The Monthly Grind is back for its 32nd season. Jeff Budd and Rick Fleischman join KCAW to chat about upcoming themes — from maritime to Motown — and stories from seasons past. Tickets for the volunteer-run community concerts are available at Old Harbor Books. The first grind is Saturday, Oct. 3., at 7 p.m. at Sheet’ká Ḵwáan Naa Kahídi Community House. Listen to the conversation here:

Next week, the Sitka Maritime Heritage Society is hosting the world premiere of “Vanished World: People and Places of Southeast Alaska in the 1980’s,” featuring photography by Matt Donohoe.

Donohoe, along with Keith Nyitray and Rebecca Paulson joined KCAW to discuss the film, which premieres Monday, September 28 at 7 p.m. at Harrigan Centennial Hall. Listen here:

Mt. Edgecumbe Preschool is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and raising $50,000 to support the community’s first formal pre-school and early childhood program. Erica Knox and Holly Marban joined students Ryan and Olivia, and alumnus Anya on KCAW’s Morning Interview to discuss the school’s current programs and plans to celebrate its history. Listen to the conversation here:

Donations to Mt. Edgecumbe Preschool are tax-deductible and can be made by check or online. Reach staff at 907-966-2675 with questions.

The community is welcome to tour Pacific High School’s garden, greenhouse, and the recently completed learning shelter made from young-growth timber from the Tongass. PHS Principal Matt Groen, PHS Garden Coordinator Andrea Fraga, and Sitka Conversation Society Community Catalyst Chandler O’Connell join KCAW to talk about what’s in store for the celebration this Friday, Sept. 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. Listen to the conversation here:

In July, the State of Alaska notified the city that they’d received the large grant to go towards local port infrastructure, public services, and community projects affected by cruise tourism, but the city had to apply to secure the funds.  

The assembly chose to put the money toward the Lincoln Street Project in late July. In a memo, Finance Director Brooke Volschenk said because the grant’s use is restricted, the funds will be applied to the pedestrian facility elements of the project, like widened sidewalks, Seawalk connectivity, lighting, and drainage, rather than to the project as a whole. The state approved the project scope, and the grant was awarded in mid-August.

Volschenk estimates the Lincoln Street project will cost more than $16 million, in total. 

In other business, the assembly is will consider zoning changes to incentivize building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and discuss next steps for municipal administrator finalist Gerrie Cotter.

The Sitka Assembly meets at 6 p.m. tonight at Harrigan Centennial Hall. Raven News will broadcast the meeting live, following Alaska News Nightly.

Local live storytelling event Sitka Tells Tales is coming to the Harbor Mountain Brewery stage this Thursday, September 24, at 7 p.m. For this event, called “Why Not? Stories of Taking Risks, Making a Change and Giving Back,” Sitka Tells Tales partnered with the Sitka Legacy Foundation. Ellen Frankenstein, Ben Hughey, and Jennifer MacDonald joined KCAW on the Morning Interview to share what attendees can expect from the event. Listen to their conversation here:

Sitka’s municipal election is Tuesday, October 6. Nine candidates are on the ballot running for public office — three are running for the mayor’s chair, three more are vying for two open assembly seats alongside one write-in candidate, and three are running for three open seats on the Sitka School Board. Voters will also weigh in on one ballot proposition. Municipal Clerk Sara Peterson, Deputy Municipal Clerk Holley Bayne, and Assistant Municipal Clerk Brian Schoenfelder joined KCAW on the Morning Interview to discuss early voting, ballot contents, and other election details. Listen to their conversation here:

For interviews with candidates, questionnaires, candidate forums, and a sample ballot, head to our Election Hub here.

Sitka Pride and the Unitarian Universalist Church will host the first installment of the Winter Blues Film Club with a local film screening. Quinlyn Holder and Bruce Gazaway joined KCAW for the Morning Interview to discuss the club and the screening of Holder’s film “Watching the Whole Way Home” 2 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Coliseum Theater. Listen to the conversation here: