KPEN Coastal Country

08/13/2026

A Homer resident is hitting the road to help find a cure for cancer! 🚴‍♀️✨
Pam Borland is joining over 6,000 cyclists in Massachusetts for this weekend's Pan-Mass Challenge, riding alongside Team Perspective to raise vital funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. 💚🚴‍♂️
This marks Pam's third time taking on the ride, a mission deeply personal to her after seeing how cancer has impacted her family, friends, and community. 🎗️❤️
The Pan-Mass Challenge is the largest athletic fundraiser in the world, with a goal of raising $79 million this year! Best of all, 100% of all rider-raised funds go directly to groundbreaking cancer research and care. 🔬🏥
Pam is already halfway to her $6,000 goal for this year's ride and has raised nearly $15,000 over her lifetime for this incredible cause! 📈💪
Read the full story to learn more about Pam’s journey and how you can support her ride in the link below: 📰👇

Pam Borland will participate in her third Pan-Mass Challenge this weekend

08/12/2026

Did you know Alaska could be home to as many as 30,000 insect species? 🐜🐝
So far, scientists have only identified about 9,000 of them! For the past two decades, University of Alaska Fairbanks entomologist Derek Sikes has been working hard to close that massive gap — one beetle, fly, and bee at a time. 🪲🔬
As the curator of the insect collection at the UAF Museum of the North, Sikes has grown the catalog from 1,000 records to over 400,000, representing nearly 2 million specimens! 📦✨
From shampooing and blow-drying bees to extracting DNA from bird lice and using hair dryers on tiny specimens, discovering new species takes incredible dedication. 🧼💨
Because every specimen is barcoded immediately, this work helps create a permanent digital record of Alaska’s biodiversity for future scientists worldwide. 📊🌏
Read the full story to learn more about the wild world of Alaska insects and the scientist cataloging them all in the link below: 📰👇

Alaska may contain as many as 30,000 insect species. Scientists have identified only about 9,000 of them.

08/12/2026

A young humpback whale is back swimming free in open water after an incredible two-day rescue operation off the coast of Petersburg! 🐋🌊
When a public tip flagged the entangled whale caught in a gill net, trained responders from the Petersburg Marine Mammal Center and NOAA Fisheries Alaska sprang into action. 🚤💨
The team worked alongside the gear's owner to remove most of the heavy netting on Tuesday and attached a satellite tag buoy to track the whale overnight. Responders returned early Wednesday to safely pull the remaining net free! 🛰️👏
This successful rescue was made possible thanks to amazing teamwork across the community, including support from the Alaska State Wildlife Troopers, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Forest Service, KFSK Community Radio, and local Petersburg fishermen. 🤝⚓
Swift reporting makes all the difference! If you ever spot a distressed or entangled whale, never attempt to disentangle it yourself. Keep a safe distance of at least 100 yards and report it immediately to NOAA’s 24-hour stranding hotline at (877) 925-7773. 📞📸
Read the full story and see how this amazing team saved the whale in the link below: 📰👇

Responders tracked the whale overnight with a satellite buoy before completing the disentanglement Wednesday.

08/11/2026

Southcentral Alaska is facing a critical energy crunch as winter approaches. 🏔️⚡
With local natural gas production in Cook Inlet dropping and gas storage levels lower than usual, regional utilities like Enstar and Homer Electric Association are preparing for a challenging season ahead. 📉🥶
A prolonged stretch of severe cold could force local energy providers into service curtailments or mandate a shift toward expensive diesel backup generation. 🛠️⛽
Because Southcentral operates on a single interconnected pipeline network, keeping grid pressure stable requires total collaboration between utilities, including potential gas-sharing agreements and increased reliance on hydropower. 🤝🔄
With long-term solutions like gas import facilities still years away, energy leaders and state officials are closely watching the forecast and exploring every option to manage potential price hikes and supply strain. 📊❄️
Read the full report by James Brooks for complete details on the regional gas supply, potential utility contingency plans, and what lies ahead this winter: 📰👇

