Mark Sabbatini

Juneau School District Superintendent Frank Hauser, left, provides an update about the district’s financial situation to Juneau Assembly members and administrative leaders on Monday night at City Hall. A joint meeting of the Assembly and Juneau Board of Education to discuss possible solutions to the district’s financial crisis is scheduled Tuesday night. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Assembly gets first look at $8M school district deficit they are being asked to help solve

Follow-up meeting of Assembly and school board Tuesday to consider sharing costs, other options.

Juneau School District Superintendent Frank Hauser, left, provides an update about the district’s financial situation to Juneau Assembly members and administrative leaders on Monday night at City Hall. A joint meeting of the Assembly and Juneau Board of Education to discuss possible solutions to the district’s financial crisis is scheduled Tuesday night. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Above, a downtown Juneau street on Wednesday, Jan. 24, following two large snowstorms during the previous 10 days. Below, the same street at midday Monday after record-high temperatures and heavy rain dissolved most of the accumulated snow in many parts of town. (Above photo by Becky Bohrer / Associated Press; below photo by Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Heavy rain, record-high temperature causes snow from massive storms to virtually vanish

Juneau’s airport had 36 inches of snowpack last Wednesday, “down to a trace” on Monday morning.

Above, a downtown Juneau street on Wednesday, Jan. 24, following two large snowstorms during the previous 10 days. Below, the same street at midday Monday after record-high temperatures and heavy rain dissolved most of the accumulated snow in many parts of town. (Above photo by Becky Bohrer / Associated Press; below photo by Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Wade Bryson, a Juneau Assembly member who has hosted the radio show “Problem Corner” for the past 16 years, says the last show will be next Friday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

‘Problem Corner’ ending after about 70 years as new owners of local radio stations opt for switch to music

Final broadcast of longest-running radio program in Alaska’s history is next Friday, host says.

Wade Bryson, a Juneau Assembly member who has hosted the radio show “Problem Corner” for the past 16 years, says the last show will be next Friday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
A city worker clears streets in downtown Juneau following this week’s snowstorm. (City and Borough of Juneau photo)

Arrival of heavy rain means risk for structures, boats and avalanches even higher after record snow

Up to two inches of precipitation a day forecast through Monday; Thane Road closing at 6 p.m. Friday

A city worker clears streets in downtown Juneau following this week’s snowstorm. (City and Borough of Juneau photo)
The Juneau Symphony rehearses for a concert in October of 2022. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

Juneau Symphony cancels concerts for first time in known memory due to weather

Snow storm made rehearsing, access to instruments, arrival of guest artists doubtful, director says.

The Juneau Symphony rehearses for a concert in October of 2022. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Jared Yancy checks off games on an inventory list in preparation Thursday for the Platypus-Con Board and Card Game Extravaganza, scheduled Friday through Sunday at Centennial Hall. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Snowpocalypse no match for giant Platypus determined to spend long weekend gaming

Annual Platypus-Con digs 2,300+ games out of storage for event Friday-Sunday at Centennial Hall.

Jared Yancy checks off games on an inventory list in preparation Thursday for the Platypus-Con Board and Card Game Extravaganza, scheduled Friday through Sunday at Centennial Hall. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Jan. 25, 1984. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Jan. 25, 1984. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
State Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, vows a bill boosting state employees pensions will pass “the 33rd Alaska Legislature” during a rally by about 70 union supporters on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol on May 2, 2023. A bill restoring pensions advanced out of the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday and is likely to get a floor vote during the next couple of weeks, according to Kiehl. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

Bill reviving public employees pension system advances to Senate floor

Long-debated proposal would replace 401(k)-style system; House leaders raise questions about cost.

State Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, vows a bill boosting state employees pensions will pass “the 33rd Alaska Legislature” during a rally by about 70 union supporters on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol on May 2, 2023. A bill restoring pensions advanced out of the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday and is likely to get a floor vote during the next couple of weeks, according to Kiehl. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
The Juneau School District is facing a current and future financial crisis, including deficit spending that has resulted in a projected $8 million shortfall for the current fiscal year, with leaders considering school consolidation among many other remedies. (City and Borough of Juneau photo)

Juneau School District’s deficit is ‘only’ $8M instead of $9.5M after further review and initial cuts

Leaders still looking at specific options for school consolidation, asking city to cover some costs.

The Juneau School District is facing a current and future financial crisis, including deficit spending that has resulted in a projected $8 million shortfall for the current fiscal year, with leaders considering school consolidation among many other remedies. (City and Borough of Juneau photo)
State Rep. Craig Johnson (center), an Anchorage Republican, consults with a staff member while chairing a House Rules Committee meeting at the Alaska State Capitol on Saturday to hear Senate Bill 140, which as modified by the committee makes sweeping changes to Alaska’s education system. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

Battle lines in massive education bill set by House and Senate majorities

Senate says bill rushed and reckless; House calls it balanced solution to struggling school system.

State Rep. Craig Johnson (center), an Anchorage Republican, consults with a staff member while chairing a House Rules Committee meeting at the Alaska State Capitol on Saturday to hear Senate Bill 140, which as modified by the committee makes sweeping changes to Alaska’s education system. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
The roof of a building bears the weight of multiple feet of snow following two storms during the past two weeks that have dumped more than 60 inches of snow on some parts of Juneau. (Capital City Fire/Rescue photo)

Structures collapse under snow weight, avalanches triggered downtown as storm nears end

Warnings issued for avalanche zones, buildings under heavy weight loads and travel on icy roads.

