The borough budget designates money for local schools, road work, borough landfills, service areas and government operations, among other things.

Council member Jordan Chilson says the changes were inspired by a conversation about how Soldotna should accommodate remote participation in city meetings.

State lawmakers put $144 million in bonus funding for K-12 schools in the state operating budget, of which Kenai Peninsula schools would get around $9.5 million. The additional funding is subject to approval by Gov. Mike Dunleavy.

The project is backed by $16.7 million in federal grants and local matching funds.

River John Aspelund was initially deemed incompetent to stand trial after he was diagnosed with schizophrenia following his arrest. The state Court of Appeals later ruled he could be involuntarily medicated.

New Triumvirate Theatre musical “Anastasia” features two dozen middle school actors singing and dancing their way through a tale of a lost duchess finding her place, against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution.

Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly members adopt a budget. Passengers on a cruise ship touring Southeast contract a gastrointestinal illness. Plus, U.S. Fish and Wildlife staff at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport intercept trafficked wildlife.

Soldotna adopts a new public comment policy. Cook Inlet's east side clam fishery is closed again this summer. Plus, candidates scrambled to meet the Monday evening deadline to run for state office.

On this week's episode of the Kenai Conversation, we're joined by Sara Hondel, the new executive director of the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce.

KDLL's staff talk about journalism, the station's outlook and the 2026 Spring Membership Drive