20 years ago

The Homer City Council passed a resolution to preserve wildlife habitat in the Mariner Park Lagoon without attracting more birds to the area. The city got revenue funds for environmental enhancement from the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustees Council, but Federal Aviation Administration officials expressed concerns that improved habitat could lead to more birds near the Homer Airport. The plan called for preserving the intertidal environment by periodically dredging the mouth of the lagoon and maintaining adequate flushing.

— From the issue of Jan. 20, 2000

30 years ago

A Diamond Ridge man’s dream of a wind-energy system ran up against Homer Electric Association insurance requirements. Richard Olson built a windmill that would back-feed into the HEA system — turn his meter backwards — but HEA said he would have to take out $300,000 in liability insurance at a premium of $400 a year. That would be more than his savings in power, Olson said.

“I was feeling guilty about my use of fossil fuels and just wanted to do my small part to try and change things,” he said.

— From the issue of Jan. 18, 1990

50 years ago

A notice in the paper spelled out rules regarding the use of firearms in the city of Homer. Hunting was allowed with shotguns, but not within 500 yards of the main road between Homer High School and East Elementary Schools, the hospital and the harbor. The use of center-fire rifles for hunting also was prohibited. Firearms were allowed in defense of life or property.

— From the issue of Jan. 15, 1970