Peninsula Clarion, December 27, 2019 by Sound Publishing

Gifts

Notebook

Columnist puts a wrap on Christmas presents

Refuge looks forward, back near end of year

Sports / A6

CLARION

8/4 More weather, Page A2

W of 1 inner Awa0* 201 Exc rds fo 8 e r Rep llence i o n rt * Ala ska P i n g ! res

P E N I N S U L A

Vol. 50, Issue 68

In the news

Utility pairs with Tesla for battery system ANCHORAGE — An Alaska utility is working with electric car maker Tesla to install an industrial battery system to quickly release stored power into grids, an official said. Homer Electric Association announced the contract with Californiabased Tesla for the utility’s power plant in Soldotna, The Anchorage Daily News reported Wednesday. The electric cooperative wants to replace natural gas-fired power for short periods and cut greenhouse gas emissions. The Tesla components are expected to be installed in a battery energy storage system that should begin operating in fall 2021. Tesla did not immediately return an email seeking comment. Homer Electric ’s service area covers the western Kenai Peninsula and includes 34,000 electric meters and 24,000 member-owners. The battery system’s power can be delivered to its grid at a rate of 46.5 megawatts an hour and operate at that rate for two hours before it must be recharged, Homer Electric General Manager Brad Janorschke said. The battery system is expected to increase the utility’s ability to provide power without disruptions, he said. The system will be a backup source of energy that is available yearround and can feed power to the grid more quickly and efficiently than a gasfired turbine. “It will save significant dollars in fuel every year,” Janorschke said. “As gas prices escalate those savings will keep going up.” The utility did not disclose the battery system’s cost, but Janorschke said it plans to pay for the system using financial reserves and debt financing. Debt financing often involves issuing bonds to raise money from investors.

Wind chill alerts issued ANCHORAGE — The National Weather Service issued wind chill warnings for Alaska’s northern coast while more snow was forecast for the state’s largest See news, Page A3

Index Local . . . . . . . . . . A3 Opinion . . . . . . . . A4 Religion . . . . . . . . A5 Sports . . . . . . . . . A6 Nation & World . . . . A9 Comics . . . . . . . . A10 Classifieds . . . . . . A11 TV Guide . . . . . . . A12 Check us out online at www.peninsulaclarion.com To subscribe, call 283-3584.

Friday-Saturday, December 27-28, 2019 • Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

Bundle Up

s Clu

$1 newsstands daily/$1.50 Sunday

‘I don’t want it to be about me’ After series of attacks, local woman fears LGBTQ community is being targeted By Brian Mazurek Peninsula Clarion

This article contains descriptions of events that may be disturbing to some readers. Over the past two months, Tammie Willis — an employee of Kenai Peninsula College and a local advocate for LGBTQ rights — has experienced several instances of harassment and violence that led her to believe she is being targeted as a member of the LGBTQ community. Willis is a member of the LGBT Alliance at the college and also one of the organizers for the annual Soldotna Pride in the Park event, which coincides with other Pride marches around the country to commemorate the 1969 New York City Stonewall Riots and the beginning of the modern LGBTQ rights movement. The first incident occurred on Nov. 14, a few days after the first planning meeting for next year’s Pride March had been announced publicly, when Willis said someone left a note on her truck that contained homophobic slurs and threats of harm that ended with a warning to “Take it some where else before you get hurt!!!” Then on Nov. 22, the day after that first planning meeting took place, someone threw a large object at Willis’ truck and smashed her windshield as she was driving on Poppy Lane near the Kenai

Brian Mazurek / Peninsula Clarion

Tammie Willis is seen here at Kenai Peninsula College on Dec. 19. The bandage on her arm covers some of the cuts Willis received while being attacked at her home Dec. 9.

Peninsula College. And on Dec. 9, Willis was attacked in her home by someone wielding a knife. The attack, which was reported by Alaska State Troopers in their daily dispatches four days later on Dec. 13, sent her to the hospital

with cuts and bruises on her arms, legs and stomach. The assault on Willis in her home took place two days after the second Pride planning meeting had been announced publicly. “I mean it is an assumption; I

can’t say it is because I’m gay,” Willis said. “But when you look at it within the context of the note and the activities and the timeline, it definitely lends itself to looking like See attack, Page A13

Doctor West Coast fishery rebounds faces fraud in rare conservation ‘home run’ charges over By Gillian Flaccus Associated Press

WARRENTON, Ore. — A rare environmental success story is unfolding in waters off the U.S. West Coast. After years of fear and uncertainty, bottom trawler fishermen — those who use nets to scoop up rockfish, bocaccio, sole, Pacific Ocean perch and other deep-dwelling fish — are making a comeback here, reinventing themselves as a sustainable industry less than two decades after authorities closed huge stretches of the Pacific Ocean because of the species’ depletion. The ban devastated fishermen, but on Jan. 1, regulators will reopen an area roughly three times the size of Rhode Island off Oregon and California to groundfish bottom trawling — all with the approval of environmental groups that were once the industry’s biggest foes. The two sides collaborated on a long-term plan that will continue to resuscitate the groundfish industry while permanently protecting thousands of square miles of reefs and coral beds that benefit the overfished species. Now, the fishermen who see their livelihood returning must solve another piece of the puzzle: drumming up consumer demand for fish that haven’t been in grocery stores or on menus for a generation. “It’s really a conservation home run,”

said Shems Jud, regional director for the Environmental Defense Fund’s ocean program. “The recovery is decades ahead of schedule. It’s the biggest environmental story that no one knows about.” The process also netted a win for conservationists concerned about the future of extreme deepwater habitats where bottom trawlers currently don’t go. A tract of ocean the size of New Mexico with waters up to 2.1 miles deep will be off-limits to bottomtrawling to protect deep-sea corals and sponges just now being discovered. “Not all fishermen are rapers of the environment. When you hear the word ‘trawler,’ very often that’s associated with destruction of the sea and pillaging,” said Kevin Dunn, whose trawler Iron Lady was featured in a Whole Foods television commercial about sustainable fishing. Groundfish is a catch-all term that refers to dozens of species that live on, or near, the bottom of the Pacific off the West Coast. Trawling vessels drag weighted nets to collect as many fish as possible, but that can damage critical rocky underwater habitat. The groundfish fishery hasn’t always struggled. Starting in 1976, the federal government subsidized the construction of domestic fishing vessels to lock down U.S. interests in West Coast waters, and by the 1980s, that investment paid off. Bottom trawling was booming, with

500 vessels in California, Oregon and Washington hauling in 200 million pounds of non-whiting groundfish a year. Unlike Dungeness crab and salmon, groundfish could be harvested year-round, providing an economic backbone for ports. But in the late 1990s, scientists began to sound the alarm about dwindling fish stocks. Just nine of the more than 90 groundfish species were in trouble, but because of the way bottom trawlers fished — indiscriminately hauling up millions of pounds of whatever their nets encountered — regulators focused on all bottom trawling. Multiple species of rockfish, slow-growing creatures with spiny fins and colorful names like canary, darkblotched and yellow eye, were the hardest hit. By 2005, trawlers brought in just one-quarter of the haul of the 1980s. The fleet is now down to 75 boats, said Brad Pettinger, former director of the Oregon Trawl Commission who was key in developing the plan to reopen fishing grounds. “We really wiped out the industry for a number of years,” Pettinger said. “To get those things up and going again is not easy.” In 2011, trawlers were assigned quotas for how many of each species they could catch. If they went over, See fishery, Page A2

lab tests

By Dan Joling Associated Press

A physician who Alaska prosecutors say filed millions of dollars in false claims for laboratory tests has been charged with felony and misdemeanor counts of medical assistance fraud. Dr. John Zipperer Jr. defrauded the Alaska Medicaid program by performing more than 1 million unnecessary lab tests on patients’ urine samples at a lab he owned in Tennessee, prosecutors said in an announcement Thursday. Zipperer was reimbursed nearly $9 million for lab testing from August 2013 through August 2015, prosecutors said. That was more than 10 times the amount for laboratory test codes billed by all other providers in the Alaska Medicaid system, prosecutors said. Zipperer no longer practices in Alaska, prosecutors said in the criminal complaint. Online court documents do not list an attorney who could comment on the case and a message left on Zipperer’s Alaska phone number was not immediately returned. See fraud, Page A2

First ads for census launch in remote villages By Mike Schneider Associated Press

The first ads for the 2020 census launched this week in a remote part of Alaska with plans for an advertising campaign for the rest of the country slated for next month, the U.S. Census Bureau said Thursday. The advertising launched this week is aimed at residents of 220 small

Native Alaskan villages where census takers will begin the once-a-decade headcount next month. The count begins in January in these remote Alaskan villages because the ground is frozen then, allowing easier access than at other times of the year. The kickoff is the third week in January in Toksook Bay, a village on the Bering Sea west of Bethel. The rest of the country will begin

filling out the 2020 census questionnaire in March. This is the first year the Census Bureau has aired ads targeting the residents of the remote Alaskan villages. The campaign includes fullpage print ads, commercial signage, posters, radio ads and digital content. Nationwide, the Census Bureau plans to spend $500 million on a communications campaign to get

people to answer the questionnaire. For the first time, the agency is encouraging a majority of participants to fill it out online, though it can also be filled out by telephone or by mailing a paper form. The 2020 census will determine how many congressional seats each state gets as well as direct the distribution of $1.5 trillion in federal spending.

Friday, December 27, 2019

Peninsula Clarion

AccuWeather 5-day forecast for Kenai-Soldotna ®

Today

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Mostly sunny and very cold

Cloudy and very cold with flurries

Cloudy and cold with a little snow

Remaining cloudy with a little snow

Mostly cloudy with a bit of snow

Hi: 8

Lo: 4

Hi: 15

Lo: 10

RealFeel

Hi: 24

Lo: 21

Lo: 23

Hi: 30

Kotzebue -15/-21

Lo: 16

Sun and Moon

The patented AccuWeather.com RealFeel Temperature® is an exclusive index of the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body.

10 a.m. Noon 2 p.m. 4 p.m.

-14 -13 -14 -15

Today 10:14 a.m. 3:58 p.m.

Sunrise Sunset

First Jan 2

Full Jan 10

Daylight Day Length - 5 hrs., 44 min., 7 sec. Daylight gained - 0 min., 56 sec.

Alaska Cities City Adak* Anchorage Barrow Bethel Cold Bay Cordova Delta Junction Denali N. P. Dillingham Dutch Harbor Fairbanks Fort Yukon Glennallen* Gulkana Haines Homer Juneau Ketchikan Kiana King Salmon Klawock Kodiak

Hi: 30

Yesterday Hi/Lo/W 36/35/sn 18/17/sn -13/-21/sn -12/-16/s 26/24/c 37/35/sn -12/-14/sf -13/-15/sn 4/-11/s 31/30/sn -13/-20/sn -20/-36/sn 22/21/sn 20/18/sn 39/36/sn 26/23/sn 42/38/c 44/39/r -30/-34/s -5/-20/s 42/40/r 26/23/pc

Moonrise Moonset

Last Jan 17

City Kotzebue McGrath Metlakatla Nome North Pole Northway Palmer Petersburg Prudhoe Bay* Saint Paul Seward Sitka Skagway Talkeetna Tanana Tok* Unalakleet Valdez Wasilla Whittier Willow* Yakutat

Unalakleet -22/-24 McGrath -30/-34

City

41/27/pc 48/29/pc 62/31/pc 65/31/s 66/42/c 52/25/pc 69/47/c 51/26/pc 36/27/pc 69/51/c 26/19/c 33/30/sn 41/34/pc 51/32/pc 29/19/sn 74/46/pc 69/36/pc 63/30/pc 61/52/pc 35/27/pc 62/46/pc

47/35/c 46/29/sn 48/36/r 62/41/pc 61/54/c 55/40/c 74/59/c 51/40/c 38/23/s 65/57/c 28/11/pc 35/20/pc 50/40/c 52/31/sh 29/14/s 71/56/pc 60/47/sh 64/45/pc 43/34/pc 36/19/s 60/46/c

Precipitation

From the Peninsula Clarion in Kenai

Glennallen 19/6

Kenai/ Soldotna Homer

Dillingham -6/-17

City

66/43/c 67/38/c 61/34/pc 35/20/s 64/47/c 64/46/pc 39/17/sn 38/31/c 58/34/c 33/33/sn 63/34/pc 26/20/c 28/6/sn 61/38/c 34/16/s 39/26/c 35/20/s 82/73/pc 76/50/pc 65/46/c 71/56/c

55/33/c 67/52/sh 60/38/c 42/33/c 71/58/c 59/39/c 37/22/c 42/33/pc 50/29/c 28/21/c 57/36/pc 24/16/pc 33/15/sn 41/27/c 34/18/s 48/34/sh 33/20/s 82/74/pc 74/63/pc 54/40/pc 68/60/sh

City

Jacksonville Kansas City Key West Las Vegas Little Rock Los Angeles Louisville Memphis Miami Midland, TX Milwaukee Minneapolis Nashville New Orleans New York Norfolk Oklahoma City Omaha Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix

Valdez 22/11

Juneau 38/35

National Extremes (For the 48 contiguous states) High yesterday Low yesterday

Kodiak 32/22

83 at Naples, Fla. -11 at Big Piney, Wyo.

High yesterday Low yesterday

Yesterday Today Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W

72/53/sh 36/34/c 81/70/pc 46/42/sh 69/53/pc 56/47/t 65/47/c 63/57/sh 81/71/sh 62/42/c 58/37/pc 33/29/c 64/47/c 71/62/sh 44/36/c 62/35/s 64/36/c 35/30/pc 80/63/c 50/27/pc 61/44/r

75/62/c 46/39/pc 80/72/pc 54/37/pc 67/55/c 61/42/s 62/51/c 67/56/c 81/74/pc 65/44/sh 41/30/c 33/25/pc 63/51/c 70/64/r 52/40/c 62/47/pc 55/51/sh 42/35/pc 78/69/sh 49/39/c 53/43/r

Sitka 45/39

State Extremes

Ketchikan 42/39

45 at Sitka and Metlakatla -54 at Bettles

Today’s Forecast World Cities

Cleveland Columbia, SC Columbus, OH Concord, NH Dallas Dayton Denver Des Moines Detroit Duluth El Paso Fargo Flagstaff Grand Rapids Great Falls Hartford Helena Honolulu Houston Indianapolis Jackson, MS

24 hours ending 4 p.m. yest. . Trace Month to date ........................... 1.12" Normal month to date ............. 1.16" Year to date ........................... 18.48" Normal year to date .............. 18.02" Record today ................ 0.29" (1953) Record for Dec. ............ 3.96" (1988) Record for year ........... 27.09" (1963) Snowfall 24 hours ending 4 p.m. yest. . Trace Month to date ........................... 17.3" Season to date ........................ 20.3"

Seward Homer 22/17 15/12

Anchorage 5/2

National Cities Albany, NY Albuquerque Amarillo Asheville Atlanta Atlantic City Austin Baltimore Billings Birmingham Bismarck Boise Boston Buffalo, NY Casper Charleston, SC Charleston, WV Charlotte, NC Chicago Cheyenne Cincinnati

Fairbanks -24/-30

Talkeetna 4/1

Bethel -20/-25

Today Hi/Lo/W -15/-21/s -30/-34/s 43/41/r -3/-12/s -25/-31/pc -17/-28/sf 5/0/pc 40/35/r -19/-36/pc 21/16/sf 22/17/pc 45/39/r 38/33/sn 4/1/pc -34/-40/s -18/-27/sf -22/-24/pc 22/11/sn 1/-2/pc 20/17/sn 0/-3/pc 37/35/sn

High .............................................. 27 Low ............................................... 16 Normal high ................................. 26 Normal low ................................... 10 Record high ....................... 44 (1982) Record low ...................... -40 (1961)

Kenai/ Soldotna 8/4

Cold Bay 25/18

Yesterday Today Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W

Almanac From Kenai Municipal Airport

Tomorrow 12:12 p.m. 6:54 p.m.

Unalaska 29/20 Yesterday Today Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W

Internet: www.gedds.alaska.edu/ auroraforecast

Anaktuvuk Pass -30/-40

Nome -3/-12

New Jan 24

Yesterday Hi/Lo/W -16/-19/pc -37/-38/pc 45/41/r -6/-13/s -14/-19/sn -6/-12/sn 19/18/sn 39/36/r -26/-38/pc 29/17/sn 27/24/pc 45/39/sn 42/33/sn 26/24/sn -36/-47/s -8/-13/sn -16/-27/pc 35/29/sn 16/15/sn 20/19/sn 17/14/pc 37/34/sn

Today’s activity: LOW Where: Weather permitting, low-level displays will be visible overhead from Utqiagvik to Fairbanks and visible low on the northern horizon from as far south as Anchorage and Juneau.

Prudhoe Bay -19/-36

Temperature

* Indicates estimated temperatures for yesterday Today Hi/Lo/W 32/25/c 5/2/pc -10/-24/pc -20/-25/s 25/18/sn 34/29/sn -19/-28/c -27/-35/pc -6/-17/s 31/24/sn -24/-30/pc -37/-46/pc 19/6/sn -4/-14/sn 35/31/sn 15/12/s 38/35/sn 42/39/r -25/-29/s -6/-16/s 42/40/r 32/22/pc

Aurora Forecast

Readings ending 4 p.m. yesterday

Tomorrow 10:13 a.m. 3:59 p.m.

Today 11:43 a.m. 5:37 p.m.

Utqiagvik -10/-24

City

Pittsburgh Portland, ME Portland, OR Rapid City Reno Sacramento Salt Lake City San Antonio San Diego San Francisco Santa Fe Seattle Sioux Falls, SD Spokane Syracuse Tampa Topeka Tucson Tulsa Wash., DC Wichita

Yesterday Today Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W

62/31/pc 32/24/pc 46/28/s 38/20/sf 38/30/pc 57/37/s 40/33/sn 68/60/c 60/48/r 58/44/s 43/19/s 40/30/pc 29/25/c 33/30/sf 43/30/c 79/62/pc 37/34/c 64/38/pc 68/43/c 55/31/pc 39/32/c

56/35/c 43/33/c 45/37/c 35/19/pc 41/23/pc 54/30/s 33/22/pc 73/61/c 61/46/s 56/41/s 42/24/c 46/39/c 38/30/s 33/23/sn 51/33/c 80/69/pc 47/41/c 50/38/r 59/55/pc 54/44/c 49/46/c

City

Yesterday Today Hi/Lo/W Hi/Lo/W

Acapulco Athens Auckland Baghdad Berlin Hong Kong Jerusalem Johannesburg London Madrid Magadan Mexico City Montreal Moscow Paris Rome Seoul Singapore Sydney Tokyo Vancouver

90/76/s 56/41/pc 70/61/pc 68/47/s 43/37/sh 75/65/pc 50/45/sh 87/64/s 50/35/r 64/37/pc 1/-10/pc 72/46/s 26/16/sf 32/31/sf 50/37/r 60/36/s 41/32/r 87/77/pc 83/68/s 54/43/c 39/28/sh

85/75/pc 54/43/pc 70/57/pc 66/43/pc 39/27/c 69/59/s 49/44/sh 84/59/pc 48/43/c 61/36/pc 16/11/sn 73/48/pc 41/32/i 32/26/c 51/41/r 58/38/s 36/23/s 88/77/pc 81/67/s 58/40/s 44/39/sh

A weak storm will bring spotty showers, ice and snow to parts of the Northeast today. Rain will gather in the Southeast and southern Plains while a snowstorm begins in the Four Corners states.

Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation

Cold -10s

Warm -0s

Stationary 10s

20s

Showers T-storms 30s

40s

50s

Rain

60s

70s

Flurries 80s

Snow

Ice

90s 100s 110s

Weather(W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice.

Fishery

Total non-whitefish landings 100,000 metric tons

From Page A1

Gillian Flaccus / Associated Press

In this Dec. 11 photo, a worker sorts fish being unloaded from a bottom trawler containing rockfish and other groundfish species in Warrenton, Oregon, on Dec. 11.

Kenai Peninsula’s award-winning publication (USPS 438-410) The Peninsula Clarion is a locally operated member of Sound Publishing Inc., published Sunday through Friday. 150 Trading Bay Road, Suite 1, Kenai, AK Phone: (907) 283-7551 Copyright 2019 Peninsula Clarion

Who to call at the Peninsula Clarion News tip? Question? Main number ................................................................................ 283-7551 Fax................................................................................................ 283-3299 News email ........................................................ news@peninsulaclarion.com

General news Erin Thompson Editor............................ ethompson@peninsulaclarion.com Jeff Helminiak Sports & Features Editor..... jhelminiak@peninsulaclarion.com Victoria Petersen Education...................................................... vpetersen@peninsulaclarion.com Joey Klecka Sports/Features ................................................. jklecka@peninsulaclarion.com Brian Mazurek Public Safety ..................................................bmazurek@peninsulaclarion.com

Circulation problem? Call 283-3584 If you don’t receive your newspaper by 7 a.m. and you live in the Kenai-Soldotna area, call 283-3584 before 10 a.m. for redelivery of your paper. If you call after 10 a.m., you will be credited for the missed issue. Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. General circulation questions can be sent via email to circulation@peninsulaclarion.com. The circulation director is Randi Keaton.

For home delivery Order a five-day-a-week, 13-week subscription for $57, a 26-week subscription for $108, or a 52-week subscription for $198. Use our easy-pay plan and save on these rates. Call 283-3584 for details. Weekend and mail subscription rates are available upon request.

