There will be two new physicians on the staff at Petersburg’s Medical Center next fall. PMC has hired another doctor finishing up her residency training in Anchorage. She’ll be taking the place of one of the medical center’s current physicians, who plans to leave this summer after more than a decade on the job.
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The incoming Regional Forester for Alaska starts work next month. US Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell named Beth Pendleton to the post in late January. Pendleton has 25 years of natural resources experience, including a decade of previous work for the forest service in the Alaska region. Since 2006, Pendleton has served in California as the agency’s Deputy Regional Forester for the Pacific Southwest. She has Masters degrees in fisheries and wildlife as well as in journalism.
Matt Lichtenstein had an opportunity to interview Pendleton shortly after the announcement
Residents of Point Baker, Kupreanof and Petersburg Monday urged the Petersburg City Council to voice its opposition to Sealaska lands legislation currently under consideration in the nation’s capitol. The bill would allow the regional native corporation to select land in Southeast, from outside of the original acreage outlined in the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. However, some area residents are calling the bill a land grab and are worried it could pass though Congress.
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Supporters of a proposed electrical line from Petersburg to Kake say they’re ready to start pre-construction work and environmental review on two potential routes. The new line would provide diesel-dependent Kake with cheaper and cleaner hydro electric power. Southeast Conference, a regional economic development organization, just released an updated study and cost estimates for the proposed transmission line.
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A new substance abuse prevention effort is underway in Petersburg. The Harmful Legal Products (HLP) program is part of a statewide research and intervention project. It’s specifically aimed at preventing kids from trying to get high by using common but dangerous products. Huffing toxic fuels or solvents is one of the more prominent examples. Researchers say there are hundreds of other household items that can be a problem from cleansers to medicines.
The pilot project is somewhat unique in that it’s focused on increasing awareness among parents, retailers, educators and other adults.
The statewide prevention and treatment organization Akeela Inc. and the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation are running the program which includes towns across the state. Locally, they’ve contracted with Petersburg Mental Health Services to run the prevention effort. Matt Lichtenstein recently asked Mental Health Clinician Marci Kligmann about it:
