Podcasts about soldotna

Photos: Anchorage police Chief Sean Case, left, and Kelly Hunt. (Rhonda McBride / Courtesy Melvin Hunt) Anchorage Police say they are in the final stages of their investigation into the death of Kelly Hunt, the 19-year-old Shaktoolik student who disappeared in January on her way to college in Soldotna, as Rhonda McBride from our flagship station KNBA reports. Hunt's remains were found last month in a ravine in same Anchorage neighborhood where she had been staying with a friend. Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case says the Medical Examiner's preliminary report determined Hunt died from hypothermia and exposure, with alcohol in her system. “There's no indication that there's physical trauma. There's no indication that an assault has occurred. So, most of those questions — on whether-or-not there was a homicide — those questions have been answered through the Medical Examiner's process.” Case says Hunt was missing for more than 100 days, and due to prolonged exposure to the elements, he says it is nearly impossible to determine Hunt's exact time of death. Before closing out the investigation, Case says police will conduct follow-up interviews to learn more about the circumstances leading up to her death. Based on the outcome of those interviews, Case says the investigation could shift back towards a criminal case. He calls Hunt's death a tragedy, but says there is no evidence of a crime. Hunt was supposed to catch a bus from Anchorage to attend the Alaska Christian College in Soldotna, Alaska. Her friends told police she left on the morning of January 7 to meet with someone to buy alcohol and had left her purse and suitcase behind. Case says the investigation was further complicated, because her disappearance was not reported until four days later, but despite that, Case believes his police officers and detectives did a thorough job. But advocates for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, including Antonia Commack, question police handling of the case. She says investigators are drawing conclusions too soon, without first questioning the people who last saw Hunt.” “How are you going to make that determination before you speak to those people. Because the bottom line is, she is not old enough to drink herself. Somebody furnished her alcohol and she wound up dead. That should be a crime.” The Anchorage Police Department timed their report on the Kelly Hunt case with the launch of a new online dashboard that tracks missing persons iAnchorage and the department's homicide clearance rate. Case says the report confirms that Alaska Natives make up a disproportionate share of both missing persons and homicides, but says cases involving both Native and non-Native victims are solved at about the same rate. The Pinyon Plain Mine, as seen from the air in November 2019, is located on the Kaibab National Forest less than 10 miles from the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. (Photo: Ryan Heinsius / KNAU) The company that owns a uranium mine near the Grand Canyon wants Arizona state regulators to approve a higher arsenic level in nearby groundwater. KNAU's Chris Clements reports at least two scientists oppose the idea. Brad Esser used to work for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He was asked by a nonprofit that opposes Energy Fuels' Pinyon Plain Mine mine to look into the request. “It sets the wrong incentive. You know, the response to high levels … is to try to understand what’s going on, not just simply raise the permit levels.” But Energy Fuels says the higher arsenic levels are naturally occurring in groundwater near the mine, and are not because of mining activity. Curtis Moore is a company executive. “It’s not surprising that there are elevated levels of arsenic next to this ore body. That’s why we put a mine there, because there’s an ore body there.” But Esser and another scientist argue it is more likely the mine is contributing to the high levels. “They think the mine's ventilation shafts could be creating oxygen-rich groundwater, causing arsenic minerals to dissolve. If that's true, Esser worries arsenic could one day reach the Havasuapi Tribe's key source of drinking water.” Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Wednesday, May 20, 2026 – Native Playlist: Joy Harjo and Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band

