Econ 919 — How the Kenai Peninsula Works: Recent Episodes
Sabine Poux, Riley Board
For some craft vendors on the central Kenai Peninsula, Soldotna's What Women Want Shopping Expo is the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. The fundraising event will showcase the wares of several dozen women-run small businesses.
Kenai Municipal Airport is on the hunt for a new business to operate out of its restaurant space. Request for proposal applications from interested vendors are currently being accepted.
State data show six central peninsula candidates for state office spent a combined total of more than $145,000 on campaign advertising this election year.
The Goods Sustainable Grocery in Soldotna recently began offering an alternative to local markets that charge vendor fees. The no-cost-to-participate market was first offered last year but gained traction this summer.
The Kenai River Brown Bears recently kicked off their hockey season. While games provide a sense of community during the winter months, they also stimulate the local economy.
The childcare sector in the United States is experiencing a shortage, and the Kenai Peninsula is no exception. The cost of childcare coupled with the availability of care options and qualified workers are driving factors.
The Soldotna Seed Library allows folks to check out seeds adapted to Alaska's climate. The initiative aims to make the Kenai Peninsula’s food system more secure.
Next week will mark two years since voters on the central Kenai Peninsula overwhelmingly supported three large bond initiatives on the Oct. 4, 2022 municipal ballot.
Soldotna's Harvest Moon Festival is the Kenai Peninsula’s largest farmer’s market of the year. Vendors must sell Alaska-grown food or locally-sourced products.
This week is the Kenai Silver Salmon Derby, an annual fishing event that aims to harm less fish than traditional derbies. While the event spreads awareness about sustainable fishing practices, it also helps to fund projects that benefit salmon habitat.
In what used to be a Chinese restaurant in Kenai is The Glaze, a newly-opened donut shop that sells an assortment of breakfast goodies. The restaurant has been a dream of the family-owned business for years.
The Kenai Peninsula Peace Crane Garden Trails has been a work in progress since 2018. The nonprofit behind the Soldotna trail system recently shared updates on the Japanese-inspired garden.
Martha's Cocina is Kenai's newest Mexican restaurant. The eatery is home to a number of Latin American favorites, in addition to daily menu specials and numerous tequila options.
Kara Moriarty is the association’s president and chief executive officer. She said oil and gas production is up from where it was expected to be at this time ten years ago.
While Salmonfest is known for its live music, it serves as a prime opportunity for Alaska-based artisans to sell their goods. For some small businesses, the festival is imperative to their overall success.
The U.S. Economic Development Administration announced on Thursday that it was awarding a $3.1 million grant to the Chugach Regional Resources Commission to help boost mariculture workforce development on the Kenai Peninsula.
Ang & Jess serves as the region’s newest clothing boutique. The store sells an assortment of women’s products, from dresses and jeans to jewelry and bath works.
The two companies on Wednesday published a list of almost 600 stores they plan to divest, including 18 in Alaska.
Last year, the City of Kenai took in almost half a million dollars through its personal use fishery.
The Soldotna Wednesday Market has been a staple of the Kenai Peninsula for over a decade. For vendors, its a place to meet fellow artists while sharing their craft with others.
The Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District, or KPEDD, is asking for feedback on an update to their comprehensive economic development strategy for the borough.
UMV is an Alaska-based alternative to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The company recently opened an office in Soldotna.
KB Laser Wash is the only car wash located on K-Beach Road. The new business has five enclosed car wash spaces and a self-serve dog wash.
If it’s built, the Donlin Gold mine project on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta would be one of the largest open-pit gold mines in the world, powered by a gas pipeline that would stretch hundreds of miles across the state to Cook Inlet.
Amid bills passed in the state legislature's final days were education funding that will be critical for the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, and other priorities of peninsula legislators.
Senate Bill 93, signed into law last month by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, increases the maximum payout from the fishermen’s fund to $15,000. The fund is generated from fishing license fees and serves injured commercial fishermen.
Martin Media is a marketing company that works with local organizations to improve their online presence through photo and video work. The company recently moved to a larger studio space.
