Week of March 5, 2026
Week of March 5, 2026
Petersburg, like many small towns, has increasingly been under attack by scammers. One of the newer schemes showing up locally is the rental scam, in which fraudsters create fake listings and advertise them on platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Recently one of those scams went further than most. Matt Duddles and his wife had listed their Hungerford Hill home for sale with Petersburg Properties realtor Sarah Holmgrain when someone lifted the listing photos, posted them to Craigslist, and advertised the property for rent at...
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Petersburg homeowners who heat their homes with oil, propane, or wood may soon have an increased financial incentive to make the switch to electric heat pumps. Alaska Heat Smart’s Accelerating Clean Energy Savings program — known as ACES — is now accepting applications from eligible residents, and a regional energy advisor is in town this week to host a pair of public information sessions at the Petersburg Public Library. Aaron Blust, an energy advisor with Alaska Heat Smart, will hold sessions on Friday, March 6, from 4 to 5 p.m. and...
The executive director of Petersburg’s domestic violence prevention nonprofit will be leaving her position this summer. Rikki McKay was hired to lead Working Against Violence for Everyone last May. She plans to step down from the position in July after just over a year in the role. The director before McKay was in the position for less than a year. McKay said she’s leaving to finish a double master’s in public health and social work — she’s been working full time at WAVE on top of being a full-time student. “I would like to become... Full story
Two state lawmakers introduced legislation this month that aims to crack down on a major source of water pollution from cruise ships in Alaska waters. Sen. Jesse Kiehl and Rep. Sara Hannan, both Democrats from Juneau, each introduced bills that revolve around the type of fuel ships use. The bills vary slightly, but they do essentially the same thing: require ships to use fuel with lower levels of contaminants, including sulfur. “There is a growing trend around the world toward requiring cleaner fuels that don’t have as much sulfur and... Full story
The Petersburg School District is wrapping up a lengthy roof replacement project and moving into the security upgrade phase of campus improvements funded through a 2024 voter-approved bond. CBC Construction, the contractor handling the roof replacement at Mitkof Middle School and Petersburg High School, is in the final stretch of that project. As of last week, Superintendent Robyn Taylor said the contractor is waiting on a shipment of 20 remaining vents before completing installation. “Once they arrive, [and once the roof is cleared of...
1926 – Dear Readers: In last week’s edition of Yesterday’s News we learned that Mr. Sidney Charles, editor of the Petersburg Herald, turned over his interest in the paper to local backers and that there would not be another issue of the paper “until another man capable of taking charge of the back end of the shop is secured.” There are no issues in the archive until May 19, when a new publisher, Harry M. Appleton began a run that lasted for only seven issues. Finally, on August 27, John W. Schoettler and Albert O. Elstad published...
The Kinder Skog squad cleared snow from ten hydrants on Monday afternoon after more than two feet of fresh snow fell on Petersburg over the weekend. "Clearing hydrants is important so we can stop fires quickly if they happen," seven-year-old Glenn Paulson said to his Kinder Skog mentor while...
Caitlyn and Brandon Ware welcomed Elizabeth Christine Ware into the world at 5:52 p.m. on February 26, 2026. She was born at Bartlett Regional Hospital in Juneau, Alaska, weighing 7 pounds and 2...
Petersburg – The sport, personal use, and subsistence shrimp fishery in Southeast Alaska will close to the harvest of shrimp from 12:01 a.m., Sunday, March 1, through Thursday, April 30, 2026. The Alaska Board of Fisheries adopted regulations that close regional shrimp fisheries to harvest for all user groups from March 1 through April 30. Since this is the first year of this closure, this announcement is intended as a reminder. This closure is also listed on relevant permits. The intention of this closure is to provide additional...
The Petersburg Vikings looked to solidify their standing as the #1 seed heading into the Region V Championships, with a Homecoming series against the Wrangell Wolves. The Vikings got off to a strong start, scoring 14 points in the first quarter and limiting the Wolves to only seven. The Vikings again scored double digit points (12) in the second, while limiting the Wolves to only five, to take a 26-12 halftime lead. "That was one of our best games of being connected on the offensive end ...
The Petersburg Lady Vikings looked to end regular season play on a high note by beating the Wrangell Lady Wolves, who they were 0-2 against heading into the Homecoming series this past weekend. The Lady Wolves got out to a commanding 18-5 lead in the first quarter, thanks to strong shooting by Wrangell's Hailey Cook, who hit one three and scored seven of the Wolves 18 first quarter points. "I noticed a lot of times when we were trying to close out on their perimeter offensive players, we were...
Get ready to bump, set and spike this spring with the adult volleyball league. The adult volleyball league has been going on since last fall and was only supposed to run through December, but things changed. "We did a fundraising event in November around the tree lighting and we were able to raise some funds to keep our season going through April," said Courtney Thynes, a member of the adult volleyball league. "We are in the middle of scheduling an invitational event, which hopefully [Prince of...
Stedman Elementary School Students of the Month To the Editor: Stedman Elementary is proud to announce our Students of the Month. These outstanding students have demonstrated respect, responsibility, leadership, and a love of learning. Each will be recognized with a school announcement, a Viking Bus Noise Parade, a yard sign, a certificate, and recognition in our community. Ben Grim is a shining example of kindness and respect at Stedman Elementary. His resilience, perseverance, and positive attitude make him a wonderful role model in our...
Just as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 drove oil prices higher — over $100 a barrel for several months — so too are the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, and Iran’s counterattacks, sending prices upward. Higher oil prices mean more money for the Alaska state treasury. After the annual draw on Permanent Fund earnings, the money from oil taxes and royalties, which are based on price per barrel and production, are the second-largest deposit to the state checkbook. Every other taxpayer is so small as to be a drop in the barrel....
Galen Darrell (The Bear) Burrell, was born on May 5, 1955, in Del Norte, California, to Barbara and Warren Burrell. The family moved from Edna Bay, Alaska, to Petersburg, Alaska, in 1959. Growing up wild and free in Scow Bay set the grit that Galen maintained his whole life. He was an exciting Viking wrestler when in high school and he did well. He loved his Moose Camp at Thomas Bay, where he would spend quite a bit of time on the hunt. He also liked to trek up the Stikine River as you can see... Full story
February 25 – A lost dog was reported. Suspicious behavior was reported on N. Nordic Dr. Papers were served. A disturbance reported on S. 3rd St was unfounded. February 26 – An officer assisted Emergency Medical Services (EMS) on S. 6th St. Officers conducted a welfare check on Dolphin St. An officer assisted with a stuck vehicle on Excel St. There was a report of a hit and run incident on S. Nordic Dr. An officer conducted a welfare check on S. 3rd St. The Department of Transportation (DOT) was informed of and responded to a report of...
Petersburg Pilot... Full story
Notices published in the Petersburg Pilot and all of Alaska's... Full story