Questions are being raised about how the Anchorage Police Department responded to a missing Alaska Native college student from the Bering Sea community of Shaktoolik. After almost four months, the remains of Kelly Hunt were found in a wooded area in the city, as KNBA's Rhonda McBride reports. Although the search for Kelly Hunt ended in a ravine where she was found last week, the quest for answers goes on. The 19 year old's remains were discovered not far from the home she had been staying in, where she stopped to visit on her way to attend college in Soldotna. She was last seen on the morning of January 7. Her family reported her missing four days later. Advocates for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) have questioned the police's response. “When a young Alaska Native woman is reporting missing, it is too late, and now we are looking at human remains.” Michael Livingston (Unangax̂), a retired Anchorage police officer and MMIP advocate, says Hunt's case reflects a pattern he has seen too often. He says several red flags in Hunt's disappearance should have prompted a more aggressive investigation. He says she had left her purse behind, with money inside, as well as clothing, signs she did not plan to be gone for very long. “Was there anymore, that anybody could have done, to try to have located her, early on in the game, to see whether or not any video surveillance cameras or people in the neighborhood might have seen anything suspicious?” Livingston says he would like to see an investigation into the police's response. Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case says he would be happy to discuss the department's handling of the case with advocates, but for now, the ability of police to talk about the investigation is very limited. “The problem is that can really cause challenges if it does become a criminal investigation later on.” Case says one of difficulties police faced was the four-day gap between the time that Hunt went missing and when her disappearance was reported. Case says he doesn't blame anyone for the delay. The difficulties were understandable under the circumstances. “But as soon as we found out that she was missing, we took the report, and detectives took over that case and treated that case as a critical or a high-risk case, that there was definitely concern over.” Case says investigators continue to process evidence in the case as they wait for the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the exact cause of Kelly Hunt's death. So far, no arrests have been made. A tribute to slain teen Emily Pike adorns a fence in Mesa, Ariz. (Photo: Gabriel Pietrorazio / KJZZ) Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) signed a bipartisan bill into law this month, mandating that the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) make attempts to enter cooperative agreements with each of the state's 22 federally recognized tribes. KJZZ's Gabriel Pietrorazio has more on the measure meant to improve child welfare. The statute requires DCS to identify a liaison for each tribe, who is then responsible for providing technical assistance and coordinating communication. The agency will also share best practices, policies, training materials, and operational standards. Murdered San Carlos Apache teen Emily Pike was in the care of DCS when she went missing from a Mesa group home for the last time in early 2025. Her tribe has yet to enter an agreement with DCS, but is in talks. To date, only four tribes have established such Memoranda of Understanding. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Tuesday, April 28, 2026 – Oklahoma tribes work to keep Medicaid access intact as federal cuts loom

On this week's episode, an unidentified boy is rescued after falling into Island Lake, the Alaska Aerospace Corporation partners with an Israeli startup, the Kodiak school board approves the FY'28 school calendar, the M/V Kennicott makes its return to Kodiak after several years, three Kodiak teenagers participated in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards in Soldotna, and Kodiak canines get a taste of the popular sport called flyball.

A pilot and his two daughters took off from Soldotna, Alaska, on a sightseeing trip. Their small plane, however, never made it to its destination. After several local pilots began searching for the missing aircraft, one named Terry Godes finally spied its nearly submerged wreckage on a partially frozen lake. The three family members were standing on its wings as they had been for hours. Thankfully, the trio was soon rescued by the National Guard. Godes humbly sacrificed his time and resources for others—leading to lives being saved. In humility, he said of his efforts, “I was just the guy that saw the plane first.” King David sacrificed much for the people of Israel, including battling to save them from their enemies (1 Chronicles 14:8-17). And when he heard from the prophet Nathan that through his bloodline a throne would be “established forever” (v. 14; as fulfilled in Christ, see Luke 1:30-33), he said in humility, “Who am I, Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?” (1 Chronicles 17:16). He knew that his life was established by God and His will (v. 19) and that He had ultimately done the work of rescue and redemption for David and his people (vv. 20-22). Jesus “humbled himself” and made the ultimate sacrifice for us (Philippians 2:8). As He helps us, let’s humbly sacrifice our lives for others.

On today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines:The U.S. Supreme Court's arguments on birthright citizens has Native Americans worried about what this means to them. Three of Alaska's key shipping companies are set to hike rates, as fuel prices skyrocket amid the war with Iran. And the City of Soldotna is looking for new revenue.Photo: Alaska Marine Lines barge. (Ketchikan Marine Industry Council)

Interview with Trevor Torppa of Chrome City Guide Service LLC - https://chromecityguideservicellc.com/  Discussing the Winter Steelhead and "In-betweener fishing" as well as his Alaska Fishing Guide Service, in Soldotna for Kings, Sockeye, Coho as well as Rainbow's that are gorging on flesh flies and eggs. You'll also hear the results of the January 8th Springer. 

Text us your questions to answer on a future episode (if you want me to contact you, please include your email)Soldotna fishing guide Dallas Voss is back on the pod for an update on what's new with fishing the Kenai and Kisilof Rivers - and sharing how her small two person business was able to host a celebrity for a day of fishing.Save 10% on fishing with Dallas and Dustin with the code: KenaiAKPBook online here or call Dallas at 907-690-6477Join the Alaska Planning Club on Patreon and ask me anything!Book an Alaska planning session with JennieSign up for Jennie's free weekly email newsletter - Alaska Insider (includes a free packing list)Have Jennie plan your trip for youJennie's digital workshops and planners (save 10% with code: podcast)Follow Jennie on InstagramSupport the show

The Homer City Council will consider changes to election and runoff election dates along with candidate filing deadlines at its meeting tonight; Alaska regional basketball conferences were held last weekend with 2A Kenai Peninsula games held at the Homer High School gym; and Soldotna's ice rink is getting an almost quarter-million-dollar makeover.

