Wire Service

Mark Neidhold, left, starts his 12-mile ride as Jamie Bursell, right, and others make the transition from swimming to bicycling during their triathlon camp at the University of Alaska Southeast in July 2016. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Aukeman camp gearing up

It’s not too late to get in shape for August’s Aukeman Triathlon. High Cadence Triathlon Training, headed up by Jamie Bursell, is putting on the… Continue reading

Mark Neidhold, left, starts his 12-mile ride as Jamie Bursell, right, and others make the transition from swimming to bicycling during their triathlon camp at the University of Alaska Southeast in July 2016. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
In 2017, a Rural Power System Upgrade grant from the Alaska Energy Authority paid for renovations by the Inside Passage Electric Cooperative to the diesel powerhouse in Kake, seen here in a photograph provided by IPEC CEO Jodi Mitchell. The AEA is considering changes to the program, with major implications for rural electric customers. (Courtesy photo)

As funding dries up, Alaska seeks new way to pay for rural power

The Alaska Energy Authority is considering a major change to the way it supports rural power projects, and customers are likely to pay more as a result.

In 2017, a Rural Power System Upgrade grant from the Alaska Energy Authority paid for renovations by the Inside Passage Electric Cooperative to the diesel powerhouse in Kake, seen here in a photograph provided by IPEC CEO Jodi Mitchell. The AEA is considering changes to the program, with major implications for rural electric customers. (Courtesy photo)
Former Alaska U.S. Senator Mark Begich greets and speaks to Juneau residents interested in his campaign for governor at the IBEW Local 1547 Union office on Thursday, June 29, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Mark Begich makes campaign stop in Juneau

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Begich made a campaign stop Thursday in Juneau, speaking to about 45 people at the local IBEW union hall. As attendees… Continue reading

Former Alaska U.S. Senator Mark Begich greets and speaks to Juneau residents interested in his campaign for governor at the IBEW Local 1547 Union office on Thursday, June 29, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
The Norwegian Bliss pulls out of Juneau’s downtown harbor on Tuesday, June 12, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Cruise industry’s lawsuit against city of Juneau is headed to trial

It’s official: the cruise ship industry and the City and Borough of Juneau can’t work it out. Court filings Thursday showed that mediation efforts failed,… Continue reading

The Norwegian Bliss pulls out of Juneau’s downtown harbor on Tuesday, June 12, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services is warning Alaskans that a security breach may have affected more than 500 people who used public assistance in the Interior and northern Alaska. (Luca Bravo | Unsplash)

Security breach: Hackers access Alaskans’ information from state computer

A security breach may have exposed the personal information of at least 500 northern Alaskans to unknown hackers, possibly in Russia.

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services is warning Alaskans that a security breach may have affected more than 500 people who used public assistance in the Interior and northern Alaska. (Luca Bravo | Unsplash)
Legion baseball: Juneau takes down South

Legion baseball: Juneau takes down South

With one game still to play, Juneau Post 25 is a perfect 5-0 on its road trip to Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley. Akin to… Continue reading

Legion baseball: Juneau takes down South
A humpback whale, not the one that is entangled. (Juneau Empire File)

Whale tangled in fishing gear in Lynn Canal

Marine mammal experts are asking mariners to keep an eye out for a humpback whale caught in a fishing net in Lynn Canal on Monday.… Continue reading

A humpback whale, not the one that is entangled. (Juneau Empire File)
Mary Lou Spartz talks about her interest in the SS Princess Sophia on Friday, June 22, 2018. The Sophia sank in 1918 with 343 or more people dying in the incident. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

‘Haunting story’: Mary Lou Spartz talks about her fascination with Princess Sophia

Spartz, who is one of the founders of the committee committed to keeping the memory of the Sophia alive, is excited about what has been done and what is planned for this year’s 100th anniversary of the disaster.

Mary Lou Spartz talks about her interest in the SS Princess Sophia on Friday, June 22, 2018. The Sophia sank in 1918 with 343 or more people dying in the incident. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
This composite image, provided by Alaska Fur Gallery and taken by Guy Olson, shows the walrus-tusk plaque stolen from the Franklin Street gallery sometime last month. (Courtesy photo)

Juneau Crime Line seeks tips in case of missing walrus tusks

The Juneau Crime Line is seeking the public’s help finding two walrus tusks stolen from Alaska Fur Gallery on Franklin Street.

This composite image, provided by Alaska Fur Gallery and taken by Guy Olson, shows the walrus-tusk plaque stolen from the Franklin Street gallery sometime last month. (Courtesy photo)
Saralyn Tabachnick has announced she is running for mayor of Juneau. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

AWARE executive director announces run for mayor

The executive director of the Juneau domestic violence shelter, Aiding Women in Abuse and Rape Emergencies (AWARE), is running for mayor. Saralyn Tabachnick made the… Continue reading

Saralyn Tabachnick has announced she is running for mayor of Juneau. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, speaks at the Alaska Capitol in February. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Tribes, environmental groups happy with Murkowski water quality money

Environmental and tribal groups worried about mining development in British Columbia are celebrating a recent move by Sen. Lisa Murkowski to spend $1.5 million on studying water quality on Southeast Alaska’s border-crossing rivers.

