Author: kfskadmin

Forest service offices around southeast Alaska are going through another round of staff cuts. It is part of a re-organization plan for the Tongass that’s been underway since 2006.

The Petersburg city council is encouraging the Alaska Congressional delegation to support a land exchange that could preserve the hillside along Mitkof highway. That was one of many items on this week’s council agenda. The council approved a permit that will help pave the way for Petersburg’s first fiber-optic link to the lower-48. Councilors also finalized a decrease in electric rates.

It looks like Petersburg’s search for a city manager has come to a close. The city council has approved a contract with Richard Underkofler who formerly served in the same post in the early 80’s.

Southeast Alaska halibut fishermen will see a big cut to their catch this year. The International Pacific Halibut Commission this week went with its staff recommendations for a 27 percent reduction in the regions commercial quota. The commission made the decision at its annual meeting in Portland, Oregon. This year’s lower harvest target will also affect not only commercial fishermen, but also the southeast charter fleet.

The Petersburg school board is hoping to put preparation time back into the daily schedule for teachers at Petersburg high school. The board discussed ways to include teacher prep time in next year’s district budget. Board members also approved a change in location for future board meetings and talked about the district’s liability for housing student athletes.