After a cold spring, they’re planning for a worst-case scenario next winter and doing their best to avoid it

08/11/2026

Last winter took a heavy toll on local growers and gardens. ❄️🥀
Extreme cold snaps combined with record-low snow cover left Homer area soil deeply frozen, causing widespread loss of peony rootstocks, flower bulbs, and perennial gardens. 🧊🌱
Co-ops like Alaska Beauty Peony are projecting a 25 percent loss in stem production this season, while some local flower farms and backyard gardeners experienced losses ranging from 20 to over 70 percent. 📊🚜
With frost driving deep into the ground without a protective layer of snow, growers have faced delayed blooms, stunted growth, and the difficult choice of whether to replant or downsize. 💔🌸
Despite the setbacks, local farmers are scrambling to fulfill wedding orders, adapt their fields, and advocate for relief programs to help the region's famous flower industry recover. 🤝💐
Read the full report by Jacqueline McDonough for an in-depth breakdown of last winter's climate impact, insights from local growers, and what it means for the future of Homer peonies: 📰👇

By Jacqueline McDonough Homer Independent Press Summer may be in full swing, but some growers in the Homer area are facing the repercussions of cold temperatures and low snow cover last winter. Man…

08/10/2026

Looking for something fun to do? Check out our latest Community Corner update featuring awesome local events happening right here in our community!

🛋️ Teen Rec Room in Seward: Local youth can drop by weekdays from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM to relax, play games, or work on homework with friends. 🎮

🎶 Friends of Mike Morgan Song Circle @ The Goods: Bring an instrument, your voice, or a friend for a fun, casual musical gathering on Monday, August 10, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at The Goods Restaurant and Grocery. 🎸

🏛️ Economic Development Advisory Commission Meeting: Attend in person at Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers or join virtually via Zoom Webinar on Tuesday, August 11, at 6:00 PM to participate in discussions. 🗳️

🤝 Caregiver Support Program Visit at Seward Senior Activity Center: Learn about respite care, in-home support, and community assistance for caregivers on Wednesday, August 12, at 11:30 AM. 💙

📜 Interested Candidate Workshop at Homer City Hall: Learn about running for local office with city staff and officials on Wednesday, August 12, at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers or online via Zoom Webinar. 🏛️

🎶 Levitt AMP Soldotna Music Series at Soldotna Creek Park: Catch opener Bunny Swan and headliner Noah Richardson on Wednesday, August 12, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, plus a local market before the show. 🎸

⚓ Fathoms Deep: An Oral History of the Homer Harbor at The Porcupine Theater: Discover local maritime history with host Kathleen Gustofson and special guests on Wednesday, August 12, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Admission is fifteen dollars. 🌊

♿ ADA Advisory Board Meeting at Homer City Hall: Members of the public can attend in person at Cowles Council Chambers or participate virtually via Zoom Webinar on Thursday, August 13, at 4:30 PM. 🏛️

🎡 Kenai Peninsula Fair at Ninilchik Fairgrounds: Experience the historic fair Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16, featuring a rodeo, live music, local exhibits, pig races, carnival games, and family fun all weekend long. 🤠

🏃 Dan Seavey TrailBlazer 5k at Seward Sports and Recreation: Join a memorial fun run alongside local runners and dogs to honor an Iditarod pioneer on Saturday, August 15, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. 🐕

🎗️ Hooked on a Cure Awards Luncheon at Soldotna Regional Sports Complex: Support the American Cancer Society on Saturday, August 15, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM with a barbecue lunch, silent auction, and survivor story for forty dollars. 💖

🎸 Live Music at The Porcupine Theater: Enjoy an all-ages night of surf, punk, and emo sounds featuring The Pudgies, DSB, and Ophelia on Saturday, August 15, at 7:30 PM. Tickets available for fifteen dollars. 🎶

