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Leeann Thomas, third-generation owner of the Triangle Club, stands before the business her grandfather started in 1947. The location has a long history of Juneau businesses. (Laurie Craig / For the Downtown Business Association)

Rooted in Community: The Triangle Club and 76 years of the Thomas family

Historical photos hang in the building that once housed the famous Winter and Pond photo studio.

Leeann Thomas, third-generation owner of the Triangle Club, stands before the business her grandfather started in 1947. The location has a long history of Juneau businesses. (Laurie Craig / For the Downtown Business Association)
Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire A LifeMed Alaska aircraft sits outside near Juneau International Airport on Monday afternoon. The nonprofit air medical service announced it will be closing its base in Juneau.

Air ambulance service set to close base in Juneau

The nonprofit air medical service will continue to service Southeast Alaska, officials say.

Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire A LifeMed Alaska aircraft sits outside near Juneau International Airport on Monday afternoon. The nonprofit air medical service announced it will be closing its base in Juneau.
City and Borough of Juneau Treasurer Angie Flick has been selected to replace outgoing Jeff Rogers as Finance Director. Flick is expected to begin her new post with the city Monday. (City and Borough of Juneau)

City selects new finance director

CBJ Treasurer Angie Flick to begin job on Monday, overlapping with departing Jeff Rogers

City and Borough of Juneau Treasurer Angie Flick has been selected to replace outgoing Jeff Rogers as Finance Director. Flick is expected to begin her new post with the city Monday. (City and Borough of Juneau)
Capital City Fire/Rescue firefighters move to extinguish a trailer fire in early March. CCFR officials talk about the importance of staying fire safe as spring approaches. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

Recent fires emphasize importance smoke detectors, fire awareness

Two recent fatal incidents, illegal burns prompt reminders from local fire officials

Capital City Fire/Rescue firefighters move to extinguish a trailer fire in early March. CCFR officials talk about the importance of staying fire safe as spring approaches. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
A snowboarder stays afloat on the skim pond at Eaglecrest Ski Area as they partake in the return of the Slush Cup Saturday afternoon. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Slush Cup returns to Eaglecrest

The ski area waves goodbye to the 2022-2023 winter season.

A snowboarder stays afloat on the skim pond at Eaglecrest Ski Area as they partake in the return of the Slush Cup Saturday afternoon. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Myrna Gardner drops off a completed Easter Basket near several others Saturday inside the Juneau Moose Family Center. The baskets were dropped off with AWARE later in the day. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Women of the Moose decide it’s eggs-actly the right time for giving

Volunteers prep Easter baskets for AWARE.

Myrna Gardner drops off a completed Easter Basket near several others Saturday inside the Juneau Moose Family Center. The baskets were dropped off with AWARE later in the day. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Former professional BMX race and Olympic coach Tony Hoffman speaks to a crowed in the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall Thursday afternoon about his story of overcoming addiction. His speech marked the “Final Chapter” of the Pillars of America speakers series that has been put on by the Juneau Glacier Valley Rotary Club for more than three decades. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

From prison to Pillar: Tony Hoffman shares his journey from addiction to the Olympics in final Pillars of America speech.

The speaker series is now ended.

Former professional BMX race and Olympic coach Tony Hoffman speaks to a crowed in the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall Thursday afternoon about his story of overcoming addiction. His speech marked the “Final Chapter” of the Pillars of America speakers series that has been put on by the Juneau Glacier Valley Rotary Club for more than three decades. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
This March 10 photo shows fentanyl pills seized by police. A Juneau woman was arrested Saturday on a felony drug charge and police seized over 6,000 pills suspected to contain fentanyl. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

Police: Over 6,000 fentanyl pills seized after traffic stop

A Juneau woman was arrested on a drug-related charge, after police found more than 6,000 pills, believed to contain fentanyl, inside a vehicle she was… Continue reading

This March 10 photo shows fentanyl pills seized by police. A Juneau woman was arrested Saturday on a felony drug charge and police seized over 6,000 pills suspected to contain fentanyl. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Assembly members listen to a discussion about the near and long-term future of Juneau’s solid waste management during “Talkin’ Trash” work session held by members of the Assembly Public Works and Facilities Committee Thursday afternoon. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Juneau’s dumping dilemma: City and waste officials discuss short and long-term goals for Juneau’s dying landfill

“There is no one thing that can fix this.”

Assembly members listen to a discussion about the near and long-term future of Juneau’s solid waste management during “Talkin’ Trash” work session held by members of the Assembly Public Works and Facilities Committee Thursday afternoon. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Brian Erickson, vice president and general manager of Hecla Greens Creek Mine, speaks to the Juneau Chamber of Commerce Thursday afternoon. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Mine VP gives update, addresses report on elevated lead levels in Hawk Inlet

“They made numerous unsupported comparisons and conclusions to support their allegation.”

Brian Erickson, vice president and general manager of Hecla Greens Creek Mine, speaks to the Juneau Chamber of Commerce Thursday afternoon. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
A soccer ball rests on the field at Thunder Mountain High School. The JDHS girls bested TMHS 9-0 on Wednesday behind five goals from Peyton Wheeler. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

JDHS girls see 8 goals from underclassmen in season-opener

New faces make impact in cross-town win over TMHS.

