Robert Woolsey, KCAW, Author at KCAW

Rioux files for Sitka School Board

Sitkans will have three candidates to choose from this fall, to fill a vacancy in the local school board. Paul Rioux says he’s running as a community member concerned for “our whole future.”

School funding court battle leaves Sitka down five teachers

The Sitka School Board Wednesday night (8-7-19) approved contracts for 18 non-tenured teachers -- all of whom were pink-slipped last spring. But the ongoing financial battle between the legislature and the governor has created a $151,000 deficit, causing the district to hesitate before hiring five new teachers.

Survey: Newer Alaskans more optimistic about the future

The less time you’ve lived in Alaska, the more optimistic you may be about the current state of affairs. Kati Capozzi, CEO of the Alaska Chamber, outlined the chamber's legislative priorities, and discussed its annual survey results in Sitka recently.

Settlement possible in Sitka police whistleblower suit

A lawsuit brought by former police detective Ryan Silva against the City of Sitka is going before a mediator, and could be settled out of court. A related suit involving fellow detective Mary Ferguson remains on track for trial.

Rogers bids for a first school board term

Jim Rogers has filed to run for Sitka School Board in the October municipal election. Although his wife, Laura, is principal of Sitka High School, Rogers says he'll "make the best decisions for the community" if elected.

Cass Pook to take another run at Sitka School Board

Former Sitka School Board member Cass Pook has filed to reclaim her seat in this October’s municipal election. Pook first joined the school board in 2000, eventually becoming its president in 2016. But she lost her seat last fall by 284 votes, in a close three-way election.

European search for ‘real Americans’ a boon for tribal tourism

Camille Ferguson, economic development director for the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, has spent the past six years out of state working to cultivate European interest in traveling to Indian Country.

As education stalemate wears on, 18 Sitka teachers to get contracts

Under the threat of court action, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy last week (7-17-19) released statewide education funding, which will allow school districts to open as usual later this August. In Sitka, 18 untenured teachers were just delivered contracts.

New senate majority leader denounces cuts to public broadcasting

In the first fallout from Alaska's political feud, Sen. Mia Costello (R-Anchorage) was ousted from her position as Majority Leader, and the job instead was given to Sen. Lyman Hoffman (D-Bethel), who wasted no time voicing his objections to the governor's massive veto package -- including cuts to public broadcasting

Lincoln St. repaving on hold, pending more citizen review

A $2.16 million dollar repaving project for Sitka’s main downtown street has been postponed for a year, while city gathers more citizen input on the design.