News

Michele Elfers, deputy director of CBJ Parks and Recreation, speaks to about 15 residents who attended a public meeting discussing the final version of the Montana Creek master plan at the Trail Mix Inc. shop Wednesday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

The Montana Creek master plan is finalized — now what?

Management officials emphasize openness to future ideas not included in plan.

Michele Elfers, deputy director of CBJ Parks and Recreation, speaks to about 15 residents who attended a public meeting discussing the final version of the Montana Creek master plan at the Trail Mix Inc. shop Wednesday evening. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Faith Rogers’ younger sister Michelle Rogers holds a photo collage of Faith that hung on the wall in their family home in September 2022. A readiness hearing was held Wednesday for Anthony Michael Migliaccio, who was indicted in late November 2022 on two counts of second-degree murder and a charge of manslaughter. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Readiness hearing extended for suspect in killing of Faith Rogers

The next hearing is set for late June.

Faith Rogers’ younger sister Michelle Rogers holds a photo collage of Faith that hung on the wall in their family home in September 2022. A readiness hearing was held Wednesday for Anthony Michael Migliaccio, who was indicted in late November 2022 on two counts of second-degree murder and a charge of manslaughter. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Retiring Juneau Police Department Officers Don Ward (left) and Jim Esbenshade (right) smile for a picture at their joint retirement ceremony on Tuesday afternoon at the Juneau Police Station. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

‘It was the people who kept us’: Retiring JPD officers reminisce on years serving in Juneau.

Juneau Police Department Officers Don Ward and Jim Esbenshade retire after years of services.

Retiring Juneau Police Department Officers Don Ward (left) and Jim Esbenshade (right) smile for a picture at their joint retirement ceremony on Tuesday afternoon at the Juneau Police Station. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Longtime Juneau resident Joe Emerson, co-owner of the F/V Tommy L II berthed in Aurora Harbor, smiles for a photo next to his boat in late May. Emerson is one of the hundreds of trollers in Southeast Alaska that will be directly impacted by a federal court order that may force the closure of the region’s king salmon troll fishery set to begin July 1. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Southeast trollers remain hooked in web of Washington lawsuit that could halt summer season

Juneau fisherman says he’s concerned about his livelihood and future of the fishery.

Longtime Juneau resident Joe Emerson, co-owner of the F/V Tommy L II berthed in Aurora Harbor, smiles for a photo next to his boat in late May. Emerson is one of the hundreds of trollers in Southeast Alaska that will be directly impacted by a federal court order that may force the closure of the region’s king salmon troll fishery set to begin July 1. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Chuck Caldwell, who served in the Army during the Vietnam War, lays a wreath on behalf of Veterans of Foreign Wars Taku Post 5559 at the base of the flagpole at Evergreen Cemetery in observance of Memorial Day on Monday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Remembering the true meaning of sacrifice

Memorial Day observations in Juneau see hundreds pay tribute to those who serve and persevere

Chuck Caldwell, who served in the Army during the Vietnam War, lays a wreath on behalf of Veterans of Foreign Wars Taku Post 5559 at the base of the flagpole at Evergreen Cemetery in observance of Memorial Day on Monday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Outgoing Juneau Empire Managing Editor Ben Hohenstatt (left) will be succeeded by reporter Mark Sabbatini (right) after five years to accept a job with the Alaska State Ombudsman. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Empire managing editor departs, familiar face takes over role

Ben Hohenstatt departs as managing editor after five years, reporter Mark Sabbatini takes over.

Outgoing Juneau Empire Managing Editor Ben Hohenstatt (left) will be succeeded by reporter Mark Sabbatini (right) after five years to accept a job with the Alaska State Ombudsman. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Thunder Mountain High School Senior Class President Mackenzie Olver shakes hands with Juneau School District Superintendent Bridget Weiss after receiving her diploma at the 2023 graduation ceremony Sunday afternoon. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Strength and resiliency: Thunder Mountain celebrates graduates of 2023 class

“Each one of you matters and each one of your lives affects so many others.”

Thunder Mountain High School Senior Class President Mackenzie Olver shakes hands with Juneau School District Superintendent Bridget Weiss after receiving her diploma at the 2023 graduation ceremony Sunday afternoon. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Kaydence Ernzen sheds tears of joy after getting a surprise call from her father minutes after she graduated from Yaakoosgé Daakahídi High School on Sunday. Her father was in the Philippines on the day of the ceremony as Ernzen graduated months earlier than originally anticipated. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

Yaakoosgé Daakahídi graduation: ‘Small and mighty’

Stories of all 31 seniors at alternative high school shared by staff who know them best

Kaydence Ernzen sheds tears of joy after getting a surprise call from her father minutes after she graduated from Yaakoosgé Daakahídi High School on Sunday. Her father was in the Philippines on the day of the ceremony as Ernzen graduated months earlier than originally anticipated. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Emergency lights flash on top of a police car. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Arrest made after assault with knife in Lemon Creek area

Alcohol was involved, police say.

Emergency lights flash on top of a police car. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
Players line up during the final quarter of Juneau Alumni Football game on Friday at Adair-Kennedy Memorial Park. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Friday night lights: Alumni game provides memories and funds for Huskies football

The night raised approximately $13,000 to go toward the upcoming season.

