Community

Juneau teachers have authorized the executive board of their union to schedule a strike vote if bargaining efforts fail.

The Juneau Education Association represents 365 teachers in the Juneau School District.

At a meeting late last week, teachers said school district officials’ concerns that a small cost of living raise would harm student programs is unfounded. Instead, teachers argue it would help retain and recruit teachers, resulting in better quality programming.

JEA and the Juneau School District have been negotiating a contract for more than 10 months, and currently await an arbitrator’s decision, which will be advisory only.

The Alaska Public Employment Relations Act allows teachers to strike only after arbitration with the school district.  The two sides met with the arbitrator in October.  According to a JEA news release over the weekend, the JEA Executive Board will take no action regarding a strike vote until the arbitration award has been made.

 

 

Juneau’s Eaglecrest is poised to be the most popular ski area in North America – at least according to the thousands of people who have voted in Powder Magazine’s Ski Town Throwdown.

Now the small city-owned area is up against the destination resort of Crested Butte, Colorado.  This is the final round in the contest, which started in October.

Beginning today, you can vote once every 24 hours through Friday on Powder Magazine’s Facebook page.  Voting ends at 4 p.m. Alaska time on Friday.

 

 

 

About 4 o’ clock last Wednesday afternoon, Bridget Kuhar and her dog, Otis, set out for a walk near Bartlett Regional Hospital. Kuhar is a yoga teacher and musician. Her husband and bandmate, George, was playing music that afternoon at Wildflower Court nursing home. Kuhar had just brought him his guitar.

“The dog hadn’t really been for a walk that day. So I was going to walk from Wildflower Court down to Twin Lakes and back and go home,” Kuhar says.

It was a clear, cold day, and the sun was beginning to set.

Otis is an 11-year-old black mutt. He was on a leash and walking with Kuhar on the sidewalk near the intersection of Salmon Creek Lane and Hospital Drive. Kuhar says she noticed three dogs across the street, behind some sort of gate or fence. The next thing she knew they were running toward her.

“It happened very fast,” she says. “You know, I was just trying to figure out what to do if they did come over, because I knew they were going to attack my dog. They just had that posture about them.”

Kuhar says her first instinct was to turn away. She and Otis stepped off the sidewalk, but the other dogs were already on top of them.

“I started screaming and I wanted to stay on my feet,” Kuhar recalls. “I tried to stay on my feet to use my legs to kick and punch the dogs. Two of them went for his head and one went for his back.”

She says they all ended up in a ditch on the side of the road, rolling around in the snow. All three of the other dogs were pit bulls. Their owner was the first to arrive to help, but there was little either of them could do. Kuhar says she tried to protect Otis as best she could.

“I was fighting two dogs on his head. I was losing for sure,” she says. “There wasn’t really any fighting I was doing. It was like hitting cinder blocks.”

By this point a few people in cars were stopping to try and help. One of them was Dr. Lindy Jones, a physician at nearby Valley Medical Center.

“Initially I was very overwhelmed at the viciousness of this whole scene,” Jones says. “Particularly how these dogs were just trying to rip the dog apart.”

Eventually, Jones was able to help Kuhar get the two dogs off of Otis’ head. The owner of the pit bulls was able to get the third dog to release as well. Kuhar, Jones and Otis all ran to Jones’ car.

“I took her up to my clinic,” Jones says. “She was bleeding from her hand, the dog was bleeding from multiple puncture wounds. Yeah, it was definite carnage.”

Kuhar went to the Emergency Room at Bartlett, where she was treated for bite wounds to her right hand and forearm. Otis spent the night at the vets, but was able to come home the next day.

“He’s really chewed up, but there’s no major damage to his internal organs,” Kuhar says. “He had a pretty serious wound to his front leg, there was some bone exposed, and there was some tearing of his shoulder. So I think they got a little bite and a tear on his shoulder, so he has, like, a drain in his shoulder to keep the fluid from building up.”

Juneau Animal Control cited the owners of the pit bulls for the incident, but declined to identify them.

Kuhar says she doesn’t know who the owners are, but says they agreed to pay her medical bills and Otis’ vet bill.

She says she’s thankful to the owner who helped pull one of the dogs off Otis, and to Jones for his heroics.

