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The three generations of Wileys who have operated the Ben Franklin Store are shown inside the shop. Seated are Fred and Sally Wiley, holding a painting of the 1930s Blomgren Building. Standing are Meagan Wiley Bishop and her father Mike Wiley who currently run the popular downtown Front Street business. (Michael Penn / Downtown Business Association)

Rooted in Community: The Wiley family celebrates 50 years in Front Street’s Blomgren Building

A downtown historic district fire 100 years ago made way for one of Juneau’s most enduring downtown businesses: the Ben Franklin store. After the Heidelberg… Continue reading

  • Feb 17, 2023
  • By Laurie Craig For the Downtown Business Association
  • Local News
The three generations of Wileys who have operated the Ben Franklin Store are shown inside the shop. Seated are Fred and Sally Wiley, holding a painting of the 1930s Blomgren Building. Standing are Meagan Wiley Bishop and her father Mike Wiley who currently run the popular downtown Front Street business. (Michael Penn / Downtown Business Association)
Klukwan’s Michael Ganey, center, shoots against Hydaburg’s Ben Young in the C final at the 2019 Gold Medal Basketball Tournament. The tournament returns this March after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

After a 3-year break, Gold Medal basketball is almost here

“This tournament is a generational thing.”

Klukwan’s Michael Ganey, center, shoots against Hydaburg’s Ben Young in the C final at the 2019 Gold Medal Basketball Tournament. The tournament returns this March after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
TMHS junior Lance Nierra (3) races toward the hoop while defended by Palmer senior Chad Landon (22). Nierra finished the game with 6 points. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

TMHS wins handily against Palmer

Falcons never looked back after a 26-point first quarter.

TMHS junior Lance Nierra (3) races toward the hoop while defended by Palmer senior Chad Landon (22). Nierra finished the game with 6 points. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
A map shows Juneau, Gustavus and Yakutat are the three municipalities in Southeast Alaska with sites contaminated by “forever chemicals” known by the abbreviation of PFAS. A bill by state Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, seeks to eliminate the use of such chemicals for most firefighting, which is one of the most common activities that uses such substances. (Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation)

Going through fire and water to fight PFAS

Ban on “forever chemicals” for most firefighting sought by Kiehl part of much bigger overhaul effort

A map shows Juneau, Gustavus and Yakutat are the three municipalities in Southeast Alaska with sites contaminated by “forever chemicals” known by the abbreviation of PFAS. A bill by state Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, seeks to eliminate the use of such chemicals for most firefighting, which is one of the most common activities that uses such substances. (Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation)
Carol Beecher, the new director of the Alaska Division of Elections, speaks during a news conference on Thursday at the Alaska State Capitol. Beecher’s appointment as director was announced a day earlier by Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, who participated in a Thursday news conference by phone. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)

New elections director says political ties won’t affect her work

Carol Beecher, a GOP donor, declines to say if she believes recent elections were fairly conducted

Carol Beecher, the new director of the Alaska Division of Elections, speaks during a news conference on Thursday at the Alaska State Capitol. Beecher’s appointment as director was announced a day earlier by Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, who participated in a Thursday news conference by phone. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)
Anchorage School District superintendent Dr. Jharrett Bryantt speaks with a reporter in the library at Denali Montessori Elementary School on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 in Anchorage, Alaska. Alaska’s largest school district repeatedly and inappropriately secluded and restrained students with disabilities, the U.S. Department of Justice said Thursday following an investigation into alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Loren Holmes / Anchorage Daily News)

DOJ faults Alaska district for use of seclusion, restraints

Since 2017, five other school districts have entered into agreements with the department.

Anchorage School District superintendent Dr. Jharrett Bryantt speaks with a reporter in the library at Denali Montessori Elementary School on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022 in Anchorage, Alaska. Alaska’s largest school district repeatedly and inappropriately secluded and restrained students with disabilities, the U.S. Department of Justice said Thursday following an investigation into alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Loren Holmes / Anchorage Daily News)
People walk the docks as the sun sets in downtown Juneau in August 2022. The City and Borough of Juneau is seeking comments from residents on how they want the city to spend its marine passenger fee money. (Clarise Larson/ Juneau Empire File)

City seeks comments on how to spend projected $21.5M marine passenger fee funds

More than 25 projects are being recommended.

