20 years ago

President Bill Clinton signed a federal appropriations bill that included $10.4 million to build a new Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge visitor center on the Homer Bypass. The package included $2.5 million for the National Estuarine Research Reserve headquarters which was to share the building with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

— From the issue of Dec. 2, 1999

30 years ago

The first-ever Homer production of the Nutcracker Ballet opened Dec. 9 in the Mariner Theatre. Local dance teacher Jill Berryman and her sister, Jennifer Strelkauskas, made the magic happen with the help of Ken Castner. Berryman called Castner “a magical wizard.” Breezy Berryman played Clara and Joey Evensen played the Nutcracker Prince. Jill Berryman had been planning a Nutcracker Ballet for years.

— From the issue of Dec. 7, 1989

50 years ago

The Homer High School basketball team won the Turkey Tourney in Seward, beating host team Seward, the Kodiak Bears and the Ninilchik Wolverines. Homer won 92-90 against the Bears, 69-56 against the Seward Seahawks and 76-74 against the Wolverines. The opening basketball game Thursday against the Bears turned into a nail biter with two overtimes.

— From the issue of Dec. 4, 1969