☕ Coffee and Craft at HCOA Studio: Gather with fellow creators for free open studio time, art, coffee, and collaboration on Sunday, August 16, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the downstairs studio. 🎨

🌸 Peony Co-op Volunteer Program at Alaska Beauty Peony Co-op: Help with harvest tasks, weeding, and farm prep on Sunday, August 16, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. 🚜

08/05/2026

Celebrating Japanese culture right here in Homer! 🥁🌸

Homer recently honored its 40+ year sister city connection with Teshio, Japan at the Japanese Summer Festival at Karen Hornaday Park! 🎈🍱

Organized by the Alaska Japanese Club of Homer, this special afternoon featured traditional games, delicious food, and incredible Taiko drumming led by visiting drum master Mr. Furuta from Tokyo! 🎶🥁

Homer and Teshio have shared a deep bond as coastal fishing towns since 1984. Today, that relationship thrives through student exchange programs, language classes, and vibrant cultural events that help inspire the next generation of global citizens! 🌏🤝

From trying out drumming to tasting local treats, the community gathered for an incredible celebration of culture and friendship! ❤️✨

Read the full story to learn more about Homer's sister city relationship and see highlights from the festival: 📰👇

By Yonah Lempert Luecken Homer Independent Press As part of Homer’s sister city relationship with Teshio, Japan, the Alaska Japanese Club of Homer has been developing connections with the coastal f…

08/04/2026

A new trail has officially been conquered! 🥾🏔️
Thirty tough competitors tackled the 2026 Kachemak Bay Mountain Classic, becoming the very first to test out a brand-new half-marathon course through Kachemak Bay State Park! 🌲🏃‍♂️
Out of 30 runners and hikers who took on the challenge, 26 crossed the finish line after navigating 13.1 rugged miles, climbing nearly 2,900 feet of elevation, and trekking across Portlock Plateau and Grewingk Creek! 🌊📈
Andrew Peters took first overall with an impressive time of 2:12:27, while Sarah Freistone grabbed top honors in the women’s division at 2:33:30! ⏱️🏆
Organized by Friends of Kachemak Bay State Parks, this annual event is more than just a race. It helps raise funds and awareness to clear and restore brush-covered trails across the park’s 84-mile network! 🛠️🌿
Read the full story to check out race highlights and learn how volunteers are reclaiming these stunning wild trails: 📰👇

By Delcenia Cosman Homer Independent Press Thirty competitors in the 2026 Kachemak Bay Mountain Classic, held across the bay July 11, were the first to experience a new half-marathon course on rece…

08/03/2026

Looking for something fun to do? Check out our latest Community Corner update featuring awesome local events happening right here in our community!

💐 Rotary Peony Sale at Homer Chamber of Commerce: Support Homer students with local blooms! The Rotary Club of Homer-Kachemak Bay is selling fresh peony bouquets and handcrafted products from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Thursdays and Fridays, July 30 to August 14. 🌸

🐶 Yappy Hour at Grace Ridge Brewing: Bring your pup and enjoy games and treat samples hosted by Homer Animal Friends every Sunday, August 2 through August 30, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Admission is free, donations welcome, all dogs must be leashed. 🐕

🎨 Little Crafts: Silly Putty at Kenai Community Library: Bring the kids to make their own silly putty on Monday, August 3, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. No registration required, but dress for the mess. 🧪

🦦 Sea Otter Talk at Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center: Learn how boat traffic and noise affect sea otters during a free talk with graduate student Josh O’Connor on Wednesday, August 5, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. 🌊

🌸 Follow the Flower at The Porcupine Theater: Celebrate local blooms on Wednesday, August 5, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM with a short film, Q&A with the director, fresh flowers, and a mead reception for fifteen dollars. 🎬

🧸 Play & Chat at Seward Community Library & Museum: Join Seward Bloom Home Visiting every Thursday from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM for free snacks and refreshments. Meets at Waterfront Playground if sunny. ☀️

