Author: kfskadmin

Fire protection in Alaska’s remote communities depends on a relatively small group of local residents, who devote a lot of their free time to staying prepared for the worst. That particular public service is typically limited to people over 18-years old. But last winter, Petersburg’s fire department began signing-up high school students for its new Junior Firefighter Program. The young recruits train alongside adult volunteers and they respond to emergenciess when the siren sounds. It’s an effort to boost the department’s ranks, as older and more experienced members retire or leave town. Matt Lichtenstein recently spent an evening with the Fire Department and its youngest volunteers:

The Thomas Bay Power Authority is considering a resolution aimed at bringing Petersburg and Wrangell closer together on hydroelectric development. The two communities have been at odds over the issue of public versus private projects. The Power Commission discussed the resolution this month, but postponed action.

Petersburg artist Polly Lee was honored by the Alaska State Council on the Arts and Governor Sean Parnell at a dinner last week in Anchorage. Lee received the Governors award for lifetime achievement in the arts. Lee has worked in a variety of visual art mediums including ceramics and painting. Her works are displayed in public and private collections around the state. She helped found the Petersburg Arts Council and served for 12 years with the State’s arts council. Matt Lichtenstein spoke with Lee shortly after she received the Governors award:

Some of Petersburg’s Elementary and Middle School students will be surveyed this fall about substance abuse. It’s not the first time the district has asked students about the broader issue. But, the latest study is part of a statewide research and intervention project, specifically aimed at stopping kids from using legal but dangerous household products to get high.

More than one hundred of the best high school musicians from around Southeast Alaska gathered in Petersburg this week to practice and perform as a band and choir. Schools take turns hosting the Southeast Honors Music Festival each year. The event gives the dedicated and talented students a chance to play and sing together under the instruction of college-level conductors. This year, the conductors are from the University of British Columbia and Seattle-Pacific university. The students had never played together as a group before and they had just two days to prepare their challenging repertoire before giving a public concert. Matt Lichtenstein visited with the honors band and choir during practice early this week and produced this story