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The fishing vessel Wind Walker fishes near Sitka on March 29, 2022. (James Poulson/The Daily Sitka Sentinel)

Coast Guard suspends search for five people aboard fishing boat that reportedly capsized near Juneau

Officials search more than 108 square nautical miles for Sitka-based boat in wintry conditions.

The fishing vessel Wind Walker fishes near Sitka on March 29, 2022. (James Poulson/The Daily Sitka Sentinel)
A map shows projected population changes in Alaska between 2023 and 2050. (Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Research and Analysis Section)

Southeast Alaska’s population expected drop 17% by 2050, by far the most statewide

State expects to lose 15,000 residents, 12,000 of them from Southeast, according to report.

A map shows projected population changes in Alaska between 2023 and 2050. (Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Research and Analysis Section)
Fritz, played by Dani Hayes, steals the Nutcracker doll from Clara, played by Sachiko Marks, in Juneau Dance Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker” during dress rehearsal Sunday at the JDT studio. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Rodents infest Stahlbaum home for holidays as Juneau Dance Theatre opens 50th season with ‘The Nutcracker’

Company’s performers and leaders share a sense of wonder about ballet being staged for its 20th year.

Fritz, played by Dani Hayes, steals the Nutcracker doll from Clara, played by Sachiko Marks, in Juneau Dance Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker” during dress rehearsal Sunday at the JDT studio. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Juneau Greens owner John Krapek prepares a box of fresh greens for a subscriber while Amy White serves customers at the other end of the long counter at the new hydroponic farm that opened in November at 7820 Honsinger Drive. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)

Turning over a new leaf: Juneau Greens grows fresh food

Indoor greenhouse and farm offers tastes of summer as short days and winter weather sets in.

Juneau Greens owner John Krapek prepares a box of fresh greens for a subscriber while Amy White serves customers at the other end of the long counter at the new hydroponic farm that opened in November at 7820 Honsinger Drive. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)
Juneau Assembly Member Ella Adkison (center) helps state Sen. Jesse Kiehl load donated groceries into a van on Saturday during a food drive at Super Bear IGA Supermarket hosted by the Juneau Central Labor Council. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Nonprofits say need is high as collections for annual Thanksgiving events approach

Food bank, other agencies say number of people seeking help is rising due to cost, other factors.

Juneau Assembly Member Ella Adkison (center) helps state Sen. Jesse Kiehl load donated groceries into a van on Saturday during a food drive at Super Bear IGA Supermarket hosted by the Juneau Central Labor Council. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
William James (standing) hands plates of Thanksgiving food to family members during a communal holiday meal hosted by The Salvation Army Juneau Corps on Thursday at the Juneau Yacht Club. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Feeling full and thankful among family, friends and strangers

About 300 people indulge in introductions and feast fixings at annual communal Thanksgiving meal.

William James (standing) hands plates of Thanksgiving food to family members during a communal holiday meal hosted by The Salvation Army Juneau Corps on Thursday at the Juneau Yacht Club. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
A storm warning for Juneau, extended until noon Monday, shows snow totals expected between 6 p.m. Sunday and 6 p.m. Monday. (National Weather Service Juneau)

CBJ and state closes facilities all day Monday, remote learning day for schools as heavy snowstorm fouls roads

“If you don’t have to be on the road, stay home” due to snowy/icy roads, CCFR warns Monday morning.

A storm warning for Juneau, extended until noon Monday, shows snow totals expected between 6 p.m. Sunday and 6 p.m. Monday. (National Weather Service Juneau)
A person walks along the tideline adjacent to the Airport Dike Trail on Thursday. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)
A person walks along the tideline adjacent to the Airport Dike Trail on Thursday. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)
“I voted” stickers are seen on display in the headquarters offices of the Alaska Division of Elections in Juneau on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska election results are official: Here are 5 takeaways

Margin grows in defeat of measure to repeal open primary and ranked choice voting system.

“I voted” stickers are seen on display in the headquarters offices of the Alaska Division of Elections in Juneau on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Nine pairs of rubber boots await feet near the entrance to Catherine Fritz’s home in Juneau. The collection includes very early models made in the United States, later imported versions that are steel-toed, insulated and regular. Fritz’s favorite pair is a short version that slip on easily. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)

Rubber barons: Weirdly fashionable and always functional rubber boots

From boat decks to badge of belonging, XtraTufs are universal.

