Author: Joe Viechnicki, KFSK

The state’s Board of Game meets in Petersburg next month to decide on proposed changes to hunting and trapping regulations for Southeast. Among the proposed changes is one to expand the area for an archery deer hunt behind Petersburg. The local Fish and Game Advisory committee supported the proposal at a meeting this month but recommended a change because of safety concerns.

The U.S. Forest Service’s district ranger in Petersburg has moved on to a job with the agency’s regional office in Juneau. A Forest Service spokesman confirmed Dave Zimmerman has accepted a job as the forest products group leader with the regional office.

A former Petersburg borough employee was sentenced Monday for the fatal van wreck of July 4th, 2016. 25-year-old Chris Allen asked for forgiveness from the families of two killed in the crash. He will serve a portion of seven years of jail time.

Local residents can expect to see police officers, possibly with their guns drawn, responding to the Petersburg Medical Center this Wednesday. Don’t be alarmed, it’s only a drill. Hospital staffers are following the lead of many schools and public facilities around the country practicing for an active shooter scenario.