Want to place an ad? Classifieds: Call 283-7551 and ask for the classified ad department between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email classifieds@peninsulaclarion.com. Display: Call 283-7551 and ask for the display advertising department between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

they had to buy quota from other fishermen in a system reminiscent of a carbon capand-trade model. Mandatory independent observers, paid by the trawlers, accompanied the vessels and hand-counted their haul. Fishermen quickly learned to avoid areas heavy in offlimits species and began innovating to net fewer banned fish. Surveys soon showed groundfish rebounding — in some cases, 50 years faster than predicted — and accidental trawling of overfished species fell by 80%. The Marine Stewardship Council certified 13 species in the fishery as sustainable in 2014, and five more followed last year. As the quota system’s success became apparent, environmentalists and trawlers began to talk. Regulators would soon revisit the trawling rules, and the two sides wanted a voice. They met more than 30 times, slowly building trust as they crafted a proposal. Trawlers brought maps developed over generations, alerted environmentalists to reefs they didn’t know about, and even shared proprietary tow paths. “All we could do on our end is make a good-faith offer, and I really credit the guys in the industry for taking that up,” said Seth Atkinson, an attorney with the nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council. “These were tough

Fraud From Page A1

Zipperer opened a clinic in Wasilla in 2012, prosecutors said, and expanded to other locations. In August 2013, he opened a laboratory testing facility in Franklin, Tennessee. According to prosecutors, he would see Alaska patients as often as once every three days and often would require urine tests that he would send to the Tennessee lab. Zipperer would

80,000

60,000

40,000

20,000

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015 2018

Landings from shore-based trawl vessels SOURCE: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

compromises.” Last year, regulators approved a plan to reopen the 17-year-old Rockfish Conservation Area off Oregon and California, while banning future trawling in extremedepth waters and making offlimits some habitat dubbed essential to fish reproduction, including a large area off Southern California. “A fair number of fishermen thought it was a good deal and if it was going to happen, it was better for them to participate than not,” said Tom Libby, a fish processor who was instrumental in crafting the agreement. “It’s right up there with the best and most rewarding things in my career — and I’ve been at it 50 years.” Some groups, like Oceana, wanted even more protections from bottom trawling, which it calls the “most damaging fishing method to seafloor habitats off the West

Coast.” In a news release, the group emphasized that the agreement it did get safeguards 90% of the seafloor in U.S. waters off the West Coast. Even so, with fragile species rebounding, trawlers could harvest as much as 120 million pounds a year, but there’s only demand for about half that much. That’s because groundfish have been replaced in stores by farmed, foreign species like tilapia. A trade association called Positively Groundfish is trying to change that by touring food festivals and culinary trade shows, evangelizing to chefs and seafood buyers about the industry’s rebound and newfound sustainability. They give out samples, too. “We are treating this almost like a new product for which you have to build awareness — but we do have a great story,” said Jana Hennig, the association’s executive director.

order comprehensive and repetitive tests, frequently on samples where preliminary testing showed negative results, prosecutors said. Zipperer billed Medicaid, private insurance companies and patients paying cash for dozens of duplicative tests at $3,000 to $8,000 per urine sample, prosecutors said. Alaska initiated a formal state audit review in 2018. Medicaid providers are legally obligated to cooperate with agency audits and are required to provide supporting documentation

when requested, prosecutors said. Zipperer failed to respond to repeated requests for supporting documentation for the millions of dollars worth of claims he submitted in response to agency requests, prosecutors said, noting the refusal itself if is a criminal act. The medical assistance fraud charges filed carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 plus restitution, prosecutors said. Zipperer’s corporation is also charged.

Peninsula Clarion

News From Page A1

city. Warnings of dangerously cold winds were forecast for a handful of northern areas including the Beaufort Sea coast, the southeastern Brooks Range and the Kobuk and Noatak river valleys. Wind chill was predicted to range from 40 to 60 below zero and the weather service said frostbite could occur on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes in those conditions. The weather service issued wind chill advisories through Friday morning to west coast and northern areas, including the Chukchi Sea coast, the Seward Peninsula and the Yukon Delta. The weather service forecast snow for other areas. A blizzard warning was issued for the area south of the Denali National Park entrance. Wind chills to -40 were forecast with new snow and blowing snow that could create slippery conditions on the Parks Highway. South of Anchorage, blowing snow was

Women in Ag Conference

The 8th Annual Women in Ag Conference will be held on Saturday, Jan. 25. The one-day gathering takes place simultaneously at locations throughout Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. This year’s theme is Healthy Farms and the Kenai Chapter of the Alaska Farm Bureau is sponsoring the local venue at the Kenai River Center. Local start time for the event is 7 a.m. Other Alaska locations are Homer, Palmer, Anchorage and Fairbanks. More information and a link to registration can be found at womeninag.wsu. edu Registration is $30 until Jan. 17 and $35 after that. Contact kpchapterfb@gmail.com with questions.

Alaska Farm Bureau meeting The next meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Chapter of the Alaska Farm Bureau will be held at the Cook Inlet Aquaculture building on Friday, Jan. 3 at 6:30 p.m. The program will be about Animal Husbandry with a large animal vet and local Co-op Extension expert, Dr. Casey Matney. We encourage any local 4-H or FFA members who may interested in Animal Husbandry to attend. If you are unable to attend in person, please email kpchapterfb@gmail.com for zoom meeting information.

Kenai Historical Society Kenai Historical Society will meet on Sunday, Jan. 5 at 1:30 p.m. at the Kenai Visitors Center. After the business meeting Manny Linderman from Kaknu Kruzers will be guest presenter. He will be showing a video of the local classic cars and some of their road trips all set to oldies music. Formore information call June at 283-1946.

Central Peninsula Fish and Game Advisory Committee meeting

forecast Thursday for western Prince William Sound, including the Seward Highway and Turnagain Pass. Anchorage, which had been largely free of snow, received 5-7 inches on Tuesday and Wednesday. Another 1-5 inches was forecast by Thursday afternoon.

Owners of Mustang oil project in Alaska miss loan payment ANCHORAGE — The owners of the Mustang oil project on Alaska’s North Slope have missed the first loan payment to the state as limited quantities of oil have begun flowing, officials said. Caracol Petroleum LLC missed an October loan payment to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, the Alaska Journal of Commerce reported Tuesday. Caracol was due to make a $3.1 million payment Oct. 1 based on a agreement made in May, but the payment had not been received as of Dec. 23, the authority said.

around the peninsula of Eagle River) but will be in our Environmental Education Center. ■■ The Kenai Refuge Visitor Center is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10-5 p.m. We will be closed the following extra days due to the holidays: Dec. 24 and 25 as well as Dec. 31 and Jan 1.

Grant writing workshop Learn the ins and outs of writing effective grants. The City of Soldotna is co-sponsoring a workshop on Jan. 27 with expert Meredith Noble, founder of LearnGrantWriting.Org and author of the book “How to Write a Grant.” Participants will discover 100+ new grants and learn to filter the grants without endless web searching, guessing what the founder wants, and wondering if you have a chance of winning. Registration is $90 per person. If you’re interested in attending, the registration page is live www.learngrantwriting.org/ kp

Freezer Food switches gears for December Tsalteshi Trails continues its Freezer Food Series of community races. November was running month, December is biking and January will be skiing. Races are held at 2 p.m. Sundays at the trails. Check Tsalteshi Trails on Facebook for each week’s race route and trailhead. Register online at tsalteshi.org or in person at 1:30 p.m. before each week’s race. Bring a nonperishable food donation for a discounted race fee. For more information, email tsalteshi@ yahoo.com or call 252-6297.

Friday, December 27, 2019

The payment was part of a recently restructured financing plan with a quarterly payment schedule. Caracol incurred $310,000 in late fees and penalties for not making the missed payment within 30 days, the authority said. The development and export authority sold its majority interest in the project’s holding companies, Mustang Operations Center-1 LLC and Mustang Road LLC, to Caracol for $64 million plus $6 million in accrued interest. Anchorage-based Brooks Range Petroleum Corp., which operates the field, began producing oil from the Mustang project in early November after years of delays brought on by collapsed oil prices and other financing challenges. Majid Jourabchi, CEO of Brooks Range’s parent company, Thyssen Petroleum, said last month that the company started producing about 620 barrels of oil per day. Jourabchi could not immediately be reached for comment. Representatives for Caracol and its parent company, Singapore-based Alpha Energy Holdings, also could not immediately be reached for comment. — Clarion news services in Kindergarten through eighth grade are welcome. Two different age group camps available. For more information, contact NCRC staff at 776-8800. ■■ Daily Gym Activities and Fitness Classes. Fitness classes currently being offered are Yoga, Body Blast, Zumba Strong, Senior Stride and Spin Class. Gym activities include tot time and home-school gym time, and pickle ball is held twice a week in the evenings. Full Swing Golf is available Monday through Saturday. For more information, please contact Jackie at 776-8800. ■■ Swim Lessons and Tiny Tot Classes. Group lessons include beginners, advanced beginners, and intermediates. Semi-private and private lessons are offered for all levels. For more information, contact Nigel at 776-8800.

Kenai Senior Center activities The Kenai Senior Center is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, and are open until 9:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Community meals are served Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost for lunch is $7 suggested donation for individuals 60 or older, $14 for those under 60. Call 907-2834156 for more information. ■■ Wii Bowling: Every Thursday in December, 1-2 p.m. ■■ Carol sing with Donna: Donna will play Christmas carols to sing along to Fridays in December, 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. ■■ Kenai Senior Connection Board Meeting: Friday, Dec. 27, 9:30 a.m. ■■ New Year’s Brunch & Talent Show: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ■■ Close Wednesday, Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day

Nikiski Senior Center

Kenai Kennel Club will be offering Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Canine Good Citizen Advanced (CGCA) tests on Saturday, Jan. 18 beginning at 1 p.m. For more information about the CGC program, go to AKC.org and look for CGC Test Items to find out what your dog will need to know. Cost is $25 per dog to take the test. If you would like to pre-register please email kenaiobedience@gmail.com. Sign up soon!

Lunch is everyday from 11:30-1 p.m. Members $8, nonmembers $9, kids 6-10 year $4, kids 5 and under are free. Yoga is offered from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays, and pilates is offered on 10 to 11 a.m. on Mondays. The Nikiski Coloring and Craft Club meets to color over coffee and conversations after lunch on Wednesdays. Thursdays: Pinochle, 12-30-3:30 p.m.; Bible study, 1-3 p.m. Game night potluck will be hosted weekly, in the downstairs area of the center. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite dish to share. 5:30 p.m., every Friday, Nikiski Senior Center. Games of Cribbage will be help upstairs weekly. 1 p.m., every Saturday.

Troopers Citizen Academy

GED prep classes

The Alaska State Troopers in Soldotna will hold a Citizen Academy from Jan. 14 to March 17. Meetings will be held from 6-9 p.m. one night a week on Tuesdays at the Donald E. Gilman River Center. The application deadline will be Dec. 27 at 4:30 p.m. Applications can be submitted at the Soldotna Trooper Post (46333 Kalifornsky Beach Road) or by email at Mallory.millay@alaska.gov. Any questions, please call Mallory Millay at 260-2701 or email at Mallory. millay@alaska.gov.

Kenai Peninsula College Learning Center is offering free GED prep classes on Monday and Wednesday 9:30-11:30 a.m., Monday through Thursday 2-4 p.m. We offer small and personalized classes. Our instructors are available to help with Math, Reading, Science, and Social Studies. We provide free practice tests and instructional materials. For more information call 262-0327 or email Terri Cowart at tcowart@alaska.edu or Bridget Clark at bmclark2@alaska. edu.

Kenai Performers announces auditions for the play, “Dancing at Lughnesa,” directed by Ian McEwen on Friday, Jan. 10, 6-8 p.m. and on Saturday, Jan. 11, 4-6 p.m. at 44045 K-Beach Road (backside of Subway restaurant). Auditions are open to ages 18 and up. There are roles for three men and five women. Rehearsals start in March and performance dates are May 8-10 and 15-17. For more information, call Terri at 252-6808.

Alcoholic Anonymous

Kenai Community Library December

Alcoholic Anonymous meetings take place seven days a week. Call 907-283-5722 or visit aakenaipeninsula.org for more information.

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge events

■■ Nikiski Youth Basketball, for first and second grade, coaches needed for Tuesday night games. Season starts Jan. 7. ■■ ■■ Youth volleyball, for fourth to sixth grade co-ed teams, registration deadline Dec. 27. ■■ Other activities include Home School Gym, Tot Time, Yoga, Full Swing Golf, Senior Stride and Table Tennis. For more information, contact Jackie at 776-8800. ■■ Team registration for Women’s Basketball League. Women’s League runs on Wednesday and Friday nights starting in January. Registration Deadline is Dec. 27! Ladies sign up your basketball team today! ■■ Are you looking for an activity for the kids over Christmas Break? Send them to North Peninsula Recreation’s Day Camp: Dec. 31, Jan. 2 and Jan. 3, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Nikiski Community Recreation Center. Boys and Girls

■■ Vision Boards: Thursday, Jan. 2 at 4 p.m. Start the year off right with this fun goal setting program designed for teens and adults! Take a moment and plan for 2020! Limited space available so sign up today. For more information please contact Elizabeth at 283-4378 or visit us on Facebook. ■■ Raspberry Pi Club: Friday, Jan. 3 at 4 p.m. Come join us at the library to create games and inventions, learn how to program, make music with Sonic Pi, meet new friends, and more! Whether you want to hone your skills or are learning about Pi for the first time, the Raspberry Pi club is the perfect place for you! If you plan to attend, please sign up at the front desk today! Ongoing events: ■■ Lego Maker Mondays, Mondays from 4-5 p.m.: Do you like LEGOs? Why not join us each week to create with LEGO based on themes inspired by children’s books! Best for children ages 6-12; children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. ■■ Wee Read Story Time, Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.: Designed for children ages 0-3. Every Tuesday enjoy a program full of stories, songs, finger play and more! No registration required. ■■ Chess Club, Tuesdays at 4 p.m.: Get ready to ROOK the HOUSE every Tuesday! Do you like playing Chess or would you like to learn how? The Kenai Community Library is proud to offer a casual program for chess players of all ages and skill levels. Chess boards will be provided. ■■ Preschool Story Time, Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.: Designed for children ages 3-5. Every Wednesday enjoy a program full of stories, songs, movement and more! No registration required.

The Central Peninsula Fish and Game Advisory Committee will be holding a public meeting in Ninilchik at the Ninilchik School Libraryon Thursday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. Agenda topics will include elections for expired seats, and Upper Cook Inlet Finfish proposals. For more information contact Dave Martin at 567-3306 or contact ADF&G Boards Support at 907-267-2354.

Kenai/Soldotna Fish and Game Advisory Committee meeting The Kenai/Soldotna Fish and Game Advisory Committee will be holding a public meeting in Kenai at the Cook Inlet Aquaculture building at 40610 Kalifornsky Beach Road on Monday, Dec. 30 at 6:30 p.m. Agenda topics will include Upper Cook Inlet Finfish proposals. For more information contact Mike Crawford at 252-2919 or contact ADF&G Boards Support at 907-267-2354.

‘Dancing at Lughnesa’ auditions

■■ Visitors are welcome to come watch a movie (choose from our list) when we are open provided there isn’t already something occurring in the multi-purpose room. We do light the fire at noon so feel free to warm up or enjoy the comfy sofas in front of the fireplace in the afternoons. ■■ The Wilderness First Aid Class is happening Jan. 11-12. Of the 18 spaces, there are five spaces still available. Register at the Visitor Center. Cost is $185 + $40 for optional CPR. Half cost is due at registration. Class is through SafetyEd (out

Canine Good Citizen tests

North Peninsula Recreation Service Area events

DECLUTTERING AND ORGANIZING SERVICES NEW! HOME INSPECTIONS

Soldotna Public Library activities

On Tap (or Bottles)

HAIR • NAILS • PEDICURES MEN • WOMEN • CHILDREN

Tuesday & Wednesday Men’s Haircuts $15 Next to Safeway in Kenai

283-9356

www.affinity-salon.com Book your next appointment with our online booking

Purchase 2 Lunches or Dinners and receive

7.50 Off

One coupon per table. Not valid for al a carte items. Must present coupon. Not valid with any other offer.

Coupon Expires 1/31/20

283-2010

Open 7 Days a Week 12498 Kenai Spur Hwy

■■ Noon Year’s Eve Story: Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 11:15 a.m. Come ring in the new year at our 4th Annual Noon-Years Eve Story Time! We will have stories, crafts, a balloon drop, and more: all before we count down to noon! ■■ Winter BINGO: Dec. 21-Feb. 29: Don’t hibernate this winter! Pick up your BINGO sheet at the library and join us for fun activities and reading challenges. Stay tuned for more details. Ongoing events ■■ Code Club Mondays at 4 p.m. Interested in learning Scratch, Python, Java, HTML, or more? Join Code Club and learn to build websites, games, and basic apps. Absolute beginner-friendly! Laptops provided. Ages 10-18 welcome. Canceled Dec. 23, 30, and Jan. 6. ■■ Toddler Story Time (18 months-3 years): Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Get up and get moving at the library with stories, songs, and silly fun that encourages your toddler’s language skills! ■■ LEGO® Brick Club Tuesdays at 4 p.m.: Tell your stories and build your world with Lego® bricks. Bring a friend with you and let your imagination go wild. Adult supervision needed for those under the age of 10. See around, Page A5

Opinion A4

Peninsula Clarion

CLARION P

E N I N S U L A

Serving the Kenai Peninsula since 1970 Jeff Hayden Publisher ERIN THOMPSON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor RANDI KEATON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Circulation Director FRANK GOLDTHWAITE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Production Manager

The opinions expressed on this page are solely those of the authors and do not represent the views of The Peninsula Clarion or its parent company, Sound Publishing.

What others say

Senate must uphold constitutional duty and hold trial

peaker Nancy Pelosi continues to withhold the House articles of impeachment from the Senate, further trivializing a serious constitutional power and process. Senate Republicans seem content to play along while ridiculing her gambit, but they should take their own duties more seriously and hold a trial. One emerging dodge seems to be that President Trump isn’t formally impeached until the articles are transmitted to the Senate. This is absurd. The House voted on two articles and passed them with a majority. The House broadcast this fact to the country along with more-in-sorrow-than-anger claims that they are doing their solemn constitutional duty. There’s nothing in the Constitution that says impeachment requires a formal transmittal of the articles to the Senate, whether by sedan chair or overnight FedEx, or that the House must appoint impeachment managers. The parchment merely says the House has sole power over impeachment and the Senate the sole power to try an impeachment. The act of impeachment is the vote. The Founders also defined impeachment as consisting of two parts — the House vote followed by a Senate trial. They are two stages of the same process. The Founders gave the first impeachment step to the House knowing it would often be governed by populist and partisan passions. They gave the Senate control over the trial as a check on the House. They knew the Senate, with its two Members per state, would represent the different interests of varied states. And with staggered elections every six years, two thirds of the Senate wouldn’t face immediate re-election after a trial and vote. This means the current Senate has a responsibility to fulfill its part of the Constitution’s impeachment duty as a check on the partisan excesses of the Pelosi House. This isn’t merely to give Mr. Trump a chance to defend himself and be acquitted of the House charges. The more important obligation is to the separation of powers and to the Senate itself. By making a fuss of withholding the articles until she hears the Senate’s specific plans for a trial, Mrs. Pelosi is trying to dictate to the Senate how to hold a trial. But the Constitution reserves this power for the Senate. If she never sends the articles and there is no trial, she will have effectively trampled on executive power and Senate prerogatives by maligning a President without the chance for acquittal at trial. She will be turning impeachment into the equivalent of a censure resolution wrapped in the claim of impeachment. This sets an awful precedent, making impeachment more likely because a President is unlikely to be removed, but also less potent if a President does deserve to be removed from office for real abuses. If impeachment without trial becomes common, genuinely dangerous Presidents will cite that history as a partisan shield. Current Senate rules say a trial isn’t triggered until the House appoints impeachment managers who deliver the articles to the Senate. But those rules were written when Senators never anticipated the House would treat impeachment in such a cavalier fashion. The constitutional lawyer and our contributor David Rivkin argues that in this context the Senate rules violate the constitutional duty to hold a trial. If Democrats refuse to cooperate by providing the two-thirds necessary to change the rules, Republicans should vote to change the rules with a simple majority. Mr. McConnell could tell Mrs. Pelosi to nominate managers by a certain date or he will appoint lawyers to make the case for the House. Or he could announce the start of the trial by a certain date, and proceed without the House managers if they fail to show up. The President’s lawyers could make their case, and then the Senate could vote. This carries some political risk, but faced with such a choice Mrs. Pelosi is likely to appoint House managers in the end. Political risks also exist if Mr. McConnell continues with his current posture of refusing to hold a trial if Mrs. Pelosi doesn’t appoint managers. She and the Democrats will claim from here to November that Republicans were afraid to hold a trial because they know Mr. Trump is guilty. For Senate Republicans, their constitutional duty here is also the best politics. Don’t join Nancy Pelosi in defining impeachment down. Honor the Constitution by holding a trial. — The Wall Street Journal, Dec. 23

Letters to the Editor E-mail: news@peninsulaclarion.com The Peninsula Clarion welcomes letters and attempts to publish all those received, subject to a few guidelines: ■■ All letters must include the writer’s name, phone number and address. ■■ Letters are limited to 500 words and may be edited to fit available space. Letters are run in the order they are received. ■■ Letters addressed specifically to another person will not be printed. ■■ Letters that, in the editor’s judgment, are libelous will not be printed. ■■ The editor also may exclude letters that are untimely or irrelevant to the public interest. ■■ Short, topical poetry should be submitted to Poet’s Corner and will not be printed on the Opinion page.

peninsulaclarion.com

friday, december 27, 2019

Alaska voices | Burl Sheldon

Don’t leave rural communities stranded

ight now, Alaska’s elected leaders face extremely consequential decisions for our future. If the governor and the Legislature won’t pull it together, Alaska’s rural towns will suffer the most. After years of budgetary cutting, remote communities feel more stranded and squeezed. The list is long: K-12 education, closing public health offices, children’s services stretched thin, behavioral health offices trimmed, trooper and justice roll-backs, university system slashed and Alaska Marine Highway (AMHS) ferries tied up and unfunded. In expressing his concern about the budget impacts to the state’s criminal justice system, Judge Michael MacDonald of the Alaska Supreme Court described it as “… operating on the fringes, barely able to protect against the privation of fundamental rights…” When will the gridlock end, and when will we be reconnected? In Prince William Sound and rural Southeast Alaska, the essential marine transportation network we’ve depended on for over 50 years is operating on fumes with vessels standing down, sold-off or under repair. The safe, dependable and well-loved ferry system of yesterday now seems to lurch from one crisis to another. In northern Southeast Alaska — Angoon, Gustavas, Haines, Hoonah, Juneau, Pelican, Skagway and Tenakee Springs — are all impacted by AMHS funding and planning shortfalls. Pelican and Tenakee Springs won’t see a state ferry until May, seven-month-no-service, and Angoon’s situation isn’t much better.

