Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska - Juneau
Ed Schoenfeld is Regional News Director for CoastAlaska, a consortium of public radio stations in Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, Petersburg and Wrangell.
He primarily covers Southeast Alaska regional topics, including the state ferry system, transboundary mining, the Tongass National Forest and Native corporations and issues.
He has also worked as a manager, editor and reporter for the Juneau Empire newspaper and Juneau public radio station KTOO. He’s also reported for commercial station KINY in Juneau and public stations KPFA in Berkley, WYSO in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and WUHY in Philadelphia. He’s lived in Alaska since 1979 and is a contributor to Alaska Public Radio Network newscasts, the Northwest (Public Radio) News Network and National Native News. He is a board member of the Alaska Press Club. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, he lives in Douglas.
Otter-Bounty Bill Faces Opposition
Legislation proposing sea-otter bounties will get its first hearing next week. It’s already drawing opposition from environmental groups and the federal marine mammal protection agency.
Yakutat Seeking Wave Power
Most rural Alaska communities use diesel generators to create electrical power. But fuel is expensive, so they’re trying out alternatives. Yakutat, on the eastern Gulf of Alaska, wants wave power. A project in the works for several years just won a key permit. But it still faces substantial barriers.
Preliminary Shuttle Ferry Plan Released
New Lynn Canal shuttle ferries will be 280 feet long, seat about 300 passengers and operate no more than 12 hours a day. Part, but not all, of the car deck may be open. And the ships will have no staterooms or crew quarters.
Update: Kookesh Upgraded To Fair Condition
Former state Senator Albert Kookesh's condition has been upgraded from serious to fair. He's recovering from a Feb. 18 heart attack at Providence Alaska Medical Center.
Kookesh’s Family Says He’s Doing Better
Sealaska officials say board Chairman Albert Kookesh is making slow but steady progress as he recovers from a Monday heart attack. The Juneau-based regional Native corporation posted an online update this afternoon after speaking to his family. It says Kookesh has become more awake and alert during the past 48 hours and has been able to communicate with his family.
Alaska Innovators Share Success Stories
We’ve all heard politicians talk about how businesses need to change to succeed in today’s marketplace. A group of Alaska entrepreneurs shared their success stories, in hopes of inspiring others, at last week’s Innovation Summit in Juneau.
Albert Kookesh Remains Hospitalized In Anchorage
An Alaska Native leader and former lawmaker remained in the hospital Tuesday after suffering a heart attack Monday in Juneau. Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage listed Albert Kookesh in critical condition as of late Tuesday afternoon.
New Sealaska Land Bills Introduced In Congress
Alaska’s congressional delegation today introduced new Sealaska land-selection bills. Senator Lisa Murkowski authored her chamber’s version, which is co-sponsored by Senator Mark Begich. Congressman Don Young released the House version.
Expert: Southeast Cluster Initiative Working
A Pacific Northwest development expert says Southeast leaders are on the right track toward improving the region’s economy. A large group of Southeast business, government and other leaders have spent the past two years searching for ways to grow the region’s economy.
Bill Would Lessen Cruise Ship Discharge Standards
The Parnell Administration wants to change another part of the 2006 cruise ship initiative. The voter-approved measure required strict new standards for wastewater discharges. Bills introduced this session at the governor’s request would effectively allow more chemicals and minerals to be released into the water.
Commissioner Apologizes For Lack Of Communication In Alaska Class Ferry Plan
Transportation Commissioner Pat Kemp on Tuesday apologized for keeping the Marine Highway Advisory Board out of the loop on the Alaska Class Ferry. He and his staff also released a few more details on the vessel’s proposed replacements.
Ferry System Gets New Boss, Management Structure
Juneau’s Reuben Yost is the new chief of the state ferry system. But he’ll spend only about half his time on that job. Transportation Commissioner Pat Kemp named the long-time department employee to the deputy commissioner post Tuesday. Yost will be in charge of the marine highway. But he’ll also oversee measurement standards, commercial vehicle enforcement and special projects.
Former Marine Highway Head Asked To Resign By Department Commissioner
The deputy commissioner for marine operations at the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities says he was asked to resign by Pat Kemp, the newly-appointed department commissioner. Michael Nuessl is retiring at the end of this week. He had previously said the decision was by mutual agreement. Southeast leaders were surprised by his resignation.
Study: Otters Eating Sea Urchins Reduces Greenhouse Gas
There’s more scientific evidence that sea otters reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. That has meaning for Southeast Alaska, where the population is booming, and Southwest Alaska, where it’s dropped.
Earthquake Jars SE Alaska Saturday Morning
Southeast Alaska was jarred by a significant earthquake early Saturday morning just about midnight. The quake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.5 and originated off the coast of Central Southeast Alaska about 95 miles Northwest of Dixon Entrance. There were no reports of any significant damage or injuries.
Sitka’s ‘Dream’ Line Increases Regional Cruises
An Allen Marine tour ship rounds a point just off of Sitka Sound, pointing out the sights to a lively group of cruise-ship tourists. It’s a wildlife cruise, and the captain has no trouble finding sea otters.
Two Rescued After Troller Sinking West of Wrangell
A troller with two people on board almost sank about 30 miles west of Wrangell Wednesday night. Coast Guard spokesman David Mosley says the Carrie Arlene’s crew donned survival suits after rough weather threatened the 36-foot troller. He says they expected they might have to abandon ship.
Legislature Loses Alaska Native Representation
Southeast lost both its Tlingit lawmakers during this year’s legislative elections. It’s the first time in at least two decades that the region has been without Native representation.
Parnell’s Ferry Plans Upsetting SE Leaders
A number of Southeast leaders are upset about the governor’s plan to scale back the Alaska Class Ferry project. He made his announcement Tuesday in Ketchikan. Legislators and members of an advisory board say they should have been consulted first.
What’s Next For Longtime Lawmaker Albert Kookesh?
Most Decembers, Albert Kookesh is making plans to move to Juneau for the legislative session. But this year, he’s spending more time at his Angoon home, enjoying the view.