Author: kfskadmin

A road up the Bradfield Canal connecting Southeast Alaska to Canada is still a possibility. That’s despite the fact that the state legislature last year moved some of the money set aside to study the road to a street project in Anchorage. Nevertheless, state transportation officials say they’ll continue to investigate the options for a road out of central Southeast.

The state legislature is considering a long-awaited increase in money for special education this year. Specifically, it would boost funding for intensive-needs children who must be provided with a full-time aid, though the formula would remain the same for special-ed kids whose disabilities are not as severe. Children with autism can fall anywhere within that special-needs spectrum. Whatever the severity, the cost and availability of special education services can make things difficult for some families living with autism in rural Alaska. But they say life in a small town also has its advantages.

A stage performance that prompted a national movement to stop violence against women is coming to Petersburg. Next month, a group of volunteers will be staging a local performance of “The Vagina Monologues” – an acclaimed and controversial collection of stories, some humorous, some dramatic, from the lives of many different women. The performance will benefit Women’s Aid in Violent Emergencies, a local organization that advocates for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Matt Lichtenstein spoke with WAVE volunteer Jessica Harrison about the play.

The Petersburg city council is slowing down planning for a new fire hall. Councilors took no action to hire an architect last night. Instead, they decided to consider a potentially cheaper alternative.

The federal government is giving a Bellingham, Washington company three more years to study the feasibility of constructing a new hydro-electric plant at a remote lake near Petersburg. Cascade Creek LLC'S extensive proposal to develop three such plants in Thomas bay has met with opposition from the community…largely because of the potential for environmental damage in the popular bay. The company says it is working to address local concerns.