If you’ve got Holiday Fever, Sitka’s National Honor Society has a remedy for you: An icy cold dip in the ocean. Several dozen die-hard Sitkans turned out on a cold, wet solstice weekend (12-20-14) to cool their heels – and many other body parts – in the community’s annual Polar Dip.
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A network security breach at the North Pole has left Santa exposed -- literally. Retaliatory action against a certain Asian dictator is not planned at this time. "There is not enough coal on planet Earth," said the Jolly Old Elf. With the chief of Santa's IT Security, #blinky@blinky, and KCAW's Robert Woolsey.Downloadable audio.
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Sitka Community Hospital will get a $1-million infusion of cash from the Sitka assembly, in order to meet short-term expenses. A long-term solution for the hospital’s cash woes is still on the horizon.
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The Sitka Assembly last night (12-23-14) formally accepted the resignation of fellow member Phyllis Hackett. Hackett submitted a letter to the municipal clerk on December 19, citing personal matters that left her “unable to devote the attention and dedication my position on the Assembly deserves.”
Sitka’s local hospital is in trouble. Deep financial losses that have only just become apparent have shaken the institution, and have cost the chief financial officer his job. Sitka Community Hospital will ask the Sitka assembly for a $1-million loan this week, but city officials are not calling the emergency infusion of cash a fix.
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To mark the longest night of the year, boats decorated with lights floated serenely through Sitka Harbor on Sunday (12-21-14).
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A Sitka-based seafood processor has cleared the first hurdle toward a major expansion -- in its hometown. The board of Sitka’s Gary Paxton Industrial Park on Wednesday (12-17-14) approved the sale of a significant portion of park waterfront to Silver Bay Seafoods. Plans for a joint venture in a marine services center remain on hold for the time being.
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Sitka library director Robb Farmer leads a double-life: By day a librarian, by night a trained Santa Claus. Farmer discusses his decision to attend Santa School, and his life over the last year assisting the real Santa Claus with his public appearances. Farmer is a 2005 graduate of the Charles W. Howard Santa School.Downloadable audio.
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Sitka JazzFest! director Mike Kernin says this year's festival will feature Grammy-winning violinist Mads Toling, among its headliners. Also trumpeter Kenny Washington, vocalist Kenny Washington, and the Dewayne Pate trio. For a complete rundown of artists and performances, visit Sitka JazzFest!Downloadable audio.
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The activities budget for Sitka High School may have reached a tipping point -- and it could force the end of some programs. The Sitka School Board heard a report from activities director LieuDell Goldsberry earlier this month. Between the recent addition of several new activities and a reduction in district spending, most programs have seen a cut of at least 40-percent over two years.
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