Homer News roundup, 10/30

In this week’s Homer News …

Friends pay loving tribute to Homer's Julie Cessarini

It seemed like at least 100 people there, and it was a great mix of Homeroids. I haven't seen so many tie-dyed outfits together in one sitting since the 1960s … (read more)

Council looks at options: Instead of rate hike, officials to consider proposal to subsidize water, sewer system

After receiving a mostly negative reaction from members of the public and the Homer City Council about proposed 2009 increases in the city's water and sewer rates, city manager Walt Wrede decided it was time to go back to the drawing board … (read more)

Cirque du Ritz brings magic and mayhem to Pratt

With last week's Wearable Arts show inspiring Homer to dress up, what better time to put on those fancy duds than the Pratt Museum's annual Ritz fund-raiser? Over the decades, the Pratt has had "license to Ritz," "Chez Ritz," "from rags to Ritz" and been "simply black and white," some of the themes to inspire people to go all out for a gala night, Kachemak Bay style … (read more)

Museum fights city proposal to cut funding by 25 percent

If the Homer City Council follows through with a proposed plan to cut 25 percent of city funding -- or about $22,500 -- from the Pratt Museum, the city may have to take over operation of the museum itself, said Heather Beggs, the Pratt's director, to the council at their Monday regular meeting … (read more)

Editorial: Sen. Stevens has served Alaska well, but he needs to step down

Not surprisingly, Alaskans are divided on what should happen. Many continue to stand by him. Others say they can no longer support him. A growing list is calling on him to step down.

And that's exactly what should happen … (read more)

More than volleyball served: Nikolaevsk tourney spotlights sports, community's culture

The Nikolaevsk gym was just like any other for a home volleyball match -- filled with excited, pumped-up fans, homemade signs rooting on the home team and mothers with Camcorders capturing all the action. There was only one noticeable difference between the bleachers there and those of any other small Alaska school -- these fans cheered on their team, the Nikolaevsk Lady Warriors, in Russian ... (read more)

And, of course, there's much more at homernews.com.