Rachel Waldholz, Author at KCAW

MEHS salutes class of 2015

The Class of 2015 graduated from Mt. Edgecumbe High School today (Thu 5-7-15). Ninety-three students marched in maroon and gold robes, some in high heels and others in mukluks.

Family home damaged in Tuesday fire

The family whose home was heavily damaged by a fire on Tuesday afternoon (5-5-15) say they are thankful that nobody was injured -- and even their dog survived.

Nobody injured in Sawmill Creek Road blaze

The Sitka Fire Department responded Tuesday afternoon (5-5-15) to a blaze at a house on Sawmill Creek Road. Fire Chief Dave Miller said the fire damaged about a third of the home’s upper story. Nobody was injured. Even the family dog survived.

Assembly chooses lower rate hike and Sitka gets creative to pay for its dam

After a month of discussion, the Sitka Assembly settled on a modest electric rate increase. Residential rates will go up by about 6% in the coming year, to pay for the Blue Lake dam. And when it comes to figuring out how a town of 9,000 pays off a $150-million hydroelectric project, city staff are getting creative.

Sitka Assembly chooses smaller electric rate increase

Sitka’s electric rates are going up, but not as much as they might have. The Sitka Assembly on Monday chose the smaller of two potential rate hikes, by a vote of 4 to 3. A household using about 1000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each month will see their electric bill go up by about $8 a month.

Sitka Budget: City says utility rates must rise

It's not just electric rates - Sitka is also proposing increases in water, sewer and garbage rates. KCAW's Rachel Waldholz is tracking the city budget. She sat down with News Director Robert Woolsey to break down the numbers.

Sitka artist hopes to bring otter to the runway

This spring, Sitka artist and marine mammal hunter Peter Williams took a trip to New York City, to show his work during fashion week. He's been trying to break into the lucrative fashion world for years. His goal is to bring Alaska Native designs to luxury buyers worldwide. Williams says that one way to save a traditional art form, is to create a market for it.

Assembly considers tobacco, sales tax hikes

After more than a year of warning that Sitka must either raise new revenue or cut services, the City Assembly passed three tax measures in quick succession last night / Tuesday night (4-28-15). The proposals would increase sales taxes and double the tobacco tax. The movement was prompted by the needs of the Sitka School District.

Assembly approves electric rate hikes on first reading

Sitkans should expect electric rates to rise this year, but it’s not clear yet by how much. The assembly passed two separate rate increases, on first reading. One would raise rates all at once, while the other would likely spread the increase over several years.

Assembly gives high marks to City Administrator, Attorney

The Sitka Assembly gave City Administrator Mark Gorman and City Attorney Robin Koutchak high marks at their annual evaluations on Tuesday night (4-21-15). And while a good evaluation usually means a pay raise, both of Sitka’s top officials declined to take any more salary, in light of next year’s unusually tight budget.