Author: Joe Viechnicki, KFSK

Part way through Wrangell’s salmon derby and just before the start of Petersburg’s derby, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is closing sport fishing around the mouth of the Stikine River because of low returns of king salmon.

Petersburg’s first retail marijuana store hopes to open its doors as soon as next month. The owner of the shop on main street was approved for a state license in early April and has been working to remodel the building that also houses her restaurant and gift shop. She also hopes to obtain a license for growing pot in the back of that building later this year.

Visitors and locals enjoyed food, fun and games during a week-long celebration of Petersburg’s Norwegian heritage that wrapped up Sunday. The Southeast Alaskan community’s Little Norway Festival honors the May 17, 1814 signing of the Norwegian Constitution, the many Norwegian pioneers who settled here a century ago as well as this country’s Armed Forces Day. This year was the 59th installment of the festival.

Some classical music works by Norwegian composers will be featured in a performance on cello and piano tonight at the Petersburg Lutheran Church. The Petersburg Arts Council, Sitka Summer Music Festival and a non-profit organization called the Piatigorsky Foundation are presenting a performance by cellist Evan Drachman and pianist Doris Stevenson.

Two accomplished artists open up a show of their work at Miele Gallery in Petersburg Friday, May 19.