Nine pairs of rubber boots await feet near the entrance to Catherine Fritz’s home in Juneau. The collection includes very early models made in the United States, later imported versions that are steel-toed, insulated and regular. Fritz’s favorite pair is a short version that slip on easily. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)
John and Laura Doogan pick up Pakistani soul food from Sara Fatimah, owner of Alaska Desi Aunty, one of the food stands at the Juneau Public Market at Centennial Hall on Friday. The market continues through Sunday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Hot start for Juneau Public Market as holiday season begins with frigid, wintry weekend

About 200 clothing, craft, food and other vendors at Public and Indigenous markets through Sunday.

John and Laura Doogan pick up Pakistani soul food from Sara Fatimah, owner of Alaska Desi Aunty, one of the food stands at the Juneau Public Market at Centennial Hall on Friday. The market continues through Sunday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Mary McGee, the first U.S. woman to become a professional motorcycle racer, is seen in a documentary of her life that debuted on Thursday, one day after her death. (Promotional photo from ESPN Films)
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‘Motorcycle Mary’ McGee, a Juneau-born woman who became a racing pioneer, dies at age 87

Life of first U.S. woman to race motorcycles captured in documentary released day after her death

Mary McGee, the first U.S. woman to become a professional motorcycle racer, is seen in a documentary of her life that debuted on Thursday, one day after her death. (Promotional photo from ESPN Films)
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The front page of the Juneau Empire on Nov. 23, 1984. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Nov. 23, 1984. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Alan Young (left) conducts while John Cooper reads the words to “The Night Before Christmas” during a rehearsal Wednesday for holiday concerts by the Taku Winds brass ensemble at K̠unéix̠ Hídi Northern Light United Church. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Alan Young (left) conducts while John Cooper reads the words to “The Night Before Christmas” during a rehearsal Wednesday for holiday concerts by the Taku Winds brass ensemble at K̠unéix̠ Hídi Northern Light United Church. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
John Kern is shown after finishing the Berlin Marathon on Sept. 25, 2022. (Photo courtesy John Kern)

After completing marathon goal of all 50 states, John Kern looks ‘around the world’

Juneau runner seeks to complete Six World Marathons challenge in Tokyo — and what’s beyond.

John Kern is shown after finishing the Berlin Marathon on Sept. 25, 2022. (Photo courtesy John Kern)
Austin Treston (wearing Santa hat) and Oliver Albrecht, both 11, lead off participants in the mile-long course during the annual Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run on Thursday along the Airport Dike Trail. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Snow makes things extra flaky for more than 300 people at 11th annual Turkey Trot

Big costumes and big strollers still show up to plunge along the pre-Thanksgiving feast trail.

Austin Treston (wearing Santa hat) and Oliver Albrecht, both 11, lead off participants in the mile-long course during the annual Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run on Thursday along the Airport Dike Trail. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
A profile of a South African model is seen on the surface of Sandy Beach on Nov 18. (Photo by Elliot Welch shared by Juneau Parks and Recreation)

So…who is that woman that’s been stretched out on Sandy Beach all month?

Artist Blake Byers uses nearby rocks to depict South African model as part of “exhibit” of people on shores.

A profile of a South African model is seen on the surface of Sandy Beach on Nov 18. (Photo by Elliot Welch shared by Juneau Parks and Recreation)
Mike Sfraga, then chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, speaks on April 10, 2024, at the Arctic Encounter Symposium in Anchorage. He later became U.S. ambassador-at-large for Arctic Affairs. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

America’s first Arctic ambassador was just confirmed weeks ago. Now he could be out of a job.

It’s standard for politically appointed ambassadors to leave posts during a presidential transition.

Mike Sfraga, then chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, speaks on April 10, 2024, at the Arctic Encounter Symposium in Anchorage. He later became U.S. ambassador-at-large for Arctic Affairs. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
Skagway’s main street during tour season. (Photo by Shaelene Grace Moler)

Woven Peoples and Place: Skagway Development Corp.’s community partnership and holistic development

Initiatives like “Made in Skagway” program focus on local business support, community development

Skagway’s main street during tour season. (Photo by Shaelene Grace Moler)
Alaska Supreme Court Justices Susan M. Carney and Peter Maassen are seen on Feb. 8, 2024, in Juneau. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

Susan M. Carney to serve as Alaska Supreme Court chief justice

Alaska’s five Supreme Court justices have voted to make Justice Susan M. Carney the next chief justice. Carney’s term will start on Jan. 10, 2025,… Continue reading

Alaska Supreme Court Justices Susan M. Carney and Peter Maassen are seen on Feb. 8, 2024, in Juneau. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)