Celebrate at the Winter Carnival
Watch for a schedule of events compiled by the Homer Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the Homer Winter Carnival Feb. 9-11. There will be a noon parade down Pioneer Avenue on Saturday, Feb. 11, car races on Beluga Lake after the parade and on Sunday. NOMAR and Kachemak Gear Shed will sponsor a free Family Skate Day at Kevin Bell Arena from 1:15-2:45 p.m. Everyone is invited to skate. For more information, go to www.homeralaska.org.

Stopping deadly abuse of household products
South Peninsula Haven House’s new local project unites parents, schools and retail outlets on finding a solution to teen abuse of household products. While alcohol and drug use among young people has declined in recent years, the numbers of youth in Alaska who abuse household products to get high is growing, according to the Youth Risk and Behavior Survey. To prevent such high-risk and potentially deadly behavior, Haven House is partnering with Akeela and the Pacific Institute on Research and Evaluation on a two-year research project funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
There are more than 1,500 harmful everyday legal products found in homes, schools, stores and offices that youth and adults can inhale or ingest to get high. The HLP Prevention Project aims to decrease the availability of such items by mobilizing the community and directly involving retailers, educators and parents in the project.
The project needs your help. Meetings and workshops will begin this month to present further information about HLPs and inform you of ways you can help. Call Sharon Bauer at South Peninsula Haven House 235-7712 to get involved or ask more questions.

Woodworth, Cooper elected to hospital seats 
South Peninsula Hospital’s Operating Board of Directors elected new officers at its meeting on Wednesday. Julie Woodworth was re-elected president, Kelly Cooper was re-elected vice president, Bernadette Wilson was re-elected Secretary and Tom Clark was elected Treasurer. The new officers begin serving immediately. The next monthly meeting of the Board of Directors is Feb. 22 in the hospital conference room at 7 p.m. Meetings are open to the public. For more information call 235-0325 or visit www.sphosp.org.

Atwater remains at KPBSD
Steve Atwater, superintendent of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, will remain in position in the next year. The Anchorage School District announced KPBSD Superintendent Atwater was one of two finalists in a national superintendent search to replace Ms. Carol Comeau, who will retire in June, 2012. But the ASD post was filled by Jim Browder from a large Miami, Fla., school district. Joe Arness, the KPBSD School Board President said: “the fact that our superintendent was a finalist for such a high profile position is a credit to our students, staff, and communities as well as a credit to Dr. Atwater himself.”

HEA nomination period opens
Homer Electric Association is accepting nominations from members interested in running for a seat on the cooperative’s Board of Directors. The board is made up of nine directors, three from each of the three districts that make up the service area.
This year, the District 1, Kenai-Nikiski-parts of Soldotna, seat held by Kenai resident Alan Bute will be on the ballot. In District 2, Soldotna –Sterling – Kasilof area, the seat currently held by Soldotna resident Ed Oberts will be up for election. In District 3, Ninilchik-Homer-Seldovia area, HEA members will vote for the seat currently held by Jim Levine of Homer. HEA directors are elected by district, with members voting only for the director in their respective district. Members interested in being on the ballot must fill out a Candidacy Packet that requires the candidate to gather at least 15 signatures from current HEA members who live in the district where the candidate resides. The Candidacy Packet is available at HEA offices in Kenai and Homer and online at www.homerelectric.com
The deadline to submit is 5 p.m. March 2. Results will be announced at the annual meeting in May.

Free safety training for commercial fishermen
Alaska Marine Safety Education Association will offer a one day 10-hour fishing vessel safety and drill conductor course at 8 a.m. Feb. 2 at the Best Western Bidarka Inn. This course meets the U.S. Coast Guard requirements for commercial fishing vessels. It is available free to commercial fishermen thanks to funding from National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the USCG.
Participants practice hands-on in the water and on a vessel, with emergency equipment that should be onboard any commercial fishing or other sizable vessel — PFDs, life rafts, immersion suits, EPIRBs, fire extinguishers, and practice emergency procedures like man overboard, abandon ship, fire fighting and flooding control. Call AMSEA at 907-747-3287 to register, or register online at www.amsea.org

Birders to meet Monday
The Kachemak Bay Birders’ next monthly meeting will be 4:30 p.m. Monday at the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center in the Seminar Room. Anyone who is interested in birding, birds and their habitats, citizen science or would just like to know more about our organization is welcome to attend. For more information, contact Lani Raymond (235-9477) or Betty Siegel (235-1598).

