The Wrangell sentinel., 1953-11-27
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 THROUGH THE SENTINEL PERISCOPE
Financial Pictnre
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Financial Picture
 On the next page of this news paper you are now reading you will lind the financial report of the Town of Wrangell for it's fiscal year which ended Sept. 30 and be- gan Oct. 1 this year, prepared by the Charles Marler public account ant firm of WrangeI and Ketchi- kan.
 It shows that the assets of the town total $690,I2Z94, and that it's actual total indebtedness is SI55.OO0. We doubt if there is an other town in the Territory which can show such a sound financial picture. It's true Wrangell hasn't got barrels full of loose cash lying around, but the report reveals that the town is making headway to- ward financial stability rather than backwards toward eX- cessive financial debt. In other words, as a municipality it is on a firm foundation.
 It's our considered opinion that a good deal of credit for keeping Wrangell on an even financial keel should go to the members of the City Council who served during that 12 months period and most of whom are still serving - Lennie Engstrom, pr. John O. Bangeman, Art Nelson, Val Beals, Ole Haas eth and Kenneth Lewis. Nelson re- tired from the Council this fall af- ter serving a three-year term. his place being taken by L. T. Camp bell.
 The always-plagued finance com mittee made up of Engstrom, Bangeman and Nelson watched ev- cry penny, and if they missed, one City Clerk Robert Wickman caught it on the rebound The other Coun- cilmen gave solid support, curbing the activities of their various de- parements to keep within the fin ancial picture, accomplishing the most with funds available. They gave of their time, their ability and their loyalty to their community and often with personal sacrifice.
 So, when you read that financial report on the next page remember the six good men and true who were instrumental in bringing it about. They did an excellent job for Wrangell and in behalf of the community, The Sentinel is glad to say so.
 Lumber Plant
 Ira Mason, chief of the timber management division of the Forest Service, is quoted this week from Washington as foreseeing consider able timber development in South east Alaska. (See news story else where in today's paper) Among the projects he reports Pacific Northern Timber of Portland which is considering a $4,500,000 plant here as having reached the point where a block of timber is being requested set aside for it's use.
 It would appear that Pacific Nor therns plans are going forward a bout as outlined in the firms or iginal announcement shortly after the first of the year when it's spokesman said some activity might be undertaken this fall but probab- ly in the spring of 1854.
 Public Works
 A report may be expected during the coming week on the proposed public works program to take up the labor slack this winter as a re- suit of the poor fishing season. Ad- vices from Juneau say that inform ation is now being prepared for forwarding to the various towns in the next few days.
 Airport
 Survey of a proposed airport for Wrangell made last week end by Engineer Felix Toner of Juneau and Jack Sherman of Ketchikan. First Division member of the Territory s aeronautics commission, aroused a little more than the usual interest. 4 beach strip fill along the back channel and adjacent to town was considered with favor and has the support of air lines serving the To- cal community. It could serve the commercial operators, particularly during those days when adverse weather conditions made water landings difficult and sometimes impossible. If Aviation Director Tony Schwamm can dig up some money from his aviation fund a land strip in Wrangell would ba of great value to air traffic along the coast as we'll as to the interior via the Stikine.
 l. W.
 REMRMRRP