Here’s a personal example of outof-pocket impacts caused by curtailing the marine highway. In the not distant past, the ferry from Haines through Juneau to Tenakee Springs was one easy ticket, one continuous ride. For about 10 years now, the trip has required two AMHS tickets, plus an overnight in Juneau. Last year, our two-person winter migration — Haines to Tenakee Springs round-trip travel-cost— was about $400. Same trip this year, round-trip cost, with RT air Juneau-Tenakee, and a multiday, weather-hold nail-biter fit for a John Straley novel — 260% higher. You can do the math. This year we air-freighted a small fraction of the food or gear that once would have road along on a spacious (free) AMHS baggage cart — three boxes of food costing $1.10/pound. My AMHS travel story is playing out for many hundreds of rural Alaska families right now. The real human cost of the state ratcheting down, on wide ranging responsibilities, can only rarely be measured in cash: health and wellness, children’s services, juvenile and criminal justice, education access, deferred opportunities and so forth. The state lawmakers from rural communities generally understand the threat and, I pray, will fight like hell this year to keep the ship a-right. While my coastal Alaska watches the ferry system in a budgetary and service falter we still remember the delays and ideological bickering over whether or not to fund a Dunleavy’s Full-Fat PFD. Wow, is that every crazy making to me! Alaska’s governor and Legislature

must adjust and leverage more of our unprecedented state wealth to fund governmental, general fund services, period. Alaska’s government must be resourced to assume full legal and constitutional responsibility to provide services to citizens, and not leave rural communities stranded. And we rural Alaskans need to show up and tell our stories and concerns to those in the Legislature who don’t understand. And then there are real taxes. Fortynine states in the union collect funds from citizens, one way or another, to pay for public services. Admittedly, legalizing taxation and the individual responsibility that goes with paying one’s own way are uniquely unpopular election platforms. To accomplish their critical purposes, however, state services must receive more than talking points and fumes. Hopefully, this will be the legislative year when the critical course corrections are made to keep the ship of state serving all Alaska, as it is mandated to do. Hopefully without the animus and the gridlock which so profoundly diminishes our opportunities. Individually and in community we need to show up and keep telling our stories and sharpening our talking points. We want state services to operate effectively and efficiently, but we don’t want to be stranded. Please write, call and show up. Our elected leaders need our personal stories about the impacts of curtailed state services in. Encourage them to make the tough choices to support the future in rural Alaska.

voices of the peninsula | Robert Archibald and Bob Shavelson

Kachemak Bay is a special place — let’s keep it that way

ina Poths recently submitted an opinion piece on the Jet Ski issue in Kachemak Bay, and the piece contained so many inaccuracies and downright fabrications we felt compelled to reply. Ms. Poths represents a small group out of Anchorage calling itself the Personal Watercraft Club of Alaska, and she and her group have been outspoken opponents of the ban on Jet Skis and other personal watercraft (PWC) in the Kachemak Bay Critical Habitat Area. While Ms. Poths tries to make Jet Skis seem just like boats, the fact is, anyone who’s driven a skiff and a PWC can tell you they are wholly different beasts. PWCs can rapidly obtain speeds over 60 mph, and they are designed to make tight turns and jump waves. Where skiffs and boats typically transit from point A to point B, PWCs linger in bays and lagoons, buzzing back and forth in groups, crisscrossing and jumping wakes. PWC’s are a heck of a lot of fun. But they are recreational thrillcraft which are — based on their inherent design and intended use — radically different than skiffs and boats. As a result, they pose unique threats to birds and whales and other critters, and they create a variety of safety and noise concerns for campers, beachgoers, private property owners, boaters and fishermen. Perhaps the most troubling part of this whole process is that Ms. Poths and her group are using their insiderelationships with the governor’s office to get special treatment. In

2001, thousands of Alaskans spoke out to protect Kachemak Bay from the unique impacts from Jet Skis, and strong majorities spoke out again in 2011 and 2016 to retain the Jet Ski ban. It’s clear to anyone following this issue that the people have spoken, and they want to protect the things that make Kachemak Bay unique. But after private conversations with Ms. Poth’s group and others, the governor’s office is now trying to ram through a controversial rule change over the holidays with no public hearing. Not surprisingly, the governor’s office and political appointees at Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G) have completely ignored lengthy scientific reviews by ADF&G staff that support the Jet Ski ban. In fact, ADF&G biologists and resources managers concluded in 2017 that “based on our review of information available since the PWC prohibition was adopted in 2001, we feel there is no new information that would warrant rescinding the prohibition, and in fact the newer information highlights most of the concerns identified when the prohibition was adopted. A draft of this memo was circulated to affected staff in all [ADF&G] department divisions and this recommendation was widely supported.” In other words, this is clearly a political decision by the Dunleavy administration designed to reward a small group of its friends, and the governor has no problem tossing

basic science and sound public policy out the window for political expedience. Finally, the most amazing part of Ms. Poth’s argument is her call for a “compromise” on Jet Ski use in Kachemak Bay. Yet Ms. Poth conveniently ignores the fact that over 99% of Alaska’s waters are already open to Jet Skis and similar thrillcraft. While she asserts that her small group of PWC enthusiasts simply want access to Kachemak Bay, we all know there’s already plenty of access to Kachemak Bay and the State Park using traditional vessels. So, Ms. Poth’s calls for “access” are simply another way of saying “we want to be able to do whatever we want, wherever we want” — with little concern or regard for other people who use and enjoy Kachemak Bay. Kachemak Bay is a Critical Habitat Area for a good reason, and the safeguards currently in place draw hundreds of thousands of people to our community to spend money every year. People come to Kachemak Bay to enjoy its stunning beauty, its quiet beaches and its rich fish and wildlife. It makes no sense to destroy the very values that make Kachemak Bay unique just so a few folks can race their Jet Skis around our beaches, bays and coves. Robert Archibald is chair of the Kachemak Bay State Park Citizen Advisory Board and a volunteer with the Kachemak Bay Water Trail. Bob Shavelson is Advocacy Director at Cook Inletkeeper and a member of the Friends of Kachemak Bay State Park.

Religion A5

Peninsula Clarion

peninsulaclarion.com

friday, december 27, 2019

church briefs

minister’s message | Mitch Glover

Rejoice in the power of a name N

ames are important. You will probably guess the model of the car I stopped behind at a traffic light. It had been hit and crunched in the back. Someone cleverly changed the name to “Ouchback.” Parents usually deliberate awhile on the name of their expected baby. Name meaning, an ancestor, a favorite place; all are considered in determining a name. An interesting comment is attributed to T. R. Glover on the Roman Emperor who ruled at the time the Apostle Paul was ministering. He said the day was to come when men would call their dogs Nero and their sons Paul. I don’t know any dogs named Nero but I know a lot of men named Paul, whether or not they were named for the apostle. A young engaged couple each had a supernatural encounter about the name of their son. An angel appeared to both Joseph and Mary with the news of a son to be born. They were given his name: Jesus. Not only was the name made known but his purpose as well; “he shall save his people from their sins.” A prophecy of this child to be born is in Isaiah 9:6 where his name is called “Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” Jesus fulfilled this many times in his ministry. He related to people and their needs through all of those titles. Since Jesus Christ is the “same, yesterday, and today, and forever,” he still can minister that way. The Bible has many names of God that were revealed in times of need for people. Some are called compound names of Jehovah. In simple form, a few of them are Jehovah-Jireh, the God who Provides; Jehovah- Shalom, the God of Peace; Jehovah-Shammah, God is There. When you need provision, peace, or the Lord’s presence, he can be all of those and more for you.

Star of the North Lutheran’s December services

The Bible has many names of God that were revealed in times of need for people. ... When you need provision, peace, or the Lord’s presence, he can be all of those and more for you. The name Jesus is derived from a compound name of Jehovah as well; Jehovah has become Salvation. Jesus came “to seek and to save.” We’re thankful to be saved from a storm, wreck, earthquake, avalanche, bankruptcy, and other disasters; but most important is being saved from the damaging effects of sin. Jesus is the only saving name (Acts 4:12). The Bible promises that his name will also bring healing, deliverance, and answered prayer. Disciples sent out by Jesus healed sickness and disease and they took dominion over spirits as well. They joyfully returned saying, “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.” Jesus told them to rejoice, “because your names are written in heaven.” Imagine the excitement John felt as he penned the Revelation of Jesus Christ, especially when he saw his name on one of the 12 foundations of the heavenly city (Revelation 21:14). We are about to finish 2019 and begin the new year, 2020. Face each day with the power of the name of Jesus Christ. Pray with the psalmist, “Not unto us, O LORD, but unto thy name give glory.” When the name of Jesus Christ is glorified, great things will happen. Mitch Glover is pastor of Sterling Pentecostal Church. Sunday services include Bible classes for all ages at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. Bible study is Thursday at 7 p.m. Visit sterlingpentecostalchurch.com.

Please join us at 216 N. Forest Drive in Kenai for the following services: Divine Service every Sunday at 11 a.m.; Advent Services Wednesday 18 at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m.; Christmas Day Divine Service Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 11 a.m. For more information please contact Rev. Dustin Atkinson at 283-4153.

Kasilof Community Church pantry Kasilof Community Church Food Pantry is every Wednesday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for residents in the community who are experiencing food shortages. The pantry is located in the church office building next to the Kasilof Mercantile, about mile 109 on the Sterling Highway. All are welcome. Non-perishable food items may be dropped at this same location Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Contact the church office for more information at 262-7512.

Clothes Quarters hours Clothes Quarters at Our Lady of the Angels is open every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the first Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 907-283-4555.

Awana Kids Club Awana Kids Club, hosted by Calvary Baptist Church, meets regularly on Sunday evenings at Kenai Middle School. Children 3 years old to sixth grade are invited to attend this free weekly club. Contact Pastor Jon Henry for more information at pastorjon@calvarykenai.org.

Equipping grandparents Sterling Grace Community Church is presenting “Equipping Grandparents,” a series on how to be a more involved as a grandparent. The series teaches how to know your grandchild better, how to influence the lives of your grandchildren, how to speak Christ into their lives, and how to leave your spiritual legacy to them. We will also discussing obstacles to relationships with grandchildren. Parents can also benefit from this series. The series is held Wednesday evenings at the Sterling Senior Citizen Center at 6 p.m. Call Dr. Roger Holl at 862-0336 for more information.

KP Young Adult Ministry KP Young Adult Ministry is available at Ammo Can Coffee Thursday nights at 7 p.m. KP Young Adult Ministry is geared toward fostering the healthy Christian Community for young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 years old. For more information contact us through our Facebook Page KP Young Adult Ministry.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help sets place at table A Place at the Table, a new outreach ministry of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Soldotna continues to offer a hot meal and fellowship and blood pressure checks to anyone interested. The meal is the second, third and fourth Sunday of each month, from 4-6 p.m. at Fireweed Hall, located on campus at 222 West Redoubt Ave., Soldotna. The Abundant Life Assembly of God church, Sterling, will be joining us in this ministry and providing a hot meal on the second Sunday of the month at 4-6 p.m. at Fireweed Hall. The Soldotna Church of the Nazarene will offer the meal on the third Sunday

Around

of each month. Our Lady of Perpetual Help will offer on the fourth Sunday of each month. Our Lady of Perpetual Help would like to invite other churches to perhaps pick up one of the other Sunday evenings in the month. Call 262-5542.

Soldotna Food Pantry The Soldotna Food Pantry is open every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for residents who are experiencing food shortages. The Food Pantry is located at the Soldotna United Methodist Church at 158 South Binkley Street, and all are welcome. Non-perishable food items or monetary donations may be dropped off at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or on Sunday from 9 a.m. until noon. For more information call 262-4657.

Christ Lutheran Sunday schedule Christ Lutheran Church in Soldotna Sunday morning service will be starting at 11 a.m. for the winter.

United Methodist food pantry The Kenai United Methodist Church provides a food pantry for those in need every Monday from 12:30-3 p.m. The Methodist Church is located on the Kenai Spur Highway next to the Boys and Girls Club. The entrance to the Food Pantry is through the side door. The Pantry closes for holidays. For more information contact the church at 907-283-7868. Submit items to news@peninsulaclarion. com. Submissions are due the Wednesday prior to publication. For more information, call 907-283-7551.

Swanson River Road in Sterling, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.12 p.m., or visit our website, www.sterlingcommunitycenter.com.

From Page A3

■■ Bouncing Babies Story Time (birth-18 months): Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Come share songs, stories, and snuggle time with Bouncing Babies. ■■ Preschool Story Time (3-5 years): Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Come share stories, songs, and other learning fun! ■■ Teen Lounge: Every Wednesday at 4 p.m. Teen Lounge is a weekly program for middle-school and high school students. Join us for PS4, board games, Nerf battles, study sessions, crafts, and other fun! Snacks provided.

Keep Calm and Pickle On! Come on down and play pickleball with a great group of fun people! Happening here at the Sterling Community Center Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free for current members of the SCC, $3 for nonmembers. Punch-cards are available for convenience. Call us at 907-262-7224 or stop by 38377

Crafting On Your Own Let’s get Crafty! Please join us for a non-instructional monthly crafting social hosted by Rochelle Hansen. For ages 16 and up. Will be held one Saturday each month 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Please call for schedule or check out our online calendar at www.sterlingcommunitycenter.com. Bring your own crafting projects, materials, and snacks. Free for members, $6/visit for nonmembers. Call us at 907-262-7224 or stop by 38377 Swanson River Road in Sterling, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-12 p.m., or visit our website, www.sterlingcommunitycenter.com.

Families Anonymous meetings Families Anonymous for parents and families of loved ones with addiction problems meet in Kenai every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at Dry Bones Coffee, Tea, and Community. 11595 Kenai Spur Highway. Contact Vickie 907-252-4407

Religious Services Assembly of God

Church of Christ

Soldotna Church Of Christ

Mile 1/4 Funny River Road, Soldotna

209 Princess St., Kenai 283-7752 Pastor Stephen Brown Sunday..9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.................6:30 p.m. www.kenainewlife.org

Peninsula Christian Center

161 Farnsworth Blvd (Behind the Salvation Army) Soldotna, AK 99669 Pastor Jon Watson 262-7416 Sunday ....................... 10:30 a.m. Wednesday..................6:30 p.m. www.penccalaska.org Nursery is provided

The Charis Fellowship Sterling Grace Community Church

Dr. Roger E. Holl, Pastor 907-862-0330 Meeting at the Sterling Senior Center, 34453 Sterling Highway Sunday Morning ........10:30 a.m.

262-2202 / 262-4316 Minister - Nathan Morrison Sunday Worship ........10:00 a.m. Bible Study..................11:15 a.m. Evening Worship ........ 6:00 p.m. Wed. Bible .................... 7:00 p.m.

Kenai Fellowship Mile 8.5 Kenai Spur Hwy.

Church 283-7682

Classes All Ages ........10:00 a.m. Worship Service.........11:15 a.m. Wed. Service ................ 7:00 p.m. www.kenaifellowship.org

Episcopal

50750 Kenai Spur Hwy (mile 24.5) 776-7660 Sunday Services Bible Study..................10:00 a.m. Morning Worship ......11:00 a.m. Fellowship Meal....... 12:30 p.m. Afternoon Worship ... 1:30 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study.................... 7:00 p.m

Nazarene

Connecting Community to Christ (907) 262-4660 229 E. Beluga Ave. soldotnanazarene.com Pastor: Dave Dial Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Dinner & Discipleship 6:00 p.m.

Funny River Community Lutheran Church

North Star United Methodist Church

Andy Carlson, Pastor Missouri Synod 35575 Rabbit Run Road off Funny River Rd. Phone 262-7434 Sunday Worship ........11:00 a.m. www.funnyriverlutheran.org

St. Francis By The Sea

110 S. Spruce St. at Spur Hwy. - Kenai • 283-6040 Sunday Services Worship Service.........11:00 a.m. Eucharistic Services on the 1st & 4th Sundays

283-6040

Christ Lutheran Church (ELCA)

Mile ¼ Kenai Spur Box 568, Soldotna, AK 99669 262-4757 Pastor Meredith Harber Worship ............11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month

Sterling Lutheran Church LCMS 35100 McCall Rd. Behind Sterling Elementary School Worship: Sunday .... 11:00 a.m. Bill Hilgendorf, Pastor 907-740-3060

Non Denominational

Mile 25.5 Kenai Spur Hwy, Nikiski “Whoever is thirsty, let him come”

776-8732 NSUMC@alaska.net Sunday Worship ..........9:30 a.m.

300 W. Marydale • Soldotna 262-4865 John Rysdyk - Pastor/Teacher Sunday: Morning Worship ................9:30 a.m. Sunday School....................11:00 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship ..6:00 p.m.

Star Of The North Lutheran Church L.C.M.S.

You Are Invited! Wheelchair Accessible

Lutheran

Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Methodist

Dustin Atkinson, Pastor Sponsor of the Lutheran Hour 216 N. Forest Drive, Kenai 283-4153 Sunday School........ 9:30 a.m. Worship Service.........11:00 a.m.

Nikiski Church Of Christ

Catholic 222 W. Redoubt, Soldotna Rev. Patrick Brosamer 262-4749 Daily Mass Tues.-Fri. .................... 12:05 p.m. Saturday Mass ........... 4:30 p.m. Reconciliation Saturday................3:45 - 4:15 p.m. Sunday Mass .............. 9:30 a.m.

Mile 91.7 Sterling Hwy. 262-5577 Minister Tony Cloud Sunday Services Bible Study..................10:00 a.m. Morning Worship ......11:00 a.m. Evening Worship ....... 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Service Bible Study.................... 7:00 p.m

Lutheran

Southern Baptist Non Denominational Kalifonsky Christian Center

Mile 17 K-Beach Rd. 283-9452 Pastor Steve Toliver Pastor Charles Pribbenow Sunday Worship .......10:30 a.m. Youth Group Wed. ..... 7:00 p.m. Passion for Jesus Compassion for Others

Kenai Bible Church

604 Main St. 283-7821 Pastor Vance Wonser Sunday School..............9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship ........11:00 a.m. Evening Service .......... 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Service .... 6:30 p.m.

North Kenai Chapel Pastor Wayne Coggins 776-8797 Mile 29 Kenai Spur Hwy

Sunday Worship...................10:30 am Wed. Share-a-Dish/Video.....6:30 pm

College Heights Baptist Church

44440 K-Beach Road Pastor: Scott Coffman Associate Pastor: Jonah Huckaby 262-3220 www.collegeheightsbc.com

Sunday School .......9:00 & 10:30 a.m. Morn. Worship .......9:00 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday Evening - Home Groups. Nursery provided

First Baptist Church of Kenai

12815 Kenai Spur Hwy, Kenai 283-7672 Sunday School..............9:30 a.m. Morning Worship ......10:45 a.m. Evening Service .......... 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Prayer ..... 6:30 p.m.

Friday, December 27, 2019

Peninsula Clarion

Sports and Recreation A6

Peninsula Clarion

peninsulaclarion.com

friday, december 27, 2019

Biles nabs another AP Female Athlete of Year By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer

In this October 2019 photo, Simone Biles of the United States shows her five gold medals at the Gymnastics World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany. Biles is the 2019 AP Female Athlete of the Year. She is the first gymnast to win the award twice and the first to win it in a non-Olympic year. (Marijan Murat/dpa via AP, File)

They’re called “Simone Things,” a catchall phrase for the casual ease with which Simone Biles seems to soar through her sport and her life. The irony, of course, is that there’s nothing casual or easy about it. Any of it. The greatest gymnast of all time and 2019 Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year only makes it seem that way. Those jaw-dropping routines that are rewriting her sport’s code of points and redefining what can be done on the competition floor? Born from a mix of natural talent, hard work and a splash of ego. The 25 world championship medals, the most by any gymnast ever? The result of a promise the 22-year-old made to herself when she returned to competition in 2017 after taking time off following her

golden run at the 2016 Olympics. The stoicism and grace she has shown in becoming an advocate for survivors — herself included — and an agent for change in the wake of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal that’s shaken USA Gymnastics to its core? The byproduct of a conscious decision to embrace the immense clout she carries. “I realize now with the platform I have it will be powerful if I speak up and speak for what I believe in,” Biles told The Associated Press. “It’s an honor to speak for those that are less fortunate. So if I can be a voice for them in a positive manner, then of course I’m going to do whatever I can.” And it’s that mission — combined with her otherworldly skill and boundless charisma — that’s enabled Biles to keep gymnastics See biles, Page A8

SoHi girls taste victory Staff report Peninsula Clarion

The Soldotna girls basketball team started play at the SoCal Holiday Prep Classic on Thursday with a 59-34 victory over Gladstone High School, which is just outside of Portland, Oregon. Soldotna head coach Kyle McFall texted that his team got off to a slow start, which was kind of expected. The Stars had not practiced since Monday and had been doing a lot of traveling. In the second half, Soldotna found its footing and outscored Gladstone 41-22. Ituau Tuisaula paced Soldotna with 22 points, including 12 in the second half. Drysta Crosby-Schneider had 10 for the Stars, while Josie Sheridan and Kiana Holland had seven points apiece. Also for the Stars, Morgan Bouschor had six, Autumn Fischer had five and Mikayla Leadens had two. The Stars continu e play at the tournament today with a game against Valhalla High School. The Soldotna boys also are in action with a 3 p.m. game against North Pole at the Capital City Classic in Juneau. Saturday, the SoHi girls play Patrick Henry (California) while the SoHi boys face Haines in a 3 p.m. matchup.

Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz (white cap) is doused by his players after they won the NCAA college football Independence Bowl against Miami on Thursday at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, La. (Henriette Wildsmith/The Shreveport Times via AP)

Louisiana Tech blanks Miami By The Associated Press SHREVEPORT, La. — J’Mar Smith threw a touchdown pass and had a late scoring run to help Louisiana Tech beat Miami 14-0 on Thursday night in the only shutout in the Independence Bowl’s 44-game history. Louisiana Tech (10-3) hit double-digit victories for the first time since 1984 and ran its postseason winning streak to six. Miami (6-7) completed its second losing season in 12 years. Smith connected with Israel Tucker on a 26-yard touchdown strike on a screen pass in the second quarter, capping a 13-play, 91-yard drive. Smith added an 8-yard scoring run with 1:15 left. Bulldogs running back Justin

Henderson was selected the Most Outstanding Offensive Player after rushing for 95 yards on 22 carries. Smith completed 13 of 28 passes for 163 yards with one interception. The teams set the game record for punts at 18, with both tying the single-club record of nine.

