Clarise Larson

City Finance Director Jeff Rogers speaks to the Juneau Chamber of Commerce in 2019. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

City finance director to leave post

Jeff Rogers said he expects to depart sometime this summer

City Finance Director Jeff Rogers speaks to the Juneau Chamber of Commerce in 2019. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
A life preserver hangs on a post at Don. D Statter Harbor Tuesday evening. On Thursday evening, the City and Borough of Juneau’s Docks and Harbors board discussed a potential 8.1% increase to all docks and harbors fees starting in July along with an additional 9% increase on top of that to be implemented in the next few years (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Docks and harbors board considers fee increases, requiring insurance

The increase is set to be the largest in 40 years, said port director

A life preserver hangs on a post at Don. D Statter Harbor Tuesday evening. On Thursday evening, the City and Borough of Juneau’s Docks and Harbors board discussed a potential 8.1% increase to all docks and harbors fees starting in July along with an additional 9% increase on top of that to be implemented in the next few years (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
A lifeguard walks the perimeter of the Augustus Brown Pool Friday morning. The 50-year-old City and Borough of Juneau-owned pool is planned to close on April 3 of this year and will remain closed until early 2024 to undergo $8 million in renovations. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

A splashy renovation: Augustus Brown Pool set for an update

Renovations include locker/changing rooms, resurfacing leisure pool and electrical systems upgrades.

A lifeguard walks the perimeter of the Augustus Brown Pool Friday morning. The 50-year-old City and Borough of Juneau-owned pool is planned to close on April 3 of this year and will remain closed until early 2024 to undergo $8 million in renovations. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
A line of electric-assisted bicycles sit on display at Juneau Bike Doctor Thursday afternoon. Two companion bills introduced this year seeks to revise state code to allow for any e-bikes a part of the generally recognized three-tier classifications of e-bikes to ride anywhere a regular bike would be allowed. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Braking news: Bill would define e-bikes same as bicycles

Increasingly popular way to ride currently undefined in state law.

A line of electric-assisted bicycles sit on display at Juneau Bike Doctor Thursday afternoon. Two companion bills introduced this year seeks to revise state code to allow for any e-bikes a part of the generally recognized three-tier classifications of e-bikes to ride anywhere a regular bike would be allowed. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire 
Rep. Sara Hannan, D-Juneau addresses a crowd during a recent rally outside the Alaska State Capitol. Hannan is the sponsor of a bill that would ban licensed practitioners from performing “conversion therapy” in the state.

Lawmaker says ban on conversion therapy can help address LGBTQ+ youth suicide

The bill, sponsored by Juneau Rep. Sara Hannan, awaits a House committee hearing.

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire 
Rep. Sara Hannan, D-Juneau addresses a crowd during a recent rally outside the Alaska State Capitol. Hannan is the sponsor of a bill that would ban licensed practitioners from performing “conversion therapy” in the state.
The sun partially sines on the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center as it sets Monday evening. Tuesday is the last day for the public to submit comments to the U.S. Forest Service on proposed changes to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Mendenhall Glacier area comment period closing soon

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking public input on seven plans that vary in impact on the area.

The sun partially sines on the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center as it sets Monday evening. Tuesday is the last day for the public to submit comments to the U.S. Forest Service on proposed changes to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
An excavator on a barge scoops floating debris near the shore of Gastineau Channel on Monday morning. The effort was a part of the recovery process of a 107-foot tugboat that sank at a dock south of the cruise ship docks in late December. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Tagish out of water: Sunken tugboat destroyed after more than a weeklong recovery effort

Recovery and pollution cleanup expected to be complete in coming days, Coast Guard official says

An excavator on a barge scoops floating debris near the shore of Gastineau Channel on Monday morning. The effort was a part of the recovery process of a 107-foot tugboat that sank at a dock south of the cruise ship docks in late December. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
University of Alaska Southeast students run out of the freezing water after jumping into the waters of Auke Bay on Saturday afternoon for the 25th UAS Polar Plunge. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Freezin’ for a reason: UAS students and Juneau residents take a plunge at Auke Bay

According to officials, the water temperature was 37 degrees during the time of the plunge.

University of Alaska Southeast students run out of the freezing water after jumping into the waters of Auke Bay on Saturday afternoon for the 25th UAS Polar Plunge. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire
Professor of Alaska Native languages at the University of Alaska Southeast, X’unei Lance Twitchell, analyses a ChatGPT story in Lingít while teaching his Intermediate Tlingit II class Thursday evening.
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire
Professor of Alaska Native languages at the University of Alaska Southeast, X’unei Lance Twitchell, analyses a ChatGPT story in Lingít while teaching his Intermediate Tlingit II class Thursday evening.
This image shows a schematic design of the exterior the Municipal Way Building downtown that was recently purchased by the Sealaska Heritage Institute. (Sealaska Heritage Institute)
This image shows a schematic design of the exterior the Municipal Way Building downtown that was recently purchased by the Sealaska Heritage Institute. (Sealaska Heritage Institute)
People walk the docks as the sun sets in downtown Juneau in August 2022. The City and Borough of Juneau is seeking comments from residents on how they want the city to spend its marine passenger fee money. (Clarise Larson/ Juneau Empire File)
People walk the docks as the sun sets in downtown Juneau in August 2022. The City and Borough of Juneau is seeking comments from residents on how they want the city to spend its marine passenger fee money. (Clarise Larson/ Juneau Empire File)
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire 
Fresh snow clings to pine trees in the Mendenhall Valley area Tuesday afternoon.

