Week of December 18, 2025
Week of December 18, 2025
People who have been shoveling snow in central Southeast Alaska might feel a bit like Sisyphus, rolling his boulder uphill. But the heavy snowfall that buried many panhandle communities this past week is no myth. Over 40 inches of snow has fallen on Petersburg since Monday, Dec. 8. Edward Liske, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Juneau, said that's already more than the town got all of last winter. Sixteen inches of snow fell in Petersburg on Sunday, Dec. 14, breaking the... Full story
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Southeast Alaska’s red king crab fishery delivered its most economically successful season on record this fall, with 205,607 pounds harvested worth more than $5.3 million in ex-vessel value through early December. The fishery, which opened November 1 across multiple management areas in northern Southeast, marked the region’s first opening since 2017 and saw 52 permit holders participate. “I think overall, it went well,” said Adam Messmer, ADF&G’s Region I shellfish biologist, following last week’s Southeast King and Tanner Task...
Almost six months after the U.S. Senate voted unanimously to pay out the money, the U.S. House last week finally got around to saying yes and restoring the Secure Rural Schools program, which had paid about $120 million a year to communities hurt by cutbacks in the timber industry. The legislation authorizes funding to cover the past two years of missed payments. The program had ended when the House failed to take any action on a Senate bill a year ago. Petersburg will receive about $1.2 million for the two years of lost funding, essentially...
When New Jersey-based director Brian Bill was working on the documentary “Tide and Table,” he knew the film needed to premiere in Petersburg. His company, Two Doors Down Productions, visited Petersburg several times this year to document the town’s vibrant food and close-knit community. Bill said it felt important to have the community’s approval before the film hit a broader audience. The production reached out to Petersburg’s only movie theater, the Northern Nights Theater, which partners with the local school district to provide... Full story
The Federal Bureau of Investigations’ office in Anchorage issued an alert warning Alaskans of scams impersonating law enforcement or government officials demanding payment. Alaskans lost an estimated $1.3 million due to this type of government impersonation scam in 2024 — more than five times the previous year’s losses. Officials say Alaskans should not respond to calls claiming they have missed jury duty or have warrants out for their arrest. Officials say anyone targeted by such calls should not provide personal information or payment... Full story
When Matt Gerrits spotted a brilliant white bird wading through the shallows at Blind Slough on a December 5, he initially thought it might be a rare white heron. A closer look revealed something equally surprising: a great egret, thousands of miles from its usual range. Gerrits, knowing Petersburg birder Brad Hunter's passion for birds, immediately sent him a message about the unusual sighting. "Lucky for me, there is now cell coverage at the swan observatory," Hunter said he rushed out the...
A theme for the Petersburg High School Wrestling team has been growth, continuing to get better every week. Coming off of what their coach called their best meet of the season, the team had a lot of momentum heading into the Region V Championships. The hard work paid off at regionals as three Vikings qualified to the state tournament: sophomore Edgar Olsen (171), junior Eli Anderson (180) and junior Tanner Caulum (145). In a highly anticipated rematch, Caulum and Wrangell's Jackson Carney met...
The Petersburg High School Cheer squad heads into the 2025-26 season with a mix of new and returning cheerleaders after graduating several seniors a year ago. "The group seems very excited and ready to take on and tackle our season," head coach Becky Turland said. One returner from last season is senior and co-captain Kristina Barkfelt, who's excited for what the team can achieve this season. "Because this is my last season, [I'm] hoping we could win regions and make more memories with my...
Hanukkah Party at JHH Saturday Night! To the Editor: Happy Hanukkah to everyone in Petersburg! If you are looking for a community space to celebrate our festival of lights this week, please feel welcome to join us at our Hanukkah party at John Hanson Hall this Saturday night at 6:00pm. We will have lots of latkes and games to play, and a Menorahsaurus crafted by local artist Josef Quitsland on display! Potluck welcome but not required. Most warmly, Sarah Fine-Walsh This year at the Bike Park To the Editor: We were busy this year at the...
Karin Sue Bagley passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025, at the Petersburg Medical Center. Karin was a long time resident of Haines and Petersburg for over thirty years. She loved this area with all her heart, it was her life long dream to live here. Although Karin was hindered by her medical problems, she always had an upbeat and optimistic attitude. The family would like to thank Petersburg's Longterm Care team, the Mountain View Manor, her pastors, long time friends and caregivers for... Full story
Jay Wikan Clark, 67, passed away on November 12, 2025 in Hampton, New Hampshire after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born and raised in Westfield, Massachusetts, Jay later made his way to his mother's hometown of Petersburg, Alaska (Little Norway), where he spent many adventurous years as a commercial fisherman, surrounded by his Norwegian-Alaskan family. Jay ended up moving back to New England and made his home in Hampton, New Hampshire, where he built a life filled with warmth,... Full story
December 10 - An officer responded to an individual who entered a home without permission, stating that someone was after him on Chief John Lott Street. A citizen requested that a snowplow come and plow their street again on 2nd Street. A disagreement was reported to the authorities on Dolphin Street. Papers were served on Haugen Drive. An officer issued a warning for headlight requirements on S Nordic Drive. It was reported that a vehicle had hit a deer on N Nordic Drive. Suspicious activity on Ira II Street was reported. An officer assisted...
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Notices published in the Petersburg Pilot and all of Alaska's... Full story