PITTSBURGH 34, EASTERN MCHIGAN 30 DETROIT — Kenny Pickett threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Taysir Mack with 47 seconds left and Pittsburgh held on to beat Eastern Michigan in the Quick Lane Bowl. After taking its first lead of the game, Pittsburgh (8-5) then forced

Eastern Michigan (6-7) to turn it over on downs from its 40. That sealed Pitt’s first bowl victory in five appearances under coach Pat Narduzzi. Eastern Michigan quarterback Mike Glass was ejected with 10 seconds left after throwing punches at two players. Eagles cornerback Kevin McGill was ejected earlier for unsportsmanlike conduct. Glass was 28 of 50 for 311 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. The senior also ran for 83 yards and a score. Pickett completed 27 of 39 passes for 361 yards and three scores, including a school-record, 96-yard TD pass to Maurice Ffrench. Ffrench finished with 12 catches for 165 yards.

Kat Sorensen Tangle Up in Blue

Wrapping up

picked up my journal this morning, ready to start closing out another year in its pages. Instead, I found myself looking back at previous entries. I received the large leather bound journal two Christmas holidays ago and on its first few entries I vowed to fill it within the year. I started flipping to the first blank page and I found myself stuck on something I wrote in December 2018. “Here I am, still in Alaska. I’m still wrapped up in that blanket my mom gave me and I’m still listening to folk music.” I stopped, looked up and out the window at the wind whipping over Resurrection Bay. I wrapped myself tighter in that blanket my mom gave me nearly a decade ago while Joni Mitchell wafted through my apartment. Here I am again. I wrote those words once more underneath the date, December 25, 2019, and started to wax poetic in the journal pages. I know, the holidays are supposed to be about tradition and family, but I live far away from my family. And yes, the holidays are about community and love, and I experienced so much of that this holiday season with bowls full of homemade gnocchi and skiing partners, but presents are pretty darn great too, aren’t they? So, while sitting wrapped in a Christmas gift from 2010 and writing in one from 2017, I couldn’t help but think, “I love presents!” I’m the kid that would find all the gifts in the house the weeks before Christmas. I love to know what is waiting under the tree for me, almost as much as I love to tell someone what I got for them! I grabbed a puzzle out of a White Elephant gift exchange early this holiday season to hone my patience. I can’t wait to finish it! My dad, after 27 Christmas holidays together, texted me a link to an Amazon order for a new, down comforter with the request that I not use it until Christmas Day. I fell asleep Christmas Eve, so cozy and warm, underneath the heavy weight of the new blanket. What better way to wake up Christmas morning? I had spent a whole week trying to guess what the rectangleshaped box in the corner of the room with my name on it was. Googling “things that weigh 12 pounds” led me down a rabbit hole full of pictures of chihuahuas. I hoped I wouldn’t hear any yapping on Christmas morning. Fueling my impatient fire, my boyfriend kept bringing up the haphazardly wrapped gift. See BLUE, Page A7

Stories of Kenai refuge’s past, present

t is the time of year for reflection, where we look back at the year and express gratitude for the many good things that happened, whether that be time spent with family, epic trails hiked or vistas seen. It can also be a time to look forward and make plans for the new year and the memories we will make. 2019 was as memorable for Kenai National Wildlife Refuge staff as it was for most Kenai Peninsula residents. The hot, dry weather combined with the Swan Lake Fire — and its associated smoke and traffic delays — to make it a summer that would not be easy to forget. Our summer was one of frenetic pace, leaving memories of smoke, traffic and gratitude for all those that worked tirelessly to protect our neighbors and towns. Upon additional reflection, I thought I would take this time to point out an opportunity to look back a little further and review some historic

steve miller Refuge Notebook

documents from the earlier days of Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Nine years ago, soon after I started as the Deputy Refuge Manager at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, I began to read through our library of documents to obtain some of the back story and history surrounding decisions that were made that influenced the refuge. An excellent source of information were the Annual Narratives. Annual Narratives detail the actions, issues and people that were noteworthy that year from the Refuge Manager’s perspective. The earliest narrative that we have on file is from 1948. Although the refuge was established in 1941, the refuge had no on-site staff until 1948, so no narratives were written for those years. These early narratives documented the

conditions of the then Kenai Moose Range, work that was done to establish the first office and early staffing. Usually, multiple copies of the narratives were made by each refuge. In addition to a copy kept at the refuge, at least one copy was sent to the regional office in Anchorage and shared with other refuges in Alaska. This resulted in both humorous and not-so-humorous comments written in the margins by other managers as they read them. Several years ago, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partnered with the Alaska Resources Library and Information Services to scan these narratives. The narratives are now available on ServCat (https://ecos.fws.gov/servcat) and can be accessed by everyone. If you are looking for just the narratives, there is a button on the ServCat homepage that allows you to select See REFUGE, Page A7

Student Conservation Association crewmembers work with axes and a crosscut saw to remove a tree from Pollard Horse Trail in 2019. (Photo provided by Kenai National Wildlife Refuge)

Peninsula Clarion

Friday, December 27, 2019

Fitzpatrick might not be back in Miami DAVIE, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins’ most valuable player might not even start next year, which hints at how much the team hopes to upgrade in the offseason. It also explains why Ryan Fitzpatrick might take that MVP award and head into retirement. Not that he would exactly be quitting on top; the Dolphins are 4-11 entering Sunday’s season finale at New England. Fitzpatrick has started all four victories and eight defeats, dropping his record over 15 seasons to 54-83-1. But to the Dolphins, the 37-year-old Fitzpatrick would be going out a winner — not that he has said whether he wants to call it quits or play another season. “I don’t know that it will be a difficult decision,” he said Thursday. “I’ll go through the due process and figure things out. ... Part of it for me is just sitting down with my family. That’s something I owe to them and my wife, and figuring out that end of it.” Another factor is whether there’s a starting job for him. This week Fitzpatrick

Refuge From Page A6

“Refuge Annual Narrative Reports.” Use the search tool to narrow the list down to just Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The last narrative that was written for Kenai refuge was for the year 1995. Today we have a different reporting system that is standardized and allows all refuges to input data that can be easily analyzed at the headquarters level. Compiling the narratives was always time consuming, but I do miss being able to look back to one document that provides a glimpse into the work that went on that year and the people associated with the work. To me, the narratives were like a holiday letter that told the story of our accomplishments and challenges and described how staff worked with each other and our partners to manage this amazing refuge. ServCat also has many other documents from Kenai refuge’s library. We had a great volunteer (who shall remain nameless but much appreciated) who uploaded hundreds of documents to this same site that I am still slowly going through and making available to the public. The pace of this job has slowed now that I do not have this volunteer giving me “that look” while asking how the review is going. This brings up the second part of the end-ofthe-year tradition … looking forward. In addition to the plan of making more documents available on the ServCat website, the Kenai refuge has a long list of work planned for 2020. The obvious is the repair

Blue From Page A6

“It’s really a sharp gift,” he told me. “I think it’s quite cutting edge,” he said a few days after that. But it wasn’t until I opened up a new set of cooking knives that I understood the jokes. There were some flashier items on my Christmas list this year, like a set of Nordic blades, but those are the sometimes gifts. The presents you get to break out here and there, enjoying the brief stints of frozen, glassy lakes. This year, I was given

was chosen the Dolphins’ MVP by the media, and also won the leadership award in a vote by his teammates. Even so, owner Stephen Ross has said the top priority in the offseason will be to acquire a franchise quarterback. That would send Fitzpatrick to the bench. He’s under contract for $5.5 million in 2020 but wants to start. “I love being out there and playing and being part of the solution,” he said. That was Fitzpatrick’s role for most of 2019, and he’s the biggest reason the rebuilding Dolphins aren’t on the verge of an 0-16 finish. Fitzpatrick lost the No. 1 job to Josh Rosen in Week 3, regained it in Week 7 and led the turnaround from an 0-7 start. Miami has won four of its past eight games, and in the past six weeks Fitzpatrick has thrown for 1,845 yards, which ranks second in the NFL during that span. In last week’s overtime win against Cincinnati, he threw for 419 yards, the highest total of his 155-game career. Fitzpatrick even leads the Dolphins in rushing.

work from the Swan Lake Fire. There is still much work that needs to be done to open up some of our most popular trails. Skyline, Fuller Lakes, Kenai River, Seven Lakes, Marsh Lake, Hideout and Surprise Creek trails all remain closed due to trees down across the trails. All of these trails have been cleared, but tree fall continues with every storm. Our hope is to see hikers using these trails in the spring as we work to keep them open. I am excited to tell you that, prior to the Swan Lake Fire, we were working on plans to connect a couple of our popular trails within the Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area. With the help of the Student Conservation Association, we will be able to do this work during the summer of 2020. We will be constructing a connection between Hideout Trail and Burney’s trails as well as a connection between Vista and Skilak Lookout trails. We also plan to finish the restoration work, begun in 2019, to re-connect Pollard Horsetrail to Bear Creek Trail near Tustumena Lake. Our vision is to reopen the trails impacted by the Swan Lake fire and add additional experiences with additional trail connections. These projects and many others await us this next year. We hope that you and your family can come out to your refuge and make some of your own memories here. Steve Miller is the Deputy Manager at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Find more information about the Refuge at http://kenai.fws. gov or http://www.facebook.com/kenainationalwildliferefuge.

the opportunity to say, “Here I am again,” with gifts that last. Like the leather-bound journal that I promise to write in daily, but still come around to weekly as I get to relive my days and past holidays two years later. When I’m chopping into a plate of veggies or a nice loaf of bread, I get to reflect on how sharp of a gift knives really are. At night, when I’m falling asleep to a cacophonous Seward windstorm sending slight chills through my window frames, it’s wonderful being wrapped up in the blankets from my parents each gifted at different ends of the decade.

Dallas Mavericks forward Luka Doncic (77) battles San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray (5) for space during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday in Dallas. Dallas won 102-98. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

Doncic returns, Mavs top Spurs By The Associated Press DALLAS — Luka Doncic returned to the Dallas lineup after missing four games due to injury and scored 24 points, helping the Mavericks beat the San Antonio Spurs 102-98 on Thursday night. Doncic finished with 10 rebounds and eight assists and barely missed adding to his NBA-leading total of eight triple doubles. He last played on Dec. 14 against Miami, when he sprained his right ankle. San Antonio rallied from a 102-85 deficit by scoring the game’s final 13 points. After Doncic missed two free throws, the Spurs’ Derrick White missed a 3-point attempt with six seconds left and Doncic got the rebound. The Mavericks (20-10) pulled within half a game of idle first-place Houston in the Southwest Division. Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 17 points, Kristaps Porzingis and Dorian FinneySmith each had 13, and Delon Wright added 12 off the bench. Dwight Powell’s 11 points all came in the first half. DeMar DeRozan led San Antonio with 21 points, 16 in the second half. Rudy Gay scored 18, LaMarcus Aldridge had 17 and White finished with 10.

KNICKS 94, NETS 82 NEW YORK — Julius Randle had 33 points and eight rebounds, and the

Knicks forced the Nets into the worst shooting performance in the NBA this season. Brooklyn finished 21 of 78 (26.9%) from the field. Chicago had the previous worst shooting game this season when it hit 29.9% against Toronto exactly two months earlier. Marcus Morris added 22 points and eight rebounds for the Knicks, who snapped a three-game losing streak. Elfrid Payton scored 13 points as New York won for the first time in three meetings with Brooklyn this season. Spencer Dinwiddie scored 25 points but was only 5 for 15 for the Nets.

PISTONS 132, WIZARDS 102 DETROIT — Blake Griffin had 14 points and a seasonhigh 11 rebounds and Detroit routed Washington in a matchup of short-handed teams. The Pistons were missing Reggie Jackson (back) and Luke Kennard (knee), while Griffin, Bruce Brown and Derrick Rose played through injuries. John Wall, Davis Bertans, Isaiah Thomas, Thomas Bryant and Rui Hachimura sat out for Washington. Detroit got 14 points and 10 rebounds from Andre Drummond. Christian Wood finished with 22 points and Todd Frazier scored 18. Anzejs Pasecniks scored

a career-high 17 in his fifth NBA game to lead the Wizards. Bradley Beal had 15 points.

GRIZZLIES 110, THUNDER 97 OKLAHOMA CITY — Jonas Valanciunas scored 21 points, Jaren Jackson Jr. added 20 and Memphis held on to the lead this time against Oklahoma City in the second meeting between the teams in eight days. Tyus Jones added 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting for Memphis, which blew a 24-point third-quarter lead during its last visit to Oklahoma City on Dec. 18 and lost 126-122. That started a stretch in which the Grizzles dropped three out of four games. Chris Paul had 23 points and 11 assists, Shai GilgeousAlexander scored 21 and Dennis Schroder added 20 points for Oklahoma City, which had a four-game winning streak snapped. Brandon Clarke scored 13 points for Memphis, going 5 of 6 from the floor. Steven Adams scored 16 points for the Thunder.

JAZZ 121, TRAIL BLAZERS 115 SALT LAKE CITY — Donovan Mitchell scored 28 of his 35 points in the second half to power Utah over Portland. Rudy Gobert, who had 16 points and 15 rebounds,

forced Carmelo Anthony into an air ball with 22.4 seconds remaining and blocked Damon Lillard’s driving shot with 5.2 seconds left to quell the Trail Blazers’ furious fourth-quarter rally. Lillard scored 34 points, including a pair of 30-foot contested 3-pointers in the final minutes, and CJ McCollum tallied 17 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter for the Blazers (14-18), who have dropped two straight after winning four in a row.

TIMBERWOLVES 105, KINGS 104, 2OT SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Andrew Wiggins scored the first basket of the second overtime and then fed Robert Covington for another score, and Minnesota ended its 11-game losing streak by beating Sacramento. Wiggins finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Gorgui Dieng had 21 points and 15 rebounds, and Covington scored 19 for the Timberwolves. Minnesota hadn’t won since Nov. 27 before limiting Sacramento to 11 points in the fourth quarter and then outlasting the Kings in two overtimes. The Wolves did it without Karl-Anthony Towns, who missed his fifth straight game with a left knee sprain. Richaun Holmes had 20 points and a career-high 18 rebounds for the Kings.

scoreboard Basketball NBA Standings EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct GB Boston 21 7 .750 -Philadelphia 23 10 .697 ½ Toronto 21 10 .677 1½ Brooklyn 16 14 .533 6 New York 8 24 .250 15 Southeast Division Miami 22 8 .733 -Orlando 13 17 .433 9 Charlotte 13 20 .394 10½ Washington 9 21 .300 13 Atlanta 6 25 .194 16½ Central Division Milwaukee 27 5 .844 -Indiana 21 10 .677 5½ Chicago 12 20 .375 15 Detroit 12 20 .375 15 Cleveland 9 21 .300 17 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division Houston 21 10 .677 -Dallas 20 10 .667 ½ San Antonio 12 18 .400 8½ Memphis 12 20 .375 9½ New Orleans 9 23 .281 12½ Northwest Division Denver 21 9 .700 -Utah 19 12 .613 2½ Oklahoma City 15 15 .500 6 Portland 14 18 .438 8 Minnesota 11 19 .367 10 Pacific Division L.A. Lakers 24 7 .774 -L.A. Clippers 23 10 .697 2 Sacramento 12 19 .387 12 Phoenix 11 19 .367 12½ Golden State 8 24 .250 16½ Thursday’s Games Detroit 132, Washington 102 New York 94, Brooklyn 82 Memphis 110, Oklahoma City 97 Dallas 102, San Antonio 98 Minnesota 105, Sacramento 104, 2OT Utah 121, Portland 115 Friday’s Games Cleveland at Boston, 4 p.m. Oklahoma City at Charlotte, 7 p.m. Philadelphia at Orlando, 7 p.m. Milwaukee at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m. Indiana at Miami, 8 p.m. Phoenix at Golden State, 10:30 p.m. Saturday’s Games Memphis at Denver, 1 p.m. Indiana at New Orleans, 3 p.m. Toronto at Boston, 3 p.m. Atlanta at Chicago, 4 p.m. Brooklyn at Houston, 4 p.m. Cleveland at Minnesota, 4 p.m. New York at Washington, 4 p.m. Philadelphia at Miami, 4 p.m. Dallas at Golden State, 4:30 p.m. Detroit at San Antonio, 4:30 p.m. Orlando at Milwaukee, 4:30 p.m. Phoenix at Sacramento, 5 p.m. L.A. Lakers at Portland, 6 p.m. Utah at L.A. Clippers, 6:30 p.m. All Times AKST

Hockey

NHL Standings EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Boston 38 22 7 9 53 130 100 Toronto 38 20 14 4 44 133 122 Montreal 37 18 13 6 42 121 117 Florida 36 18 13 5 41 127 121 Buffalo 38 17 14 7 41 115 119 Tampa Bay 35 18 13 4 40 124 111 Ottawa 38 16 18 4 36 106 123 Detroit 38 9 26 3 21 82 150 Metropolitan Division Washington 38 26 7 5 57 137 111 N.Y. Islanders 35 23 9 3 49 105 91 Philadelphia 37 21 11 5 47 121 106 Pittsburgh 36 21 11 4 46 120 96 Carolina 37 22 13 2 46 124 102 Columbus 37 17 14 6 40 98 106 N.Y. Rangers 36 17 15 4 38 114 118 New Jersey 36 12 19 5 29 91 128 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA St. Louis 38 24 8 6 54 118 99 Colorado 37 23 11 3 49 134 103 Winnipeg 37 21 14 2 44 113 107 Dallas 38 20 14 4 44 100 97 Nashville 36 18 12 6 42 126 116 Minnesota 38 18 15 5 41 118 126 Chicago 38 15 17 6 36 105 125 Pacific Division Arizona 39 21 14 4 46 112 99 Vegas 40 20 14 6 46 122 118 Edmonton 40 20 16 4 44 117 124 Calgary 39 19 15 5 43 104 116 Vancouver 38 19 15 4 42 124 115 Anaheim 37 15 18 4 34 96 114 San Jose 38 16 20 2 34 101 133 Los Angeles 39 15 20 4 34 99 124 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss. Top three teams in each division and two wild cards per conference advance to playoffs. Thursday’s Games No games scheduled Friday’s Games Boston at Buffalo, 3 p.m. Carolina at N.Y. Rangers, 3 p.m. Toronto at New Jersey, 3 p.m. Columbus at Washington, 3 p.m. Minnesota at Colorado, 4 p.m. Pittsburgh at Nashville, 4 p.m. St. Louis at Winnipeg, 4 p.m. N.Y. Islanders at Chicago, 4:30 p.m. Calgary at Edmonton, 5 p.m. Vegas at Anaheim, 6 p.m. Los Angeles at San Jose, 6 p.m. Saturday’s Games Washington at Carolina, 3 p.m. Colorado at Dallas, 3 p.m. Detroit at Florida, 3 p.m. Nashville at Pittsburgh, 3 p.m. Montreal at Tampa Bay, 3 p.m. N.Y. Rangers at Toronto, 3 p.m. Los Angeles at Vancouver, 6 p.m. Arizona at Vegas, 6 p.m. Philadelphia at San Jose, 6:30 p.m All Times AKST

Football NFL Standings AMERICAN CONFERENCE

East W L T Pct PF PA y-New England 12 3 0 .800 396 198 x-Buffalo 10 5 0 .667 308 246 N.Y. Jets 6 9 0 .400 263 353 Miami 4 11 0 .267 279 470 South y-Houston 10 5 0 .667 364 350 Tennessee 8 7 0 .533 367 317 Indianapolis 7 8 0 .467 341 335 Jacksonville 5 10 0 .333 262 377 North y-Baltimore 13 2 0 .867 503 272 Pittsburgh 8 7 0 .533 279 275 Cleveland 6 9 0 .400 312 360 Cincinnati 1 14 0 .067 246 397 West y-Kansas City 11 4 0 .733 420 287 Oakland 7 8 0 .467 298 403 Denver 6 9 0 .400 266 301 L.A. Chargers 5 10 0 .333 316 314 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East Philadelphia 8 7 0 .533 351 337 Dallas 7 8 0 .467 387 305 N.Y. Giants 4 11 0 .267 324 417 Washington 3 12 0 .200 250 388 South y-New Orleans 12 3 0 .800 416 331 Tampa Bay 7 8 0 .467 436 421 Atlanta 6 9 0 .400 353 377 Carolina 5 10 0 .333 330 428 North y-Green Bay 12 3 0 .800 353 293 x-Minnesota 10 5 0 .667 388 282 Chicago 7 8 0 .467 259 279 Detroit 3 11 1 .233 321 400 West x-San Francisco 12 3 0 .800 453 289 x-Seattle 11 4 0 .733 384 372 L.A. Rams 8 7 0 .533 363 340 Arizona 5 9 1 .367 337 411 x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division Sunday’s Games Chicago at Minnesota, 9 a.m. Atlanta at Tampa Bay, 9 a.m. Miami at New England, 9 a.m. Green Bay at Detroit, 9 a.m. Cleveland at Cincinnati, 9 a.m. L.A. Chargers at Kansas City, 9 a.m. N.Y. Jets at Buffalo, 9 a.m. New Orleans at Carolina, 9 a.m. Oakland at Denver, 12:25 p.m. Tennessee at Houston, 12:25 p.m. Washington at Dallas, 12:25 p.m. Indianapolis at Jacksonville, 12:25 p.m. Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants, 12:25 p.m. Pittsburgh at Baltimore, 12:25 p.m. Arizona at L.A. Rams, 12:25 p.m. San Francisco at Seattle, 4:20 p.m. All Times AKST

Bowl Glance Thursday, Dec. 26 Independence Bowl Shreveport, La. Louisiana Tech 14, Miami 0 Quick Lane Bowl Detroit Pittsburgh 34, Eastern Michigan 30 Friday, Dec. 27 Military Bowl

Annapolis, Md. North Carolina (6-6) vs. Temple (8-4), 8 a.m. (ESPN) Pinstripe Bowl New York Wake Forest (8-4) vs. Michigan State (6-6), 11:20 a.m. (ESPN) Texas Bowl Houston Oklahoma State (8-4) vs. Texas A&M (7-5), 2:45 p.m. (ESPN) Holiday Bowl San Diego Iowa (9-3) vs. Southern Cal (8-4), 4 p.m. (FS1) Cheez-It Bowl Phoenix Air Force (10-2) vs. Washington State (6-6), 6:15 p.m. (ESPN) Saturday, Dec. 28 Camping World Bowl Orlando, Fla. Notre Dame (10-2) vs. Iowa State (7-5), 8 a.m. (ABC) Cotton Bowl Classic Arlington, Texas Penn State (10-2) vs. Memphis (12-1), 8 a.m. (ESPN) Peach Bowl Atlanta CFP Semifinal, LSU (13-0) vs. Oklahoma (12-1), Noon (ESPN) Fiesta Bowl Glendale, Ariz. CFP Semifinal, Ohio State (13-0) vs. Clemson (130), 4 p.m. (ESPN)

Transactions

BASKETBALL National Basketball Association WASHINGTON WIZARDS — Signed F Johnathan Williams. NBA G League COLLEGE PARK SKYHAWKS — Announced G Brandon Goodwin was transferrer to Atlanta (NBA). FOOTBALL National Football League TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — Signed WR Ishmael Hyman and TE Jordan Leggett to the practice squad. TENNESSEE TITANS — Signed LB Nigel Harris to the practice squad. Removed LB Josh Smith from the practice squad. HOCKEY American Hockey League GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS — Signed G Kevin Poulin to a professional tryout. HARTFORD WOLF PACK — Recalled F Shawn McBride from Norfolk (ECHL). SAN DIEGO GULLS — Signed C Brett Pollock and RW Kyle Thomas to professional tryouts. COLLEGE PENN STATE — Named Kirk Ciarrocca offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. WASHINGTON — Junior QB Jacob Eason announced he will enter the NFL draft.

