Outdoors

As we move toward autumn, low pressure systems will begin to boot Juneau’s unusually warm and dry summer out of the way.

A smoking ban planned for state-subsidized senior public housing has been postponed. The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation was to implement no-smoking rules in residents’ apartments in August, forcing smokers outside. Now the corporation says it will re-evaluate the policy. “Who says you can’t fight city hall?” asks Ron Dean.  He believes his petition helped agency…

Runoff from snow dumped next winter will be treated for any harmful chemicals as the city rebuilds the Mendenhall Valley snow disposal site. The project got the green light this week from the Juneau Planning Commission. Under a Conditional Use Permit, the snow site, which grows to 40 feet some winters, will be set back…

Perennials and pea trellis, too

One of the most riveting stories of disaster and bravery at sea is now a television documentary, being broadcast this week on KTOO’s 360 North. Tragedy and Courage on the Bering Sea, by filmmaker John Sabella, recounts the fire that destroyed the Fishing / Processing Vessel Galaxy in 2002.  The story is told entirely by…

Jurassic-age Caurinus Tlagu discovered by UAF’s Jill Stockbridge

For the first time since it started in 1976, Douglas Island Pink and Chum (DIPAC) is operating in the black.

One of the largest luxury sailboats in the world spent the weekend in Auke Bay. The 295-foot, three-mast Athena has 2,500 square feet of sailing power.  It was one of several large yachts that dominated the Statter Harbor breakwater over the weekend. The schooner is reportedly owned by James H. Clark, a founder of Netscape…