July 22, 1926

A. Campbell of the Alaska Airship Co. has been here this week investigating Wrangell’s suitability as a landing field and fuel station for the Alaska-United States service. The airship company was organized a short time ago for the purpose of operating commercially in the north and between Alaska and the States. Such a service is expected to be a heavy moneymaker from the start, and it is the principal aim of this origination to have a Pacific Coast service as soon as possible, and to have other subsidiary companies as feeders to such a line. 

July 13, 1951

The U.S. Forest Service and federal Bureau of Public Roads offices announced today that approval has been received for extending Zimovia Highway from the present end to Pats Creek. Both offices expressed gratification that this approval has been received and funds have been programmed for construction this fiscal year. Charles Burdick, assistant regional forester, said it is hoped that a contract can be let this fall and work completed by early spring. This extension will open up additional homesite areas which are urgently needed, and will also give access to the Pats Lake recreation area. The last extension to the road and surveying and brushing the right of way for the new extension was done about 15 years ago.

July 14, 1976

The Alaska Carriers Association has sent a letter to Donald Harris, Alaska Department of Public Works, requesting that the state ferry rates be revised to end what the group calls “discrimination … to members of our industry.” The truckers group alleges that state ferry officials favor the tourist business on ships “over freight movements in this last round of ferry rate increases.” Dave Murdy, of Wrangell Transport, said, “They put the ferries in for the people of Southeast Alaska … and the original purpose has gone by the wayside.” Murdy said the ferry system now serves the tourists rather than area residents and their transportation needs. 

July 12, 2001

The port commission continued to discuss projects at its meeting on July 5 which have appeared on the agenda throughout the spring. The in-town, all-tide boat launch again saw no action, since a meeting between Tlingit and Haida and the port commission did not occur. The group originally opposed a boat launch near Shakes Island but, according to Port Commission President Ottie Florschutz, the project has been redesigned and the commission would like Native input again on the site. Commissioner Bill Knecht suggested looking at an alternative site on the fill area near the museum foundation. The site is used now on occasion to launch boats, though its loose fill makes pulling boats there difficult. Commissioners decided to wait until the feasibility study for a travel lift is done before proceeding to investigate the fill site further for a boat launch.