Economist Sam Tappen presented at this week's Industry Outlook Forum in Soldotna, where he said the Kenai Peninsula has fared better than the rest of the state in rebounding from the post-pandemic recession.
The Pet Fort sells a number of items made for furry companions, from beds to leashes to treats. The shop's owner noticed a need for a locally-owned pet store after realizing there are few options on the peninsula to choose from.
Alaska’s four-year statewide transportation plan has received partial approval from federal agencies, with some exclusions. Most major Kenai Peninsula highway projects, including the Cooper Landing Bypass, haven’t been affected, but the state is still waiting to hear about outside funding that will affect the timeline of that project.
Behind a weatherproof sliding-glass door, customers of Echo Lake Meats can find the shop's newest addition. The meat-dispensing vending machine dishes out a variety of the store's products.
Walden Bros has been operating on the Kenai Peninsula for about four years, specializing in customizable t-shirts, hoodies, hats and more. As its name suggests, the small business was founded by brothers Trevor and Trenton Walden.
If you’re in need of taxi services, there are few options on the Kenai Peninsula to choose from. E.T.'s Taxi has serviced the area since January, providing rides for about 100 people so far.
Peninsula Piano Tuning and Service has been improving the Kenai Peninsula’s pianos for nearly two years, and is home to the area’s only full-time piano technician. The small business services anywhere from four to six pianos per month, both in the shop and in the field.
Kachemak Selo has been waiting on a new school for more than a decade, and in 2016 the school district received millions in DEED grant money to do that. On Tuesday, the Borough Assembly voted to transfer that grant to the state's Department of Commerce to remove match and design requirements.
Located just behind Arby’s in the heart of Kenai is Madly Krafty, a one-stop gift shop specializing in hand-crafted goods. Custom-made coffee cups, ornaments, woodworking and t-shirts are just some of what the new store has to offer.
The state of Alaska has seen a backlog in pending applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, more commonly known as SNAP. As a result, some Kenai Peninsula residents who rely on food assistance are leaning more on the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank.
Founded in 2013, the Alaska Rug Company uses recycled fishing line and rope to craft handwoven rugs, doormats, baskets and more. The small business recently relocated to the Kenai Peninsula.
Since it convened last Tuesday, the Alaska Legislature has considered an override of the governor’s 2023 education funding veto, and a bill containing a modest BSA increase. Kenai Peninsula residents weighed in on that bill, many saying the increase was not good enough to counter inflation and keep schools functioning.
In the winter months, trivia nights provide an opportunity for locals to socialize and meet new people. They also offer a fun brain challenge and can bring people out to new restaurants.
A quick internet search of nearby veterinary clinics finds there are very few options in the region, just a few offices in Kenai, Soldotna, Nikiski and Homer. Most of these clinics have only a handful of vets on staff.
January 1, 2024 marked the rollout of new regulations for Alaska's breweries and distilleries. Taprooms will now be able to stay open an hour later, host four live events a year and sell their products directly to consumers.
Craft fairs provide an opportunity for local artisans to showcase and sell their work during the holiday season. Among them is the Holiday Cheer Christmas Bazaar, held inside the old Kenai Mall.
The brainchild of a 12-year-old, AK Big Sipper specializes in serving air-fried comfort food and dirty sodas. The restaurant recently won a $4,000 business scholarship from the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce.
Just past downtown Soldotna on the Sterling Highway is a thrift option like no other. BuildUp, Inc. is the only organization on the central Kenai Peninsula that takes in and sells second-hand building materials.
All pull-tabs permits are associated with a charitable organization. On the Kenai Peninsula, there are two dozen permits, and while the shops raise money for non-profits, they're also worlds of their own.
In a public hearing Tuesday night, more than a dozen gravel pit operators turned out to share grievances with the assembly's latest gravel pit code revision. The assembly hopes to take a final vote within the month.
Residents of the River Terrace trailer park in Soldotna are worried about their future following an eviction notice. But it's unrelated to the Soldotna riverfront redevelopment project, as many suspected.