The Homer City Council honored its long-time police chief and moved to expand city land holdings at its meeting last night; Alaska regional basketball conferences were held last weekend with 2A Kenai Peninsula games held at the Homer High School gym; and Soldotna's ice rink is getting an almost quarter-million-dollar makeover.

State lawmakers had some sharp questions on Monday for Alaska's Division of Elections about its decision to share the state's full, unredacted voter list with the Department of Justice; and in the weeks since federal immigration officials detained and deported a mom and her kids from Soldotna, community members have come together at least three times to show their support for the family.

State lawmakers had some sharp questions on Monday for Alaska's Division of Elections about its decision to share the state's full, unredacted voter list with the Department of Justice; and in the weeks since federal immigration officials detained and deported a mom and her kids from Soldotna, community members have come together at least three times to show their support for the family.

A 30-year-old woman from El Paso, Texas, injured her lower leg about one-point-three miles down the Caines Head Trail near Seward on Sunday and could not hike out; and it's been about a week since federal Immigration Customs Enforcement agents descended on a Soldotna home and to deport a mom and her children to Mexico. In the days since, community members, faith leaders and state lawmakers have all jumped into action to support the family amid their uncertain future.

On today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines:State lawmakers had some sharp questions for Alaska's Division of Elections about its decision to share the state's voter list with the Department of Justice. Residents are wondering why the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers pulled back its decision to design a lake tap that would put a stop to annual glacial outburst flooding in Juneau's Mendenhall Valley. And in the weeks since federal immigration officials detained and deported a mom and her kids from Soldotna, community members have come together at least three times to show their support for the family. Photo: Karen Martin Tichenor addresses attendees at a candelight vigil for Sonia Espinoza Arriaga and her kids on Sunday, Mar. 1, 2026 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O'Hara)

A 30-year-old woman from El Paso, Texas, injured her lower leg about one-point-three miles down the Caines Head Trail near Seward on Sunday and could not hike out; and it's been about a week since federal Immigration Customs Enforcement agents descended on a Soldotna home and to deport a mom and her children to Mexico. In the days since, community members, faith leaders and state lawmakers have all jumped into action to support the family amid their uncertain future.

On today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines:Pedestrian deaths have been on the rise around the nation, and Anchorage is no exception. The Arctic Winter Games begin Sunday in Whitehorse. And federal Immigration Customs Enforcement agents descended on a Soldotna home and arrested, detained and deported a mom and her children to Mexico. Photo: Sigrid Eller ties on traditional snowshoes at practice on Feb. 26, 2026,in preparation for the Arctic Winter Games. (Photo by Alix Soliman/KTOO).

After a Soldotna woman and two of her children, the youngest five, were deported from the country, lawmakers in the House Judiciary Committee investigate ICE activity in Alaska. Political reporter Wil Courtney breaks down the situation and speaks to the committee chair and other lawmakers on what they want to see next.Read more at: ICE activity in Alaska: State lawmakers investigate after Soldotna family deportation

Today on the Morning Edition, a shocking case in the state's capital. A chief of staff for a state senator is fired after an arrest for child sex trafficking. We're breaking down the FBI documents that describe a disturbing encounter in Anchorage and the search for more potential victims. Later, we're continuing to follow the case of a Soldotna mother and her children deported in a matter of hours. She says it was all a misunderstanding with her court date, but ICE acted swiftly. Our Investigative team looks into the legal battle currently unfolding.

Fairbanks saw heavy snowfall Monday as a predicted winter storm arrived in the Interior, expected to continue until Wednesday morning. Alaska House Judiciary Committee members heard testimony Monday from immigration advocates about ICE activity in Alaska, following the deportation of a Soldotna mother and two of her children last week. The Anchorage School District is reminding families that written public comments on proposed school closures, program changes and budget reductions must be submitted before midnight Monday ahead of a special school board meeting Tuesday.

For this show we review the gains and losses in federal funding for rural healthcare, recent ICE arrests in Soldotna, and how the US Constitution's Progress Clause means for Alaska. We also review some of the stranger things said by some of the nation's leaders.

