Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska - Juneau

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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.

Fast ferry’s future sailings uncertain

The Alaska Marine Highway System appears to be phasing out its fast ferries. One is in long-term storage and the other will join it this fall. Listen now

Celebration 2018 brings 45 dance groups to Juneau

Dance groups, artists, canoe paddlers and traditional food experts are gearing up for Celebration 2018, June 6-9 at Juneau’s Centennial Hall. Listen now

Transboundary mine meeting includes State Department, B.C. reps

The U.S. State Department has taken a role in the transboundary mine controversy. A representative will be part of an Alaska stakeholders meeting June 1 in Juneau. Listen now

Ferries fully funded in operating budget

The Alaska Marine Highway System got what it asked for in the Legislature’s operating budget. Next budget year’s sailings and routes will be similar to this year’s schedule. Listen now

Juneau Assembly member Kiehl, labor leader Etheridge run for state Senate seat

Two more candidates have joined the race for the state Senate seat representing Juneau and other northern Southeast communities: Juneau Assembly member Jesse Kiehl and longtime labor leader Don Etheridge. Listen now

Legislature resurrects Juneau Access Project, sort of

A spending bill passed by the Legislature revives plans for a road north out of Juneau. The capital budget also funds a hydroproject in Kake and a fish hatchery near Petersburg. Listen now

Former Unalaska mayor to run state ferry system

Shirley Marquardt is the new executive director of the Alaska Marine Highway. She’s a former Southwest Alaska mayor with decades of experience with coastal businesses. Listen now

Sealaska offers burial, cremation assistance to shareholders

Sealaska is helping its shareholders with burial and cremation costs. The Southeast regional Native corporation’s board voted Monday to offer bereavement benefits of up to $1,000. Listen now

New bill would change ferry system management

Legislation changing the way the Alaska Marine Highway System is run was introduced Friday. House Bill 412 calls for management and operations to be transferred to a publicly owned corporation. Listen now

Alaska recyclers find new overseas markets

China’s restrictions on importing mixed paper and some plastics is affecting recycling worldwide. But in Southeast Alaska, most communities continue to accept those materials. Listen now

Southeast tribal corporation boosts government contracts

An Alaska Native corporation will soon provide support services for the U.S. Navy in Guantanamo Bay. It’s another step in the growth of the profit-making arm of the state’s largest tribal government. Listen now

Sealaska dividends boosted by other corporations’ oil and zinc earnings

Sealaska says its businesses are making more money and helping boost shareholder dividends. But much of the payout comes from other corporations’ resource earnings. Listen now

Former ferry Taku headed to the scrapyard

The former state ferry Taku sailed passed Singapore Friday on the way to being scrapped. It will go for close to 10 times its purchase price. Listen now

State Senate makes small cut to ferry system budget

The state Senate’s spending plan cuts funding from the Alaska Marine Highway System - but not a lot. Listen now

Alaska ferry officials consider fuel alternatives

Alaska officials have no plans to convert state ferries to electrical power. But they’re installing engines that could use natural gas as well as diesel. Listen now

Sealaska Corp. doubles April payout to shareholders

Southeast Alaska’s regional Native corporation is making more money. That’s allowing it to double dividends and increase scholarships.

State ferries won’t stop sailing April 16, after all

The Alaska Marine Highway System has enough money to sail through the end of June. A bill signed by the governor fills an 11-week funding gap. Listen now

New state Forest Service leader has Alaska experience

“We spent 23 years together in Alaska and just having an opportunity to come back and re-engage with folks and work on Alaska issues has just been a dream of mine,” said incoming Regional Forester David Schmid. Listen now

Southeast tribes broaden transboundary alliance

More than 30 representatives met recently at the Tulalip Indian Reservation, between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Ferry reform effort gets a legislative boost

The effort to reform the Alaska Marine Highway System took a step forward Thursday. The House Transportation Committee voted to instruct staff to draft legislation that would establish a public corporation to take over the system. But it’s a long way from a done deal. Listen now