Alaska politicians have recently expressed enthusiasm about Alaska Liquified Natural Gas project, which would liquify and export natural gas from Nikiski. But overseas buyers say they're not confident in the project, and aren't interested in signing contracts.
Long-term flooding issues in a Kalifornsky neighborhood led one resident to take matters into his own hands. The borough filed an injunction in July, telling the resident to stop work on a canal he says is a necessary measure.
Several hospital doctors and primary care physicians have recently left the central peninsula. Why are they leaving, and what could their absence mean for the availability of care in the area?
A new cafe and lounge in Kenai is offering healthy foods, creative drinks and unique retail. Owner and chef Krista Harrison says its been a long journey to opening the shop.
The personal-use dipnet fishery on the Kenai opened Monday morning, and on Thursday, a modest group of anglers pulled in sockeye. Fish & Game says the fishery is off to a slow start, but will pick up in the coming weeks.
A housing program based in Soldotna is celebrating a big milestone this month. RurAL CAP is building its 100th home on the central Kenai Peninsula, part of its Mutual Self-Help Housing initiative.
The new coffee shop is the only one on Bridge Access Road. Owner Elisabeth Peterkin says the shop caters to dipnetters with products like ice and firewood.
The borough's planning commission will reduce from 14 members to nine. The new plan includes four city seats, and five at-large seats.
The Cooper Landing Bypass project manager says a lack of full funding in this year’s legislative budget could mean delays in the major highway project.
The City of Soldotna is working to create a process for awarding money to arts projects, and working on public art projects in the city.
Genevive DeRoos graduated Seward High School last year. Now, she's running a mobile boutique, based out of a converted school bus.
Sarah Pyhala of Kenai won the lottery for tickets to the Antiques Roadshow in Anchorage this summer. She's planning to bring some artwork and a family heirloom.
Sarah Mickelson, who graduated from Soldotna High School in 2020, said she plans to use her scholarship to go to law school. Then, she hopes to become a public defender in Anchorage.
Jim Duffield (District 1), Dan Green (District 2) and Jim Levine (District 3) were elected to the Homer Electric Association board of directors at the utility's annual member meeting last night.
Ron's Rent-It Center already has a waitlist of customers who are going to get snowblowers next year. A mix of heavy snow and supply chain issues have placed snowblowers in high demand at the Kenai shop.
We all know about the laws of nature. What we might not realize is how difficult it can be for those who study nature to get their research translated into modern-day laws.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game just announced restrictions on rockfish harvest for the season, which they say is to conserve populations as charter guides, pushed by regulatory changes, diversify from halibut and salmon trips.
The Seward Tsunami Swim Club is where 2021 Olympian Lydia Jacoby got her start. Now, the club's growing in membership and donations during its annual Swim-a-Thon.
The Kenai Peninsula is a vast collection of distant communities, which makes it a difficult place to navigate without a car. This week, representatives from many local organizations got together to discuss the gaps in public transportation on the peninsula, and what can be done to fill them.
A new bill introduced by State Sen. Jesse Bjorkman would allow local lumber producers to grade their own lumber, rather than using a third-party agency. Proponents hope it will benefit Alaska sawmill owners and contractors.
After 10 years of brewing and two years of converting a log cabin into a taproom, a new brewery is finally coming to the central peninsula. Naptowne Brewing Company will open this month.
Curtain Call Consignment, in Kenai, has been an important fundraising source for the Kenai Performers for over a decade. It's gotten the group through some of its leaner times — like during the pandemic.
Seward voters will decide this spring whether they want to sell their city-run electrical utility to Homer Electric Association for a purchase price of about $25 million.
Valentine’s Day is around the corner. For those in the business of romance, like Tundra Rose in Soldotna, it’s crunch time.
Soldotna real estate agent Marti Pepper says after a few years of skyrocketing prices and buyers sometimes paying for homes in cash, agents are now seeing a slower pace — more normal for this time in the season.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is facing a $13.1 million deficit for the next fiscal year. This issue comes as districts statewide struggle with a lack of inflationary adjustments to the education funding from the state.
