Author: kfskadmin

Six coastal communities could lose their local connection to the University of Alaska’s Marine advisory program. University officials say without legislative funding, they may have to close offices in some towns including Petersburg, Cordova, Nome, Dillingham, Unalaska and Kodiak. Marine Advisory staff are best known for the educational, research, and regulatory help they provide to fishermen and other small, marine-related businesses. Matt Lichtenstein has a closer look at the program and its funding situation.

Local police say they discovered the remnants of a methamphetamine lab in the woods within downtown Petersburg. It’s one of only two such labs authorities have found in or near the Petersburg area in at least the past decade. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration sent in a contractor late last week to remove chemical residues and equipment found at the site, which is not far from residential neighborhoods. Police say they have a suspect but they have not made any arrests yet.

A poor pink salmon projection has prompted one of Petersburg’s canneries to stay closed this summer. Ocean Beauty Seafoods says they will continue to buy salmon from all the fishermen who usually sell to them on the grounds, but they'll only be processing at their shore-side plant near Juneau. The company emphasizes its only planning a one-year closure in Petersburg. Still, the decision will likely mean less fish tax revenue for the city as well as fewer customers for local businesses.

Petersburg High School takes a trip down the rabbit hole this week with a production of “Alice in Wonderland”. The local adaptation of the classic story premiers tonight and runs through Saturday at the Wright auditorium. Matt Lichtenstein stopped by drama teacher Debbie Tice’s class to speak with some of the actors as well as the technical crew that runs the lights and built the sets

Dozens of local families turned out Saturday night to the Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department’s family awareness night at the Community Gym. Kids got a chance to try out a thermal imaging device, scale the climbing wall, crawl though an obstacle course, don fire fighting gear, and learn about some of the tools and equipment used by local fire fighters, EMTs, and search and rescue personnel. Joe Viechnicki stopped by and talked with a few of the volunteers and families.