Columns

An empty “pole position” space at a red light is one of the things that makes the author happy. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Gimme a Smile: Little things that make me happy

Sometimes it’s the small things that bring the greatest happiness. Here are some little things that make me happy: • A cup of coffee in… Continue reading

An empty “pole position” space at a red light is one of the things that makes the author happy. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Dancers rehearsed in front of “Tahku,” the whale sculpture ahead of the Climate Fair for a Cool Planet in 2021. (Courtesy of Mike Tobin)

My Turn: Fair time to advocate for a cool planet

The Climate Fair for a Cool Planet is coming up on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 3-5 p.m. at the Whale in Overstreet Park. You might… Continue reading

Dancers rehearsed in front of “Tahku,” the whale sculpture ahead of the Climate Fair for a Cool Planet in 2021. (Courtesy of Mike Tobin)
This undated photograph shows the USS Juneau memorial items that were on display at the American Legion Auke Bay Post #25 when it was burglarized in January of 2020. The long strand of beads represented those immediately killed during the torpedoing and sinking of the ship, another strand represented those who were alive and in the water, and the short strand represented those who were rescued from the water days later. The final few beads in the glass dome represented those who were still living at the time of the 75th anniversary presentation. (Courtesy photo / American Legion Auke Bay Post #25)

My Turn: Almost four years and still no justice

In January of 2020 the American Legion Auke Bay Post 25 was burglarized, JPD was called and the burglary reported. An officer arrived shortly thereafter.… Continue reading

This undated photograph shows the USS Juneau memorial items that were on display at the American Legion Auke Bay Post #25 when it was burglarized in January of 2020. The long strand of beads represented those immediately killed during the torpedoing and sinking of the ship, another strand represented those who were alive and in the water, and the short strand represented those who were rescued from the water days later. The final few beads in the glass dome represented those who were still living at the time of the 75th anniversary presentation. (Courtesy photo / American Legion Auke Bay Post #25)
An Exobasidium fungus grows on a rusty menziesia leaf. (Photo by Michael Melampy)

On the Trails: Scrapbook of summer observations

Summer came, with the colorful blooming of tall fireweed. Hermit thrushes were still singing and, on two different trails, juvenile hermits lingered on the open… Continue reading

An Exobasidium fungus grows on a rusty menziesia leaf. (Photo by Michael Melampy)
Brown bears at the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary. (Alaska Department of Fish and Game photo)

Opinion: Let’s make sure the Mulchatna massacre never happens again

I join the many Alaskans appalled by the revelation that state officials in planes and helicopters recently killed 94 brown bears (including 11 cubs), five… Continue reading

Brown bears at the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary. (Alaska Department of Fish and Game photo)
Juneau’s current City Hall is seen on July 13. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Assembly’s transparency deficit disorder

Controversies surrounding CBJ Assembly actions regarding property tax assessments and millage rates, efforts to build expensive public buildings rejected by voters, and spending tax money… Continue reading

Juneau’s current City Hall is seen on July 13. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Voters in the City and Borough of Juneau municipal election will decide this fall whether to approve $27 million in bond debt to fund the majority of the construction cost for a new City Hall. A similar $35 million measure was rejected last year. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Debating a new City Hall again

This week, the CBJ Assembly decided to ask voters to approve a $27 million bond obligation for a new City Hall. Last month, they approved… Continue reading

Voters in the City and Borough of Juneau municipal election will decide this fall whether to approve $27 million in bond debt to fund the majority of the construction cost for a new City Hall. A similar $35 million measure was rejected last year. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
The author’s wife hikes along a 15-mile alpine trail. The two split the trek into two days. (Photo by Jeff Lund)

I Went to the Woods: A stirring experience

There is a point in a long, steep or heavy-pack hike when you look at your feet and accept the speed at which they are… Continue reading

The author’s wife hikes along a 15-mile alpine trail. The two split the trek into two days. (Photo by Jeff Lund)
Cow parsnip, also known as Indian rhubarb, is common along Juneau’s trails. (Photo by Mary F. Willson)

On the Trails: Cow parsnip and phototoxicity

Out on the wetlands at the end of Industrial Boulevard in early July, Lincoln’s sparrows and savannah sparrows were everywhere, chipping and flitting. Shorebirds were… Continue reading

