Wrangell Public Works Superintendent Carl Johnson gives attendees of Southeast Conference a tour of Wrangell's Marine Service Center Wednesday. First opened in 2006, developing the service yard has been an ongoing project for the borough, converting former mill property into a fully-paved, self-service facility. The MSC operates a pair of mobile hoists: a 150-ton Marine Travelift, and a 300-ton Ascom model acquired earlier this year. As a way to boost job creation, the harbor department has limited its services to lifting boats from the water and renting lot space. All other services are provided by private sector vendors.
Wrangell Public Schools vocational instructor Drew Larrabee shows students and their parents how a 3D printer works at Stikine Middle School during its open house Sept. 2. Larrabee unveiled plans at Southeast Conference for Future Wolf Fabrication, which will get secondary school students firsthand production experience. "We're working on making our shop an actual business," he said. Acquiring a laser engraver and computer numerical control router, students will be able to use their welding, machine fabrication, and carpentry skills to fill orders from the community's marine industry contractors. Students at the high school have already been producing aluminum skiffs for two decades, but Larrabee explained these new technological skills will be necessary for them to compete in the job market. "We're going to blur that line between high school and industry."
Southeast Conference goers compete for Alaska Airlines tickets in a grueling match of "heads or tails" at the banquet Wednesday evening, Sept. 17. This year's conference raised $18,800 for the SEC scholarship fund through its silent auction and a number of donations. In partnership with the University of Alaska Southeast, SEC founded the scholarship in 1992 to help the region's residents pursue higher educational and career goals. A separate student assistance fund was established in 2010 for students with programs that are outside the UAS system. Scholarship funds for both programs are raised each year through the conference's auction, supported by individuals and businesses throughout Southeast Alaska.
Alaska Department of Corrections Commissioner Joe Schmidt presents updates on correctional alternatives to imprisonment at Southeast Conference on Sept. 17. With him on the podium are the governor's policy advisor, Randy Ruoro; Alaska Attorney General Michael Geraghty; and Alaska Public Safety Commissioner Gary Folger. While Governor Sean Parnell could not make it to the conference due to poor weather Tuesday, Sept. 16, his deputies delivered updates on the administration's policies as they pertain to Southeast. A representative from the governor's office also announced this year's Permanent Fund Dividend, figured at $1,884. The payout is scheduled for Oct. 2, and is more than twice as much as last year's $900 payments.
Sentinel reporter Dan Rudy test drives a Nissan Leaf outside the Nolan Center Wednesday. The all-electric vehicle was brought by Zach Wilkinson, program officer for Juneau Economic Development Council, making Wrangell one of 115 communities nationwide participating in National Drive Electric Week. Wilkinson clocked in 37 test drives during the Southeast Conference, including two state representatives, two mayors, several state commissioners, Attorney General Michael Geraghty, and others from the community. JEDC has launched an initiative bringing together a private and public partnership to promote electric vehicle use in Juneau and the greater Southeast. This year 10 stations have been installed around the city, with a goal of 15 public stations by next year – the most per-capita of any city in the nation.
Despite the at times uncooperative weather, the Borough of Wrangell successfully hosted this year's annual Southeast Conference at its Nolan Center, from Sept. 16 to 18. About 180 visitors arrived for the three-day conference, fully booking every inn, hotel and lodge in town. Volunteers opened their houses to some attendees as well, but to accommodate the remaining attendees Trident Seafoods allowed the conference use of its bunkhouses.
Volunteers were essential to the event's success, fixing refreshments, setting up tables at the Nolan Center, shuttling visitors about and distributing information kits and complimentary bags. Visitors to the conference were by and large pleased by the reception.
Speakers included industry figures, tribal leaders, government officials, resident experts, salespeople and civic organizers. Together they addressed shared regional concerns while also promoting progressive solutions, in keeping with the conference's goal to unite the region's communities to promote better health and stronger economies.
Reader Comments(0)