Sorted by date Results 376 - 400 of 461
A schoolwide art program at Evergreen Elementary began at the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year by drawing out confidence in the student body. Developed over the summer by Tawney Crowley, the social-emotional learning model helps kids from kindergarten through fifth grade express themselves, even if it's a struggle. "Between Jenn Miller-Yancey and I, we both since the summer knew we wanted to do more than just arts and crafts," Crowley said. "We definitely shared this vision that everybody...
In order to stay compliant with shipping requirements, Wrangell Public Works began using a trash baler last October. The machine also could save money for the borough. Because open-top trash containers with lose garbage are being phased out by Alaska Marine Lines due to fire risk, Public Works needed a compactor/baler to compress Wrangell’s garbage for loading into closed containers for the barge ride out of town. The baler, which was purchased in late spring of 2021 for $347,600, condenses trash into a smaller volume, a 50-cubic-foot, t...
From the start, the Wrangell High School girls basketball game against alumni players was fierce. It was evident from the moment the starting buzzer sounded last Friday that the alumni team came ready to play, as Lynsie Morelli sank three shots in the first few minutes. The Lady Wolves tried to score, only to be rebuffed by the alumni. Lizzy Romane of the alumni team was fouled and took advantage of it by landing both free throws. The teen team recovered the ball, ran downcourt, and missed...
For about 20 years on New Year's Day, some of the bravest in the community gather to prove their mettle by wading into the frigid water of Shoemaker Harbor for the aptly named Polar Plunge. This year was no different. On Jan. 1, about 54 people of all ages walked into waist-deep water and then submerged up to their necks. The goal was to reach one minute. Most made it, some gave up soon after getting in. "I did it last year. It wasn't that bad. I had a wetsuit on, but all my friends said I was...
Internet service provided by GCI was knocked out when Wrangell was pummeled by a gusty storm on Nov. 30, and three weeks later residents were still reporting outages. Technicians were able to restore service to customers by Dec. 3, but there were complaints as recently as Dec. 22 that the service comes and goes. Residents took to the Wrangell Community Group on Facebook to ask if others were experiencing outages — and to complain. Some were seeing disruptions every day, sometimes up to five hours with no service. “It’s my understanding that...
There were about 1,000 stories in the Wrangell Sentinel last year, covering state and local budgets, the ailing state ferry system, ongoing pandemic and more — including a new owner for the Sentinel. On Jan. 1, Larry Persily bought the newspaper — for the third time over the past 45 years — with a promise to return the operation to Wrangell, expand the paper and its staff, and focus on more local news. “We plan to add more news from around Southeast and the state, but not at the expense of crowding out news of Wrangell. It’s not one or the ot...
Basketball players get older, but it doesn't seem to hinder their performance. High school alumni competed against the current squad of Wrangell Wolves in an annual exhibition game Dec. 28, giving them a lesson in how to play the game. In the end, the high schoolers fell to the out-of-schoolers, 60-39. Robbie Marshall, the high school assistant coach, played for the alumni team and scored the first basket. That was followed up by the second basket by teammate Jean-Luc Lewis. Junior Jason Hay...
As of Jan. 1, Wrangell’s roadways won’t look much different after a new state regulation adopted by Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration took effect. Alaskans are now allowed to drive their ATVs on most roadways where the speed limit is 45 mph or less, unless the city or borough opts out. The new law will only affect one portion of Wrangell streets. “For us, there’s really not much of a change of anything,” said Lt. Bruce Smith, of the Wrangell Police Department. Except for the Airport Loop, he added. Municipal code already allows ATVs to be...
Two hundred at-home COVID-19 test kits were delivered to Wrangell’s emergency operations center last Friday, and more will soon be on the way. Capt. Dorianne Sprehe, of the EOC, said the fire department received the kits via SEARHC, and is making them available free to anyone who requests them. “We’ve already handed out a couple over the weekend,” Sprehe said on Monday. The kits are available to pick up any time at the fire hall between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. People who plan on large gatherings, especially those with friends...
Fundraising efforts are a year-round task for most organizations, but during the holidays those efforts are increased. People in Wrangell are willing to give their time, energy and money to support everything from the food pantry and pets to high school athletes. A pressing need "This community, hand over fist, is one of the most generous communities I've ever had the privilege to work in," said Lt. Jon Tollerud, of The Salvation Army. The Christian-based organization coordinates the community...
The Wolves returned to Wrangell a pack victorious. Two state champions added another title to their high school wrestling careers and others chalked up second- and third-place wins after last weekend's state championship tournament in Anchorage. Seniors Ryan Rooney and Liana Carney both bested their opponents to win in their weight classes. Rooney is a two-time state champion with a 21-0 record, and this is the third state title for Carney, who is 19-0. It was a close call for Rooney, though,...
The squeak of shoes on hardwood. The familiar thump thump thump of a ball on the court. The swish of the net. All of it signals the return of boys' basketball season to Wrangell. And these guys are ready. "We demand a lot of our kids," said Cody Angerman, head coach. "We tell them it doesn't just happen during the season. Playing during the off-season is kind of what separates people, and a lot of these guys take that to heart." Like any other sport, he said, there are those who love it more...