In this newscast: After multiple weeks of being closed, Juneau's recycling center is back up and running at a limited capacity; U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan bristled at the suggestion that he only defends the Trump administration. In his annual address to the Alaska Legislature Wednesday he also slammed national Democrats as bent on ruining Alaska; Immigration enforcement agents swarmed a Soldotna home Tuesday morning and took a family of four, including a kindergartner, into custody; A 17th candidate has announced she's running for governor; If you've noticed you're paying more for a cup of coffee these days, you're not alone. Bean prices have been extremely volatile in recent years. Then, came President Trump's sweeping reciprocal tariffs, which the White House removed on some agricultural products, including coffee, in November.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly approved the sale of more than 31 million dollars in school bonds and updated the borough's election code during its regular meeting Tuesday night in Soldotna; and a Bering Sea storm is wreaking havoc on this year's Iron Dog snowmachine race.

Immigration enforcement agents swarmed a Soldotna home Tuesday morning and took a family of four, including a kindergartner, into custody; and a Bering Sea storm is wreaking havoc on this year's Iron Dog snowmachine race.

The Alaska House Finance Committee adopted a new budget draft last week; travelers can now schedule ferry rides with the Alaska Marine Highway for May through September; and the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly approved the sale of more than 31 million dollars in school bonds and updated the borough's election code during its regular meeting Tuesday night in Soldotna.

Brandy Nelson of Soldotna, AK shares how she built a strong customer base by selling very unique and healthy products, and the challenges she needs to consider to continue scaling her business furtherGet full show notes and transcript here: https://forrager.com/podcast/160

On today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines:The incumbents in Alaska's federal races have a lot of money to defend their seats. Hundreds of people in Soldotna stood in freezing temperatures to protest what they say is the overreach of federal immigration authorities. And Alaska has some of the highest school absentee rates in the nation.Photo: Marianna Macomber holds a sign at the intersection of the Sterling and Kenai Spur highways to protest federal immigration operations on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026 in Soldotna, Alaska. ( Ashlyn O'Hara/KDLL)

Send us a textDr. Shauna Birdsall is a naturopathic doctor with over 25 years of experience in integrative oncology. She got her naturopathic medical degree in Oregon and then did her residency in oncology in Illinois. She later practiced in Arizona and then from there ventured to Alaska in 2019 where she practiced in several oncology practices along allopathic providers in the MatSu, Soldotna, and here in Anchorage. Allopathic medicine is the medicine that most of us think of as traditional medicine; MDs, DOs, nurse practitioners and physician assistants like myself are part of the allopathic medical tradition while naturopaths are an alternative medical tradition. But as you will hear from our guest today the two are not mutually exclusive. During the course of today's conversation we will reference House Bill 147 sponsored by Representative Mike Prax of North Pole. This legislation would grant Alaska naturopaths the ability to write prescriptions for certain allopathic medications, among other things.

Text us your questions to answer on a future episode (if you want me to contact you, please include your email)Jennie talks about the last round of discounts for podcast listeners for 2026 Alaska travel.All the podcast discount codesSalted Roots Basecamp (Anchorage) save 10% with code PODCASTAlaskan Sights and Bites (Anchorage) save 10% with code AKUNCOVEREDRust's Flying Service (Anchorage) save 10% with code alaskauncoveredGreatland Adventures (Anchorage and Fairbanks) save 10% with code alaskauncovered10Sunny Cove Kayaking (Seward) save 5% no code needed with this linkAlpine Air (Girdwood and Valdez) save 10% with code PODCAST10Explore Kenai (fishing Soldotna area) Call Dallas at 907.690.6477 and use code KenaiAKPStan Stephens Glacier and Wildlife Cruises (Valdez) save 10% with code akuncoveredKennicott Wilderness Guides (McCarthy) save 5% with code UncoveredBlueWater BaseCamp (Eklutna) save 5% no code needed with this linkRevel Treks and Tours (Palmer) save 10% with code PALMERUNCOVEREDK2 Aviation (Talkeetna) save 10% with code alaskauncoveredNorthern Epics (Denali Hiking) save 10% with code TOPLEFTSupport the show

