McKibben Jackinsky, Homer News

Charity Rainwater, 5, and her Aunt Deana Moyer, both of Homer, put their construction skills to work.

Let the festivities begin updated 5:03pm

City health policy better than some can afford 12/04/13

Homer city workers complaining about proposed increases of health-insurance premiums won’t find much sympathy among small businesses and employees also looking at increasing health insurance costs...

Health-care plan changes ahead for city employees 12/04/13

With employee health insurance costs rising, the Homer City Council’s direction to City Manager Walt Wrede earlier this year was clear: Curb the increase.

Man arrested for stealing car also suspected in other thefts 12/04/13

Homer Police said a man arrested on Sunday for stealing a Subaru Forester is a suspect in other recent burglaries and break-ins. Police charged Lucky Ackerman, 35, with first-degree vehicle theft...

Troopers’ second citizen academy to start Jan. 7 12/04/13

Following a successful program last year, Alaska State Troopers are holding a second Kenai Peninsula Citizen Academy.

Capt. Andy Greenstreet said troopers got a lot of...

State, feds to close three area waste wells 4:08pm

In the spirit of the season 3:27pm

Public meetings set for HB 77 4:39pm

Refuge Chapel, Down East offering community Thanksgiving meals

While some gas line work winds down, others labor 7 days a week

Hospital begins tobacco cessation support classes

Skeeters hold raffle for rifle

Business

State finalizes new oil tax regulations

JUNEAU — The state has finalized rules to help determine what oil qualifies for special tax breaks under Alaska’s new oil tax law. The law championed by Gov. Sean Parnell and passed by the Legislature earlier this year is aimed at spurring more production. Alaska relies heavily on oil revenues ...

Alaska salmon management: A unique process for a unique state

Northern Dynasty to press on at Pebble

HEA rates likely to go up

Arts

December shows offer locally made gifts

With Homer’s reputation as one of Alaska’s thriving arts communities, local art lovers can find creations worthy of sharing as gifts at shows opening Friday. First Friday exhibits won’t be the only place to find art. From 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Saturday at Homer High School, ...

HCOA seeks nominations for annual Arts Awards

Life Drawing models needed

Pratt seeks 2015 exhibit proposals

Sports

Lack of snow doesn’t stop ski training

Not enough snow for this weekend’s Homer High School Nordic Ski Invite? No, problem. The Mariners just strap on their skis and go where there is snow. The event has been reorganized as the Homer ...

Anchorage snowmaking system running at low capacity

Lots of hockey in Homer this week

Mariner volleyball team ‘exceptional’

Outdoors

Kachemak Bay State Parks: Planning for the future

The last time the Alaska Department of Natural Resources updated its Kachemak Bay State Park and Wilderness Park Management Plan, the parks had gone through some major impacts, including the March ...

Winter: Time to plan for next gardening season

Believe it or not, there’s still time to garden

26.25-pound king nets angler $2,340 in king derby

Opinion

What can city afford in way of insurance?

The current discussion over what the city of Homer can afford to pay in terms of employee health insurance benefits is not about whether city employees are worth what one council member has described as a “Rolls Royce” plan. It’s about what the city can afford. Or to put it another way, ...