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.
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.
Sealaska annual meeting Saturday, election results due
Sealaska shareholders meet Saturday in Juneau for their annual meeting. The regional Native corporation has about 22,000 shareholders with roots in Southeast Alaska. Many live outside the region.
E. Coli Detected in Haines’ Water Supply
Haines residents are being told to boil their drinking water after E. coli was found in the municipal water system.
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KSM mine targets richer ore while seeking investors
A Canadian mining company says it’s found richer deposits of gold and copper ore at its controversial KSM project. It’s spending $16 million to continue to explore for more at its site, upriver from Ketchikan, this summer.
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Six Cruise Ships Release Treated Sewage into Harbors
Did you know some cruise ships are allowed to discharge wastewater while anchored or tied up in port? State officials and industry representatives say it’s safe. But critics fear it’s fouling local harbors.
Landless Natives Bill Gets First Hearing Before Congress
A bill creating corporations for Native residents of five “landless” Southeast Alaska communities had its first hearing in Congress today.
Haines, Petersburg, Wrangell, Ketchikan and Tenakee were left out of 1971’s Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. That bill gave land, money and corporate status to those in many other Alaska communities.
Former Coast Guard commander to head cruise group
Alaska’s former top U.S. Coast Guard official will soon head up the world’s largest cruise-industry trade group. Rear Adm. Thomas Ostebo takes over July 6 as CEO of the Cruise Lines International Association.
Ketchikan Candidate Faces Up to $6,000 in Fines for Campaign Violations
The Alaska Public Offices Commission says Dan Ortiz failed to properly report some campaign contributions and spending. It also says he accepted an illegal donation and did not state who paid for several campaign fliers.
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Alaska Eagles Supply Feathers to Lower 48 Tribes
When an eagle dies in Alaska, its feathers may end up in a powwow — or on a graduation cap — somewhere in the Lower 48. That’s because of a federal program connecting tribes, raptor centers and wildlife officials.
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No budget by July means no ferry service
All state ferries will stop sailing by early July if the Legislature fails to reach a budget deal. The Alaska Marine Highway System’s plans are among dozens of state service cuts announced Monday by the Walker administration.
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Ten run for five Sealaska Corp. board seats
Five independent candidates are challenging five incumbents for seats on Sealaska’s board of directors. The election is quieter than last year’s, but not without controversy.
Gov’s Arctic advisor discusses climate change, subsistence regs at convention
Alaska communities could better adjust to climate change if hunting and fishing rules become more flexible.
Critics question Sealaska finances
Could Sealaska make more money, pay higher dividends and make better use of its land? Yes, say some shareholders critical of the Southeast regional Native corporation’s management.
Conference to Focus on Traditional Knowledge, Resource Management
The Native American Fish and Wildlife Society meets in Juneau this week. Tribal and other government officials and staff will discuss climate change, subsistence, Arctic policy and dozens of other issues.
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Budget cuts sideline Taku ferry July-September
Craig Renkert and his wife Barb planned a three-week tour of Southeast Alaska for this summer. They were looking forward to ferrying through the Inside Passage, celebrating the Fourth of July in Sitka and staying at bed-and-breakfasts along the way. Then, the couple from Ohio got some bad news.
AK, B.C. promise more input into mine decisions
The Walker-Mallott administration will include transboundary mine critics’ concerns in its negotiations with British Columbia. Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott made that announcement after returning from a week of meetings with government, industry and aboriginal leaders in the nearby province.
Sealaska earnings up, but losses continue
The regional Native corporation for Southeast Alaska upped its income by $50 million in 2014. Officials at Juneau-headquarteredSealaska say it’s the start of a multi-year recovery. But critics point to figures showing it’s still losing money.
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B.C. Promises Alaska A Larger Voice in Mine Permitting
British Columbia Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett proposes opening more of its permitting process to Alaska officials.
Byron Mallott: B.C. officials ‘sincere’ about safe mining
Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott says British Columbia officials seem “sincere” about protecting transboundary rivers near provincial mines.
Tlingit-Haida Pushes For Larger Tribal Role In U.N.
Alaska’s largest tribal government has joined an international effort to boost Native influence in the United Nations. The Juneau-based Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska wants a larger forum to address its concerns.
Southeast Ferry Service Stalled by Engine Overhaul
Sitka and Juneau will lose a week of fast ferry sailings this month. The Chenega will return to Southeast service May 14th, a week later than scheduled.
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