Week of May 1, 2025
Week of May 1, 2025
Petersburg's Assembly unanimously approved a lease for Nordic Real Estate LLC to use a narrow strip of borough land adjacent to the Narrows Inn, clearing the way for further rehabilitation of the nearly 60-year-old apartment complex. Nordic Real Estate LLC, owned by Sarah and Randy Holmgrain, purchased the 27-unit building in January 2025 and has begun an ambitious renovation project that they hope will help improve Petersburg's housing stock. Originally built as the King Salmon Motel in the...
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Sarah Pederson has taken the reins as the new director of the Clausen Museum, bringing with her a wealth of experience in community building and a passion for local history. Originally from Michigan, Pederson is no stranger to Southeast Alaska, having lived in the region for more than 20 years. She and her husband Cody moved to Petersburg about a month ago after he accepted a position as the new manager at the SSRAA Crystal Lake Hatchery, replacing the retiring Loren Thompson. "We've been...
Alaska’s public schools might get more money, after all. Nine days after Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed a significant increase to the state’s K-12 public school funding formula, the Alaska Senate has approved a compromise education bill that includes a smaller increase. The bill includes some — but not all — of the policy changes that Dunleavy said were necessary to prevent another veto. House Bill 57, originally drafted to restrict public school students’ cellphone use, was amended by the...
Petersburg Public Library will reduce its Monday evening hours starting in May. The library will now close at 4:00 p.m. on Mondays instead of remaining open until 8:00 p.m., a change Library Director Tara Alcock describes as a careful compromise to meet borough-wide budget constraints while minimizing impacts on patrons. "We're still open a fair amount for a library of our size and a community of our size," Alcock explained during a recent interview with the Pilot. "We'll still be open three...
A group of Gortex-clad visitors step out of the chilly spring rain on Friday afternoon and enter the Clausen Memorial Museum. From the window of the museum a ship is visible in the distance, tied up at Petersburg's drive-down dock. It's the National Geographic Sea Lion, operated by Lindblad Expeditions, and they are the first cruise ship of the year to visit Petersburg. As some passengers browse through downtown shops, others cross the Wrangell Narrows in one of the cruise ship's zodiacs, or...
Should public media be spared the budget cutting axe of President Donald Trump and the congressional allies of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE? I’m not going to directly answer that question myself, because I’m not an unbiased observer: I’ve worked for years as a reporter and contractor for Alaska Public Media, Anchorage’s public radio and television station. I also have close friendships and working relationships with many of the reporters across the state whose jobs... Full story
For Petersburg families wondering what their children will do this summer, Petersburg Medical Center's Youth Programs are offering more activities, more accessibility, and more options than ever before. After a six-month effort to secure critical funding streams, the programs have achieved a milestone that will help ensure more families can participate, regardless of financial circumstances. PMC Youth Program administrators have spent months advocating for access to state child care assistance...
WRANGELL - Alaska Airlines has been flying the "milk run" for decades, serving the string of Southeast communities between Ketchikan and Juneau, but this weekend will be the first flight for the Milk Run Music Festival in Wrangell. Two days of music, food booths, corn hole competition, kids events and more are planned for Friday and Saturday, May 2-3, in front of the City Dock. The Nolan Center is the backup plan if the rain gets to be too much. "We're hoping for great weather," said Reme...
The PHS track and field team sprinted through the competition at the Capital City Invitational, setting two school records. The boys 4x200 relay ran a blazing 1 minute and 39 seconds – placing first. "They had that as their goal. They knew what the school record was and kind of had an idea of what they needed to do," head coach Erin Hofacre said. The boys 4x200 consists of Noah Pawuk, Ben Kandoll, Nolan Lutomski and Brayden Tucker. "It was really celebratory and all of Petersburg was cheering...
For the second year in a row, the Viking Swim Club won the highest points per swimmer award at the Alaska State Championships. "They just continue to impress me. I don't know how these kids do it," head coach Scott Burt said. "One of the most impressive things that I liked as a coach is – this is the second year we've been able to do highest points per swimmer, so I'm very proud of our swimmers for that accomplishment." Overall, VSC finished seventh out of 23 teams. The VSC had numerous...
