The Alaska Division of Forestry says the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but has ruled out lightning, suggesting the blaze was human-caused.

In a letter, Griebel says he is resigning from the assembly to take a job with the borough.

In February, 36-year-old Kirby Calderwood pleaded guilty to murdering Anesha “Duffy” Murnane. He accepted a plea deal through which state prosecutors dropped eight other charges in the case.

Soldotna’s next mini grant application cycle opens July 15. The council has approved $4,000 for grants this year.

Kenai City Council members last week signed off on roughly $2,000.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game doubled sockeye salmon bag limits from three to six in response to strong salmon runs.

State foresters say quick work by firefighters has stymied a wildfire near Soldotna. State lawmakers delay action on a compromise tax break bill for the Alaska LNG Project. Plus, a new study finds puffin populations are declining in the Kodiak Archipelago.

Scott Griebel resigns from the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly. A Homer man who pleaded guilty to murdering a Homer woman who went missing in 2019 is sentenced to 87 years in prison. Plus, the Sitka Sound Science Center finds a message in a bottle.

On today’s episode of the Kenai Conversation, we’re joined by Cassidi Cameron, executive director of the Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District.

On today’s episode of the Kenai Conversation, we’re joined by Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Superintendent Clayton Holland.