The Way We Were

March 22, 1923

The Wrangell Shellfish Cannery, F.E. Gingrass owner, started operations yesterday morning when a crew went to work picking shrimp. This new enterprise is one that is welcomed by the community, and there is every reason to believe that it will prove a financial success.

March 19, 1948

At its meeting last night at City Hall, a letter from Highway Patrolman Adolph Lubcke was read in which Mr. Lubcke made recommendations for improving the town’s traffic situation. It was moved by Councilman Barlow and seconded by McCormack that the city furnish materials for street signs recommended by Highway Patrolman Lubcke and contact Superintendent George Fabricius at Wrangell Schools to see if the signs could be made by the training department.

March 23, 1973

The decision on whether or not Wrangell will be selected as the site for the Forest Service administrative headquarters may not be forthcoming for about two weeks, it was learned this week. The Forest Service proposes to divide the North Tongass National Forest into two administrative areas and plans to locate the headquarters for the southern section in either Wrangell or Petersburg. Rolland Curtis of Wrangell said he spoke recently with Vincent N. Olson, supervisor for the North Tongass National Forest in Juneau. He was told by Olson that he “hopes to have a decision in about 15 days.” City Manager. Herb McNabb told the Wrangell Chamber of Commerce last week that the 25 additional jobs here, should the Forest Service select Wrangell as the site for the headquarters, would mean an additional $259,000 in annual payroll.

March 19, 1998

Wrangell fishermen were busy the latter part of last week gearing up and getting their fishing boats ready for the halibut opening, which began at noon, Sunday, March 15. Local fishermen expressed their concerns over transportation problems with the ferries, and also with federal regulations that limit their unloading time to 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. If the boat has started unloading before 6 p.m. they are allowed to finish even if it means going past 6 p.m. Also, the fisherman must call six hours prior to landing to set up a delivery time. According to the National Marine Fisheries Services in Juneau, enforcement is the reason for restricting the unloading time. The NMFS needs the six hours to be able to get to the processor to monitor the loading and unloading, if necessary. NMFS does not have the funds or manpower available to monitor 24 hours a day.