Reggie Peterson has carved two totem poles, this one is the raven pole, that will be presented at the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery on Saturday. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

DIPAC raising two totem poles

It took a quarter-century for it to happen, but Ladd Macaulay’s vision has come to fruition, and it’s happening this Saturday. Macaulay, the namesake of… Continue reading

Reggie Peterson has carved two totem poles, this one is the raven pole, that will be presented at the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery on Saturday. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
JoMarie Alba will be the student speaker at University of Alaska Southeast’s graduation ceremony this Sunday. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Meet JoMarie Alba, UAS student graduation speaker

University of Alaska Southeast doesn’t name a valedictorian, but students and faculty nominate students to speak at commencement. Of the four finalists, Chancellor Richard Caulfield… Continue reading

JoMarie Alba will be the student speaker at University of Alaska Southeast’s graduation ceremony this Sunday. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Tlingit & Haida crowdsources name for coffee shop

The Tlingit & Haida Central Council has a caffeine conundrum on its hands. The organization has two coffee shops, but not a name for either… Continue reading

Csonka entertains with football tales

Larry Csonka can’t argue he was lucky to find a post-football career without even turning in a resume. After retiring from 11 years of playing… Continue reading

Eddie Petrie, left, talk with Mike Walters, right, as Jason Cameron and Alan Gordon, listen during Coeur’s Kensington Mine Rescue team practice at Savikko Park on Tuesday, May 2, 2017. The Kensington team and one from Hecla’s Green Creek Mine will compete next week at the Central Mine Rescue Competition in Kellogg, Idaho. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Mine rescue crews train for competition

Dominic Hoy had an important message for Alan Gordon, who was deep in an imaginary mine. “Alan, listen carefully … it’s not fully sealed, so… Continue reading

Eddie Petrie, left, talk with Mike Walters, right, as Jason Cameron and Alan Gordon, listen during Coeur’s Kensington Mine Rescue team practice at Savikko Park on Tuesday, May 2, 2017. The Kensington team and one from Hecla’s Green Creek Mine will compete next week at the Central Mine Rescue Competition in Kellogg, Idaho. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

City unveiling new cruise dock Friday

After two years of construction downtown, the new cruise dock is ready for business. At noon Friday, Docks &Harbors is holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony for… Continue reading

Annual Police Memorial ceremonies in Juneau set for May 10

Alaska’s Police Memorial Week will begin this Friday to honor the fallen law enforcement officers from across the state; there will be multiple ceremonies at… Continue reading

Irat De La Mora acknowledges the crowd after showing his talent for slicing up coho salmon at the Juneau Maritime Festival at Marine Park in Juneau on Saturday, May 7, 2016. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Maritime Festival taking place at new cruise dock Saturday

Saturday’s Maritime Festival won’t only mark the beginning of the summer in Juneau, but it will also mark the opening of a new attraction in… Continue reading

Irat De La Mora acknowledges the crowd after showing his talent for slicing up coho salmon at the Juneau Maritime Festival at Marine Park in Juneau on Saturday, May 7, 2016. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Alleged drug smuggler’s federal trial postponed to July

The trial for a Washington man facing federal charges for allegedly smuggling large amounts of heroin and meth into Southeast Alaska, which was set to… Continue reading

City sets up Adopt-a-Sailor program

More than 300 Navy officers and crew members are expected to be in Juneau as a Navy ship visits Juneau in mid-May, and they’ll be… Continue reading

This photo of Christopher Davison was released by the Juneau Police Department when they issued a BOLO advisory April 21. (Photo courtesy of Juneau Police Department)

Inmate accused of rioting racks up new charges

One of several inmates charged with rioting at Lemon Creek Correctional Center in October 2015 could be facing new charges in connection with an act… Continue reading

This photo of Christopher Davison was released by the Juneau Police Department when they issued a BOLO advisory April 21. (Photo courtesy of Juneau Police Department)

Utility rates set to rise July 1

Rates for water and wastewater rates are set to rise, and will go into effect soon. As of July 1, rates for water will raise… Continue reading

Pastor Suellen Bahleda, of Resurrection Lutheran Church, blesses the fishing vessel Trinity to start the Blessing of the Fleet and Dedication of Names at the Alaska Commercial Fishermen’s Memorial in Juneau on Saturday, May 7, 2016. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)

