Author: kfskadmin

The challenger in the Republican primary race for state house district two has conceded the race. Just 142 votes separate challenger Stephen Samuelson of Petersburg and five-term incumbent representative Peggy Wilson of Wrangell for the Republican nomination to represent Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Pelican, Elfin Cove and Port Alexander in the state house. While the results will not be certified until the middle of this month, the state’s division of elections says there are no outstanding ballots left to count in the race.

The Petersburg city council awarded a contract for the new firehall Tuesday night. The vote was not unanimous. Several councilors expressed concern about the winning contractor’s previous work in Petersburg. But the majority also expressed confidence that the company could do a good job, and that the City’s local project manager would make sure of it.

A Petersburg couple may be able to get city approval later this year to build a new gardening and plant nursery business in a residential area on North Nordic Drive. Petersburg’s mayor and city council last week, acting as the city’s Board of Adjustment, denied an appeal by residents Jimmy and Carrie Martinsen, seeking to start up the new commercial business. A number of North Nordic Drive neighbors are opposing the request. However, several members of the council thought the business should be allowed and they’ll consider an ordinance change later this month that could pave the way for permitting the proposal.

The City of Petersburg and the owners of a 108-year-old house are seeking to end their latest court battle over the foundation and placement of the structure. The building’s owners this year had it moved to a new permanent foundation on the corner of First and Fram streets, something the city sought in multiple court filings. Both sides have asked a superior court judge to dismiss the case. However, they disagree over whether the city should be prevented from bringing the issue back to the court and who should pay the cost of attorneys for the latest legal wrangling.