Friday, December 27, 2019

Peninsula Clarion

Brady, Brees roll on despite being over 40 By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer

Between them, Tom Brady and Drew Brees have played 38 pro football seasons, 39 if you count 2008 when the New England star wrecked his knee in Week 1. Both probably should be long retired and counting the days until their induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Instead, they’re still slinging away — and could be doing so against each other on Feb. 2 in a little thing called the Super Bowl. No, 40-year-old quarterbacks should not still be setting NFL records. Yet Brees always seems to be doing so. And certainly 42-year-old QBs don’t even belong on the field. But Brady has the Patriots in position for — not that most of America wants to read this — a fourth straight trip to the Super Bowl, and his 10th overall, with six wins. The influx of hotshot arms, from Patrick Mahomes to Lamar Jackson,

from Carson Wentz to Deshaun Watson, has captured so much attention through the football galaxy. Still, it’s the two 40-somethings who lord over the quarterbacking universe, possibly for their final seasons. Adding spice to their continued presence center stage are the stats. Consider the career touchdowns passing mark that Peyton Manning held until Brees broke it in Game 14 for the Saints. He now has 544, beating Brady to the record in part because New Orleans has a more dangerous, dependable and varied attack than does New England these days. Brady is at 539. While neither passer is a stats freak, they certainly are aware of the numbers they have compiled. “Obviously, before the season you know you are a certain distance away, but then once the season starts, you just focus on winning games and doing what I need to do as a quarterback of this team to put us in the best position to succeed,” Brees says. “With that, I guess the statistics come,

and maybe they add up, and then all of a sudden, you’re close enough to be within striking distance of some of those things.” With Michael Thomas running routes for him, Brees could always be closing in on unthinkable numbers. Thomas already has broken the single-season record for receptions with 145, and he caught 42 of those from Teddy Bridgewater while Brees was sidelined for five games with a thumb injury. The presence of Thomas, running back Alvin Kamara, a solid offensive line and coach Sean Payton could be enticing enough for Brees to come back next year. Or he could walk away from the NFL with nothing to prove, particularly if the Saints can win a second NFL title since he ventured to the Big Easy in 2006. That’s certainly doable: If New Orleans beats weak Carolina on Sunday while Green Bay and San Francisco lose, the Saints will be the NFC’s top seed. A simple victory over the Panthers earns a bye. New Orleans could wind up in an

odd position for 2020 at quarterback because Bridgewater will be a highdemand free agent. The Saints would love to hang on to the 27-year-old Bridgewater, who went 5-0 replacing Brees. But at what price if Brees is still around? New England has similar questions to answer, and they will magnify after the playoffs. Brady has had an inconsistent season with little established talent around him. His only dependable veteran target is Julian Edelman, and the protection has been spotty at best. Unlike Brees, who still has the mobility to make plays outside the pocket, Brady is pretty much stationary. He’s also perhaps the greatest pocket passer ever. Surely, the fiery, often combative (on the field) Brady is the most accomplished quarterback with his six rings. To ever dismiss him is foolish, and the Patriots are 12-3, just like the Saints. But there are more negative vibes around Brady than ever. His passer rating could wind up his lowest since

2003. His contract ends after this season. There have been rumblings he wants out of New England, whether by retirement or, if you can imagine, by joining another club as a free agent. Brees hasn’t been drawing those kinds of headlines, of course. Then again, while he’s been the face of the franchise in New Orleans, Brady for years has been the face of the NFL. Brady notes that there really is not a status quo in sports — not even for a quarterback with nearly two full decades of play on his resume. “Yeah, there’s a lot of new pieces and you’re always trying to incorporate from week to week,” Brady says. “And every year, it’s a little bit different, the challenges are different. You just can’t rely on, ‘Oh well, we’ll just do exactly what we used to do,’ or, `We’ll do exactly what we did last week.’ You have to kind of reinvent yourself every week. How the game plan takes shape and what guys are asked to do in order to execute takes shape.”

Oklahoma enters as an outsider By PAUL NEWBERRY AP Sports Writer

This September 2019 photo shows Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence dropping back to pass with blocking help from Jackson Carman (79) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro, File)

‘This is the future of the NFL’ Fields, Lawrence to tangle at Fiesta Bowl By RALPH D. RUSSO AP College Football Writer

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence went to high school about 20 miles from each other in the suburbs northwest of Atlanta. They have worked out since middle school with the same quarterback trainer, a former Pac-12 QB and full-time firefighter who is more well-respected than well-known in the business. Lawrence and Fields were the Nos. 1 and 1a recruits in the class of 2018, competed at the same Elite 11 camp and have been linked for most of their young lives despite never playing in the same football game. The rivalry becomes real Saturday when Fields and No. 2 Ohio State take on Lawrence and No. 3 Clemson in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl. It could be the start of something big. “This is the future of the NFL playing in this game,” said Ohio State defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who spent seven years as an NFL assistant. “For the next

Biles From Page A6

in the spotlight, a rarity for a sport that typically retreats into the background once the Olympic flame goes out. She is the first gymnast to be named AP Female Athlete of the Year twice and the first to do it in a non-Olympic year. Biles edged U.S. women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe in a vote by AP member sports editors and AP beat writers. Skiing star Mikaela Schiffrin placed third, with WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne fourth. Biles captured the award in 2016 following a showstopping performance at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where she won five medals in all, four of them gold. She spent most of the following 12 months taking a break before returning to the gym in the fall of 2017, saying she owed it to herself to mine the depth of her talent.

10 years you have, God willing they both stay healthy, you have these two guys leading the way.” Fields, who went to Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Georgia, and Lawrence, who attended Cartersville High School, are more friendly than close friends. “It’s funny we have to come across the country to finally play each other,” Lawrence said Thursday at Fiesta Bowl media day. The first connection between Fields and Lawrence is Ron Veal, who played quarterback at Arizona in the late 1980s and now lives in the Atlanta area. Veal started working with young quarterbacks in 2002. The personal QB business has boomed since then and created some superstar coaches who attract and seek out players with blue-chip potential. That’s not Veal. He is now part of a group of trainers called the Quarterback Collective and he trains up-andcoming passers of all kinds as a side gig to firefighting. “Some other quarterback coaches, they brand themselves better,” Field

Check social media following one of her routines and you’ll find people -- from LeBron James to Michelle Obama to Chrissy Teigen -- struggling to distill what they’ve witnessed into 280 characters or fewer, with whatever they settle on typically followed by multiple exclamation points and a goat emoji, a nod to Biles being considered the Greatest Of All Time. Her triple-twisting double-flip (the “triple double”) at the end of her first tumbling pass on floor exercise is a wondrous blur. Her double-twisting double-flip beam dismount (the “double double”) is so tough the International Gymnastics Federation made the unusual decision to downplay its value in an effort to deter other gymnasts from even trying it. This is both the blessing and the curse of making the nearly impossible look tantalizingly attainable. When Biles learned about the FIG’s decision, she vented on Twitter, her palpable frustration highlighting the

said. “He doesn’t really care about all the glamour. He just wants to see the guys that he trains have success.” That seems to be a perfect match for two prodigies whose priorities were selfimprovement, not the spotlight. Veal began working with Fields when he was in sixth grade and Lawrence when he was in seventh. Mostly, their sessions were one-on-one with Veal, but at least once Lawrence came to Fields’ high school for a joint session before both went off to college. It was not particularly eventful for either quarterback. Instead of sizing up each other, they were more interested in going about the business of getting better. “They work like nobody’s business,” Veal said. “You know, when they came to a session there was really no talking between me and the kid. It was selfcorrection and correction. They put in the work to get where they are and then the natural ability and a natural talent surfaced. But they just work at it.” “They wanted to be different,” Veal added.

realness she’s maintained even as her first name has become synonymous with her sport’s royalty. It can lead to a bit of a balancing act. In some ways, she’s still the kid from Texas who just wants to hang out with her boyfriend and her dog and go to the grocery story without being bothered. In other ways, she’s trying to be respectful of the world she’s built. Take the GOAT thing. It’s a title she embraces — Biles wore a goatthemed leotard during training at the national championships in August — but also takes with a grain of salt, determined to stay grounded even as the hype around her grows. Yes, GOAT happens to be the acronym for her planned post-Olympic “Gold Over America Tour,” but ask her where the inspiration came from and she laughs and gives credit to a friend, Kevin, who came up with it in a group chat. It is both paying tribute to and winking at her status at the same time.

ATLANTA — No team in the College Football Playoff has claimed more national titles than Oklahoma. History, though, doesn’t carry much weight in this year’s field. The Sooners are the clear outsider. No. 1 LSU, No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Clemson have established themselves as the nation’s best teams over the course of the long season. All three have 13-0 records. All three have sampled the top spot in either the CFP or Associated Press rankings. Then there’s fourth-ranked Oklahoma (12-1), which had to overcome a shocking loss to Kansas State and get a lot of help just to nab the last spot in the four-team field. The Sooners are a whopping 13 1/2-point underdog heading into their Peach Bowl semifinal against LSU on Saturday, one of the widest betting lines in CFP history. And, yes, that stings a bit. “It’s crazy, man, how they’re dogging and looking over us like this,” cornerback Parnell Motley said Thursday. “It is so disrespectful, like we’re not a national contender team.” That’s certainly not the case. Oklahoma is the school of Wilkinson and Switzer, of Sims and Selmon, of Mayfield and Murray — one of the most storied programs in college football history. While the Sooners do have the longest national championship drought of the four teams — their last consensus title came during the 2000 season — they have finished No. 1 in the AP poll seven times, a tally topped only by Alabama (11) and Notre Dame (8). In recent years, Oklahoma has maintained its place among the nation’s elite programs. This will be the third straight year (and fourth time in the playoff’s sixyear history) the Sooners have

Biles has become well aware over the last three years that her every word and action carries far greater weight than she ever imagined. Her most impactful moment of 2019 might not have come during a meet but sitting for an interview on the eve of winning her record sixth national title, when she fought back tears while talking about how USA Gymnastics, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the FBI failed to protect athletes during an investigation into Nassar’s abusive behavior. The moment went viral, as most things surrounding her tend to do these days. “I’m starting to realize it’s not just the gymternet anymore,” Biles said, using the term for her sport’s dedicated fans. “It’s an overall thing. It’s weird to get that kind of attention, but at the end of the day, I feel gymnastics has been overlooked in non-Olympic years. Yeah, it puts pressure on me. But I’m not trying

earned an invitation. Of course, they have yet to clear the next big hurdle: winning a semifinal. In 2015, the Sooners were blown out by Clemson 37-17 in the Orange Bowl. Two seasons ago, there was a heartbreaking 54-48 overtime loss to Georgia in the Rose Bowl. A year ago, Alabama built a four-touchdown lead by early in the second quarter on the way to a 45-34 triumph in the Orange Bowl. Those postseason flops are another reason to dismiss the Sooners as nothing more than an interloper. “They kind of just forget us,” Motley said. “It’s going to inspire us. We’re going to sit in this corner over here and just work on ourselves and do our job. Y’all don’t need to worry about us. Just know,” he added, pausing to parse his words, “well, I don’t want to talk too much, but we’re coming.” At least the Sooners have some playoff experience. This is the first time LSU has made the field. “These college football (playoff) games have a little bit different vibe around them, a lot more hype, a lot more buildup,” said Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley, looking for any edge he can get. “It doesn’t make the difference by itself, but it’s certainly an advantage for us, and we’ve got to handle it like it is.” Then again, the Tigers have Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow and perhaps the most impressive win of any team this season, going into Tuscaloosa to knock off Alabama 46-41 — a game that signaled a shift of power in the mighty Southeastern Conference and helped keep the Crimson Tide out of the playoff for the first time. After that kind of performance, not to mention victories over No. 5 Georgia, No. 6 Florida and No. 9 Auburn, it’s hard to envision LSU being intimidated by anything it will face in the postseason.

to think about all the attention from the outside world.” The attention figures to only grow in the run-up to Tokyo, where she will attempt to become the first female gymnast in more than half a century to repeat as Olympic champion. Her smiling face serves as the exclamation point at the end of every television promo for the Summer Games. Let it be known: The smile is real. That might not have always been the case, but is is now. Heading into the final months of a singular career, she is trying to revel in the journey while anxiously awaiting what’s next. Add it to the list of Simone Things. “I feel like this is the beginning of my life and I don’t want gymnastics to be my whole entire life,” she said. “I’m definitely going to soak in the moment and enjoy it so 10 years from now I can look back and say ‘I had the time of my life out there’ ... rather than ‘I was good, but I was miserable.’”

Nation & World A9

Peninsula Clarion

peninsulaclarion.com

friday, december 27, 2019

Trump warns of ‘carnage’ in rebel stronghold in Syria Associated Press

PALM BEACH, Fla.— President Donald Trump is speaking out against the “carnage” involving thousands of civilians in a rebel stronghold in Syria. In a tweet Thursday, Trump wrote: “Russia, Syria, and Iran are killing, or on their way to killing, thousands of innocent civilians in Idlib Province. Don’t do it!

Turkey is working hard to stop this carnage.” The tweet refers to an intense air and ground bombardment by government forces in southern and eastern Idlib province, the last rebel-held bastion in the country. Syrian government forces about a month ago launched a renewed effort to take the province, which is dominated by al-Qaida-linked militants and is also home to

3 million civilians. The United Nations has warned of the growing risk of a humanitarian catastrophe along the Turkish border. A Syrian relief group said Wednesday that more than 200,000 men, women and children fled their homes in buses, trucks and cars in recent weeks. Many have been heading toward the Turkish border for safety. Before a ground offensive began

a week ago, the U.N. reported that some 60,000 Idlib residents had already been displaced since the government’s bombing campaign started late last month. Videos posted online by activists and the opposition’s Syrian Civil Defense, also known as White Helmets, showed long lines of cars, trucks and buses heading north. People carried their valuables and loaded bags and mattresses

on buses. Trump also addressed the plight of civilians in Idlib in June, accusing Russia, Syria and Iran of “indiscriminately killing many innocent civilians” in a bombing campaign. “The World is watching this butchery,” he tweeted then, imploring them to “STOP!” Several months later he announced he would withdraw U.S. troops from northeastern Syria.

Israel’s embattled Netanyahu declares victory in primary By Joseph Krauss Associated Press

JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday scored a landslide victory in a primary race for leadership of the ruling Likud party, giving the embattled leader an important boost ahead of the country’s third election in less than a year. The strong showing by Israel’s longest-serving leader could give him another opportunity to form a government following the March election, after falling short in two previous attempts this year. By easily fending off Likud lawmaker Gideon Saar, Netanyahu also kept alive his hopes of winning immunity from prosecution after being indicted last month on a series of corruption charges. “A giant victory,” Netanyahu tweeted early Friday, just over an hour after polls closed. “Thanks to the members of Likud for the trust, support and love,” he added. “God willing, I will lead Likud to a big victory in

the coming elections.” In a tweet, Saar congratulated Netanyahu and said he would support the prime minister in the national election. “I am absolutely comfortable with my decision to run,” he added. “Whoever isn’t ready to take a risk for the path he believes in will never win.” Official results released by Likud showed Netanyahu capturing 41,792 votes, or 72%, compared with 15,885 votes, or 28%, for Saar. While removing any doubts about Netanyahu’s standing in the ruling party, the primary is likely to prolong Israel’s political uncertainty. Netanyahu will remain at the helm of Likud through the March elections, and his lingering legal troubles could again scuttle efforts to form a government after that. In September’s election, both Likud and its main rival, the centrist Blue and White party, were unable to secure a parliamentary majority and form a government on their own. The two parties together captured a solid majority of parliamentary seats, leaving a national unity

government as the best way out of the crisis. But Blue and White has refused to sit in a partnership with Netanyahu when he is under indictment. Opinion polls predict a similar outcome in the March election, raising the possibility of months of continued paralysis. The country already has been run by a caretaker government for the past year. Netanyahu, who has led the country for the past decade, maintained his position atop the political right by cultivating an image as a veteran statesman with close ties to U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders. His refusal to make any concessions to the Palestinians was rewarded after Trump took office, as the U.S. began openly siding with Israel on several key issues, validating Netanyahu’s approach in the eyes of many Israelis and adding to his mystique. Netanyahu’s hard-line approach to Iran has also proved popular. He was a staunch opponent of the 2015

Ariel Schalit / Associated Press

People look at a poster of Israel Prime Minister and governing Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu at a voting center Thursday in the northern Israeli city of Hadera.

Iran nuclear deal, which has unraveled since Trump withdrew from the agreement. A wave of Israeli strikes on Iran-linked targets in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq has burnished Netanyahu’s claims to having protected Israel from its enemies. His fortunes have nevertheless

waned over the past year, after he was unable to form a government following the unprecedented back-to-back elections in March and September. His party came in second place in September, leading many observers to view the vote as the beginning of the end.

Pennsylvania dioceses offer $84M to 564 clergy abuse victims By Michael Rubinkam Associated Press

Pennsylvania’s Roman Catholic dioceses have paid nearly $84 million to 564 victims of sexual abuse, a tally that’s sure to grow substantially in the new year as compensation fund administrators work through a backlog of claims, according to an Associated Press review. Seven of the state’s eight dioceses launched victim compensation funds in the wake of a landmark grand jury report on sexual abuse by Catholic clergy. The funds were open to claims for a limited time this year. They are independently administered, though each diocese set its own rules on eligibility. To date, the average payout across all seven dioceses has exceeded $148,000 — a fraction of what some adult victims of childhood abuse might have expected from a jury

had they been permitted to take their claims to court. Under state law, victims of past abuse only have until age 30 to sue. “These are all time-barred claims, so it’s not going to be the kind of numbers one sees in a courtroom,” said Camille Biros, who helps administer compensation funds for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and dioceses in Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie and Scranton. Lawmakers recently agreed to begin the lengthy process of amending the state constitution to allow a two-year window for civil suits otherwise barred by the statute of limitations, but there’s no guarantee that effort will bear fruit. Childhood abuse victim David Zernhelt was unwilling to gamble that state lawmakers will follow through and give people like him access to the courts. Compensation fund administrators for the

Diocese of Allentown recently offered $400,000 to Zernhelt, and he accepted it. “It doesn’t make me rich,” said Zernhelt, 45, of Easton. “It creates a positive starting point for me. I can try to make my life a little bit better and put this behind me.” The AP does not typically name victims of sexual abuse, but Zernhelt agreed to be identified. Together, Allentown and the four other dioceses that hired Biros and veteran claims administrator Kenneth Feinberg to run their funds have received more than 1,500 claims, of which about 500 have been reviewed. Of those, 41 claims were rejected for lack of evidence or because they didn’t meet eligibility criteria, as some dioceses bar claims against religious order clergy, Catholic school officials and other lay leaders. Another 391 victims accepted

briefly

8 cases against Weinstein under review LOS ANGELES — Prosecutors in Los Angeles are reviewing eight cases accusing disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault, an official said Thursday. The Los Angeles and Beverly Hills police departments each brought four investigations to prosecutors, according to Ricardo Santiago, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The office will decide whether to move forward with prosecution. No charges have been filed, Santiago said. He did not know details about the allegations or when the cases were presented to prosecutors. Juda Engelmayer, Weinstein’s publicist, said he had “nothing to add right now” in an email to The Associated Press. District Attorney Jackie Lacey created a task force more than two years ago to handle the surge in sexual misconduct allegations against entertainment figures after the accusations against Weinstein launched the #MeToo movement. He has denied allegations of nonconsensual sex.

14 dead in Niger after Islamic extremists attack convoy NIAMEY, Niger — Islamic extremists on motorcycles killed 14 security force members who were escorting election officials in the West African nation of Niger, the first large attack there since 71 soldiers were killed in a massive ambush earlier this month, authorities said Thursday. The attack took place Wednesday night near Sanam, which is about 125 miles from the capital of Niamey, according to a government statement. Officials from the national electoral commission were in the area to conduct a census before next year’s vote. The victims were seven military police officers and

seven national guard members, the statement said. Niger has long been vulnerable to Islamic extremism because it shares a border with Nigeria, where Boko Haram insurgents have been carrying out attacks for a decade.

