Home

This Jan. 8, 2021, photo shows the Alaska State Capitol. The Alaska Senate on Wednesday OK’d a resolution that would allow remote voting, if necessary, during the pandemic. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

State senate approves remote voting resolution

Presiding officers could OK attending session via videoconference.

This Jan. 8, 2021, photo shows the Alaska State Capitol. The Alaska Senate on Wednesday OK’d a resolution that would allow remote voting, if necessary, during the pandemic. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
A pair of ravens cast a wary eye about on the downtown waterfront as snow falls across Juneau on Feb. 3, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Heavy snow precedes a sunny end to the week

But forecasters expect a snowy weekend.

A pair of ravens cast a wary eye about on the downtown waterfront as snow falls across Juneau on Feb. 3, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
In this Dec. 24 photo, Arsenio “Pastor” Credo receives the Moderna coronavirus vaccine from nurse Courtney Taber at the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium’s Ethel Lund Medical Center. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

City and Borough of Juneau seeks seniors for potential early vaccination

Leftover vaccine doses are expected.

  • Feb 3, 2021
  • Juneau Empire
In this Dec. 24 photo, Arsenio “Pastor” Credo receives the Moderna coronavirus vaccine from nurse Courtney Taber at the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium’s Ethel Lund Medical Center. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
Courtesy Photo/Hall Anderson, United States Artists Nathan Jackson, a Ketchikan-based Traditional Woodcarver and Sculptor was named a 2021 USA Fellow on Wednesday.
Capital City Weekly

Renowned Northwest Coast artist named USA Fellow

United States Artists awards $50,000 to the Ketchikan-based artist.

Courtesy Photo/Hall Anderson, United States Artists Nathan Jackson, a Ketchikan-based Traditional Woodcarver and Sculptor was named a 2021 USA Fellow on Wednesday.
Screenshot This still image from a Gavel Alaska livestream shows Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum as he speaks to a Senate committee on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. Lawmakers questioned Crum on the legality of Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s emergency disaster declarations and extensions.

Different reasons, same conclusion: Disaster extensions concerns state lawmakers

Committee to resume Thursday.

Screenshot This still image from a Gavel Alaska livestream shows Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum as he speaks to a Senate committee on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. Lawmakers questioned Crum on the legality of Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s emergency disaster declarations and extensions.
Bartlett Regional Hospital pharmacist Chris Sperry holds a vial of COVID-19 vaccine on Dec. 15, 2020. Appointments are still available for the second vaccine clinic for elderly residents 65 and older on Feb. 11-12 as of Feb. 2, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Appointments available for next city vaccine clinic

It’s also just about time for the second dose for those who went to the first clinic.

Bartlett Regional Hospital pharmacist Chris Sperry holds a vial of COVID-19 vaccine on Dec. 15, 2020. Appointments are still available for the second vaccine clinic for elderly residents 65 and older on Feb. 11-12 as of Feb. 2, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
On Wednesday night, the Finance Committee will meet to discuss the future of the Household Assistance and Individual Assistance programs. The programs, which are were funded with federal CARES Act money, aim to help people who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

CBJ Finance Committee to consider expanding relief programs

With nearly $5 million already distributed, more need remains.

On Wednesday night, the Finance Committee will meet to discuss the future of the Household Assistance and Individual Assistance programs. The programs, which are were funded with federal CARES Act money, aim to help people who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Fireworks illuminate the night sky over the Mendenhall Valley on New Year's Eve. Based on resident complaints, CBJ is considering new regulations that will restrict the types of fireworks that can be used in different parts of the borough, limit the sale of fireworks and impose fines of $500 for violations. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

CBJ considers new restrictions on fireworks

Fuse is lit, but final decision is still a ways off.

Fireworks illuminate the night sky over the Mendenhall Valley on New Year's Eve. Based on resident complaints, CBJ is considering new regulations that will restrict the types of fireworks that can be used in different parts of the borough, limit the sale of fireworks and impose fines of $500 for violations. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
Peter Segall / Juneau Empire Republican members of the House of Representatives gather in a conference room at the Alaska State Capitol on Thursday to watch the governor’s State of the State address.

Governor encourages unity, increased independence in State of State

First virtual address.

Peter Segall / Juneau Empire Republican members of the House of Representatives gather in a conference room at the Alaska State Capitol on Thursday to watch the governor’s State of the State address.
A Juneau School District plow truck caught fire Monday morning in the parking lot of Juneau-Douglas High School Yadaa.at Kalé, Feb. 1, 2021. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is unknown, said Capital City Fire/Rescue fire marshal Dan Jager. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

School district vehicle catches fire in JDHS parking lot

Bystanders attempted to extinguish the fire, but the vehicle is likely a total loss.

A Juneau School District plow truck caught fire Monday morning in the parking lot of Juneau-Douglas High School Yadaa.at Kalé, Feb. 1, 2021. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is unknown, said Capital City Fire/Rescue fire marshal Dan Jager. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
Lt. Gov. Kevin Meyer, seen here sitting in the Speaker’s chair in the Alaska House of Representatives chamber on Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, presided over yet another House session where lawmakers failed to organize. Feb. 1, marked the third straight week of deadlock in the House. Lawmakers will meet again Tuesday morning. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

House remains deadlocked. Here’s what that means for future legislation

Senate can only do so much.

