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This photo available under the Creative Commons license shows a gynandromorph of a common blue butterfly. Gynandromorphy, meaning female-male-morphology, is well-known, apparently, among birds, including chickens and several songbirds of the eastern U.S.; these individuals have one half with male plumage and the other half with female plumage. They also occur in reptiles, amphibians and fishes (as well as a variety of insects and other invertebrates.) (Courtesy Photo / Burkhard Hinnersmann)

On the Trails: Determination of biological sex —it’s a complex topic

The determination of biological sex is a complicated matter, even just focusing on vertabrates.

This photo available under the Creative Commons license shows a gynandromorph of a common blue butterfly. Gynandromorphy, meaning female-male-morphology, is well-known, apparently, among birds, including chickens and several songbirds of the eastern U.S.; these individuals have one half with male plumage and the other half with female plumage. They also occur in reptiles, amphibians and fishes (as well as a variety of insects and other invertebrates.) (Courtesy Photo / Burkhard Hinnersmann)
This picture shows a trigger lock, which according to local activists, is an inexpensive way to secure guns and help prevent unintentional shootings. (Courtesy photo/Sally Rue)

Local group urges residents to Be SMART about guns

‘Unintentional child shootings are 100% preventable’

This picture shows a trigger lock, which according to local activists, is an inexpensive way to secure guns and help prevent unintentional shootings. (Courtesy photo/Sally Rue)
It's a police car until you look closely and see the details don't quite match. (Juneau Empire File / Michael Penn)

Police calls for Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

  • Dec 7, 2021
  • Juneau Empire
  • Crime
It's a police car until you look closely and see the details don't quite match. (Juneau Empire File / Michael Penn)
This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, yellow, emerging from the surface of cells, blue/pink, cultured in the lab. Also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus causes COVID-19. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, NIAID-RML

COVID at a Glance for Monday, Dec. 6

Numbers come from reports from the City and Borough of Juneau Emergency Operations Center and the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, as well… Continue reading

This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, yellow, emerging from the surface of cells, blue/pink, cultured in the lab. Also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus causes COVID-19. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, NIAID-RML
Jury trials at Dimond Courthouse and elsewhere are expected to occur more often and consistently in the next several months as judges seek to get trials moving once again. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Jury trials set to ramp up with new year

The Sixth Amendment gives all Americans the right to a speedy and public trial by jury.

Jury trials at Dimond Courthouse and elsewhere are expected to occur more often and consistently in the next several months as judges seek to get trials moving once again. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
This February 2020 file photo shows the Alaska state flag on the bow of the MV Matanuska at the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal. The infrastructure bill recently passed by Congress includes significant funding for the ferry system, but coastal communities are still feeling the pinch of reduced service. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)

Infrastructure bill will boost ferries, but winter service still sparse

New funds, old problems.

This February 2020 file photo shows the Alaska state flag on the bow of the MV Matanuska at the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal. The infrastructure bill recently passed by Congress includes significant funding for the ferry system, but coastal communities are still feeling the pinch of reduced service. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)
Ed Garity, a vet technician, and Dr. Sam Smith, a veterinarian and owner of Tongass Veterinary Services, tend to a 17-year-old dog on Friday, Dec. 3. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Veterinarian shortage dogs Juneau

Burnout, specialization, high demand and location all factor in.

Ed Garity, a vet technician, and Dr. Sam Smith, a veterinarian and owner of Tongass Veterinary Services, tend to a 17-year-old dog on Friday, Dec. 3. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
This photo provided by NASA shows its 2021 astronaut candidate class, announced on Monday, Dec. 6, 2021. The 10 candidates stand for a photo at the Johnson Space Center in Houston on Dec. 3, 2021. From left are U.S. Air Force Maj. Nichole Ayers, Christopher Williams, U.S. Marine Corps Maj. (retired.) Luke Delaney, U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jessica Wittner, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Anil Menon, U.S. Air Force Maj. Marcos Berríos, U.S. Navy Cmdr. Jack Hathaway, Christina Birch, U.S. Navy Lt. Deniz Burnham, and Andre Douglas. (Robert Markowitz / NASA)

NASA’s 10 new astronauts: pilots, doctor, physicist, cyclist

An Alaskan is among those selected.

This photo provided by NASA shows its 2021 astronaut candidate class, announced on Monday, Dec. 6, 2021. The 10 candidates stand for a photo at the Johnson Space Center in Houston on Dec. 3, 2021. From left are U.S. Air Force Maj. Nichole Ayers, Christopher Williams, U.S. Marine Corps Maj. (retired.) Luke Delaney, U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jessica Wittner, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Anil Menon, U.S. Air Force Maj. Marcos Berríos, U.S. Navy Cmdr. Jack Hathaway, Christina Birch, U.S. Navy Lt. Deniz Burnham, and Andre Douglas. (Robert Markowitz / NASA)
Pearl Harbor survivor and World War II Navy veteran David Russell, 101, reads a birthday card while talking about his time aboard the USS Oklahoma and his life after the war on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, in Albany, Ore. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard)

101-year-old returns to Pearl Harbor to remember those lost

By Audrey McAvoy and Gillian Flaccus Associated Press HONOLULU — When Japanese bombs began falling on Pearl Harbor, U.S. Navy Seaman 1st Class David Russell… Continue reading

  • Dec 6, 2021
  • By Audrey McAvoy and Gillian Flaccus Associated Press
  • Nation-World
Pearl Harbor survivor and World War II Navy veteran David Russell, 101, reads a birthday card while talking about his time aboard the USS Oklahoma and his life after the war on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, in Albany, Ore. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard)
A number of people in Juneau have gone missing in 2021, including Clifford White, bottom left, who hasn’t been located. (Composite photo / Juneau Empire)

Rescues and recoveries: Police, searchers talk recent missing persons cases

2021 has had a number of high-profile missing persons cases.

