the new person he’s becoming. However, I know of a group that can help you. You would benefit greatly by contacting the Straight

By Eugene Sheffer

Peninsula Clarion

12/24/14

Unwrap Soldotna yields $1,000 shopping spree for local family Holiday boxes ready for pick up at Peninsula Food Bank. Page 2

Purple heart mem, Autumn view of new Purple Heart Memorial now at Soldotna Creek Park. Page 3

Shopping locally paid huge Holiday dividend for the Evans family of Soldotna who collected $1,000 in Chamber Bucks at the December 16th Soldotna Chamber of Commerce meeting. The Unwrap Soldotna promotion included 5 weekly drawings for $25 gift certificates in addition to the $1,000 pay out. “It was our buy local program and Jenna Evans was the lucky winner of $1,000 Chamber Bucks that can be spent at any of our participating 25 locations,” said Michelle Glaves, Soldotna Chamber executive director. “It was a huge surprise to win,” said Jenna Evans, “I put my name in at Hooked on the Bean on KBeach twice, I’m a local coffee drinker and this will make an over the top Christmas for my daughter Olivia,” she said. “It means there’s more money

and more shopping for her do this year and nothing is better than mama shopping with free money,” laughed Jenna’s husband Ethan. Jenna has lived in Alaska all her life and in Soldotna for the last 15 some years she said. “It’s been a great event with fantastic participation not only from our vendors from the shopping public, the box we drew from was like 4ft X 4ft X 4ft, we didn’t count them but it was packed. I think the message is getting out there that it is important to shop locally and when we spend our money here it all comes back to us not only in the services provided by our non-profits that are supported by local businesses, but the sports teams and other events they support that improve our Ryan Kapp & Michelle Glaves of the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce present Jenna Evans quality of life,” added Glaves. with $1,000 Chamber Bucks for a local shopping spree.

Toys for Tots makes record breaking buy C

Sunday afternoon December 14th, just ten days before Santa’s departure from the North Pole some U.S. Marines and Toys for Tots volunteers slid through the doors at Fred Meyers armed with some $2,100 in cash to help out the Jolly Ol’ Elf and be sure that no local boys and girls would miss out on having a Merry Christmas. “Between the toy toss at the Kenai River Brown Bears game and the 21 and over event plus all the other cash donations from the community and spon-

sors we had over $2,100 which include some very generous people who handed us their coupons on their way out as we were shopping that allowed us to get even more toys for the money,” said Johna Beech who along with Sgt. Jonathon Denton headed up this year’s Toys for Tots local campaign. Cash donations are used to buy specific new toys to balance out the age groups that may be overlooked at the toy drop locations. According to Beech starting in October residents

are encouraged to participate in the Toys for Tots drive by purchasing a new unwrapped toy when they are out shopping and drop it off at any one of some twenty five locations on the Peninsula. Monday, December 15th all the toys were collected, counted and delivered to the Salvation Army for distribution here on the Peninsula. “We had just finished the count with a record breaking total of 1,157 toys, when the Soldotna Elks drove up with another 248 new unwrapped toys with increased

our total to 1,605 toys to help out Santa this year,” reported Beech. And toys kept coming in, by Dispatch press time the total had grown to 1,650. The Toys for Tots is national program of the U.S. Marine Corp. that was brought to the Peninsula six years ago, “It’s one of the fun things about being a Marine,” said Sgt. Jonathon Denton, “When you actually get to shop for the toys that are going back out to this community it’s a great feeling. All the toys that are given lo-

Toys for Tots volunteers spend $2,100 for local kids for Christmas.)

cally and that we bought here today go right back out into our community where we can impact those children in need of a Merry Christmas right here at home,” he said. Lance Corporal Jeff Melvin joined in the toy buying mission along with his two year old daughter Elizabeth and Lance Corporal Cat Bras. Toys for Tots volunteers that helped with the toy buy were Cassandra Winslow, Yvonne Oren, Dawni Marx, and Penny Furnish. “This is our 6th year with Toys for Tots on

the Kenai Peninsula. We are very blessed to have partnered with the Salvation Army every year to handle our distribution, Jeannie & Craig Fanning do a wonderful job staging the toys and scheduling the families to come in to select the toys for their children,” said Beech.