Federal court ruling expected to affect salmon conservation LONGVIEW, Wash. — A federal court ruling could affect salmon recovery and conservation efforts on the Columbia-Snake River System in Washington. A Dec. 20 ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals mandating a salmon protection plan was related to warm river temperatures caused by dams on the Snake River, The Daily News reported. Washington’s Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee released a report on the same day summarizing statements about the consequences of removing Snake River dams. The appeals court upheld a 2018 ruling that the Environmental Protection Agency was obligated to create a management plan for water temperature on the Columbia and Snake rivers, court documents said. The lower court decision came after Washington and Oregon failed to submit plans for approval. The ruling was the result of a lawsuit by environmental groups that said they brought the action as a response to years of record-high river water temperatures that hurt salmon, including 250,000 adult sockeye salmon deaths in 2015. There are 13 populations of Columbia-Snake River salmon listed under the Endangered Species Act, the Natural Resources Defense Council said. The new ruling enables the progression of a long-term effort to improve salmon recovery rates on the two rivers. Inslee’s first-draft report released Dec. 20 summarizes comments concerning the removal of four Lower Snake River dams to boost salmon populations and help feed orca. — Clarion news services

financial settlements. “We try to be consistent with the claims in terms of the nature of the abuse, how long it went on, the age of the child, the effect of the abuse. We consider all that and use our judgement to determine the settlement offer,” Biros said. “We want to make sure everybody is treated as consistently as possible.” She said a torrent of claims arrived in the week leading up to a Sept. 30 deadline. Biros expects it will take at least through June, and probably longer, to work through the backlog. The dioceses agreed to pay victims after the grand jury concluded that more than 300 predator priests had molested more than 1,000 children since the 1940s — and that church leaders systematically covered it up. Zernhelt applied to the compensation program and told the fund administrator a horrific story of abuse.

He said the Rev. Thomas Kerestus assaulted him two to four times a week for five years beginning when Zernhelt was 13. Zernhelt said that he and his family reported Kerestus — who died in 2014 and is named in the grand jury report — but that the diocese swept it under the rug. He said he was sexually abused by a second man, Gerald Royer, a defrocked priest also named in the report. “It caused a lot of emotional pain, a lot of depression, a lot of PTSD,” Zernhelt said. “I felt like I was a survivor on the Titanic who was crying out for help for that boat to rescue me, and in the end the boat never came.” The settlement represents a chance at a fresh start, but Zernhelt said the compensation funds also allow the dioceses to get off easy. “I feel that it’s a shield for the church to get a discount on paying the victims,” he said.

Today in History Today is Friday, Dec. 27, the 361st day of 2019. There are four days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On Dec. 27, 2001, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld announced that Taliban and al-Qaida prisoners would be held at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. On this date: In 1822, scientist Louis Pasteur was born in Dole, France. In 1831, naturalist Charles Darwin set out on a round-the-world voyage aboard the HMS Beagle. In 1904, James Barrie’s play “Peter Pan: The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up” opened at the Duke of York’s Theater in London. In 1945, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund were formally established. In 1949, Queen Juliana of the Netherlands signed an act recognizing Indonesia’s sovereignty after more than three centuries of Dutch rule. In 1958, American physicist James Van Allen reported the discovery of a second radiation belt around Earth, in addition to one found earlier in the year. In 1968, Apollo 8 and its three astronauts made a safe, nighttime splashdown in the Pacific. In 1979, Soviet forces seized control of Afghanistan. President Hafizullah Amin (hah-FEE’-zoo-lah ah-MEEN’), who was overthrown and executed, was replaced by Babrak Karmal. In 1985, Palestinian guerrillas opened fire inside the Rome and Vienna airports; 19 victims were killed, plus four attackers who were slain by police and security personnel. American naturalist Dian Fossey, 53, who had studied gorillas in the wild in Rwanda, was found hacked to death. In 1994, four Roman Catholic priests — three French and a Belgian — were shot to death in their rectory in Algiers, a day after French commandos killed four radicals who’d hijacked an Air France jet from Algiers to Marseille. In 1995, Israeli jeeps sped out of the West Bank town of Ramallah, capping a seven-week pullout giving Yasser Arafat control over 90 percent of the West Bank’s 1 million Palestinian residents and one-third of its land. In 2002, A defiant North Korea ordered U.N. nuclear inspectors to leave the country and said it would restart a laboratory capable of producing plutonium for nuclear weapons; the U.N. nuclear watchdog said its inspectors were “staying put” for the time being. Ten years ago: Iranian security forces fired on Tehran protesters, killing at least eight and launching a new wave of arrests. Five years ago: North Korea blamed its recent internet outage on the United States and hurled racially charged insults at President Barack Obama over the hacking row involving the movie “The Interview.” Mehmet Ali Agca (MEH’-met AH’-lee AH’-juh), the Turkish gunman who shot and wounded John Paul II in 1981, laid white flowers on the saint’s tomb in St. Peter’s Basilica. One year ago: LeBron James was selected as The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the third time, after reaching the NBA Finals for the eighth consecutive year. Richard Overton, the nation’s oldest living world War II veteran who was also believed to be the oldest living man in the U.S., died in Texas at the age of 112. President Donald Trump tweeted that the shooting death of a California police officer, allegedly by a man who was in the country illegally, showed the need for a border crackdown. Today’s Birthdays: Actor John Amos is 80. Rock musician Mick Jones (Foreigner) is 75. Singer Tracy Nelson is 75. Actor Gerard Depardieu is 71. Jazz singer-musician T.S. Monk is 70. Singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff is 68. Rock musician David Knopfler (Dire Straits) is 67. Actress Tovah Feldshuh is 66. Journalist-turned-politician Arthur Kent is 66. Actress Maryam D’Abo is 59. Country musician Jeff Bryant is 57. Actor Ian Gomez is 55. Actress Theresa Randle is 55. Actress Eva LaRue is 53. Wrestler and actor Bill Goldberg is 53. Actress Tracey Cherelle Jones is 50. Bluegrass singer-musician Darrin Vincent (Dailey & Vincent) is 50. Rock musician Guthrie Govan is 48. Musician Matt Slocum is 47. Actor Wilson Cruz is 46. Singer Olu is 46. Actor Masi Oka is 45. Actor Aaron Stanford is 43. Actress Emilie de Ravin is 38. Actor Jay Ellis is 38. Christian rock musician James Mead (Kutless) is 37. Rock singer Hayley Williams (Paramore) is 31. Country singer Shay Mooney (Dan & Shay) is 28. Actor Timothee Chalamet is 24. Thought for Today: “Man has an incurable habit of not fulfilling the prophecies of his fellow men.” — Alistair Cooke, Anglo-American journalist and broadcaster (1908-2004).

Clarion Features & Comics A10

Peninsula Clarion

peninsulaclarion.com

Friday, December 27, 2019

Woman ambushed by revelation of husband’s long-term affair DEAR ABBY: I the services of a licensed recently found out marriage and family my husband has been therapist. having a four-year affair You were lied to and with a woman 24 years betrayed, and it wasn’t younger than I am. He a one-time mistake. met her at work. He tells That he and his parme he loves her, but he amour remain in touch loves me more. Abby, indicates that while the they actually thought I physical affair may be would agree to him takover, their emotional afDear Abby ing her on as a second fair is ongoing. For your Jeanne Phillips wife, but, of course, I marriage to be repaired refused. They no longer and trust rebuilt, that too see each other, but communicate must end. regularly by text. He misses her, she misses him, and I am deeply hurt, DEAR ABBY: My son-in-law is since nothing will ever be the same. lazy and arrogant. My daughter I am also devastated because of seems to think he walks on water. my husband’s four years of lies and He has answers and excuses for evdeception. I didn’t suspect a thing erything. I’m realizing that he may and always loved him deeply. Can never amount to anything, because I get over this? — HURTING IN he has no ambition. They recently WASHINGTON had a baby, and he does very little DEAR HURTING: If you are going to help. Washing and sterilizing to get past this — notice I did not bottles leaves him “exhausted.” say “get over” — it will take both coI treasure my relationship with operation from your husband and my daughter and grandson and

want them all to want to come over and be close. I am trying to keep my mouth shut, but my daughter knows how I feel. How do I navigate this challenge of having to bite my lip when I see him lying around with a sink full of dishes? What am I allowed to say without alienating him? — EXASPERATED MOM IN CANADA DEAR MOM: If you are wise, you will keep your thoroughly chewed lip zipped. Your daughter knows how you feel, so resist that urge to harp on it. When she reaches her limit, I’m sure she will come up with some choice phrases to blast her husband off the sofa. Remember, this is her problem, not yours, so let her handle it. DEAR ABBY: We are part of a group of four couples who arrange to get together for dinners. One of the couples continually invites another couple at the last minute without checking with the rest of us. We are hosting a dinner and planned it around the eight of us,

Crossword | Eugene Sheffer

only to find out this couple has invited another couple — again! I explained to the woman that I don’t think it’s nice to invite additional people without first checking with the hosts, certainly not at 10 o’clock the night before, but they don’t want to leave the fifth couple out. This is the third time this has happened, and others have spoken to her about it to no avail. Please help! — UNINVITED IN DELAWARE DEAR UNINVITED: What the woman is doing is beyond inconsiderate. The “way to handle it” would be to discuss it with the other group members and agree to disinvite this couple from your group. Three strikes and they’re out. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Jacqueline Bigar’s Stars

ARIES (March 21-April 19) HHHH You might need to do some serious consideration involving your work or your commitment to the outside world. Your thoughts do not necessarily need to be acted on, but they should be considered. Tonight: A force out on the town.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) HHHH Think in terms of getting exposed to other viewpoints in the near future. You might not be limited, but you can always learn more.

GOING ABROAD?

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) HHHHH You might believe that you have gotten to the basics or the real issue between you and a loved one. What you discover is that, like you, others continue to grow and revise their ideas. Tonight: Think carefully about long-term decisions.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) HHHH You are a source of interesting and sometimes unusual thoughts. You might notice that others seek you out for feedback. You might need to wait to give a response until you carefully consider what is being said. Tonight: Accept an intriguing invitation.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) HHHH You could be at the end of your line with the holidays and people. Consider taking a break and indulging yourself. For some, a massage or a day at the spa might fit the book. You will note that a little indulgence and rest will set you up well. Tonight: Be polite.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) HHHH You often are not thought

HHHH Consider a person who makes you happy on one hand yet uptight on another. Interactions are difficult because you sometimes walk on eggshells around this person. Consider why you feel hesitant. Consider if you would like to open up more. Tonight: Whatever you like.

WHAT’S IN YOUR TRUNK? Dear Heloise: There are some things we all should keep in our car trunks, such as a clean, old blanket. If stranded in the cold, it’ll help keep you

Rubes | Leigh Rubin

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) HHHH Stay centered and move quickly through an issue. Be more forthright in how you deal with a problem that has been lurking. Be more in tune with your personal needs. Tonight: Get some muchneeded R and R.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) HHHH Return calls. Thank others for their thoughtfulness and catch up on their general news. If weighing the pros and cons of a get-together, you might raise that question. Listen to the feedback you receive. Tonight: Speak your mind.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) HHHHH Do not push a friend too far, especially if you recently made his or her acquaintance. You might want to get to know this person more completely first. A get-together in the near future could give you unusual insights. Tonight: Sort through invitations.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22Dec. 21) HHHH You need to see what is happening. If you stay open, you will gain a better perspective. Be aware that you do not need to do or say anything as you make a decision. Tonight: Curb any wild expenditures.

warm, or it can provide shade on hot days. Flares, a can of tire inflator, a small first-aid kit and a flashlight in the glove compartment will always come in handy. — Carl in Nevada

A HINT ON LINT Dear Heloise: I got disgusted with lint and small pieces of debris on the carpet in my car, so I used a lint roller to pick up these pieces, and now I always have a lint roller in the glove compartment. It works very well to keep the carpet looking clean. — Mercy T., Hobbs, N.M.

PANCAKE PROBLEM SOLVED! Dear Heloise: I use a large, plastic mixing bowl with a sturdy handle and a spout when making pancake batter. It makes it so much easier to pour the batter right from the mixing bowl instead of trying to use a ladle. It’s easier to clean up and a lot less messy. — Lara P., Port Lavaca, Texas Lara, this is the method I use as well, and it works great! — Heloise

cryptoquip

BORN TODAY Wrestler Bill Goldberg (1966), actress Marlene Dietrich (1901), actor Timothee Chalamet (1995)

Conceptis Sudoku | DaveByGreen Dave Green

SUDOKU Solution

2 4 3 9 5 7 8 6 1

Thursday’s answers, 12-26

HHH You might be sensing a change in the offing. However, review the past year. You will be entering a new life cycle in the next few months. Consider your longterm goals. A little reflection could go a long way. Tonight: Go with the moment.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

hints from heloise

Dear Heloise: I’ve been in the travel business for nearly 20 years, and I have a few hints for travelers: 1. If possible, stay away from local tap water in most foreign countries. Most experienced travelers do not drink tap water in other countries. It might be safe and it might not. Do you want to take the chance? 2. Learn a few local phrases, especially phrases of politeness. “Thank you” and “please” go a long way to create a friendship, cooperation and a nice impression of Americans in general. 3. If you’re in a country that favors modesty, dress accordingly. 4. Get all the shots you’ll need before you go. — Abby in Florida

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

of as a creative or dynamic sign, but you can be if you choose. You could be mulling over a key bond, perhaps even with a younger person. You also might hold yourself back more than you realize. Tonight: Be yourself and have fun.

6 8 7 1 3 4 2 9 5

9 1 5 2 6 8 4 7 3

5 7 6 3 9 2 1 8 4

3 9 4 7 8 1 5 2 6

1 2 8 6 4 5 9 3 7

7 5 2 8 1 6 3 4 9

4 6 9 5 2 3 7 1 8

Difficulty Level

8 3 1 4 7 9 6 5 2 12/26

5 4

3 4 6

2 1 7

Difficulty Level

B.C. | Johnny Hart

Ziggy | Tom Wilson

Tundra | Chad Carpenter

Garfield | Jim Davis

Take it from the Tinkersons | Bill Bettwy

Shoe | Chris Cassatt & Gary Brookins

Mother Goose and Grimm | Michael Peters

5 6 8

5 3 9

2 9

12/27

2019 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

This year, you open up to many new and dynamic ideas. You will enjoy the process of evaluating the pros and cons of each one. You might draw a new circle of friends who are more intellectual than your immediate group. If single, others see you as desirable. Know what you want when choosing who you want to get involved with. If attached, the two of you connect more deeply and start to enjoy your differences rather than argue about them. A CAPRICORN can be more challenging than you think. The Stars Show the Kind of Day You’ll Have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult

A relative or your in-laws often are the force that causes you to rethink your ideas. Tonight: Start thinking about blazing a new trail — at least travel more.

2019 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Friday, Dec. 27, 2019:

Classifieds

FARM / RANCH

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-855748-4275. (PNDC)

WANTED! - Old Porsche 356/911/912 for restoration by hobbyist 1948-1973 Only. Any condition, top $ paid.PLEASE LEAVE MESSAGE! 707-339-5994 Porscherestoration@yaahoo.com (PNDC)

EMPLOYMENT

FARM / RANCH

Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920 Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for Your Free Author’s Guide 1-888-913-2731 or visit http://dorranceinfo.com/northwest (PNDC)

DID YOU KNOW 7 IN 10 Americans or 158 million U.S. Adults read content from newspaper media each week? Discover the Power of the Pacific Northwest Newspaper Advertising. For a free brochure call 916288-6011 or email cecelia@cnpa.com (PNDC) DID YOU KNOW Newspaper-generated content is so valuable it’s taken and repeated, condensed, broadcast, tweeted, discussed, posted, copied, edited, and emailed countless times throughout the day by others? Discover the Power of Newspaper Advertising in FIVE STATES with just one phone call. For free Pacific Northwest Newspaper Association Network brochures call 916-288-6011 or email cecelia@cnpa.com (PNDC) DID YOU KNOW that not only does newspaper media reach a HUGE Audience, they also reach an ENGAGED AUDIENCE. Discover the Power of Newspaper Advertising in five states - AK, ID, MT, OR & WA. For a free rate brochure call 916-288-6011 or email cecelia@cnpa.com (PNDC) EVERY BUSINESS has a story to tell! Get your message out with California’s PRMedia Release - the only Press Release Service operated by the press to get press! For more info contact Cecelia @ 916-288-6011 or http://prmediarelease.com/california (PNDC)

ATTENTION: OXYGEN USERS! The NEW Inogen One G5. 1-6 flow settings. Designed for 24 hour oxygen use. Compact and Lightweight. Get a Free Info kit today: 1-844-359-3986 (PNDC) Medical-Grade HEARING AIDS for LESS THAN $200! FDA-Registered. Crisp, clear sound, state of-the-art features & no audiologist needed. Try it RISK FREE for 45 Days! CALL 1-844-295-0409 (PNDC) Stay in your home longer with an American Standard Walk-In Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1-855-876-1237. (PNDC)

HOME SERVICES DISH TV - $59.99/month for 190 channels. $100 Gift Card with Qualifying Service! Free premium channels (Showtime, Starz, & more) for 3 months. Voice remote included. Restrictions apply, call for details. Call 1-866681-7887 (PNDC)

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ARE YOU BEHIND $10k OR MORE ON YOUR TAXES? Stop wage & bank levies, liens & audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, & resolve tax debt FAST. Call 1-855-730-0388 (PNDC) Over $10K in Debt? Be debt free in 24 to 48 months. No upfront fees to enroll. A+ BBB rated. Call National Debt Relief 1-888-231-4274 (PNDC)

Automobiles Wanted

Ninilchik House / 14635 Sterling Highway, Ninilchik, AK 99635. 65 years and older. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, Assigned parking w/ plug-in Community room, BBQ area with gazebo Quiet and manager/maintenance on-site, Accessible, Income limits apply. Contact us for rent rate. Equal Housing Opportunity. Beautifully maintained! A location like no other! Seldovia House / 350 Alder Street, Seldovia Alaska 99663Located on the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, this is a special place. Family style apartments and senior housing community. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, Assigned parking Community room, Accessible, Shared greenhouse and gardens, walking distance to local businesses and beach, peaceful vibe with manager and maintenance on-site. Income limits apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. Beautifully maintained! Contact us for rent rates. Chuda House / 52394 6th Avenue #25, Kenai, AK 99611 for 62 years and older. 1 & 2 bedroom1 bathroom624-720sf, Community room, Community garden, Accessible, Quiet with manager/maintenance on-site. Income limits apply.

Cleading

Contact us for rent rate For more information please call 907-793-3020 or visit our main office location at 3510 Spenard Rd Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99503 to schedule an appointment with a housing specialist. Visit our website at www.cookinlethousing.org for how to apply and our mission.

COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL SPACE FOR RENT 48 X 60 Commercial Building For Lease. Kenai Spur Highway Frontage48 X 60 Commercial Shop with two Bays GarageThree Offices on main floor2nd Floor has Open Area with Bathroom and 3 Room Crew Quarters for Out of Town Workers. $2,500 per month plus Utilities. Available Immediately(907) 398-3845

DONATE YOUR CAR FOR BREAST CANCER! Help United Breast Foundation education, prevention, & support programs. FAST FREE PICKUP - 24 HR RESPONSE - TAX DEDUCTION. 1-855-385-2819. (PNDC) DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR BOAT TO HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. CALL 1-844-493-7877 (PNDC)

APARTMENT HOMES AT NINILCHIK HOUSE / SELDOVIA HOUSE & CHUDA HOUSE. Rental Listings for Cook Inlet Housing Authority. Please call for rental rates. 907-793-3080.

Insulation

EMPLOYMENT

Attention: Oxygen Users! Gain freedom with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator! No more heavy tanks and refills! Guaranteed Lowest Prices! Call the Oxygen Concentrator Store: 1-855-641-2803 (PNNA)

Specializing in the evaluation and management of skin cancer

Houses For Rent www.peninsulaclarion.com

283-7551

LOCATE GREAT BARGAINS

For Rent Home in Nikiski. Ranch style 3 bedroom 2 bath 2 car attached garage remodeled home with fireplace. All appliances included. Close to School, stores and post office. 1200.00 monthly plus utilities. Deposit required. No Smoking and pets. Available January 1st, 2020. Call or text 907-398-1707 for applications.

OFFICE SPACE RENTAL AVAILABLE 609 Marine Street Kenai, Alaska 404 and 394sq,ft, shared entry $1/sq.ft 240sq.ft.Shared conference/Restrooms $0.50/sq.ft 283-4672

HUNGER PROBLEM! PLEASE HELP

Building To Nourish Campaign

www.peninsulaclarion.com

283-7551

Kenai Peninsula Food Bank 262-3111

180 E Beluga Ave, Soldotna, AK 99669 Monday - Thursday 8am-5pm (12-1 Closed) Friday 8am-12pm Saturday - Sunday Closed Mathew M. Cannava, MD | Soldotna | 907-262-7546

Serving The PeninSula SinceSINCE 1979 1979 SERVING THEKenai KENAI PENINSULA Business cards carbonless Forms labels/Stickers raffle Tickets letterheads Brochures envelopes Fliers/Posters custom Forms rack/Post cards and Much, Much More!

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT

IS EVERY PERSON’S

You’ll find bargains galore in the Peninsula Clarion’s classifieds. There’s something for everyone— at a price anyone can afford! Call today to list your bargains for a quick sale.

• Mohs Micrographic Surgery • Board-certified dermatology

Health

Send resume to: 220 Spur View Drive Kenai 99611 or fax (907)283-6443 or call (907)283-5400

ATTENTION DIABETICS! Save money on your diabetic supplies! Convenient home shipping for monitors, test strips, insulin pumps, catheters and more! To learn more, call now!1-866-835-3973. (PNDC)

APARTMENT FOR RENT Soldotna, Newly Remodeled, single level 2 bed/1 bath No Smoking/Pets W/D hookup $995 + Electric 907-252-7355 ASHA Approved

Printing

Needed for surgeon’s office. Full-time. Assisting in scheduling and coordinating patient care. Must have strong clinical background, knowledge of medical terminology, good telephone and typing skills and experienced in computers. Must be able to multi-task and work well with the public. Typing test required. Salary DOE.

Health/Medical

APARTMENTS FOR RENT

Business Cards Raffle Tickets oFEnvelopes We Color the FUll SPeCtrUM YoUr PrintingRack/Post needS Cards (907) 283-4977 150 Trading Bay Dr. Suite 2 Carbonless Forms Letterheads Custom Forms And Much More Labels/Stickers Brochures Fliers/Posters

WE COLOR THE FULL SPECTRUM OF YOUR PRINTING NEEDS 150 Trading Bay Road, Kenai, AK (907) 283-4977

Notice to Consumers

Notices

MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST/MEDICAL ASSISTANT

Orlando + Daytona Beach Florida Vacation! Enjoy 7 Days and 6 Nights with Hertz, Enterprise or Alamo Car Rental Included - Only $298.00. 12 months to use 1866-376-1559. (24/7) (PNDC)

Construction

Barn Stored Quality Timothy Hay $10/bale 262-4939 252-0937

Roofing

Tullos Funny Farm

Service Directory

The State of Alaska requires construction companies to be licensed, bonded and insured before submitting bids, performing work, or advertising as a construction contractor in accordance with AS 08..18.011, 08.18.071, 08.18.101, and 08.15.051. All advertisements as a construction contractor require the current registration number as issued by the Division of Occupational Licensing to appear in the advertisement. CONSUMERS MAY VERIFY REGISTRATION OF A CONTRACTOR. Contact the AK Department of Labor and Workforce Development at 907-269-4925 or The AK Division of Occupational Licensing in Juneau at 907-4653035 or at www.dced.state.ak.us/acc/home.htm

Call Advertising Display

(907) 283-7551 to get started!

