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In this file photo from April 5, 2017, Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla, stands to speak in the House chambers against a bill establishing October 25 of each year as African American Soldiers’ Contribution to Building the Alaska Highway Day. The bill passed 39-1 with Rep. Eastman casting the only no vote. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Ruling: Alaska lawmaker violated ethics laws by disclosing complaint to press

The ethics subcommittee of the Alaska House of Representatives ruled Thursday that Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla, violated state law by leaking the existence of a confidential ethics complaint to the press.

In this file photo from April 5, 2017, Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla, stands to speak in the House chambers against a bill establishing October 25 of each year as African American Soldiers’ Contribution to Building the Alaska Highway Day. The bill passed 39-1 with Rep. Eastman casting the only no vote. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircew locates a downed aircraft inverted in Crillon Lake, in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, July 18, 2018. The National Park Service requested Coast Guard assistance in locating the pilot of the aircraft, who was found and hoisted from a Crillon Lake shore with minor injuries. (U.S. Coast Guard | Courtesy Photo)

Man survives plane crash into lake

Thanks in part to prior preparation, a man is safe after his plane flipped and crash landed in a lake in Glacier Bay National Park… Continue reading

A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircew locates a downed aircraft inverted in Crillon Lake, in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, July 18, 2018. The National Park Service requested Coast Guard assistance in locating the pilot of the aircraft, who was found and hoisted from a Crillon Lake shore with minor injuries. (U.S. Coast Guard | Courtesy Photo)
Gold Town Nickelodeon will be premiering the film “Andy Irons: Kissed By God” which focuses on the pro surfer’s struggle with mental illness and addiction. (Courtesy Photo | Alaska Mental Health Board)

Film shows pro surfer’s struggle with mental illness, addiction

Mark Landvik grew up in Juneau and is now a professional snowboarder. Just three years ago he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. That diagnosis is… Continue reading

Gold Town Nickelodeon will be premiering the film “Andy Irons: Kissed By God” which focuses on the pro surfer’s struggle with mental illness and addiction. (Courtesy Photo | Alaska Mental Health Board)
In this August 2017 file photo, Juneau Police Department officers serve notices of eviction to homeless Juneauites living on Mental Health Trust Authority land in downtown Juneau. A legislative committee has suggested the Trust’s CEO, Mike Abbott, might be guilty of a crime for leaking an under-development audit. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)

Mental Health Trust boss accused of leaking audit

A legislative audit committee has suggested the executive director of the Alaska Mental Health Trust could be charged with a crime for giving an under-development… Continue reading

In this August 2017 file photo, Juneau Police Department officers serve notices of eviction to homeless Juneauites living on Mental Health Trust Authority land in downtown Juneau. A legislative committee has suggested the Trust’s CEO, Mike Abbott, might be guilty of a crime for leaking an under-development audit. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)
This July 26, 2017 file photo shows the Emerald Princess cruise ship docked in Juneau, Alaska. Kenneth Manzanares, charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife Kristy while aboard the ship on a cruise to Alaska, pleaded not guilty in federal court in Juneau Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017. Kristy Manzanares was found dead in a cabin last month on the ship while it was in U.S. waters off Alaska. (Becky Bohrer, Associated Press | Courtesy File Photo)

Defense allowed to keep prison visit records from prosecution in cruise ship murder case

What happens behind bars stays behind bars, in the case of accused cruise ship murderer Kenneth Manzanares’ legal team.

This July 26, 2017 file photo shows the Emerald Princess cruise ship docked in Juneau, Alaska. Kenneth Manzanares, charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife Kristy while aboard the ship on a cruise to Alaska, pleaded not guilty in federal court in Juneau Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2017. Kristy Manzanares was found dead in a cabin last month on the ship while it was in U.S. waters off Alaska. (Becky Bohrer, Associated Press | Courtesy File Photo)
Fishermen mistook this humpback whale carcass near Juneau for a giant squid. A ball and socket from the pectoral joint sticks out from the “badly decomposed” carcass, giving the impression of a cephalopod’s eye. (Courtesy Photo | Johanna Vollenweider via NOAA Fisheries)

Fishermen spot giant squid, turns out to be a ‘badly-decomposed’ whale

What fishermen thought was a rarely-seen sea creature on Tuesday turned out to be a badly-decomposed cetacean. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration received reports… Continue reading

Fishermen mistook this humpback whale carcass near Juneau for a giant squid. A ball and socket from the pectoral joint sticks out from the “badly decomposed” carcass, giving the impression of a cephalopod’s eye. (Courtesy Photo | Johanna Vollenweider via NOAA Fisheries)
The Mendenhall Glacier as viewed from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on Wednesday, July 18, 2018. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch saying Suicide Basin is now draining into Mendenhall Lake with potential flooding to begin by late Thursday afternoon. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Weather Service issues flood watch as Juneau awaits glacial outburst

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Mendenhall Lake and Mendenhall River as Suicide Basin drains into the lake.