A number of people in Juneau have gone missing in 2021, including Clifford White, bottom left, who hasn’t been located. (Composite photo / Juneau Empire)
This 2010 photo shows the soon-to-be-replaced Tustumena come into Homer after spending the day in Seldovia. Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced on Saturday the state would be replacing the ferry. The replacement vessel has not yet been named, and a statewide contest will be held to name the new vessel, Dunleavy said. (Homer News File)

State begins process of replacing ferry Tustumena

The state also has other plans for updating the marine highway.

This 2010 photo shows the soon-to-be-replaced Tustumena come into Homer after spending the day in Seldovia. Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced on Saturday the state would be replacing the ferry. The replacement vessel has not yet been named, and a statewide contest will be held to name the new vessel, Dunleavy said. (Homer News File)
Cheryl Fellman checks her watch before attempting an Ice Mile. An Ice Mile is a type of endurance swim that tasks swimmers with covering a mile in water that is 41 degrees or colder. Fellman swam a mile in just under 35 minutes on Saturday at Auke Recreation Area. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Ice day for a swim

Juneau woman completes a mile in near-freezing water

Cheryl Fellman checks her watch before attempting an Ice Mile. An Ice Mile is a type of endurance swim that tasks swimmers with covering a mile in water that is 41 degrees or colder. Fellman swam a mile in just under 35 minutes on Saturday at Auke Recreation Area. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Juneau residents enjoy Gallery Walk at Devil’s Club Brewing Company, which hosted artist Jacqui Tingey. (Courtesy photo / Mircea Brown)

Juneau shows up big for Gallery Walk

Hundreds turned out despite heavy snow that morning.

Juneau residents enjoy Gallery Walk at Devil’s Club Brewing Company, which hosted artist Jacqui Tingey. (Courtesy photo / Mircea Brown)
Dana Zigmund/Juneau Empire Alexandra Pierce, the newly named City and Borough of Juneau Tourism Manager, stands on South Franklin Street on Dec. 3.

From the docks to a desk in city hall

Pierce prepares for Tourism Manager role

Dana Zigmund/Juneau Empire Alexandra Pierce, the newly named City and Borough of Juneau Tourism Manager, stands on South Franklin Street on Dec. 3.
Courtesy photo/Laura Martinson Laura Martinson, owner of Caribou Crossings downtown and her 4-year old daughter, Olivia McDonnell, deliver food to the Southeast Alaska Food Bank.

Food drive focuses on kid favorites

Food bank exec: ‘More need remains’

Courtesy photo/Laura Martinson Laura Martinson, owner of Caribou Crossings downtown and her 4-year old daughter, Olivia McDonnell, deliver food to the Southeast Alaska Food Bank.
Coast Guardsmen and state employees load the Together Tree bound for the Alaska Governor’s Mansion on a truck on Nov. 29, 2021. The annual open house at the governor's mansion is back this year, after having been suspended last year due to COVID-19. (USCG photo / Petty Officer 2nd Class Lexie Preston)

Christmas open house at governor’s mansion returns

Open to all.

Coast Guardsmen and state employees load the Together Tree bound for the Alaska Governor’s Mansion on a truck on Nov. 29, 2021. The annual open house at the governor's mansion is back this year, after having been suspended last year due to COVID-19. (USCG photo / Petty Officer 2nd Class Lexie Preston)
This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, yellow, emerging from the surface of cells, blue/pink, cultured in the lab. Also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus causes COVID-19. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, NIAID-RML

COVID at a Glance for Friday, Dec.3

Numbers come from reports from the City and Borough of Juneau Emergency Operations Center and the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, as well… Continue reading

This undated electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health in February 2020 shows the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, yellow, emerging from the surface of cells, blue/pink, cultured in the lab. Also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus causes COVID-19. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, NIAID-RML
Police are investigating a number of crimes across Juneau that occurred in November. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Police investigating a number of November crimes

The crimes aren’t apparently connected, but they are all vehicle-related.

Police are investigating a number of crimes across Juneau that occurred in November. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
A golden eagle captured as part of a population study near Gunsight Mountain between Palmer and Glennallen. (Courtesy Photo / Caitlin Davis)

Thousands of golden eagles depend on Alaska

Golden eagles fill your skies.

  • Dec 3, 2021
  • By Ned Rozell
A golden eagle captured as part of a population study near Gunsight Mountain between Palmer and Glennallen. (Courtesy Photo / Caitlin Davis)
Beth McEwen, municipal clerk for the City and Borough of Juneau in her office on July 19. Members of the Alaska Association of Municipal Clerks elected McEwen to serve as the education director for the organization. (Dana Zigmund / Juneau Empire File)

CBJ clerk to lead education efforts for clerks across Alaska

“We are thrilled to bring her on to the executive board.”

Beth McEwen, municipal clerk for the City and Borough of Juneau in her office on July 19. Members of the Alaska Association of Municipal Clerks elected McEwen to serve as the education director for the organization. (Dana Zigmund / Juneau Empire File)