Alaska
Alaska Supreme Court rules against Soldotna in annexation case
Alaska’s highest court ruled against the City of Soldotna on Friday in the city’s long standing annexation case. The decision sends the city back to the drawing board in its efforts to bring more central Kenai Peninsula residents into Soldotna’s boundaries.
Soldotna City manager Janette Bower says Alaska Supreme Court’s ruling is disappointing.
“It’s, you know, not the decision we wanted, but you know, of course, we’re going to always respect the Supreme Court and then we’ll review to see what other options may be available to us and whether we will continue to pursue the annexation,” she said.
The Friday ruling caps more than five years of work by the city to annex about two-and-a-half acres of land in Ridgeway, Funny River and Kalifornsky into Soldotna city limits. And it has implications beyond Soldotna — it sets a new precedent for how the Alaska Local Boundary Commission can advance those types of petitions.
“No other municipality has had to, basically, take the decision to a vote,” she said. “ … It’s usually done, you know, by unanimous decision by LBC. So This is, you know, uncharted territory, and part of the reason why we did appeal is because it could have an effect on other municipalities in the state.”
The ruling’s rooted in a 2020 decision by the Alaska Local Boundary Commission to send the city’s proposal to voters amid opposition from residents living in the areas proposed for annexation.
The city says annexing the properties will allow the city to grow and more equitably distribute the cost of city services like road maintenance among properties that benefit from them. But property owners who oppose annexation say they intentionally chose to live outside city limits, so they wouldn’t be subject to Soldotna’s laws.
On a 3-2 vote, local boundary commissioners amended Soldotna’s petition. The amendment made annexation contingent on approval by voters in the city and in the areas proposed for annexation. That’s instead of making it contingent on approval by state lawmakers. It was the first time the commission amended a petition in that manner.
The city wanted the decision to go to the Alaska Legislature. So it appealed the commission’s decision, as well as the superior court ruling that affirmed the commission vote.
Throughout the appeal, Soldotna’s lawyers have argued that the commission acted outside its authority, that the decision was inconsistent and that the underlying regulation was invalid. Here’s Bower again.
“Our argument is, and continues to be – as it states in the decision that we argued – that the commission’s constitutional obligation is to make decisions about municipal boundaries apart from the political process and local self interest,” she said.
In Friday’s ruling, though, the Alaska Supreme Court said the Local Boundary Commission “acted within its statutory grant of authority and had a reasonable basis for converting the petition.”
It will ultimately fall to Soldotna City Council members to decide how the city should move forward. That could include submitting a new annexation petition.
“What are we going to do next?” Bower said. “I can’t tell you what we’re doing next, because we don’t know, you know, just a few hours into the decision, we’re not quite sure of what that will look like, but we’ll be putting that all together for a report to the council and making a decision.”
A full history of Soldotna’s annexation efforts is available on the city’s website at soldotna.org/government/annexation.
At Icy Strait Point, visitors can spot whales and eagles while supporting a small Alaska community.
How cruise tourism could help and hurt Alaska’s environment
Although Alaskans rely on revenue tourism cruise ships bring in, some locals are raising concerns on the impact of tourism on Alaska’s environment.
Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska, offers a rare kind of cruise stop — one where nature, culture, and community take center stage. It was also specifically developed with tourists in mind.
Built on Huna Tlingit land near Hoonah, this privately owned destination was designed to spread visitors across 23,000 acres of wilderness rather than overwhelm the town. The result is a place where travelers can see bald eagles, sea lions, and crashing waves instead of traffic and tour buses.
Beyond its dramatic scenery, Icy Strait Point generates about $20 million in annual economic impact for a community of roughly 900 people, supporting hundreds of jobs, making it a model for how tourism can benefit residents while preserving Alaska’s character.
Why it matters
Located on Huna Tlingit land, Icy Strait Point shows how tourism can support small communities while preserving their identity. Places like this reflect a broader American story of stewardship, self-determination, and economic opportunity.
According to Icy Strait Point’s Senior Vice President, Tyler Hackman, the destination generates “$20 million a year of positive economic impact on a community of 900 people,” creating jobs while allowing Hoonah to remain distinctly itself.
What to see today
Unlike many cruise ports, Icy Strait Point feels remarkably undeveloped.
“This place is mostly untouched,” Hackman said. “When a ship comes into a dock here, somebody can be standing on the top deck of the ship, and you don’t see a parking lot, you don’t see a bus, you don’t see a vehicle.”
Visitors can take a gondola to the mountaintop for sweeping views, then follow Hackman’s advice and head to the beach in front of the historic cannery. There, they can search for shells, dip their hands in Alaska’s icy waters, and take in snowcapped peaks on the horizon — and maybe spot a humpback whale or an orca.
