Author: Joe Viechnicki, KFSK

The U.S. Forest Service is reminding people in Southeast Alaska that fireworks are banned on national forest lands at all times and to be careful with camp fires as dry weather continues.

Petersburg’s borough assembly is meeting to consider an additional property tax increase on July 4th in response to the governor’s line item veto of school project debt reimbursement. The Independence Day holiday is the only option for getting enough assembly members to attend a meeting early this month.

Governor Mike Dunleavy’s vetoed half of the state’s contribution towards debt service for school projects. Local governments will likely dip into reserves, or raise taxes, to make up for the nearly $49 million shortfall.

The commercial salmon trolling season for king salmon in Southeast Alaska opens Monday, July 1 and is expected to last around six or seven days.