News

Jin Yue Trousil, left, and Angela Huffer practice for the upcoming Juneau Symphony concert this weekend beginning April 30. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

A rising note: Juneau Symphony brings back the noise

A full show and a new musical director to welcome audiences back.

Jin Yue Trousil, left, and Angela Huffer practice for the upcoming Juneau Symphony concert this weekend beginning April 30. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
JDHS player Gabe Cheng drives down the field with the ball during a tight game against TMHS on April 23, 2022. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire file)

Scores at a glance for the week of Apr. 25

Quick recaps for local teams.

JDHS player Gabe Cheng drives down the field with the ball during a tight game against TMHS on April 23, 2022. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire file)
Police arrested a Juneau man Tuesday for alleged sexual abuse of a minor. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Man arrested for sexual abuse of a minor

The alleged offenses occured over the last several years.

Police arrested a Juneau man Tuesday for alleged sexual abuse of a minor. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
This photo shows “Old Woman With Berries in Her Lap,” a poetry collection, by Wrangell writer and poet Vivian Faith Prescott. She recently released two books, the second being "My Father’s Smokehouse,” a combination of recipes and stories. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Southeast author releases foodoir and book of poetry

The prolific author and poet has been working for years on the two books.

This photo shows “Old Woman With Berries in Her Lap,” a poetry collection, by Wrangell writer and poet Vivian Faith Prescott. She recently released two books, the second being "My Father’s Smokehouse,” a combination of recipes and stories. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
A damaged sticker on a door at Thunder Mountain High School reminds people to social distance and wear masks inside the building. The Juneau School District Board of Education on Tuesday voted to make wearing masks optional in schools. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Masks again optional in Juneau schools

School board unanimously waives normal rules and votes to end brief return to mandated masks.

A damaged sticker on a door at Thunder Mountain High School reminds people to social distance and wear masks inside the building. The Juneau School District Board of Education on Tuesday voted to make wearing masks optional in schools. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
This photo shows Juneau residents, the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly and CBJ staff in the Assembly Chambers in City Hall during a Monday night meeting. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Lots of funds, little feedback: Few members of the public offer input about next year’s proposed budget

A three-hour meeting saw only a handful of people offer testimony.

This photo shows Juneau residents, the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly and CBJ staff in the Assembly Chambers in City Hall during a Monday night meeting. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
This photo shows a Lenco Armored Vehicles BearCat G3. Juneau Police Department is planning to acquire one of the vehicles. (Courtesy Photo / Lenco)

Police plans to buy armored vehicle surprise some city leaders

Concerns raised about “militarizing our police force.”

This photo shows a Lenco Armored Vehicles BearCat G3. Juneau Police Department is planning to acquire one of the vehicles. (Courtesy Photo / Lenco)
Clint Helander of Advanced Blasting Services clears remaining material from a cliffside near the University of Alaska Southeast student recreation center that had a substantial rockslide in February. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

UAS cleans up February rockfall

Contractors cleared loose material from the cliffside near the rec center.

Clint Helander of Advanced Blasting Services clears remaining material from a cliffside near the University of Alaska Southeast student recreation center that had a substantial rockslide in February. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
Protestors critical of the cruise ship industry gathered on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol on Monday, April 25, 2022, the same day the first large ship of the season arrived in Juneau. Demonstrators said the industry had a poor environmental record and called on the state to continue to Ocean Rangers program, a voter-approved initiative which put state monitors aboard ships to ensure compliance with state regualtions. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Protesters call for more enforcement of environmental regulations aboard ships

As cruise ships return, some residents remain wary.

Protestors critical of the cruise ship industry gathered on the steps of the Alaska State Capitol on Monday, April 25, 2022, the same day the first large ship of the season arrived in Juneau. Demonstrators said the industry had a poor environmental record and called on the state to continue to Ocean Rangers program, a voter-approved initiative which put state monitors aboard ships to ensure compliance with state regualtions. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
The Norwegian Bliss arrives in Juneau on Monday

2022 cruise season begins

Visitors and Juneau locals alike were excited for the arrival.

The Norwegian Bliss arrives in Juneau on Monday
This August 2021 photo shows signs on the doors for Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé reminding those entering the building that masking is required. On Saturday, the district announced a change in CDC COVID-19 community level, masking would again be required. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Masks again required in Juneau schools

Announcement follows a change in CDC COVID-19 community level.