It’s all about your heart
 A free community forum on Heart-Smart Eating will kick off a month of special programs and activities at South Peninsula Hospital in recognition of Heart Health Month. Heart disease is the No. 2 cause of death for Alaskans, and these offerings will help people screen and prevent it.
Heart Smart Eating will focus on how to incorporate tasty, heart-healthy foods into your diet. Bette Seaman, registered dietitian and nutritionist at SPH will present at 6 p.m. Feb. 1 at the hospital Training Center, 203 W. Pioneer. Heart healthy refreshments will be provided. Contact the hospital’s education department for more information at 235-0258.

Avoid parking on roadways
The Homer Police Department is reminding people that parking is not permitted on any city roadways or right of way. Due to the inclement weather and heavy snowfalls, city police will be strictly enforcing the no parking ordinances. In order to maintain access for emergency vehicles and ensure open lanes for snow removal, vehicles parked on the roadway will be ticketed and possibly towed. Call the Homer police or public works for any questions, 235-3550 or 235-3170.

Chamber holds annual meeting Tuesday
The Homer Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center will hold its annual meeting at noon Tuesday at the Best Western Bidarka Inn. Members will vote on bylaw changes. It’s also an opportunity to meet the newest board members and the chamber’s 2012 visitor guide will be unveiled. A minimum of 10 percent of the membership must be present to vote on proposed bylaw changes. Those planning on attending are asked to RSVP by today for the optional lunch. Cost is $12 for chamber members and $14 for nonmembers For more information or to RSVP, call 235-7740 or email Membership@homeralaska.org.

Nominate a real hero
Each year the American Red Cross of Alaska recognizes extraordinary Alaskans for their outstanding contributions throughout the state at the Annual Real Heroes Breakfast. To nominate a hero, follow these guidelines: The act of heroism must be ongoing or have occurred in Alaska between Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2011. Must be residents of Alaska. Must be present at the event in Anchorage on Tuesday, April 24, 2012. Go to www.alaska.redcross.org/Nominate_ A_Hero.php or contact Katie Bender at BenderK@usa.redcross.org 907-646-5412

Try forks more than knives
Due to the snow storm on Thursday, “Forks Over Knives” has been re-scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Sunday, with doors opening at 2 p.m. at the Homer Theatre.
Admission is by donation and includes heart-healthy snacks. There will be discussion and CHIP info afterwards.
Those who cannot make the showing can attend one of two information sessions: 6 p.m. Jan. 26, SPH Training Center, 230 W Pioneer, or at 3 p.m. or Jan. 29 at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 210 East Pioneer.  There will be a brief video explaining CHIP, and time for discussion and questions. Chip classes begin Feb. 6.

Service board holds meeting
The Kachemak Emergency Service Area Board is holding a meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 26 at the McNeil Canyon Fire Station located at 53048 Ashwood Ave. (Milepost 12 East End Road). The meeting agenda will be posted at the fire station and the Kenai Peninsula Borough Office 206 E. Pioneer.
 

Beluga population at second-lowest level
Scientists from NOAA’s Alaska Fisheries Science Center announced the 2011 abundance estimate for the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale population is 284 animals, almost 20 percent lower than last year’s estimate of 340.
This year’s estimate is the second-lowest since NOAA’s surveys began in 1993; the lowest was in 2005, when the estimate was 278. Estimates can vary from year to year based on more than simply the beluga population itself. Different sighting or survey conditions, weather, or changes in beluga behavior or distribution from year to year can affect the survey results. This year’s estimate stays within the range of the 10-year population trend for Cook Inlet belugas, which shows an average annual decline of the population of 1.1 percent.
Scientists know that beluga populations are not capable of increasing more than 20 percent in a year, and believe an actual decline of 20 percent in a year would likely be reflected in a large number of reported mortalities, which NOAA has not seen.

Want to see Governor’s Picnic in Homer?
Gov. Sean and First Lady Sandy Parnell are offering the opportunity for an additional Alaska community to host the 2012 Governor’s Family Picnic. Juneau, Fairbanks, Anchorage, and the Mat-Su annually host the picnic: in the past. However, starting in 2012, a different Alaska community will be chosen to host the picnic each year. Proposals accepted through Feb. 17. To propose your town, fill out the form at: http://gov.alaska.gov/parnell/multimedia/governors-picnic/traveling-picnic.html

December DUI patrols show 70 arrests
The December holiday DUI-focused patrol effort concluded Jan. 2. Alaska State Troopers conducted enhanced patrols from Dec. 16-Jan. 2 to dissuade motorists from driving impaired. Troopers and local law enforcement agencies encourage motorists to continue making smart choices when getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.
During the overall enforcement effort: 70 DUI arrests, including seven felony DUIs; 52 drivers charged with driving with suspended or revoked license; 16 REDDI reports were unfounded. Of the 416 crashes investigated by troopers, 50 people were injured and three died. Of the 671 citations issued, 98 were issued for speeding and 21 were issued for seatbelt or other occupant restraint violations.

