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Petersburg Pilot, 207 N Nordic Drive, Petersburg, AK (2026)

10/16/2026

Hello rain! There’s a severe weather advisory this afternoon, so check on your boats, bail your skiffs, put away anything that could blow around in your yard, then cozy up with the October 15th edition of Alaska's Best Weekly Newspaper – The Petersburg Pilot.
On the cover: Abbey Jackson Ferree, who grew up in Petersburg, recently swam across the Catalina Channel off the coast of Southern California, making her only the third Alaskan to complete the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming and Orin Pierson wrote a great story about an accomplishment only a few hundred swimmers world wide have achieved; the Petersburg Borough Assembly, in a 6 – 0 vote, directed Borough Manager Steve Giesbrecht to draft an ordinance establishing a 9-month moratorium on certain data center development, taking steps toward regulating data centers.
In Yesterday’s News: An Alaska Day dance hosted by the Pioneers of Alaska; Petersburg parents get a tour of the new school building; Harold Bergmann says go vote; and crowds gather for the Humpy 500.
Southeast Alaska communities have a problem that will never go away – how to deal with all their trash. Nine communities participated in a regional solid waste study and we have the story on what they found and their ideas on how to move forward on page 3.
The final results of Petersburg’s 2026 municipal election have been certified. Read all the stats on page 5.
Petersburg Medical Center has launched a free program offering case management services to seniors. Story on page 5.
Volunteers at the Five Finger LIghthouse worked hard to get the weather station, which has been down for more than two months, up and running again – story and photos on pages 6 and 7.
In Sports: GO VIKINGS! The PHS Wrestling Team schedule and a team photo are on page 10 – thank you to all the local businesses that sponsored this page and support our teams!! Aidan Luhr has a profile of this year’s team on page 11. On page 12 Aidan has the breakdown of PHS Volleyball’s 4 – 0 sweep at the first conference tournament of the season!
This week’s Artifact Archive is a tiny brass fire extinguisher that got banned by the EPA. Story and photo on page 13.
In the Stork Report, CONGRATULATIONS to the Perry-Tremblay family who welcomed Isen Anders into the world on October 9th. Beautiful photo on page 13.
On the back page: The Bristol Bay salmon season return was slightly below the 20-year average but with higher prices paid to fishers.
Find out what’s happening around town and where the good deals are as we head into the thick of fall! October Fest is coming, downtown Trick-or-Treating is scheduled and a flu-shot clinic is happening this weekend. Thanks to all our advertisers, we can keep you in-the-know!
Stay safe, enjoy the rainy weather – a good excuse to curl up at home – and we will be back next week! Thanks all!

Subscribers can use the link below to access this week's PDF Edition, or use the E-Editions button on the homepage for all of our current and archived PDFs. Click here to view this week's PDF. Thanks for subscribing!...

