KCAW Staff, Author at KCAW

Pelican’s school opens to students with a mixture of in-person and virtual instruction

Over the last few months, schools across Alaska have been busy creating detailed plans for how to operate safely and effectively during the coronavirus pandemic. One of the first schools in the region to put the plan to the test is Pelican’s. School started Wednesday, Aug. 19 in the small Chichagof Island community. KCAW’s Erin McKinstry spoke with the Pelican City School District superintendent, Norma Holmgaard about the school's plans for the upcoming school year.

Kake officials announce three new coronavirus cases

Officials in Kake announced Monday, Aug. 17 that they will continue to encourage community-wide testing in the Southeast village following the news that three more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the community. The Kupreanof Island community of around 500 people reported its first case last week and has restricted non-essential travel.

Sitka non-profits, small businesses and self-employed impacted by the pandemic can now apply for relief

Congress passed the federal CARES Act in March, and since then, businesses, organizations and individuals across the country have started receiving money from a variety of programs meant to help blunt the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Sitka has rolled out several programs fed by the federal dollars, including utility relief, funding for the Sitka School District, and now, a grant program for small businesses, non-profits and the self-employed.

Sitka officials announce three more coronavirus cases

In a press release, the Sitka Unified Command announced Monday, Aug. 17 that one Sitka resident and two nonresidents have tested positive.

With two new cases, Sitka’s coronavirus count rises to 45

Two more Sitkans have tested positive for the coronavirus. The Sitka Unified Command announced Friday, Aug. 14 that two female residents received positive test results Thursday, Aug. 13.

Meet Air Station Sitka’s new Coast Guard commander, Brian McLaughlin

Cmdr. Brian McLaughlin has been on the job in Sitka since July 17. KCAW's Morning Host Erin Fulton spoke with McLaughlin on the Morning Interview about his time in the Coast Guard and the what the role of commanding officer entails.

Crew member of fishing vessel dies near Yakutat Seafoods dock

Yakutat Public Safety conducted a search and rescue operation, and a diver recovered 31-year-old Washington state resident Franklyn Fox at approximately 2:10 a.m. Paramedics and clinic workers were unable to revive Fox.

Coast Guard assists fishing boat taking on water near Port Protection

Coast Guard crews from Air Station Sitka assisted a fishing vessel taking on water near the northern tip of Prince of Wales Island Tuesday, Aug. 11.

Angoon mayor issues mask order following first coronavirus case in Kake

Angoon Mayor Joshua Bowen issued an emergency order on Monday, August 10, requiring face coverings or masks in public buildings, businesses and churches as well as public outdoor spaces where social distancing is difficult to maintain. That includes the ferry terminal and the Alaska Seaplanes base, which provide the only links to the rest of the state.

As fall approaches, Sitka’s bear expert urges residents to remember best practices in bear country

In a light berry year, Area Wildlife Management Biologist Stephen Bethune said following best practices is all the more important. KCAW's Morning Host Erin Fulton talked with Bethune on the Morning Interview about what Sitkans can do to keep from having fed bears become dead bears.