Petersburg’s 2010 Salmon Derby closed Monday evening at 5PM with Gerry Whitethorn in first place. Whitethorn remained at the top with a 45.2 pounder. Alan Honma, was in second with a 44.1 pound fish and Ken Kvernvik came third with a 43.5 pounder. In addition to the cash prizes, there are also 164 more given out this year. Listen to the headline to hear Whitethorn’s comments on winning the Derby. More…
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Decisions on road building and timber harvests in roadless areas of the nation’s forests will be up to the Secretary of Agriculture for at least another year. The Secretary announced that decision last Friday, citing on-going court battles over the Clinton-era Roadless rule. Matt Lichtenstein reports on reaction from Southeast Alaska, home to the nation’s largest national forest – the Tongass
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Residents from Petersburg, Wrangell and Kake have another chance to propose improvement projects on or near the Tongass National Forest. The Forest Service is receiving two and a half million dollars to spend in the area, thanks to the 2008 reauthorization of the secure rural schools and community self-determination act. Matt Lichtenstein recently spoke with Petersburg Resource Advisory Committee chair Scott Roberge and district ranger Chris Savage about the types of projects that could be eligible for funding. More…
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US Fish and Wildlife Service biologists heard concerns and answered questions from fishermen and other area residents over the impact of a growing sea otter population in Southeast Alaska. The standing-room-only crowd at last weeks meeting in Petersburg discussed a variety of issues….from compensation for lost fisheries to the regulations about hunting by native Alaskans.
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It could be a while before the Alaska State Troopers announce findings on last week’s police shooting of a sword-wielding man in Petersburg. For the time being, troopers are saying little about the death of 41-year-old Richard Whidby as their investigation continues.
Petersburg’s City Manager this week said he thought the shooting was unfortunate but justified based on his knowledge of the incident. Accounts from the officer involved, witnesses and some of Whidby’s friends and neighbors suggest Whidby was a friendly but troubled man who was acting strangely and may have been using drugs before he charged police with a sword.