Alaskans show their generosity
Some $275,000 was collected in the first 100 hours of Alaska’s annual Pick. Click. Give. Campaign. According to the Permanent Fund Dividend Division, as of 6 a.m. Thursday morning, there were 5,319 pledged gifts from 3,387 people whose average pledge equaled $82 per donor. At this rate, if the same number of people file online in 2012 as did in 2011, the program is on track to generate $1.99 million for the more than 400 charitable causes on the list. Find more information on organizations eligible for donations at www.PickClickGive.org.
 

Writers conference features Barry Lopez
The Kachemak Bay Campus of Kenai Peninsula College-University of Alaska Anchorage recently announced that registration is now open for the upcoming 2012 Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference, to be held June 8-12 at Land’s End Resort in Homer.
This year’s keynote presenter will be National Book Award winner Barry Lopez. The conference will feature 17 other nationally recognized authors, editors and agents who will conduct creative writing workshops, readings, craft talks and panel presentations in fiction, nonfiction, poetry and the business of writing. Optional activities include manuscript reviews, editor-agent consultations, receptions, a boat cruise and open mic. The evening readings June 9-12 by visiting writers and conference registrants will be open to the general public at no charge. Conference faculty will be Elizabeth Dodd, Camille Dungy, James Engelhardt, Daryl Farmer, Debra Gwartney, Valerie Miner, Dan O’Neill, Ann Pancake, Don Rearden, Jim Rutman, Eva Saulitis, Jeffrey Shotts. Sherry Simpson, Nancy Lord, Alaska State Writer Laureate Peggy Shumaker, Sherry Simpson and Amber Flora Thomas.
The early registration fee is $350, space available. Advanced registration is required. There is also a special UA admitted student rate. For more information see writersconference.homer.alaska.edu

Free forum for sleeping problems
South Peninsula Hospital will present a free educational forum on sleep disorders and the solutions available to get a sound, restful sleep.  Featured presenter will be Sleep Center Manager Dee O’Brien, who will help participants learn how to recognize sleep apnea and other sleep disorders, understand the long-term health effects of sleep deprivation, and discover treatment options that ultimately lead to a better quality of life. O’Brien has more than 30 years experience in cardiopulmonary work, and eight years specializing in sleep medicine.  She is a certified respiratory therapist and a registered polysomnographic technician. The presentation will be 6 p.m. Jan. 11 at the South Peninsula Hospital Training Center at 203 W. Pioneer Ave.  The event is free and open to the public. Healthy refreshments and a door prize drawing will be offered. For more information, call the Sleep Center at 235-0354 or the Education Department at 235-0258.

Refuge open to snowmachines
All areas of the Kenai Peninsula Wildlife Refuge that are traditionally available to snow machining are now open. Refuge Manager Andy Loranger said additional snowfall on the eastern portion of the refuge north of the Kenai River allows them to open it. Areas always closed to snow machine use include the Headquarters tract on Ski Hill Road, Skilak Loop Special Management Area, Swanson River and Swan Lake Canoe System, the Wolf Lake pipeline corridor and all areas above timberline in the Caribou Hills. The refuge asks snowmachiners to be respectful, and avoid areas of insufficient snowfall.

Coastal management petition prepared
The 500 petition booklets for the initiative to create an Alaska Coastal Management Program are now available for signatures from voters. Initiative sponsors need to gather 25,875 signatures by Jan. 17 in order for the measure to be placed on the November general election ballot, said its primary sponsor, Kenai Peninsula Borough Assemblyman Mako Haggerty. 
Signatures must be from qualified Alaska voters who are resident in at least three-fourths of the house districts of the state, and who are equal in number to at least seven percent of those who voted in the preceding general election in the house district.
For more information, go to www.alaskaseaparty.org or call Haggerty at 399-4133.

Catch Homer people on Discovery
The homesteading Kilcher family is featured at 9 p.m. Thursday on a new series beginning this month on the Discovery Channel. The filming includes the story of the Kilcher family history, modern-day activities and many Homer-area scenes.

Kachemak Bay Campus – KPC call for art
The deadline to submit Art Proposals to Kachemak Bay Campus-KPC for work to be placed at its new Bayview Hall is 5 p.m. Jan. 19. Finalists will be selected by Feb. 24, and installation must be completed by July 15. Artists can visit the campus from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday after Jan. 4 to view the building and surrounding spaces. For artists who cannot visit the campus, the RFP, proposal requirements and photos of the areas are posted on the website at www.kpc.alaska.edu/KBC/.
Proposals should be submitted to Carol Swartz, Kenai Peninsula College, Kachemak Bay Campus, 533 East Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska 99603.

