Author: Robert Woolsey

Governor Parnell took the occasion of his visit to Sitka to ceremonially sign his first bill into law since taking office last July. Senate Bill 59 allows the use of electric cars on highways in communities of fewer than 35,000 people.

The Sitka School District is getting ready to set its 2011 budget, and it’s facing a financial shortfall. As board members consider possible cuts to programs, parents are fighting to continue a program they feel is threatened.

As Gov. Sean Parnell spoke in Sitka on Wednesday afternoon, the ferry Matanuska sat docked in Sitka, awaiting the arrival of a part from Sweden. The Matanuska began experiencing problems over the weekend, and officials were hopeful it could get underway Wednesday night. The vessel is more than 45 years old. Parnell said his office is asking the legislature to authorize 60 million dollars toward construction of the new Alaska class ferry. He talked about that, and a host of other issues affecting Southeast Alaska during an interview with Raven News.

Governor Sean Parnell today (Wed 2-11-10) fired back at legislative critics of his proposed scholarship program for college-bound students. Parnell was in Sitka, speaking before the chamber of commerce.

The Elizabeth Peratrovich Day parade that passed through Sitka on Tuesday (2-16) included a new addition – a totem pole sculpted by Tommy Joseph and commissioned by the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s right, the Census Bureau.

Another organization is offering a reward in connection with the shooting deaths of protected birds around Sitka. Six bald eagles were found dead in various locations around Sitka during December and January, apparently from small-caliber gunshot wounds.

UAF ocean chemistry researcher Dr. Jeremy Mathis says the pH levels of the world's oceans are dropping as atmospheric carbon continues to rise. The increasing acidity is measurable, and the effects are already being seen on shell-building organisms. Full interview with Mathis, Michelle Putz of the Sitka Global Warming Group, and KCAW's Robert Woolsey.

Teachers, police officers, and firefighters are all represented in the Jobs for Main Street Act -- but not librarians. Note: The opinions expressed in commentaries are those of the author, and not necessarily the opinions of the Raven Radio board, staff, or members.

53-year-old Edwin Leif Haynes died during a fire in a basement apartment in the 800 block of Lake Street. As Ed Ronco reports, Haynes is remembered as a talented musician with a great sense of humor.

While fierce winter weather continues to make headlines across the country, parts of Southeast Alaska are experiencing far above normal temperatures for this time of year. In fact, with blossoming salmonberry bushes, blooming bulbs, and the first bear visit of the year, Sitka is enjoying a false spring. KCAW’s Robert Woolsey recently spoke to a handful of experts about what the consequences may be of having several weeks of spring in the middle of winter: