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Jonathan Rasch skates back to shore with his dog after spending hours looking for a man who fell through the ice on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, on Chilkoot Lake near Haines. Rasch was skating on the lake when he heard the man screaming for help and used his Garmin inReach to call for help. (Rashah McChesney/Chilkat Valley News)

After Haines man disappears, locals and state officials warn of the dangers of ice skating on lake

After Haines man disappears, locals and state officials warn of the dangers of ice skating on lake

  • Feb 15, 2025
  • By Rashah McChesney, Chilkat Valley News
  • Death
Jonathan Rasch skates back to shore with his dog after spending hours looking for a man who fell through the ice on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, on Chilkoot Lake near Haines. Rasch was skating on the lake when he heard the man screaming for help and used his Garmin inReach to call for help. (Rashah McChesney/Chilkat Valley News)
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé sophomore Layla Tokuoka (14) threads a pass through Ketchikan senior Shyla Abajian (5), junior Lauren Tucker (11) and junior Kylie Brendible (32) during the Crimson Bears’ 51-23 win over the Lady Kings on Friday in Juneau. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

JDHS girls finish home sweep of Ketchikan

Crimson Bears have perfect conference record over Lady Kings

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé sophomore Layla Tokuoka (14) threads a pass through Ketchikan senior Shyla Abajian (5), junior Lauren Tucker (11) and junior Kylie Brendible (32) during the Crimson Bears’ 51-23 win over the Lady Kings on Friday in Juneau. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
A shelter staff member takes a dog who is currently boarding at Juneau Animal Rescue outside on Feb. 13, 2025. The animal shelter needs more space both outside and in, according to the executive director. It could also use a guillotine door to allow dogs easier access to the outdoors. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)

Juneau Animal Rescue hopes to be ‘feline’ the love at annual fundraiser

The shelter is still in need of a new building and hopes to continue educating the community.

A shelter staff member takes a dog who is currently boarding at Juneau Animal Rescue outside on Feb. 13, 2025. The animal shelter needs more space both outside and in, according to the executive director. It could also use a guillotine door to allow dogs easier access to the outdoors. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola speaks at the Alaska Democratic Party’s state convention on May 18, 2024, at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

Report: Former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola likely to run for governor in 2026

Democrat ousted in November would likely face crowded field in open race for Alaska’s top spot.

Former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola speaks at the Alaska Democratic Party’s state convention on May 18, 2024, at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
A skier crosses Mendenhall Lake in front of a large section of recently exposed ice on Mendenhall Glacier on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Update: Large calving of ice from Mendenhall Glacier prompts further safety warning

U.S. Forest Service on Thursday says more calving possible, people should stay far away from glacier.

A skier crosses Mendenhall Lake in front of a large section of recently exposed ice on Mendenhall Glacier on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
A building directory in Juneau’s federal building lists departments, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Forest Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)

Mass firings ordered by Trump administration, including nearly 10% of U.S. Forest Service

HUD plans 50% staff cut, scrutiny of “every dollar spent in serving tribal, rural and urban communities.”

A building directory in Juneau’s federal building lists departments, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Forest Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Feb. 12, 1985. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Feb. 12, 1985. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Meilani Schijvens, owner of Rain Coast Data, discusses regional economic data complied by her company during Southeast Conference’s Mid-Season Summit at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Tuesday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Five-year economic plan for Southeast suggests spending $300M to address top priority of housing

Other top goals include boosting seafood marketing, renewable energy, locally-owned tourism enterprises

Meilani Schijvens, owner of Rain Coast Data, discusses regional economic data complied by her company during Southeast Conference’s Mid-Season Summit at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Tuesday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé junior Gwen Nizich (11) shoots from past the arc over Ketchikan junior Kylie Brendible (32) during the Crimson Bears’ 52-23 win over the Lady Kings on Thursday in Juneau. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

JDHS girls greet conference rival Kayhi with win

Crimson Bears defeat Lady Kings 52-23 in home den

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé junior Gwen Nizich (11) shoots from past the arc over Ketchikan junior Kylie Brendible (32) during the Crimson Bears’ 52-23 win over the Lady Kings on Thursday in Juneau. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Joann, the arts and crafts chain, announced it will close its Juneau location. An employee is seen working at the store on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)

Juneau’s Joann craft store is one of 500 closing across the US

Company filing for bankruptcy; property manager at mall said it’s unknown when local store will close.

Joann, the arts and crafts chain, announced it will close its Juneau location. An employee is seen working at the store on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Alaska Supreme Court chief justice Susan Carney poses for a photo in a seventh-floor office of the state courthouse in Juneau on Feb 11, 2025. (Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Who is Susan Carney, Alaska’s new chief justice?

