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.
Study: Otters Help Combat Global Warming
A new study is adding another dimension to the sea otter debate. The research shows the marine mammals help reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, a major contributor to climate change.
Feds Won’t Take Over Chatham Fisheries, At Least For Now
Angoon’s village Native corporation sent the federal government an unusual request in May of 2010. Kootznoowoo Inc. filed a petition asking for extraterritorial jurisdiction. That would allow the feds to stop or limit salmon fishing in state-managed waters near Angoon on western Admiralty Island.
Illness Hits Two Alaska Cruise Ships
Two cruise ships sailing Alaska waters have had recent outbreaks of norovirus or another gastrointestinal illness. Norovirus is a highly contagious illness causing vomiting and diarrhea.
College, Native Corp. Battle Over Land Claim
Sitka’s Sheldon Jackson College shuttered its doors about five years ago. But its board of trustees continues to operate, managing old debts and property that hasn’t yet been sold or given away.
Incumbent Rep. Johansen Talks About His Candidacy
Ketchikan’s Kyle Johansen is officially running for the District 33 House seat as an independent. The incumbent Republican representative dropped out of the party primary race earlier this year. State elections officials certified his general-election petition Monday.
Southeast Primary Results: 10 Candidates, 5 Races
Wrangell Representative Peggy Wilson knocked out two Ketchikan opponents to win the Republican nomination for the new House District 33. Ketchikan is the largest community in the district, which also includes Saxman, Coffman Cove, Thorne Bay and several other Prince of Wales Island communities.
Grant Funds Battle of Wrangell Research
Did you know the United States Army and Stikine Tlingits fought a battle in Wrangell almost 150 years ago? If you didn’t, you’re not alone. CoastAlaska’s Ed Schoenfeld reports on an effort to find out more about the clash.
Wrangell Assembly Wants To Take Away Many Hospital Board Powers
The Wrangell Assembly wants to take away many of the powers of the town’s elected hospital board. It’s the latest development in an ongoing battle between the Wrangell Borough and its publicly-funded hospital.
Recalled Wrangell Hospital Board Members Want Suit Dropped
Six recalled Wrangell hospital board members are asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed against them by the borough’s government. They’re also asking the court to require Wrangell to pay all expenses and legal fees. Attorneys for the members listed those terms in an August 10th response to the municipality’s lawsuit, which was filed in July.
Ferry Changes Due For Some Southeast Cities
This year’s summer ferry season has more than a month to go. But the marine highway has already drawn up next season’s sailing plan. Officials are distributing copies of a draft schedule and taking comments through later this month.
Kookesh Ahead In Campaign Fund-Raising Race
The Ketchikan-Wrangell House district has the only party primary in Southeast Alaska this year. But legislative candidates in other districts are still raising money and gearing up campaigns.
Towns Take On New Federal Maritime Emission Limits
Some Alaska communities are pushing back against a new requirement that ships sailing within 200 miles of the coast burn cleaner fuel. They say the rule, which goes into effect Wednesday, August 1, will hurt cruise traffic and increase shipping costs.
Groups Go After Invasive Weed On Admiralty Island
There’s an effort underway to eradicate a Lower 48 weed that’s choking off plant life in part of Southeast Alaska.
Famous Carver Amos Wallace’s Documents Headed For Public Archive
A Juneau photographer has donated a large collection of his father’s work to a Southeast Alaska cultural group. The archive documents the career of Amos Wallace, a nationally known Tlingit carver.
School Funding Programs Extended For A Year
A federal funding program key to Southeast school districts will remain in place for another year. An extension of the Secure Rural Schools Program is part of a recently passed transportation bill. The program has been a mainstay for districts in or near National Forests in and outside of Alaska.
Oyster Farms Flourishing in Southeast
More oyster farms are opening up in Southeast Alaska. It’s part of an effort to create jobs through tribal businesses in small communities.
Searches Called Off For Hyder, Wrangell Residents
Alaska State Troopers say they ended separate searches for two missing Southeast residents because they ran out of options. Spokeswoman Megan Peters says there’s no more information on the whereabouts of Wrangell’s Colin Buness and Hyder’s Cathleen Currie.
Focus Turning To Senate’s Sealaska Bill
Sealaska land-selection legislation is poised to pass the U.S. House. But the bill most likely to get through Congress appears to be in the Senate. The House version, introduced by Alaska Congressman Don Young, is among 14 measures merged into a larger bill this week. What’s called the Conservation and Economic Growth Act is scheduled for floor action next week.
Celebration 2012 Ends With Grand Exit
Celebration 2012 ended Saturday night with the Grand Exit, where groups from as far away as Anchorage and the Pacific Northwest made their final procession. At the lead, and at the start of the Southeast Native cultural festival’s Grand Entrance, was one dance group from Angoon.
DNA Could Provide Connection Between Tlingits, Haidas and Other Tribal Groups
Southeast Alaska’s largest Native cultural gathering is set for this week in the Capital City. Fifty-five dance groups from Alaska, Canada and the Lower-48 will take the stage during the three-day event. It’s expanded from one hall to a half-dozen venues around downtown Juneau and includes a Native artists market, food contests, films, lectures and demonstrations.