Ask a local
For a sweet stop with a bigger purpose, visit Lil’ Gen’s Mini-Doughnuts.
Operated by The Salvation Army, the shop serves warm mini-doughnuts to cruise visitors all summer. The impact extends far beyond dessert: Hackman said that in 2025, profits from the shop helped fund “$130,000 worth of food to the local community.”
It’s a delicious way to support Hoonah residents directly. Try the lemon sugaring.
Plan your visit
- Best time: May through September during the Alaska cruise season.
- Hours/admission: Open seasonally. Access is included with most cruise itineraries.
- Getting there: Primarily reached by cruise ship from Southeast Alaska itineraries.
- Learn more: https://icystraitpoint.com/
Governor Mike Dunleavy today announced the appointment of Stephen Cox as his new Counsel to the Governor. The appointment comes after the legislature’s decision to not confirm him as attorney general, despite his extensive legal and public policy experience and proven record of defending Alaska’s interests both at home and on the national level. Cox’s responsibilities will be to advise Governor Dunleavy on a wide range of legal, regulatory, and constitutional matters affecting the State of Alaska.
Governor Dunleavy also appointed Cori Mills acting attorney general for the Alaska Department of Law. Mills has been with the department for 14 years and most recently served as deputy attorney general.
“Stephen Cox has a strong understanding of Alaska law and the challenges facing our state,” said Governor Dunleavy. “His experience, professionalism, and commitment to public service make him a valuable asset as Counsel to the Governor. I look forward to working with Stephen as we continue advancing policies that strengthen Alaska’s economy, uphold the rule of law, and serve the people of our state.”
As Counsel to the Governor, Cox will continue to work closely with the Department of Law and other executive branch departments to provide counsel on policy initiatives, legislation, and executive actions.
“I am honored to serve Governor Dunleavy and the people of Alaska in this new role,” said Stephen Cox. “I look forward to continue supporting the administration’s efforts to promote responsible resource development, governance and opportunities for Alaskans across the state.”
Cox assumes his new role effective today.
Juneau blends towering glaciers, the Tongass National Forest and rich Indigenous culture.
How cruise tourism could help and hurt Alaska’s environment
Although Alaskans rely on revenue tourism cruise ships bring in, some locals are raising concerns on the impact of tourism on Alaska’s environment.
Juneau, Alaska, is the only U.S. state capital not accessible by road — a remoteness that adds to its magic and appeal.
Nestled between mountains, rainforest, and the waters of the Inside Passage, Juneau combines Alaska Native heritage, Gold Rush history, and some of the state’s most spectacular scenery.
Visitors can watch humpback whales surface offshore, ride a tram above downtown, stand face-to-face with or even on Mendenhall Glacier, a river of ice flowing from the vast Juneau Icefield. Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest — the world’s largest temperate rainforest — Juneau offers a quintessential Alaska experience where nature feels immense, and adventure begins just minutes from the cruise dock.
Why Juneau matters
Long before prospectors arrived in search of gold, the area now known as Juneau was home to the Áak’w Kwáan, whose name for this place — Áakʼw, often translated as “little lake” — reflects a deep connection to the surrounding land and water.
Russia later expanded into Alaska through the fur trade, bringing Orthodox missionaries, new trade networks, and profound cultural change to Indigenous communities across the region. Though Juneau rose to prominence during the Gold Rush and became the territorial capital after the United States purchased Alaska in 1867, the city still bears traces of both worlds.
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Juneau offers visitors a richer understanding of America’s layered history — one that’s shaped by Native stewardship, Russian influence, and the enduring resilience of southeast Alaska’s Indigenous peoples.
What to see today
The star attraction is Mendenhall Glacier, a 13.6-mile-long glacier that descends from the Juneau Icefield into a turquoise lake.
Easy trails lead to roaring Nugget Falls, while boardwalks along Steep Creek offer chances to spot spawning salmon and black bears. Back downtown, colorful floatplanes skim the harbor and the Mount Roberts Tramway lifts visitors above the city for sweeping views of Gastineau Channel and the surrounding mountains.
Ask a local
One of Juneau’s most whimsical attractions is Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure, tucked into the Tongass rainforest just outside downtown.
Locals and visitors alike love the upside-down trees known as “Flower Towers” — massive spruce trunks planted root-side up, bursting with colorful blooms. The display is a unique (and accidental) creation of master gardener Steve Bowhay.
It’s an eccentric sight that feels uniquely Alaskan, blending lush rainforest scenery with a touch of horticultural imagination.
Plan your visit
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