Players line up during the final quarter of Juneau Alumni Football game on Friday at Adair-Kennedy Memorial Park. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore docks in Juneau in October, 2022. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

Ships in Port for the Week of May 28

Here’s what to expect this week.

The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore docks in Juneau in October, 2022. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
This combination image shows senior students Kiley Morris, 18, of Thunder Mountain High School, Helen John, 17, of Yaakoosgé Daakahídi High School, and Krishna Bathija, 18, of Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. Each is scheduled to speak at their respective graduation ceremonies on Sunday. (Photos by Juneau Empire staff)

3 on ‘23: Graduating seniors discuss past lessons and future plans

Students among speakers at Juneau’s three high school ceremonies Sunday

This combination image shows senior students Kiley Morris, 18, of Thunder Mountain High School, Helen John, 17, of Yaakoosgé Daakahídi High School, and Krishna Bathija, 18, of Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. Each is scheduled to speak at their respective graduation ceremonies on Sunday. (Photos by Juneau Empire staff)
Sayéik: Gastineau Community School students defeat physical education teacher Dirk Miller in Rock, Paper, Scissors during their Field Day on Thursday. Miller is retiring after 24 years at the school. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)

Thank you mister Miller: Sayéik: Gastineau Community School teacher to retire after 24 years

Sayéik: Gastineau Community School teacher to retire after 24 years

Sayéik: Gastineau Community School students defeat physical education teacher Dirk Miller in Rock, Paper, Scissors during their Field Day on Thursday. Miller is retiring after 24 years at the school. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Students from the Tlingit culture, language and literacy program at Harborview Elementary School dance in front of elders during the program’s in early February. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

District selects first full-time principal for the Tlingit culture, language and literacy program

Eldri Westmoreland is set to fill the position starting in July.

Students from the Tlingit culture, language and literacy program at Harborview Elementary School dance in front of elders during the program’s in early February. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy, a Republican, speaks during a news conference in late April. Juneau School District leaders share mixed reactions about the the Alaska State Legislature passing a budget that includes a $174 million one-time boost to public school funding, and being fearful that the increase will soon be vetoed by the governor. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

District leaders give one-time funding boost an incomplete

Mix of relief and fear of potential veto greet increase included in budget.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy, a Republican, speaks during a news conference in late April. Juneau School District leaders share mixed reactions about the the Alaska State Legislature passing a budget that includes a $174 million one-time boost to public school funding, and being fearful that the increase will soon be vetoed by the governor. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)
Mountains tower over downtown Juneau Wednesday morning. On Tuesday night the City and Borough of Juneau’s Planning Commission unanimously passed a motion to not recommend the adoption of new hazard maps and policy based on them to the Assembly. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Planning Commission urges rejection of new hazard maps and policy

The decision came after nearly 20 rounds of public testimony advocating against the maps.

Mountains tower over downtown Juneau Wednesday morning. On Tuesday night the City and Borough of Juneau’s Planning Commission unanimously passed a motion to not recommend the adoption of new hazard maps and policy based on them to the Assembly. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
A sign at the entrance of the Juneau International Airport’s short-term parking lot informs travelers that construction will begin May 31 and long-term parking will be closed the same day. The airport’s construction project will begin next Wednesday, May 31, for parking lot improvements, including repaving, new curbing, lighting and draining, as well as installing a new payment system in the short-term lot. ( Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Airport to begin $10M parking improvement project next week

Parking will be limited during the summer and into the fall, officials say.

A sign at the entrance of the Juneau International Airport’s short-term parking lot informs travelers that construction will begin May 31 and long-term parking will be closed the same day. The airport’s construction project will begin next Wednesday, May 31, for parking lot improvements, including repaving, new curbing, lighting and draining, as well as installing a new payment system in the short-term lot. ( Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
On Monday the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly passed a motion in support of the Sealaska Heritage Institute’s intention to rename the two blocks of South Seward Street between Front Street and Marine Way to Heritage Way. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

City signals support for renaming South Seward Street

Sealaska Heritage Institute applied for it to be renamed to Heritage Way.

On Monday the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly passed a motion in support of the Sealaska Heritage Institute’s intention to rename the two blocks of South Seward Street between Front Street and Marine Way to Heritage Way. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Racers start the Spring Tide Scramble at Fish Creek Park on Saturday. (Courtesy Photo)

Spring Tide Scramble beats the tide

Youth and adult runners get dirty on the mud flats

Racers start the Spring Tide Scramble at Fish Creek Park on Saturday. (Courtesy Photo)
This is a picture of the City and Borough of Juneau City Hall in October 2022. The Assembly Finance Committee OK’d $10 million in funding to go toward a City Hall project on Wednesday, more than six months after voters narrowly rejected a city ballot proposal to approve $35 million in bond debt to fund the majority of the construction cost for a new City Hall. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)

Assembly OKs $10M in funds for future City Hall project

The funding could go toward building a new one or renovating the current building.

This is a picture of the City and Borough of Juneau City Hall in October 2022. The Assembly Finance Committee OK’d $10 million in funding to go toward a City Hall project on Wednesday, more than six months after voters narrowly rejected a city ballot proposal to approve $35 million in bond debt to fund the majority of the construction cost for a new City Hall. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire File)