20 years ago

After being in litigation since 1995, a $5 billion judgment in punitive damages against Exxon Mobil Corp. for the Exxon Valdez oil spill moved one step closer to resolution. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled it would not hear an appeal by Exxon regarding a bailiff’s actions during the jury trial held in Anchorage federal court. However, two major issues remained before the U.S. Court of Appeals regarding whether the punitive damages are excessive.

In election news, Homer Mayor Jack Cushing defeated former Mayor Harry Gregoire to win re-election to a third term. Ray Kranich and Rick Ladd were elected to the Homer City Council. Voters also approved the Greater Kachemak Volunteer Fire and Emergency Medical Service Area.

— From the issue of Oct. 5, 2000

30 years ago

City workers met with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers about organizing with the union. However, City Manager C.E. Swackhammer asked for a legal opinion regarding a resolution passed in 1973 by the Homer City Council that had the city opt out of the Alaska Public Employee Relations Act, meaning city workers could not bargain collectively.

One Department of Labor decision said Kodiak could not opt out unless it offered a substitute to collective bargaining.

“It’s a complicated question,” said one state labor official.

IBEW union officials also tried to lobby the Alaska Legislature to change the opt-out clause, but without success.

— From the issue of Oct. 4, 1990

50 years ago

The Oct. 1, 1970 issue is missing from the archives.