10/01/2026

Welcome to October! The fall colors around town are at their best, walkers are timing their outings to the occasional sunbreaks, bears are still cruising our garbage cans and the first edition of Alaska’s Best Weekly paper, The Petersburg Pilot, is hot off the press!
NOTE: The H&W grocery insert was shipped to the wrong store this week, so we have no stuffer, but you can find their specials on their website.
On the cover this week: the Girls PHS Cross Country team won the Region V Championship and all six runners are going to state, while only one of the boys team qualified – sophomore Andi Mihai finished third at regionals with a new personal best of 18:11 – GO VIKINGS!!; after the assembly reached a 3 to 3 deadlock at their September 21 meeting, the data moratorium will come before the assembly again today at noon with more information for assembly members to consider.
In Yesterday’s News: a search for missing wives; Petersburg’s water supply made safe after the loan of a chlorinator; King Salmon return to the Crystal Lake Hatchery; sixth graders plant seeds from NASA.
The Petersburg-Wrangell area has the lowest rental vacancy rate in Alaska – by a lot! Story on page 3.
As we approach our chance to vote, readers write to the editor to state their cases! Letters to the editor are on both pages 4 and 5 this week.
The Police Report this week covers from September 16th through the 29th.
As more and more charter operators skirt the Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886, the passenger equivalent of the Jones Act, Southeast Alaska yacht captains cry foul! Petersburg’s Alisa Jeste and Jim Edgars are featured in an article on page 7 that explains why this is making it harder for those playing by the rules.
The first Permanent Fund Dividends are going out today and this week's edition has lots of ads offering special deals for PFD $.
It’s time to VOTE!! Early voting is happening now at the city offices. Read all about the 6 candidates running for Petersburg Borough Assembly on pages 10 and 11.
This year’s moose harvest is on pace with last year’s all-time record and we’ve got the stats on page 12.
This fall’s Commercial Dungeness Fishery opened this morning at 08:00 and will at 11:59 on October 31st. Story on page 12.
Three out of four Alaska gubernatorial candidates discussed tourism, mining, the state ferry system and other economic-related activities that affect Southeast Alaska at a candidate forum held in Ketchikan last Tuesday. Find out what they had to say on page 13.
Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Ross Stuart Tulloch, 49. His obituary is on page 14.
The Clausen Museum’s Artifact Archive this week is a Standard Register of Attendance and Deportment. Find out what that is on page 14.
Need a job? Check out our classified ads on page 15.
Thank you to all our readers and advertisers – we could not do this without your support!
Stay safe out there hunters and fishers!

Subscribers can use the link below to access this week's PDF Edition, or use the E-Editions button on the homepage for all of our current and archived PDFs. Click here to view this week's PDF. Thanks for subscribing!...

09/10/2026

Welcome to the September 10, 2026 edition of Alaska’s Best Weekly Newspaper! On the cover this week: After months of salary negotiations between the Borough and its Employees Union, talks have reached an impasse and are headed to mediation; PFDs will begin showing up on October 1; the Borough adopts its first-ever road standards for areas outside Service Area One; and a Welcome Home Ceremony took place at the airport when the remains of a Tlingit infant were repatriated – find photos on the cover and on page 12.
In Yesterday’s News: patrons of the Variety Theater are treated to a fine program; a Petersburg man is charged with murder in Ketchikan; Grade School News by Harold Bergmann; and the Beat the Odds Race ‘could have turned into a surfing competition.’
The Borough accepted an $8.9-million grant for a new small-vessel haul-out in Scow Bay, story on page 3.
The SE Alaska red king crab fishery will open for the second year in a row – read all about it on page 6.
Some good news from the U.S. Forest Service is on page 6 – so far, they’ve found no invasive green crabs at Anan and Etolin.
Moose season opens on September 15, following last year’s record harvest – details on page 7.
It's an otter disaster! The Wrangell Borough is seeking relief for the Dungeness fishery decline. Read the story on page 7.
The Petersburg Borough Municipal election is on October 6. SAMPLE BALLOTS can be found on pages 8 and 9.
For the first time this season the PHS Girls Cross Country team had its full roster of runners and they did not disappoint at the Klawock Invitational. Aiden Luhr has all the details on page 8 and 9.
The PHS Swim and Dive team opened their season with a solid performance! Aiden Luhr shares the details on page 10.
Petersburg’s Dan J. Sullivan continues to face unsubstantiated accusations that he is a fraudulent candidate as Trump indicates the DOJ may bring a case against him and a Republican aligned group files a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission. For details, read both articles on page 11.
Haines businesses are bracing for the impacts of the Canadian tariffs that began on September 8 – story on page 11.
The Alaska Department of Health has announced a fifth round of federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding awards that will range from improving access to pharmacy care and emergency services to hydroponic farming and virtual reality training for students in health care careers. Story on page 12.
Check out Library News on page 14 – there are lots of cool classes, A Petersburg Science Series presentation, story times and the Manhattan Film Festival!
Calling all extroverts and aspiring thespians! The Mitkof Mummers are holding a casting call for a nursery rhyme whodunit and welcome new talent!! Read the story on this week’s back cover.
Congratulations go out to Earl and Shannon Midkiff as they celebrate 70 years of marriage and Shannon’s 90th birthday!
Thanks to all our advertisers and subscribers! We could not do this without your support!
Enjoy the sunshine this weekend and we’ll be back with another great issue next week!