People walk the docks as the sun sets in downtown Juneau in August 2022. The City and Borough of Juneau is seeking comments from residents on how they want the city to spend its marine passenger fee money. (Clarise Larson/ Juneau Empire File)
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire Fresh snow clings to pine trees in the Mendenhall Valley area Tuesday afternoon.

The worst of recent winter storm is over

Officials say on-and-off rain and snow are expected through the weekend

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire Fresh snow clings to pine trees in the Mendenhall Valley area Tuesday afternoon.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy, left, reads highlights from his revised state budget proposal for the 2024 fiscal year as Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Commissioner Ryan Anderson waits to present revisions within his department. Among the most significant revisions are required matching funds for federal allocations to the Alaska Marine Highway system. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

New spending plan calls for ‘toll’ funds to shore up ferries

It adds temporary food stamp workers, attempts novel way to secure federal funds for AMHS upgrades.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy, left, reads highlights from his revised state budget proposal for the 2024 fiscal year as Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Commissioner Ryan Anderson waits to present revisions within his department. Among the most significant revisions are required matching funds for federal allocations to the Alaska Marine Highway system. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The Alaska State Senate unanimously passes its first bill of the current legislative session Wednesday, sponsored by state Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, lower left. The bill makes disabled military veterans residing in Alaska eligible for free trapping licenses in addition to hunting and fishing, and makes free service-related licenses for all three activities permanent instead of annual. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Senate quickly falls for veterans’ traps

Juneau lawmaker’s bill giving disabled vets lifetime trapping licenses is first to pass floor vote.

The Alaska State Senate unanimously passes its first bill of the current legislative session Wednesday, sponsored by state Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, lower left. The bill makes disabled military veterans residing in Alaska eligible for free trapping licenses in addition to hunting and fishing, and makes free service-related licenses for all three activities permanent instead of annual. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
TMHS junior Mikah Caradang puts up a 3-point shot in the second quarter Tuesday night during a conference game against JDHS. Caradang would finish the game with a total of 6 points. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)

TMHS girls win a close cross-town contest

Both Juneau teams play again on Feb. 21.

TMHS junior Mikah Caradang puts up a 3-point shot in the second quarter Tuesday night during a conference game against JDHS. Caradang would finish the game with a total of 6 points. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)
Dr. Emily Kane, CBJ Commission on Aging chair who was a part of the effort to join the network, gives a speech at AARP Alaska’s Valentine’s Day-themed event Tuesday evening to celebrate Juneau’s older adult population along with the city’s recent commitment to ​​AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Aging infrastructure: Juneau commits to its older residents

City commits to nationwide networks to make Juneau more “age-friendly”

Dr. Emily Kane, CBJ Commission on Aging chair who was a part of the effort to join the network, gives a speech at AARP Alaska’s Valentine’s Day-themed event Tuesday evening to celebrate Juneau’s older adult population along with the city’s recent commitment to ​​AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire This photo shows the Elizabeth Peratrovich mural at the Downtown Public Library and Marine Parking Garage.. This Thursday, Feb. 16, the state will observes Elizabeth Peratrovich Day to recognize and honor her for her contributions to anti-discrimination in the state.

Ways to observe Elizabeth Peratrovich Day in Juneau

Commemorating the Alaska Native civil rights leader here in the capital city.

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire This photo shows the Elizabeth Peratrovich mural at the Downtown Public Library and Marine Parking Garage.. This Thursday, Feb. 16, the state will observes Elizabeth Peratrovich Day to recognize and honor her for her contributions to anti-discrimination in the state.
Mark Rainery poses for photo in downtown Juneau to help celebrate the recent showing of his collaborative DIY snowboarding film, “The Outliers,” which premiered at the Hangar Ballroom on Feb. 11. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)
Features

Not-so-easy rider: snowboarding movie featuring Southeast backcountry gets local premiere

A Q&A with Mark Rainery.

