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The Wrangell Chamber of Commerce recently issued a letter to the Borough Assembly in support of a statewide internet sales tax. Addressed to Mayor David Jack, the letter suggests a sales tax on online sales would benefit local commerce by removing a “competitive advantage” sellers on the internet have by not having to pay out-of-state sales taxes. In other states, these earnings may still be gleaned through personal or business income taxes for retailers with a physical presence there. In the case of major online retailers like Amazon, thi...
At its Sept. 8 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved a new draft of the local code pertaining to zoning categories. Specifically, changes were made which would update Title 20 to include reference to the legalization of cannabis, as well as when and where state permitted activities would and would not be allowed in the borough. An ordinance containing the updates will be headed to the Wrangell Borough Assembly for first reading at its next meeting. The commission's proposal would...
With the addition of two write-in candidates to next month’s municipal election ballot, all the expected vacancies will at least have people to fill them. Of the open spots on the Oct. 4 ballot, six are still currently uncontested. Of those being contested, current Mayor David Jack will be running for reelection against candidate Kipha Valvoda. Four candidates will be running for two three-year terms on the School Board, including former member Georgianna Buhler, Scott Seddon, Robert Rang and incumbent Rinda Howell. The two candidates with t...
October 5, 1916: The Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday night took up the matter of a wagon road to the cemetery. After some discussion on the subject a motion prevailed that the secretary be instructed to forward a petition to Colonel W.P. Richardson asking for an appropriation of $5,000 for construction of the road. The matter of preserving the totem poles of the Wrangell district and also of making a collection of curios for the purpose of attracting tourists was discussed. Upon motion a committee was appointed to devise means for preserving...
Monday, September 12 Traffic Stop – Verbal Warning for parking. Gunshots. Officer responded; it was fireworks. Tuesday, September 13 Parking Complaint. Violating Conditions of Release – Dylan Franks, 26. Driving ATV on City Streets – Verbal warning given. Wednesday, September 14 Civil Matter. Violating Conditions of Release – Dylan Franks, 26 (2 times). Arrested on charges of DUI, Clinton Robert Lewis, 51. Thursday, September 15 “Free Range” chickens causing traffic hazard. Officer responded. Owner securing them. Citizen Assist – Unlock Vehicl...
As we journey through life there are so many different obstacles we encounter. Not only do we encounter obstacles but we have many adventures which create many memories for us which we carry for a lifetime. Some of the memories I personally can call to mind are what I call “landmarks,” they help me to make my ancestry personal and real; such as, my great-grandfather was born in 1858, two years before the start of the Civil War and the same year as old “Rough & Ready,” President Theodore Roosevelt was born. If you were born in the 1950s or befo...
Kailani Grace Gustafson was born to Dacee Gillen and Joshua Gustafson on August 19, 2016 in Ketchikan. She weighted 8 lbs 2 oz and was 21 inches long. She joins big brother Jason and sissy Shailyn. Maternal grandparents are Tim and Bobbi Gillen of Wrangell. Paternal grandparents are Tracy Barker of Wrangell and James and Lori Gustafson of Covington, Washington....
To the Editor: We live in a little town that is considered remote, yet what a blessing that our lives are touched by so many caring people. Thank you, Wrangell, to those who helped medivac me out on August 20. Rosemary Ruoff...
Robert Rang , for two three-year terms Occupation and experience: Current CEO for Wrangell Medical Center, a recent director on the Wrangell Chamber of Commerce Board, with a decade of experience on other hospital boards. Why do you want to serve on the Public School Board? "Schools and medical centers have similar challenges. You must meet the needs of the customer, the staff, as well as all the regulatory requirements mandated by the federal and state government. I feel my experience finding...
The Alaska Marine Highway System’s M/V Columbia is scheduled for a trip to Oregon for repairs after divers noticed a bent starboard propeller late last week, according to Jeremy Woodrow, Alaska Department of Transportation spokesman. “Not a huge bend, but there was a noticeable bend,” he said. “That was the only visible damage the divers noticed.” Earlier in the week, the vessel was traveling Lynn Canal to Haines or Skagway when those onboard noticed a vibration. Soon after, it was discovered the vibration happened when the vessel exceeded...
Editor's note: Frank Roppel was in the timber industry from 1956 to 2002 and a Wrangell resident since 1992. After graduating from high school in Ketchikan and receiving a degree from Oregon State University, he began full time employment for Ketchikan Pulp Company in 1959. Rising to sawmill manager, Roppel became the first president of Sealaska Timber in 1980, and served as executive vice president and general manager of Alaska Lumber and Pulp from 1984 until its closure. At the advice of his...
Cordovans are hoping to revive a long lost Tanner crab fishery in Prince William Sound as a step towards keeping the town’s waterfront working year round. The crab fishery produced up to 14 million pounds in the early 1970s and had declined to about half a million pounds by the time it was closed after the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. State managers believe the Tanner stock remains depleted and cannot provide for a commercial fishery, but locals believe it’s time to take a closer look. “It’s largely the opinion of the people around here th...
Volleyball season is under way, with the Lady Wolves resuming practices last week in preparation for the season. Their first home game is set for September 30, with a weekend tournament trading venues between Wrangell and Petersburg. Coach Jessica Whitaker explained there will be two sets of home games against the Lady Vikings this season, and in both instances games will be played at both schools. It is a convenient trip for players, and also allows parents to see how their students are improving. Just because the team was on its summer...
Wrangell High School’s cross-country team finished another lap for the season, competing in Juneau over the weekend. “It went really, really, really well,” said the team’s coach, Jenn Davies. Reyn Hutten continued setting the pace, once again finishing first for the 1-3A division and placing fourth overall from among 107 girls. Among 151 boys, Riley Blatchley and Jacob Hammer came in 17th and 20th for their division, respectively, on what Davies explained was a challenging course. “There’s some strategy involved,” she said, with the course spor...
As this week's Sentinel hits the streets, Southeast Conference's 2016 Convention and Membership Meeting will be wrapping up in Petersburg. Designated by the state and federal governments as Southeast Alaska's organization for regional economic development, SEC includes 180 member organizations, representing 1,200 people from 32 regional communities. One of the highlights of its annual fall meeting in recent years has been its By the Numbers Report, which looks at economic and demographic trends...