Klas Stolpe

A winter’s landscape in the Douglas Island mountains. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Column: The Christmas smile

A holiday remembrance.

A winter’s landscape in the Douglas Island mountains. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
The Wet Bandits’ Shannon Hendricks and the Nutcrackers’ Kyle Hebert play a ball during the opening night of the Holiday Cup soccer tournament at the Dimond Park Field House on Wednesday. The 32nd annual holiday tournament runs through Dec. 31. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Pure Sole: Mistletoe or turf toe

Forget the mistletoe. I fear it may be turf toe that tickles my fancy this holiday. December is arguably the best time of the year… Continue reading

The Wet Bandits’ Shannon Hendricks and the Nutcrackers’ Kyle Hebert play a ball during the opening night of the Holiday Cup soccer tournament at the Dimond Park Field House on Wednesday. The 32nd annual holiday tournament runs through Dec. 31. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears boys basketball team pose upon their arrival in Las Vegas for the Tarkanian Classic Tournament. (Photo courtesy JDHS Crimson Bears)1

Crimson Bears boys fall in Las Vegas tournament opener

JDHS playing among some of nation’s top high school teams.

The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears boys basketball team pose upon their arrival in Las Vegas for the Tarkanian Classic Tournament. (Photo courtesy JDHS Crimson Bears)1
The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears girls basketball team pose at The Orleans Hotel upon their arrival in Las Vegas for the Tarkanian Classic Tournament. (Photo courtesy JDHS Crimson Bears)

Crimson Bears girls win season opener at Tarkanian Classic

JDHS among 48 girls’ teams playing in prestigious Las Vegas tournament.

The Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears girls basketball team pose at The Orleans Hotel upon their arrival in Las Vegas for the Tarkanian Classic Tournament. (Photo courtesy JDHS Crimson Bears)
The Holiday Cup has been a community favorite event for years. This 2014 photo shows the Jolly Saint Kicks and Reigning Snowballs players in action. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Holiday Cup soccer action brings community spirit to the pitch

Every Christmas name imaginable heads a cast of futbol characters starting Wednesday.

The Holiday Cup has been a community favorite event for years. This 2014 photo shows the Jolly Saint Kicks and Reigning Snowballs players in action. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Members of the Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears girls and boys basketball teams pose above and below the new signage and plaque for the George Houston Gymnasium on Monday. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

George Houston Gymnasium adds another touch of class

Second phase of renaming honor for former coach brings in more red.

Members of the Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears girls and boys basketball teams pose above and below the new signage and plaque for the George Houston Gymnasium on Monday. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Smokin’ Old Geezers Jesse Stringer, Brandon Ivanowicz, Steve Ricci, Juan Orozco Jr., John Bursell and John Nagel at the USATF National Club Cross Country Championships on Saturday at University Place, Washington. (Photo courtesy S.O.G.)

Smokin’ Old Geezers compete at national club cross-country championships

Group of adult Juneau runners hope to inspire others to challenge themselves.

Smokin’ Old Geezers Jesse Stringer, Brandon Ivanowicz, Steve Ricci, Juan Orozco Jr., John Bursell and John Nagel at the USATF National Club Cross Country Championships on Saturday at University Place, Washington. (Photo courtesy S.O.G.)
Hayden Aube and Ivan Shockley go head to head on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, during the Region V wrestling tournament in Haines. Eleven Crimson Bears earned individual titles, 12 placed second meaning that 23 are headed to state in Anchorage next weekend. (Rashah McChesney/Chilkat Valley News)

Crimson Bears wrestlers snare Region V championship

11 earn individual titles, 12 place second, 23 head to state

Hayden Aube and Ivan Shockley go head to head on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, during the Region V wrestling tournament in Haines. Eleven Crimson Bears earned individual titles, 12 placed second meaning that 23 are headed to state in Anchorage next weekend. (Rashah McChesney/Chilkat Valley News)
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior goalie Caleb Friend (1) controls the net as Soldotna’s Daniel Heath (10) and JDHS senior Loren Platt (26) play a puck during the Crimson Bears 2-0 win over the Stars on Saturday at Treadwell Ice Arena. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

