Clarise Larson

Capt. Mark Ellis receives a ceremonial cedar rope alongside other captains during a blessing ceremony at the global launch ceremony of the Moananuiākea voyage at the University of Alaska Recreation Center Thursday afternoon. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Juneau leaders bless voyagers at launch ceremony ahead of Hōkūle‘a send-off

“I am grateful for all the love and support the people of Southeast Alaska have done for us”

Capt. Mark Ellis receives a ceremonial cedar rope alongside other captains during a blessing ceremony at the global launch ceremony of the Moananuiākea voyage at the University of Alaska Recreation Center Thursday afternoon. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Chloey Cavanaugh, owner of Black and White Raven Co., folds a shirt at her downtown studio Monday morning. Cavanaugh’s company is an LGBTQ+ and Indigenous small business based in Juneau. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Faces of Pride: Chloey Cavanaugh

“I feel really lucky to be so supported by the community.”

Chloey Cavanaugh, owner of Black and White Raven Co., folds a shirt at her downtown studio Monday morning. Cavanaugh’s company is an LGBTQ+ and Indigenous small business based in Juneau. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Bartlett Regional Hospital Board President Kenny Solomon-Gross cuts a ribbon in front of the doors to the hospital’s new Aurora Behavioral Health Center unveiled Wednesday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Hospital unveils $18M behavioral health and crisis stabilization center

Services scheduled to open this fall, interim executive director says.

Bartlett Regional Hospital Board President Kenny Solomon-Gross cuts a ribbon in front of the doors to the hospital’s new Aurora Behavioral Health Center unveiled Wednesday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
The application period for the City and Borough of Juneau’s search for a new city manager is coming to a close June 22. So far the city has seen more than 10 applicants, officials say. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

City receives more than 10 manager applicants ahead of deadline

The position has a starting salary of $175,000, according to the city website.

The application period for the City and Borough of Juneau’s search for a new city manager is coming to a close June 22. So far the city has seen more than 10 applicants, officials say. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Adair-Kennedy Memorial Park is set to get new artificial turf despite its link to PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), according to city officials. The project will be designed over the winter, with construction likely beginning in the summer of 2024. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

City moves forward with Adair-Kennedy artificial turf despite PFAS concerns

The project will be designed over the winter, with construction likely beginning in summer of 2024.

Adair-Kennedy Memorial Park is set to get new artificial turf despite its link to PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), according to city officials. The project will be designed over the winter, with construction likely beginning in the summer of 2024. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
This is an aerial picture of the Hecla Greens Creek Mine taken in May 2023. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

Hecla Greens Creek Mine agrees to $143K fine after 2019 EPA violations

Mine official say violations have been addressed.

This is an aerial picture of the Hecla Greens Creek Mine taken in May 2023. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
The two blocks of South Seward Street between Front Street and Marine Way will be renamed to Heritage Way by November after the City and Borough of Juneau Planning Commission unanimously OK’d the change Tuesday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

South Seward Street to be renamed Heritage Way by November

Planning Commission OKs change Tuesday evening.

The two blocks of South Seward Street between Front Street and Marine Way will be renamed to Heritage Way by November after the City and Borough of Juneau Planning Commission unanimously OK’d the change Tuesday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Assembly members Maria Gladziszewski, Michelle Bonnet Hale and Greg Smith listen as the City and Borough of Juneau budget for the 2024 fiscal year is finalized and approved after a more than three-hour-long meeting Monday night. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

City approves budget with lower property tax rate and $10M to City Hall

“I don’t think that you can have both…we add to our ongoing costs and we also lower the mill rate.”

Assembly members Maria Gladziszewski, Michelle Bonnet Hale and Greg Smith listen as the City and Borough of Juneau budget for the 2024 fiscal year is finalized and approved after a more than three-hour-long meeting Monday night. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
On Monday the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly moved an ordinance back to the Committee of the Whole that would require all short-term rentals to be registered with the city. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

City stalls registration requirement for short-term rentals after public opposition

Nearly 20 residents gave testimony on the topic, many advocating for more industry input.

On Monday the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly moved an ordinance back to the Committee of the Whole that would require all short-term rentals to be registered with the city. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
This is a photo of the South Douglas building set to be the first marijuana dispensary in Douglas. At the Monday night City and Borough Assembly meeting members unanimously approved the consent agenda which included the approval of a retail marijuana license for the company Treadwell Herb Co., which is set to operate the business. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

City OKs license for first marijuana dispensary in Douglas

Owner says license is “another step,” though opening date not set.

