Local News

A major fisheries advocate, Sitkan Tad Fujioka found dead in apparent bear mauling

by Robert Woolsey, KCAW | Oct 31, 2024

Searchers from Sitka on Wednesday (10-30-24) recovered the body of a hunter who died in a brown bear attack. 50-year old Tad Fujioka was a commercial fisherman, and the chairman of the board of the Seafood Producers Cooperative, one of Sitka’s three large seafood processors. He was also an experienced and capable outdoorsperson.

Serving 140 years, homicide defendant Jason Abbott denied conviction relief

by KCAW News | Oct 29, 2024

The Alaska Court of Appeals has refused to give relief to a Sitka man convicted of multiple murders in 2008. Roger Teas – formerly known as Jason Abbott – will have to serve out his 140 year prison sentence.

Taxi company’s suit against city set to go to trial in November

by KCAW News | Oct 27, 2024

The Sitka Police Department is under scrutiny in the Sitka District Court again, this time over allegations that the Chief of Police retaliated against a local taxi company. In September, a Sitka Superior Court judge found that by creating new rules for taxis, the police chief violated the separation of powers. But the city argues that the court’s interpretation of municipal law is incorrect.

Assembly postpones vote on cruise dock agreement

by Katherine Rose | Oct 24, 2024

The city of Sitka has brokered a “Memorandum of Understanding” with the local cruise dock. And while some assembly members were on board with approving the agreement as-is, they postponed a vote until the next meeting after a number of community members said they needed more time to review the document.

Election Coverage

Alaska Beacon 2024 Voter Guide

Oct 21, 2024

Unsure how ranked-choice voting works? Wondering who's on the ballot for Congress? The Alaska Beacon 2024 Voter Guide has information on all races and ballot questions in the November 5 General Election.

The Morning Interview

More than just a bike shop, the Salty Spoke builds bike culture, strengthens community

Nov 5, 2024

The Salty Spoke is forming partnerships across the community to increase access to cycling, to increase safety, and to educate both riders and drivers. The Salty Spoke offers monthly group rides (the next is 3 p.m. November 17), and practical assistance with bike maintenance. There's also a complete bike maintenance shop for members.

Events planned for Sitka’s Native American Heritage month celebration

Nov 1, 2024

Melanie Boord is director of STA's Social Services, and Fred Olsen is a member of the Sitka Tribal Council. The pair discuss the reasons for Native American Heritage Month, and the almost-daily events planned throughout November.

Sitka wants your input on latest Strategic Plan update

Oct 31, 2024

John Leach is Sitka's municipal administrator. The Sitka Strategic Plan (adopted in 2022) is due for its second annual update. The document is a five-year guide to the community's top priorities. To give your feedback, take the survey.