JDHS’ Friend holds clean sheet in 2-0 win over Soldotna

Northern Lights Conference battle shines on Crimson Bears, not Stars

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior goalie Caleb Friend (1) controls the net as Soldotna’s Daniel Heath (10) and JDHS senior Loren Platt (26) play a puck during the Crimson Bears 2-0 win over the Stars on Saturday at Treadwell Ice Arena. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Soldotna’s Keegan Myrick and Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé sophomore Caden Morris battle for a puck during Friday’s 4-3 Crimson Bears’ loss to the visiting Stars at Treadwell Ice Arena. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Stars eclipse Crimson Bears

JDHS hockey team falls to visiting Soldotna skaters.

Soldotna’s Keegan Myrick and Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé sophomore Caden Morris battle for a puck during Friday’s 4-3 Crimson Bears’ loss to the visiting Stars at Treadwell Ice Arena. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
The 2024-25 Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears Girls Basketball team. Standing, from left-to-right, senior Kerra Baxter (22), junior Gwen Nizich (11), freshman Lydia Goins (15), senior Addison Wilson (10), sophomore Layla Tokuoka (14), junior Cambry Lockhart (3), sophomore June Troxel (5), senior Mary Johnson (4), freshman Sadie Lockhart (13), sophomore Bergen Erickson (12), freshman Athena Warr (21) and senior Cailynn Baxter (23). Seated l-r: Senior manager Nadia Wilson, head coach Tanya Nizich, assistant coaches Jasmine James, Angie Kemp, Nicole Fenumiai, and junior manager Jadyn Cook. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Crimson Bears girls basketball has roster for state title

Combining of two schools sets high expectations, but region and state are daunting.

The 2024-25 Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears Girls Basketball team. Standing, from left-to-right, senior Kerra Baxter (22), junior Gwen Nizich (11), freshman Lydia Goins (15), senior Addison Wilson (10), sophomore Layla Tokuoka (14), junior Cambry Lockhart (3), sophomore June Troxel (5), senior Mary Johnson (4), freshman Sadie Lockhart (13), sophomore Bergen Erickson (12), freshman Athena Warr (21) and senior Cailynn Baxter (23). Seated l-r: Senior manager Nadia Wilson, head coach Tanya Nizich, assistant coaches Jasmine James, Angie Kemp, Nicole Fenumiai, and junior manager Jadyn Cook. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Jayden Johnson (4), shown in action against West Anchorage during the ASAA State Playoffs on Oct. 12, was selected to play in the 2025 Native American High School Football All-Star Game, Jan. 7, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Jayden Johnson one of three Alaskans selected for Native American High School Football All-Star Game

60 Native American athletes from across U.S. will play in front of college recruiters Jan. 7 in Texas.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Jayden Johnson (4), shown in action against West Anchorage during the ASAA State Playoffs on Oct. 12, was selected to play in the 2025 Native American High School Football All-Star Game, Jan. 7, at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
The 2024-25 Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears are, standing left-to-right, sophomore manager Amelia Geary, junior Brandon Casperson (5), senior Pedrin Saceda-Hurt (10), senior Ben Sikes (11), sophomore Logan Carriker (24), junior Elias Dybdahl (20), freshman Keaton Belcourt (44), junior Damian Efergan (1), junior Tyler Frisby (21) and sophomore manager Skylar Oliva. Seated at front l-r, junior Kurt Kuppert (14), senior Ahmir Parker (2), senior Gavin Gerrin (3) and sophomore Hunter Carte (15). Not pictured is junior Joren Gasga. (Photo courtesy Crimson Bears)

Crimson Bears look to return to the show

JDHS boys basketball team ready to earn next state title.