For the first time in Alaska history, the state’s supreme court is majority female. It’s also being led, for just the second time, by a… Continue reading

Alaska Supreme Court chief justice Susan Carney poses for a photo in a seventh-floor office of the state courthouse in Juneau on Feb 11, 2025. (Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)
Tim Ackerman begins the process of removing a dead seal’s pelt on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, on the Letnikof Cove shoreline. (Rashah McChesney/Chilkat Valley News)

Five headless seals have washed up on Chilkat Valley beaches in the last few months; here’s possibly why

Local marine mammal hunter says the carcasses offer a glimpse into Alaska’s marine ecosystem.

Tim Ackerman begins the process of removing a dead seal’s pelt on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, on the Letnikof Cove shoreline. (Rashah McChesney/Chilkat Valley News)
Alaska Chief Justice Susan Carney speaks to the Alaska Legislature on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. At background are Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak (left) and Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham (right). (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska chief justice vows speedier trials after investigative journalists find problems

In her first address to the Alaska Legislature since becoming head of the Alaska Supreme Court, Chief Justice Susan Carney told lawmakers that the court… Continue reading

Alaska Chief Justice Susan Carney speaks to the Alaska Legislature on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. At background are Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak (left) and Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham (right). (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Mary Johnson protects the ball from Wasilla junior Mielee Merchant (4) and senior Mylee Anderson (14) during a Crimson Bears loss to the Warriors last weekend in the George Houston Gymnasium. JDHS will host Ketchikan at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

JDHS girls to host Kayhi for final conference games

Crimson Bears invite Lady Kings to their den Thursday, Friday

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Mary Johnson protects the ball from Wasilla junior Mielee Merchant (4) and senior Mylee Anderson (14) during a Crimson Bears loss to the Warriors last weekend in the George Houston Gymnasium. JDHS will host Ketchikan at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Ahmir Parker (2) guards Ketchikan senior Marcus Stockhausen (34) during their series early in the season at JDHS. Parker has been a "jack-of-all-trades" for the Crimson Bears this season. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Crimson Bears boys taking on Kings at Ketchikan

JDHS playing final Southeast Conference games on the road.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Ahmir Parker (2) guards Ketchikan senior Marcus Stockhausen (34) during their series early in the season at JDHS. Parker has been a "jack-of-all-trades" for the Crimson Bears this season. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, addresses the Southeast Conference’s Mid-Season Summit at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Tuesday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Rough seas in Southeast during Trump’s early days, but smoother waters ahead, Murkowski tells regional leaders

“Right now people are vomiting on either of the sides of the boat…(but) we’re going to get through this.”

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, addresses the Southeast Conference’s Mid-Season Summit at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Tuesday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The Norwegian Jewel begins its departure from Juneau on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, marking the official end of the annual cruise ship season. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire file photo)

Community support for tourism continues slow decline in annual survey

29% say impacts generally positive, 13% negative; responses were 40% positive, 6% negative in 2002

The Norwegian Jewel begins its departure from Juneau on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, marking the official end of the annual cruise ship season. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire file photo)
The Alaska State Capitol is seen on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in front of snow-covered Mount Juneau. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska legislators say state’s fiscal picture is among the worst in decades

A planned increase for K-12 public school spending is expected to significantly reduce the PFD.

The Alaska State Capitol is seen on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in front of snow-covered Mount Juneau. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Sen. Kelly Merrick, R-Eagle River, is seen on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, during a meeting of the Senate Finance Committee. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska Senate approves 18-year-old alcohol-servers, plus 16-year-old restaurant workers

Alaskans as young as 16 will be allowed to work in restaurants, and those as young as 18 will be allowed to serve alcohol if… Continue reading

Sen. Kelly Merrick, R-Eagle River, is seen on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, during a meeting of the Senate Finance Committee. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
A drone image shows widespread flooding in the Mendenhall Valley in Juneau on Aug. 6, 2024. The flood was from an outburst at Suicide Basin, part of the Mendenhall Glacier complex. A similar glacial outburst flood struck the same area in 2023. (Image courtesy of Rich Ross)

Bill would establish Alaska alternative to federal flood insurance program

The Alaska Legislature is considering a bill that would create a new state insurance program to address damages from floods, including glacial outburst floods that… Continue reading

A drone image shows widespread flooding in the Mendenhall Valley in Juneau on Aug. 6, 2024. The flood was from an outburst at Suicide Basin, part of the Mendenhall Glacier complex. A similar glacial outburst flood struck the same area in 2023. (Image courtesy of Rich Ross)