Art classes start soon
Ceramic artist Paul Dungan will offer a 15-week ceramic class at UAA’s Kachemak Bay Campus starting Jan. 17.
Award-winning artists Sandy Gillespie will teach a new class in color design for those at all levels and long-time instructor/artist Asia Freeman will return to teach intermediate drawing. Photographer Taz Tally will again teach a seven-week class in Digital Camera Techniques. Musician JulieAnn Smith will teach Fundamentals of Music for those wanting to learn to read music or refresh their abilities. Poet Erin Howelle will teach a new poetry course on Thursday evenings while author Nancy Lord will teach a multi-genre creative writing class. Online and walk-in registration is now being held at www.homer.alaska.edu. Advanced registration is required. Register early.

Wolf-killing plan testimony due by Dec. 30
To weigh in on the proposed aerial wolf hunting, members of the public must resubmit their testimony in order for it be taken account of at the Jan.13-17 Board of Game meeting in Anchorage.
The deadline is Dec. 30. The Board of Game tabled a decision on Proposals 35 and 36 that pertain to wolf predator control management on the Kenai Peninsula during the board’s November meeting in Barrow. A proposed intensive management plan released in October included aerial wolf control for the Kenai Peninsula’s Game Management Units 15A and 15C.
The board isn’t accepting e-mail, but they will accept faxes. Call the Kachemak Bay Conservation Society for more information, 235-8214.

Tsunami debris may be headed our way
Debris from the tsunami in Japan nine months ago has not been detected on Alaska shores, but that may be because harsh weather is keeping people from beachcombing. NOAA reports debris has been reported in Washington and British Columbia and Alaskans should be seeing it soon.
Dave Gaudet of the Marine Conservation Alliance says the Alaska Panhandle has been hit hard by storms, but the area around Craig on Prince of Wales Island could be the first place where debris from the March 11 tsunami lands.
Experts warn that debris should be approached cautiously because the earthquake and tsunami damaged nuclear facilities and water contained in items that float across the Pacific Ocean may be radioactive. If you believe you have found debris from Japan’s tsunami, contact the Marine Conservation Alliance at (907) 563-0731.

Atwater finalist for Anchorage post
The finalists for Anchorage School District superintendent are Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Superintendent Steve Atwater and Jim Browder, the former superintendent of schools for the Lee County school district in Fort Meyers, Fla. Both candidates will visit Anchorage in January, meeting with district employees, local leaders and the community at a pair of public meetings.

For the birds
The Audubon Christmas Bird Count for Homer will begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center to get team and area assignments. There also will be goodies, coffee and tea. Birders will return at 4:30 p.m. to tabulate the results and enjoy a potluck meal. Bring a dish to share. This is an important count of the species and numbers of birds here in the winter. Birders of all ability levels welcome—less experienced birders will be teamed with more experienced birders. Also needed are feeder-watchers who would report what they had at their feeders or in their yard on the 17th.  For more information contact Dave Erikson: 235-3487, derikson@alaska.net.  Or Lani Raymond: 235-9477, lani67@alaska.net. 
 
HEA changes account numbers
In an effort to better serve its growing membership, Homer Electric Association is upgrading its software program which required making a slight change to all its member account numbers.
Each HEA account now has the digit “0” added to the account number.  For example, if the account number was 12345-01, it is now 12345-001. The change is effective immediately and will be seen on December bills. HEA is asking its members to review their billing statements and make arrangements with bill pay services to update account numbers. For questions, call (907) 283-5831, (907) 235-8551 or (800) 478-8551.

Real estate licensing fee
Public outcry prompted state officials to cut a proposed real estate license fee increase by several hundred dollars. The cost of a license is still expected to go up, but by a dramatically smaller amount than first proposed.
The original proposal would have increased the cost of a two-year real estate license in Alaska by $410, but after widespread negative feedback, the new proposed hike will only be $100. The state’s professional licensing programs are intended to be self-supporting, but additional costs as the result of several unforeseen investigations in the last year forced the state to seek additional revenue. Testimony by real estate agents to the House Community and Regional Affairs Committee recently was negative and geographically diverse, and many advocated reducing regulation instead of hiking fees.