Wil talks with Donny Bradley, founder and CEO of Lola Beans, a drive-through “fun beverage” coffee brand based in Chattanooga that's now franchising. Donny traces his hospitality instincts to moving often as an Air Force kid and appreciating people who made him feel welcome, plus big family gatherings rooted in New Orleans/Biloxi culture. A six-month stint in Soldotna, Alaska during his medical-device sales career sparked the business idea: a small coffee shack where barista Jenna built genuine relationships, not transactional service. Donny returned home, scraped a house on a C-minus property, opened the first Lola Beans in September 2020, then a second location in 2022 with two drive-through lanes and fast, face-to-face iPad ordering. He candidly describes early operational lessons (41% food cost, too many SKUs) and how mentors helped streamline supply chain and economics. Inspired by Nick Saban and Truett Cathy, Donny emphasizes culture, coaching, and hiring for hospitality as the real scalability engine. Lola Beans officially began franchising in February, landed a major Texas development deal (starting with Dallas-Fort Worth), and aims to stay an operator-led, people-first brand that creates “good energy” for guests and meaningful growth for team members. 10 takeaways Hospitality is universal. Donny's earliest lessons came from classmates welcoming him at new schools, proof that hospitality is about making people feel safe and seen, not a specific industry. The spark moment matters. True Blue in Soldotna, AK showed how one authentic barista-customer connection can inspire an entire business model. Drive-through doesn't have to be robotic. Lola Beans uses dual lanes and iPad ordering face-to-face to keep speed high and humanity higher. Speed is a tool, not the goal. Their “14 cars in line, out in 7 minutes” target exists to buy time for relationshipswith regulars. Early operators learn by doing (and fixing). Donny opened in 2020 thinking he'd drop a shack on a lot; zoning, codes, and real build costs rewired the plan quickly. Food cost discipline can be learned fast with the right help. Cutting SKUs from 196 to 126 and consolidating vendors dropped costs from 41% to ~28%. Two-product customers extend dayparts. Coffee ritual + afternoon energy/teas/“Lola Colas” keeps sales strong beyond morning rush. Culture scales what founders can't. Donny frames culture → behavior → results; the goal is guest experience even when he's not there. Franchise growth should be “best first, biggest later.” Truett Cathy's philosophy guides selective franchising and saying no to misaligned partners. People are the real competitive moat. Like Chick-fil-A and Publix, Lola Beans wants employees so well-trained and cared for that customers stop shopping around.

The editor and most of the reporters at two Kenai Peninsula newspapers have announced their resignations, citing corporate interference in news coverage after a state lawmaker complained about a story. On paper, Soldotna area voters will consider three candidates when they choose a new representative for the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly during next week's municipal election. The University of Alaska Fairbanks canceled morning classes on Tuesday as police investigated an alleged bomb threat. A subsequent UAF press release said that no explosive devices were found after a search of campus.

The editor and most of the reporters at two Kenai Peninsula newspapers have announced their resignations, citing corporate interference in news coverage after a state lawmaker complained about a story. On paper, Soldotna area voters will consider three candidates when they choose a new representative for the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly during next week's municipal election. The University of Alaska Fairbanks canceled morning classes on Tuesday as police investigated an alleged bomb threat. A subsequent UAF press release said that no explosive devices were found after a search of campus.

In this newscast: The University of Alaska Southeast has received a grant to train school administrators at local school districts; A former Juneau chiropractor accused of assaulting a dozen women under the guise of medical care took the stand this week; The Juneau Assembly voted to kill a proposed ordinance on Monday that would have made it easer for police officers to arrest people who are camping in public spaces; The Alaska Department of Law has a new online portal for residents wanting to submit concerns over public welfare and institutions to an investigative grand jury. Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor talked through the program at a town hall meeting Monday in Soldotna

President Donald Trump said Friday that he will meet “very shortly” with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Recapping RFK's trip to Fairbanks. We hear from friends and family of 78-year-old John "Skip" Dove -- who was found dead in his Soldotna home this week.  

In this newscast: An atmospheric river will saturate Southeast Alaska tomorrow with heavy rain; Looming school funding on a state and federal level could mean future cuts to the Juneau School District; Sitka police spent Friday afternoon searching for a Soldotna man who has been missing in Sitka since December 2023; Tongass Voices: Juneau's mobile crisis responders on meeting patients where they're at

Muskrats are furry, nocturnal, and, now, the stars of a new children's book. “Melba Muskrat's Big Heart” was written and illustrated by two Kenai Peninsula residents, including a recent high school graduate; Nikiski Republican Rep. Bill Elam reflected on his freshman legislative session last week at a joint meeting of the Kenai and Soldotna chambers of commerce; and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced new fishing openings around Homer this week for both commercial and sport users.

