Author: kfskadmin

Harbor rates and fees are on their way up again in Petersburg…..but it will take a couple more readings before the increases are final. That’s because the councilors turned down a measure that would have allowed them to approve harbor rate hikes with one vote instead of three.

A group of property owners in Petersburg wants state forestry rules to include protections for public safety. The issue stems from local concern over the possibility that an Alaska mental health trust logging plan could cause landslides on the steep slopes above the town’s main road, where many homes and businesses are located. The state board of forestry has been discussing the proposal which has the support of at least one lawmaker in southeast.

Petersburg organizers are developing a new charitable foundation. It has a broad mission to help fund local non-profit efforts – from education and the arts to health, community heritage and local infrastructure projects. Called the Frederick Sound Community Foundation, it’s essentially an endowment that’s invested with many other such funds around the state under the umbrella of the Alaska Community Foundation. The idea is to minimize administrative costs and maximize interest so the fund can award grants each year to local causes. The statewide Rasmussen foundation is encouraging the development of these community foundations by offering matching grants to help build start-up funds like the one in Petersburg. Matt Lichtenstein sat down with the Frederick Sound Community Foundation steering committee members Kris Norosz, Cindy Lagoudakis (log-uh-dock-us) and Sue Paulsen to find out more about how it will work:

Petersburg police have brought-on two new officers in the past year. In February, we spoke with newly –hired trainee Joey Bogs who is now at the law enforcement academy in Fairbanks. Petersburg's next newest officer is Jerrod Pop. Originally from Fairbanks, pop is 22 years old and has already attended the academy. He’s been on the job in Petersburg since July. Matt Lichtenstein recently spoke with Pop about his experience so far:

The latest design for a new Petersburg library met with good reviews this week. A crowd of over 40 people turned out for the architect’s presentation, including two city councilors who say they support putting a library bonding measure on the fall ballot.
(Note: The report incorrectly refers to a 75 hundred square foot building. The latest design is now 8800 square feet, which is up from the previous design)