Sorted by date Results 376 - 400 of 400
Randy Holmgrain, a longtime Petersburg resident returns home to his family and the Petersburg Police Department. Holmgrain was sworn in as the new police officer Wednesday, June 20. “My family and I moved to Petersburg in the fall of 2001 and I worked with the police department until 2004,” Holmgrain said. “I took a job with the Department of Defense and spent a year and a half in Iraq doing police training among other things.” Holmgrain also ran a camp for the North Atlantic Treaty Organiz... Full story
The Petersburg Public Schools wrapped up the year with the last board meeting of 2011-12 on Tuesday. “We have great kids, a great staff and everything is moving to a positive future for us,” Petersburg City School Superintendent Rob Thomason said. “Our library renovation is underway and the No Child Left Behind Grant has been submitted.” Thomason explained there are a few minor edits to be made to the grant but otherwise it is in great shape. The summer lunch program, which provides free lunch for kids up to 18 years of age, is in progres...
The United States Coast Guard Cutter Elderberry came out of dry dock May 7 after 12 weeks of scheduled maintenance. This maintenance was performed at the Base Support Unit Ketchikan Marine Ways. USCGC Elderberry is a 65 foot buoy tender that goes into dry dock every two years. “We always have a long-range maintenance plan in place,” Engineering Petty Officer Cameron Peterson said. “We replaced about 60 square foot of hull this time.” Approximately four years ago there were several small hull ero...
The Crystal Lake Hatchery began operation in Petersburg in 1973 and is one of the oldest operating hatcheries in southeast Alaska. “This hatchery was started as a sport fish hatchery,” Crystal Lake Hatchery Manager Loren Thompson explained. “It still is, it’s the only one in southeast Alaska.” According to the Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association, the facility was first stocked with Chinook from the Columbia River. Andrews Creek fish were used at the hatchery and spread from ther...
Governor Sean Parnell was welcomed to town by Petersburg Mayor Al Dwyer Thursday afternoon at a reception in the City Council chambers. “We are happy to welcome you to Petersburg,” Dwyer said. “This is the man that has made it possible to have funding of over $11 million this year alone.” The governor was presented gifts from the Sons of Norway, the Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department and others. “I am a son of Norway,” Parnell said. “I am happy to make myself available to you.” “I want... Full story
Petersburg City Council amended a contract between the city and R & M Engineering to complete the Water and Sewer Reconstruction Project with an addition of funds not to exceed $37,000 to be paid. A change order for the Water and Sewer Reconstruction was also on the agenda in order to add $6,335.70 to the initial construction contract to add a fabric mesh layer to Odin Street to help support the road bed and keep it from sinking into the muskeg. The cost of paving N. Second Street in the amount of $154,294.10 and surfacing Odin Street with... Full story
The Local Boundary Commission voted 4 to 1 Friday, June 1, that the City of Petersburg petition for borough formation met all standards for incorporation and authorized that a community wide election be held. The election date has yet to be determined, but is expected to be sometime this fall. The election will be conducted by the State of Alaska and will be a mail-in election. In addition to voting for borough formation, the ballot will also consist of candidates for the position of borough assembly members; borough school board members;... Full story
Petersburg City Manager, Stephen Giesbrecht, reported to the council Monday evening on the current and upcoming projects the city is involved with. “The library project is expected to be surveyed and staked,” Giesbrecht stated. “Excavation of the site should begin in the next couple of weeks.” The Parks and Recreation Department is meeting bi-weekly in preparation for the July 4 celebration. “Anyone with any ideas for the event should call Donn Hayes,” said Giesbrecht. Giesbrecht will meet with Wayne Jensen to take a preliminary look at des...
The Petersburg City Council has ordered the city manager to enter into negotiations regarding the purchase of waterfront property owned by the Reid Family Trust. Petersburg City Manager, Stephen Giesbrecht spoke directly in the Monday evening council meeting. “This property is not going to pay for itself.” The council decided to have the property evaluated in order to see what improvements will need to be made. “This is an important piece of property for the fishing community,” City Councilman Rick Braun said. “But I hesitate to buy something...
The Rainforest Islands Ferry was scheduled to launch in July 2012. Due to funding and design delays the launch of this service has been pushed back to the spring of 2013. City of Coffman Cove representative, Heather Hedges said, “Originally the launch date was delayed because of funding.” The City of Coffman Cove was attempting to receive funds from the United States Department of Agriculture. “We were told that the USDA was no longer funding these projects,” Hedges said. “We tried other ave...
The Petersburg City Council directed an ordinance be prepared to withdraw membership from the Inter-Island Ferry Authority during its May 7 meeting. If this ordinance is approved by a two-thirds Council majority, it will be submitted to the voters for ratification at the City election, Oct. 2. The Inter-Island Ferry Authority was created to develop an efficient and effective network of ferries and ferry-related facilities and services to provide the ferry system to serve the various ferry transportation needs of residents of Prince of Wales...
The Inter-Island Ferry Authority of Directors has not reached a decision in regard to the appointment of an individual to serve a three year term as the “at large” board member. The IFA by-laws require that the Mayor from each participating municipality, with concurrence of their respective City Council, appoint the at large director. The choice of candidates before the Mayor and Council are Tim Rooney, Wrangell City and Borough City Manager and Adelia (Deedee) Jefferys of Coffman Cove. City of Petersburg Mayor, Al Dwyer, has recommended Tim...
