Sorted by date Results 1176 - 1200 of 1600
Seven times is the charm for building some momentum on a measure that aims to give personal use (PU) fisheries a priority over commercial and sport users. As it stands now, the three fisheries all are on equal footing in the eyes and actions of state managers. The priority shift has been introduced during each of the last seven legislative sessions by (now) Senator Bill Stoltze (R-Chugiak), but has never made it past a first hearing – until now. “It only took Sen. Stoltze, the bill sponsor, chairing the hearing committee himself,” quipp...
Doug Ward is passionate about the maritime industry and preparing today's youth for work in it. The Director of Shipyard Development for Vigor Alaska Shipyard and Drydock, Inc., Ward spoke at the Chamber of Commerce's Annual Banquet last Saturday. TWI, or training within industry, began in World War II days, "teaching old dogs new tricks" to keep industries going during the war. Now referred to as career technical programs, they're usually expensive and often the first cut. "And yet, for a lot...
The assembly unanimously voted to deny an appeal by Joe Aliberti of a conditional use permit issued by the Planning Commission on Feb. 12 for Aaron and Katrina Miller to build a net house on their property on Lot 4 of Bay Estates. Aliberti owns property near the lot and said his appeal was based on the “misrepresentation of fact” in a letter outlining an appraisal performed by Arne Erickson of the Appraisal Company of Alaska. He also said the net house is not in accordance with the residential zoning of the lot. “You’re putting somethi...
The Petersburg Borough Assembly passed an ordinance on first reading at last Monday's meeting that establishes fees for the new Drive Down Dock facility that is expected to be available for use later this month. The ordinance also increases the short term and transient moorage fees. Vessel owners accessing the new Commercial Drive Down Dock will pay $2.50 per linear foot for an annual permit for the facility. Those accessing the facility on a per use basis will pay $1.00 per linear foot of...
A nearly $12 million cut in state funds is on tap for the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game if state policy makers have their way. That was one early outcome of legislative House finance subcommittee meetings last week, as they wrapped up the first step in a budget process that will see cuts in agencies and programs almost across the board. According to Juneau Resources Weekly, the ADF&G budget reductions cut across all divisions with sport fishing facing the most personnel losses at 12 seasonal jobs. The Division of Habitat could lose $400,000;...
February 20, 1915 – There was a big attendance at the Firemen’s Annual Ball last Saturday night. The band opened with several numbers, and dance music was furnished by an orchestra of eight pieces. In a brief address, Mayor Finch expressed the thanks of the fire boys for the good attendance, and their appreciation of the presence of a big delegation of Wrangell folks. Arthur F. Stanhope responded in behalf of the visitors. February 23, 1940 – Delegates of the Vessel Owners Association and the Deep Sea Fishermen’s Union are holding their a...
February 18 A caller reported individuals stealing property. February 19 An officer responded to a verbal disturbance. Ira H. Morgan, 29, was arrested on charges of Assault IV Domestic Violence. February 20 Police received a report of an individual entering a residence and trying to rough up the resident there. Suspicious activity in North Harbor was reported. A minor parking accident was reported in the Mountain View Manor parking lot. An officer responded to a report of suspicious persons trespassing. The suspects moved on upon officer...
February 11 A caller reported an individual drinking and driving. Police impounded a boat for impeding snow removal at South Harbor. A caller inquired about a property that appears abandoned. February 12 An open door at a business after hours was reported to police. Extra police patrols were requested on Howkan St. because of a speeding vehicle in the area. February 13 An individual was reported walking down the middle of South Nordic, ignoring traffic. A vehicle parked on a sidewalk was reported to police. A caller reported a possible drunk...
Lovers choose lobster as the top Valentine's Day dish to share with that special someone. Crab legs and shrimp also get the nod as 'romantic meals' on Feb. 14 - one of the busiest dining out days for U.S. restaurants. In a national survey by Harris Interactive, chefs called lobster an "exotic delicacy that results in an intimate moment because it is hand-held and shareable." In fact, respondents called all shellfish 'a catalyst for connection like no other food.' The links between seafood and...
Finance Director Jody Tow presented highlights from the operating budget for fiscal year 2015-16 at Monday's regular assembly meeting. Borough Manager Steve Giesbrecht included a letter with the budget that gave an overview of the borough's financial position. Giesbrecht said that the budget is balanced, but decreased funds from the State and Federal governments are anticipated and the budget reflects that with an overall 1.5 percent decrease from the FY2014/15 budget. Though there will be no ch... Full story
Borough Manager Steve Giesbrecht gave the following report to the Assembly at Monday’s meeting: A new chemical pump for the pool will be installed to adjust the reliance on CO2 and lower the overall chemical usage. The property assessor will be in Petersburg on Feb. 3; property assessments will go out at the end of the month. There was a major update to the utility bill online payment program which requires customers to re-register their online accounts. Customers will now have the ability to add multiple utility accounts to one online a...
