Katherine Rose, Author at KCAW

Public records appeal sparks debate at assembly table

Things became unusually heated at the latest meeting of the Sitka Assembly, after a member of the public – and former assembly candidate – leveled accusations of corruption at municipal government, and claimed his record requests were being wrongfully denied.

City finalizes airport lease with state, paving way for expansion project

The Sitka Assembly approved a new airport lease between the city and the state last night (2-27-23), clearing the way for the airport expansion project, which kicked off this week.

February 27, 2024: What’s on the agenda when the Sitka Assembly meets tonight?

Cruise ship tender fees may go up this summer. When the Sitka Assembly meets tonight, it will consider raising both tender and security fees by ten percent for the next three years.

Assembly rejects ordinance limiting tour buses

A first attempt to regulate cruise traffic in Sitka failed to get traction at the assembly table this week. A proposed ordinance creating a permitting process for commercial buses was voted down on first reading, after some worried the measure might harm Sitka’s long-standing tour businesses.

Budget proposals includes several new full-time city staff positions

The city may be adding at least 11 full-time staff positions this year. At a special meeting on February 8, the assembly reviewed budget proposals from city departments, which, in addition to more staffing, include everything from a request for body cameras for Sitka’s police to new deicing equipment for local roads.

Sitka road reopened after early morning rockslide

A small rock slide occurred on Sawmill Creek Road early Monday morning (2-12-24), damaging the concrete partition between the hillside and the highway, and temporarily closing the road.

Sitka’s city administrator delivers annual ‘State of the City’ address

How’s the city doing? Municipal Administrator John Leach addressed the Sitka Chamber of Commerce last week with his answers in his annual ‘State of the City’ presentation.

Starrigavan well closed to public until further notice

The Forest Service shut off the well at Starrigavan Recreation Area last week after users reported changes to the water.

A conversation with Sitka’s new superintendent, Dr. Deidre Jenson

At a special meeting on January 25, the Sitka School Board made its official offer to hire Dr. Deidre Jenson as the next superintendent for the district.

Assembly appoints Ryan Gluth to tourism task force

At its regular meeting this week (1-23-24), the Sitka Assembly appointed local pastor Ryan Gluth to fill a vacancy on the city’s tourism task force, after considering two applications for the position.