KCAW Staff, Author at KCAW - Page 394 of 584

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.

Summer aurora

While a clear day in Sitka is spectacular, a clear night may be the next best thing. Filmmaker Ben Hamilton, who is currently working on a series of promotional spots for the Sitka Convention & Visitors Bureau, captured this image of the aurora in the wee hours Monday morning (8-27-12). According to the Alaska Geophysical Institute, the aurora may also be visible tonight (8-29-12) as far south as southern Baranof Island.

Turnout slow in Sitka “super-precinct”

As of 3PM this afternoon (8-28-12), turnout was relatively low in Sitka, but neither poll workers or voters were blaming the new super-precinct at Harrigan Centennial Hall. A lack of controversy was the likely culprit, and possibly a lack of cookies.

Floor space

Voter turnout in Sitka was running low in Sitka during Tuesday's (8-28-12) statewide primary election. As of 3PM, only 334 voters had cast ballots in each of Sitka's two newly-consolidated precincts at Harrigan Centennial Hall. This was about 20 votes behind turnout in just one of Sitka's old precincts during the last mid-term primary in 2006. By 7PM, turnout had ticked up to about 600 voters per precinct.

Tue Aug 28, 2012

Primary election day in Alaska; Sitka's four precincts have been consolidated into two, both voting at Harrigan Centennial Hall. Many Southeast voters will be in new districts, and see new candidates on the ballot. Sitka assembly to consider a new strategy for affordable housing at the old city shops property when it meets in regular session tonight. US Fish & Wildlife Service hears from local hunters, dive fishermen on sea otter issues. Arctic ice pack shrinks to record levels.

Aug. 28 Primary: What’s your district? Who are your candidates?

Today’s primary election may confuse some Southeast voters. That’s because legislative boundaries have changed, in some cases shifting candidates and communities. Here's a list of candidates and districts to make it easier.

Arctic ice on the run

Every summer the Arctic ice cap melts down to what scientists call its “minimum” before colder weather builds the ice cover back up. The size of this minimum remains in a long-term decline. The extent on Aug. 26. 2012 broke the previous record set on Sept. 18, 2007.

Mon Aug 27, 2012

Sitkans hear ideas for 50-meter competition pool at Mt. Edgecumbe High School. Controversial quarry dropped from Planning Commission agenda for time being. Forest Service to take public comment on proposed cabin closures. Ballot Measure 2 attracts substantial spending before tomorrow's primary election.

Table of the Day

The Sitka Local Foods Network board selects a Table of the Day winner from the vendors at each Sitka Farmers Market of the season, and the winners receive prizes such as a fifth-anniversary market tote bag and check. Carrie Hisaoka and Ben Warren earned Table of the Day honors at the August 18 market with handmade jewelry, fireweed bread cookies and homemade granola. The next Sitka Farmers Market is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 1, at ANB Hall.