Courtesy photo / JAMM 
Inmates at Lemon Creek Correctional Center are working with the nonprofit Juneau Alaska Music Matters to make xylophones.
Courtesy photo / JAMM 
Inmates at Lemon Creek Correctional Center are working with the nonprofit Juneau Alaska Music Matters to make xylophones.
The author was in the right place, but at the wrong time. This typifies his rut hunting program. (Jeff Lund / For the Juneau Empire)

I Went To The Woods: Growing as a hunter

Romanticizing the storm.

The author was in the right place, but at the wrong time. This typifies his rut hunting program. (Jeff Lund / For the Juneau Empire)
David Kingeistí Katzeek, a Tlingit elder who helps with Tlingit Culture, Language and Literacy program, speaks during a program open house, Monday, April 22, 2019. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)

Traditional memorial ceremony to be held virtually

It will be livestreamed and open to the public.

David Kingeistí Katzeek, a Tlingit elder who helps with Tlingit Culture, Language and Literacy program, speaks during a program open house, Monday, April 22, 2019. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire)
This photo shows an encaustic piece titled “Sentinels” by Michelle Morrell. I couldn’t damped the reds in the photo. It depicts the old Aurora Harbor breakwater that was replaced last winter. (Courtesy Image / Michelle Morrell)

First Friday: Encaustics, chai tea and more await

Here’s what’s happening on Friday, Nov. 6

This photo shows an encaustic piece titled “Sentinels” by Michelle Morrell. I couldn’t damped the reds in the photo. It depicts the old Aurora Harbor breakwater that was replaced last winter. (Courtesy Image / Michelle Morrell)
This is a police car.  It has always been a police car.

Police calls for Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020

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

  • Nov 4, 2020
  • Juneau Empire
  • Crime
This is a police car.  It has always been a police car.
Bunchberries grow on old stumps in Wrangell. (Vivian Faith Prescott / For the Capital City Weekly)

Planet Alaska: The bunchberry yoik

Yes, they’re photogenic, but what I like best is you can still find bunchberries to eat in October.

Bunchberries grow on old stumps in Wrangell. (Vivian Faith Prescott / For the Capital City Weekly)
A voter fills out their ballot in the Thunder Mountain High School gymnasium on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Election officials said early turnout was steady but slightly slower than in past years--perhaps due to a surge in early voting within the precinct. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

With absentee ballots uncounted, many races too close to call

Over 100,000 ballots remain uncounted.

A voter fills out their ballot in the Thunder Mountain High School gymnasium on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Election officials said early turnout was steady but slightly slower than in past years--perhaps due to a surge in early voting within the precinct. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
A voter fills out their ballot in the Thunder Mountain High School gymnasium on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Election officials said early turnout was steady but slightly slower than in past years--perhaps due to a surge in early voting within the precinct. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

State of Alaska releases unofficial results

It’s still very early in the count.

A voter fills out their ballot in the Thunder Mountain High School gymnasium on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Election officials said early turnout was steady but slightly slower than in past years--perhaps due to a surge in early voting within the precinct. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
State Rep. Sara Hannan, D-Juneau, speaks during a women's march held downtown on a sunny Saturday in October. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

State House incumbents lead in unofficial results

District 33 race offers 1 of night’s few clear winners.

State Rep. Sara Hannan, D-Juneau, speaks during a women's march held downtown on a sunny Saturday in October. (Ben Hohenstatt / 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 causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

COVID at a glance

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 causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)
Alyse Galvin emerges from the voting booth after casting her early vote Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, in Anchorage, Alaska. Galvin, an independent, is trying to unseat U.S. Rep. Don Young, Alaska’s sole member of the U.S. House and in office since 1973. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

Contentious congressional races to be closely watched

A look at races for the U.S. House of Representative and Senate on Election Day.

