Author: RJ Miller and Thor Becker

A consortium of resource management agencies in Sitka is using kid-power to help restore an important watershed. Before it was logged in the late 1960s, the Starrigavan Valley had a monumental spruce and hemlock forest, and large runs of coho and other salmon species. The valley has since been removed from the timber base in the Tongass, and the Forest Service, Park Service, the state, Trout Unlimited, and the Sitka Conservation Society are all interested in restoring Starrigavan. But it takes a lot of work – a lot of data collection, measuring, and digging – to rebuild a watershed. Each spring for the last few years, seventh-grade science students at Sitka’ Blatchley middle school work side-by-side with biologists and hydrologists in the valley. KCAW student reporters Robert Miller and Thor Becker spent a day with the Blatchley “stream team” and sent this audio postcard: (To see a slideshow, click on this story's title, then click on the word "more...")

Superintendent Steve Bradshaw said benefits and utilities have pushed up the Sitka School district budget over the last five years, despite a decrease in the student population. Bradshaw defended district spending in an address to the Sitka Chamber of Commerce today (5-20-09). He also said meeting the needs of special education students was among several factors contributing to higher expenses in schools.

A Sitka grand jury has re-indicted a man on charges of attempted murder in the first degree. 47-year-old Thomas J. Kito was originally indicted last fall for stabbing a friend in a drunken brawl, but Kito’s defense lawyers found irregularities in the grand jury proceedings, and the DA later withdrew the indictment. However, the faulty indictment does not invalidate the case. Prosecutors last Friday (5-15-09) brought the matter before a new grand jury, which returned new indictments of assault in the first degree, as well as attempted murder.

A Sitka man accused of killing four people last year today admitted to committing the acts. He will likely be sentenced to at least 40 years in prison.

The Forest Service is questioning visitors and locals using the central and southern parts of the Tongass. Up to 30 staffers are surveying hikers, picnickers, cabin-users, and others through October. It's similar to a survey done in Sitka and Hoonah last year.

Sitka's Assembly is buying a parcel of Sheldon Jackson College land for a recycling center. And it's granting a continued rent discount to Fortress of the Bear.

Sitka Senator Bert Stedman says the legislature will not overturn Governor Sarah Palin's decision to reject stimulus funds tied to energy standards. But he says she should accept the funds. And he says concerns about "strings attached" were overblown.

Alaska Natives with roots in five Southeast communities would get their own village corporations under new federal legislation. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski introduced the landless Native bill as part of a package aimed at improving the region’s economy.

The recession has cost Sealaska tens of millions of dollars. Leaders of the Southeast-based regional Native corporation says it’s still strong, with new businesses entering new markets. But its investments have dropped in value, which will affect shareholders’ dividends.Click on "more" to find a link to Sealaska’s annual report.

A cruise ship carrying a woman who had the H1N1 flu virus sailed into Sitka today (Tuesday). But state health officials say she’s recovered, and is not contagious. We talked with health official Jay Butler about the situation. Here's part of that interview.