Joe Viechnicki, KFSK, Author at KFSK

Author: Joe Viechnicki, KFSK

Petersburg planning commission taking input on new development, zoning code

Petersburg’s planning commission is holding a public hearing February 20th at 6 p.m. on a major overhaul of borough code on land use, buildings and property layout. Hundreds of pages long, the draft code makes changes to what’s allowed and not allowed on different types of land in service area one, or within the old city of Petersburg. It also creates new land classifications, or zones. And it spells out standards for buildings, in-home businesses, parking requirements and the processes for permitting new buildings or subdivisions of land.

Southeast subsistence council chair, dive fishery pioneer dead at 62

The chair of Southeast’s advisory council on subsistence has died. Mike Bangs, 62, of Petersburg was a commercial diver and fisherman. He was chair of the Southeast Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council, which makes recommendations on changes to federal regulations on subsistence harvesting of fish and game. He served on that council since 2003 and was the first Petersburg resident to be appointed to that advisory group. Bangs was also chair of Petersburg’s harbor board and a member of the land selection committee for the borough.

Two Petersburg teams return from ocean science competition in Seward

Students from Petersburg High School joined teams from around the state in an annual ocean sciences competition in Seward in February. It was the 20th year for The National Ocean Sciences Bowl regional competition in Alaska.

Charges dismissed in Petersburg sex assault case

A prosecutor has dismissed charges against a Petersburg man accused of raping a woman last spring. 36-year-old Kenneth Birch was facing two felony counts of sexual assault, one in the first degree and one in the second degree. Birch was arrested May 1st, 2017 after a woman accused him of the crime.

Art going up to honor Elizabeth Peratrovich

Today, February 16th, is Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, celebrating the Native civil rights leader born in Petersburg. She’ll be honored with a parade this afternoon and the unveiling of a new portrait. There’s also an effort underway for a new mural that’s planned for the courthouse building.