Author: Sarah Jones

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:

20-year-old Jason Abbott received 140 years in prison for the stabbing deaths of three relatives and a family friend, and the stabbing assault of a fifth relative. **This story contains sensitive testimony recorded in court, and might be upsetting to some listeners.**

Jazz vocalist and double-bassist Kristin Korb doesn't find anything strange about her combination of talents. "Jazz is a party... sometimes conversations are happening vocally, sometimes it's the bass." The LA-based artist takes the stage tonight (2-5-10) at the Sitka Jazz Festival. She appeared on the Morning Edition interview with KCAW's Robert Woolsey.

A Sitka resident died in a fire Thursday morning at a home on Lake Street. Officials have yet to release the resident's identification, and the cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Raven News will update this report with more information as it becomes available.

Trombonist Wayne Wallace says Latin jazz played properly feels like "floating on water." The three-time Grammy nominee discovered pan-Carribean rhythms in his hometown of San Francisco, but honed his art in Cuba. Wallace performs during the Sitka Jazz Festival this Friday and Saturday (Feb 5 & 6 2010). He appeared on the Morning Edition interview with KCAW's Robert Woolsey.

Sitka is one of the nation's "Dozen Distinctive Destinations," according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The annual award goes to 12 communities in the United States that offer notable cultural and recreational experiences.

What began with the death of a swan last month in Sitka’s Starrigavan Valley has turned into spree of protected bird killings. Federal and state authorities are investigating the shooting of six bald eagles on popular trails around Sitka. One of the dead birds had been recently released by the Alaska Raptor Center.

The union representing teachers in the Sitka School District has a new contract. The board approved the deal the same night another school district union expressed public concern over their wages.