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Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla, speaks on the floor of the House of Representatives on Friday, Feb. 3, 2022. Eastman has come under scrutiny for his membership in the Oath Keepers, a right-wing paramilitary group whose leaders have been charged with sedition for their role in the Jan. 6, riot at the U.S. Capitol. A House committee will meet next week to investigate the Oath Keepers. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

House to hold committee hearing on Oath Keepers

Not an investigation, says House majoirty leader.

Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla, speaks on the floor of the House of Representatives on Friday, Feb. 3, 2022. Eastman has come under scrutiny for his membership in the Oath Keepers, a right-wing paramilitary group whose leaders have been charged with sedition for their role in the Jan. 6, riot at the U.S. Capitol. A House committee will meet next week to investigate the Oath Keepers. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
A man arrested Juneau in 2019 was sentenced to six years in prison United States District Court at the Hurff A. Saunders Federal Building. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

Juneau man sentenced for pulling a gun on police officer

Prior felonies exacerbated the sentence.

A man arrested Juneau in 2019 was sentenced to six years in prison United States District Court at the Hurff A. Saunders Federal Building. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
The House Labor and Commerce Committee speaks with Alaska's Congressional delegation on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill which is set to bring billions of dollars to the state. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Delegation: Work together to plan, optimize infrastructure money

No bickering.

The House Labor and Commerce Committee speaks with Alaska's Congressional delegation on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill which is set to bring billions of dollars to the state. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
In this Empire file photo, the MV Tazlina heads in to dock in Juneau. The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation is poised to bring a lot of money to Alaska for things like ferries, but when and how much isn't yet known as many of the programs are new. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)

Amount of infrastructure bill money coming to the state still a mystery

Guidelines are forthcoming.

In this Empire file photo, the MV Tazlina heads in to dock in Juneau. The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation is poised to bring a lot of money to Alaska for things like ferries, but when and how much isn't yet known as many of the programs are new. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)
Alaska Independent Coach Tour’s busses will be running with the same looks but new management after a joint venture between Huna Totem Corporation and Doyon, Limited founded a joint venture purchasing a controlling interest in the transport company. (Courtesy photo / AICT)

Huna Totem and Doyon announce new joint venture

Their aims are the promotion of sustainable, cultural tourism in transportation, lodging, and tour opportunities.

Alaska Independent Coach Tour’s busses will be running with the same looks but new management after a joint venture between Huna Totem Corporation and Doyon, Limited founded a joint venture purchasing a controlling interest in the transport company. (Courtesy photo / AICT)
This picture shows the City and Borough of Juneau City Hall on Dec. 20, 2021. City officials are considering changes to CBJ’s real estate price disclosure rules. (Dana Zigmund / Juneau Empire)

CBJ considers real estate disclosure rule changes

Officials hope for more compliance and greater transparency

This picture shows the City and Borough of Juneau City Hall on Dec. 20, 2021. City officials are considering changes to CBJ’s real estate price disclosure rules. (Dana Zigmund / Juneau Empire)
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin arrives to Federal court, Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, in New York. Palin is due back in a New York City courtroom more than a week after her libel trial against The New York Times was postponed because she tested positive for COVID-19. (AP Photo / John Minchillo)

Palin resumes court battle with Times after COVID illness

Opening statements to the jury were initially scheduled for last week, but were postponed.

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin arrives to Federal court, Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, in New York. Palin is due back in a New York City courtroom more than a week after her libel trial against The New York Times was postponed because she tested positive for COVID-19. (AP Photo / John Minchillo)
Brian Lauth, closing manager for Super Bear Supermarket IGA, bags groceries Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020. Next month, the Finance Committee for the City and Borough of Juneau will consider whether to exempt grocery purchases from the city’s sales tax. (Ben Hohenstatt/Juneau Empire File)

CBJ to consider ending sales tax on food

Long-running debate set to resume.

Brian Lauth, closing manager for Super Bear Supermarket IGA, bags groceries Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020. Next month, the Finance Committee for the City and Borough of Juneau will consider whether to exempt grocery purchases from the city’s sales tax. (Ben Hohenstatt/Juneau Empire File)
Courtesy photo / Kevin and Carlene Allred Greens grow in the Tenakee Springs greenhouse run by Kevin and Carlene Allred. The greenhouse produces fresh produce all year long using geothermal heat.

Nourishing a community

Tenakee couple uses geothermal heat to produce fresh veggies

Courtesy photo / Kevin and Carlene Allred Greens grow in the Tenakee Springs greenhouse run by Kevin and Carlene Allred. The greenhouse produces fresh produce all year long using geothermal heat.
Former Alaska Psychiatric Institute staff psychiatrist Dr. John Bellville speaks during a news conference on Jan. 10, 2019, in Anchorage, Alaska. The state of Alaska has settled a lawsuit with Bellville, who was one of three former state employees who claimed they were wrongfully fired when Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy took office. Under the agreement, announced Wednesday Feb. 2, 2022, Bellville will receive $275,000, reflecting lost wages, damages and attorney's fees. (AP Photo / Mark Thiessen, File)

State of Alaska, psychiatrists settle case over firings

Under the settlement, the state agrees to pay a combined $495,000.