TV Guide A12 | PENINSULA CLARION | PENINSULACLARION.COM | Friday, December 27, 2019 FRIDAY AFTERNOON/EVENING A

4:30

5 PM

5:30

Family Feud Family Feud Family Feud ABC World ‘PG’ ‘PG’ ‘PG’ News

(3) ABC-13 13 (6) MNT-5

4 PM

A = DISH

(8) CBS-11 11 (9) FOX-4

(10) NBC-2

(12) PBS-7

6 PM

6:30

(30) TBS

139 247

(31) TNT

138 245

(34) ESPN 140 206 (35) ESPN2 144 209 (36) ROOT 426 687 (38) PARMT 241 241 (43) AMC

131 254

(46) TOON 176 296 (47) ANPL 184 282 (49) DISN

173 291

(50) NICK

171 300

(51) FREE 180 311 (55) TLC

183 280

(56) DISC

182 278

(57) TRAV 196 277 (58) HIST

120 269

(59) A&E

118 265

(60) HGTV 112 229 (61) FOOD 110 231

(82) SYFY

^ HBO2 304 505 + MAX

311 516

5 SHOW 319 546 8 TMC

329 554

(6) MNT-5

Last Man Standing

(8) CBS-11 11 (9) FOX-4

(10) NBC-2

(12) PBS-7

Dateline ‘PG’

2 Broke Girls 2 Broke Girls How I Met Pawn Stars ‘14’ ‘14’ Your Mother “Ready, Set, ‘14’ Pawn” ‘PG’ Blue Bloods Frank’s safety is KTVA 11 (:35) The Late Show With James Corthreatened. ‘14’ News at 10 Stephen Colbert ‘PG’ den Fox 4 News at 9 (N) TMZ (N) ‘PG’ TMZ ‘PG’ Entertainment Two and a Tonight Half Men ‘14’ Dateline NBC (N) Craft in America “Identity” Artists challenge accepted norms. (N) ‘PG’

Channel 2 (:34) The Tonight Show Star- (:37) Late News: Late ring Jimmy Fallon ‘14’ Night With Edition (N) Seth Meyers Good Work: Masters of the Amanpour and Company (N) Building Arts ‘G’

Deal or No Deal “Happy Howie Days” ‘G’ The Ingraham Angle (N)

Deal or No Deal “Family Deal or No Deal ‘G’ Deal or No Deal ‘G’ Dateline “A Cold December Value$” ‘G’ Morning” ‘PG’ Fox News at Night With Tucker Carlson Tonight Hannity The Ingraham Angle Shannon Bream (N) South Park (:35) South (:10) South (:45) South Park “Red Hot (:20) South (7:55) South South Park South Park South Park South Park South Park ‘MA’ Park ‘MA’ Park ‘MA’ Catholic Love” ‘MA’ Park ‘MA’ Park ‘MA’ ‘MA’ ‘MA’ ‘MA’ ‘MA’ ‘MA’ “The Chronicles of Riddick” (2004, Science Fiction) Vin Diesel, Colm “Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014, Science Fiction) Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana. Futurama Futurama Feore. A fugitive fights an invading ruler and his army. A man must unite a team of aliens against a cosmic threat. ‘PG’ ‘PG’

Dateline “A Cold December Morning” ‘PG’ Fox News at Night With Shannon Bream South Park South Park ‘MA’ ‘MA’ Futurama Futurama ‘PG’ ‘PG’

SATELLITE PROVIDERS MAY CARRY A DIFFERENT FEED THAN LISTED HERE. THESE LISTINGS REFLECT LOCAL CABLE SYSTEM FEEDS.

(3:35) “Moulin Rouge” (2001) Nicole Kid(:45) Mel Brooks: Unwrapped The comic “A Star Is Born” (2018, Romance) Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Sam Elliott. (:20) “Just Like Heaven” (2005) Reese His Dark Materials “Betrayal” man. A writer shares a bittersweet romance looks back on his career. ‘14’ A country music star falls in love with a talented singer. ‘R’ Witherspoon. An architect falls for the spirit of The Magisterium closes in. with a nightclub diva. a comatose woman. ‘14’ Succession “Argestes” Lo(4:59) Succession “Return” Succession “Dundee” The Succession “DC” Logan testi- Succession Salvaging the (:15) “Hellboy” (2019, Action) David Harbour, Milla Jovovich, (:15) “Out of Sight” (1998) gan’s business deal is threat- Shiv seeks answers from her entire Roy clan travels to fies before Congress. ‘MA’ company’s reputation. ‘MA’ Ian McShane. Legendary half-demon Hellboy battles a venge- George Clooney, Ving ened. ‘MA’ father. ‘MA’ Scotland. ‘MA’ ful sorceress. ‘R’ Rhames. ‘R’ (3:45) “Jaws the Revenge” (1987) Lorraine (:20) “Hero” (2002) Jet Li. Flashbacks reveal “The Darkest Minds” (2018) Amandla Sten- (:45) “Lights Out” (2016, Horror) Teresa (:10) “Casino Royale” (2006, Action) Daniel Craig, Eva Gary. A woman is convinced that a shark is a warrior’s battles with assassins. (Subtitled- berg. Teens use powerful new abilities to take Palmer. A supernatural entity terrorizes a fam- Green, Mads Mikkelsen. James Bond plays poker with a man stalking her family. English) ‘PG-13’ back their future. ily at night. ‘PG-13’ who finances terrorists. ‘PG-13’ (3:00) “Fast (:45) “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” (2006, Ac- New Order: Decades New Order’s synthDuran Duran: There’s Some- Flack Robyn tackles a prob- The L Word: Generation Q “The Fast and the Furious” & Furious” tion) Lucas Black, Bow Wow. An American street racer takes orchestra collaboration with Liam Gillick. thing You Should Know lem while flying. (N) ‘MA’ “Lost Love” Bette prepares for (2001, Action) Vin Diesel. on a Japanese champion. ‘PG-13’ a debate. ‘MA’ ‘PG-13’ “S.W.A.T. Firefight” (2011, Action) Gabriel “Flypaper” (2011, Comedy) Patrick “Lars and the Real Girl” (2007, Comedy-Drama) Ryan “The Royal Tenenbaums” (2001, Comedy-Drama) Gene “Death at a Funeral” (2007) Macht. An assassin tries to eliminate a Detroit Dempsey, Ashley Judd. A man tries to protect Gosling. A lonely man forms an emotional bond with a plastic Hackman, Anjelica Huston. A scheming patriarch attempts to Matthew MacFadyen. ‘R’ SWAT unit. ‘R’ a bank teller. ‘NR’ woman. ‘PG-13’ reconcile with his family. ‘R’

4 PM

4:30

5 PM

TV A =Clarion DISH B = DirecTV 5:30

6 PM

6:30

7 PM

7:30

Jeopardy! ‘G’ Wheel of For- Brad Paisley Thinks He’s tune ‘G’ Special Celebrity friends join the singer. ‘PG’ Wipeout Contestants catapult Mike & Molly Mike & Molly Last Man Last Man Madam Secretary Info on a into foam. ‘PG’ ‘14’ ‘14’ Standing ‘PG’ Standing ‘G’ wanted terrorist emerges. ‘14’

(:37) Nightline (N) ‘G’

Last Man Standing

Family Feud Family Feud Family Feud ABC World ‘PG’ ‘PG’ ‘PG’ News

(3) ABC-13 13

ABC News at (:35) Jimmy Kimmel Live! 10 (N) ‘14’

Love It or List It “Need for Dream Home Dream Home Dream Home Dream Home Dream Home Dream Home Dream Home Dream Home Dream Home Dream Home Dream Home Dream Home Efficiency” ‘PG’ Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive Diners, Drive

December 22 - 28, 2019 SATURDAY AFTERNOON/EVENING A

9:30 10 PM 10:30 11 PM 11:30

Love It or List It ‘PG’

South Park South Park 107 249 ‘MA’ ‘MA’ (2:30) “Pitch Black” (2000) 122 244 Radha Mitchell. 303 504

9 PM

Married ... Married ... Married ... Married ... How I Met How I Met Elementary “Paint It Black” With With With With Your Mother Your Mother ‘14’ Breezies Intimates Collec- Barefoot Dreams - California Shopping (N) (Live) Breezies Intimates Collection Clearance (N) ‘G’ Style (N) (Live) ‘G’ tion Clearance ‘G’ “Unforgettable” (2017, Suspense) Rosario Dawson, Katherine Heigl, Geoff (:33) “The Perfect Soulmate” (2017, (:01) “Unforgettable” (2017, Stults. A jealous woman terrorizes her ex-husband’s fiancee. Suspense) Cassandra Scerbo, Alex Paxton- Suspense) Rosario Dawson, Beesley, Scott Gibson. ‘14’ Katherine Heigl. Law & Order: Special VicLaw & Order: Special VicLaw & Order: Special VicLaw & Order: Special VicLaw & Order: Special VicLaw & Order: Special VicModern Fam- Modern Fam- Modern Fam- Modern Famtims Unit ‘14’ tims Unit ‘14’ tims Unit ‘14’ tims Unit (N) ‘14’ tims Unit (N) ‘14’ tims Unit (N) ‘14’ ily ‘PG’ ily ‘PG’ ily ‘PG’ ily ‘PG’ Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy Family Guy “Hitch” (2005, Romance-Comedy) Will Smith, Eva Mendes, “The Hangover” (2009, Comedy) Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, ELEAGUE (Taped) ‘14’ “Trading “Tiegs for “Brothers & ‘14’ Kevin James. A smooth-talker helps a shy accountant woo Zach Galifianakis. Three pals must find a missing groom after Places” ‘14’ Two” ‘14’ Sisters” ‘14’ an heiress. a wild bash. Bones A farmer is suspected Bones A Halloween killer. ‘14’ Bones Remains in the incin- “Divergent” (2014, Science Fiction) Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Ashley Judd. A young “Insurgent” (2015) Shailene Woodley, Theo James. Fugiof murder. ‘14’ erator. ‘14’ woman discovers a plot to destroy those like her. tives Tris and Four search for allies and answers. (2:45) College Football Academy Sports & Outdoors Texas (:15) College Football Cheez-It Bowl -- Air Force vs Washington State. (N) (Live) (:45) SportsCenter (N) (Live) College Football: Military Bowl -- Oklahoma State vs Texas A&M. (N) Bowl Madden NFL 20 Club Cham- 2019 Classic Tetris World SC Featured (N) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) Now or Never Max on Box- SportsCenter pionship (N) Championship (N) ing Snow Motion West Coast Powerboat Charlie Moore Graham The Short Pro Football Seahawks Seahawks Heartland Poker Tour From Poker Night World Poker The Rich Eisen Show ‘PG’ ‘PG’ Sport Nationals Bensinger List (N) Weekly ‘G’ Press Pass Press Pass Oct. 30, 2017. in America (2:30) “Indiana Jones and the Last Cru“Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981, Adventure) Harrison Ford, Karen Allen. An “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” (1984) Harrison Ford, Kate Cap- “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” sade” (1989, Adventure) Harrison Ford. archaeologist races Nazis to find a powerful relic. shaw. Indy squares off against bloodthirsty Indian cultists. (1989) Harrison Ford, Sean Connery. “Godfather II” “The Godfather” (1972, Drama) Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan. A mafia patriarch tries to hold his empire together. “The Godfather, Part II” (1974, Crime Drama) Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton. Michael Corleone moves his father’s crime family to Las Vegas. (3:00) “The LEGO NINJAGO American American Bob’s Burg- Bob’s Burg- Family Guy Rick and Joe Pera The Eric An- Mike Tyson Bob’s Burg- Family Guy Rick and American Joe Pera Movie” (2017) Dad ‘14’ Dad ‘14’ ers ‘PG’ ers ‘PG’ ‘14’ Morty ‘14’ Talks w/You dre Show Mysteries ers ‘PG’ ‘14’ Morty ‘14’ Dad ‘14’ Talks w/You The Zoo: San Diego “WelThe Zoo: San Diego - Cali- The Zoo: San Diego - Cali- (:01) The Zoo: San Diego - A (:06) The Zoo: San Diego - A (:12) The Zoo: San Diego - A Look Inside The Zoo: San The Zoo: San Diego - A come to our World” ‘PG’ fornia Tales (N) ‘PG’ fornia Tales (N) ‘PG’ Look Inside (N) ‘PG’ Look Inside (N) ‘PG’ (N) ‘PG’ Diego Look Inside ‘PG’ Gabby Duran Gabby Duran Gabby Duran Raven’s Raven’s Raven’s “Sing” (2016, Children’s) Voices of Matthew McConaughey, Gabby Duran (:20) Sydney (9:50) Ra(:20) Just Roll Jessie ‘G’ Jessie ‘G’ Home ‘G’ Home ‘G’ Home ‘G’ Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane. to the Max ven’s Home With It The Loud The Loud The Loud The Loud America’s Most Musical “Ice Age: Continental Drift” (2012, Children’s) Voices of Friends ‘14’ Friends ‘14’ Friends ‘14’ Friends ‘14’ Friends ‘14’ Friends ‘14’ House ‘Y7’ House ‘Y7’ House ‘Y7’ House ‘Y7’ Family (N) ‘G’ Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary. (3:00) “Shrek” (2001) Voices The SimpThe SimpThe SimpThe SimpThe SimpThe Simp“Matilda” (1996) Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito. A child uses The 700 Club Good Trouble Callie’s love of Mike Myers. sons ‘PG’ sons ‘PG’ sons ‘PG’ sons ‘PG’ sons ‘PG’ sons ‘PG’ her amazing abilities against uncaring adults. life heats up. ‘14’ (3:00) 90 Day Fiancé ‘14’ 90 Day Fiancé Diving into 90 Day Fiancé “Most Outra- 90 Day Fiancé “First Look: 90 Day Fiancé “Darcey’s Continuing Journey” A look back at Darcey’s journey. ‘14’ 90 Day Fiancé “First Look: drama. ‘PG’ geous Moments” ‘14’ Episode 8” (N) ‘PG’ Episode 8” ‘PG’ Gold Rush Rick upgrades his Gold Rush Rick buys a mon- Gold Rush: Pay Dirt ‘PG’ Gold Rush ‘14’ Gold Rush “Rise of The Ma- Gold Rush ‘14’ operation. ‘14’ ster wash plant. ‘14’ chines” (N) ‘14’ The Dead Files “Driven to The Dead Files Dark forces The Dead Files “The GateKindred Spirits “Violent Encounters With Ax Murderers” The Ghost Loop A woman is ter- Trending Fear “Voodoo Ven- Kindred Spirits ‘14’ Kill” ‘PG’ wreak havoc. ‘PG’ way” ‘PG’ Villisca Axe Murder House. (N) ‘14’ rorized by an entity. (N) detta” (N) ‘PG’ Ancient Aliens “Aliens in Ancient Aliens “The Alien Ancient Aliens “Food of the Ancient Aliens “Secrets of (:02) Ancient Aliens “Return to Mars” Possible encounters (:05) Ancient Aliens ‘PG’ (:03) Ancient Aliens ‘PG’ America” ‘14’ Agenda” ‘PG’ Gods” ‘PG’ the Exoplanets” ‘PG’ beyond Earth. ‘PG’ Live PD “Live PD -- 12.08.18” ‘14’ Live PD: Rewind “Live PD: Live PD “Live PD -- 12.01.18” (N Same-day Tape) ‘14’ Live PD “Live PD -- 12.01.18” Rewind No. 177” ‘14’ ‘14’

PREMIUM STATIONS ! HBO

8:30

SATELLITE PROVIDERS MAY CARRY A DIFFERENT FEED THAN LISTED HERE. THESE LISTINGS REFLECT LOCAL CABLE SYSTEM FEEDS.

Deal or No Deal “Beard or No Deal or No Deal “It Takes (65) CNBC 208 355 Beard” ‘G’ Two” ‘G’ Tucker Carlson Tonight (N) Hannity (N) (67) FNC 205 360 (81) COM

8 PM

Wheel of For- American Fresh Off the 20/20 tune ‘G’ Housewife Boat ‘PG’ ‘PG’ Chicago P.D. “Good Men” Mike & Molly Mike & Molly Last Man Last Man CSI: Miami “See No Evil” A CSI: Miami “Manhunt” HoraIntelligence works with the ‘14’ ‘14’ Standing ‘PG’ Standing ‘PG’ blind man hears a girl’s abtio’s wife’s killer escapes. ‘14’ CFD. ‘14’ duction. ‘14’ The Ellen DeGeneres Show KTVA 11 CBS Evening KTVA 11 News at 6 Hawaii Five-0 “E’ao lu’au a Magnum P.I. “Winner Takes ‘PG’ News at 5 News kualima” ‘14’ All” ‘PG’ Two and a Entertainment Funny You Funny You The Big Bang The Big Bang WWE Friday Night SmackDown (N Same-day Tape) ‘PG’ Half Men ‘14’ Tonight (N) Should Ask Should Ask Theory ‘14’ Theory ‘PG’ ‘PG’ ‘PG’ Judge Judy Judge Judy Channel 2 NBC Nightly Channel 2 Newshour (N) “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of (N) ‘PG’ ‘PG’ News 5:00 News With Love” (2016, Docudrama) Jennifer Nettles. Dolly Parton’s Report (N) Lester Holt father tries to buy his wife a wedding ring. ‘G’ Death in Paradise A pasBBC World Nightly Busi- PBS NewsHour (N) Washington Alaska InCraft in America “Quilts” senger gets stabbed on a News ness Report Week (N) sight Contemporary masters of bus. ‘PG’ America ‘G’ quilting. (N) ‘PG’

CABLE STATIONS

105 242

7:30

DECEMBER 27, 2019

Jeopardy! (N) ‘G’

Last Man Last Man Last Man Last Man Last Man Last Man (8) WGN-A 239 307 Standing Standing Standing Standing Standing Standing Lisa Rinna Collection Barefoot Dreams - California Jane’s Closet (N) (Live) ‘G’ (20) QVC 137 317 Fashion “Fashion” (N) ‘G’ Style (N) (Live) ‘G’ “The Bodyguard” (1992, Drama) Kevin Costner, Whitney Houston, Gary Kemp. A body (23) LIFE 108 252 guard falls for the singer-actress he must protect. (28) USA

7 PM

B = DirecTV

8 PM

13 DECEMBER 28, 2019

8:30

9 PM

9:30 10 PM 10:30 11 PM 11:30

The Rookie “Safety” Jes20/20 sica gives John surprising news. ‘14’ Chicago P.D. The unit targets Heartland A family prepares a cocaine supplier. ‘14’ for Christmas in the Canadian Rockies. ‘PG’ Mission Un- Pet Vet-Team Frontiers ‘G’ CBS Week- Modern Fam- Modern Fam- NCIS: Los Angeles “The One S.W.A.T. A family takes an CBS News Special-Family stoppable end News ily ‘PG’ ily ‘PG’ That Got Away” ‘14’ officer hostage. ‘14’ Separation 9-1-1 “Rage” Helping protest- The Resident Construction To Be Announced Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours To Be Announced Two and a Two and a ers at a slaughter house. ‘14’ causes a gas explosion. ‘14’ to Hell and Back “Bayou on Half Men ‘PG’ Half Men ‘PG’ the Vine” ‘14’ Leverage The team goes after Channel 2 NBC Nightly Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Dateline NBC Saturday Night Live (N) ‘14’ an adoption company. ‘PG’ News: Week- News With ‘PG’ “Peeping end Lester Holt Pawn” ‘PG’ Pledge Programming TBA Pledge Programming TBA

CABLE STATIONS

Extra (N) ‘PG’

Entertainers: With Byron Allen ‘PG’

2 Broke Girls 2 Broke Girls How I Met How I Met ‘14’ ‘14’ Your Mother Your Mother ‘14’ ‘14’ KTVA Night- Castle A poisoning at an Old Major Crimes cast West-style resort. ‘PG’ ‘14’ To Be Announced Comedy.TV ‘PG’ Channel 2 News: Late Edition (N)

(:29) Saturday Night Live ‘14’

SATELLITE PROVIDERS MAY CARRY A DIFFERENT FEED THAN LISTED HERE. THESE LISTINGS REFLECT LOCAL CABLE SYSTEM FEEDS.

