Wrangell Sentinel -

Former Wrangell Sentinel owner Larry Persily has agreed to

buy the weekly newspaper from Petersburg couple Ron and Anne Loesch, who have owned it for 17 years. Depending on the schedule for the closing agreement and transition details, Persily will take over Jan. 1 or Feb. 1.

"My wife and I started in Alaska journalism with the Sentinel in 1976, and it just feels right to buy the paper at this time and help build on its 118-year history," Persily said.

Sentinel staffers Caleb Vierkant and Trish Schwartz will remain with the newspaper, while Persily, who lives in Anchorage, will assist wit...