Natural gas producer HEX is appealing the state's assessment on its property in Cook Inlet. The Kenai Peninsula Borough gets about half the sales tax on the property each year — and has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees to litigate the matter.
An egg shortage is hitting grocery stores around the country. Local food advocates say now is a good time to think about strengthening the food ecosystem here at home.
Industry watchers said they weren’t surprised that Hilcorp was the only company to bid in the inlet sale. But they say the lackluster interest results point toward bigger trends around the globe.
Student enrollment in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is holding somewhat steady while the borough’s population grows. That’s according to the latest student counts and enrollment projections for the district.
For the third year in a row, two Alaska producers with peninsula roots have put together a compilation of original holiday music to benefit women’s shelters across the state.
On the southern peninsula, where Hilcorp does lots of oil and gas exploration, not all private property owners are content to lease the company their mineral rights. Some of Hilcorp’s neighbors in Ninilchik are rejecting the company’s offers for the gas beneath their land.
A task force surveyed North Road residents, and determined most people support extending the Kenai Spurr Highway all the way to Point Possession. The current extension, to Otter Creek, was just completed in 2020.
Last month, Alaska census coordinators met with the director of the U.S. Census Bureau to talk about how things went in 2020 and how they can get a more accurate count in 2030.
Like the TV show — which gives entrepreneurs a chance to pitch their million-dollar ideas to a panel of investors — Spark Soldotna has local entrepreneurs pitch their best business ideas to a panel of local "sharks" for funding.
Alyeska Tire does nearly a third of its annual business during the months of October and November, when Alaskans switch out their regular tires for snow tires.
Over a year ago, the Kenai City Council set aside $95,000 to commission a study of potential waterfront revitalization. That report came out in August, and now businesses — including the brewery Kassik's — are thinking of moving to the area.
Three bond-funded projects on the ballot this municipal election have been years in the making. So, now that they look poised to pass — the question is, what’s next?
The proposed revision addresses the impacts of bycatch and climate change on fisheries, and would add two Alaska Native representatives to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. But it's path through the broader Congress is far from certain.
Sept. 20 was distribution day for the 2022 PFD. This year's PFD was one of the largest in recent history — but some Alaskans say that's not necessarily going to change how they spend it.
The art auction is an important fundraiser for the Kenai Art Center. But it has been on pause for the last two years, due to the pandemic.
State economist Gunnar Shultz says that increasing short-term housing has been connected to declining options for long-term renters.
When schools in Alaska drop below 10 students, they lose full state funding and can be shut down. Today, the peninsula's smallest schools are in the clear — but it hasn't always been that way.
Good Time Charlie's in Soldotna closed its doors last month, and will be demolished next week. But what happens when the only strip club in a community closes? And how did Good Time Charlie's operate for 30 years after being bought out for a highway project?
This year, Lancashire Farm is the Alaska Farm Family of the Year — an award honoring families that epitomize a commitment to local agriculture. And the Lancashire family has been committed to local food for longer than most.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough is updating its code to remove an additional step for marijuana businesses applying for commercial licenses — a move that brings that industry's regulations more in line with those of the alcohol industry.
Every five years, the state puts together a comprehensive economic development strategy, or CEDS. The current document is set to expire this year.
Boosters of the long-sought Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas project say high demand overseas for natural gas makes now the perfect time to invest in their plan to build the $39 billion-dollar project. But they’re not the only ones trying to seize the opportunity.
From frozen pizzas to toilet paper, grocery stores scramble over erratic product shortages. Reported national grocery shortages include meat, canned goods, coffee and wine. On the Kenai Peninsula, many grocers agree it’s hard to predict which items will be unavailable during any given week.
Staffing shortages have plagued businesses across the country since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. But those shortages and high rates of staff turnover can be especially harsh in small, rural communities, where employees are already hard to find.
The costs of some farming materials — including fertilizer and hay — have shot up in the last year. Local producers are feeling the squeeze.