Author: Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock

The Brady Campaign to prevent gun violence is suing to stop a last-second Bush administration change that would allow people to carry concealed, loaded guns in most National parks and wildlife refuges, including the Sitka National Historical Park.

Politics, power, homicide, and fish topped the news in Sitka in 2008. Robert Woolsey has this look back:

The announcement from the National Geographic Society listing Sitka as one of the world's top historic destinations was not enough to persuade the Sitka assembly to put up $10,000 in matching funds for the Sitka Historic Preservation Commission. Chair Peter Gorman says it took five years for the commission to win the $25,000 grant from the state, which requires a 40% match.

Richard and Nora Marks Dauenhauer have won a 2008 American Book Award for their latest publication "Anóoshi Lingít Aaní Ká: Russians in Tlingit America, The Battles of Sitka 1802 and 1804." As KCAW’s Robert Woolsey reports, the Dauenhauers, along with their co-editor, the late Lydia Black, have compiled what is likely the most diverse examination to-date of the struggle for control of Southeast Alaska:

Extended interview with Richard Dauenhauer, co-editor along with Nora Marks Dauenhauer and Lydia Black, of "Anóoshi Lingít Aaní Ká: Russians in Tlingit America, The Battles of Sitka 1802 and 1804," winner of the 2008 American Book Award. With KCAWs Robert Woolsey.

"Bucky" Bernanke (no relation), the CFO of the North Pole, calls this year's exceptionally long naughty list a "coincidence," and not a cost-cutting measure to spare Santa an embarassing government bailout. With KCAWs Robert Woolsey.

David Voluck explains the significance of Hanukah for contemporary Jews, with KCAWs Robert Woolsey.

The National Geographic Society has named Sitka as one of the world’s top historic destinations. The Society’s Center for Sustainable Destinations has compiled a list of 109 historic sites including Ancient Nara, Japan, Sydney Harbor, Australia, and downtown Boston. Sitka is the only Alaskan community on the list. At 48th, it scores just behind Alexandria, Virgina, and ahead of Antiqua, Guatemala.

The hospital board on Thursday (12-18-08) decided to enter into negotiations with Tennessee-based Quorum Health Resources for the management of Sitka Community Hospital. KCAWs Robert Woolsey discussed the possible pros and cons of the $300-thousand dollar contract with board president Jeff Johnston.

Temperatures in the twenties, and a brisk north wind once again failed to deter more than two-hundred Sitkans from taking the plunge this Saturday (12-20-08) at the annual Polar Dip. With much skin showing, the enthusiastic herd thundered down the ramp at the UAS campus at high noon, into ocean water of a little over 40 degrees. Although many dippers submerged entirely, most got wet-to-the-chest, to qualify for a “certificate of temporary insanity” issued by qualified mental health professionals. KCAW student reporter Caitlin Woolsey has this audio postcard from the day. (To watch a slideshow, select "more," then select "watch slideshow.")