I Feel So Blessed To the Editor: Reaching out to our entire community with a heartfelt THANK YOU!!! To all my friends, family, loved ones, well wishers, and prayer senders, to the EMTs, PMC staff, Medivac staff, PPD staff, Providence Alaska Medical Center staff, and Providence St. Elias staff – your generous and caring support both physically and emotionally have followed my sons and me to Anchorage for life-saving medical care. One never knows what the next day is going to bring. Your continued support is much needed and appreciated along...
A small pod of orcas approached a local couple's skiff for a close encounter while passing near the Sukoi Islands on Saturday, April...
Mitkof Dance Troupe's spring recital on stage at Wright Auditorium on April 18 and 19 was Villain themed. Around 125 dancers took part in 26 pieces, with the costuming and choreography for each piece based on villains from folklore or pop culture. "It's been really fun ... There's a lot of acting the kids have had a blast with ... there's a lot of energy on the stage," Olivia Reid, ballet teacher and Executive Director of Mitkof Dance Troupe, said during her...
May 1, 1925 – Some of the school children while playing ran across a cache this week in the brush in which there were over 100 pint bottles full of liquid at first thought to be beer. The news caused a wild stampede and soon the woods were full of those only too anxious to sample the goods. During the stampede one or two other small and select caches were discovered, and the rule seemed to be “finders keepers.” In a short time the city and federal officers were on the scene and the bottles were removed to the commissioner’s office,...
Children visiting the fire hall during Saturday's Family Fun Day work with EMS Director Aaron Hankins to load volunteer Dave Berg onto the gurney and into the...
On Saturday, May 8th, 1939, the Junior Prom was held in the Petersburg High School's gym, which was decorated in a colorful, rainbow theme. After being announced Prom Queen, Charlotte Clausen, daughter of Elsie and Carrol Clausen, posed on the throne holding a bouquet of daffodils. This hand-tinted photo has the seal of local photographer Mary C. Allen, who also made the coronation crown and decorated the gym. Allen's handiwork highlights Charlotte's turquoise colored taffeta gown, her gold...
The Alex and Savann Guthrie family of Petersburg, Alaska, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Sydney Rose Guthrie to Iris Raheema Haik of Rhode Island. Sydney is a graduate of Stanford University and is currently employed as a Climate Resilience Fellow with Greenlining Institute in Oakland, California. Iris is a graduate of Stanford University and is currently finishing her second year at U.C. Berkeley Law School. She is currently working as a Law Clerk with the Equal...
Mary Peter Benson was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, on October 9, 1950, to Simel and Vivian Peter. She grew up along the Yukon River in Nulato, deeply connected to her Alaskan roots and traditions. Mary graduated from Mt. Edgecumbe High School in 1969, where she formed many lifelong friendships. Affectionately known as "Doll," Mary had the unique gift of remembering small, meaningful details about everyone she met. Her warmth, generosity, and genuine interest in others made her a friend to all,... Full story
Earl Nelson Benitz, Junior, was born on November 23, 1940, in Petersburg, Alaska. Growing up in Petersburg he spent his summers fishing on his dad's boat, the F/V Baranof. After graduating from Petersburg High School, Earl attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks where he obtained a teaching degree. A proud alumnus, he took a teaching position in Cordova, Alaska, where he and his bride, Mary Lou [McKibben] started raising a family. After several years he was able to get a job teaching high... Full story
Eugene Primaky Jr, a beloved son, brother and uncle, passed away on October 12, 2024 at the age of 56. Gene was born on October 3, 1968 in North Carolina to Eugene and Josee Primaky. Before coming back to Alaska he lived in Minnesota. While in Minnesota, he pursued a degree in Archaeology at Bemidji State University. During his senior year he traveled to Thorne Bay on Prince of Wales Island in southeast Alaska. It was here that he accepted a Forestry position with the US Forest Service,... Full story
April 24 – Petersburg Police Department (PPD) received a report of a leaking fire hydrant on Vesta Street. An officer responded to a parking complaint at Middle Harbor. A protective order was served on South Nordic Drive. An officer responded to a report of theft on North Nordic Drive and an individual was trespassed from a business. An officer responded to a report of suspicious behavior on South Nordic Drive. April 25 – David Estes, 34, was arrested on Chief John Lott Street for alleged disorderly conduct. An officer responded to a...
Petersburg Pilot... Full story
Petersburg Pilot... Full story