Subscribers can use the link below to access this week's PDF Edition, or use the E-Editions button on the homepage for all of our current and archived PDFs. Click here to view this week's PDF. Thanks for subscribing!...

09/03/2026

Dear Readers, the Pilot will be printed in black and white for the month of September while our press operator has a much needed vacation. Thank you for your understanding.
Things are quieting down around town as Petersburgers watch the muskeg change colors and turn their focus from boating and fishing to hunting and putting up firewood. Enjoy these next few sunny days and the first September edition of the Petersburg Pilot.
On the cover: Tom Begich suspended his campaign and endorsed JKT for governor; the library is hosting a retrospective of local artist Karen Cornelius’ work; the 19th annual Rainforest Festival will focus on island wildlife and living with bears.
In Yesterday’s News: a reliable road is needed to reliably get the kids in Scow Bay to school year-round; fishers wonder if there will be, or should be, an extension; 20 Norwegian dancers travel to Haines to perform in the Southeast Alaska State Fair; the elementary school gets a new – and very tall! – principal.
Alaska schools are set to receive $115M in a war-driven oil revenue bonus. Story on page 3.
The Tlingit and Haida Housing Authority urges tribal homeowners to apply for assistance before September – find out what’s available on page 3.
Sick of waiting in line at the PO? The Postal Service says help is on the way – story on page 4.
The 2026 PHS Cross Country team schedule is on page 6 – thank you to all the local businesses that sponsored it! GO VIKINGS!
Newspaper Girls – Read all about it!! The Pilot hasn't had newspaper kids since before the pandemic, until this summer! Read the story about our summer newspaper girl and her mentors on page 8.
The Skagway ferry terminal has been closed indefinitely. Why!? Find out on page 8.
Condolences go out to the families of Don Peeler, 62, and Frank T. Kaino, 96. Their obituaries are on page 9.
This week’s Artifact Archive is a primitive wooden buck saw. Read about it and see its photo on page 10.
The Petersburg Fishing Report can be found on the back page.
Don’t forget that in every issue we publish the movie marque, tide tables, ferry schedule, senior meals menu, school lunch menu, ferry schedule, police blotter and Petersburg Happenings in our pages!
Need a job? Check out the listings in our classified ads on page 11.
ENJOY THE SUNSHINE and we will be back on September 10 with a new edition of Alaska’s Best Weekly Newspaper!

Petersburg Pilot

08/27/2026

The kids are back in school, it’s gently raining, the last Market of the season is this Saturday and the last August 2026 edition of Alaska’s best weekly paper is hot off the press!

On the cover: 6 candidates have filed to run for 3 assembly seats and every other board seat is uncontested; worried about winter heating costs? Coastal Alaska Heat Pump rebate program has lots of money to give; and the 2001 roadless rule is once again in peril as the U.S.F.S. proposes to rescind it.

In Yesterday’s News: sales tax numbers prove Petersburg is growing; A jury decision in less than 15 minutes; a new and better bear trap; and a rash of stolen cars!

Petersburg Medical Center is piloting a new monthly subscription for primary care and the details are on page 3.

In a guest editorial Larry Persily says, “Not all federal money for ferries is spent wisely.” And in this week’s commentary, Persily writes, “Everyone will pay for federal debt because everyone benefitted.” Both are on page 4.

All Petersburg students are eligible for both free breakfasts and lunches again this year – story on page 6.

Fun things are happening at the library! Find Library happenings on page 6.

Is a U.S. Department of Justice investigation about to disrupt Alaska’s U.S. Senate race? Find out how accusations against local candidate Dan J. Sullivan plays a role in this developing story on page 7.

THe 2026 Swim and Dive season is underway with a young team, big ambitions and a lot of promise.
Aidan Luhr has the story on page 9. Their season schedule is on page 8.

PLEASE VOTE on October 6! There is a sample ballot on page 10.

PHS Cross Country had a good first meet of the season in Sitka – find out all about it on page 12.

