Author: kfskadmin

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.

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:

After six months as Petersburg’s Interim City Manger, Bob Prunella is back home in Wrangell. At 73, the former Wrangell manager is not retiring. He plans to continue working as an interim administrator and possibly a municipal consultant as opportunities come up around the state.
Prunella took the helm in Petersburg last July, shortly after a split city council fired the previous city manager. It was time of political discord between some councilors and staff as well as amongst the councilors themselves and the public at large. However, with a substantially new council in place by fall, Prunella’s time as manager was relatively quiet. He was the runner-up for the permanent job.
Just before he left Petersburg at the end of last month, Prunella shared some of his perspectives on local government with KFSK’s Matt Lichtenstein.

Petersburg High School and Middle School students raised about four thousand dollars for Haitian earthquake relief. The money will go to the Red Cross. Matt Lichtenstein spoke with Junior Class President Ashley Kawashima, sixth grader Kylie Wallace, and middle school principal Mike Brawner about the week-long fundraisers.

Students and staff successfully prepared for the worst during two surprise lockdown drills on the Petersburg School District last week. The exercises were aimed at teaching kids where to go and what to do if there was a dangerous person on campus. The district has had lockdown drills before, but this was the first time it came without advance warning. As Matt Lichtenstein reports from the Elementary school, the kids and adults were quickly able to make their way behind closed doors or away from campus.