This August 2021 photo shows signs on the doors for Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé reminding those entering the building that masking is required. On Saturday, the district announced a change in CDC COVID-19 community level, masking would again be required. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire Amy Purvis, a private security officer who’s been a Juneau resident since 2000, sketches a heart and rose for a piece of woodburning art she hopes to sell to tourists this summer on the still mostly empty pier at Marine Park on Friday.

Modest welcome and big hopes for 1st cruise ship of the season

City officials predicting near-normal season, but many uncertainties linger

Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire Amy Purvis, a private security officer who’s been a Juneau resident since 2000, sketches a heart and rose for a piece of woodburning art she hopes to sell to tourists this summer on the still mostly empty pier at Marine Park on Friday.
Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire This photo shows a rockfish in the aquarium at Douglas Island Pink and Chum Inc. on April 22, 2022. The hatchery is reopening to the public beginning Monday.

DIPAC to reopen doors to public

Put it there, chum.

Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire This photo shows a rockfish in the aquarium at Douglas Island Pink and Chum Inc. on April 22, 2022. The hatchery is reopening to the public beginning Monday.
This August 2021 photo shows a Princess Cruise Line ship docked in Juneau. The cruise line announced this week that a controversial contactless payment method will not be expanded to Alaska in the immediate future. Prior to the decision, MedallionPay was panned by members of the business community. (Michael Lockett / Juneau Empire file)

Princess puts plans for ’contactless’ MedallionPay system on hold in Alaska

Businesses and municipal officials bristle at proposed no-contact system.

This August 2021 photo shows a Princess Cruise Line ship docked in Juneau. The cruise line announced this week that a controversial contactless payment method will not be expanded to Alaska in the immediate future. Prior to the decision, MedallionPay was panned by members of the business community. (Michael Lockett / Juneau Empire file)
Joe Shockley prepares a car for baling at Skookum Recycling on April 19, 2022. Skookum is partnered with the City and Borough of Juneau to dispose of junk cars for free for the first 50 registrants beginning on April 22, 2022. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

City offers free junk car recycling for first 50 registrants

All towing and recycling fees will be waved for those who meet the requirements.

Joe Shockley prepares a car for baling at Skookum Recycling on April 19, 2022. Skookum is partnered with the City and Borough of Juneau to dispose of junk cars for free for the first 50 registrants beginning on April 22, 2022. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
Some of the bowls available for selection by attendees of the Empty Bowls event, the Glory Hall’s annual fundraiser, sit on display at the shelter’s new garden. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Empty Bowl returns resurgent as pandemic recedes

The event is open to all who purchase a ticket online.

Some of the bowls available for selection by attendees of the Empty Bowls event, the Glory Hall’s annual fundraiser, sit on display at the shelter’s new garden. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
Audience members listen to Port Director Carl Uchytil present the proposed docks and harbors budget for next year to the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly’s Finance Committee on Wednesday. The public will get an opportunity to comment on the city’s full spending plan at an Assembly meeting at 7 p.m. Monday.(Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

SimCity 2023: Online tool allows people to submit their own spending plans

Assembly to take testimony on the budget on Monday.

Audience members listen to Port Director Carl Uchytil present the proposed docks and harbors budget for next year to the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly’s Finance Committee on Wednesday. The public will get an opportunity to comment on the city’s full spending plan at an Assembly meeting at 7 p.m. Monday.(Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Construction on Capital Transit's new Mendenhall Valley Transit Center was underway on Thursday, April 14, 2022, on Mendenhall Mall Road. Officials hope the center to be open in July and are seeking public feedback about the scheduling of bus routes from the new center. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

With new transit center opening, officials seek feedback on bus scheduling

Take the survey.

Construction on Capital Transit's new Mendenhall Valley Transit Center was underway on Thursday, April 14, 2022, on Mendenhall Mall Road. Officials hope the center to be open in July and are seeking public feedback about the scheduling of bus routes from the new center. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
Axel Gillam, inventory supervisor for the Alaskan Kush Company, talks the state of business ahead of 4/20. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau empire)

Regulations, wait time make future of on-site pot consumption hazy

Some retail outlets see sobering loss of sales as first post-COVID 4/20 arrives.

Axel Gillam, inventory supervisor for the Alaskan Kush Company, talks the state of business ahead of 4/20. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau empire)
Courtesy photo / Travis Mead A Capital City Fire/Rescue firefighter moves to extinguish and early morning vehicle fire on April 19, 2022. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

CCFR investigating early-morning vehicle fire

The vehicle, which had been parked for several months, was totally gutted.

Courtesy photo / Travis Mead A Capital City Fire/Rescue firefighter moves to extinguish and early morning vehicle fire on April 19, 2022. The cause of the fire is under investigation.