The Homer Public Library has a new director. David Berry will be replacing retiring director Ann Dixon on May 1.

According to a press release from the City of Homer, Berry spent the past three years working at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. 

Berry is the former director of Taft College Library in Taft, California and holds a Master of Library and Information Studies degree.

Homer businesses man Jon Faulkner is no longer serving as deputy commissioner of the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development after only four months on the job. Faulkner is the owner of the Land’s End Hotel on the Homer Spit and is a well-known figure in the state Republican Party.

South Peninsula Hospital CEO Joe Woodin is resigning just over a year since he took over the position. Woodin announced his resignation on Tuesday.

Hospital spokeswoman Derotha Ferraro said Woodin resigned due to quote “unanticipated circumstances.”

Ferraro says he helped the hospital through a transition.

“He was quickly loved by many, came to town, jumped right in and the board and staff really appreciate his service and his many contributions,” she said.

Set Free Alaska, a faith-based addiction treatment program, is moving forward with plans to open a 16-bed residential treatment facility for men in downtown Homer.

The Homer Advisory Planning Commission approved Set Free’s request for a conditional-use permit Wednesday, which will allow it to open the treatment center in the basement of the Refuge Chapel in the city’s central business district.

Five former nurses at Homer’s hospital allege in a lawsuit they were edged out of their jobs in favor of younger, less expensive replacements.

The former nurses – all in their 50s -- accuse South Peninsula Hospital management of forcing them out of their jobs in favor of junior replacements. They refer to it as a “scheme” to save the hospital money, which amounted to age discrimination.

The Alaska Legislature approved all but one of Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s four appointments to the Alaska Board of Fisheries Wednesday. Legislators tabled appointing former board member and chairman Karl Johnstone largely due allegations that he sexually harassed Board of Fish staff and unethically coerced fellow board members into taking particular positions.

Lawmakers later voted not to appoint Johnstone to the board.

On Tuesday, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly gave the borough administration permission to intervene in a case before the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, which regulates utilities throughout the state.

The case centers around Enstar Natural Gas’ plan to restructure how a surcharge on Homer area customers’ bills is paying back the gas company for its contribution toward a 2013 project extending natural gas south of Anchor Point.