Syndicated

Ferry fares went up 5 percent for most routes Jan. 1. The hike comes on the heels of a 4.5 percent increase that began in May.

Petersburg’s nonprofit cold storage plant is serving a wider group of customers than it did when it began about 10 years ago. It’s still mostly freezing fish for big processors but it’s also taking in groceries and sport anglers’ catches.

Southeast Alaska lawmakers are giving Gov. Bill Walker’s spending plan mixed reviews. Some are ready to change the way government is funded, while others are not.

The year 2015 saw the beginnings of major changes to the Alaska Marine Highway, the Tongass National Forest and the future of transboundary mines.

The Alaska Marine Highway System is not changing its rules for children traveling solo anytime soon. Rules proposed a year ago have not been implemented.

Budget cuts have already dramatically reduced marine highway sailings. The governor’s proposed budget will make it worse, and the legislature is likely to make further cuts.