January 30, 1915 – The extension of the sidewalk along the beach in the north end of town was completed last Saturday, and during the following day practically the whole town took a stroll over the new thoroughfare. The work of building the walk and trestles was all done by the owners of abutting property. The walk is not only a great convenience to residents along it, and to citizens generally, but it also makes a marked improvement in the appearance of the waterfront. January 26, 1940 – With the turn of the year the weather has been pre...
The transfer bridge of the new drive down dock drew quite a crowd during its Jan. 16 installation. Despite the downpour Petersburg residents came out, cameras in hand, to watch a large crane place the 140-long by 17-foot wide bridge. "It is rated to haul anything that can go down the highway," said Harbormaster Glo Wollen. Efforts continue on the construction and assembly of the float pieces, the next component slated to go into place. "Currently what Tamico is doing is they're putting the...
January 21 A driver was issued a warning for speeding in a school zone. A warning was given for speed requirements. Assorted tools and a welder were reported as stolen from the back of a vehicle. A Birch St. resident reported someone had rummaged through their car but nothing was missing. A South Harbor boat owner reported someone may have accessed their boat. An officer issued a warning to a driver for an inoperable headlight. January 22 An officer responded to a report of a loud vehicle causing a noise disturbance. No disturbance was found. P...
The need for a clear “fish first” policy in Alaska tops the list of priorities compiled by the Fisheries Transition Team for Governor Walker. The group also stated that “fish and fishermen in Alaska are viewed as barriers to development,” and that there is “irreplaceable optimism” that fish can coexist with development at any scale. Fisheries was just one of the topics that 250 Alaskans brainstormed about in 17 teams that newly elected Walker convened in late November. Their task was to identify the top five priorities in diverse categories,...
The Assembly voted 5-1 to bid on land at Papke’s Landing in the winter auction of the Mental Health Trust Land Office. Assembly member Nancy Strand was the sole vote against the resolution. “I can’t support the Borough getting involved in anything at Papke’s Landing until Papke’s Landing is in a Service Area,” Strand said. “We shouldn’t have asked ‘should we acquire these three lots?’ I think we should have asked ‘how much do you want your taxes to go up so we can acquire these three lots?’” Mayor Mark Jensen said he had some concerns about t... Full story
January 14 An officer responded to a report of an individual yelling for help. The officer found the individual was ok. A caller reported an individual yelling and howling. An officer was notified and the individual was found to be okay with no crime involved. A driver received a warning for speed requirements in a school zone. Stolen items from a vehicle on N. Nordic Dr. were reported by an individual. An officer responded to a report of loud music causing a noise disturbance. January 15 An individual attempting to sell drugs was reported to...
After some discussion about the jurisdiction of two new sections of a municipal code governing parking regulations, the Borough Assembly voted unanimously to pass the ordinance on its second reading. The ordinance was tabled in early October pending Police Chief Kelly Swihart’s return from an 11-week training in Virginia. The ordinance will transfer two new sections to Title 11 of the former-City of Petersburg’s traffic ordinances into Borough Code. Assembly member Bob Lynn said he’d like to see the ordinance apply only to Service Area 1 rathe...
Richard Patteson was selected to serve as the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla Commander for Petersburg for the next two years at the Change of Watch ceremony held Jan. 14. Ken Hamilton will serve as the vice commander. Patteson has been volunteering with the auxiliary for about five years including a recent two-year term as vice commander under the outgoing Flotilla Commander Rod Herbrandson. The Petersburg chapter of the auxiliary currently has 14 members and Patteson said part of his duties as commander will involve recruiting new members....
Alaska seafood marketers are ramping up promotions and bankrolling a global $1 million media blitz to counteract a tough sockeye salmon market. Sockeyes are by far the most valuable salmon catch, often worth two-thirds of the value of Alaska’s entire salmon fishery, but last summer’s unexpected surge of reds left lots of inventory in freezers, and record US imports of competing farmed salmon from Chile and Norway combined with the prospect of another big run at Bristol Bay make for a sockeye sales squeeze. Alaska’s approach will be patte...
Borough Manager Steve Giesbrecht’s report was read by Borough Clerk Kathy O’Rear at Tuesday’s Assembly meeting. The first reading of the budget ordinance is tentatively scheduled for March. Assembly members will see the Borough budget for 2015-16 by Feb. 2 with review meeting scheduled for later that week. A special meeting to give an overview of the budget to the Assembly and community is being recommended, with the opportunity for additional meetings by formal request of the Assembly is needed. After reviewing sampling and testing infor...
After nearly three months of training at the FBI National Academy (NA) in Quantico, Va., Petersburg Police Chief Kelly Swihart has returned to full-time work at the department, bringing new contacts and knowledge with him. Swihart said one of the biggest benefits of the training was having the opportunity to get perspectives from police officials in departments around the U.S. and the world. "One of the leadership projects we did, we had...a major from Georgia, a deputy chief from Arlington, Tex...
