Robert Woolsey, KCAW, Author at KCAW

Snippin’ on the dock of the bay

Board members of both the Sitka Economic Development Association and the Gary Paxton Industrial Park gathered with the public Thursday afternoon (5-31-18) to cut the ribbon on the park's latest facility, a huge floating dock.

Breakfast, horses, and other wisdom from retiring uber-reporter Ed Schoenfeld

After three decades in media in Alaska (almost 15 of them as CoastAlaska's regional news director), Ed Schoenfeld retires today. He has parting wisdom for KCAW's Robert Woolsey.

‘Small’ king has big lead in 63rd Sitka Salmon Derby

After three days of fishing, a 31-pound 6-ounce chinook tops the Sitka Salmon Derby. While the leader is excited to be in the money, he’s also aware that should he hang on to his lead after two more days of fishing next weekend, this will be the smallest fish in 63 years to win Sitka’s derby.

Changing ocean conditions may be killing young king salmon

Alaska’s top fisheries managers suspect changing ocean temperatures are affecting the food supply for juvenile chinook, and the young fish are dying within 3 months of entering salt water.

Treaty politics fuel tension, criticism at Sitka salmon meeting

The top two officials from ADF&G held a town hall meeting in Sitka this week (5-21-18) to discuss the rationale behind ongoing deep restrictions in the commercial king salmon harvest. However, few of the 160 or more commercial trollers or processors in the room appeared satisfied with the politics, as Dep. Commissioner Charlie Swanton defended his strategy in renegotiating the Pacific Salmon Treaty with Canada.

Sitka Counseling fights opioid crisis with treatment, prevention

Sitka Counseling is tucked away in the woods behind Sitka National Historical Park, but it is a very visible player in the mental health of the community. The organization now has 37 staff members in 10 departments, and a budget of $2.8 million.

Chenault to Sitka Chamber: ‘I know how government should work’

Sitka’s Chamber of Commerce got its first taste of election-year politics during its luncheon meeting this week (5-16-18). Representative Mike Chenault is running in the Republican primary for governor.

Surprise funding boost saves Blatchley Art program, but not library

Last-minute deal-making by the legislature is sending more funding to the Sitka School District over the next two years, but it won’t be enough to restore two laid-off teaching positions, or the Blatchley librarian. The Blatchley Art teacher, and 21 other non-tenured teachers, however, have all received contracts.

Infrastructure lacking as Sitka’s cruise numbers rebound?

After hitting a low ebb four years ago, Sitka’s cruise ship industry is bouncing back. Fred Reeder, with Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska, told the Sitka Chamber of Commerce (5-9-18) that the outlook for large-ship cruising -- around the world -- was improving.

After two years of debate, Sitka’s tobacco age goes to 21

The age to buy tobacco in Sitka will be going up, if an ordinance passed by the Sitka Assembly this week survives a second reading. The assembly also passed the 2019 budget on first reading -- both literally and figuratively.