Summer is nearly over for Juneau kids. It’s back to school on Tuesday for first through 12th graders; kindergarten starts next Thursday. That means it’s time for shots, that little poke in the arm that allows youngsters to attend Alaska public schools. Juneau Public Health, part of the Alaska Division of Public Health, and the…
Health
Medevac insurer may get license back
A popular medevac insurance company says it’s close to resuming business in Alaska. Apollo Medi Trans stopped renewing policies earlier this year, leaving many customers without coverage.
Federal budget cuts hit Head Start
Juneau’s Head Start program will be delayed 20 days this fall, due to federal budget cuts. The so-called sequestration that went into effect last spring is affecting Head Start throughout the state. Tlingit & Haida operates the pre-school programs in Juneau. The budget is taking about a 5 percent hit. Instead of early September, classes…
Groundbreaking held for Walter Soboleff Center
Building will fill vacant lot and be devoted to the research and study of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures
Smoking ban postponed at AHFC senior housing
A smoking ban planned for state-subsidized senior public housing has been postponed. The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation was to implement no-smoking rules in residents’ apartments in August, forcing smokers outside. Now the corporation says it will re-evaluate the policy. “Who says you can’t fight city hall?” asks Ron Dean. He believes his petition helped agency…
Non-profit looks at Juneau for assisted living facility
The CEO of a large non-profit organization that operates senior housing across the country is looking at Juneau as a possible site for an assisted living center. Retirement Housing Foundation offers services for older adults, people with disabilities and low-income families in 170 communities, but none in Alaska. A Juneau group developing an assisted living…