Monday, January 7, 2008
Watch oil production increase
In December, the Associated Press reported, "Conoco Phillips backs away from $1 billion budget." The Associated press went on to say: "Company executives said the budget was prepared in the fall before the legislature raised taxes."
Prosecute rape, support U.S. military
As a father of two daughters and grandfather of three granddaughters, I was extremely saddened to read the letter from the Oregon woman, Sara Rich, who said her daughter was a victim of "command rape" ("Daughter alleges abuse in military" on Nov. 21, 2007).
Thanks to environmentalists for asserting rights
I'm going to leave the Native corporations out of this because they seem to have a point, and I'm not a member of Southeast Alaska Conservation Council or Lynn Canal Conservation, nor an employee of Coeur Alaska.
Don't consolidate Montessori schools in one building
This letter is to alert taxpayers to the fact that Juneau School District Superintendent Peggy Cowan is creating a de facto Montessori charter school within the district at public expense.
Photo: Chipping away at Christmas decorations
Casey Seimers of Wallace Tree Service feeds a Christmas tree into a chipper Saturday at the Juneau Landfill. The city organized the tree recycling event with Wallace Tree Service and Juneau Waste Management. The wood chips were taken to the Community Gardens.
Photo: Out for a ride
Blake Bixby, 6, takes his sister, Gloria, 3, center, and friend Grace Mcadoo, 2, for a sled ride around Twin Lakes on Saturday.
Police say drunken driver causes damage to six cars downtown
An apparent drunken driver smashed into several parked cars downtown Friday evening, causing chain-reaction accidents that resulted in damage to six vehicles.
Photo: Small fish, big fun
Cliff Stone, right, unhooks a king salmon smolt Sunday as his ice-fishing buddy, James LeBlanc, 14, readies his line at Twin Lakes.
Hospital foundation transfers ownership of Bartlett House
After helping thousands of people over several years by providing lodging on the medical campus, Bartlett Regional Hospital Foundation passes a milestone as it transfers ownership of its flagship project to the hospital board of directors.
Community School meeting to address Montessori plans
A move by the Juneau School District to consider consolidating some Montessori school programs into one building could mean redistricting for elementary schools in the Mendenhall Valley.
Juneau to impose Valley burn bans
The city announced Friday that Mendenhall Valley residents will have to shut down their woodstoves for several days at a time under certain weather conditions to reduce air pollution.
State-occupied buildings sold in downtown Juneau
Three buildings in downtown Juneau under long-term leases with the state sold recently to a private California investment group.
Photo: Fresh air
Jarrett Thomas, 18, performs a double flip Friday on Pittman Ridge at Eaglecrest Ski Area against a backdrop of fog surrounding Stephens Passage and Eagle Peak.
Police & Fire
Juneau police and fire officials and state police reported
Police & Fire
Juneau police and fire officials and state police reported:
Subprime loans lead to uptick in foreclosures
More homeowners in Juneau are losing their properties to foreclosure, but industry insiders don't expect the problem to become widespread in Alaska.
Around Town
Around Town is a listing of local nonprofit events.
Photo: Icy run
Amanda Soto, 18, runs by a partially frozen Nugget Falls with dogs Kiska and Toby on Sunday at Mendenhall Lake.
Jack Foster Burford
Former Juneau resident Jack Foster Burford, of Anacortes, Wash., died Dec. 1, 2007, at Skagit Valley Hospital. He was 78.
Celeste Castro Peguero
Former Juneau resident Celeste Castro Peguero died Jan. 1, 2008, from the effects of Parkinson's disease.
Ron Torgerson
Ron Torgerson died Dec. 30, 2007, at his home in Juneau. He was 60.
Frank Morris
Longtime Juneau resident Frank Morris died Jan. 4, 2008, in Douglas. He was 86.
Patricia M. Sanford
Former Juneau resident Patricia M. Sanford, of Ozawkie, Kan., died Jan. 4, 2008. She was 60.
My turn: 2008 New Year's World Resolution
There is something wrong here. In fact, there is something wrong everywhere. Have you done anything about it, done your part in speaking out?
Outside editorial: Reading Iowa: Don't get carried away by results
Don't get carried away by the results in Iowa. If there is one message we could emphasize from this most raucous of caucuses, that would be it.
Toe Toon
Cartoon by local artist Toe.
