Rachel Waldholz, Author at KCAW

Assembly considers absorbing Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Sitka Assembly on Tuesday night directed the city to explore how it might take on the functions of the Sitka Convention and Visitors Bureau. The assembly voted in February to dissolve the bureau.

Repeal senior sales tax exemption? Assembly says…maybe

The Sitka Assembly on Tuesday night postponed action on a proposal to repeal the senior citizen sales tax exemption. The measure would replace the exemption with a rebate program for low-income seniors.

Silver Bay Seafoods to pay $75k environmental fine

Sitka-based fish processor Silver Bay Seafoods has agreed to pay a $75,000 penalty for improperly discharging fish waste in the Valdez harbor.

Deadlock at salmon commission leaves Southeast fishermen waiting

With less than two weeks to go before the traditional start of the summer king salmon trolling season, fishermen in Southeast don’t yet know how many kings they’ll be allowed to catch.

Sitka man found dead in Thomsen Harbor

A 52-year-old Sitka man was found dead in Thomsen Harbor Monday morning (6-8-15).

With cuts and hikes, Sitka passes a (mostly) balanced budget

The Sitka Assembly approved a combination of budget cuts and tax hikes Tuesday night, bringing the city within spitting distance of a balanced budget for 2016.

Council cuts Bering Sea halibut bycatch limits, but critics say it’s not enough

After several days of emotional testimony, the council voted on Sunday afternoon (5-7-15) to reduce limits on halibut bycatch in the Bering Sea -- by 21-percent overall. But halibut fishermen in the Bering Sea say the cut isn’t big enough to save their communities.

North Pacific Council cuts bycatch caps

The Council voted Sunday evening to lower caps on halibut bycatch in the Bering Sea -- by 21-percent overall. But Bering Sea halibut fishermen say the cut isn’t big enough to save their communities.

Panel hears emotional testimony on halibut bycatch

Emotions are running high as the North Pacific Fishery Management Council considers a proposal to reduce halibut bycatch in the Bering Sea. The council got a preview of public sentiment during testimony before its advisory panel this week.

North Pacific Council meets in Sitka

Fishermen, scientists, and seafood industry representatives from around Alaska -- and the country -- are in Sitka this week for the meeting of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. The Council regulates all federal fisheries off Alaska, including pollock, cod and flatfish.