The roof of a building bears the weight of multiple feet of snow following two storms during the past two weeks that have dumped more than 60 inches of snow on some parts of Juneau. (Capital City Fire/Rescue photo)
A state Department of Public Transportation and Public Facilities plow clears heavy snow from a road. The department has closed Thane Road overnight Monday and Tuesday due to the high risk of avalanches. (Alaska Department of Public Transportation and Public Facilities photo)

In-person city and school activities canceled Wednesday, but both offering remote services

Snow expected to end early Wednesday morning, but traffic and avalanche hazards remain high.

A state Department of Public Transportation and Public Facilities plow clears heavy snow from a road. The department has closed Thane Road overnight Monday and Tuesday due to the high risk of avalanches. (Alaska Department of Public Transportation and Public Facilities photo)
A pro-life flag, selected in a design contest, is being flown at some government buildings and other locations, sometimes as a counterstatement to Pride and other flags seen as politically oriented. A flag with the design is currently flying below the official Alaska State Flag at the Governor’s Residence after being hoisted there in recent days. (Photo by The Pro-Life Flag Project)

‘Pro-life’ flag hangs outside Governor’s Residence on anniversary of Roe v. Wade

Flag hoisted in recent days part of national movement, partly in response to Pride and other flags

A pro-life flag, selected in a design contest, is being flown at some government buildings and other locations, sometimes as a counterstatement to Pride and other flags seen as politically oriented. A flag with the design is currently flying below the official Alaska State Flag at the Governor’s Residence after being hoisted there in recent days. (Photo by The Pro-Life Flag Project)
U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, dances with others during a campaign event Oct. 24, 2022, at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. Peltola, who announced Monday she is seeking a second full term, is scheduled to make a campaign stop in Juneau on Friday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Peltola announces reelection bid, plans campaign stop in Juneau on Saturday

Democratic congresswoman among top nationwide targets of Republicans as she seeks second full term.

U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, dances with others during a campaign event Oct. 24, 2022, at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. Peltola, who announced Monday she is seeking a second full term, is scheduled to make a campaign stop in Juneau on Friday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The National Weather Service Juneau office near the Mendenhall Glacier has a snowpack depth of 33 inches as of about midnight Tuesday, following two heavy storms during the past 10 days, according to the station. (National Weather Service Juneau)

Avalanche warnings, closures continue as marathon storm leaves record snowfall

Juneau shatters snow record for Jan. 22; forecaster says avalanches “could begin to endanger homes.”

The National Weather Service Juneau office near the Mendenhall Glacier has a snowpack depth of 33 inches as of about midnight Tuesday, following two heavy storms during the past 10 days, according to the station. (National Weather Service Juneau)
Nadia Wilson, left, and Layla Tokuoka, right, of Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé fight for possession of the ball with Skylar Morris of South Anchorage High School during Saturday’s game at JDHS. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

JDHS boys, girls deliver matching pair of basketball wins for homecoming

Both Crimson Bears teams score on key plays in closing seconds of back-and-forth contests.

Nadia Wilson, left, and Layla Tokuoka, right, of Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé fight for possession of the ball with Skylar Morris of South Anchorage High School during Saturday’s game at JDHS. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Cars and a hillside street in downtown Juneau are buried under thick snow from a storm that began Sunday and is expected to continue until Tuesday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Lingering storm may dump more than two feet of snow; avalanche, other warnings issued

City closed, schools continue remote learning again on Tuesday; Thane Road closing at 8 p.m. Monday.

Cars and a hillside street in downtown Juneau are buried under thick snow from a storm that began Sunday and is expected to continue until Tuesday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
From left, Bela Pyare, 13, Josie Elfers, 11, Nayeli Hood, 11, and Emily Ferry, a member of the Alaska Association of School Boards, discuss their testimony about a board-based education bill in a hallway at the Alaska State Capitol during a House Rule Committee meeting on Saturday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Sweeping education bill advances to House floor despite overwhelming opposition from educators

Bill contains $300 BSA increase, boosts for charter and homeschooling, random audits of districts.

From left, Bela Pyare, 13, Josie Elfers, 11, Nayeli Hood, 11, and Emily Ferry, a member of the Alaska Association of School Boards, discuss their testimony about a board-based education bill in a hallway at the Alaska State Capitol during a House Rule Committee meeting on Saturday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
A plow clears snow from city streets on Sunday. (City and Borough of Juneau photo)

Remote learning day as local schools ‘closed’ Monday due to snowstorm; city and state offices also closed

District announces first “winter” remote classes to prevent excessive cancellations due to weather

A plow clears snow from city streets on Sunday. (City and Borough of Juneau photo)
Juneau School District Superintendent Frank Hauser (left) and members of the Juneau Board of Education discuss the district’s financial crisis during a public meeting Thursday night at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. (Screenshot from Juneau School District livestream)

School district’s former financial officer increasingly blamed for deficit as angry parents ask who’s responsible

“We were appallingly poorly informed about our budget projections,” school board president says.

Juneau School District Superintendent Frank Hauser (left) and members of the Juneau Board of Education discuss the district’s financial crisis during a public meeting Thursday night at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. (Screenshot from Juneau School District livestream)