Robert Woolsey, KCAW, Author at KCAW

Quorum offers to aid Sitka Community Hospital’s transition to SEARHC

Quorum Health Resources has offered to manage Sitka Community Hospital for nearly a half-million dollars per year, or -- much to the Sitka assembly's surprise -- offered to help transition the hospital to its competitor, SEARHC.

Sitka school board brainstorms social media strategy

The Sitka School Board wants to step up its game in the world of social media. The board met recently (8-7-18) to brainstorm a strategy for improving communication from the district -- using both traditional media, and newer platforms like Twitter and Instagram.

Murkowski on SCOTUS nominee: “I will be guilty of taking my time”

Alaska’s senior senator is again in the political spotlight as attention turns to the confirmation hearings of President Trump's controversial Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh.

A reckoning likely for Sitka’s garbage bears?

Authorities in Sitka have not been forced to destroy any bears this summer, but that streak could end soon if a few residents and visitors don’t tighten up their garbage disposal practices.

They’re back! Von Wrangell family follows a 183-year history to Sitka

The Russian Empire is gone, but some of those imperialists? Well, they’re still around! Recently 14 descendants of Baron Ferdinand von Wrangel convened in Sitka for a tour of the place their ancestor called home from 1830-1835.

Jackson wants to bring people ‘out of the trenches’ through initiative

Sharon Jackson believes Alaska can work through its current crisis by restoring power to the citizens of the state. The Republican candidate for Lt. Governor shared her ideas with the Sitka Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday (7-18-18).

The long Southeast summer king opener closes on target

Almost two weeks after it opened with mixed expectations, the first summer troll fishery for king salmon in Southeast Alaska is coming to an end. The fishery closes officially at 11:59 p.m. Saturday, July 14. The Alaska Department of Fish & Game estimates that trollers will be close to their harvest target of 51,800 chinook by that time -- and another opener in August appears likely.

‘Baby’s First Felony’ a homecoming for John Straley’s crime fiction

One of Alaska’s most prolific mystery novelists has returned to his roots. After a 17-year break, Sitka-based author John Straley has published the seventh installment in his series featuring fictional investigator Cecil Younger, "Baby’s First Felony."

German physician, naturalist leaves a Sitka legacy in journals

Not everyone who came to Russian-America in the 19th Century was Russian. A Baltic German physician named Heinrich Tiling was under contract with the Russian-American Company in Sitka on two separate occasions -- the second at the time of the Alaska Transfer. Recently, a descendant of the German doctor visited Sitka for the first time, to better understand her celebrated ancestor’s fascination with the region.

13-year old kayaker found safe on shore after capsize

After an intensive search, a 13-year old girl was found safe on shore after her kayak capsized in Shelikov Bay, about 15 miles from Sitka, on Tuesday (7-3-18). Sitka police credit warm temperatures and a swift response by the Coast Guard, Sitka SAR, and Troopers for the positive outcome.