Did you know? Each week we print the local tide tables, school lunch menu, senior dinner menu, ferry schedule, Northern Nights Theater movie marquee, and Petersburg Happenings, a community calendar.
There is a lot to learn in the ads every week. Highlights this week include: Mitkof Mummers is holding a casting call: Debra and Rita and getting married and you are invited; Potters Farms will be at the Market; a welcome home to ‘Baby Tlingit Girl’ as her remains are repatriated to her land after more than 100 years, a call for male artists, and a Rainforest Run.

Thank you to all our subscribers and advertisers – we could not do this without you!!

Subscribers can use the link below to access this week's PDF Edition, or use the E-Editions button on the homepage for all of our current and archived PDFs. Click here to view this week's PDF. Thanks for subscribing!...

08/21/2026

Leaves are changing colors, fishermen are putting nets in storage, bears are roaming the streets at night in search of unsecured garbage and the August 20 edition of the Pilot has the much-anticipated 2026 STEDMAN ELEMENTARY CLASSROOM LIST on page 11!!

On the cover: JKT, Begich, Wilson and Bronson will advance to November’s general election for Governor of Alaska; the aquatic center pool reopens with limits; Peltola, Sullivan, Sullivan and Heikes advance in the Senate race; TOOT! TOOT! The Silver Bay cannery’s steam whistle sounded off this week when the pack hit 100,000 cases of canned salmon!!

Congratulations to the fleet and thank you to all the summer workers making it happen!

In Yesterday’s News: Theodore Roosevelt says or**es of expenditures on campaigns are a burning disgrace; new teachers need housing; a life changing boat fire; and a near midair collision between a floatplane and a breaching whale!

After an appeal, the assembly sends back the Tidal Network subdivision application to the Planning Commission. Details on page 3.

In a letter to the editor Kelly Bakos shares the story of her 3-legged dog's rescue.
Laine Welsh, in a commentary on page 5, asks, “Why no trawl backlash to Dan Sullivan’s proposed bycatch bill?”

A Petersburg man has pleaded not guilty to two felony drug charges for m**h and fentanyl – details on page 5.

Petersburg’s Banana Point boat launch has new breakwaters! Story and photos on page 6.

The Petersburg Indian Association is repatriating the remains of an infant girl taken nearly a century ago from Thomas Bay. Read about how she was found at a museum in Seattle on page 7.

Petersburg voters cast 555 ballots during Tuesday’s primary election and we’ve got the breakdown for you on page 8.

Alaska is on-course to approve new campaign donation limits with ballot Measure 1 being approved by more than 70% of voters. Story with details on page 9.

The 2026 – 2027 SCHOOL CALENDAR is on page 10 – thank you to all the local businesses that sponsored its publication.

The 2026 – 2027 SCHOOL BUS SCHEDULE is on page 11.

The University of Alaska Board of Regents moves to cut tuition for out-of-state students, aiming to boost enrollment. Story on page 13.

This week’s Artifact Archive is a Tramp Art Wooden Frame made by ‘an old Norwegian fellow.’ Learn about it on page 14.

On the back cover: Scott May submitted a gorgeous aerial shot of whales bubble net feeding in Frederick Sound;

A solar power farm at 6-mile in Wrangell is on track for completion by 2028 – 2029.
Thank you to all our subscribers, readers and advertisers!

Make the most of the rest of your summer and we will be back next week with more news, local deals and fun happenings in our pages!

Petersburg Pilot

08/14/2026

The August 13 edition of the Petersburg Pilot is ready for your reading pleasure!
PLEASE NOTE: The Pilot store will be open from 10a-12p on Friday, August 14, and CLOSED all day Friday, August 21.

On the cover this week: the Borough assembly passed an ordinance establishing the Thomas Bay Service Area, clearing the way for future land sales; Kinder Skog held its third annual sea kayak expedition, this time paddling from Banana Point to Woewodski Island and back on an excellent adventure; putting the devastating fire that razed St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in the summer of 2023 behind them, the congregation celebrated its dedication mass in their beautiful new building.