The City of Soldotna will spend more than $150,000 upgrading their police force's network of body-worn, vehicle and department cameras. Most Alaskans travel around the state by automobile or small plane. A few might travel by bicycle. But one Anchorage man prefers getting around another way – by lacing up his roller skates.

A driver died after their vehicle went off the road and rolled into the Anchor River early Tuesday morning. The Homer City Council delayed budget votes and approved zoning changes at its meeting Tuesday night. The federal government is charging the owner of two popular Mexican restaurants in Soldotna with being in the U.S. illegally and making a false statement of citizenship.

In Episode 594 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, Bob DeMarco speaks with Zeke Johnston of Alaska Blade Studio, who forges custom knives from his shop in Soldotna, Alaska. Born and raised in the Last Frontier, Johnston explains how Alaska's self-reliant culture influences his blade making philosophy.Johnston shares his journey from knife-obsessed teenager to professional bladesmith, including his apprenticeship under master smith Gordon Dempsey. Learn about the differences between forged and stock-removal knives, Johnston's meticulous three-step heat treatment process, and why he believes his "Chickadee" model represents the perfect everyday carry fixed blade.With his wife Bethany's support, Johnston has built a thriving family business crafting everything from compact EDC fixed blades to Damascus hunters and chef's knives. Visit Zeke and Alaska Blade Studio to see Johnston's work, or follow him on Facebook and YouTube.Be sure to support The Knife Junkie and get in on the perks of being a patron, including early access to the podcast and exclusive bonus content. Visit https://www.theknifejunkie.com/patreon for details. You can also support The Knife Junkie channel with your next knife purchase. Find our affiliate links at https://theknifejunkie.com/knives. Let us know what you thought about this episode and leave a rating and/or a review. Your feedback is appreciated. You can also email theknifejunkie@gmail.com with any comments, feedback, or suggestions. To watch or listen to past episodes of the podcast, visit https://theknifejunkie.com/listen. And for professional podcast hosting, use The Knife Junkie's podcast platform of choice: https://theknifejunkie.com/podhost.

Teachers, students and employees rallied in support of Sterling Elementary School on Saturday in Soldotna. Alaskans of several religious backgrounds sang, and prayed, in Soldotna Thursday in celebration of National Day of Prayer.

Almost two years after central peninsula voters backed the construction of a new fire station for Soldotna, the building is starting to take shape.

The Homer City Council approved resolutions last night recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month, supporting federal library funding, advancing a harbor infrastructure project and more. Three people were rescued Monday morning after their small plane went through the ice near the east side of Tustumena Lake, about 40 miles southeast of Soldotna. A 16-year-old snowmachiner from Soldotna died over the weekend after he was caught in an avalanche in Turnagain Pass.

The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge has installed animal-inspired workout equipment along a popular 2 mile multi-use trail in Soldotna, and every year, dozens of organizations and businesses around the central Kenai Peninsula come together for Project Homeless Connect.

The Homer City Council heard from residents on multiple issues and took action on several items at its meeting last night; and a newly-opened mercantile in Soldotna specializes in selling products manufactured by family-owned businesses.

After a nearly four-month-long search, the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce has a new executive director, and a newly-opened mercantile in Soldotna specializes in selling products manufactured by family-owned businesses.

