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.
AK: Humpback Whales
There’s a baby boom going on with Alaska’s humpback whales. Slow-but-steady population growth is good news for the species, as well as whale-watchers. But it could be bad news for boaters, hatcheries and the herring fleet.
Students Dissect Octopus At Sitka’s WhaleFest
What’s it look like inside an octopus? You probably don’t want to know, at least first-hand. That’s unless you’re a student dissecting one during this month’s Sitka WhaleFest. CoastAlaska’s Ed Schoenfeld paid a visit to a very hands-on science lesson and filed this report.
State Warns About Bad PSP Info
State officials say a magazine article about shellfish incorrectly states when they can be gathered safely.
How Do Melting Glaciers Change Ocean Chemistry?
Scientists have known for years that greenhouse gasses are altering the chemical makeup of our oceans. More and more carbon dioxide is dissolving into salt water, creating carbonic acid. That changes the ocean’s pH, or acid-alkaline balance. And it’s hitting harder in Alaska.
Sealaska Dividend Due Out In December
Sealaska shareholders will soon get their largest end-of-year dividend in three years. But it’s mostly due to the success of another regional Native corporation.
Anthropologist Says Salmon Are State’s Long-Term Investment
Salmon are Alaska’s long-term investment. That view was voiced by cultural anthropologist and writer Richard Nelson during the final day of Sitka’s WhaleFest. The event includes a symposium addressing trends and developments in marine and coastal science.
Finance Reports Show Thomas Far Ahead Of Kreiss-Tomkins
More money is going into the House District 34 campaign than any other race in Southeast. Changing legislative boundaries combined Sitka with much of the old Southeast Islands House District. That’s the one that includes Haines, Craig, Metlakatla, Hoonah, Angoon, Kake and some other small cities.
Stedman Fund-Raising Twice Kookesh Total
There’s a significant fund-raising gap between the two incumbents fighting to represent a new Southeast Senate district. CoastAlaska’s Ed Schoenfeld takes a look at some of the details of the District Q race. It’s the first of four reports on campaign financing in the region.
Sealaska Testing Wood-Powered Generators
Sealaska, Southeast’s regional Native corporation, is testing wood-powered generators at a Hoonah mill. If they work, they could be used to reduce energy costs in other small Southeast cities.
Report: State Should Take Over Tongass Timber Land
The Parnell administration wants to put 2 million acres of the Tongass National Forest into a state-managed logging trust. It’s one of several recommendations released yesterday by the governor’s Timber Jobs Task Force.
AK: Plant Rehab
Devil’s club is probably best known as a plant to avoid at all costs. But several small Southeast Alaska companies have a different take. They’re turning the roots, stems and bark of the plant into rubs and salves to treat sore joints and damaged skin. Sitka is the center of the growing industry.
Alaska Airlines Buying More New Jets
Alaska Airlines announced Thursday that it’s buying another 50 jets from Boeing. It already has 25 of the new 737s on order, and options for another 69. Airline spokeswoman Bobbie Egan says the new order, valued at $5 billion, will be delivered over the next 10 years.
Alaska Cruise Season Ends
More cruise ship tourists visited Alaska this year than last. But some ports did better than others.
500 Attend Alaska Travel Industry Association Convention, Trade Show
About 500 people are in Anchorage this week for the Alaska Travel Industry Association’s convention and trade show.
2012′s Cruise Season Was Up, But Not Everywhere
Suzan Hess is setting up a beer tent as part of the Sitka Chamber of Commerce season-end celebration. She’s co-owner of the Baranof Island Brewing Company. The business began in 2010, so it’s still figuring out the tourism market. But Hess says it’s been great.
Begich: Xtratufs Have Become Sort-of-tufs
Just about every politician champions God, motherhood and apple pie. U.S. Senator Mark Begich is adding rubber boots to the list. Begich, who’s touring Southeast Alaska, says he’s heard numerous complaints about Xtratufs since production moved to China. He says what he jokingly calls “Sort-of-tufs” leak and the soles separate after just a few weeks of wear.
Four of Five Largest Southeast Cities Holding Mayoral Elections
Four out of Southeast Alaska’s five largest cities will chose mayors on Tuesday. Two have incumbents on the ballot, while the other two will chose among newcomers – or politicians rejoining the race.
Sitka’s Fake Coupons Par Of National Problem
You’re shopping online, and suddenly, you come across a wonderful deal. It’s a book of coupons, cheap or free, for brand-name products you already use. There’s Coke, Pepsi, Huggies, Doritos … even Listerine.
Cruise Ship Wastewater Handling Practices May Change
A report that could change the way cruise ships handle wastewater is nearly done. A state science advisory panel met last week in Juneau and shared some of its work with the public.
Collaboration Keeps Contract In Kake
A collaborative effort involving government, environment and business interests has kept a construction contract in Kake. While it’s a small job, those involved say it’s a model that could be duplicated in other economically-strapped villages.