Joe Viechnicki

PETERSBURG, AK (2010-02-08) 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.

Matt Lichtenstein

PETERSBURG-AK (2010-02-05) 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 Klingman about it:

Matt Lichtenstein

PETERSBURG-AK (2010-02-04) 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.

Matt Lichtenstein

PETERSBURG-AK (2010-02-04) 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.

Matt Lichtenstein

PETERSBURG-AK (2010-02-03) 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.

Joe Viechnicki

PETERSBURG, AK (2010-02-02) The Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the commercial crab fleet are trying out some different approaches to estimating the amount of red king crab in Southeast. The effort was prompted by crabbers who say the department’s current stock survey under-estimates crab abundance. The fishery has remained closed for the last four years because of low survey numbers. The department tried out two new survey methods last fall and presented the results of that pilot project to crabbers late last month.

Deanna Garrison

KETCHIKAN, ALASKA (2010-02-08) The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority says a majority of Alaska’s Congressional Delegation is support its land exchange proposal. The trust is seeking Congressional approval of a swap of trust lands throughout Southeast Alaska for national forest lands on Prince of Wales Island.

Ed Ronco

SITKA, ALASKA (2010-02-06) 20-year-old Jason Abbott received 140 years in prison for the stabbing deaths of three relatives and a family friend, and the stabbing assault of a fifth relative. **This story contains sensitive testimony recorded in court, and might be upsetting to some listeners.**

Casey Kelly

JUNEAU, ALASKA (2010-02-05) The biggest economic hurdle in rural Alaska is high energy costs. That was the message from about 50 elected officials who took part in the recent Alaska Conference of Mayors meeting. The conference was part of the Alaska Municipal League’s annual legislative meeting in Juneau. One of AML’s priorities for this session is a statewide energy plan for local communities.

Ed Schoenfeld

JUNEAU, ALASKA (2010-02-04) The federal government is giving the Sealaska Corporation close to a million dollars to thin second-growth forests on Prince of Wales Island. The Forest Service also plans to thin trees using federal stimulus money. But they’ve got different aims.

Deanna Garrison

KETCHIKAN, ALASKA (2010-02-04) The body of a young male has been found on Fair Street. Police believe the body is likely that of a 20-year-old who has been missing since November.

Ed Schoenfeld

JUNEAU, ALASKA (2010-02-02) The state's cruise-ship science advisory panel met for the first time Monday, Feb. 1. The introductory session brought members up to speed on pollution-control issues and procedural matters. But the controversy surrounding its membership, and the law that set it in place, was not far from the surface. Look below for links to more information about the science panel and the issues it’s considering, as well as links to previous stories.