Local

It has been six weeks since The Cordova Times was on newsstands. I am thrilled to welcome you to the first print edition since taking ownership of the paper, and I thank you for your patience during this transition period. It’s truly an honor to take on the responsibility of continuing this institution of record in Prince William Sound, and I owe great gratitude to The Native Village of Eyak for its management and care these past years, and for giving to the community of Cordova in this way. 

“Our bear populations are doing well, and they have an abundant resource to eat,” said Charlotte Westing, Area Biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. “In a lot of years, we actually don’t have bear problems in town. One out of every three years, we have no defense of life and property kills and very few calls to the Cordova Police Department.”

Kelp farmer Cale Herschleb has one of the more unique commutes in the U.S. After leaving his mooring in the harbor in Cordova, the Celtic Lady — Herschleb’s 45-foot fishing boat — tows along a small skiff while battling powerful wind gusts and currents for two hours before reaching his kelp farm out on Prince William Sound. 

Editor's note: This story has been updated from the original version that went to print. Native Village of Eyak officials say they have been in discussions with Rachel Kallander of Cordova for her to take ownership of the paper after the July 8 edition. While no contract had been signed as of press time for the July 1 edition, NVE officials confirmed it was signed after the print edition went to press this week. Kallander intends to publish a letter to readers in the July 8 edition outlining the transition plan and what the community can expect.

Over 100 people participated and showed their support during Cordova’s first ever Pride parade on Saturday, June 25. Pride is celebrated nationwide, during the month of June, and the rainbow flag is an icon in Pride celebrations, the colors representing the diversity of the LGBTQ community.

Under the guidance of teacher June Pardue, a group of Native artists came together to make a traditional Sugpiaq bear gut raincoat. Chugachmiut Heritage Preservation funded the project, which is now displayed at their office in Anchorage.

An international technology forum for remote power system operators and owners featuring isolated grid experts from Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, Australia and Greenland is coming to Cordova July 26-29.

A thought-provoking work session occurred June 15 in Cordova. The topics were not for the light of heart: “Active Shooter Preparedness” and the “Fentanyl Overdose Crisis.”

Prince William Sound Science Center's new facilities on five waterfront acres in Cordova, which opened on Saturday, June 4, will give the region and the state a competitive edge for important economic opportunities, says Katrina Hoffman, president and CEO of the science center.

Copper River Watershed Project is gearing up or the first of four net recycling events planned for June through October and seeking volunteers to help with the first event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 15-17 in the Alaska Commercial Company parking lot.