The Mendenhall Glacier as viewed from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on Wednesday, July 18, 2018. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch saying Suicide Basin is now draining into Mendenhall Lake with potential flooding to begin by late Thursday afternoon. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Construction crews continue the rebuilding of Project Playground at Twin Lakes on Monday, July 16, 2018. The Community portion of the build will be August 8 – 12, 2018. Built in 2007, the playground burned down in 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Rebuilding of Twin Lakes playground on schedule

Project Playground committee still in need of volunteers.

Construction crews continue the rebuilding of Project Playground at Twin Lakes on Monday, July 16, 2018. The Community portion of the build will be August 8 – 12, 2018. Built in 2007, the playground burned down in 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Kim Champney, a disability advocate, meets with Melvin Starr, center, and Luis Hernandez to hang posters at the Mendenhall Mall advertising this weekend’s Disability Pride Celebration. The celebration is Saturday, July 21, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Marine Park. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Grassroots group plans Disability Pride day at Marine Park

Event falls on ADA anniversary, and amid policy, funding changes.

Kim Champney, a disability advocate, meets with Melvin Starr, center, and Luis Hernandez to hang posters at the Mendenhall Mall advertising this weekend’s Disability Pride Celebration. The celebration is Saturday, July 21, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Marine Park. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Copies of the Goldbelt Corp. annual report are seen Tuesday, July 17, 2018. (James Brooks | Juneau Empire)

Goldbelt Corp. re-elects incumbents to board of directors

Corporation also shows financial rebound from 2016.

Copies of the Goldbelt Corp. annual report are seen Tuesday, July 17, 2018. (James Brooks | Juneau Empire)
In a photo provided by the office of the governor, Gov. Bill Walker signs Senate Bill 63, a statewide public smoking ban, on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at the Lucky Wishbone restaurant in Anchorage. Standing at right is Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, the legislative sponsor of the bill. On Walker’s lap is Stella Micciche, one of Micciche’s daughters. Also visible, from right to left behind Walker are Dr. Jay Butler, Alaska’s chief medical officer; Rep. Geran Tarr, D-Anchorage; Rep. Jason Grenn, I-Anchorage; Micciche; Rep. Chris Birch, R-Anchorage; and the smile of Emily Nenon of the American Cancer Society. (Courtesy photo)

Alaska Gov. Bill Walker signs bill banning indoor smoking

Effective Oct. 1, ban mirrors similar regulations approved by Bethel, Juneau, Anchorage.

In a photo provided by the office of the governor, Gov. Bill Walker signs Senate Bill 63, a statewide public smoking ban, on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at the Lucky Wishbone restaurant in Anchorage. Standing at right is Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, the legislative sponsor of the bill. On Walker’s lap is Stella Micciche, one of Micciche’s daughters. Also visible, from right to left behind Walker are Dr. Jay Butler, Alaska’s chief medical officer; Rep. Geran Tarr, D-Anchorage; Rep. Jason Grenn, I-Anchorage; Micciche; Rep. Chris Birch, R-Anchorage; and the smile of Emily Nenon of the American Cancer Society. (Courtesy photo)
In this screenshot from a video shared Monday by Capital City Fire/Rescue, the waters of Suicide Basin have topped the low point in the dam holding the reservoir and are beginning to flow downhill. (Screenshot)

Suicide Basin begins releasing water, but flooding risk unknown

Suicide Basin began its long-awaited release of water late Monday, but there are no signs of incipient flooding along the banks of the Mendenhall River or Mendenhall Lake.

