Katherine Rose, Author at KCAW

Homeless Coalition to open new warming shelter this winter

The Sitka Homeless Coalition is expanding its services this winter with a new meal program and a part-time warming shelter for unhoused Sitkans on cold nights.

Assembly pauses on airport lease to allow for more community input

Sitka’s assembly has postponed voting on a new airport lease with the state of Alaska. When the group met last night (11-28-23) assembly members agreed to hold off on renewing the 55-year contract, at least until the next meeting. And while controversial parking fees aren’t included in the proposed lease, the issue wasn’t far from several assembly members’ minds.

Sitkans share perspectives on cruise season in first tourism town hall

A Tourism Task Force is getting to work in Sitka. The volunteer group recently held its first “town hall” meeting to gather information from the public on the effects of the rapid growth of tourism in the last two years, and to help the municipal government to plan for the future.

Sitkans will receive $300 utility credit this winter

In a split vote, Sitka’s Assembly has decided to share $1 million in excess sales revenue with the public, in the form of utility credits. The move comes after a record summer tour season left local government with an unusual decision: how to best spend the extra cash.

City denies second citizen petition to limit cruise visitors

For the second time, the City of Sitka has denied a citizen’s petition to put cruise limitations out to voters in a special election this winter. Organizer Larry Edwards received notice from the city on November 9 that a petition he sponsored with more than 40 other Sitkans was rejected.

Sitka dock owner developing berthing plan with ship limits, passenger caps

While the question of whether to limit cruise visitors next summer won’t go out to voters this time, the owner of Sitka’s private cruise dock is planning to set some limits himself.

Sitka Woman’s Club to host town hall on home health closure

Sitkans will have an opportunity to share concerns about the future of home health in a town hall next week.

Unattended fishing boat sinks in Eliason Harbor

An unattended fishing vessel sank while at anchor in Sitka Sound on Friday night. The Coast Guard, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and a local marine salvage company spent the weekend responding.

State proposes changes to airport lease, including parking fees

After 30 years, the city is renegotiating its airport lease with the state of Alaska, and some of the state’s proposed terms are giving assembly members pause. Among them: new parking fees, and a cut of airport concessions like restaurant and gift sales. All at a time when a multi-million dollar federal grant for airport expansion is in the balance.

Sitkan files second petition to put cruise visitor limits out to voters

After his first ballot initiative to limit cruise traffic was denied by the city, Sitkan Larry Edwards is trying again to put the question out to voters in a special election.