State Briefs
Search for missing plane continues
JUNEAU - The search continued today for a Petersburg pilot, Lawrence "Smokey" Howell, 32, who did not return from a hunting trip to Admiralty Island on Friday.
Howell's cream and blue Cessna 180 floatplane was last seen by a skipper on a fishing boat near Gambier Bay on the southeastern side of the island, according to the Coast Guard. On Monday searchers found an oil sheen in Mitchell Bay, on the western side of Admiralty directly across from Gambier Bay, the Coast Guard said.
Today the Coast Guard will use helicopters to search Mitchell Bay and the area around Cape Fanshaw on the mainland across Stephens Passage from Gambier Bay. Howell was at Cape Fanshaw when he changed his flight plan, saying his destination was Gambier and Pybus bays. He had been heading to Hoonah originally, the Coast Guard said. Though the plane was carrying an emergency locator device, searchers have not picked up a signal, the agency said.
Assembly OKs enforcement changes
JUNEAU - The Juneau Assembly on Monday unanimously approved an ordinance that sets up new penalties for minor building code violations. The change will allow the city to issue an infraction, which is similar to a parking ticket, for some building code violations.
In the past, building code violators faced a jail term and substantial fines. Citations were served by a police officer, and a defendant had the right to a jury trial and public defender.
Interim City Manager John MacKinnon said the city has noticed that more people have been building and remodeling without permits lately.
"Currently the lowest charge is a misdemeanor and enforcement is difficult and slow," he said.
Under the new setup, someone who fails to obtain a building permit or to comply with a stop-work order would face a fine that ranged from $100 to $300. A new ticket could be issued each day a violation occurred, according to the ordinance.
The city still will be able to issue a more serious misdemeanor charge if need be, City Attorney John Corso said.
Assembly approves Alaska Club rezone
JUNEAU - The Juneau Assembly on Monday unanimously agreed to rezone about 5 acres of property owned by the Alaska Club by Riverside Drive and James Boulevard in the Mendenhall Valley.
The move would change the zoning designation from multi-family residential to light commercial, with some conditions. A convenience store, liquor store, gas station and similar types of retail development would not be allowed on the site. The conditions still would allow "a good size" pro-shop inside, Interim City Manager John MacKinnon said.
Alaska Club President Andrew Eker told the Juneau Assembly the fitness center would like to add more parking and more room for children's activities. A larger tennis area and swimming pool also have been discussed, he said.
Neighbors had objected to the zoning change, citing concerns about traffic and the possibility a convenience store might be added. After the change was approved, nearby resident Amy Soden said neighbors still would like to see a plan in writing.
Troopers need help with dumped deer
JUNEAU - Alaska State Troopers are enlisting the public's help to catch a person wanted for killing two deer and wasting the meat.
The deer were found dumped around 10 a.m. Sunday near the archery range at the end of Montana Creek Road, said trooper Todd Machocek.
One of the deer, a spike buck, had been shot in the neck with a high-powered rifle, while the second deer was headless. A spike buck is a male that is typically about a year and a half old. Troopers are not releasing the sex or age of the second deer. Both animals were field dressed, meaning they were cut open and their insides taken.
Machocek said though the deer were found near the end of Montana Creek they were not shot there.
Machocek said the person responsible, if caught, would be charged with two counts of wanton waste or failure to salvage the meat of a big game animal, both misdemeanors. The crimes are punishable by up to a year in jail and a $10,000 fines.
Troopers are encouraging anyone with information to call 465-4047.
Berkowitz, Kerttula among Dem leaders
JUNEAU - Rep. Ethan Berkowitz was chosen by state House Democrats on Monday to serve again as minority leader next session.
Berkowitz, an Anchorage Democrat who has been House minority leader since 1999, will serve another two-year term when the Legislature returns Jan. 21. House Democrats picked Rep. Beth Kerttula, a Juneau Democrat, as minority whip and recommended minority members to standing committees.
Democratic Reps. Eric Croft of Anchorage, Reggie Joule of Kotzebue, and Carl Moses of Unalaska were tapped to serve on the budget-writing House Finance Committee. Republicans hold a majority in the House and make final committee assignments.