August 2012

Sittin’ on the dock of the lake

Sitkans enjoyed a sunny Friday afternoon on the new Swan Lake dock, which was installed Thursday. The dock was funded with state money obtained in the capital budget a few years ago.

Police arrest suspect in brewery burglary

Sitka police obtained an arrest warrant for 22-year-old Carl Liberty, Jr. He was picked up in Craig on Aug. 24. He faces charges of second-degree burglary and theft.

No tsunami, but large quake may affect sea level

The Alaska Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer has scaled down its initial estimate of the size of a large earthquake in the South Pacific this morning. The center now says that the earthquake, which occurred shortly before 5 AM Alaska time, was magnitude 7.6. The quake, though large, is not expected to generate a tsunami. Nevertheless, the center says coastal areas of North America may experience “non-damaging” sea level changes.

Fri Aug 31, 2012

Phillipine quake could produce "non-damaging" sea level changes on Alaskan coast. Sitka's municipal attorney shares her views on disputed voter initiative. Scientists, government officials growing concerned about invasive species arriving with Japanese tsunami debris.

Future ordinance could remove ratification on land sales

Municipal attorney Theresa Hillhouse told KCAW on Thursday that an ordinance will come forward at the Assembly table in the near future that repeals the ratification vote now required for the sale or lease of certain city property worth over $500,000.

State issues mango recall

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and Splendid Foods have issued a recall of Daniella Mangoes due to confirmed cases of salmonella reported in California. Although the mangoes were sold in Alaska, no salmonella cases have been reported here. Chelan Produce is advising anyone who purchased mangoes at their truck last Saturday (8-25-12) to dispose of them.View the recall notice from the State of Alaska here.

Thu Aug 30, 2012

Sitka police charge suspect in Brewery burglary. Ballot prop attorney says Sitka in litigation "smorgasbord" as it continues to fight citizen initiative. Kreiss-Tomkins/Thomas primary election results suggest a tight race when candidates go head-to-head this fall. Coastal Zone Management opponents, proponents say they'll try and revive the program in the legislature next session.

Wed Aug 29, 2012

A quiet primary election in Sitka. Voters satisfied with new Sitka super-precinct; low turnout attributed to a lack of contested races, a lack of controversy, and (possibly) a lack of cookies. Assembly asks for RFP for affordable housing at old city shops; also considers alternatives for developing the benchlands. Blogger, Navy SEAL says new book on the bin Laden raid likely not a threat to national security.

Ballot prop attorney says Sitka in litigation “smorgasbord”

The plaintiffs in a four-year-old citizen lawsuit against the City of Sitka are asking the superior court to allow their local ballot proposition to move forward. Joe Geldhof, the attorney for Sitkans for Responsible Government, this week (8-27-12) filed a response to arguments made earlier in the summer by the city that claimed the ballot proposition remains confusing and illegal – despite a Supreme Court ruling suggesting otherwise.

1 hospitalized after truck collides with school bus

One person was sent to the hospital after a pickup truck collided with a school bus on Halibut Point Road near Sandy Beach on Wednesday afternoon. There were no reported injuries to students aboard the bus, who were reportedly middle and high school age.