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, speaks at the Alaska Capitol in February. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Fireworks set off on shore along with a cruise ship illuminate Juneau’s waterfront prior to the city-funded fireworks show in Juneau’s downtown Harbor on Tuesday, July 3, 2017. (Juneau Empire File)

Where to go for fireworks for Juneau’s Independence Day celebration

It is time to start searching out the best spot to watch the fireworks show over Gastineau Channel Tuesday. With warm and dry weather predicted… Continue reading

Fireworks set off on shore along with a cruise ship illuminate Juneau’s waterfront prior to the city-funded fireworks show in Juneau’s downtown Harbor on Tuesday, July 3, 2017. (Juneau Empire File)
Nolan Harvey trains at the Dimond Park Aquatic Center on Tuesday. Harvey is just one of two swimmers on Team Alaska competing in the Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle next week. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Juneau swimmer headed to Seattle to compete in US Special Olympics

One of Nolan Harvey’s favorite parts of the Special Olympics doesn’t actually take place at the Special Olympics itself. It’s what comes afterward, when he… Continue reading

Nolan Harvey trains at the Dimond Park Aquatic Center on Tuesday. Harvey is just one of two swimmers on Team Alaska competing in the Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle next week. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Juneau Empire file.

Police and fire for Wednesday, June 28, 2018

This report contains public information available to the Empire from law enforcement and public safety agencies. This report includes arrest and citation information, not conviction… Continue reading

Juneau Empire file.
Humane Society reminds pet owners about safety during fireworks, hot days

Humane Society reminds pet owners about safety during fireworks, hot days

Fourth of July is Gastineau Humane Society’s busiest day of the year. That is not a good thing. Karen Wood, Animal Control Officer and Director… Continue reading

Humane Society reminds pet owners about safety during fireworks, hot days
In this Sept. 17, 2017 photo, Capital City Fire/Rescue cleans up after fighting a fire at 526 Seward Street, next to the Terry Miller Legislative Building. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

New future for burned-down B&B? Legislature may buy downtown building to expand Capitol complex

The Juneau Community Foundation and Alaska Legislature are considering a move to add more space to the Capitol complex downtown. According to a June 15… Continue reading

In this Sept. 17, 2017 photo, Capital City Fire/Rescue cleans up after fighting a fire at 526 Seward Street, next to the Terry Miller Legislative Building. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Nick Vonda brings up a king salmon he caught at the Wayside Park on Channel Drive on Tuesday, June 26, 2018. Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, July 1st, sport fishing for king salmon and snagging will be prohibited from the shoreline to 200 yards offshore between the end of Channel Drive and a point near the Samson Tug and Barge property to ensure that enough king salmon make it up the fish ladder to meet egg-take goals needed for future production. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Fishing at Macaulay to close Sunday

King salmon fishing near Macaulay Hatchery will close Sunday.

Nick Vonda brings up a king salmon he caught at the Wayside Park on Channel Drive on Tuesday, June 26, 2018. Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, July 1st, sport fishing for king salmon and snagging will be prohibited from the shoreline to 200 yards offshore between the end of Channel Drive and a point near the Samson Tug and Barge property to ensure that enough king salmon make it up the fish ladder to meet egg-take goals needed for future production. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner gives a thumbs up outside the Supreme Court, Wednesday, June 27, 2018 in Washington. From left are, Liberty Justice Center’s Director of Litigation Jacob Huebert, plaintiff Mark Janus, Rauner, and Liberty Justice Center founder and chairman John Tillman. The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that government workers can’t be forced to contribute to labor unions that represent them in collective bargaining, dealing a serious financial blow to organized labor. (AP Photo | Andrew Harnik)

Alaska unions clobbered by Supreme Court decision

Alaska’s public-sector unions warned Wednesday that a new ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court will have significant effects across the state. The 5-4 ruling in… Continue reading

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner gives a thumbs up outside the Supreme Court, Wednesday, June 27, 2018 in Washington. From left are, Liberty Justice Center’s Director of Litigation Jacob Huebert, plaintiff Mark Janus, Rauner, and Liberty Justice Center founder and chairman John Tillman. The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that government workers can’t be forced to contribute to labor unions that represent them in collective bargaining, dealing a serious financial blow to organized labor. (AP Photo | Andrew Harnik)
A screenshot from one of the two videos submitted by John David.

Police, neighbors help free stuck bear

These bear videos have happy endings.

A screenshot from one of the two videos submitted by John David.
Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski speaks at the Juneau Chamber of Commerce’s weekly luncheon at the Moose Lodge on Thursday, June 1, 2017.

Alaska cities, boroughs see more cash from Department of the Interior

The Department of the Interior will send more than $32.3 million to local governments across Alaska as part of this year’s Payment in Lieu of… Continue reading

Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski speaks at the Juneau Chamber of Commerce’s weekly luncheon at the Moose Lodge on Thursday, June 1, 2017.