Ep 16 Founder Series Pt 1: A Lifetime of Spine Surgery, Motion Advocacy & Giving Back, Craig Humphreys, MD   In this first episode of our two-part Founder Series, co-hosts Courtney Schutze and Brady Riesgraf sit down with Dr. Craig Humphreys, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, innovator, and pioneer in spine surgery, to discuss the evolution of motion preservation and the rewarding journey behind MOTUS—the first lumbar total joint replacement for the low back. From his early career in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to building a transformative spine practice in Soldotna, Alaska, Dr. Humphreys shares the journey of how he co-developed MOTUS (formerly the Kenai Device) with Dr. Scott Hodges. Their story began as a mission to offer patients a motion-preserving alternative to spinal fusion and culminated in the creation of a novel device aimed at restoring natural balance, maintaining motion, and preserving adjacent spinal levels.    For this episode, we had the opportunity to travel to Soldotna, Alaska and sit down with Dr. Humphreys in his home, situated on the Kenai River—the very place that inspired the original Kenai implant (now known as MOTUS). During our visit, Dr. Humphreys shares how a 3 a.m. epiphany and a hand-drawn sketch led to a breakthrough medical device, his struggles and triumphs in navigating the medical device industry, and why he believes motion preservation is the future of spine surgery.   Although Dr. Humphreys is native to Alaska, he started his medical education journey in the Midwest - graduating from the University of Notre Dame, receiving his medical degree at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, and completing his spine fellowship at The Medical College of Wisconsin. With over 25 years of experience, he has treated thousands of patients, contributed to major clinical advancements, and played a pivotal role in bringing motion preservation to the forefront of spine surgery. He has been instrumental in shaping the future of motion-preserving spine surgery, advocating for better long-term patient outcomes, and partaking in groundbreaking clinical trials.   In this episode, you'll learn: The reality of developing a medical device: Why bringing new technology to market takes decades. The evolution of spine care: Why the shift to motion preservation matters and is gaining momentum. The origins of MOTUS - the first lumbar total joint replacement: How a simple idea turned into a breakthrough device. The fight to change the standard of care: Why motion preservation is facing the same uphill battle as total hip and knee replacements once did. The availability of new technology: How new advancements are providing alternatives to spinal fusion for patients struggling with leg and/or back pain. A lifetime of impact: His philanthropic work through the Carolyn Jane Foundation, bringing critical pediatric spine care to Africa.   Beyond his contributions to spine care in Alaska, Dr. Humphreys and his wife, Julie Humphreys, RN, are deeply committed to philanthropy and global healthcare access. Through the Carolyn Jane Foundation, they provide life-changing scoliosis surgeries to children in underserved regions of Africa, ensuring that spine care is accessible to those who need it most. Their work has helped countless families, and their commitment to service is just as impactful as their innovations in spine surgery.   This episode is Part 1 of a 2-Part Founder Series. Check out Part 2 with Dr. Scott Hodges, where we go even deeper into the promise of motion preservation and patient outcomes! https://youtu.be/F8mdFKVf_2I     Note: The MOTUS device is currently in the data collection phase of a US IDE FDA Trial and is not available for commercial use at the time of recording. To keep up with the progress of the trial, you can visit www.3Spine.com.   Learn more about Dr. Humphreys and The Carolyn Jane Foundation: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-humphreys-md-87a8b234/  Dr. Humphreys Practice: https://spine.cpgh.org/ Carolyn Jane Foundation: https://carolynjane.org/ Cure Kenya Website: https://kenya.cure.org/    You can find The Spine Pod on all Podcast Streaming Platforms, including: YouTube:    / @thespinepod   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0DBzWfV... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/98f... iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-th... Follow The Spine Pod on Facebook to learn more about the latest episodes and happenings in the world of motion preservation: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?..⁠. The information in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment.  

Erin Marbarger is the Senior Education Director and Director of Climate and Sustainability at the Anchorage Museum. And for the last six years Erin, Museum staff and schools and communities have been collecting soundscapes from around Alaska. Anchorage at first and then other locations like Nenana, Nuiqsut, Portage, Seldovia, Sitka and Soldotna. They recorded sounds from rivers to traffic. Everything that punctuates an otherwise quiet environment because much can be learned from these sounds — weather patterns, animal behavior, human activity. It all shapes the world we live in, both natural and manmade.  How about climate change, though, does that have a sound? This is a question Erin has been thinking about a lot lately. She says that one way we hear it is in the lack of sound, an animal that no longer exists in a certain area, for example. Acoustic Phenology — the study of how climate affects plants, animals and microbes — is another way we hear it. Like with Springtime, we begin to hear birds and all their different songs. So, it's important to record these soundscapes because they're always changing and sound can be a measure of change. The soundscapes recorded today, for instance, could be completely different than they will be in 50 or 100 years. These areas could be more developed, causing it to sound more urban or industrial. Or if human activity is reduced, it could mean more sounds of wildlife and nature. It all depends on how we treat the natural environment today.

Erin Marbarger is the Senior Education Director and Director of Climate and Sustainability at the Anchorage Museum. And for the last six years Erin, Museum staff and schools and communities have been collecting soundscapes from around Alaska. Anchorage at first and then other locations like Nenana, Nuiqsut, Portage, Seldovia, Sitka and Soldotna. They recorded sounds from rivers to traffic. Everything that punctuates an otherwise quiet environment because much can be learned from these sounds — weather patterns, animal behavior, human activity. It all shapes the world we live in, both natural and manmade.  How about climate change, though, does that have a sound? This is a question Erin has been thinking about a lot lately. She says that one way we hear it is in the lack of sound, an animal that no longer exists in a certain area, for example. Acoustic Phenology — the study of how climate affects plants, animals and microbes — is another way we hear it. Like with Springtime, we begin to hear birds and all their different songs. So, it's important to record these soundscapes because they're always changing and sound can be a measure of change. The soundscapes recorded today, for instance, could be completely different than they will be in 50 or 100 years. These areas could be more developed, causing it to sound more urban or industrial. Or if human activity is reduced, it could mean more sounds of wildlife and nature. It all depends on how we treat the natural environment today.