Blessing of the Fleet takes place May 6

The annual Blessing of the Fleet and Reading of the Names ceremony is set for Saturday, May 6. Organizers of the local event encourage the… Continue reading

Pastor Suellen Bahleda, of Resurrection Lutheran Church, blesses the fishing vessel Trinity to start the Blessing of the Fleet and Dedication of Names at the Alaska Commercial Fishermen’s Memorial in Juneau on Saturday, May 7, 2016. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)
A series of earthquakes in British Columbia awoke many in Juneau and the Yukon Monday morning. (Photo courtesy US Geological Survey)

String of alarm-clock earthquakes awakens northern Southeast and the Yukon

A series of moderate earthquakes rocked Juneau awake early Monday morning, but no significant damage was reported and no tsunami warning was issued. According to… Continue reading

A series of earthquakes in British Columbia awoke many in Juneau and the Yukon Monday morning. (Photo courtesy US Geological Survey)
Philip Richards, research supervisor for the Department of Fish & Game, talks about the declining king salmon stocks in Southeast Alaska on Tuesday, April 25, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

What’s causing the Taku king salmon’s decline?

Facing a forecasted second-straight year of record low salmon returns and the closure of the first two months of summer fishing, Juneau’s fishermen want answers.… Continue reading

Philip Richards, research supervisor for the Department of Fish & Game, talks about the declining king salmon stocks in Southeast Alaska on Tuesday, April 25, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
W Mitchell speaks at the Pillars of America luncheon at Centennial Hall on Wednesday, April 26, 2017. Mitchell is the second of three speakers hosted by the Juneau Glacier Valley Rotary Club. The last speaker will be Larry Csonka on Wednesday, May 3. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Pillars speaker talks service above self

Pillars of America speaker W. Mitchell’s hardships in life are written clearly over his entire body. “Once you hear him speak, you’ll understand (why we… Continue reading

W Mitchell speaks at the Pillars of America luncheon at Centennial Hall on Wednesday, April 26, 2017. Mitchell is the second of three speakers hosted by the Juneau Glacier Valley Rotary Club. The last speaker will be Larry Csonka on Wednesday, May 3. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Lincoln Gruening, 5, examines a starfish while out with his Juneau Co-op Preschool class on Douglas Island near Shaman Island on Friday, April 28, 2017. The lowest tide of the month was Friday at minus 4.2 feet. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Photos: Low Tide Laboratory

Juneau elementary school teachers took their students out of the classroom on Friday to enjoy the lowest tide of the month, -4.2 feet, for “Seaweek”… Continue reading

Lincoln Gruening, 5, examines a starfish while out with his Juneau Co-op Preschool class on Douglas Island near Shaman Island on Friday, April 28, 2017. The lowest tide of the month was Friday at minus 4.2 feet. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Cruise Line International Association Alaska President John Binkley speaks to the Juneau Chamber of Commerce on Thursday. Binkley estimated that a record number of cruise passengers will visit Juneau this summer. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire)

Record number of cruise passengers expected in Juneau this summer

It’s a good thing Juneau updated its cruise docks this year, because they’ll be busier than ever this summer. John Binkley, the Cruise Lines International… Continue reading

Cruise Line International Association Alaska President John Binkley speaks to the Juneau Chamber of Commerce on Thursday. Binkley estimated that a record number of cruise passengers will visit Juneau this summer. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire)

Spring Carnival comes to Juneau

For the next week, the Nugget Mall will temporarily turn into a haven of cotton candy, gravity-defying rides and flashing lights. The Spring Carnival, presented… Continue reading

Geoff Kirsch performs at the 2016 Comedy for a Cause fundraiser. The annual show raises money for NAMI Juneau to put together classes and programs supporting those in Juneau struggling with mental illness. (Photo courtesy of NAMI Juneau)

Comedy show raises money for mental health organization

In the eyes of Crystal Bourland, a comedy show is a perfect fundraiser for a mental health organization. Bourland, the Executive Director of Juneau’s chapter… Continue reading

Geoff Kirsch performs at the 2016 Comedy for a Cause fundraiser. The annual show raises money for NAMI Juneau to put together classes and programs supporting those in Juneau struggling with mental illness. (Photo courtesy of NAMI Juneau)