CLOUDY SKIES WITH A FEW RAIN AND SNOW SHOWERS CONTINUING TO MOVE
IN FROM THE WEST THROUGH THE EVENING. GENERALLY WEST WIND 10 TO 20
MPH...STRONGEST WINDS ALONG SOUTHERN BARANOF ISLAND.News
Sitka High DDF sweeps state tourney
The Sitka High Drama, Debate, and Forensics team was successful at the state tournament in Anchorage over the weekend. Though “success,” in this case, sounds like an understatement. Sitka won the 3A team titles in each of the three categories of the competition – drama, debate, and forensics — won the overall team title, won nine individual championships, and outscored even the closest large 4A school by over twenty points. Continue
SEARHC faces $4M loss from 2011, CEO says
Difficult changes are on the way, says new SEARHC Chief Executive Charles Clement. But he also says he’s “incredibly optimistic” about the long-term future of the nonprofit healthcare organization, which employs nearly 1,000 people in Southeast Alaska. Continue
Sitka scientist wins ocean leadership award
Jan Straley will receive an Ocean Leadership Award from the Alaska SeaLife Center. The honor is given out annually to people who have made “significant contributions to awareness and sustainability of the state’s marine resources.” Continue
Leone’s attorney takes issue with admiral’s radio comments
Lt. Lance Leone’s attorney says comments Rear Adm. Thomas Ostebo made on a Juneau radio station compromise his ability to be fair in the Coast Guard’s case against his client. Ostebo appeared on KJNO’s Action Line program on Feb. 10. Continue
School, city leaders discuss budget woes
Last year, the city gave about $5 million to the schools. That amount has been declining since 2010. With budget times tight this year, the school district is not counting on an increase. Continue
Sitka Assembly tweaks fish box tax plan
That tax requires charter operators to pay $10 per fish box, with the money going to the city’s harbor department, general fund and for fish enhancement. But how much money goes to each area could change, and some on the Assembly are suggesting the fish box tax could go away entirely. Continue
Sitka tax cap would go up to $1,500 under new plan
In its current form, the ordinance will move the tax cap to $1,500 on July 1st. It’s a far cry from the $5,000 proposed cap – an amount that was roundly criticized Tuesday night by business owners. Continue
Sitka to limit tax break to low-income seniors; tax cap uncertain
The measure advanced last night will also increase the age at which seniors qualify for the exemption from 65 to 67-and-a-half. That puts it in line with the federal government’s retirement age. A separate measure to raise the sales tax cap remains in limbo, with the Assembly’s business incomplete. Continue
Dinley takes heat, apologizes for comment at tax forum
Municipal Administrator Jim Dinley uttered a phrase often used to point out a loaded question. It brought laughs from the audience at the luncheon. But two Sitka residents did not find the comments funny, and they said so on Tuesday. Continue
Peratrovich inspires student to fight discrimination
February 16, 2012 4:00 am
Linda Schumann is a senior at Mt. Edgecumbe High School. She’ll be playing the part of Elizabeth Peratrovich during a skit today at ANB Hall. Feb. 16 is Elizabeth Peratrovich Day in Alaska, set aside to honor the Native civil rights leader. Continue