20 years ago

The new Homer Spit Trail has expanded recreational opportunities for walkers, bikers and rollerbladers. Stretching from the Kachemak Drive end of the Spit to the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon, the trail offers a safe way for non-motorized users to travel the Spit without getting close to traffic.

“Your mind and spirit are taken out toward the water and glaciers and birds and animals,” said Steven Rouse, who walks the trail with his three Scottish terriers.

— From the issue of Aug. 26, 1999

30 years ago

The Homer Advisory Planning Commission approved the concept of rescue missions, one step closer to making homeless shelters legal in the city. However, the commission had not voted on if they should be located in the Central Business District and in outlying residential zones. The commission took on the issue after some business owners complained that transients staying at the new Homer Rescue Mission on Pioneer Avenue might hurt commerce. Mission founder Don Haunschild said it is time Homer tends to its needy.

— From the issue of Aug. 31, 1989

50 years ago

The Kenai Volunteer Fire Department chief thanked Homer Volunteer Fire Department firefighters and other units from Southcentral Alaska for their help in fighting a wildland fire in Kenai on Aug. 13. Fire danger was so extreme that the Alaska Department of Fish and Game closed hunting on Aug. 17 in Game Management Unit 15, including subunits A, B and C.

— From the issue of Aug. 28, 1969