Internet service provided by GCI was knocked out when Wrangell was pummeled by a gusty storm on Nov. 30. Technicians were able to restore service to customers by Dec. 3, however, there have been complaints in recent days that the service comes and goes. Residents have taken to the Wrangell Community Group on Facebook to ask if others were experiencing outages — and to complain. Some were seeing disruptions every day, sometimes up to five hours with no service. “It’s my understanding that sever...
Like eight-track, cassette tapes and VCRs, cable TV will soon be a piece of entertainment nostalgia — in Alaska anyway. GCI announced a year ago that it would cease providing cable television service, and has introduced its streaming app, Yukon TV, to replace it. The company had set Dec. 31 as the deadline for customers to turn in their cable boxes and sign up for the new service, but later extended the deadline to March 31 — though fewer channels will be available on cable as the company transitions its service. “The whole industry is movin...
Wrangell's community garden has a chance to grow once more. On Dec. 8, eight people gathered in the community gym classroom to discuss forming a committee to oversee the direction the project will take. "That's really what tonight is all about, is not making any decisions or appointing anyone to a position exactly, but we really just want to find out who is serious about being on the committee and if you don't want to be on the committee, that's OK, there's plenty of volunteer (opportunities)...
Bob Davis, assistant principal of Wrangell’s high school and middle school, has submitted his resignation and plans to retire at the end of the school year. The resignation was on the agenda for Monday’s school board meeting and will take effect next June. “When I took this job, I made it clear that I had a maximum expiration date of three years,” Davis said. “This is my second. From the time I signed my contract this last spring, I’ve made it clear that this would be my last year.” Davis has been a teacher at the middle school since 1994. He b...
A new year, a new coach and new attitudes are propelling the high school girls' basketball team into the new season. After just four games, last season was cut short due to COVID-19. But the players have shaken that off and are in the winning mindset. "I think it's looking really good. I'm super excited to see what our team can do," said junior Kiara Harrison. The team looks at last season as an opportunity to learn, practice and grow, which is already making a difference in this year's...
Wrangell's wrestlers secured more first-place wins during regional championships than any other high school at the meet. Athletes from Mt. Edgecumbe, Craig, Petersburg, Sitka, Haines, Thorne Bay, Ketchikan and Juneau's Thunder Mountain came to Wrangell to compete in the Southeast regional championships last Friday and Saturday. In the girls division, two-time state champion senior Liana Carney bested Ruby McCue of Ketchikan in the 135-pound weight class. Carney pinned her opponent in 30 seconds...
The sounds of laughter and excited conversation filled the halls, while brightly colored pieces of art adorned the walls on Dec. 1. Evergreen Elementary held its first art walk, allowing students to showcase their creative works throughout the school, a months-long effort that came about as a result of helping children express themselves. The art program, which is classified as a social-emotional learning (SEL) program, was created to help students walk through the mental and emotional...
For the first time in 14 years, the Southeast regional wrestling championships are scheduled to be held in Wrangell from Dec. 10 to Dec. 11. And the Wolves are ready. According to head coach Jef Rooney, the school activities association only allowed regional tournaments in larger communities like Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan. This is the first time in several years a smaller community has been mixed into the rotation. "It's been a long time coming," he said. In fact, the last time Wrangell...
Out of 10 high school wrestlers on the Wrangell team, eight made it to the finals and four won their brackets at the Pilot Invitational in Juneau last weekend. Liana Carney, Ethan Blatchley, Ryan Rooney and Jake Eastaugh all placed first in their weight class, with Carney going head-to-head with teammate Mia Wiederspohn in the final bracket. "They had bumped up to wrestle the 160-pounders for the competition and ended up at the top of their bracket together," said Jack Carney, assistant coach....
Students at the middle and high schools have a new focus: Values. Students in grades six through 12 can take a photo they believe captures the essence of a value — like ethics, integrity or kindness — and enter it into a contest which could land them $300 if their photo wins the top spot. Bob Davis, the assistant principal of the two schools, said a similar photo contest was held at the high school last year, but a theme wasn’t attached. “We didn’t have ‘values,’ it was just a contest, and the kids really got into it.” The original deadli...
The school district is hiring for a full-time paraprofessional position, which is a change from what it was able to offer a short time ago. Thanks to federal grant funds, the district was able to make the position full-time and offer benefits including state retirement, health insurance for the employee and dependents, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. Paraprofessionals have been needed at all three Wrangell schools for some time, though the current open position will be based at the elementary school level. They work one-on-one or in...
If something interested Ira Merrill, he would throw his all into it. He would order books to absorb and learn, just to master a subject before moving onto the next thing. As it was in all things that caught Merrill's attention, so it was especially in art. By the time of his death two years ago, at age 83, Merrill had created thousands of pieces of artwork which can still be found throughout Wrangell and beyond. Born in 1936, he had already lived an adventurous life by the time he reached...
A tree will light up. Santa will greet children. Hot food and drinks and gathering community members will warm the body and soul. Although it’s dubbed Midnight Madness, Friday’s event will feature something for everyone, in addition to special holiday sales at Wrangell businesses. The holiday bazaar will run from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Nolan Center, with about 25 vendors in attendance, selling various products. Santa Claus will make an appearance from 4 to 5:45 p.m. and then again from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in a giant snow globe. “This year, in order...
