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A sign advertises free COVID-19 vaccines at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport on July 13, 2021, in Anchorage, Alaska. The state announced a new initiative that gives newly vaccinated Alaskans an opportunity to win $49,000. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)

Newly vaccinated get chance to win cash

Incentive campaign to grant $49,000 cash and scholarship prizes to weekly winners

A sign advertises free COVID-19 vaccines at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport on July 13, 2021, in Anchorage, Alaska. The state announced a new initiative that gives newly vaccinated Alaskans an opportunity to win $49,000. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
Members of the Alaska House of Representatives consult staff during an at ease during floor debate on Aug. 31, 2021, in the middle of the Alaska State Legislature’s third special session of the year. Gov. Mike Dunleavy said another session is likely, but didn’t say when or where it would be held. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Governor, lawmakers say another special session likely

‘Contemplating the venue.’

Members of the Alaska House of Representatives consult staff during an at ease during floor debate on Aug. 31, 2021, in the middle of the Alaska State Legislature’s third special session of the year. Gov. Mike Dunleavy said another session is likely, but didn’t say when or where it would be held. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
People grab drinks and sun at the Flight Deck, May 21, 2020. Restaurants are among the businesses subject to a 5% sales tax in the City and Borough of Juneau. In October, voters will be asked to reauthorize the 3% of the tax that is deemed “temporary” and used for street maintenance and general city and borough operations. Voters weigh in on the matter every five years. (Michael S. Lockett /Juneau Empire File)

Temporary portion of sales tax is on the ballot

Voters to decide fate of 3%

People grab drinks and sun at the Flight Deck, May 21, 2020. Restaurants are among the businesses subject to a 5% sales tax in the City and Borough of Juneau. In October, voters will be asked to reauthorize the 3% of the tax that is deemed “temporary” and used for street maintenance and general city and borough operations. Voters weigh in on the matter every five years. (Michael S. Lockett /Juneau Empire File)
The Elvey Building (with the satellite dish on top), home to the Geophysical Institute on the UAF campus. (Courtesy Photo / Ned Rozell)

Alaska Science Forum: Diversity helps a place survive

“From the center of the Earth to the center of the sun.”

The Elvey Building (with the satellite dish on top), home to the Geophysical Institute on the UAF campus. (Courtesy Photo / Ned Rozell)
Barbara ‘Wáahlaal Gíidaak Blake

Get to know a candidate: Barbara Blake

She’s running for the District 1 City and Borough of Juneau Assembly seat.

Barbara ‘Wáahlaal Gíidaak Blake
Paul Kelly

Get to know a candidate: Paul Kelly

He’s running for the District 1 City and Borough of Juneau Assembly seat.

Paul Kelly
An ICU nurse, moves electrical cords for medical machines, outside the room of a patient suffering from COVID-19, in an intensive care unit at the Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport, La. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a nurse staffing crisis that is forcing many U.S. hospitals to pay top dollar to get the help they need to handle the crush of patients this summer. (AP Photo/ Gerald Herbert)

Gov amends session to allow lawmakers to tackle COVID

‘Move at the speed of trust.’

An ICU nurse, moves electrical cords for medical machines, outside the room of a patient suffering from COVID-19, in an intensive care unit at the Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport, La. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a nurse staffing crisis that is forcing many U.S. hospitals to pay top dollar to get the help they need to handle the crush of patients this summer. (AP Photo/ Gerald Herbert)
People walk past commercial properties in downtown Juneau on June 3. Earlier this year, the city increased the base land value throughout the borough by 50% as part of the annual assessment process — a move that increased the tax bill for commercial property owners and generated more than 200 appeals. Wednesday night, Jeff Rogers, finance director for CBJ, said that despite complaints, the city’s process was sound and the adjustment was needed. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Commercial tax assessments under review

City finance director updates committee

People walk past commercial properties in downtown Juneau on June 3. Earlier this year, the city increased the base land value throughout the borough by 50% as part of the annual assessment process — a move that increased the tax bill for commercial property owners and generated more than 200 appeals. Wednesday night, Jeff Rogers, finance director for CBJ, said that despite complaints, the city’s process was sound and the adjustment was needed. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Capt. Darwin R. Jensen, Sector Juneau’s new commander, speaks during the change of command ceremony at the station on July 7, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Friends in damp places: Sector Juneau CO talks partnerships, future plans

A new set of eyes can examine old plans, the new commander said.

Capt. Darwin R. Jensen, Sector Juneau’s new commander, speaks during the change of command ceremony at the station on July 7, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
Wrangell and Petersburg recently implemented text-to-911 systems for their emergency dispatches. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file)

Wrangell and Petersburg get text-to-911 service

It’s a step forward that Juneau is eyeing for the future.