In this episode, host Kelsey sits down with Jaycee to chat about her family of 5's unforgettable summer 2024 adventure in Alaska. With boys aged 10, 8, and 4, Jaycee's family flew into Anchorage, rented an RV, and embarked on a journey through some of Alaska's most scenic destinations, including Palmer, Seward, and Soldotna. But the adventure didn't stop there—after returning the RV, they boarded a Princess Cruise from Whittier to Vancouver, getting an up-close view of Alaska's majestic glaciers. Mentioned in this episode:- WAYB Foldable Carseat- Great Alaskan Holiday RV Rentals- Palmer: The Springer Resort RV Park, Reindeer Farm, Matanuska River footbridge, Little Dipper Ice Cream- Seward: Seward Resurrection Campground & RV Park, The Alaska Sea Life Center, Kayaking with sea otters via Sunny Cove Kayaking, Kenai Fjords Boat Tour, Fox Island, whale watching- Soldotna: Kenai River Front Resort, river front RV camping & fish camp experience- Alaskan Princess Cruise: One-way cruise from Whittier to Vancouver, transferred from Anchorage to Whittier on Pacific Alaska Tours, stopped at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier, Ketchikan, Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, Ketchikan Lumberjack ShowSUPPORT: Buy me a coffee to show your support for the Trip Tales podcast! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kelseygravesFOLLOW: Kelsey on Instagram & TikTokSHOP: Kelsey's Travel Favorites from her Amazon storefront.SHARE: About your trip on the Trip Tales podcast: triptalespodcast@gmail.comPARTNER DISCOUNT CODESRVshare - Use code TRIPTALES for $30 OFF a booking of $500+ through the end of the year (2024).SPANX.COM - Use code KGRAVESXSPANX for 15% OFF full-price items and FREE SHIPPING. My current fav travel outfit is the Air Essentials Jumpsuit. CHASE SAPPHIRE CREDIT CARD - My preferred points earning credit card and a great card for newbies entering the points & miles space to get started. Open a Chase Sapphire Preferred with my link and earn 60,000 BONUS POINTS after you spend $4,000 in the first three months your ac...

Can we study evolution in the wild? Are some species “super-evolvers”? On the episode, we talk with Alison Derry, a professor of biology at the University of Quebec in Montreal, and Andrew Hendry, a professor in the Department of Biology at McGill University, Canada. This episode is the second we've done on the team's work, and Andrew was also a guest on our first episode in the series. This conversation was recorded live in front of an audience at Kenai Peninsula College, in Soldotna, Alaska.  The college is just a few miles from the lakes where Alison, Andrew, and many of their colleagues and students carry out experiments on threespine sticklebacks. We ask Alison and Andrew about their research on the rapid evolution of these fish, which were recently reintroduced to the lakes, and how the introduction of two distinct stickleback ecotypes are affecting the evolution of zooplankton in the lakes. We also discuss the central position of sticklebacks in the food web and how the sticklebacks are impacting the ecosystems now as well as how they likely impacted the lakes in the evolutionary past.  Art by Keating Shahmehri. Audio from Hunter Morrison at KDLL. Find a transcript of this episode on our website. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bigbiology/support

Today we've only got the one candidate for interview so we'll talk with Bill Elam about his run for House Dist 8 in Soldotna. Around that discussion we'll take some phone calls and chat about the news of the day and whatever shiny objects show up in my path.

"Learning to hear God's voice is the single most important task of a disciple of Jesus."John Mark talks about listening to God, exploring both they why and the how behind it. He challenges us to posture ourselves in surrender and obedience as we lean into a relationship with our creator. Key Scripture Passages: John 10v1-10; Deuteronomy 6v4-5; Matthew 28v19-20This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Jo-Dee from Cookeville, Tennessee; Dustin from Portland, Oregon; Beth from Lake Zurich, Illinois; Thomas from Soldotna, Arkansas; and Kevin from Lexington, Kentucky. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.