July 8, 1926

The annual Fourth of July celebration last Monday passed successfully. In addition to Alaska visitors, Wrangell had as her guests a considerable number of visitors from various parts of the United States. We refer, of course, to the passengers of the Dorothy Alexander, which arrived here at 11 a.m. and remained in port until midnight. Following the arrival of the big steamer, patriotic exercises were held in the Starland Theater, with R.J. Diven as speaker of the day. His address was forceful and calculated to cause sober reflection as to our responsibilities as citizens of a great nation.

July 6, 1951

Miss Dolly Villarma was crowned Queen of Wrangell’s Fourth of July celebration before a crowd at the ANB Hall last Tuesday evening. Queen Dolly awarded the refrigerator to Carl Larsen before being led in the first dance. Dolly, sponsored by the Redmen and Pocahontas lodges, received 649,000 votes when the final check was completed at 11 p.m. Tuesday. Alice Camazind, sponsored by the Cannery Workers Union, placed second, with 493,000 votes, and Rose Kalkins, the Elks candidate, was third with an even 400,000 votes.   

July 7, 1976

The federal Environmental Protection Agency has approved a $3,957,999 grant for the next phase of Wrangell’s sewage treatment project, according to a spokesperson for Alaska’s U.S. Rep. Don Young. The grant represents the 75% federal share of project funding, according to City Manager James Eide, who said the city and state would be responsible for 12.5% each. Eide said the council may consider authorizing advertising for bids at its June 13 meeting. He said bids would be taken for three, or possibly four, different aspects of the project, including the treatment plant, pumping stations, interceptors and perhaps a fourth separate bid on sewer rehabilitation. 

July 5, 2001

Everybody occasionally can use a makeover and KSTK is no exception. A generous gift from a private donor, plus continued community support, is enabling Wrangell’s public radio station to do some needed renovation to their building on Church Street. A recent gift is permitting the station to undertake other improvements that include replacing subflooring and carpet which has been held together with duct tape. A couple of continuing problems will be reduced with the new flooring, as well as paving the parking lot. “We are very appreciative of the community’s continued support. We couldn’t have done it without the help,” said General Manager Peter Helgeson.