Wrangell and Petersburg recently implemented text-to-911 systems for their emergency dispatches. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file)
This July 30 photo shows Juneau school board candidate Aaron Spratt. (Dana Zigmund/Juneau Empire File)

Get to know a candidate: Aaron Spratt

He’s seeking a seat on the school board.

This July 30 photo shows Juneau school board candidate Aaron Spratt. (Dana Zigmund/Juneau Empire File)
This Aug. 2 photo shows school board candidate Amber Frommherz. (Dana Zigmund / Juneau Empire File)

Get to know a candidate: Amber Frommherz

She’s running for school board.

This Aug. 2 photo shows school board candidate Amber Frommherz. (Dana Zigmund / Juneau Empire File)
This Aug. 13 photo shows Juneau school board candidate Ibn Bailey. (Dana Zigmund / Juneau Empire)

Get to know a candidate: Ibn Bailey

He’s seeking a school board seat .

This Aug. 13 photo shows Juneau school board candidate Ibn Bailey. (Dana Zigmund / Juneau Empire)
Elizabeth Siddon, current president of Juneau’s Board of Education, is running for a second term on the board. She is the only incumbent on the ballot, which has attracted six candidates for three positions. (Courtesy photo / Elizabeth Siddon)

Get to know a candidate: Elizabeth Siddon

Incumbent defends seat on the school board.

Elizabeth Siddon, current president of Juneau’s Board of Education, is running for a second term on the board. She is the only incumbent on the ballot, which has attracted six candidates for three positions. (Courtesy photo / Elizabeth Siddon)
Sens. David Wilson, R-Wasilla, center, and Lyman Hoffman, D-Bethel, right, put questions to Office of Management and Budget Director Neil Steininger during a meeting of the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021. The Legislature's third special session of the year is dealing mostly with budget issues despite having been called to bring resolution to the state's fiscal deficit. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Governor adds amendments to budget bill

Maybe another session.

Sens. David Wilson, R-Wasilla, center, and Lyman Hoffman, D-Bethel, right, put questions to Office of Management and Budget Director Neil Steininger during a meeting of the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021. The Legislature's third special session of the year is dealing mostly with budget issues despite having been called to bring resolution to the state's fiscal deficit. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
A plane lands at Juneau International Airport on May 25, 2021, as the number of travelers in the state started to rise after the lockdowns of 2020. Travel numbers are not back up to their pre-pandemic levels, but they are increasing according to local travel authorities. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)

After steep decline, transportation numbers are slowly taking off again

Passengers are coming back by boat, plane and bus, but not yet at pre-pandemic numbers.

A plane lands at Juneau International Airport on May 25, 2021, as the number of travelers in the state started to rise after the lockdowns of 2020. Travel numbers are not back up to their pre-pandemic levels, but they are increasing according to local travel authorities. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)
Elizabeth Siddon, current president of Juneau’s Board of Education, is running for a second term on the board. She is the only incumbent on the ballot, which has attracted six candidates for three positions. (Courtesy photo/Elizabeth Siddon)

Siddon sets sights on a second term

Three open seats attract six candidates

Elizabeth Siddon, current president of Juneau’s Board of Education, is running for a second term on the board. She is the only incumbent on the ballot, which has attracted six candidates for three positions. (Courtesy photo/Elizabeth Siddon)
House Speaker Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, center, leaves the House chambers on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021 following marathon floor sessions that morning and Monday night. The House passed an appropriations bill but not before members of the minority voiced deep objections. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

House passes budget bill, calls for $1,100 PFD

Fractious floor sessions.

House Speaker Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, center, leaves the House chambers on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021 following marathon floor sessions that morning and Monday night. The House passed an appropriations bill but not before members of the minority voiced deep objections. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)

State House calls for $1,100 dividend

There are divisions over funding source.

(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)
Dana Zigmund/Juneau Empire A garbage can sits next to a bin from Juneau Compost on Douglas on August 31. According to company officials, each day Juneau adds about 100 tons of garbage to the Capitol Disposal Landfill near Lemon Creek. At that rate, officials expect the landfill to be full in about 20 years. The city is exploring new ways to deal with Juneau’s waste stream, including composting options.

Juneau’s landfill likely to last 20 more years

City committee talks trash with owners

Dana Zigmund/Juneau Empire A garbage can sits next to a bin from Juneau Compost on Douglas on August 31. According to company officials, each day Juneau adds about 100 tons of garbage to the Capitol Disposal Landfill near Lemon Creek. At that rate, officials expect the landfill to be full in about 20 years. The city is exploring new ways to deal with Juneau’s waste stream, including composting options.