📚 Summer Reading Celebration at Kenai Community Library: Celebrate the end of the reading program on Thursday, August 6, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM with free food, fun activities, and prizes for reading logs and bingo sheets. 🍦

🗳️ Narrowing the Field Debate at Soldotna Sports Complex: Hear from Alaska’s open primary gubernatorial candidates on Thursday, August 6. Doors open at 5:30 PM, debate starts at 6:00 PM; seating limited to 200, online RSVP required. 🏛️

🖼️ First Friday Small Treasures at Art Shop Gallery: Join the Story Family on Friday, August 7, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM to explore an exhibit of original acrylic paintings, photography, and pottery celebrating Alaska. 🎨

🌺 August Abundance Opening at Kenai Art Center: Meet artist Sara Allen in the back gallery on Friday, August 7, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and enjoy her vibrant paintings inspired by Alaska’s wildflowers. 🌸

📸 First Friday Artist Series at Kenai Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center: Meet Nicole Hall of Focused Photography and tour her stunning gallery display on Friday, August 7, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. 📷

🎨 Three Currents, One Tide Opening at Kenai Art Center: Attend the main gallery group show reception on Friday, August 7, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM featuring local artists Annette Henry, Georg-Ann Phillips, and Janie Stewart. 🖌️

✏️ KPen ArtHive at Kenai Art Center: Enjoy free access to materials, skill-sharing, and open studio space in a welcoming drop-in environment on Saturday, August 8, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. 🎨

🌊 Kenai Beach Cleanup at Kenai Beach: Help clean up marine debris with Surfrider Kenai Peninsula and Kenai River Streamwatch on Saturday, August 8, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Bags and gloves provided, prizes for top collectors. 🧹

🌿 Native Plant Walk at Kenai Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center: Take a free guided stroll to the Old Town Historic Cabins with native plant expert Brandi Bell on Saturday, August 8, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. 🚶‍♂️

🐱 CatVideoFest 2026 at The Porcupine Theater: Enjoy a compilation of the internet's best cat videos on the big screen on Saturday, August 8, with screenings at 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 7:00 PM. 🐾

🎤 Live Comedy with Nancy Norton at Alice's Champagne Palace: Catch national headliner Nancy Norton and opening act Angie Wellborn on Saturday, August 8, at 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Tickets available online for thirty-four dollars. 🎟️

😂 Tempest: The Power of Humor Workshop at Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies: Learn to transmute stress and boost your mood with comedian Nancy Norton on Sunday, August 9, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. 🎭

🇺🇸 Veterans Appreciation Picnic at American Legion Post 16: Honor all who served on Sunday, August 9, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM with free BBQ, door prizes, live music, and veteran resources hosted by American Legion Unit 16. 🍗

🥂 Bubbles & Bouquets at Fat Olives Restaurant: Learn to craft a peony bouquet with expert Rita Jo Shoultz on Sunday, August 9, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM while enjoying champagne, sparkling wine, and chocolate treats. 🍫

07/31/2026

Homer’s own Hallie Jade is back home! 🎸✨
The talented singer-songwriter recently returned to her roots for tour stops at Bunnell Street Arts Center and Grace Ridge Brewing, celebrating the release of her debut EP, Broken Record. 🎶🏔️
From her early days taking piano lessons at age 4 and picking up a guitar in third grade, Hallie’s journey has been deeply shaped by the encouragement of the Homer community. 🎹❤️
After taking ten years away from the stage to raise her three children, a simple question from her kids inspired her to step back into the spotlight and share her voice with the world again. 🌟👶
Now serving as the Director of the Songwriting Program at Idyllwild Arts Academy, Hallie continues to pass on the same belief and support that Homer gave her years ago. 🏫🎼
Read the full story by Joella Clove to learn more about Hallie’s journey, her new folk-Americana album, and her deep connection to Homer: 📰👇

By Joella CloveHomer Independent Press Singer songwriter Hallie Jade returned to her hometown of Homer while on tour promoting her newly released album, “Broken Record.” With shows at Bunnell Stree…