This is a photo of the South Douglas building set to be the first marijuana dispensary in Douglas. At the Monday night City and Borough Assembly meeting members unanimously approved the consent agenda which included the approval of a retail marijuana license for the company Treadwell Herb Co., which is set to operate the business. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
One person was killed and four medevaced out of Juneau following a two-vehicle collision on Egan Drive near Fred Meyer on Saturday afternoon. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Police: Four people medevaced out of Juneau following fatal crash Saturday

The crash occurred at the Fred Meyer intersection and an investigation is ongoing, officials say.

One person was killed and four medevaced out of Juneau following a two-vehicle collision on Egan Drive near Fred Meyer on Saturday afternoon. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire
Crew members of the <strong>Moananuiākea</strong> voyage from the <strong>Hōkūle‘a</strong> canoe paddle to the shore of Auke Bay as they are welcomed Saturday afternoon by Juneau residents and tribal leaders.

‘You lift our spirits by coming to our land’: Welcoming ceremony held for Polynesian canoe voyage

The ceremony kicks off celebrations for the grand send-off of a four-year-long global expedition.

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire
Crew members of the <strong>Moananuiākea</strong> voyage from the <strong>Hōkūle‘a</strong> canoe paddle to the shore of Auke Bay as they are welcomed Saturday afternoon by Juneau residents and tribal leaders.
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Police calls for Thursday, June 8

This report contains information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Rear Adm. Megan M. Dean (center) awaits her entrance during a change-of-command Friday in Juneau where she was sworn as the new command of U.S. Coast Guard District 17 at the Alaska Army National Guard Aviation Operating Facility in Juneau. Standing behind to her left is Vice Adm. Andrew J. Tiongson and to her right is outgoing Rear Adm. Nathan A. Moore. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Coast Guard’s Alaska district under new command

Incoming Rear Adm. Megan M. Dean says she is excited about working with the people of Alaska.

Rear Adm. Megan M. Dean (center) awaits her entrance during a change-of-command Friday in Juneau where she was sworn as the new command of U.S. Coast Guard District 17 at the Alaska Army National Guard Aviation Operating Facility in Juneau. Standing behind to her left is Vice Adm. Andrew J. Tiongson and to her right is outgoing Rear Adm. Nathan A. Moore. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
From left to right, U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, and U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, sit side by side during a U.S. Coast Guard event in Juneau on Friday. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Alaska delegation differs on Trump indictment

Murkowski, Sullivan say matter is serious, but clash on merit; Peltola says she trusts process.

From left to right, U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, and U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, sit side by side during a U.S. Coast Guard event in Juneau on Friday. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Key Bank was one of the banks victimized by a Juneau man who pleaded guilty Thursday to federal theft charges after stealing nearly $580,000 from multiple banks and credit unions between 2019 and 2022. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

Juneau man pleads guilty to nearly $580,000 bank fraud

He faces up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

Key Bank was one of the banks victimized by a Juneau man who pleaded guilty Thursday to federal theft charges after stealing nearly $580,000 from multiple banks and credit unions between 2019 and 2022. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
City and Borough of Juneau Assembly member Greg Smith smiles Thursday afternoon while walking across the rainbow crosswalk recently repainted in downtown Juneau. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Faces of Pride: Assembly member Greg Smith

“For me it’s about acceptance, respect and understanding where people are in their lives.”

City and Borough of Juneau Assembly member Greg Smith smiles Thursday afternoon while walking across the rainbow crosswalk recently repainted in downtown Juneau. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
City and Borough of Juneau administration and Assembly members smile for a picture during the Finance Committee meeting Wednesday night, which was city Finance Director Jeff Rogers last finance meeting after serving four years in his position. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Assembly and chamber bid farewell to outgoing city finance director

Jeff Rogers will depart from his position at the end of June.

City and Borough of Juneau administration and Assembly members smile for a picture during the Finance Committee meeting Wednesday night, which was city Finance Director Jeff Rogers last finance meeting after serving four years in his position. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Fenton Jacobs, 42, was sentenced to 53 years in prison Tuesday after being found guilty of a number of charges from his involvement in a 2019 stabbing. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

Man sentenced to 53 years for fatal downtown stabbing

The sentencing follows a guilty verdict last June for the 2019 crime.

Fenton Jacobs, 42, was sentenced to 53 years in prison Tuesday after being found guilty of a number of charges from his involvement in a 2019 stabbing. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
Pedestrians cross by the newly repainted rainbow sidewalk downtown on Thursday morning. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Clear June skies mean rainbow crosswalk repainting downtown

“The community support for this and the support for this from visitors continues to grow.”

Pedestrians cross by the newly repainted rainbow sidewalk downtown on Thursday morning. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)