Local Government

Last week’s storm and landslides revealed that much of Haines, where there are no building codes, wasn’t constructed with landslides in mind.

Juneau public works director Katie Koester says the concept is a different vision from the $4.5 million proposal for a standalone facility that voters rejected to fund in 2019.

The family members of Kelly Stephens agreed to drop the federal case. The family’s lawyers were not ready to comment.

If Juneau officials do declare a local disaster, it adds to the chorus calling for a federal disaster declaration — and federal resources for the recovery.

Local housing providers say, right now, finding a safe place for homeless, at-risk and runaway youth to stay should be a priority.

First responders and long-term care patients will be first in line for the COVID-19 vaccine in Juneau.

Payments begin at $1,000 and scale up to $2,000 based on income. Eligible residents can also get an extra $300 per dependent child. 

Anchorage’s acting mayor Austin Quinn-Davidson is experiencing mild symptoms after testing positive for COVID-19, according to a Sunday afternoon press release from the mayor’s office. 

Residents along Beach Road evacuated after landslides destroyed several houses, and dozens of residents at the end of Lutak Inlet have been without electricity and running water since Tuesday.

The City and Borough of Juneau announced Tuesday that it’s offering free COVID-19 tests to people without symptoms who may have been exposed.