“Certainly without Lindy interfering my dog would be dead,” she says. “I might be dead too.”

Kuhar says she doesn’t want to get involved in the debate over whether pit bulls are dangerous.

Jones says he hadn’t thought much about the issue before the event. Now, he says, it certainly has shaped his opinion.

“A responsible pet owner should consider whether or not it is appropriate to have three potentially vicious dogs by themselves,” he says. “Because I think the ability of one individual to control three vicious dogs like this is nearly impossible, as we experienced here. I mean, the guy who owned them could not even control one of them.”

Gastineau Humane Society Executive Director Chava Lee says the pit bulls’ owners will have to meet certain requirements for public safety. That includes signs on their property warning of the dogs’ dangerous status, special collars, leashes and muzzles, as well as possibly having to get the animals fixed.

Animal Control is also investigating a separate dog on dog attack on Thanksgiving, which resulted in the death of the dog that was attacked.

Related:
Animal Control investigating two dog attacks in Juneau

In the month of December, there are a lot of fun holiday celebrations happening in Juneau. Here is a short list of some of the events.

 

 

Juneau Dance Unlimited

Juneau Dance Unlimited will be performing the classic “The Nutcracker Ballet” scored by Tchaikovsky. The dance troupe will be showcasing new costumes and choreography.
December 6 at 7 p.m., December 7 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., December 8 at 2 p.m.
1639 Glacier Ave (JDHS Auditorium), Juneau
Tickets cost $15/25

 

The Nugget Mall

The Nugget Mall will have a Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair. Youth will receive a discount on rented booth space.
December 6 from 12-8 p.m., December 7 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and December 8 from noon-5 p.m.
8745 Glacier Highway, Juneau

The Downtown Business Association

The Downtown Business Association will be sponsoring the “12 Trees of Christmas Walk for Charity.” Twelve business in downtown Juneau will be showcasing decorated trees representing a charity. The public is encouraged to vote for their favorite tree using the ballot boxes found at the participating businesses. The Downtown Business Association will donate $500 to the winning business’s charity and $500 to a charity that is randomly drawn.
Voting is December 6-21
Participating businesses are: Annie Kaill’s, First National Bank, The Jewel Box, Juneau Imagination Station, Alaskan Brewing Company Depot Store, Cycle Alaska, Red Dog Saloon, Alaska Cache Liquor Triangle Club, Trove, Hearthside Books, Shoefly, and Heritage Coffee.

 

The Nugget Mall

The Nugget Mall will hold a Ginger Bread House Competition. Deadline for entries is December 7, houses will be displayed from December 8-21.
December 7 for entries, displayed December 8-21
8745 Glacier Highway, Juneau

 

The Nugget Mall

The Nugget Mall will be featuring Visits with Santa throughout December.
December 8-9, 15-16, 18-19, 22-23
8745 Glacier Highway, Juneau

 

The Nugget Mall

The Nugget Mall and Petco will be taking holiday-themed photos of pets.
December 7, 14 1-3 p.m. (Petco)
December 8 from 1-5 p.m. (The Nugget Mall)
8745 Glacier Highway, Juneau

 

The Douglas Library

The Douglas Library will be showing the movie “Miracle at 34th Street.”
December 8 at 3 p.m.
1016 3rd Street, Douglas

 

Juneau Lyric Opera

Juneau Lyric Opera will be holding their 6th annual Holiday Pops performance, featuring Sally Smith as the conductor. All voices welcome, and singing along is encouraged.
December 7 at 7:30 p.m. at 11024 Auke Lake Way, Juneau (Chapel by the Lake Church)
December 8 at 3 p.m. at 350 Whittier Street, Suite 101, Juneau (the JACC)
Tickets cost $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students

 

Governor’s Mansion

Governor Sean Parnell will be hosting his annual Holiday Open House. Residents can tour the Governor’s Mansion and Cabinet members will serve holiday goodies and hot cider to those waiting in line.
December 10 from 3-6 p.m.
716 Calhoun Avenue, Juneau

 

Douglas Community Methodist Women

The Douglas Community Methodist Women will be holding their Country Christmas Bazaar. The bazaar will have arts and crafts, food, and a gingerbread building station, among others. Attendees can bring a non-perishable food item to receive a $1 bazaar coupon. The bazaar’s proceeds will go toward local and statewide mission outreach programs.
December 14 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
1106 E 3rd St, Douglas