Children of the Oil Spill
The Rotary Club of Homer Downtown presents ”Children of the Oil Spill,” today at 6 p.m. at Bidarka Inn. This is a program by Katie Aspen Gavenus. Gavenus is using interviews of Alaskans who were children during the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill to share and possibly help children of the more recent Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The program will be preceded by a short presentation on his experiences at a leadership academy by Homer youth Skyler Kingrey. This is also a potluck.

More turning lanes on Sterling Highway
Construction is planned for more than a dozen slow vehicle turnout lanes along the Sterling Highway from Soldotna to Homer. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities is taking testimony from the public to help decide where each of the turnout lanes should be sited. The project is part of the Highway Safety Improvement Project and is in its preliminary stages. Residents can provide written comments to the DOT about the project before Jan. 10, 2012, by writing to: Brian Elliott, Regional Environmental Manager, DOT&PF Preliminary Design & Environmental, P.O. Box 196900, Anchorage, Alaska 99519-6900.

Want to be a safer sitter?
South Peninsula Hospital will offer Safe Sitter training over the school holiday break.  The class is designed for 11-13 year olds to teach basic child care, infant and child CPR, first aide, safety for the sitter, behavior management and business etiquette. The class will run from noon to 4 p.m. on Dec 19, 20 and 21. Students should have lunch before coming. Healthy snacks will be provided. Registration is required and the last day to register is Dec 16. Contact hospital education at 235-0259 to register or for more information.

Meet local birds
Dave Erikson’s Winter Bird Identification Class: “Meet the Locals” will be 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at Islands and Ocean Visitor Center in the Seminar Room. This is a chance to learn more about the birds wintering over in Homer taught by the local birding expert Dave Erikson.  Brush up on your identification skills and get ready for the Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 17. Everyone is welcome. For more information call Lani Raymond 235-9477 or Dave Erikson 235-3487.

Throwing out the welcome mat for baby
It’s a tradition to welcome the first baby born into the new year in Homer, one marked by gifts or donations from community businesses and individuals for the baby and parents. If you would like to make a contribution, please contact Jean Aspen, RN-Ob coordinator at South Peninsula Hospital, at 235-0245.

Christmas music with Rev. Poor Child
The Rev. Poor Child will be performing Christmas guitar instrumentals at 1-3 p.m. Saturday at Captain’s Coffee and from 2-4 p.m. Dec. 14 at the South Peninsula Hospital’s Long-term Care. He also will be playing 5-7 Dec. 14 at Chow’s Restaurant. Child has four albums of classical jazz, his own finger-picking style blues. He is an ordained pastor who has studied all the world religions, and is a retired carpenter, poet and writer.

Citizens, Inletkeeper files lawsuit
The Chuitna Citizens Coalition and Cook Inletkeeper have filed a lawsuit against the state, claiming officials have ignored their water rights permit applications to protect salmon in the area of a proposed coal mine. The groups filed a lawsuit over the issue on Nov. 10, asserting that the state’s Department of Natural Resources has not acted on citizen’s instream flow applications, but has provided corporations with water use permits, said Cook Inletkeeper’s Bob Shavelson.
The suit is based on state law that allows the Department of Natural Resources to grant in-stream rights to protect salmon breeding or other stream values. Once given, the department cannot give water in the stream to anyone else, if it conflicts with the rights granted to the first applicant. 

Blaine dies in fire
Troopers reported on Sunday that 54-year-old Timothy Blaine was found dead in the snow outside the burnt structure of his Nikiski home on Saturday morning. Blaine was formerly of Homer.
State Fire Marshals believe the fire originated from an internal heat source inside the home.
“They said they won‘t know if foul play was involved until after the autopsy, but the scene investigation does not suggest foul play,” Alaska State Trooper Spokesperson Megan Peters wrote in an email. “What is known is the man had multiple heaters–propane and electrical–and a stove on the inside. It was more than likely that one of those heat sources is what started the fire.”

Hospital gains Clark, Drathman on board

Tom Clark

Two new board members were recently appointed to the board of directors of South Peninsula Hospital. Tom Clark, of Anchor Point, was appointed to a two-year term.  Susan Drathman of Homer was appointed to a one-year term. Clark and Drathman fill seats vacated by Nina Allen and Kent Haina, who both recently relocated out of the area. Clark is a self-employed contractor who has lived in the area for 13 years and served on the board of directors for the Anchor Point Chamber of Commerce, the Anchor Point Safe Water Corporation and was a member of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Commission.

Susan Drathman

Susan Drathman is a program director at South Peninsula Behavioral Health Services. She has been in Homer for 28 years, where she served on both the intermediate and high school’s site councils, and currently serves on the Birth 2 Three board of directors.
The nine-member volunteer board meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of every month in the hospital conference room.  The public is welcome. Board president is Julie Woodworth.