Mark Rainery poses for photo in downtown Juneau to help celebrate the recent showing of his collaborative DIY snowboarding film, “The Outliers,” which premiered at the Hangar Ballroom on Feb. 11. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)
People rally in support of renewable energy policies, such as strengthening a renewable energy fund, across from the Alaska Capitol on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, in Juneau, Alaska. Some environmentalists are skeptical of legislation proposed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy that aims to capitalize on carbon storage and carbon markets. (AP Photo / Becky Bohrer)

Alaska carbon plan: Boost state coffers without cutting oil

Hearings with state lawmakers are underway…

People rally in support of renewable energy policies, such as strengthening a renewable energy fund, across from the Alaska Capitol on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, in Juneau, Alaska. Some environmentalists are skeptical of legislation proposed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy that aims to capitalize on carbon storage and carbon markets. (AP Photo / Becky Bohrer)
Gov. Ernest Gruening (seated) signs the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945. Witnessing are O. D. Cochran, Elizabeth Peratrovich, Edward Anderson, Norman Walker and Roy Peratrovich. (Courtesy Photo / Alaska State Library - Historical Collections)

Officials honor Elizabeth Peratrovich day with proclamations

With physical gatherings limited, virtual events and statements marked the day.

Gov. Ernest Gruening (seated) signs the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945. Witnessing are O. D. Cochran, Elizabeth Peratrovich, Edward Anderson, Norman Walker and Roy Peratrovich. (Courtesy Photo / Alaska State Library - Historical Collections)
League of Women Voters of Juneau volunteers Karen Crane, left, Cheryl Jebe and others prepare Annie Boochever's book about civil rights leader Elizabeth Peratrovich, "Fighter in Velvet Gloves," for mailing at the Andrew P. Kashevaroff Building on Monday, Dec. 2, 2019. Over 450 copies of the book were packaged to be shipped to libraries and school across Alaska. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Celebrating an icon: Local project ships Peratrovich book to libraries, schools for free

Project opens new chapter of Elizabeth Peratrovich awareness.

League of Women Voters of Juneau volunteers Karen Crane, left, Cheryl Jebe and others prepare Annie Boochever's book about civil rights leader Elizabeth Peratrovich, "Fighter in Velvet Gloves," for mailing at the Andrew P. Kashevaroff Building on Monday, Dec. 2, 2019. Over 450 copies of the book were packaged to be shipped to libraries and school across Alaska. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Manford Lum (Morgan Gwilym Tso) takes a jump shot during a scene rehearsal performance of Perseverance Theatre’s upcoming play “The Great Leap” opening Friday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

A look before the ‘Leap’

Previewing Perseverance Theatre’s latest, which blends basketball, Chinese history and identity.

Manford Lum (Morgan Gwilym Tso) takes a jump shot during a scene rehearsal performance of Perseverance Theatre’s upcoming play “The Great Leap” opening Friday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire Juneau Police Department along with first responders on the scene of an accident Tuesday morning involving three vehicles at the intersection of Mendenhall Loop and Mall Road. No injuries were reported.

No major injuries reported following crashes

Week starts with wrecks.

Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire Juneau Police Department along with first responders on the scene of an accident Tuesday morning involving three vehicles at the intersection of Mendenhall Loop and Mall Road. No injuries were reported.
Heidi Drygas, executive director of the 8,000-member Alaska State Employees Association, addresses a rally outside the Alaska State Capitol on Friday where participants protested the workforce shortage facing various agencies including the state Division of Public Assistance. Drygas on Tuesday gave qualified support to an order by Gov. Mike Dunleavy eliminating the four-year degree requirement for most state jobs, stating it is a small part of a big issue involving poor wages, benefits and morale among employees. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Change by degrees: Dunleavy nixes college requirement for most jobs

Dunleavy nixes college requirement for most jobs; some say it fails to fix real workforce problems.

Heidi Drygas, executive director of the 8,000-member Alaska State Employees Association, addresses a rally outside the Alaska State Capitol on Friday where participants protested the workforce shortage facing various agencies including the state Division of Public Assistance. Drygas on Tuesday gave qualified support to an order by Gov. Mike Dunleavy eliminating the four-year degree requirement for most state jobs, stating it is a small part of a big issue involving poor wages, benefits and morale among employees. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)