 

Northern Light United Church

The Northern Light United church will be hosting “Sweet Songs of the Season,” featuring performances by Alaskapella and the Little Orca Singers. A holiday reception will follow the concert.
December 14 from 7-8:30 p.m.
Tickets cost $10 per person or $25 for a family of four
400 W 11th St, Juneau

 

Crossroads Church

Crossroads Church will be holding their annual Crossroads Christmas party. Bring a white-elephant gift for the gift exchange. Light refreshments provided, finger foods requested.
December 15 at 6 p.m.
1512 3rd Street # 7, Douglas

 

Shepherd of the Valley

Shepherd of the Valley will be holding a Christmas Program.
December 15 at 10:30 a.m.
4212 Mendenhall Loop Road, Juneau

 

Juneau Arts & Humanities Council

Juneau Arts & Humanities Council will be hosting their “Hit the JACC Putt” miniature golf range, sponsored by Alaska Marine Lines. The range can be enjoyed on an individual basis or booked for a party. The theme this year is “Movies,” and they are still looking for ideas for holes.
December 18-30 from noon-9 p.m.
Tickets cost $5 per person per round, $50 for groups of up to 15 people, or $110 an hour for private parties
350 Whittier Street #101, Juneau

 

Catholic Diocese of Juneau

The Catholic Diocese of Juneau will be hosting a Christmas reception headed by Bishop Edward J. Burns. Appetizers and light refreshments provided. RSVP is required.
December 16 to RSVP (dioceseofjuneau@gci.net)
December 20 from 4:30-7 p.m.
430 Fifth Street, Juneau (St. Ann’s Parish Hall)

 

The Canvas

The Canvas will be holding a gingerbread house making party. Gingerbread walls and roofs are provided. Participants can use the candy offered at the party or bring their own to decorate their house.
December 21 from noon-4 p.m.
Tickets cost $35 per house
223 Seward St, Juneau

 

Filipino American Association of Juneau

FilAm will be hosting a Christmas party. Donations will be collected for the communities affected by Typhoon Haiyan.
December 21 from 6-9 p.m.
9055 Atlin Drive, Juneau (St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church)

 

Aldersgate United Methodist Church

The Aldersgate United Methodist Church will host “The Darkest Night,” an interfaith service to support people experiencing difficulties during the holiday season.
December 21 at 7 p.m.
9161 Cinema Drive, Juneau

 

Auke Bay Fire Station

Auke Bay Fire Station will be holding a Christmas open house. Chief Etheridge will be reading Christmas stories and Santa will be making an appearance. Santa will also be riding on the Auke Bay Fire Department Truck after the open house.
December 21 1-3 p.m. for open house, 4:30 p.m. for fire truck route
11900 Glacier Highway, Juneau (open house)
Back Loop Rd, Juneau (fire truck route)

 

The Gold Town Nickelodeon

The Gold Town Nickelodeon will be playing the movie “Rare Exports,” a Finnish movie about an archeological dig that goes awry when the remains of Santa Claus are unearthed and children begin to go missing (Rated R).
December 22 at 2 p.m., December 23 at 4 p.m., December 24 at 2 p.m., December 26 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Tickets cost $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, $5 for children 12 and under
171 Shattuck Way, Juneau

 

Auke Bay Bible Church

The Auke Bay Bible Church will have a Christmas Eve Candle Light Service.
December 24 at 7 p.m.
11970 Glacier Hwy, Juneau

 

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army will be holding a Christmas Eve Service.
December 24 at 7 p.m.
439 West Willoughby Avenue, Juneau

 

St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church

St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church will be having carol singing and a candlelight Eucharist and Reception.
December 24 at 7 p.m.
4207 Mendenhall Loop Road, Juneau

 

Resurrection Lutheran Church

Resurrection Lutheran Church will be holding a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.
December 24 at 11 p.m.
740 West 10th Street, Juneau

 

St. Paul’s Catholic Church

St. Paul’s Catholic Church will hold Midnight Mass on Christmas Day.
December 25 at midnight
9055 Atlin Drive, Juneau

 

St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church

The St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church will be holding a Nativity of the Lord service on Christmas day.
December 25
326 5th Street, Juneau

 

If you know of any more events that you would like included in this list, please email them to sarahyu@ktoo.org.

