News

Air-source heat pumps, like the one in this 2015 photo of Jake Eames, right, and David Nash installing a pump, are an example of a load-side technology that can increase energy efficiency. "Load-side technologies are absolutely key to our ability to reduce greenhouse emissions in the energy sector,” said director of energy services at Alaska Electric Light and Power Alec Mesdag.

In Juneau, going green focuses on power usage

The electricity’s already clean.

Air-source heat pumps, like the one in this 2015 photo of Jake Eames, right, and David Nash installing a pump, are an example of a load-side technology that can increase energy efficiency. "Load-side technologies are absolutely key to our ability to reduce greenhouse emissions in the energy sector,” said director of energy services at Alaska Electric Light and Power Alec Mesdag.
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)

COVID at a glance for Tuesday, Feb. 23

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities used the DaisyBell device on Feb. 21, 2021 to precisely trigger controlled avalanches above Thane Road, reducing the chances of a catastrophic natural avalanche, similar to the same practice shown above in 2020. (Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire File)

DOTPF conducts avalanche risk reduction along Thane Road

The snowpack got its bell rung.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities used the DaisyBell device on Feb. 21, 2021 to precisely trigger controlled avalanches above Thane Road, reducing the chances of a catastrophic natural avalanche, similar to the same practice shown above in 2020. (Michael S. Lockett | Juneau Empire File)
Juneau's Capitol Disposal Landfill, seen in this June 2013 photo, sits in the middle of the industrial Lemon Creek district. Recent complaints about odors coming from the location prompted the city to discuss this issue at their Monday night Committee of the Whole meeting. Private ownership of trash collection and the landfill mean the city has limited options for action. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

City officials discuss odor at Lemon Creek-area dump

That stinks.

Juneau's Capitol Disposal Landfill, seen in this June 2013 photo, sits in the middle of the industrial Lemon Creek district. Recent complaints about odors coming from the location prompted the city to discuss this issue at their Monday night Committee of the Whole meeting. Private ownership of trash collection and the landfill mean the city has limited options for action. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Left side: Mosses and ferns: alternation of sporophyte (2N) and gametophyte (1N) generations. Sperm swim to reach eggs on gametophytes. Right side: Seed plants: female gametophyte and its egg (1N) not independent, but enclosed in developing seed (2N, after pollination) on parent plant (2N). (Courtesy Image / Kathy Hocker)

On The Trails: From spores to seeds

No phyte-ing progress.

Left side: Mosses and ferns: alternation of sporophyte (2N) and gametophyte (1N) generations. Sperm swim to reach eggs on gametophytes. Right side: Seed plants: female gametophyte and its egg (1N) not independent, but enclosed in developing seed (2N, after pollination) on parent plant (2N). (Courtesy Image / Kathy Hocker)
Has it always been a police car? (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire)

Police calls for Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021

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

  • Feb 23, 2021
  • Juneau Empire
  • Crime
Has it always been a police car? (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)

COVID at a glance for Monday, Feb. 21

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)
This photo shows medical supplies on a table at a Feb. 11 vaccination clinic at Centennial Hall. Another clinic is planned for next month, and registration for it will open Wednesday for people 65 and older. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

Vaccine clinic registration to open early for seniors

The clinic is in mid-March. Here’s how to register.

This photo shows medical supplies on a table at a Feb. 11 vaccination clinic at Centennial Hall. Another clinic is planned for next month, and registration for it will open Wednesday for people 65 and older. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
Alaska Airlines is inspecting a 737-700 after it was struck by lightning while flying from Juneau to Sitka on Feb. 21, 2021 in accordance with the company’s policies. (Courtesy photo / National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration)

Alaska Airlines inspecting flight after lightning strike near Sitka

An inspection is the airline’s standard procedure after a strike.

Alaska Airlines is inspecting a 737-700 after it was struck by lightning while flying from Juneau to Sitka on Feb. 21, 2021 in accordance with the company’s policies. (Courtesy photo / National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration)
Katie Hurley, seen here in an undated photo from the Alaska State Legislature biography page, died at the age of 99 on Sunday. (Courtesy photo / Alaska State Legislature)

‘Grande Dame’ of Alaska politics, dies at 99

“Extraordinary Alaskan.”