(3:00) “Full Metal Jacket” (1987, War) Mat- “Full Metal Jacket” (1987, War) Matthew Modine, Adam Baldwin. Stanley “The Punisher” (2004, Action) Thomas Jane, John Travolta, Will Patton. An Cops ‘PG’ Cops ‘14’ Cops ‘14’ (8) WGN-A 239 307 thew Modine, Adam Baldwin. Kubrick’s harrowing portrait of the Vietnam War. FBI agent seeks revenge for the murder of his family. Dooney & Bourke “20th Anniversary” Handbags and acces- Style Scene (N) (Live) ‘G’ FITNATION Flex Bike (N) Mally: Color Cosmetics (N) Shopping (N) (Live) FITNATION Flex Bike ‘G’ (20) QVC 137 317 sories. (N) (Live) ‘G’ (Live) ‘G’ (Live) ‘G’ (3:00) “Killer Single Dad” “My Wife’s Secret Life” (2019, Suspense) Jason Cermak, “Deadly Hollywood Obsession” (2019, Suspense) Sarah (:03) “Killer Contractor” (2019, Suspense) Alyshia Ochse, (:01) “Deadly Hollywood Blake Williams, Amber Lewis. Kent devises a revenge plan Roemer, Jon Prescott. A famous man’s stalker gets angry Zac Titus, Mark Lawson. Kerry returns home to settle the Obsession” (2019) Sarah (23) LIFE 108 252 (2018, Suspense) Kaitlyn Black, Cameron Jebo. ‘14’ against a woman. ‘14’ when he starts falling in love. estate of her late father. ‘14’ Roemer, Jon Prescott. “Harry Pot- (:18) “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” (2002, Children’s) Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma (7:46) “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” (2004, (:01) Modern (:31) Modern (:01) Modern (:31) Modern (28) USA 105 242 ter” Watson. A malevolent force threatens the students at Hogwarts. Children’s) Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint. Family ‘PG’ Family ‘PG’ Family ‘PG’ Family ‘PG’ (2:30) “The Replacements” “The Hangover” (2009, Comedy) Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang The Big Bang Full Frontal The Misery The Misery Impractical With Saman- Index ‘14’ Index ‘14’ Jokers ‘14’ (30) TBS 139 247 (2000) Keanu Reeves, Gene Zach Galifianakis. Three pals must find a missing groom after Theory ‘PG’ Theory ‘PG’ Theory ‘PG’ Theory ‘PG’ Theory ‘PG’ Theory ‘14’ Hackman. a wild bash. tha Bee (2:45) “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2003, Fantasy) Elijah Wood, Ian “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” (2012, Fantasy) Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage. “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” (31) TNT 138 245 McKellen. Humans and creatures unite to battle Sauron and his army. Bilbo Baggins joins the quest to reclaim a lost kingdom. (2013, Fantasy) Ian McKellen. PlayStation Fiesta Bowl Clemson vs Ohio State. A College Football Playoff semifinal sees No. 2 Ohio State Playoff Post- (7:50) SportsCenter With SportsCenter (N) (Live) SportsCenter (N) (Live) Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Okla (34) ESPN 140 206 battle No. 3 Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl. (N) (Live) game Scott Van Pelt (N) (Live) homa vs LSU. College Football Playoff Bowl Simulcast (N) (Live) Playoff Post- SportsCenter UFC Knock- UFC Sound UFC Sound College Football Cheez-It Bowl -- Air Force vs Washington (35) ESPN2 144 209 game outs Waves ‘14’ Waves ‘14’ State. (Taped) College Basketball American at Georgetown. From Capital College Basketball Central Arkansas at Marquette. From College Basketball Louisiana-Monroe at Butler. From Hinkle College Basketball Midland at Creighton. (N Same-day (36) ROOT 426 687 One Arena in Washington, D.C. Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. (N Same-day Tape) Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (N Same-day Tape) Tape) (3:30) “Die Hard With a Vengeance” (1995, Action) Bruce Willis. A New “Law Abiding Citizen” (2009) Jamie Foxx, Gerard Butler. A prosecutor gets Bellator MMA Live Michael Chandler versus Benson Henderson; Rampage “Law Abiding (38) PARMT 241 241 York cop must stop a mad bomber’s game of revenge. caught up in a vengeful prisoner’s twisted scheme. Jackson versus Fedor Emelianenko. ‘14’ Citizen” “Coach “Safe House” (2012, Action) Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds. A rookie “Star Trek” (2009, Science Fiction) Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Leonard Nimoy. Chronicles “Transporter 3” (2008, Action) Jason Statham. Frank Martin (43) AMC 131 254 Carter” and a renegade operative try to evade assassins. the early days of the starship Enterprise and her crew. becomes involved with a Ukrainian woman. Steven Uni- Steven Uni- Bob’s Burg- Bob’s Burg- Family Guy Family Guy My Hero Aca- One Punch Dr. Stone Fire Force Food Wars! Demon Slayer Black Clover JoJo-Golden Naruto: Ship- Lupin the 3rd (46) TOON 176 296 verse verse ers ‘PG’ ers ‘PG’ ‘14’ ‘14’ demia Man ‘14’ ‘14’ puden Part 5 (3:00) Killer Whales: The Serengeti Families turn Serengeti Competition heats Serengeti “Invasion” ‘PG’ Serengeti “Misfortune” The Serengeti “Exodus” ‘PG’ Serengeti “Rebirth” ‘PG’ Serengeti “Misfortune” The (47) ANPL 184 282 Mega Hunt ‘PG’ against each other. ‘PG’ up. ‘PG’ Great Migration. ‘PG’ Great Migration. ‘PG’ (3:55) Ra(:20) Raven’s (:10) “Sing” (2016, Children’s) Voices of Matthew McCoBig City Big City Big City Big City Gabby Duran Gabby Duran Raven’s Just Roll With Jessie ‘G’ Jessie ‘G’ (49) DISN 173 291 ven’s Home Home naughey, Reese Witherspoon, Seth MacFarlane. Greens ‘Y7’ Greens ‘Y7’ Greens ‘Y7’ Greens ‘Y7’ Home ‘G’ It ‘G’ The Loud The Loud SpongeBob SpongeBob “Paddington” (2014, Children’s) Hugh Bonneville, Sally SpongeBob SpongeBob Friends ‘14’ Friends ‘14’ Friends ‘14’ Friends ‘14’ Friends ‘14’ Friends ‘14’ (50) NICK 171 300 House ‘Y7’ House ‘Y7’ Hawkins, Julie Walters. “Nat’l Trea- (:40) “Iron Man” (2008, Action) Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow. A (:45) “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (2014, Action) Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. grown-ish ‘14’ grown-ish ‘14’ (51) FREE 180 311 sure” billionaire dons an armored suit to fight criminals. Jackson. Capt. America and the Black Widow face an unexpected enemy. Untold Stories of the E.R. Untold Stories of the E.R. Untold Stories of the E.R. 90 Day Fiancé “Jenny & Sumit: Our Journey So Far” A look 90 Day Fiancé “Deavan & Jihoon: Our Journey So Far” A 90 Day Fiancé ‘PG’ (55) TLC 183 280 “Never Say Die” ‘PG’ ‘PG’ “When It Rains” ‘PG’ back at Jenny and Sumit’s time together. ‘PG’ look at Deavan and Jihoon’s journey. ‘PG’ Deadliest Catch “UnbreakDeadliest Catch “Hell or High Deadliest Catch “Unholy Alli- Deadliest Catch Smoke fills Deadliest Catch “Winter Collision Course” Captains prepare for the final dash. (N) ‘14’ Expedition Unknown: Redis (56) DISC 182 278 able” ‘PG’ Water” ‘PG’ ance” ‘PG’ the Wizard. ‘PG’ covered Destination Fear ‘PG’ Destination Fear “Sweet Destination Fear “St. Albans Destination Fear “Eloise Psy- Destination Fear “Madison Destination Fear “Pennhurst Destination Fear ‘14’ Destination Fear “Eloise Psy (57) TRAV 196 277 Springs Sanitarium” ‘PG’ Sanatorium” ‘PG’ chiatric Hospital” ‘PG’ Seminary” ‘14’ State School” ‘14’ chiatric Hospital” ‘PG’ Ancient Aliens “The ReAncient Aliens Beliefs about Ancient Aliens “The Alien Ancient Aliens: Declassified ‘PG’ (:03) Ancient Aliens: Declas (58) HIST 120 269 turned” ‘PG’ meteorites. ‘PG’ Brain” ‘PG’ sified ‘PG’ Live PD “Live PD -- 11.17.18” ‘14’ Live PD: Rewind Highlights Live PD “Live PD -- 12.14.18” (N Same-day Tape) ‘14’ Live PD “Live PD -- 12.14.18” from the series. ‘14’ ‘14’ (59) A&E 118 265 Good Bones “A Structure (60) HGTV 112 229 Worth Saving” ‘G’ Kids Baking Champion (61) FOOD 110 231 ship ‘G’ Shark Tank A product to ease (65) CNBC 208 355 back pain. ‘PG’ Watters’ World (N) (67) FNC 205 360 (81) COM (82) SYFY

Beachfront Beachfront Bahamas Life Bahamas Life Island Life Island Life Hawaii Life Hawaii Life Bargain Bargain (N) ‘G’ (N) ‘G’ (N) ‘G’ (N) ‘G’ ‘G’ ‘G’ Kids Baking ChampionKids Baking Championship Kids Baking ChampionKids Baking ChampionKids Baking Championship Kids Baking Championship ship ‘G’ “Freaky Flavors” ‘G’ ship ‘G’ ship ‘G’ “Puzzle Me This” ‘G’ (N) ‘G’ Shark Tank ‘PG’ Shark Tank ‘PG’ Shark Tank A dissolvable pro- Shark Tank Pet-safe bug Shark Tank Fitness apparel Paid Program Paid Program tein pack product. ‘PG’ repellents. ‘PG’ line. ‘PG’ ‘G’ ‘G’ Justice With Judge Jeanine The Greg Gutfeld Show (N) Watters’ World Justice With Judge Jeanine The Greg Gutfeld Show Watters’ World (N) (Live) (2:35) “Meet the Parents” (:15) “The Internship” (2013, Comedy) Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Rose Byrne. Old“21 Jump Street” (2012, Comedy) Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Brie Larson. South Park 107 249 (2000) Robert De Niro. school salesmen finagle internships at Google. Young cops go under cover as high-school students. ‘MA’ (2:29) “Saban’s Power Rang- “Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014, Science Fiction) Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana. “Doctor Strange” (2016, Action) Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor. (:15) Futura- (:45) Futura122 244 ers” (2017, Action) A man must unite a team of aliens against a cosmic threat. The Ancient One introduces Dr. Stephen Strange to magic. ma ‘PG’ ma ‘PG’

PREMIUM STATIONS ! HBO

311 516

5 SHOW 319 546 8 TMC

Good Bones ‘G’

Bahamas Bahamas Life ‘G’ Life ‘G’ Kids Baking Championship ‘G’ The Profit Teaching management skills. ‘PG’ Justice With Judge Jeanine South Park ‘MA’ (:15) Futurama ‘PG’

South Park ‘MA’ (:45) Hell Den ‘MA’

SATELLITE PROVIDERS MAY CARRY A DIFFERENT FEED THAN LISTED HERE. THESE LISTINGS REFLECT LOCAL CABLE SYSTEM FEEDS.

(2:45) “Suck- (:45) “Shazam!” (2019, Action) Zachary Levi, Mark Strong, Asher Angel. Shazam squares off against the evil Dr. Thaddeus Sivana. ‘PG-13’ 303 504 er Punch”

^ HBO2 304 505 + MAX

Good Bones ‘G’

329 554

“Pokémon Detective Pikachu” (2019, (:45) His Dark Materials (:45) “Cold Pursuit” (2019, Action) Liam Neeson, Tom Bate- (:45) “Long Children’s) Voice of Ryan Reynolds, Justice “Betrayal” The Magisterium man, Tom Jackson. A vigilante seeks justice against a drug Shot” (2019) Smith. ‘PG’ closes in. ‘14’ lord and his crew. ‘R’ ‘R’ (3:14) Cher“Isn’t It Romantic” (2019) Rebel Wilson. A Dan Soder: Son of a Gary “Crazy, Stupid, Love.” (2011) Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling. “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2018, Biography) Rami Malek, (:15) “Honey” (2003, Drama) nobyl ‘MA’ woman becomes trapped in a real-life roman- The comic performs in New A suddenly single 40-something needs help finding his groove Lucy Boynton. Singer Freddie Mercury and Queen find suc- Jessica Alba, Mekhi Phifer. tic comedy. ‘PG-13’ York City. ‘MA’ again. ‘PG-13’ cess in the 1970s. ‘PG-13’ ‘PG-13’ (3:05) “Ricochet” (1991, (4:50) “Déjà Vu” (2006, Suspense) Denzel Washington, Val “Enemy of the State” (1998, Suspense) Will Smith, Gene (:15) “Rampage” (2018, Action) Dwayne Johnson, Naomie (:05) “BlacKkKlansman” Action) Denzel Washington, Kilmer. A time-folding federal agent falls in love with a future Hackman, Jon Voight. Rogue agents hunt a lawyer who has Harris, Malin Akerman. Three giant, mutated beasts embark (2018) John David WashIce-T. ‘R’ murder victim. ‘PG-13’ an incriminating tape. ‘R’ on a path of destruction. ‘PG-13’ ington. Shameless Lip leans on a Boxing Gervonta Davis vs. Yuriorkis Gamboa. (N) (Live) Shameless “Sparky” An unex- Shameless “Adios Gringos” Shameless “Citizen Carl” Carl Ray Donovan new friend for advice. ‘MA’ pected visitor shows up. ‘MA’ Frank and Liam get wined and embraces his civic duty. ‘MA’ “Inside Guy” dined. ‘MA’ ‘MA’ (:05) “Road House” (1989, Action) Patrick Swayze, Kelly “The Faculty” (1998, Horror) Jordana Brewster, Clea Du“Piranha” (2010, Horror) Elisabeth Shue. “Zombie Honeymoon” (2004) Tracy “Piranha” (2010, HorLynch, Sam Elliott. A legendary bouncer agrees to tame a Vall, Laura Harris. High-school students suspect that their Hundreds of man-eating fish converge on a Coogan. A woman adapts to her glassy ror) Elisabeth Shue, Adam notorious gin mill. ‘R’ teachers are aliens. ‘R’ popular waterside resort. ‘R’ spouse after a zombie attack. Scott. ‘R’

December 22 - 28, 2019

Clarion TV

Peninsula Clarion

Attack From Page A1

it’s targeted.” Willis, who said she was reluctant to go public with the attack, is now speaking out — first at a local organizing meeting for Soldotna Pride on Dec. 19 and then in a public Facebook post on Dec. 24. Willis said she decided to come forward for the sake of those in the LGBTQ community who may not have the same resources that she does. “I want the LGBTQ community to know that there’s somebody out there who may or may not be targeting them,” Willis said. “And while most people in the LGBTQ community tend to be very cautious, they need to be hyper-vigilant cautious. And if anybody has shared experience or have been harassed, they really need to come forward. Because it’s not going to stop until they do.”

The attack On the morning of Dec. 9, Willis was getting ready for work as she always does at her home in Sterling. At about 6:30 a.m., winter storms knocked out Willis’ power along with the rest of her neighborhood and many other parts of the Kenai Peninsula. When Willis stepped outside her garage to investigate the outage, she said she was immediately shoved back into her garage and onto the ground by an unknown assailant who had been standing outside. “He tried to stab me at one point, I think,” Willis said while recalling the incident. “I grabbed the knife and pushed it away. So I ended up with cuts on my hand and on my breast.” Willis said she was able to get back up after being initially pushed to the ground, but with no power and no daylight the garage was too dark for her to get a good look at her attacker. Willis said that she believed her attacker was a man, but the only other distinguishing feature she was able to identify while being assaulted was the attacker’s smell. “I could tell he had a really bad body odor. I mean really rank,” Willis said. “He felt like he was taller than I was, and he felt like he was a little on the thick side. Not fat, but definitely not skinny.” Willis is deaf, so she relies heavily on her ability to see. Because the power had gone out moments before, Willis said she was not able to learn much about her attacker. “He could have said something, but unless I can see your face and lip-read you, I wouldn’t necessarily know,” Willis said. “I didn’t hear a truck pull up, I didn’t hear any of the things that might have warned me

something was going on.” Willis said that she was worried he was going to kill her, and thinks that he may have if he had been able to see more clearly. “I had my arm up, blocking, and I was trying to step back, but at one point I felt it (the knife) and it felt like it was penetrating my chest. And that’s when I pushed it away,” Willis said. “I honestly think that if the lights had been on, and he could see me, I’d probably be dead. I think the only thing that saved me was the fact that the power did go out.” After the knife had been knocked out of his hands, the attacker continued punching her in the side and the face before eventually getting up and leaving, Willis said. Willis immediately called 911 and contacted her wife — who was working in Anchorage at the time — and her friends to let them know what had happened. “Being in the dark as a deaf person is very disorienting … I don’t even know how to describe it, but I was in a dark room. I couldn’t hear. I couldn’t see. I knew the door was open, but I didn’t know if he was still there or not,” Willis said. Willis was still in shock when one of her friends arrived to check on her. Shortly after that, her friends Leslie and Nate Byrd arrived, and they had to direct the State Troopers — who Byrd said were looking for her in the wrong part of the neighborhood — to Willis’ home. “In all fairness, I couldn’t remember my house address,” Willis said. Willis was taken to Central Peninsula Hospital to be treated for her injuries. Pictures that Willis shared with the Clarion and later publicly on Facebook showed that Willis had cuts on her arms, some as big as 3 inches in length, stab wounds on her chest, a head injury from hitting the garage floor and bruises all over her body. After the attack at her home, Willis spoke to troopers, who posted the dispatch for the incident on Willis four days after the attack occurred. Willis’ name is not mentioned in the dispatch, and the incident was listed as an “assault/burglary.” Troopers did not find the attacker that day, and according to the Department of Public Safety’s Public Information Officer Ken Marsh the investigation is ongoing and is being approached as an isolated incident. Willis said she hasn’t spoken with troopers since the initial interview the day after the attack. Trenton Harris, the State Trooper investigating the case, told the Clarion on Dec. 23 that the event was classified as an assault/burglary because it falls under the statutory definition of that crime — a person unlawfully entering a building with the intent to commit a crime. The attack is not currently being investigated as a hate crime, and Harris said that the hate

crime classification is an “aggravator” that is added to the initial charges during the trial process, not during the investigation. Under current Alaska law, sexual orientation is not included as a protected category in regards to hate crimes. Harris also said that the troopers have been in contact with the Soldotna Police Department — which handled the previous two incidents — since the investigation began. Soldotna Police Chief Peter Mlynarik said on Dec. 26 that the case of the threatening note has been closed and the case of the smashed windshield is currently being reviewed to determine if any further action is needed before closing it. No suspects were arrested or charged in either case, Mlynarik said. Mlynarik did not specify why the original case regarding the note had been closed. Willis’ neighbor has a security camera that faces Willis’ garage, but due to the power outage the footage wouldn’t show the moments of the attack, only the time leading up to it, Willis said. Willis said that troopers are still working on obtaining the footage from her neighbor, and she hopes that it will shed some light on the investigation. Harris said that, as of Dec. 23, they have not yet reviewed the neighbor’s security footage. Willis said that troopers found the knife that they believe her attacker had used during the initial investigation. Willis said she believes the attacker was unable to recover the knife due to the darkness. As of Dec. 23, the knife had not been sent to the Alaska State Crime Lab in Anchorage for analysis, Harris said.

Community support Since the attack, Willis has been staying at another location out of fear of returning to her home. Willis has friends and coworkers who have kept a close eye on her, and she doesn’t go anywhere alone. Willis said that she feels as safe as she could possibly be, given the circumstances. “I have the privilege of having these resources, and I think it’s … I think I need to use my privilege in a way that’s going to maybe make the LGBTQ community realize that they need to be safer. They need to be more cautious and more careful,” Willis said. “If I was anybody but me, I’d probably be dead.” The second Pride planning meeting took place on Thursday, Dec. 19, and that was when Willis shared her story with some of the organizers for the first time. The reactions were a mix of anger, frustration, empathy and determination. Some offered Willis a place to stay and extended that invitation to any others who have been targeted for their identity. After Willis had spoken, the conversation

Friday, December 27, 2019

A13

Photo courtesy Tammie Willis

Tammie Willis’ smashed window can be seen here Nov. 22 in Soldotna.

shifted to what could be done to raise awareness in the community about violence and harassment towards the LGBTQ community. The organizers made plans to arrange some sort of town hall or public meeting where individuals who have faced targeted harassment can speak directly to local law enforcement and elected representatives about their experiences. Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, spoke to the Clarion on Dec. 26 after hearing about the assault, and said he would be interested in attending “any town hall related to the safety of our citizens.” “What happened to Tammie is horrifying,” Micciche said. “If anyone knows anything about this, please come forward so that we can find who did this.” Micciche said that he has been in contact with Willis and local law enforcement and expressed his confidence that the troopers and Soldotna police are “aggressively” investigating the incidents. Willis said she would continue to advocate for the LGBTQ community and wants to shift the focus from what happened to her to preventing an attack on anyone else. “I don’t want it to be about me,” Willis said. “I want it to be about helping the LGBTQ community find safety, or at least acknowledging the lack of safety on the peninsula.” The Soldotna Pride in the Park organizers have scheduled a town hall revolving around the topic of LGBTQ Safety that will take place on Jan. 4 at the Soldotna Public Library from 2:30 to 5:45 p.m. and is open to the public. In the meantime, individuals who feel unsafe can call 907-262-0257, which is a dedicated, 24-hour line at KPC that will provide support and resources.

2020 HELP US WELCOME 2020 IN STYLE WITH

Mark LaBrell

Dec 31st • 9:00PM-1:00AM PARTY FAVORS & CHAMPAGNE AT MIDNITE WITH BREAKFAST TO FOLLOW

2020

LIVE MUSIC in the Lounge 6-9pm Offering the full dinner menu plus New Year's Eve Specials. Call 262-4305 for a reservation or information $50 Rooms available with purchase of dinner at Mykel's. Call the Soldotna Inn 262-9169

$135 pe r person Includes tax and gratu ity

Roaring a 20’s Gal

THOUGHTFULLY PREPARED LOCAL FOOD

EATERY + WINE BAR

ENJOY A FIVE COURSE MEAL WITH PAIRED WINES AND CHAMPAGNE TOAST LIVE MUSIC AND DANCING BY RIVERTOWN ROYAL FEATURING JACK WILL AND SUE BIGGS 8PM - 12AM DEC 31, 2019 TICKETS AVAILABLE AT BREW@602 AND ADDIE CAMP

Mile 14.1 K-Beach • 283-9211

LIMITED SEATING TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 907 262 2334

Kenai Performers Main Street Tap and Grill PRESENT

THE GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA

Come join us for a fun filled evening of entertainment celebrating the best of the 1920’s, 1930’s, 1940’s and 1950’s

DECEMBER 31, 2019 AT MAIN STREET TAP AND GRILL Doors open at 8pm, Gala begins at 9pm New year’s Eve Toast at Midnight

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Duck Inn

THE Roaring 20’s Costume Contest, Balloon Drop & Champagne Toast at Midnight

Dec 31st • 9pm

fun, fun, fun! Eat, drink & be merry, but please do not drink and drive.

Motel • Restaurant • Lounge K- Beach Rd. - Next to Red Diamond Center - 262-1849

$25 per person | $50 for hotel room Tickets: online www.kenaiperformers.org or call 398-4205 Hotel Reservations: Main Street Tap and Grill 907-395-0394

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year from our Acapulco Family to all Alaska Residents.

No worries about cooking, leave the cooking to Acacuplco in 2020!

Regular hours on New Years Day Jan. 1st 11 am - 9 pm

260-5666

43543 Sterling Hwy.,

Soldotna

Offering Sparkling Wines from every continent except Antarctica!

2020