  • Nov 3, 2020
  • By MARK THIESSEN and BECKY BOHRER Associated Press
Alyse Galvin emerges from the voting booth after casting her early vote Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, in Anchorage, Alaska. Galvin, an independent, is trying to unseat U.S. Rep. Don Young, Alaska’s sole member of the U.S. House and in office since 1973. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)
In our area, beach pea and lupines, such as the ones shown in this photo, have Rhizobia nodules. These nodules are induced by the bacteria in response to chemical triggers from the plant. These bacteria can only fix nitrogen when with a suitable host. (Pixabay / Markéta Machová)

On the Trails: Digging into the underground ecosystem

It’s an ecosystem that’s not as well-studied as some others but surely has many interesting stories.

In our area, beach pea and lupines, such as the ones shown in this photo, have Rhizobia nodules. These nodules are induced by the bacteria in response to chemical triggers from the plant. These bacteria can only fix nitrogen when with a suitable host. (Pixabay / Markéta Machová)
This is a police car.

Police calls for Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020

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

  • Nov 3, 2020
  • Juneau Empire
  • Crime
This is a police car.
Alaska U.S. Senate candidate Al Gross speaks to supporters at an event at a downtown park in Juneau, Alaska, on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, as his wife, Monica Gross, at right, looks on. The event, held on a rainy, windy morning, is among those Gross is holding in the lead-up to the Nov. 3, 2020, general election, in which Gross, an independent running with Democratic backing, is facing Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan. (AP Photo / Becky Bohrer)

Senate campaigns make last push for votes in Alaska

Race has been heated in recent weeks.

Alaska U.S. Senate candidate Al Gross speaks to supporters at an event at a downtown park in Juneau, Alaska, on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, as his wife, Monica Gross, at right, looks on. The event, held on a rainy, windy morning, is among those Gross is holding in the lead-up to the Nov. 3, 2020, general election, in which Gross, an independent running with Democratic backing, is facing Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan. (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 causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)

COVID at a glance

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 causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. On Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, the top U.S. public health agency said that coronavirus can spread greater distances through the air than 6 feet, particularly in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces. But agency officials continued to say such spread is uncommon, and current social distancing guidelines still make sense. (NIAID-RML via AP)
A City and Borough of Juneau worker clears the road in a downtown neighborhood on Monday, Nov. 2, 2020. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
A City and Borough of Juneau worker clears the road in a downtown neighborhood on Monday, Nov. 2, 2020. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
A man votes takes advantage of early voting at the Mendenhall Mall on Oct. 22, 2020. The FBI issued public guidance ahead of the General Election warning voters about what is and isn't federal election crime, and how to report such crimes if they're spotted. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

FBI issues guidance on election security

Trust only verified sources.

A man votes takes advantage of early voting at the Mendenhall Mall on Oct. 22, 2020. The FBI issued public guidance ahead of the General Election warning voters about what is and isn't federal election crime, and how to report such crimes if they're spotted. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Michael S. Lockett / Junerau Empire
Capital City Fire/Rescue fire marshal Dan Jager demonstrates the proper stance for use of a fire extinguisher. CCFR recommends that all Juneau residents replace the batteries for their smoke alarms this weekend, and also have a fire extinguisher.

Day life saving time: Make sure batteries work while turning back clocks

Many organizations recommend checking smoke alarm batteries when clocks change.

Michael S. Lockett / Junerau Empire
Capital City Fire/Rescue fire marshal Dan Jager demonstrates the proper stance for use of a fire extinguisher. CCFR recommends that all Juneau residents replace the batteries for their smoke alarms this weekend, and also have a fire extinguisher.
This is a police car.

Police calls for Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020

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

  • Nov 1, 2020
  • Juneau Empire
  • Crime
This is a police car.
The U.S. Flag and Alaska state flag fly on the roof of the Alaska State Capitol on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Alaska to require masks and COVID-19 screens at Capitol

The council also voted on Thursday to keep the Capitol closed to the public until at least January.

The U.S. Flag and Alaska state flag fly on the roof of the Alaska State Capitol on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)