Local News

The long Southeast summer king opener closes on target

by Robert Woolsey, KCAW | Jul 13, 2018

Almost two weeks after it opened with mixed expectations, the first summer troll fishery for king salmon in Southeast Alaska is coming to an end. The fishery closes officially at 11:59 p.m. Saturday, July 14. The Alaska Department of Fish & Game estimates that trollers will be close to their harvest target of 51,800 chinook by that time -- and another opener in August appears likely.

Aloha, Kukui!

by KCAW News | Jul 13, 2018

Almost one year to the day since her predecessor left to transit the NW Passage, the Coast Guard Cutter Kukui reported for duty at her new homeport of Sitka, Alaska. The Maple, meanwhile, a fixture in Sitka for 16 years, is now in dry dock at the Coast Guard shipyard in Baltimore, MD. The Maple's crew has been reassigned to the Kukui.

‘Baby’s First Felony’ a homecoming for John Straley’s crime fiction

by Robert Woolsey, KCAW | Jul 12, 2018

One of Alaska’s most prolific mystery novelists has returned to his roots. After a 17-year break, Sitka-based author John Straley has published the seventh installment in his series featuring fictional investigator Cecil Younger, "Baby’s First Felony."

Sitka Assembly looks for ways to increase taxes on visitors

by Emily Kwong, KCAW | Jul 12, 2018

The Assembly wants to raise bed taxes to 12%, but also exempt visitors from paying sales tax on their hotel room. This wouldn’t improve the city’s bottom line, but could pave the way for a future Assembly to raise taxes on alcohol.

With contract expired, Chamber continues visitor services month-to-month

by Emily Kwong, KCAW | Jul 11, 2018

The local Chamber of Commerce will continue marketing Sitka to outside visitors, but only on a month-to-month basis this summer. Their contract with the city expired at the end of June, and the Sitka Assembly wants to give the city more time to negotiate new terms.

The Morning Interview

How does the forest affect landslides?

Jul 13, 2018

Dr. Adam Booth, assistant professor of geology, talks with two undergraduate students, Christian Sifford and Cora Siebert, about the research they're all doing on forests and landslides. Their project asks: how does the forest affect landslides? And, how do landslides affect the forest?

Food as a door to social change

Jul 12, 2018

Mark Winne, food system consultant and writer, discusses his previous work in Connecticut, helping make nutritious food more affordable. He talks about why he started doing this work, how food can be an avenue for social change, and how to address food insecurity.

Fine Arts campers read, act, draw, play, and fly in final performances

Jul 11, 2018

Sitka Fine Arts Camp faculty members Amy Butcher and David Fryling talk about final performances for the high school camp - all this week! Final Performances: July 12, 13 & 14 at 7pm at the Sitka Performing Arts Center. There will be a Visual Arts Show and Afternoon Showcase on Saturday July 14 from 1-4pm, Sitka Fine Arts Campus.

Job Openings

Post-Graduate Fellowship in Community Journalism

Jul 6, 2018

The application period is now open for KCAW's Post-Graduate Fellowship in Community Journalism. This 30-week program is an opportunity for a recent Journalism school graduate or established print reporter to build a portfolio in broadcasting. The application deadline is Friday, August 3, 2018. The Fellowship starts in mid-September.

KCAW accepting applications for GM position

Apr 14, 2018

Applications for KCAW's full time general manager being sought now, with initial screening May 27th. Click here to learn more. This is a full time, executive position at the station, reporting to a community-elected Board of Directors and supervising a staff of six and 100+ active volunteers.