The annual Salmonfest in Ninilchik, just over a week away, promises to be the biggest ever, with a fourth stage added to entertain concert-goers during the three-days of "Fish, Love and Music." Now, for the first time, one of Homer's most nationally successful musicians will be performing.

It's been a little over 20 years since Homer's Jewel Kilcher burst on the national music scene, and though she's toured worldwide, her performances in Alaska have been few and far between. But according to Salmonfest president and producer Jim Stearns, that will change this year.

Alaska’s congressional delegation and Gov. Bill Walker have all signed off on a letter asking the Interior Department to settle the question of what route the proposed Cooper Landing highway bypass will take.