In Yesterday’s News: A record salmon pack, sleeping children saved from a housefire, a Fisheries Steering Committee formed, and the worst four letter word in the world.

Congratulations to Shannon Baird, Petersburg School District’s finance director, on being selected as a recipient of the Association of School Business Officials International’s 2026 Emerging Leaders Scholarship Award. Story on page 3.

In letters to the editor this week Johnathan Kreiss-Tomkins’ campaign finance record is questioned by one writer and her concern is addressed in a letter from former Governor Tony Knowles endorsing Kreiss-Tompkins in his run for Governor of Alaska.
In a Guest Editorial, Larry Persily suggests you spend your vote wisely to limit campaign donations.

Alaska lost a higher percentage of its workforce than almost all of the U.S. states to sweeping cuts made by the Trump administration. Read about the fallout on page 6.

Digital electric meters are coming to town! Get the details on page 7.

Petersburg’s Dan J. Sullivan is on the ballot for the U.S.Senate – read about his policies on page 7.

Bill Hill, Independent candidate for the U.S. House, running against incumbent Rep. Nick Begich, brought his “Alaska First” pitch to Petersburg and met for an interview with our very own Orin Pierson. Read about his campaign on page 8.

HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY goes out to Jean Ellis!

PHS Cross Country has a new head coach! Marathoner Kayleigh Lenhard will lead the team with husband and assistant coach Nathaniel Lenhard. Aidan Luhr met with the team to discuss this year’s challenges and goals. Story on page 11.

Congratulations to Anya Pawuk for achieving a 4.0 grade average at UAA, being named to the Chancellor’s list and on entering the UAA nursing school program this fall!

SAMPLE BALLOT on page 12. The polls are open for early voting! PLEASE VOTE.
Our condolences go out to the friends and family of Lee Ribich, a beloved teacher, coach and Petersburg’s 2005 Poet Laureate. His obituary is on page 13.

Congratulations to Beth Flor. See a her painting, A Tranquil Respite, selected by the American Artists Professional League, on page 13.

Library News lists some of their great programming on page 14.

NEED A JOB? NEED SOMETHING TO DO? Lots of listings can be found in our pages! Thanks to all our advertisers for keeping our readers apprised of the best deals and fun times happening in Petersburg!

On the back cover: Way to go and thank you to the 17 kayakers and 38 bikers who helped the 12th Annual Pedal/Paddle Battle raise a record high of $25,135 for student education.

The weather forecast is looking bright! Have a wonderful weekend in this beautiful place that is home to Alaska's Best Weekly Newspaper!

Subscribers can use the link below to access this week's PDF Edition, or use the E-Editions button on the homepage for all of our current and archived PDFs. Click here to view this week's PDF. Thanks for subscribing!...

08/06/2026

Welcome to the August 6 edition of Alaska's Best Weekly Newspaper!

On this week’s cover: A group of Petersburg volunteers rescued a humpback whale caught in a gillnet; a strong Sunday opening brings cautious hope to the seine fleet; and new street lights are being installed downtown.

In Yesterday’s News: dredging in front of the Trading Union and Cold Storage docks is good news for bigger boats; a floating cannery comes to town; pink salmon get a helicopter lift to the spawning grounds above Anan Creek falls; and a visitor catches a $10,000 fish!?

This week we bid a fond farewell to our summer intern, Caleb Morrow. He was a great asset to our team and we already miss him! Read his letter to the community on page 4.

Chris van Ettinger wrote a commentary this week entitled “Made in the USA: It’s not just words.” Read it on page 5.

HERE COME THE BEARS! As fall approaches bears have already been spotted around town. Fish and Game Wildlife biologist Frank Robbins offers trash management solutions – the key to keeping bears from roaming our streets – on page 7.

And get details on the upcoming Rainforest Festival sponsored bear education event on September 12.

In our center-spread local advertisers sponsored a big Thank You to the USCG for providing statewide services that keep us all safer on the water!

A couple on a 1200-mile kayak adventure from Bellingham, WA, to Skagway stopped in Petersburg for a rest and shared their story. Read it on page 11 – it’s good!

