Homer prepared for an oil spill

Alaska was the only state to benefit after citizen advisory groups were empaneled by the 1990 Oil Pollution Act created after the Exxon Valdez spill disaster.
Communities in the massive Gulf of Mexico spill region have no such measures in place, said Trenten Dodson, director of public outreach for CIRCAC in a talk with the Homer City Council on Monday night.

Ferry markets Seldovia in earnest

The newest ferry in Kachemak Bay — the M/V Kachemak Voyager — arrived at the Homer Port and Harbor on Friday sparkling in new blue and white paint, fresh from its factory in Bellingham, Wash.
Parked at the JJ float, where the Seldovia Village Tribe owners plan to build a ramp after June 30, the ferry will now be in summer operation through Sept. 7. The tribe plans on a $900,00 ramp as an economic development feature for the Homer port that can be used by others as well.

A derby of thanks for Alaska’s veterans

Friday dawned the perfect hue of blue on flat-calm waters in Kachemak Bay, providing sterling weather to say “thank you” to some 180 Afghanistan and Iraqi veterans who came to Homer to fish in the first Alaska Veterans Fishing Tournament.
By day’s end, Jesus “Skip” Torres III hauled in the biggest halibut at 248 pounds. Some might call it beginner’s luck — considering it was the first halibut he’d ever caught.

Community news – May 26

Mary Wallis has belonged to the Beta Sigma Phi organization since joining it in Eagle River in 1967. Last week, she was inducted as a Master in the local Beta Sigma Phi chapter. It is the highest level one can attain in the international women’s social, cultural and service organization.

Students mull careers posed by fast ferry

The Kachemak Voyager, a new fast ferry set to start operation today, arrived just in time to provide a multi-faceted classroom for students from four villages who visited Seldovia as part of a two-week workforce academy.

Police Report – May 26

Fire/EMS
Homer Volunteer Fire Department responded to two fire calls for the week of May 17 through May 23.
5/19
Report of a controlled burn not in compliance with burn permit on Bay Crest.
5/20
Carbon monoxide detection on Early Spring Street.
Police
5/20
Subject presented at counter to report numerous individuals following him around.
Caller reports children playing on and [...]

For the Record – May 26

The following records are cases and records filed in court. Individuals are innocent until proven guilty, and copies of the records are publicly available.
Misdemeanors:
Aaron J Mahoney 27, Violation of burn permit, inadequate fire break
Zachery Hinsberger 19, Driving while license suspended
Troy Gehring 40, Misconduct involving controlled substance, sixth degree
Emily M Harmon 38, Disorderly conduct
Teresa [...]

Tearing up the barge, Husky II next

The Husky II, a derelict World War II ship hauled to Homer from Seldovia last week, will be dismantled on the beach in order to salvage its steel.
After cutting them into two-by-five-foot sheared sections, Peninsula Scrap and Steel will then pack them up for shipping to a dealer in Tacoma, Wash. From there, they are to be recycled by consumers elsewhere, said Ron Smith, owner of the scraping company that has disposed of hundreds of cars from Kenai Peninsula communities.

Armed with a green giraffe head

My original plan this week was to discuss the overall feasibility of detachable arms. I know, initially, this sounds rather odd. However, if you hear me out, I think you’ll see I had a relatively good premise for making the argument for said detachable arms in the first place.

How common is sense anymore?

As yet another school year draws to a close, and graduates trek out on their fledgling paths toward adulthood and all of life’s unknowns, it seems appropriate to consider the future of our public school system here in Alaska.
If there really is much of a future in it.