Katherine Rose, Author at KCAW

Pook, VanCise make another run for Sitka School Board

After a year marked by budget constraints, the loss of a full-time school librarian, and the first layoffs of non-tenured teachers the district has ever faced, Cass Pook and Eric VanCise are gearing up for another school board run, knowing there may be more difficult decisions ahead.

‘Legally Blonde’ delivers powerful message in pink package

Sitka’s Musical Theatre Camp is at the height of production, debuting the high-energy rock-belt musical Legally Blonde this weekend - based on the hit 2001 film. While there’s fun to be had, it’s not just pink dresses and valley girl giggles.

State hires caretaker to resume management of Sitka parks

After three years of passive management, the state of Alaska will resume authority over state parks in the Sitka area, including the popular picnic spot Halibut Point Rec. To create sustainable funding for the sites, the state will also uphold a slew of new fees.

Rasmuson Foundation awards $330,000 to revitalize mill building

The Sitka Sound Science Center is bustling with tourists, sampling Ludvigs chowder and picking up souvenirs. But this time next year, the historic Mill Building may look quite different, thanks to a grant from the Rasmuson Foundation and, the Center hopes, some matching local funds.

Women aim for firearm mastery at pistol clinic

While it’s no secret that there’s a sizeable gun-owning community in Sitka, it also happens to be co-ed. At the Sitka Sportsmen’s Association indoor shooting range, the fastest-growing user demographic is female.

‘Advisory vote’ replaces ‘public vote’ on land disposal

Sitka voters no longer have the ability to ratify large property disposals. The Sitka Assembly Tuesday night voted, on final reading, to amend the Sitka General Code, eliminating a binding public vote for land disposals of property valued above $500,000 and leases of above $750,000.

City raises rates for water, waste

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Sitka Assembly voted, on second and final reading, to raise water rates by 22 percent to help pay for an additional water source. This wasn’t without push-back from several members who voted against the ordinance, concerns shared by those who voted for it.