Scary Pakistan demands new U.S. policy
Americans are focused this week on the presidential primaries, but an election campaign halfway around the world will have enormous impact on their lives.
Can Obama stay above the fray?
For much of his political career, the elders have told Barack Obama, "Not yet."
Time for 'Thank yous'
Time to thank our friends for thoughtful holiday gifts. After the turmoil of the past year over the "Bridge to Nowhere," corruption charges against state legislators and criticism of our congressional delegation, here is the good news.
Empire editorial: Subport area offers chance for new waterfront destination
Juneau has a rare opportunity sitting on its downtown waterfront.
Photos: Backcountry heaven
A group of snowboarders and skiers trekked above the fog to Pittman Ridge at the Eaglecrest Ski Area on Friday - then spent some time in the air.
Outdoor Digest
Skiing programunderway for kids; King salmon fishing limits set for 2008
Juneau businesses and the environment
Giving out plastic bags in grocery stores is now illegal in San Francisco. Political summits worldwide are addressing the issue of reducing waste. Countries as far off as Australia are being lauded for strides in environmental awareness. But what are we doing here in Juneau?
Out & About
Out & About is a listing of recreational activities.
Couple endures the elements on White Mountain trip gone awry
Sometimes, especially in the cold, harsh confines of winter in the Interior, you do what you have to do.
Tubing park goes away as focus turns to skiing
Less than three years since Alyeska Resort unveiled its Glacier Tubing Park, the resort's new owners have decided the thrill is gone.
JDHS splits with Kenny Lake
The Juneau-Douglas High School hockey team found out what could happen if it starts a game too slowly on Saturday at Treadwell Arena.
Sports in Juneau
Sports in Juneau is a service provided by the Juneau Empire to provide information on upcoming sports and outdoors events in Juneau.
SPORTS IN JUNEAU
Sports in Juneau is a service provided by the Juneau Empire to provide information on upcoming sports and outdoors events in Juneau.
Photo: Skagway showdown
Jazz King of the Juneau-Douglas High School boys basketball junior varsity team drives for a basket against the Canadian Wildcats - a collection of players from Whitehorse, Yukon schools F.H. Collins and Porter Creek - during the opening game of the Don Hather Tournament on Wednesday in Skagway.
Alaska authorities put the squeeze on alcohol smuggling
Charlie Cross counted how many friends and relatives took their own lives over the years and came up with 19, all Alaska Natives.
Alaska Digest
Women's Network to hold meeting; Court upholds permit for mine near Nome; Sterling man killed in highway collision; Hunters want cow moose hunts stopped; Groups await decision on polar bear listing
Alaska culls gas line field to 1 company
A major Canadian oil and gas company has beat out four competitors in a bid to build a natural gas pipeline out of Alaska that would supply energy to millions of consumers throughout North America, state officials announced Friday.
Bill seeks to move capital to Anchorage
A lawmaker has filed a bill seeking to move the state capital from Juneau to Anchorage.
This Day in History
In Alaska, in the Nation and the World
This Day in History
In Alaska, in the Nation and the World
Blaze consumes home near Fairbanks
A home near the Steese Highway was destroyed in a fire because it was just outside the fire service area and firefighters turned back from the scene.
Alaska Digest
Samaritans rescue man from burning van; Teens in car accident on Thane Road; Committee to organize anniversary events; Couple arrested in bank robberies; Red-light runner hits Anchorage police car
Anchorage homicide rate highest in 11 years
Last year's homicide rate shows it was the deadliest year for Anchorage in more than a decade and the third bloodiest the city has seen in more than a quarter-century, according to police statistics.
Plane carrying 10 people crashes off Kodiak Island
A small plane crashed Saturday in waters off Kodiak island in southern Alaska, killing at least five of the 10 people on board, authorities said.
Polar bear killed after wandering into village of Noorvik
A polar bear that wandered into the Western Alaska village of Noorvik and went through some trash was killed this week because of safety concerns, officials said.
Communities make pitch for $100 million crime lab
Several communities are competing for a new $100 million crime lab to replace the aging facility in Anchorage.
Survivor: Baggage door popped open before plane crash killed 6
A chartered plane that crashed into a shallow harbor after taking off from Kodiak Island, killing six people, was carrying a group of fishermen from a dissident sect of the Russian Orthodox Church back home for Christmas.