The worst of recent winter storm is over

Officials say on-and-off rain and snow are expected through the weekend

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire 
Fresh snow clings to pine trees in the Mendenhall Valley area Tuesday afternoon.
Dr. Emily Kane, CBJ Commission on Aging chair who was a part of the effort to join the network, gives a speech at AARP Alaska’s Valentine’s Day-themed event Tuesday evening to celebrate Juneau’s older adult population along with the city’s recent commitment to ​​AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Aging infrastructure: Juneau commits to its older residents

City commits to nationwide networks to make Juneau more “age-friendly”

Dr. Emily Kane, CBJ Commission on Aging chair who was a part of the effort to join the network, gives a speech at AARP Alaska’s Valentine’s Day-themed event Tuesday evening to celebrate Juneau’s older adult population along with the city’s recent commitment to ​​AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire 
This photo shows the Elizabeth Peratrovich mural at the Downtown Public Library and Marine Parking Garage.. This Thursday, Feb. 16, the state will observes Elizabeth Peratrovich Day to recognize and honor her for her contributions to anti-discrimination in the state.

Ways to observe Elizabeth Peratrovich Day in Juneau

Commemorating the Alaska Native civil rights leader here in the capital city.

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire 
This photo shows the Elizabeth Peratrovich mural at the Downtown Public Library and Marine Parking Garage.. This Thursday, Feb. 16, the state will observes Elizabeth Peratrovich Day to recognize and honor her for her contributions to anti-discrimination in the state.
Manford Lum (Morgan Gwilym Tso) takes a jump shot during a scene rehearsal performance of Perseverance Theatre’s upcoming play “The Great Leap” opening Friday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

A look before the ‘Leap’

Previewing Perseverance Theatre’s latest, which blends basketball, Chinese history and identity.

Manford Lum (Morgan Gwilym Tso) takes a jump shot during a scene rehearsal performance of Perseverance Theatre’s upcoming play “The Great Leap” opening Friday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire 
The City and Borough of Juneau expressed support at its Tuesday night Committee of the Whole meeting for the long-term care facility, Wildflower Court, to be acquired by Bartlett Regional Hospital.

City expresses support for hospital acquisition of Wildflower Court

Bartlett Regional Hospital officials say merger can help meet current hospice demand.

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire 
The City and Borough of Juneau expressed support at its Tuesday night Committee of the Whole meeting for the long-term care facility, Wildflower Court, to be acquired by Bartlett Regional Hospital.
AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File 
In this Jan. 18, 2014, file photo, endangered orcas swim in Puget Sound and in view of the Olympic Mountains just west of Seattle, as seen from a federal research vessel that has been tracking the whales.

City takes step toward opposing lawsuit threatening closure of Southeast Alaska king salmon trolling

CBJ follows other Southeast Alaska cities which cite negative economic impacts

AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File 
In this Jan. 18, 2014, file photo, endangered orcas swim in Puget Sound and in view of the Olympic Mountains just west of Seattle, as seen from a federal research vessel that has been tracking the whales.
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire 
Claes Schneider holds a picture of his grandmother, Tracy Lynn Day, right, who has been missing since Feb. 14 2019.
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire 
Claes Schneider holds a picture of his grandmother, Tracy Lynn Day, right, who has been missing since Feb. 14 2019.
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire
Nick Nelson passes out paper copies of a notice of appeal to school board members Tuesday night regarding the district’s decision on a racism complaint at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé he filed in early December.

Douglas Indian Association condemns district’s handling of racist insults complaint

Members “demand accountability,” say inaction could affect tribal consultations with the district.

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire
Nick Nelson passes out paper copies of a notice of appeal to school board members Tuesday night regarding the district’s decision on a racism complaint at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé he filed in early December.
Supporters of a bill that would allow child care providers to participate in collective bargaining with the state’s Department of Health and establish a state fund to provide grants to childcare providers stand outside the Alaska State Capitol early Friday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Child care providers rally outside Capitol in support of increased funding

Supporters say new bill would provide necessary support and resources

Supporters of a bill that would allow child care providers to participate in collective bargaining with the state’s Department of Health and establish a state fund to provide grants to childcare providers stand outside the Alaska State Capitol early Friday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)