The Petersburg City Council adopted a budget for the city establishing appropriations for the fiscal year Monday evening. After four work sessions discussing the 2013 proposed budget there were still issues of concern that were brought out during the meeting. “I didn't participate in the budget,” City Councilman Don Koenigs said, “But I think it should be noted that the City of Petersburg has been deficit in its budget spending.” Koenigs says the current budget provides little constraint to limit the city's spending more than it is making. “Thi...
The Federal Building is undergoing a complete exterior renovation. Scaffolding can be seen around all outside surfaces of the building. “We are replacing all windows,” Southwest Construction Project Manager Doug Keith said. “All the siding will be pressure washed and clear coated as well.” The doors will be repainted and a completely new roof will be installed. “We are hoping for a few days of sunshine in order to finish the roof,” Keith said. “I could be finished as soon as the weekend with...
Petersburg City Council passed Resolution 2010 to establish the rate of levy of property tax for the 2012 and 2013 fiscal year. The assessed taxable value of real property for the City of Petersburg for municipal purposes for calendar year 2012 is $258,764,945. The tax levy for general operations of the city is $1,190,319 which is determined at a 4.6 mill rate; the tax levy for general operations of the school is $1,141,153 which is determined at a 4.41 mill rate. Tax levies for General Obligation Bonds for constructing and equipping a new...
The Petersburg Court House has been going through some major changes and these changes are all making a positive impact on the building. “Bathrooms have been added in the main reception area,” Court Clerk Cris Morrison said. “A law library and two adjoining attorney meeting rooms have been added as well.” The court room has been enlarged and the jury box reconfigured and refaced. “Everything is more efficient and well placed,” Morrison said. “And the judge’s entrance has been moved to make i...
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry has provided the grant to assist the Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department in providing training and equipment to assist the United States Forest Service in wild land fire response and other emergencies. This grant will be provided on a ten percent match basis. The Volunteer Fire Assistance program is used for both wild land and structure protection needs. The assistance is provided to increase firefighter safety, improve the fire fighting capabilities of rural volunteer fire...
Over three days of public hearings, the Local Boundary Commission heard testimony regarding the Petersburg Borough Petition. Wednesday the commission heard the petitioner’s opening statement from Jim Brennan of Hedland, Brennan & Heideman, as well as the respondents’ opening statements from Amy Meade, assistant city attorney for the City & Borough of Juneau; Bob Lynn and Tom Cole with George Cole waiving his opening statement. “The proposed boundaries conform to the natural geography of the area,” Brennan said. “We also have no conflict between... Full story
Residents of Petersburg gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking for the new Petersburg Public Library Saturday morning. Rain did nothing to deter the mood of those gathered. Free umbrellas were handed out to those who wished to avoid getting wet. The event began with a performance of the Petersburg High School Brass Ensemble and the National Anthem sung by Tonya Abbott. Petersburg Mayor Al Dwyer stepped to the microphone to thank those responsible for this project. “It has been a long time comi... Full story
The soulful sounds of Sinatra and Nat King Cole streamed through the stereo of the Mountain View Manor for the first annual “Dancing in the Rain” Senior-Senior Prom Friday evening. Food, laughter, conversation and a lot of dancing made this evening a fun time for the participants. Residents 65 years and older were invited to attend this Petersburg Mental Health Services sponsored event. Women came out in their best dresses and men in their suits and ties all topped off with corsages and flo...
The Safari Endeavor cruise ship docked in Petersburg Sunday morning and hosted a tour of the facilities for several Petersburg residents. Endeavor's captain, Jil Russell led the group throughout the ship explaining differences in the new Endeavor from the old. “We have the capabilities of putting 66 passengers in the water at any one time,” Russell said. “The kayak launch system built into the vessel makes it easy for anyone to enjoy the waters.” The passenger count has been reduced from 10...
The early morning hours of Tuesday found the Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department at work extinguishing a blaze aboard a 17 foot Lund in the 300 block off of South Nordic Drive in a residential area. “The boat was completely destroyed, and it burned through the aluminum in some places,” Assistant Fire Chief David Berg said. “But the outboards may be salvageable.” The fire melted the tarp on an adjacent shed and the paint on the house blistered. “The fire got really hot,” Berg said. “It could have been a lot worse.” The owner of the home was co...
The Rasmuson Foundation named Petersburg artist, Ashley DuRoss an Individual Artist Award winner of a $5,000, Project Award. DuRoss is also the art teacher at Petersburg High School. DuRoss is a visual artist whose work explores the relationship between light and shadow on physical structures. For her project award, she will ship work and travel to upcoming solo shows in Fairbanks and Anchorage. The Rasmuson Foundation also named a Distinguished Artist Award worth $25,000, 10 Artist Fellowships... Full story
Seats of the Petersburg High School gym filled with family and friends last Wednesday to say goodbye to another school year and another class of graduates. The 2012 graduating class of PHS proceeded into the room with the band playing in the background and to begin the event Elinor Robinson sang the “Star Spangled Banner”. PHS Principal Rick Dormer welcomed the graduates and reflected on the past year. “I want to thank each of you seniors,” Dormer said. “You have brought color and delight t...
The 31st annual Salmon Derby brought in over 300 fish ranging in weight from 8.1 to 45.6 pounds. The Petersburg Chamber of Commerce sponsored event took place over the Memorial Day weekend Friday, May 25 to Monday, May 28. First prize was $7,500 cash, a derby jacket and hat and free processing by Tonka Seafoods; second prize was $3,500 cash, a derby sweatshirt and hat and third prize was $2,750 cash and a derby sweatshirt and hat. Prizes will be awarded Thursday night (May 31) at 7 p.m. at the...