Katie Hurley, seen here in an undated photo from the Alaska State Legislature biography page, died at the age of 99 on Sunday. (Courtesy photo / Alaska State Legislature)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy addresses the public during a virtual town hall on Sept. 15, 2020 in Alaska. Dunleavy went into self-quarantine Monday following news a close contact had tested positive for COVID-19. (Courtesy Photo / Office of the Governor)

Governor quarantines following close contact

Gov. Mike Dunleavy is in quarantine following close contact on Saturday with a person who recently tested positive for COVID-19. Dunleavy was informed of the… Continue reading

Gov. Mike Dunleavy addresses the public during a virtual town hall on Sept. 15, 2020 in Alaska. Dunleavy went into self-quarantine Monday following news a close contact had tested positive for COVID-19. (Courtesy Photo / Office of the Governor)
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, speaks in an interview at the Empire's offices in Juneau on Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Murkowski said rare earth resources was an area Alaska could, and should, take advantage of. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Could rare earth minerals be Alaska’s edge?

Green tech and defense tech.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, speaks in an interview at the Empire's offices in Juneau on Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. Murkowski said rare earth resources was an area Alaska could, and should, take advantage of. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Has it always been a police car? (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire)

Police calls for Sunday, Feb. 20, 2021

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

  • Feb 21, 2021
  • Juneau Empire
  • Crime
Has it always been a police car? (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire)
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities advises that there is an increased avalanche hazard over Thane Road for the next 24 hours. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

Transportation department warns of increased avalanche risk for Thane Road

24-hour warning issued Saturday.

  • Feb 20, 2021
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities advises that there is an increased avalanche hazard over Thane Road for the next 24 hours. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
Juneau recently dropped its community risk level to Level 1. The change allows bars and gyms to become slightly more flexible in their operations. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Lagers and joggers: Restrictions ease on local bars and gyms

The Level 1 distinction offers some subtle but important maneuvering room.

Juneau recently dropped its community risk level to Level 1. The change allows bars and gyms to become slightly more flexible in their operations. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
This Feb. 13, 2021 photo provided by Erik Stevens shows a bear track in the Alaska in the backcountry near where resident Shannon Stevens was bit by a bear in an outhouse. Stevens was using an outhouse in the backcountry and she was attacked by a bear, from below.(Erik Stevens via AP)

Alaska woman using outhouse attacked by bear, from below

Pain in the rear.

  • Feb 19, 2021
  • By Mark Thiessen Associated Press
  • bears
This Feb. 13, 2021 photo provided by Erik Stevens shows a bear track in the Alaska in the backcountry near where resident Shannon Stevens was bit by a bear in an outhouse. Stevens was using an outhouse in the backcountry and she was attacked by a bear, from below.(Erik Stevens via AP)
Alaska state Sen. Lora Reinbold, an Eagle River Republican, holds a copy of the Alaska Constitution during a committee hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, in Juneau, Alaska. Gov. Mike Dunleavy, a Republican, sent Reinbold a letter on Feb. 18, 2021, saying she has used her position to “misrepresent” the state’s COVID-19 response. Reinbold said the letter was “full of baseless accusations and complaints.” (AP Photo / Becky Bohrer)

Dunleavy says Reinbold misrepresents virus response

Dunleavy said his administration will no longer participate in hearings led by Sen. Lora Reinbold

Alaska state Sen. Lora Reinbold, an Eagle River Republican, holds a copy of the Alaska Constitution during a committee hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, in Juneau, Alaska. Gov. Mike Dunleavy, a Republican, sent Reinbold a letter on Feb. 18, 2021, saying she has used her position to “misrepresent” the state’s COVID-19 response. Reinbold said the letter was “full of baseless accusations and complaints.” (AP Photo / Becky Bohrer)
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)

COVID at a glance for Friday Feb. 19

The most recent state and local numbers.

This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe. (NIAID-RML)
The Juneau School District building and Harborview Elementary School, seen here on Monday, Nov. 9, 2020, will begin to offer expanded in-person instruction over the next few weeks. School officials cite the community’s stable infection rate and new science-based guidance for opening schools are driving factors behind the expanded offerings. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Lower COVID numbers mean more school options for Juneau students

District looks to add more in-person learning.

The Juneau School District building and Harborview Elementary School, seen here on Monday, Nov. 9, 2020, will begin to offer expanded in-person instruction over the next few weeks. School officials cite the community’s stable infection rate and new science-based guidance for opening schools are driving factors behind the expanded offerings. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine are expected to be available at an upcoming vaccine clinic due to a new partnership, City and Borough of Juneau announced.(Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire file)

Partnership makes additional vaccines available in Juneau

Additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine are expected to be available at an upcoming vaccine clinic, City and Borough of Juneau announced. The surplus is due… Continue reading

Additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine are expected to be available at an upcoming vaccine clinic due to a new partnership, City and Borough of Juneau announced.(Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire file)