Cow parsnip, also known as Indian rhubarb, is common along Juneau’s trails. (Photo by Mary F. Willson)
Craig George leads Ned Rozell on a snowmachine trail north of Utqiagvik in May 2010. (Photo by Ned Rozell)

Alaska Science Forum: Craig George’s remarkable northern legacy

I was sad to learn recently that Craig George was missing and presumed dead when a raft he was floating upon hit a logjam in… Continue reading

Craig George leads Ned Rozell on a snowmachine trail north of Utqiagvik in May 2010. (Photo by Ned Rozell)
Larry Persily

My Turn: Pistachio donuts, saddle shoes and the Law of Bladders

There are many joys of aging, such as discounts at stores and services, using it as a convenient excuse for being forgetful, and smiling that… Continue reading

Larry Persily
Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire File Tents and various items are scattered across the Mill Campground in August of 2022.

My Turn: Alaska Legislature should play a major role in addressing the root causes of homelessness

The government’s solution to solving the homeless crisis in America, including in Alaska, could be compared to someone with a leaky roof adding more pans… Continue reading

Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire File Tents and various items are scattered across the Mill Campground in August of 2022.
Interstate 25 in Wyoming. (Public domain photo CC BY-SA 4.0)

Living and Growing: The Road to Freedom

As a teenager growing up in Colorado, I was eager for my freedom. There was nothing wrong in my household. I was blessed with loving… Continue reading

Interstate 25 in Wyoming. (Public domain photo CC BY-SA 4.0)
(Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: The question of term limits

If passed by voters, a proposed ballot initiative would limit all state legislators to serving 12 consecutive years and impose a lifetime maximum of 20… Continue reading

(Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
Chenega Bay in 1964 following the great earthquake. A schoolhouse survived the earthquake and tsunami that followed. The tsunami destroyed houses lower than the schoolhouse. (Photo by George Plafker)

Alaska Science Forum: Feet on the ground right after the big one

On March 27, 1964, California geologist George Plafker was attending a research conference in Seattle when news came of a big earthquake in Alaska. “It… Continue reading

Chenega Bay in 1964 following the great earthquake. A schoolhouse survived the earthquake and tsunami that followed. The tsunami destroyed houses lower than the schoolhouse. (Photo by George Plafker)
(Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Juneau Assembly attempts ‘end run’ around voters

“Information is one thing, but weighing in on an election is another.” – Assembly member Michelle Bonnet Hale, Aug. 1, 2022 During a specially held… Continue reading

(Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
The Alaskan wilderness has been the setting of countless stories which provide inspiration as much as entertainment. (Photo by Jeff Lund)

I Went to the Woods: Building your cabin

I am embarrassed to admit that I only recently read “One Man’s Wilderness,” the story of Dick Proenneke. Some stories are legendary and therefore become… Continue reading

The Alaskan wilderness has been the setting of countless stories which provide inspiration as much as entertainment. (Photo by Jeff Lund)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Living and Growing: Raising our voices when the national song falters

I should warn you now: If you ever go to a sporting event with me, I tend to yell a lot and I will sing… Continue reading

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Photos by Mary F. Willson Female goatsbeard flowers, left, are less conspicuous, so the inflorescence is less decorative. Male goatsbeard flowers, right, have visible stamens and slightly larger petals than females, making the inflorescence showy.

On the Trails: Cowee Meadows

On a cool, gray day just after the sunny summer solstice, a group of friends set out to enjoy the annual Cowee Meadow flower show.… Continue reading

Photos by Mary F. Willson Female goatsbeard flowers, left, are less conspicuous, so the inflorescence is less decorative. Male goatsbeard flowers, right, have visible stamens and slightly larger petals than females, making the inflorescence showy.
A totem stands outside the former Hospice and Home Care of Juneau on Oct 14, 2022. The facility shut down days later after providing services for about 20 years. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

My Turn: Ongoing lack of hospice care complicates matters of life and death

“Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone?” - Joni Mitchell Last September Juneau’s Hospice and Home… Continue reading

A totem stands outside the former Hospice and Home Care of Juneau on Oct 14, 2022. The facility shut down days later after providing services for about 20 years. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)