Construction workers this week began erecting the steel frame for Sealaska Heritage Institute’s Walter Soboleff Center in downtown Juneau.

The 29,000 square foot facility is scheduled for completion in January 2015.

SHI has raised about $17.5 million of the $20 million project cost. The nonprofit is planning a major fundraiser early next year to get closer to the overall goal.

Project manager and Sealaska Heritage Institute Chief Operating Officer Lee Kadinger says construction is moving quickly.

“Not too many $20 million facilities are built in a year and half, two year time frame. But we’re doing what we can to try and make that happen,” says Kadinger. “The foundation has been poured, it’s done. Now the steel is going up. By mid-January you are going to see the overall structure, the framework in all of its glory, showing the size of the facility.”

The facility is being named for the late Dr. Walter Soboleff, a Tlingit spiritual leader and educator who passed away in 2011. It will house Sealaska Heritage offices, as well as education, arts and language programs. It also will allow the

institute to bring all of its artifacts under one roof, where now many objects are stored at off-site locations.

“Our archives and our ethnographic collections, we really have some of the world’s most amazing treasures, hidden and tucked away,” Kadinger says.

He says SHI has received contributions for the project from more than 680 individuals, businesses, government agencies, and other nonprofits, including the State of Alaska, the City and Borough of Juneau, and the Rasmussen Foundation.

With less than $2.5 million still to raise, the heritage institute is planning an art auction fundraiser in February. Media and Publications Specialist Christy Eriksen says they’re calling it the Tináa Art Auction. The Tináa is an hourglass shaped symbol used in Southeast Native art that signifies wealth and trade.

“It’s a symbol that we wanted to use in our auction, because what often happened is when you would give it to somebody, it would be worth more than the actual value of the piece,” Eriksen says. “So we wanted to kind of think about that sense of reciprocity we have with the community and the community has with us, and the idea of creating something, having something with more valuable than the actual physical thing.”

Eriksen says several highly regarded Southeast Native artists are donating pieces to the auction, including Preston Singletary, David Boxley, and Delores Churchill. The auction will be held February 1st at Juneau’s Centennial Hall.

Eriksen and Kadinger spoke Thursday to the Juneau Chamber of Commerce.

KTUU, Channel 2, will go off the air in Juneau and Sitka on Saturday.

An agreement between GCI Cable and the Anchorage NBC affiliate has fallen apart.  At 12:01 a.m., Channel 2 programming will not be carried on KATH in Juneau, or KSCT in Sitka.

The two Southeast Alaska stations, and Anchorage station KTVA, were recently sold to GCI Cable.

On Nov. 22,  the companies reached a four-year carriage agreement that would preserve the programming in Southeast and restore KTUU’s signal in 22 other communities across the state.  GCI had pulled the station off the cable in early November, affecting about 7,000 viewers.

Dec. 6 was the deadline for completing the deal.

Instead, GCI Corporate Services Vice President David Morris says KTUU requested a similar agreement for an additional signal, should the television station ever acquire another one.

“We had hoped there was going to be some movement on it, but it appears right now there’s not going to be movement.  It’s simply not a cost that we can afford so what we wanted to do is give viewers the heads up that this is likely to occur,” Morris says. 

Morris describes the request as doubling the cost of carriage, while KTUU Marketing Director Brad Hillwig calls it future protection for the station.   He says he still hopes for an 11^th hour deal.

“We’ve served Southeast Alaska for more than a decade through our partnership with KATH and sister station KSCT. We’d love to continue that, but certainly now that GCI owns those stations it has to be under the right terms and conditions,” Hillwig says.

The companies have been negotiating terms of carrying the Anchorage TV station on cable since September.

GCI’s Morris says the nationally syndicated One America News Network will replace Channel 2 News on the Southeast stations until an Alaska news broadcast is available. GCI has not yet set a date for its launch of a television news program to be produced by its subsidiary, Denali Media.

Morris says the Juneau and Sitka stations will continue to get national NBC network programming.

GCI, General Communications, Inc., is the state’s largest telecommunications company.