A soccer ball rests on the field at Thunder Mountain High School. The JDHS girls bested TMHS 9-0 on Wednesday behind five goals from Peyton Wheeler. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
City and Borough of Juneau Mayor Beth Weldon and Assembly Member Michelle Bonnet Hale talk with City Manager Rorie Watt Wednesday night after the the 2024-2025 municipal budget was introduced at the city finance committee meeting. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

City considers lowering property tax rate as budget process begins

High revenues mean bold investments, city officials say

City and Borough of Juneau Mayor Beth Weldon and Assembly Member Michelle Bonnet Hale talk with City Manager Rorie Watt Wednesday night after the the 2024-2025 municipal budget was introduced at the city finance committee meeting. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
The series “Credible, Idiot Strings” features cotton fabric, nylon thread and steel wire to draw attention to the high rates of suicide in Alaska Native and Indigenous communities. The series is a part of the new exhibition “Visceral: Verity” on display at the Alaska State Museum and featured during the April First Friday. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

Here’s what’s happening for First Friday

New exhibitions, live music and more

The series “Credible, Idiot Strings” features cotton fabric, nylon thread and steel wire to draw attention to the high rates of suicide in Alaska Native and Indigenous communities. The series is a part of the new exhibition “Visceral: Verity” on display at the Alaska State Museum and featured during the April First Friday. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire Rep. Justin Ruffridge works in the Alaska State Capitol building on March 28 in Juneau. Rep. Justin Ruffridge works in the Alaska State Capitol building on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 in Juneau, Alaska. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire) Rep. Justin Ruffridge works in the Alaska State Capitol building on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in Juneau, Alaska. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire)

House bill aims to boost Alaska Performance Scholarship use

The scholarship is awarded to support education after high school graduation

Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire Rep. Justin Ruffridge works in the Alaska State Capitol building on March 28 in Juneau. Rep. Justin Ruffridge works in the Alaska State Capitol building on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 in Juneau, Alaska. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire) Rep. Justin Ruffridge works in the Alaska State Capitol building on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, in Juneau, Alaska. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire)
The children's book "I Would Tuck You In," illustrated by Mitchell Thomas Watley, is shown at a bookstore in Portland, Ore. in this April 5, 2023 photo. Publisher Sasquatch books, owned by Penguin Random House, said Wednesday, April 5, 2023, it has ended its publishing relationship with Watley after he was arrested on allegations of leaving violent, transphobic notes in stores around Juneau, Alaska. Watley told police he was motivated by fear following a deadly school shooting in Nashville that sparked online backlash about the shooter's gender identity, court records show. (AP Photo/Claire Rush)

Publisher drops children’s illustrator for anti-trans notes

Sasquatch Books said it has ended the publishing relationship, will discontinue selling the books.

  • Apr 5, 2023
  • By Mark Thiessen and Becky Bohrer Associated Press
  • NewsLocal News
The children's book "I Would Tuck You In," illustrated by Mitchell Thomas Watley, is shown at a bookstore in Portland, Ore. in this April 5, 2023 photo. Publisher Sasquatch books, owned by Penguin Random House, said Wednesday, April 5, 2023, it has ended its publishing relationship with Watley after he was arrested on allegations of leaving violent, transphobic notes in stores around Juneau, Alaska. Watley told police he was motivated by fear following a deadly school shooting in Nashville that sparked online backlash about the shooter's gender identity, court records show. (AP Photo/Claire Rush)
Members of the Thane Community Garden hold a sign and pose for a group photo at the location of where the new communal garden is being constructed just outside of downtown Juneau over the Sheep Creek bridge. (Courtesy Photo / Judy Sherburne)

New community garden coming to downtown neighborhood

Seeds are expected to be planted next month.

Members of the Thane Community Garden hold a sign and pose for a group photo at the location of where the new communal garden is being constructed just outside of downtown Juneau over the Sheep Creek bridge. (Courtesy Photo / Judy Sherburne)
Nancy Barnes leads the Yees Ku.oo Dancers through a performance for the opening ceremony of the sixth annual Traditional Games this Saturday at Thunder Mountain High School. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)

Opening ceremony adds celebratory atmosphere to Traditional Games

“It just means a lot to be here.”

Nancy Barnes leads the Yees Ku.oo Dancers through a performance for the opening ceremony of the sixth annual Traditional Games this Saturday at Thunder Mountain High School. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)
The sun partially sines on the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center in February. The center will be closed for most of April for seasonal staff training and to prepare the center for summer visitors. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to be closed for most of April

Closure allows prep for summer.

The sun partially sines on the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center in February. The center will be closed for most of April for seasonal staff training and to prepare the center for summer visitors. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Lee Richards, a Thunder Mountain High School sophomore, gets ready to let an arrow fly during this year’s Traditional Games held Saturday and Sunday at the high school in Juneau. This year’s games were the first to feature archery. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Target acquired: Traditional Games see archery debut, record number of athletes

Dozens of teams, over 200 athletes compete.

Lee Richards, a Thunder Mountain High School sophomore, gets ready to let an arrow fly during this year’s Traditional Games held Saturday and Sunday at the high school in Juneau. This year’s games were the first to feature archery. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Áakʼw Ḵwáan spokesperson Fran Houston addresses a crowd of people during a blessing ceremony on Friday at Marine Park as part of the Kootéeyaa Deiyí (Totem Pole Trail) that will run along the downtown Juneau waterfront. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)

PHOTOS: Blessing held at grounds of Kootéeyaa Deiyí

Ceremony held at future site of Totem Pole Trail.

Áakʼw Ḵwáan spokesperson Fran Houston addresses a crowd of people during a blessing ceremony on Friday at Marine Park as part of the Kootéeyaa Deiyí (Totem Pole Trail) that will run along the downtown Juneau waterfront. (Jonson Kuhn / Juneau Empire)