In this screenshot from a video shared Monday by Capital City Fire/Rescue, the waters of Suicide Basin have topped the low point in the dam holding the reservoir and are beginning to flow downhill. (Screenshot)
This file photo shows the Holland America Westerdam in Southeast Alaska. (National Park Service | Courtesy Photo)

Park Service suspends search for overboard cruise ship passenger

After a day-long search that spread across the waters and shores of Glacier Bay, the National Park Service suspended its efforts Saturday for a man… Continue reading

This file photo shows the Holland America Westerdam in Southeast Alaska. (National Park Service | Courtesy Photo)
Kenny Solomon-Gross, Vice President and Manager of Gross Alaska Theatres, demonstrates the use of their new closed captioning and assistive listening systems at the 20th Century Theatre in downtown Juneau on Monday, July 16, 2018. The systems are available both downtown and their Glacier Cinemas in the Mendenhall Valley. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Local movie theaters now offering devices for hearing, visually impaired

20th Century Theatre, Glacier Cinemas now Americans with Disabilities Act compliant.

Kenny Solomon-Gross, Vice President and Manager of Gross Alaska Theatres, demonstrates the use of their new closed captioning and assistive listening systems at the 20th Century Theatre in downtown Juneau on Monday, July 16, 2018. The systems are available both downtown and their Glacier Cinemas in the Mendenhall Valley. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Matt Barnaby of Barnaby Brewing, talks about brewing a beer at his North Franklin location on Monday, April 9, 2018 before a fire closed the brewery. Barnaby recently won an award for its “I’ll Have Another 2018” smoked beer. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Two local breweries win medals at US Open of Beer

Two local breweries were recently awarded for the craftsmanship of their ales. Alaskan Brewing Company and Barnaby Brewing Company each earned a medal during the… Continue reading

Matt Barnaby of Barnaby Brewing, talks about brewing a beer at his North Franklin location on Monday, April 9, 2018 before a fire closed the brewery. Barnaby recently won an award for its “I’ll Have Another 2018” smoked beer. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
The Coast Guard Cutter Douglas Munro sails past Margerie Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, July 15, 2018. The Douglas Munro crew assisted the Glacier Bay National Park Service personnel in rescuing four people whose kayaks overturned in rough waters, but all four people made it to shore. (U.S. Coast Guard | Courtesy Photo)

Four kayakers survive after boats overturn in Glacier Bay

It was a busy weekend for Coast Guard personnel in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, as responders helped rescue two hikers and four kayakers… Continue reading

The Coast Guard Cutter Douglas Munro sails past Margerie Glacier in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, July 15, 2018. The Douglas Munro crew assisted the Glacier Bay National Park Service personnel in rescuing four people whose kayaks overturned in rough waters, but all four people made it to shore. (U.S. Coast Guard | Courtesy Photo)
A Department of Transportation and Public Facilities crew finishes the replacement of a section of guard rail on Egan Drive on Monday, July 16, 2018, that was taken out by a drunk driver over the weekend. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Car crashes into Egan guardrail after veering across median

A pickup truck swerved across the median on Egan Drive in the early hours of the morning Sunday, police say, and the truck took out… Continue reading

A Department of Transportation and Public Facilities crew finishes the replacement of a section of guard rail on Egan Drive on Monday, July 16, 2018, that was taken out by a drunk driver over the weekend. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Eating Wild: Lovage & Sorghum Salad

Eating Wild: Lovage & Sorghum Salad

Fresh, clean, with a little bite and celery undertones, this easy and delicious salad highlights the flavor of wild lovage. Lovage, a member of the… Continue reading

Eating Wild: Lovage & Sorghum Salad
Clyde Didrickson and his wife, Charlotte, smile and hug each other in their new home Friday morning. The couple were able to get their new home through a Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority grant funding program aimed to help veterans. (Gregory Philson | Juneau Empire)

‘It is a blessing’: Grant offering housing for Alaska Native veterans

Program has helped 19 individuals or familes in the last year.

Clyde Didrickson and his wife, Charlotte, smile and hug each other in their new home Friday morning. The couple were able to get their new home through a Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority grant funding program aimed to help veterans. (Gregory Philson | Juneau Empire)
Wade Bryson. (Kevin Gullufsen | Juneau Empire)

Businessman Wade Bryson joins District 2 race

Businessman Wade Bryson has joined the race for the District 2 City and Borough of Juneau Assembly seat. The 44-year-old father of five announced his… Continue reading

Wade Bryson. (Kevin Gullufsen | Juneau Empire)