Page 2 Clarion Dispatch, December 24, 2014

Redoubt El Grocery Grab yields 1,114 lbs. plus $1,000 for Food Bank holiday boxes.

Redoubt El Grocery Grab yields 1,114 lbs. plus $1,000 for Food Bank holiday boxes Several years ago Sharon Hale at Redoubt Elementary School started a holiday food collection called the “Great Redoubt Grocery Grab!” The idea was to let the students be aware of the needs of those less fortunate during the holidays starting with Thanksgiving by encouraging them to bring in food items that could be donated to the Food Bank. Then to make it more fun for the kids on two weekends she had local celebrities come in to race down the halls and see who could collect the most grocerRedoubt student volunteers separate locally grown potatoes ies by the time they reached the for holiday food boxes.

other end of school. “It’s fun for the kids to collect food and they take it to the food bank and volunteer while they are there,” said 6th grade Redoubt teacher Krista Arthur. This year Borough Mayor Mike Navarre ran against KPBSD Superintendent Sean Dusak, with Navarre finishing second but challenging the kids that he would match dollar for pound they collected up to $1,000, “I lost but it’s a great program and the kids do a great job for our community and the Food Bank with an unparalleled amount of enthusiasm. I was raised in a grocery store

Five Star Realty Team gives to the community

Photo submitted

The Five Star Team hard at work packing back packs for homeless teens, Five Star plans to donate Back Packs on a Five Star Realty collected 367 lbs of food. quarterly basis and donations are appreciated.

Visit Us Online!

www.peninsulaclarion.com

Photo submitted

and we did what we could, but today with the Food Bank it’s a tremendous benefit to those in need in our community,” said Navarre. The following week Principal John Pothast dressed as Mrs. Pilgrim Pothast raced against the PE teacher Donny Joachim and lost. The following week when Mrs. Arthur’s students delivered the results of the Great Grocery Grab to the Food Bank, Linda Swarner weighed in 1,114 lbs. of food and the students helped sort local potatoes and fill holiday boxes. The following day as

he promised Borough Mayor Mike Navarre showed up with his check for $1,000 for the Food Bank. According to Linda Swarner executive director for the Food Bank the results of this year’s Redoubt Grocery Grab works out to nearly 3,000 meals, “We are very appreciative of the students efforts and their awareness of what we do year round here along with the generosity of individuals like Mayor Mike Navarre it shows community team work to be sure that no one goes hungry and that takes a team effort,” said Swarner.

Clarion Dispatch, December 24, 2014

Soldotna designated Purple Heart City At the December 10th Soldotna City Council meeting members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) that included 93-year-old Soldotna resident Bill Fields, who fought on Okinawa in WWII, presented a plaque of appreciation to the City of Soldotna for their assistance in making the memorial that now stands at Soldotna Creek Park a reality. Vietnam veteran Nick Nelson MOPH Region 111 Commander told the Dispatch in an interview, “For several years I’ve wanted to get a Purple Heart Monument here in Soldotna but our MOPH Chapter did not have the funds. About eight years ago the Dept. of AK. MOPH dedicated a Memorial at the Park Strip in Anch. Since then I knew I wanted one here because we have visitors and vets that come here from all over so I talked to the members of my Chapter and they all agreed but it came down to the funding. After talking personally to different people in the community,

they were all for it and wanted to know how they could help. The cost of the Memorial was well over $7,500 plus freight. Our Chapter # 830 received over $8500.00 in donations from the Veterans of Foreign wars Post 10046, Soldotna Elks, AK. State Elks Assoc. and others. I went to the City of Soldotna and first talked to the City Manager and then the mayor. They were great, the mayor at the time was Peter Micciche and he thought it was a good idea, especially in honoring our wounded who received the Purple Heart. The City provided land at the Soldotna Creek Park and when the Monument arrived, the personnel at the City Shop did a great job in placing it and the Parks and Rec. Dept. crew did the landscaping. We came here tonight to express our appreciation to everyone who made this possible. It is a wonderful tribute to our Purple Heart Veterans,” said Nelson. City Manager Mark Dixon responded, “The City of Sol-

dotna is pleased to have been designated by the Military Order of the Purple Heart as a Purple Heart City. The designation came at the right time as Soldotna Creek Park renovation was just starting so we were able to incorporate the Purple Heart Memorial into the design and have it visible all year long to everyone who visits the park for fun and recreation, not just at the memorial park during special occasions.” All hoped that the words carved in stone on the memorial would be read and taken to heart by all who visit the monument, especially at this time of year when the hope for peace is celebrated around the world. The monument reads: “My stone is red for the blood they shed. The medal I bear is my country’s way to show they care. If I could be seen by all mankind, maybe peace will come in my lifetime.” A public dedication of the monument is being planned for next year according New Purple Heart Memorial at Soldotna Creek Park. to Nelson.

