The Way We Were

Nov. 24, 1921

Mayor Grant this week circulated a petition to the governor setting forth that on account of the great destruction of deer by wolves in Southeast Alaska, more drastic methods of wolf extermination should be employed at once. The petition was eagerly signed by local citizens, and will be forwarded to the governor on the next northbound steamer. An offer was made by the U.S. Bureau of Biological Survey for the free use of the gas boat Regal and services of two trained men to work for wolf extermination, giving two months service for $600. The petition says, “The citizens of Wrangell respectfully petition and ask that the governor use his best efforts to secure the amount asked by the Biological Survey and to do so with the least possible delay, so that whatever effective measures for wolf extermination is contemplated can be tried during the present winter.”

Nov. 22, 1946

The Scouting program for boys 9, 10 and 11 years old took shape here this week in the organization of a Cub Pack to be sponsored by the Elks Lodge, according to Del Hanks, Alaska Scout official. The Elks Club, under the leadership of Olaf Hansen, Exalted Ruler, appointed Lloyd Ripley as committee chairman, and George Gunderson, Dick Sharnbroich, Jim Simmons and Joyce Hay as members. The committee selected Albert Vacurrra to serve as Cubmaster and Howard Baltzo as his assistant. Den Mothers for the initial start are Mrs. Cecil Wonders, Mrs. Jim Simmons, Mrs. Ralph Lindsley, and one more to be named at a later time.

Nov. 26, 1971

The Wrangell Wolves started off the 1971-72 basketball season last weekend by suffering a mild defeat at the hands of Petersburg in the first game of a double-header, then bounded back to stomp the Vikings. The score Friday was 59-54, Vikings. Saturday’s tally was a lopsided 54-32, Wolves. In Friday’s game, Chris Jensen’s 6-foot-7 height made all the difference. He controlled the basket and the rebounds for Petersburg throughout the contest. But height couldn’t keep Wrangell out of the running, with Al Rinehart chalking up 24 points and his younger brother, Harry, putting up 15. Saturday night the Wolves returned to the floor snapping and snarling and crawled all over the Vikings. Wrangell Coach Carroll Merritt double-teamed Jensen, keeping him away from the basket and allowing him only 5 points. Wrangell’s top scorers were Al Rinehart with 12 points. Keith Appleman with 11, and Harry Rinehart and Rob Dailey each 10.

Nov. 28, 1996

Alcohol and drug abuse, child neglect and domestic abuse were identified as Wrangell’s top health problems in a mini-survey conducted recently by PATCH (Positive Approach to Community Health). At a community meeting Nov. 14, the survey formed the basis for discussing how best to use a possible $5,640 grant from the SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium. In the planning stages are a teen health fair, an outward-bound program, culture camp, apprenticeships in the arts and workforce, and a creation of a safe home for teens who need emergency or transition housing. Also planned is a student questionnaire inviting local youth to share their views on the challenges they face and what the community can do to help.