A popular Juneau recreation area is being checked for mercury contamination. Preliminary tests of Sandy Beach, on Douglas Island, show high levels, mostly likely from a long-closed mine nearby. But officials say there’s no need to stay away.
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska
Ship’s return pushes million-passenger mark
Norwegian Cruise Line says it will sail another ship in Alaska waters. Company officials this week announced plans to return the Norwegian Sun to northern service two seasons from now. Its addition raises passenger counts almost to the historic million-cruiser high of the last decade.
Report says sea otters hitting dive fisheries hard
A new report says Southeast Alaska’s sea otter boom has cost the region close to $30 million. Most is income lost as otters consume shellfish and crabs that otherwise would be harvested by commercial divers and fishermen.
Ketchikan man faces APOC campaign fine
A Ketchikan House candidate faces a sizable penalty for campaigning without registering. An Alaska Public Offices Commission attorney recommends fining David Scott $2,357.
Political cartoonist’s book highlights Palin, Alaska
A capital city artist has just released a book of his Sarah Palin political cartoons. Tony Newman’s work is as much about Juneau and Alaska as it is about the former governor and vice presidential candidate.
ANCSA: Assimilation or cultural survival?
Is the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act a path to assimilation or a means of cultural survival?
That’s the question posed by Sealaska Heritage Institute President Rosita Worl.
New estimate could increase Alaska Class Ferry cost
The state is reexamining its cost estimate for the first Alaska Class Ferry. And it’s likely to come in higher than the total allocated to construction. CoastAlaska’s Ed Schoenfeld reports.
Ferry system may make horse travel easier
The Alaska Marine Highway System plans to change a policy that keeps many horse-owners from taking their animals on ferries.
Kookesh challenges Stedman for Senate seat
A pair of powerful Southeast lawmakers will face off in the 2012 election. Angoon’s Albert Kookesh and Sitka’s Bert Stedman will both run to represent a Senate district newly configured by redistricting.
Multi-talented Jeff Brown wins statewide recognition
What inspires a person to twist a balloon into the shape of a moose? Or take photos of someone vacuuming a glacier? Or run for mayor in a gorilla suit?
Those questions come to mind when you’re talking about Jeff Brown. The Juneau artist, musician, author and entertainer was recently recognized for his lifetime achievements as part of the Governor’s Awards for the Arts.