Soldotna City Mgr. Mark Dixon & Mayor Anderson receive a plaque of appreciation from the Military Order of the Purple Heart. C

Page 3

Page 4 Clarion Dispatch, December 24, 2014

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Page 2 â&#x20AC;˘ Peninsula Clarion Holiday Greetings â&#x20AC;˘ December 24, 2014

Dear Saint Nick, If I could have one wish, I wish I could have a snowmachine. This is important to me because, I would be able to go ride with my family. Love, Trentin Earl Myers Mrs. Straw’s 3rd Grade Soldotna Elementary

Peninsula Clarion Holiday Greetings • December 24, 2014 • Page 3

Dear Santa, If I had one wish it would be for my dad to be happy when we get money and he get’s a new job. I’m going to varry sad. Because he is going to be gone a lot. The reason this is inportant to me is because I’m going to miss hem. From, Brook Lynne Erlich Mrs. Straw’s 3rd grade class Soldotna Elementary

Dear Santa If I had one wish it would be for a tablet. Then I could use it Dear Santa, If I had one wish, I wish I had to type lists so I can remember Hunter. This is important to me stuff. Love, because I miss him. Gabe Mrs. Straw’s 3rd grade class Soldotna Elementary

Love, Nolan Mrs. Straw’s 3rd grade Soldotna Elementary

Dear Santa, If I had one wish it would be to have a good time on Christmas with my family. This is important to me because on Christmas I wouldn’t want Christmas to be crazy and everybody running around town and everybody in their rooms. I want my family to be happy and not running around town and not in their rooms. Love, Andrew Pieh Mrs. Straw’s 3rd grade Soldotna Elementary

Dear Santa, This year I was gonna put an art set buy my mom said only five things, but I forgot to put art set. So can you please get me an art set for Christmas because I really crafty right now. I make mostly anything out of craft stuff. And I could even make a picture of you. Sincerely, Your best Elf, Emma Ms. Buben’s 3rd Grade Class Soldotna Elementary

Dear Santa Claus, If I had one wish, I would wish for a cheetah dragon that can talk. The reason is I want to feel the clouds and be able to scare the mean people off. Hey Santa, can you give me one more wish?!...I will leave cookies for you and Christmas day and milk and some apples for the raindeer. I know how tireing it is! Love, Ali Ms. Buben’s 3rd grade class Soldona Elementary School

Page 4 • Peninsula Clarion Holiday Greetings • December 24, 2014

would la Clarion hildren u s in n e P The ny c k the ma eninsula n a th to like nai P ss the Ke ubmissions o r c a m o fr s uted their is that contrib to be included in th k ngs r ti o e and artw oliday Gre H r u o f o n year’s editio ad the Section. arts to re n hear e h r u o s we ofte It warm youth, and munity how e s e th f o com words ers of our come a holiday b m e m m fro be section has this annual many homes. 2014 institution in at you will enjoy the th We hope tion. eetings Sec r G y a d li o H ishes, Warmest Weninsula Clarion t the P The staff a

Dear Santa, IF I had one wish it would be the new kindle fire HD. This is important to me because I need more books to read and I could download all the games and books I wanted. Love, Reagan Gibbs Mrs. Straw’s 3rd grade Soldotna Elementary

Dear Santa, If I had one wish, wish is I want the whole world to be happy on Christmas. This is important to be because I think the world needs to have peace on Christmas and no wars. Love, Harland Richards Mrs. Straw’s class Soldotna Elementary

Dear Santa, IF I had one wish, I would wish for a lego set. There’s four of them. A Dreamhouse, a Rock Star Stage, a Swimming pool with Ken, Barbie, and a waterslide, and last of all, a Lego Set where they train horses. Just give me one of those, please. Or something else. I want them because I have 3 of them at my dad’s. Zero at my mom’s and ten at my grandma’s. I play with them all the time. I at least want a couple more Lego sets at my dad’s and mom’s. Thank you. Bella Twidwell Ms. Buben’s 3rd grade class Soldotna Elementry School

