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Vol. 49, Issue 281
In the news
Threat halts contract talks A threat to union leadership shut down a Wednesday contract negotiation meeting between two education employee associations and the school district. Three calls from a Kenai Peninsula number were made threatening the National Education Association’s office in Anchorage, according to a Wednesday night Facebook post by the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. The meeting, which was scheduled for 4:30 p.m. in the Soldotna High School Library, was cancelled “out of concern for safety and protocol,” the school district said. “This is still an ongoing investigation so we cannot discuss details. The District and Associations will discuss next steps in the near future,” the post said. The Kenai Peninsula Education Association said on Facebook that law enforcement was notified of the threat, but that they hoped to return to negotiations soon. “For those wondering what happened today, a threat was made to union leadership. … We’ve asked to continue negotiating as soon as possible, ideally tomorrow,” the post said. The school district and two employee associations have been unable to reach a contract agreement for a year and a half, with an agreement currently stalled over the cost of health care. — Clarion staff
Thieves hit Anchorage home, kill family pet ANCHORAGE — Anchorage police are seeking thieves who stole property from a home and killed a pet guinea pig. KTVA reports Brad and Carrie Harris on Friday night discovered thieves had stolen a custom bicycle, tools, an heirloom handgun and other items. West Harris, 10, named the pet Darth Tater because the black-andwhite guinea pig was shaped like a Tater Tot. Brad Harris says the thieves stole items worth about $10,000. — Associated Press
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Annexation proposal draws criticism A proposal by the Soldotna City Council to annex land is met with protest at a public hearing Saturday. By Victoria Petersen Peninsula Clarion
More than 30 residents spoke out against the city of Soldotna’s efforts to annex about 4 miles near city boundaries during a public hearing held Saturday. In June 2018, the Soldotna City Council passed a resolution to start drafting a
petition to annex seven areas adjacent to the city limits. On Saturday, the council sought to gather feedback on the city’s recently released 300-page petition to expand the boundaries of the city. That feedback was overwhelmingly against annexation. Only one resident, out of over 30 speakers, spoke in support of being annexed by
the city. Tyson Cox, a Soldotna City Council member who also owns property in an area slated for annexation, did not participate and will not participate in Thursday’s council vote on whether the city should submit the petition to the Local Boundary Commission due to a conflict of interest. In the petition, the city said they’re hoping to annex nearby areas as a way to respond to growth and development and to
more accurately align the city’s corporate boundaries with the community that has developed since the city’s incorporation in 1960. Through annexation, Soldotna will have the opportunity to glean millions in tax revenue from additional businesses and residents. Ravin Swan, a K-Beach business owner, along with other speakers on Saturday, said she feels the annexation efforts are just a money grab. Businesses inside city
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limits compete with shops and retailers located outside of the boundaries. Those inside city limits are subject to 3% borough sales tax and an additional 3% sales tax for the city, a total of 6% sales tax. Trevor Earl, a resident in the proposed territory, said residents would feel that additional sales tax. “An extra 3% is an extra 3%,” Earl said. In its annexation petition, See annex, Page A2
Soldotna council hopefuls speak out Candidates discuss annexation, economic growth and future plans. By Brian Mazurek Peninsula Clarion
and riparian zones along the Kenai River. The riparian zone is the river bank or area of land immediately along a river bank. Kenai City Manager Paul Ostrander said the Silver Salmon Derby is organized to benefit the health of the Kenai River and the silver salmon population while also providing an incentive to enjoy the river and go home a winner. “It’s a community event, and that’s the cool part about it,” Ostrander said. “It’s a great opportunity for residents to enjoy the river and do the things they
With local elections just around the corner, the candidates for the upcoming Soldotna City Council race spent part of Wednesday afternoon answering questions about their political priorities and aspirations. Candidates Lisa Parker, Pamela Parker and Dave Carey were the guests at this week’s Soldotna Chamber Luncheon. During the luncheon, the candidates took turns responding to questions posed by moderator Merrill Sikorski of KSRM. Lisa Parker is running unopposed for seat E on the Soldotna City Council, while Pamela Parker and Carey are both vying for seat D on the council. During their opening statements, each candidate had the opportunity to briefly explain their background and why they are running for a seat on the city council. Lisa Parker started by citing her longtime residence in Alaska and Soldotna. Parker moved to the peninsula in May of 1991, and previously served on the Soldotna City Council from 2002-2007 and from 2016-2019. Parker held back tears as she reflected on the life and influence of Soldotna Mayor and longtime community physician Nels Anderson, who died earlier this week. “When he and I were elected three years ago, Nels had a vision that there be more collaboration and cooperation with the city of Kenai,” Parker said. “That’s something that we’ve been able to do, and if I’m fortunate enough to be reelected I want to continue on with that vision.” Pamela Parker moved to the peninsula from Florida with her husband in 2015. Parker and her husband own two businesses in Soldotna, Everything Bagels and Snappy Turtle Photo Booths. Parker is also active in the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce, where she founded the Kenai Young Professionals and currently serves as the president-elect of the Chamber’s board of
See derby, Page A3
See council, Page A16
Victoria Petersen / Peninsula Clarion
Flags dress the lawn Wednesday in front of the Kenai Fire Department in memory of those lost and those who responded to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists attacks
Company indicted for Kenai facility chemical releases Clarion staff
An oil field services corporation, its subsidiaries and an employee were indicted in Anchorage on Tuesday on assault charges related to chemical releases at a transfer facility in Kenai, according to a Wednesday release from the Alaska attorney general’s office. Baker Hughes Inc., Baker Petrolite Corporation, Baker Hughes Oilfield Services Inc., and John Clyde Willis, a manager for Baker Hughes, are facing 25 felony counts,
including 10 counts of firstdegree assault, 10 counts of second-degree assault, and five counts of third-degree assault. The indictment alleges that in 2014 during the construction of a new chemical transfer facility, a construction crew was repeatedly exposed to toxic chemical releases at an existing chemical transfer facility, according to the attorney general’s office. Baker Hughes Inc., its subsidiaries and Willis failed to provide safety
information regarding the chemicals used on-site and didn’t respond to repeated complaints by workers about the chemical exposures, the indictment alleges. Several workers were sent to the hospital in May 2014 because of a large exposure event. Five people experienced prolonged serious physical injury including ataxia, memory loss, migraines, vertigo, respiratory issues and tremors, the attorney general’s release said.
If convicted, Baker Hughes Inc., Baker Petrolite Corporation, and Baker Hughes Oilfield Services Inc. face fines up to $2.5 million for the most serious charges. Willis faces a sentence up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for the most serious charges if convicted. If defendants are convicted, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants, the release said.
$1K prize awaits Silver Salmon Derby winner By Joey Klecka Peninsula Clarion
The Kenai Silver Salmon Derby returns this weekend for a third straight year with some big prizes to be given out over six derby days. The fishing derby will award no less than $1,000 to a lucky winner at the conclusion of the event Sept. 22, while also sending home six additional winners with cash prizes over the six derby days. The event features two rounds over the next two weekends — Sept. 13 through Sept. 15, as well as Sept. 20 through Sept. 22. Billed as “The World’s
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Participants in the Silver Salmon Derby flaunt their catch. The derby begins this weekend and will continue to Sept. 22.
Most Responsible Fishing Tournament,” the event is hosted by the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center and the City of
Kenai. The derby raises funds for the nonprofit Kenai Community Foundation, which helps manage and improve river banks