KRBD Southeast News Stories http://krbd.org 05/09/2008 WRANGELL, ALASKA (05/08/2008) The Inter-island Ferry Authority has just started their season of service between Coffman Cove, Wrangell, and south Mitkof Island. And passengers may see some changes. http://krbd.org/modules/local_news/index.php?op=sideBlock&syndicated=true&ID=216 05/08/2008 PETERSBURG-AK (05/08/2008) A national watchdog group is asking Congress to investigate allegations that the Forest Service retaliated against a whistleblower employee from Petersburg. An independent federal agency, which is now wrapped-up in its own controversy, dropped an investigation of the Tongass whistleblower case earlier this year after the employee died. http://krbd.org/modules/local_news/index.php?op=sideBlock&syndicated=true&ID=217 05/08/2008 WRANGELL, ALASKA (05/07/2008) According to unofficial results, Wrangell will become a borough. The over-two year process came to a tentative end the evening of Tuesday, May 6, when a state board convened and counted the election ballots. But, it will still be another three weeks until boroughhood for Wrangell is finalized. http://krbd.org/modules/local_news/index.php?op=sideBlock&syndicated=true&ID=211 05/07/2008 SITKA, ALASKA (05/07/2008) Alaska kids are walking across Asia. Well, they’re actually walking across a very large map of Asia. National Geographic’s “Traveling Map of Asia” has come to Alaska, and it’s touring the state’s schools. It’s a hands- and feet-on approach to geography, and its visit is just about over. Melissa Marconi Wentzel stopped by Sitka’s Blatchley Middle School, where 7th graders were using the map to explore some complex ideas. http://krbd.org/modules/local_news/index.php?op=sideBlock&syndicated=true&ID=212 05/07/2008 PETERSBURG-AK (05/06/2008) It looks like the cost of living at Petersburg’s assisted-living home will be going up…a lot. The city council Monday passed the first of three readings for a measure that includes an 80 percent increase over the next year in the basic cost for self-pay residents at assisted-living. The move is aimed at reducing city subsidies to the new facility, which has been operating at a loss since it opened in the spring of 2004. The Council voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance despite concerns from some of the resident’s family members. http://krbd.org/modules/local_news/index.php?op=sideBlock&syndicated=true&ID=214 05/06/2008