Dear Santa, If I had one wish it will be a puppy. This is important to be because if something happens to my dog I will still have one. Love, Alexis Mrs. Straw 3rd grade Soldotna Elementary

Dear Santa, If I had one wish it would be to spend the night at my moms house and do something with her. Why? Because I don’t get to see her, so it would mean alot to me. My mom would love it just as much as I would. Thank you! Sincerely, Rylee Erickson Ms. Buben 3rd grade class Soldotna Elementary

Peninsula Clarion Holiday Greetings • December 24, 2014 • Page 5

Dear Santa, IF I had one wish I would wish that my dog cesna did not pass away so my family would be happy again. This is important to me because my family was closer than ever because of that dog.

Dear Santa, If I had one wish I would wish for an ipod so I can do school math on it. Love you Santa Claus!

Christmas is a good time for wishes. If I had one wish it would be for my friend to come back to Alaska. My friend and I had a lot in common and we played toLove, Paige Hammerle gether every chance we got. We Mrs. Straw’s 3rd grade always got along and took turns Love, Pyper Soldotna Elementary Mrs. Straw’s 3rd grade choosing what game to play. If I Soldotna Elementary Dear Santa, got this wish I would be happy If I had one wish I would wish for all eternity.. Dear Saint Nick, Joshua O’Lena If I had one wish I would wish for a xbox. 5th grade From, that my Grandpa Oscar did not Connections Patrick Anderson die in the Vietnam War in a plane. This is important to me because I only saw his grave stone.

Dear Santa, If I had one wish it would be to have a sew-cool sewing machine because it would be sew cool to sew. I would make a blanket for my baby brother Dylen. Love, Willow Duffy Mrs. Straw’s 3rd grade Soldotna Elementary

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Page 6 • Peninsula Clarion Holiday Greetings • December 24, 2014

Peninsula Clarion Holiday Greetings • December 24, 2014 • Page 7

Page 8 • Peninsula Clarion Holiday Greetings • December 24, 2014 Dear Father Christmas, If I had one wish, I’d wish that a play that I’m in called “A Charlie Brown Christmas” would go well and that everyone would remember their lines. I play Lucy. This is important to me because I don’t want anyone getting embarrassed. Please help us remember our lines and actions. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! Sincerely, Sophia Micciche Mrs. Straw’s 3rd grade Soldotna Elementary

Dear Santa, If I had one wish I would want a big dry erase board and a new fan a stool, a new school desk some jewlry, a laptop, Ipad, four first class tickets to Oahu, a new comforter and a popcorn machine. From your favorite elf Andi p.s. how many reindeer do you have?

Dear Santa If I had one wish……I would want my sister Kallie and me to meet you! An see your elves please. If you can do that for me and my sister, I would give you a present. It can be anything. IF you cant let me and my sister meet you that is ok, because you need your secrets. Don’t brow your cover. With all my heart, Alexxis Medley Ms. Buben’s 3rd Grade Cclass Soldotna Elementary School

Dear Santa, If I had one wish, It would be that my aunt was still alive. This is important to me because she was my favorite. She was so nice to me. Love, Tori Mrs. Straw’s 3rd grade Soldotna Elementary

Dear Santa, If I had one wish I would wish that my uncle gets to spend Christmas with me and Famliy. This is important to me becaus I have not seen him in a long time and I Promise I will not ever be like bad people. Love Shaun Mrs. Straw’s 3rd grade Soldotna Elementary

Peninsula Clarion Holiday Greetings • December 24, 2014 • Page 9

Dear Santa, If I had one wish, it would be that my cat Rufies would come home. This is important to me because I haven’t seen him for a long time. Love, Luc Beauparlant Mrs. Straw’s 3rd Grade Soldotna Elementary

Dear Santa, If I had one wish I would wish for everybudy to get presents. This is important to me because everybudy will be happy. Love Kendyl Mis. Straw 3 grad Soldotna Elementary

Dear Santa, If I had one big wish, it would Dear Santa, be everyone to have a very happy If I had one wish, it would be Christmas. This is important to for you to stop by every house me because some people don’t and give the kids presents. This have a Christmas. Love Montana Bowman is important to me because, I Mrs. Straw’s 3rd grade want every kid to get at least one Soldotna Elementary present for Christmas. Love, Loelani Fullerton Mrs. Straw’s 3rd grade Soldotna Elementary

