Wire Service

The Alaska Marine Highway System employee opens the vehicle gate after the Tazlina arrives at the Auke Bay Terminal in July 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: To thrive, marine highway needs a cohesive strategy

What ideas can we bring to the table to meet these needs in the context of our fiscal reality?

The Alaska Marine Highway System employee opens the vehicle gate after the Tazlina arrives at the Auke Bay Terminal in July 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
A mural depicting Joseph Maldonado-Passage, also known as as “Joe Exotic,” in Dallas, Friday, April 10, 2020. The Netflix series “Tiger King,” has become popular watching during the COVID-19 outbreak. Maldonado-Passage was convicted in an unsuccessful murder-for-hire plot. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Tangled Up in Blue: Tangled Up in Dough

My coronavirus isolation started off strong. I was donning business casual for all my Zoom meetings and doing at least 20 pushups daily. I even… Continue reading

A mural depicting Joseph Maldonado-Passage, also known as as “Joe Exotic,” in Dallas, Friday, April 10, 2020. The Netflix series “Tiger King,” has become popular watching during the COVID-19 outbreak. Maldonado-Passage was convicted in an unsuccessful murder-for-hire plot. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
Swan Lake Fire trails update

Swan Lake Fire trails update

Last fall the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge was forced to close eight trails due to Swan Lake Fire activity. Through the fall, all eight trails… Continue reading

Swan Lake Fire trails update
Kenai Superior Court Judge Jennifer Wells

Voices of the Peninsula: Pilot project for electronic filing enables courts to serve Alaskans during pandemic

Many emergency and priority court proceedings cannot wait until the pandemic is over

Kenai Superior Court Judge Jennifer Wells
Judy Cavanaugh stands with others at a rally against the Pebble Mine in front of Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s Juneau office on Tuesday, June 25, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Bristol Bay is focused on local health and safety — not mine permitting

Bristol Bay knows all too well the devastating impacts of a pandemic.

Judy Cavanaugh stands with others at a rally against the Pebble Mine in front of Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s Juneau office on Tuesday, June 25, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Dave Reaves (courtesy photo)

Alaska Voices: Skilled Alaskan workers deserve our thanks

No matter what we are doing, this pandemic has proven how heavily we rely on technology, utilities.

Dave Reaves (courtesy photo)
File

Minister’s Message: Take up your cross

Jesus invites us to die to our naturally selfish nature and be “reborn” as new people.

File
Refuge Notebook: A helicopter’s role in wildland firefighting

Refuge Notebook: A helicopter’s role in wildland firefighting

A HECM, or helicopter crewmember, performs an essential role in ensuring the safety and success of aviation operations during a wildland fire. To manage wildland… Continue reading

Refuge Notebook: A helicopter’s role in wildland firefighting
In this Monday, March 2, 2020, file photo, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum addresses the state’s coronavirus preparedness at a news conference in Anchorage, Alaska. The state of Alaska has placed surgical abortions on a list of procedures that could be postponed to help conserve personal protective equipment for health care workers amid the COVID-19 outbreak. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File)

Dunleavy says abortion decision not political

“The decisions right now are broad, and they’re hard.”

In this Monday, March 2, 2020, file photo, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum addresses the state’s coronavirus preparedness at a news conference in Anchorage, Alaska. The state of Alaska has placed surgical abortions on a list of procedures that could be postponed to help conserve personal protective equipment for health care workers amid the COVID-19 outbreak. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File)
Sara Erickson (courtesy)

Voices of the Peninsula: Restaurant and hospitality industry needs help from the governor now

What restaurants might be left for us to enjoy once we come out of quarantine?

Sara Erickson (courtesy)
Cathy Sandeen, UAA’s chancellor, is photographed outside the Administration and Humanities Building in Anchorage. (Courtesy photo)

Sandeen: UAA is here when you need us

At no time has the value of UAA to this community been more apparent than during this pandemic.

Cathy Sandeen, UAA’s chancellor, is photographed outside the Administration and Humanities Building in Anchorage. (Courtesy photo)
Alaska Attorney General Kevin Clarkson testifies before state senators during a confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, in Juneau. (Becky Bohrer | Associated Press File)

Clarkson: Price gouging will not be tolerated

Greed sometimes overtakes common sense and human decency.

Alaska Attorney General Kevin Clarkson testifies before state senators during a confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, in Juneau. (Becky Bohrer | Associated Press File)
The Alaska State Capitol Building as seen Jan. 9, 2015 in Juneau. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)

Alaska Voices: Strategic efforts — not doubling down on the PFD — is the cure for Alaska’s coronavirus crisis

A PFD beyond the $1,000 pledged for fall would require spending the very last of our state savings.

The Alaska State Capitol Building as seen Jan. 9, 2015 in Juneau. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)
Refuge Notebook: Keeping an eye on birds

Refuge Notebook: Keeping an eye on birds

Around this time of year I start to include a pair of binoculars in my checklist of essentials for heading out the door on a… Continue reading

Refuge Notebook: Keeping an eye on birds
Kenai Mayor Brian Gabriel (File)

Voices of the Peninsula: The city of Kenai is here for you

The future may seem uncertain, but we will manage through this

Kenai Mayor Brian Gabriel (File)
Ryan Smith, South Peninsula Hospital CEO. (Photo courtesy of South Peninsula Hospital)

Point of View: South Peninsula Hospital is preparing for pandemic

“Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.”

Ryan Smith, South Peninsula Hospital CEO. (Photo courtesy of South Peninsula Hospital)
Bear Lake. Seward, Alaska. (Photo by Kat Sorensen/For the Clarion)

Tangled Up in Blue: Shelter from the storm

I ran into a stranger while enjoying some spring skiing on Bear Lake last week. I spent a warm spring morning skiing along the groomed… Continue reading

Bear Lake. Seward, Alaska. (Photo by Kat Sorensen/For the Clarion)
File

Minister’s Message: The Bible as a guide in our past, present and future

The Bible reminds us of those unfailing truths.

File
Dr. Tamika Ledbetter, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, participates in a press conference in Anchorage, Alaska, on March 31, 2020. (Courtesy photo)

Alaska Voices: State working to address Alaskans’ unemployment needs

As of the week ending March 21, the department processed 13,774 new claims.

Dr. Tamika Ledbetter, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, participates in a press conference in Anchorage, Alaska, on March 31, 2020. (Courtesy photo)
The Alaska State Capitol. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Alaska Voices: It’s time for a spending cap that works

It is essential to minimize uncertainty and prioritize stability.

The Alaska State Capitol. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)