Schools will get at least as much local money for operations as they did last year after borough assembly members on Tuesday pledged to give the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District around $62.5 million.

The most recent quarterly report from the state Department of Public Safety identifies nine people missing from the Kenai Peninsula who are Alaska Native, American Indian or of unknown race.

It’s been over a year since the district and its two largest employee unions swapped contract proposals. Union members say they’re frustrated with the sluggish process.

The changes do not impact the basic management plan for Cook Inlet’s east side setnet fishery and came over the objections of local fishermen.

Nikiski Middle/High School’s Bulldog Theater opens ‘Anything Goes’ on May 1. The show features romance and humor on a cruise ship crossing the Atlantic Ocean, and marks the final performance for some of the school’s seniors.

City Manager Terry Eubank says he’s met with other city managers and the borough mayor to talk through possible solutions, and that Kenai’s all-age nonprofit swim team has been proactive. Starting July 1, the school district will stop funding the pool.

Homer Electric Association certifies its board of directors election results. A new survey says Alaskans are dissatisfied with the economy. Plus, a bill that aims to bring stability to the school budgeting process clears the House Finance Committee.

Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly members pledge to give K-12 schools at least as much money as the district got last year. The State House passes a capital budget. Plus, Gov. Mike Dunleavy urges action on his proposed tax break for the developer of the Alaska LNG Project.

Clark Fair gives a presentation on Kenai's Agricultural Experiment Station at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center on April 16.

On today’s episode of the Kenai Conversation, we’re joined by Tess Caswell and her dad, Steve Caswell. Tess is a Soldotna-grown capsule communicator with NASA, currently part of the team supporting the agency’s 10-day Artemis II lunar mission.