Dear Santa, If I had one wish it would be an iPad because I really want to talk to my dad’s friend Lane. He also lives in Arizona and I could talk to him on face time. Love, Jacob Mrs. Straw’s 3rd grade Soldotna Elementary

Dear Santa If I had one wish it would be to se my dad because I haven’t seen him in 2 years, and am I on the naught list or the good list? From, A Student Ms bubens 3rd grade class Soldotna elementary

Dear Santa, IF I had one wish, it would Dear Santa, If I had one wish I would wish be any thing I ever wanted like Christmas for everybody and a for my uncle’s ashes to rememunicorn. This is important to me ber him. From because it will help people. Sincerely, Finnley Loop Mrs. Strow’s 3rd grade Soldotna Elementary

Owen Ms. Buben’s 3rd Grade Class Soldotna Elementary School

Page 10 • Peninsula Clarion Holiday Greetings • December 24, 2014 Dear Santa Claus If I had one wish it would be a unicorn because there magical and I can ride it to school. Can I ever ride Rudolph, Prancer, Dixen, Dancer, Comet or Cupid? Sincerely, Sam Ms. Buben’s 3rd Grade class Soldotna Elementar school

Dear Santa, If I had a wish I’d wish for a million dollars, but not for me, Dear Santa though. I’ll give it to the misIf I Had one wish it would be a sionaries at my church. I’ll also complete set of Legendary Poke- give to charity. mon cards. Sincerely, From: Andrew Ms. Buben 3rd grad clas Soldotna Elementary School

Jeren Mr. Buben’s 3rd grade class Soldotna Elementary School

Dear Santa, If I had one wish I would wish to see my best friend Caleb! I have not seen him in too long! I really miss him! From your favorite elf, Wesley Ms. Buben – 3rd Grade Class Soldotna Elememtary School

Dear Santa, If I had one wish it would be Dear Santa, for summer to last foever, but If I had one wish I would wish to see my best friend Caleb! I have still have 2 or 3 days of school not seen him in too long! I really miss him! each week. So we can have fun From your favorite elf, all year, every year! I love sumWesley mer with all my heart. Ms. Buben – 3rd Grade Class Sincerely, Gracie Mrs. Bubens 3rd grade Soldotna Elementary School

Dear Santa If I had one wish it would be cans of food and water for charity and people who have no food and hopefully they are thankful so they won’t starve. From, Nate Ms. Buben’s 3rd grad clas Sodonta Elementary School

Soldotna Elememtary School

Dear Santa, I wish for the pixelmon more for Minecraft x-box 1 addition because I love pokemon and pixelmon is pokemon just named different and that’s what I want for christmas.

Peninsula Clarion Holiday Greetings • December 24, 2014 • Page 11

Dear Santa, If I had one wish it would be a snowmachine because I have never had one and they’re so cool! They’re fast! You can get pulled in a sled. I really want a Yamaha because they have really from your favor elf, good traction, and I want really Dylan cool snowmachine gear: snowMs. Buben’s 3rd grade class Soldotna Elementary School pants, helment, coat, and that’s what I really want for Christmas Dear Santa, If I had one wish, I would wish from your favorite elf, Sylus Pannell to have Borderlands for xbox. Ms. Buben’s 3rd grade class Why? you may ask, because it Soldotna Elementary School has no blood. It has a good story and freeplay. You shoot aliens. Dear Santa, I wunt to have some arrouws and you get to play with your for Owen and some socks for friends. Do you like Rudolph? Owen too oh, and some new skyWith all of my heart, landes guys for Owen oh, a DS Archer Chadburn also. Ms. Buben’s 3rd grade class Soldotna Elementary School

Will Ms. Buben’s 3rd Grade Class Soldotna Elementary School

Dear Santa, If I had one wish, it would be an xbox 360 and the game would Dear Santa, If I had one wish it would be be star wars and tow controlers. because my brother broke my headphones because mine are trash. Please, please can I have xbox 360. some. Sincerely, Trenton Ms. Buben 3rd Grade class Soldotna Soldotna Elementary School

From Malcom Ms. Buben 3rd grade Soldotna Elementary

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