Former Alaska Psychiatric Institute staff psychiatrist Dr. John Bellville speaks during a news conference on Jan. 10, 2019, in Anchorage, Alaska. The state of Alaska has settled a lawsuit with Bellville, who was one of three former state employees who claimed they were wrongfully fired when Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy took office. Under the agreement, announced Wednesday Feb. 2, 2022, Bellville will receive $275,000, reflecting lost wages, damages and attorney's fees. (AP Photo / Mark Thiessen, File)
Kelly Stewart, formerly acting assistant principal of Thunder Mountain High School, has now been permanently appointed to the position. (Courtesy photo / Kelly Stewart)

Thunder Mountain High School fills assistant principal post

She has more than 20 years of experience in education.

Kelly Stewart, formerly acting assistant principal of Thunder Mountain High School, has now been permanently appointed to the position. (Courtesy photo / Kelly Stewart)
This May 4, 2021 image shows teacher Graciela Olague-Barrios working with two infants at Cuidando Los Ninos in Albuquerque, N.M. According to a recent report by the U.S. Chamber Foundation, childcare is in short supply across the country. Local experts say Juneau lacks affordable, reliable child care. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan)

Child care challenges keep workers sidelined

Referral network leader says ‘it’s a broken business model.’

This May 4, 2021 image shows teacher Graciela Olague-Barrios working with two infants at Cuidando Los Ninos in Albuquerque, N.M. According to a recent report by the U.S. Chamber Foundation, childcare is in short supply across the country. Local experts say Juneau lacks affordable, reliable child care. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan)
A Juneau man arrested in 2019 for more than a dozen charges including multiple sexual-related felonies was found guilty during a jury trial on Feb. 1, 2022. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Juneau man found guilty in child sex abuse case

The defendant was found guilty of fourteen separate charges.

A Juneau man arrested in 2019 for more than a dozen charges including multiple sexual-related felonies was found guilty during a jury trial on Feb. 1, 2022. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
A scheduled floor session of the Alaska House of Representatives was canceled Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, following a positive COVID-19 case in the body and close contacts among roughly half the members. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Positive COVID test leads to canceled House floor session

Members isolating.

A scheduled floor session of the Alaska House of Representatives was canceled Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, following a positive COVID-19 case in the body and close contacts among roughly half the members. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
COVID-19. (Image courtesy CDC)

COVID-19 4th leading cause of death in 2020

COVID was responsible for 231 deaths in 2020

COVID-19. (Image courtesy CDC)
Copies of the Alaska State Constitution are available outside the Lt. Governor’s office at the Alaska State Capitol. A Senate bill with bipartisan support is seeking to enhance civics education for Alaskan students. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)

Bill seeks to strengthen civics education

Educating citizens.

Copies of the Alaska State Constitution are available outside the Lt. Governor’s office at the Alaska State Capitol. A Senate bill with bipartisan support is seeking to enhance civics education for Alaskan students. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)
A wildflower blows in the wind near an old pump jack on Molly Rooke's ranch, Tuesday, May 18, 2021, near Refugio, Texas. Oil and gas drilling began on the ranch in the 1920s and there were dozens of orphaned wells that needed to be plugged for safety and environmental protection. According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, Alaska will receive more than $32 million for clean up efforts. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Alaska to receive $32 million for orphaned well clean up

Alaska has 12 orphaned wells.

A wildflower blows in the wind near an old pump jack on Molly Rooke's ranch, Tuesday, May 18, 2021, near Refugio, Texas. Oil and gas drilling began on the ranch in the 1920s and there were dozens of orphaned wells that needed to be plugged for safety and environmental protection. According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, Alaska will receive more than $32 million for clean up efforts. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
The USS Hopper (DDG 70) prepares to moor in Homer, Alaska, for a scheduled port visit in conjunction with its participation in Northern Edge 2017 in Homer, Alaska, April 29, 2017. The Navy is proposing to considerably expand its exercise area in the Gulf of Alaska. (U.S. Navy / Petty Officer 3rd Class Joseph Montemarano)

Navy proposes expanding Gulf of Alaska exercise area

The proposal would more than quadruple the sea room for ships and aircraft to manuever in.

The USS Hopper (DDG 70) prepares to moor in Homer, Alaska, for a scheduled port visit in conjunction with its participation in Northern Edge 2017 in Homer, Alaska, April 29, 2017. The Navy is proposing to considerably expand its exercise area in the Gulf of Alaska. (U.S. Navy / Petty Officer 3rd Class Joseph Montemarano)
Mina Sanders, a COVID tester with Capstone Clinic, readies for the next group of arrivals at Juneau International Airport on Jan. 31, 2022. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Airport COVID testing ends as contract runs out

The company will still provide vaccines at the airport for another six months.

Mina Sanders, a COVID tester with Capstone Clinic, readies for the next group of arrivals at Juneau International Airport on Jan. 31, 2022. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
Alaska Republican state Rep. David Eastman speaks on the floor of the Alaska House on Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, in Juneau, Alaska. The Alaska House tabled action Monday on a proposal to remove from legislative committees Eastman, who has said he joined the Oath Keepers far-right organization years ago. The House Committee on Committees voted 5-2 to remove Republican Rep. Eastman of Wasilla from his committee assignments, said Joe Plesha, communications director for the House's bipartisan majority. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)

House tables vote affecting lawmaker with Oath Keepers ties

The meeting was not widely publicized beforehand.

Alaska Republican state Rep. David Eastman speaks on the floor of the Alaska House on Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, in Juneau, Alaska. The Alaska House tabled action Monday on a proposal to remove from legislative committees Eastman, who has said he joined the Oath Keepers far-right organization years ago. The House Committee on Committees voted 5-2 to remove Republican Rep. Eastman of Wasilla from his committee assignments, said Joe Plesha, communications director for the House's bipartisan majority. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)