Clausen Museum is hosting two screenings, with concessions, of the 1959 film “Ice Palace” in conjunction with their new exhibit “Hollywood Comes to Petersburg: The making of Ice Palace.” Come enjoy the film for all the fun sightings of familiar local scenes, a memorable fight scene and see if you can spot locals who appeared as extras! Read all about this fun exhibit and special event on page 12.

The Petersburg Fishing Report is on Page 13.

Wrangell should have a new Forest Service cabin near Long Lake ready by fall and we’ve got the details on page 16.

After the deadly landslide Wrangell suffered in 2023, they are waiting for approved federal and state disaster funds to help cover the massive expenses associated with it. Story on page 16.

Heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and family of Mary Lou Benitz. Her Celebration of Life announcement is on page 16.

There is a lot going on around Petersburg – find the deals and events you don’t want to miss in our ads. Advertisers are key to our ability to continue publishing our small town paper.

Thank you to all our advertisers and readers for supporting local journalism! We’ll have a fresh new paper for you on August 13. Have a great week!

Subscribers can use the link below to access this week's PDF Edition, or use the E-Editions button on the homepage for all of our current and archived PDFs. Click here to view this week's PDF. Thanks for subscribing!...

07/23/2026

We hope you’ve all enjoyed the glorious stretch of weather while the news continued to unfold.
This week on the cover: the Tidal Network Subdivision for a communication tower was halted at the Planning Commission; a new ordinance would add nepotism standards for elected officials to the borough code; and Senator Murkowski’s landless bill passed through the Senate Committee.
In Yesterday’s News: Alaska territorial health commissioner said it’s the driest place in the country – ummm, what!?; mail sacks fall overboard; the F/V Symphony is in a commercial; and PMC is approved as a critical access hospital.
The Borough Assembly voted unanimously to approve applying for two loans to pay for a pair of EPA-required wastewater studies. Read the details on page 3.
In a letter to the editor, Linda Slaght provides an update on the Girl Scout program in Petersburg.
In a commentary, Chris van Ettinger says, “Every voice matters – remember to vote!”
The USCG cutter Elderberry has a new officer in charge. Read about Senior Chief Petty Officer Jacob Pegoda’s tenure as commanding officer and meet his replacement, Senior Chief Officer Craig Campomizzi on pages 6 and 7.
On page 8 we have a photo of an artist’s rendering of Wrangell’s proposed shipyard and details about the estimated $605 million to $726 million project.
After a free training offered by Tlingit and Haida’s Public Safety Division last week, Petersburg is forming a Community Emergency Response Team that can back-up other first responders if a large disaster occurs. Find out all about it, and how you can still get trained to help, on page 9.
Did you miss it the first time? Did everyone say, “You should have seen it! It was Amazing!” Well now is your chance! The PHS Theater Program is presenting an encore performance of DRACULA to raise funds for their upcoming trip to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Get the details on page 9.
Local college graduate Bergen Kludt-Painter is in town for a 10-week internship with Sea Grant Alaska. Find out what she’s up to on page 10.
The popular Kinder Skog Theater Camp staged two performances recently. We have pictures and a story on page 12.
Parks and Rec is hosting “Trekking Through the Tongass,” an approximately 24-mile bike race that will begin and end at Blind Slough. Find out about it on page 13.
Artifact Archive shares a fun photo from summer days gone by – see it and read about it on page 14.
Good news for sports fishing enthusiasts! There is an increase in the sport fishing opportunities in the Wrangell Narrows and Blind Slough area. Details on page 14.
Petersburg Medical Center launched a subscription-based healthcare program on July 1, giving members access to primary care services for a monthly fee. The story is on page 16 along with a stunning sunset photo by our very own Ola Richards!
Thanks to all our advertisers, you can find the best deals in town and take advantage of all the activities happening in Petersburg!
Thank you readers! We could not create the best weekly in Alaska without your support!
Have a great week!

Petersburg Pilot

Petersburg Pilot

10/16/2026

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