The 2024-25 Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears are, standing left-to-right, sophomore manager Amelia Geary, junior Brandon Casperson (5), senior Pedrin Saceda-Hurt (10), senior Ben Sikes (11), sophomore Logan Carriker (24), junior Elias Dybdahl (20), freshman Keaton Belcourt (44), junior Damian Efergan (1), junior Tyler Frisby (21) and sophomore manager Skylar Oliva. Seated at front l-r, junior Kurt Kuppert (14), senior Ahmir Parker (2), senior Gavin Gerrin (3) and sophomore Hunter Carte (15). Not pictured is junior Joren Gasga. (Photo courtesy Crimson Bears)
The author wearing one of the only Christmas sweaters he is allowed to wear, largely because it is one of the only sweaters he owns. (Photo by Klas Stolpe)

Pure Sole: Sweater Up!

Dear readers, I am at a loss and need some help. Once again it is that wonderful time of year where we get to express… Continue reading

The author wearing one of the only Christmas sweaters he is allowed to wear, largely because it is one of the only sweaters he owns. (Photo by Klas Stolpe)
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Emilio Holbrook (37), shown in a game this season against North Pole at Treadwell Ice Arena, had three goals and two assists in two Crimson Bears wins at Kodiak over the weekend. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire file photo)

JDHS hockey dominates at Kodiak

Southeast’s Crimson Bears bigger, faster, stronger than Kodiak Bears.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Emilio Holbrook (37), shown in a game this season against North Pole at Treadwell Ice Arena, had three goals and two assists in two Crimson Bears wins at Kodiak over the weekend. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire file photo)
Members of the Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears Nordic Ski Team pose for a photo at Eaglecrest Ski Area during a recent practice. (Photo courtesy Tristan Knutson-Lombardo)

Crimson Bears on skis a sight to see

JDHS Nordic season begins, but obstacles remain in and out of the snow

Members of the Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears Nordic Ski Team pose for a photo at Eaglecrest Ski Area during a recent practice. (Photo courtesy Tristan Knutson-Lombardo)
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé girls head coach Tanya Nizich talks to Crimson Bears players during the first day of girls varsity basketball tryouts Wednesday at the George Houston Gymnasium. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

JDHS holds first day of basketball tryouts

Crimson Bears head coaches Casperson, Nizich open court to roughly 100 players.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé girls head coach Tanya Nizich talks to Crimson Bears players during the first day of girls varsity basketball tryouts Wednesday at the George Houston Gymnasium. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Oregon Ballet Theatre principal dancer Daniela DeLoe (left) performs a grand jete to open the snowflakes dance in the Land Of Snow during a performance of George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker.” At right, Misha Culver stretches in her Snow costume during a 2009 dress rehearsal for “The Nutcracker” ballet at the Juneau Dance Unlimited studio. (Photos by Klas Stolpe)

Pure Sole: The sport of dance

The anniversary of one of the holiday’s most heartbreaking and heartwarming events still chills me to this day. I remember the headlines. “Giant Mice Storm… Continue reading

Oregon Ballet Theatre principal dancer Daniela DeLoe (left) performs a grand jete to open the snowflakes dance in the Land Of Snow during a performance of George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker.” At right, Misha Culver stretches in her Snow costume during a 2009 dress rehearsal for “The Nutcracker” ballet at the Juneau Dance Unlimited studio. (Photos by Klas Stolpe)
Fritz, played by Dani Hayes, steals the Nutcracker doll from Clara, played by Sachiko Marks, in Juneau Dance Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker” during dress rehearsal Sunday at the JDT studio. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Rodents infest Stahlbaum home for holidays as Juneau Dance Theatre opens 50th season with ‘The Nutcracker’

Company’s performers and leaders share a sense of wonder about ballet being staged for its 20th year.

Fritz, played by Dani Hayes, steals the Nutcracker doll from Clara, played by Sachiko Marks, in Juneau Dance Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker” during dress rehearsal Sunday at the JDT studio. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
John Kern is shown after finishing the Berlin Marathon on Sept. 25, 2022. (Photo courtesy John Kern)

After completing marathon goal of all 50 states, John Kern looks ‘around the world’

Juneau runner seeks to complete Six World Marathons challenge in Tokyo — and what’s beyond.

John Kern is shown after finishing the Berlin Marathon on Sept. 25, 2022. (Photo courtesy John Kern)