Author: kfskadmin

Three young couples and their families celebrated their love and Native Alaskan culture last week in a traditional Tlingit wedding at Petersburg’s community gym. According to the celebrants, it was the first time in living memory that this particular ceremony was held in Petersburg.
The guests sat at tables on either side of an aisle lined by cedar boughs. At the back of the gym, there was a feast of local dishes including salmon, halibut, moose, herring eggs, gumboots and beach asparagus. At the front, there was a large painted screen of the two Tlingit moieties, Eagle and Raven, with the solstice sun. The image was created by the mother of the three grooms, Brenda Louise, and painted by her daughter Clara Sallenbach. Down the aisle and in front of Raven and Eagle, the regalia-clad wedding parties drummed, sang, and danced before a crowd of loved-ones and well-wishers. Louise welcomed the witnesses and narrated each part of the event, which was open to the whole community. Matt Lichtenstein compiled some excerpts of sound from the ceremony

Alaska Governor Sean Parnell today (Wednesday) named Cora Campbell as his choice to be the next commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game. The 31-year old Campbell lives in Juneau, and has been working as acting commissioner since the retirement of Denby Lloyd December 1st. Campbell grew up in Petersburg, and is the daughter of Gary and Christie Slaven of Petersburg. She was one of two people to submit applications for the permanent commissioner’s post, along with 73-year-old Juneau resident Ron Somerville, a former Fish and Game employee and Board of Game member. In making the appointment, Parnell said Campbell’s fisheries experience and broad understanding of wildlife management make her a great fit for the agency. Campbell worked as fisheries policy advisor to Governor Sarah Palin and a special assistant to Governor Parnell. Campbell’s appointment is subject to approval by the state legislature.

It looks like there will be no gillnet fishery targeting king salmon returns to the Stikine and Taku rivers again this May. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced this month that the pre-season forecast for both systems is too low to allow for a commercial opening.

Petersburg’s school board will decide next month on pursuing a home learning program to support local home school students in the area. The program would provide textbooks, teaching support and exam help for students who are currently using competing online correspondence programs. However, district staffers say there does not seem to be enough interest from local home-school students.

Petersburg may increase its legislative lobbying efforts specifically for harbor project funding. During this week’s City Council meeting, the Council heard a Harbor Board request on the matter Monday. The Board is also working on a proposal to increase the harbor’s share of raw fish tax money. Meanwhile in another issue this week, the Council also heard concerns over snow machine activity within the city. Matt Lichtenstein has a look at a few of the discussions from this week’s council meeting