Lt. Gov. Kevin Meyer, seen here sitting in the Speaker’s chair in the Alaska House of Representatives chamber on Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, presided over yet another House session where lawmakers failed to organize. Feb. 1, marked the third straight week of deadlock in the House. Lawmakers will meet again Tuesday morning. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Tease

Opinion: We can and must do better

The events of Jan. 6 represent the failure of constitutional and civic education at all levels

  • Feb 1, 2021
  • By Alaskan James Madison Fellows
Tease
Gavel (Courtesy photo)

Report: Alaska AG quit after reports of sexual misconduct

Resignation came while news organizations prepared report detailing sexual misconduct allegations.

Gavel (Courtesy photo)
Courtesy photo / Maria Eells Maria Eells, a recently graduated nurse from Sitka, was named the recipient of the 2020 Stacie Rae Morse- Gift of Flight scholarship, named after a flight nurse killed in a 2019 plane crash.

Honoring a legacy: Flight nurse scholarship awarded to Sitka nurse

Named after a flight nurse killed in a 2019 crash, a new entrant will take up the mantle.

Courtesy photo / Maria Eells Maria Eells, a recently graduated nurse from Sitka, was named the recipient of the 2020 Stacie Rae Morse- Gift of Flight scholarship, named after a flight nurse killed in a 2019 plane crash.
Robert Fawcett familiarizes himself with a new wing alongside the Gastineau Channel at Wayside Park on Jan. 27, 2021. “When you’re up on the mountain, you get more variables, more winds and gusts,” Fawcett said in a brief interview. “The same controls you use in the air, you use on the ground. It’s always good to practice.” Fawcett said he’d taken the wing off a mountain on Monday. “I like the hike up,” Fawcett said. “I don’t like the hike down.” (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Photos: Catching air

Cold doesn’t stop paragliding.

Robert Fawcett familiarizes himself with a new wing alongside the Gastineau Channel at Wayside Park on Jan. 27, 2021. “When you’re up on the mountain, you get more variables, more winds and gusts,” Fawcett said in a brief interview. “The same controls you use in the air, you use on the ground. It’s always good to practice.” Fawcett said he’d taken the wing off a mountain on Monday. “I like the hike up,” Fawcett said. “I don’t like the hike down.” (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
In this Dec. 24 photo, Arsenio “Pastor” Credo receives the Moderna coronavirus vaccine from nurse Courtney Taber at the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium’s Ethel Lund Medical Center. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

City shares instructions for making vaccination appointment

Registration for the clinic opens Monday.

In this Dec. 24 photo, Arsenio “Pastor” Credo receives the Moderna coronavirus vaccine from nurse Courtney Taber at the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium’s Ethel Lund Medical Center. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol on Jan. 8, 2021. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File) This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol on Jan. 8, 2021. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

The unserious pursuit of constitutional amendments

Why the governor’s cure-all for the state’s chronic budget deficit will run into a brick wall. Again.

  • Jan 30, 2021
  • By Rich Moniak
This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol on Jan. 8, 2021. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File) This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol on Jan. 8, 2021. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
Sen. Mike Shower, R-Wasilla, chairs the Senate State Affairs Committee on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, during a review of a bill he submitted. Shower says the bill would strengthen Alaska’s election security while critics say it will make it harder for Alaskans to vote. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Security or suppression? Bill would change how Alaskans vote

Election security or voter suppression?

Sen. Mike Shower, R-Wasilla, chairs the Senate State Affairs Committee on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, during a review of a bill he submitted. Shower says the bill would strengthen Alaska’s election security while critics say it will make it harder for Alaskans to vote. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Justin Richardson, a pharmacy technician with Bartlett Regional Hospital, prepares the first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Dec. 15, 2020. Healthcare professionals are just one group of caregivers that the Juneau Suicide Prevention Coalition and the National Alliance on Mental Illness- Juneau hopes to recognize with the opportunity for members of the public to nominate anyone in any walk of life who’s gone above and beyond during the pandemic. (Courtesy photo / Katie Bausler)

Mental health groups hold Care for the Caregivers event

Nominess will be announced on Valentine’s Day

Justin Richardson, a pharmacy technician with Bartlett Regional Hospital, prepares the first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Dec. 15, 2020. Healthcare professionals are just one group of caregivers that the Juneau Suicide Prevention Coalition and the National Alliance on Mental Illness- Juneau hopes to recognize with the opportunity for members of the public to nominate anyone in any walk of life who’s gone above and beyond during the pandemic. (Courtesy photo / Katie Bausler)
This photo shows a sign outside the Division of Motor Vehicles office in Juneau. The agency plans to update its electronic screening system after issuing personalized license plates reading "FUHRER" and "3REICH" and later recalling them because of complaints, officials announced Friday. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Alaska plans screening changes after ‘3REICH’ license plate

An Alaska agency plans to update its electronic screening system

  • Jan 29, 2021
  • By BECKY BOHRER Associated Press
This photo shows a sign outside the Division of Motor Vehicles office in Juneau. The agency plans to update its electronic screening system after issuing personalized license plates reading "FUHRER" and "3REICH" and later recalling them because of complaints, officials announced Friday. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)