Matt Lichtenstein

PETERSBURG-AK (2010-03-04) Computers and related technologies have become critical parts of classroom teaching over the last decade. It’s been a key focus for Petersburg schools and last month, three young students took top honors in a statewide contest for the use of technology in the classroom. 5th graders Sierra Schonberg and Hana Newman won first place in the public service announcement category of the Ididacontest. In the “tell a story” podcast category, 6th grader Kylie Wallace won 1st place and the people’s choice award. The annual event is sponsored by the Alaska Society for Technology in Education. Matt Lichtenstein spoke with the students and their teachers about learning and teaching technology

Matt Lichtenstein

PETERSBURG-AK (2010-03-04) Design planning for Petersburg’s new library building is moving into its final stages, though it could still see some refinement. The project architect presented the latest plans to the public at a Tuesday night meeting of the Library Building Committee. As Matt Lichtenstein reports, some local residents raised concerns about the building and site design.

Matt Lichtenstein

PETERSBURG-AK (2010-03-02) Six coastal communities could lose their local connection to the University of Alaska’s Marine advisory program. University officials say without legislative funding, they may have to close offices in some towns including Petersburg, Cordova, Nome, Dillingham, Unalaska and Kodiak. Marine Advisory staff are best known for the educational, research, and regulatory help they provide to fishermen and other small, marine-related businesses. Matt Lichtenstein has a closer look at the program and its funding situation.

Matt Lichtenstein

PETERSBURG-AK (2010-03-01) Local police say they discovered the remnants of a methamphetamine lab in the woods within downtown Petersburg. It’s one of only two such labs authorities have found in or near the Petersburg area in at least the past decade. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration sent in a contractor late last week to remove chemical residues and equipment found at the site, which is not far from residential neighborhoods. Police say they have a suspect but they have not made any arrests yet.

Matt Lichtenstein

PETERSBURG-AK (2010-02-25) A poor pink salmon projection has prompted one of Petersburg’s canneries to stay closed this summer. Ocean Beauty Seafoods says they will continue to buy salmon from all the fishermen who usually sell to them on the grounds, but they'll only be processing at their shore-side plant near Juneau. The company emphasizes its only planning a one-year closure in Petersburg. Still, the decision will likely mean less fish tax revenue for the city as well as fewer customers for local businesses.

Matt Lichtenstein

PETERSBURG-AK (2010-02-24) Petersburg High School takes a trip down the rabbit hole this week with a production of “Alice in Wonderland”. The local adaptation of the classic story premiers tonight and runs through Saturday at the Wright auditorium. Matt Lichtenstein stopped by drama teacher Debbie Tice’s class to speak with some of the actors as well as the technical crew that runs the lights and built the sets

Ed Ronco

SITKA, ALASKA (2010-03-10) The U.S. Forest Service plans to get rid of its Sitka Ranger boat, and it could shed another one of its remaining two Southeast boats if their use diminishes. Forest Service Sitka District Ranger Carol Goularte announced the news at Tuesday night's Sitka Assembly meeting.

Ed Schoenfeld

JUNEAU, ALASKA (2010-03-09) The Parnell administration is not ready to join the campaign to build a power line linking Southeast Alaska to central British Columbia. But it’s tracking the project and considering its pros and cons. Gene Therriault, the governor’s energy adviser, discussed what’s called the A-K-B-C intertie at a Southeast Conference meeting earlier this month in Juneau. The administration of Governor Frank Murkowski pushed for construction of the line. But state support has lessened since he left office. The most likely route would start at the Bradfield Canal, southeast of Wrangell, and cross the coastal mountains to British Columbia. Canadian officials have taken steps toward extending the province’s electrical grid to a point where it could connect to the cross-boundary line. But construction is not certain. A private company trying to develop hydroelectric plants northeast of Petersburg wants to sell power across the border. And Wrangell officials have pushed for the project. Therriault says the governor has not made direct contact with British Columbia about the line. But he says the Alaska Energy Authority has been in touch with provincial power officials.

Deanna Garrison

KETCHIKAN, ALASKA (2010-03-09) Prince of Wales residents were staunchly divided Monday on legislation that would allow Sealaska to select acreage outside of its current land selection boundaries. The town hall meeting was the first in a series of listening sessions being held on Prince of Wales and around Southeast on the Sealaska lands legislation.

Robert Woolsey

SITKA, ALASKA (2010-03-06) The Sitka High girls have won their first 3A basketball title in Region V. The Lady Wolves edged past Haines on Friday night, 37-31, in the championship game. But, in the very next game, Haines won the 3A boys’ title, in a one-point, overtime contest against Mt. Edgecumbe that will likely be remembered as one of the best efforts of the Braves’ basketball program.

Ed Ronco

SITKA, ALASKA (2010-03-05) Sitka High School and Mt. Edgecumbe High School have a decades-old cross-town rivalry. And it was visible to some extent at this week's Region V high school basketball tournament. But students and staff say the rivalry -- which has had its share of tension -- is becoming more and more positive.